Good Tidings of Great Joy Luke 2 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. We are reminded as we read the scriptures that we should be of good cheer. We are taught that the birth of Jesus Christ is a message of GREAT JOY. In the scriptures, the word ‘joy’ typically means much more than passing moments of contentment or even feelings of happiness. Joy in this context is a godly attribute, found in its fulness when we return to dwell in the presence of God. And in these days, being of good cheer is part of being valiant in the testimony of Jesus. The gospel message is a message of hope, of ‘good tidings of great joy,’ and the means whereby all can experience peace and occasions of joy in this life and receive a fulness of joy in the life to come. The joy we speak of is a gift for the faithful, yet it comes with a price. Joy is not cheap or casually given. Rather, it is bought ‘with the precious blood of Jesus Christ.’ During this season of remembering the ‘greatest gift’ we often reflect and ask “what is a gift that I could give back to the Savior”? May I suggest two gifts that brings GREAT JOY to the Savior. Gift one: While in mortality the Savior often faced condemnation and ridicule for receiving and eating with sinners. The Savior showed great compassion for all of God’s children—especially for those who were suffering or had fallen away. They were often referred to as ‘lost’ and were the central figures in the parables of the Savior. One such parable gives us the answer to our question “what is a gift that I could give back to the Savior”? Luke 15 3 And he spake this parable unto them, saying, 4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? 5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. 7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. Simply stated - give the gift of repentance. Turn back to God. He feels great joy when those who are lost are found. Gift two: Accept the invitation to “Come unto Me”! Matthew 11 28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. There is only one way to true happiness and fulfillment. Jesus Christ is the way. Finally, I testify that what a wise man once wrote is true: “If you have not chosen the kingdom of God first, it will in the end make no difference what you have chosen instead.” Having so chosen the kingdom of God, may He bless us all to repent and we all come unto the source of comfort and joy! David J. Anderson Stake President Mesquite Nevada East Stake Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Elder Coleman West is home after serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Elder West has returned from the Ghana Accra West Mission. His Parents are Michelle West and David West. Elder Coleman West will be speaking on December 31st at 1:30pm in the Summer Crest Ward, East Stake, in the Whipple Chapel. It is located at 121 Whipple Way, Mesquite. Welcome home Elder!

Elder Shane Zarate has returned after serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in the Mendoza Argentina Mission. John and Gina Zarate of the Old Mill Ward, East Stake are his parents. Elder Shane Zarate will speak this Sunday, December 17th at 12, in the Whipple Chapel. It is located in Mesquite at 121 Whipple Way. Welcome home Elder Zarate!

Dear Sisters and Brothers, Tomorrow evening is the annual Christmas Devotional.  This will be a combined East and West Stake Devotional.  It will be a wonderful opportunity for all of us in this beautiful valley to come together once again as a whole and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ with music and song. The devotional will be at the Stake Center and will begin at 6pm.  Invite family, neighbors, and ministering families to come out to be apart of the spirit that is felt in this devotional. Love, President Hollingshead

Dear Sisters and Brothers, A very historic day is upon us.  As you all are aware this Sunday the St. George Temple will be rededicated by President Holland.  It has taken many to pull off the staggering open house and make the temple ready to once again be open for all who wish to enter and perform the saving work. I want to thank all of you who helped with the open house.  Some of you kept going again and again.  You inspired me on how willing you were to go and help out.  We are all so blessed for being a part of the open house. Tomorrow is the day of dedication!  To enable the members in our Stake to participate, the standard two-hour church meeting will be canceled.  We will broadcast both dedicatory sessions in the Stake Center as it becomes an extension of the temple.  Here are a few reminders of what will happen… All who wish to attend must be a baptized member of the Church and hold a current temple recommend.  Baptized Children 8-11 should have received a recommend from their bishop. Please arrive and be seated 30 minutes prior to the session start times. Once the session starts, the doors will be locked so arrive early. Each session will have different speakers and choirs. You are welcome to attend any and all sessions. First session is at 9:00am PST. Second session is at 12:30pm PST. Bring a white handkerchief to participate in the Hosanna Shout Temple dedications are evidence that the Lord is hastening His work.  Temples are symbols that the sealing power is on the earth.  We as Latter Day Saints who choose to enter can feel more connected to the Savior Jesus Christ. I encourage all who are able to come and partake of the love and spirit that will be found in the temple rededication.  It is an opportunity to see how the house of the Lord can bless you and your families as you strive to become like Jesus Christ.  Jesus Christ lives!  The temple is literally his house.  It is going to be a beautiful day! Love, President Hollingshead

Rodney Kurt Pollock, age 63, longtime resident of Mesquite, NV passed away on December 3, 2023 in Las Vegas, NV.  He was born in Las Vegas on July 22, 1960 to Leon Reber Pollock and LaRue Adams Pollock.  The family moved to Mesquite when Rodney was in the 6th grade.  Rodney graduated from Virgin Valley High School with the class of 1979. Rodney was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  He enjoyed watching sports and the Washington Redskins and the Los Angeles Lakers were his favorite football and basketball teams.  He was an avid hunter and was a great shot and loved to go shooting. Rodney is survived by his mother LaRue Pollock; three brothers Kerry (Paula) Pollock, Scott (Karen) Pollock, Vern (Bonnie) Pollock.  He is preceded in death by his father Leon Pollock. Graveside service were held on Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 11:00 am at the Mesquite City Cemetery 301 Hillside Dr Mesquite, NV 89027.  Family and friends are invited to sign an online memorial guestbook at www.starmortuary.com

N. Bruce Bodily, a devoted husband, father, and beloved teacher of youth, passed away on November 20, 2023, in St. George, Utah, at the age of 68 from complications of Leukemia. Bruce Bodily was born on January 20th, 1955, in Twin Falls, Idaho. He was the son of Jack Darrell Bodily and Dona Bowen Bodily. He spent his childhood in Burley, Idaho, a place that he often referred to as “home”. The family moved to American Fork Utah in 1971. He loved playing sports and was a member of the American Fork High School Caveman football team. His family taught him a strong work ethic during his growing up years, and he worked hard at the grocery store his family owned in town called Jack's IGA. Bruce was a life-long active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings and participated in a host of activities and service projects. After high school, Bruce served a full-time mission in Denmark; an experience that would set the direction of his vocational pursuits. He earned his Bachelor's Degree in Organizational Behavior at Brigham Young University and then went on to earn his Master's Degree in Educational Counseling from the University of Phoenix. He married his college sweetheart, Dana Pope, in 1983 at the Jordan River LDS Temple in Utah. Early in their marriage, Dana and Bruce lived in Layton, Utah as Bruce received his retail training with The Bon Marché. Then they moved to Bellingham, Washington as he was promoted to assistant manager. Bruce was a gifted teacher and enjoyed working with young people. He chose to pursue a career of teaching in The Church Educational System (CES) with a focus on high school-aged seminary, where he spent the majority of his professional career. He received his teacher training in Logan, Utah and taught in various locations in Utah, including Blanding, Kearns, West Valley City, and South Jordan. He was an enthusiastic student of the scriptures and was able to recall poignant Church leader conference addresses with ease. His favorite scripture is from Doctrine & Covenants 101:16 which quotes Our Savior speaking to Joseph Smith during a bleak period of mob persecution of the early Latter-day Saints: "...Be still and know that I am God." Later in life, he worked for the Jordan School District, where he served as a bus driver, route supervisor, and computer specialist. In retirement, Bruce and Dana settled in Mesquite, Nevada, where he continued to be active as a shuttle bus driver. His hobbies included football, golf, and avidly following college sports. Bruce was also a passionate gamer which he shared with his growing children over the years. He greatly enjoyed reading novels with action and suspense, including Tom Clancy and John Grisham and western books by Louis L’Amour. Bruce grew to enjoy cooking as a hobby, especially Dutch oven cooking. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed camping, hunting, and family vacations. He loved spending time with friends and family, and playing cards, board games, and puzzles. Bruce was a captivating and relatable public speaker. In family settings, he was often entertaining, and didn’t mind embellishing personal experiences to the enjoyment of his nieces and nephews. His friendliness and great sense of humor was endearing. Family gatherings were always a place of love and kindness and a lot of laughter. He and his wife Dana were quick to share what they had and looked for opportunities to be of service to others. N. Bruce Bodily was preceded in death by his parents, Jack Darrell Bodily and Dona Bowen Bodily, and a sister, Marilyn Bodily, as well as a brother, Daniel Kurt Bodily. He is survived by a sister, RaNell Coleman (Merwin) of Sandy, Utah, and a brother, Lynn Bodily (Janice) of Oswego, IL, and also by his children: Nichole Bodily Gilbert (Mesquite, NV) and Jack S. Bodily (Salt Lake City, Utah). Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2023, 12:00 pm, at the Walker Sanderson Funeral Home, 646 E. 800 N. in Orem, Utah. A viewing will be held that same day just prior to the service from 11:00am – 12:00pm. For those unable to attend you may view services online at www.walkersanderson.com, starting at 12pm MST. Interment will take place at Lehi Cemetery, 1525 N. 600 E. Lehi, Utah. For those who wish to express their condolences, flowers or messages may be sent to the Walker Sanderson Funeral Home in Orem. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the LDS Relief Fund, Primary Children's Hospital, or a cancer research institute of your choosing.

Elder Joseph Stratton Waite will serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He will serve in the Côte d'Ivoire Abidjan East Mission, French Speaking. Stratton leaves on December 12, 2023. Stephen and Emily Waite of the Bunkerville 1st Ward, West Stake, are his parents. Elder Stratton Waite will be speaking on Sunday, November 26th at 9 am in the Bunkerville Chapel. It is located at 355 W. Virgin Ave.

Mesquite Nevada West Stake Dear Brothers and Sisters, This Saturday November 18 is our Family Search Day!  All are invited to come and join in on the activities.  The activities are being held in the Mesquite Nevada Stake Center/Family Search Center and include the following: 9:00 - 9:30 Continental Breakfast - who doesn't love food! 9:30 - 10:00 Key note Speaker 10:00 - 12:00 Classes - each class is 50 minutes, giving you the opportunity to attend two.  Classes to choose from are Memories, Research, Managing your tree and Indexing. Family History related displays will be available as well.  It's a wonderful opportunity to come to learn and rub shoulders with your fellow saints in this wonderful valley we call home. President Hollingshead

Burdens to Blessings was held Saturday, November 4, in the parking lot of the stake center. Thank you to all those that donated clothing and housewares to this event. Thank you to the stake Relief Society Presidencies of both the East and west Stakes in Mesquite. A large crowd came to find clothing for infants, children, and adults. There were games and books, dishes and bedding that helped many families. Thank you to those that set up the tables and helped with the clean up in the afternoon. The items that were left were boxed and given to Safe Nest in Las Vegas where they will be put to good use. Relief Society leaders pictured: Shannon Hughes, Jamie Spilker, Lara McOmnie, Kathy Abbott, Nova Mastrogiovanni, and Chelsie Abbott.