Mesquite 7th Ward YW enjoyed a Valentine Service activity. They decorated and delivered cookies,and cards, and decorated people's front door with hearts.

Sister Resha Bunker has been called serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She will report on February 28th to the Philadelphia Pennsylvania Mission. Resha is the daughter of Robert and Jocelyn Bunker of the Bunkerville 1st Ward. Sister Bunker will be speaking on February 18, 2018, 9am in the Bunkerville Chapel.

This month a meeting was held to introduce stake members to the Self-Reliance classes being offered. The thirty-seven attendees learned that they could choose what class would best help them to become more self-reliant. The four subjects being offered at this time are Personal Finances, Find a Better Job, Education for Better Work, and Starting and Growing My Business. Classes have already started for this group but bishops can recommend members who wish to take classes in the future. Members of a self-reliance group will attend group weekly meetings for 12 weeks which are typically 2 hours. They should also act on personal commitments to achieve self-reliance goals. Members will learn, counsel together, and provide support to other group members. Gospel principles and habits should be practiced that lead to temporal and spiritual self-reliance.

On Tuesday, January 28th the Mesquite Nevada Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints held their annual Women’s Conference for all local women 18 years and older. The Stake Center was packed with a record crowd who first met for a dinner fashioned on Middle Eastern foods reminiscent of the Savior’s days in the Holy Land. Nani Woods chaired the committee that planned, prepared and served the meal. Decorations about the cultural hall and hallways were designed and executed by Ashley Oliver. Following the dinner the attendees moved to the chapel and overflow area to attend the program “Women at the Well”, a presentation of music and spoken word. The representation of scriptural women was sung by Lynette Leavitt, Heather Law, Natilyn Jensen, Melissa Rebman, Jan King, Shaye Whipple, Jennifer Brotherson, Maury Putnam, Bernice Fiso and Emily Gleave. The pianists were Rebecca Teshner, Lynne Anderson and Jean Whipple. The narrative story of the Women at the Well was read by Geraldine Zarate. The production was directed by Maury Putnam. Costume director was Stephanie Vogel with Emily Gleave providing the makeup. Janet Dodenbier designed the invitations and programs. Stake Relief Society President Jennifer Fiso oversaw the entire event and welcomed the women. President Anderson closed the program with remarks to inspire the listeners to “keep their vessels filled with the Living Waters of our Savior”.

Scout Leaders were honored at the annual recognition dinner on January 25, for leaders in the Virgin River Valley District of the BSA sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Mesquite Elks Club, and the Mesquite Resort Association. Chloe Lee, pack 2640, was presented with the District Award of Merit for her service to cub scouts in several positions including cubmaster and den leader. She has recruited many cubs and has helped with service to youth groups in and out of scouting. Sharon and Danny Leavitt received the 2nd miler award for their 25 years working with cub scouts as den leader, and cub master. Sharon also served as Round Table Commissioner for the district. Alex Blazzard was honored with a 2nd miler plaque for his great example in serving as cub scout pack leader and chartered organization representative for the 7th Ward of the LDS church. Danny Allen, Asst. District Commissioner was presented with a 2nd miler plaque. Keith Belnap, committee chairman for troop 2640 and district training chairman, was honored for his 70 years of being a registered scouter and serving the young men as scoutmaster or other positions. He was presented with a letter of gratitude from the National Office of the BSA and a bar for his uniform by Bob Gowan, Scout Executive from Snow Canyon District of Utah National Parks Council BSA. Brent Hughes, scoutmaster for 2493 was recognized for his long service as District Activities Committee chairman and serving at the Mountain Man Rendezvous for many years. Val Woods, Silver Beaver recipient, was recognized for his service as a cub scout leader, 11 years old scout leader, assistant scoutmaster and scoutmaster for more than 27 years. The Silver Beaver is the highest award given to a volunteer scouter. During this time, he has also served at summer scout camps, cub scout days camp and as merit badge counselor. Mark Tichenor, District Chairman, was the keynote speaker and said, “The foundation of scouting is duty to God: it is the action part of scouting. There are great teaching moments in scouting especially when scouts go on hikes and camps and things don’t go as planned - these can be teaching moments. There is no greater teaching than that which builds integrity and strength of character found in reliance on service to God. “ Duty to God is the heart of Scouting. This was emphasized when Tichenor quoted Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley on the 75th Birthday of Scouting when he said, “duty to God is the foundation that is needed by all young men.“ He quoted Lord Baden Powell, “There is no religious side to the scouting movement. The whole of it based on religion, that is the realization and service of God.” Tichenor continued, “Scouting is not merely outdoor activities; not a camping club. It is a character university. Our responsibility is to help a new generation of young men to know their duty and act on it.” Brent Hughes presented Mark with a handmade obsidian knife in appreciation for his service as the district chairman for six years. Roger Gessell was presented with a training bar by Mark Tichenor for training him and for taking such effort and time to run the scout store where Roger supplies badges and awards in a timely manner to scout leaders. Jon Meierhoff received the Scout Trainer Award, David West the Cubmaster Key and Gary Hillius received the Scout Training Award. Pres. Danny Allen, a member of LDS stake presidency, spoke to the leaders about being “forever strong.” Allen said, “I remember my scout leaders with great gratitude for all they taught me and you can make a difference in the lives of the young men in your unit and they will remember those special times and lessons with you, their scout leaders, and then they will be “forever strong. Danny Allen and Mark Tichenor Mark Tichenor, Choloe Lee and David Leavitt Roger Gessell , Quartermaster, and Brent Hughes Mark Tichenor, Val Woods, and Robyn Schafermeyer, district committee member over recognition Ryan Toone and Alex Blazzard Mark Tichenor and Brent Hughes Sharon and Dannie Leavitt Mark Tichenor, Keith Belnap and Bob Gowans

Women's Conference Tuesday, January 30, 2018 Mesquite NV Stake Center Dinner at 5:30 program to follow

Anyone interested in researching their family history can use the resources available at the Family History Center*. The computers, copiers, and access to select premium websites are provided free of charge to patrons. Patrons will be encouraged to create a free FamilySearch account to enhance their discovery experience. Recently the circulation of microfilms from the huge Family History Library was discontinued as the digitization of this massive collection progressed. Creating a FamilySearch Account is a free and secure service that is available to anyone worldwide over the age of 13. Within minutes, you will have access to the records, resources, and services of the largest genealogy organization in the world. Some of the benefits to creating and using a FamilySearch account include: • Family Tree and Fan Chart. Organize, preserve, and study your family information. • Photo and Stories. Upload, tag, and discover your ancestors’ photos and stories. • Searchable Records. Find, save, and share your ancestors’ records. • 24/7 Help. Get free, personalized help to find your ancestors. • Collaboration. Meet and share with other family members. The focus of the FamilySearch Center is to help patrons make personal family history discoveries. The resources at the Center include complimentary access to 20 internet-enabled computers, photo scanning equipment, and printer/copiers. The friendly staff is available to assist patrons in accessing the select premium family history websites offering complimentary access to patrons, answering questions you may have about using FamilySearch, and offering suggestions for discovering additional search strategies and information. Location: 100 North Arrowhead Lane, Mesquite Nevada Hours: Mondays 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Tuesdays 9:00 am – 7:00 pm Wednesdays 9:00 am – 7:00 pm Thursdays 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Other times and Group requests can be arranged at the Center or by calling 702-346-2342 * Family History Centers are branches of FamilySearch and the Family History Library in Salt Lake City and operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Direct access to Family History Center

Mesquite Nevada Stake Conference was held Saturday and Sunday, January 20 and 21, 2018. The priesthood session and adult session were held on Saturday. Elder Mark L. Pace, an Area Seventy was in attendance at all meetings. He was accompanied by his wife, Anne Marie who also spoke in the adult session and the Sunday General session. It was an historic meeting because for the first time all the members present had the opportunity to sustain President Russel M. Nelson in his new position as Prophet, Seer, and Revelator. It was also the first conference for the newly reorganized ward boundaries. Also visiting was Brother and Sister Hightower of the St. George Mission. He serves in the mission presidency. They shared the poignant story of their conversion at Saturday’s adult session. President Laren Abbott, President Danny Allen, President David J. Anderson and Elder Mark L. Pace Elder Pace wanted to meet with the families of the Stake Presidency and the Stake Clerk and Stake Executive Secretary

David Anderson, Mesquite Nevada Stake President and John Burrows, Mesquite 8th Branch President were excited to participate in the inaugural Branch Conference meetings on January 14, 2018. Each spoke on Faith in The Lord Jesus Christ being the sole means of Happiness and Salvation. Between the talks, Sister Mitzi Bender played a beautiful rendition of "Faith of our Fathers" on the piano. President Anderson joined in the Teacher Discussion during the second hour; a discussion ably lead by Sunday School President Don Lawrence, as part of the Come Follow Me program. Concurrently, Brother Ron Crossman was teaching the Gospel Doctrine class a lesson from the Old Testament. Sister Fiso, Stake Relief Society President, lead a discussion on Faith based on verses found in Ether 12. High Council Representative Brother Noel led the discussion on Faith (Ether 12) in the High Priest Group Meeting. David Anderson, Mesquite Nevada Stake President and John Burrows, Mesquite 8th Branch President were excited to participate in the inaugural Branch Conference meetings on January 14, 2018. Each spoke on Faith in The Lord Jesus Christ being the sole means of Happiness and Salvation. Between the talks, Sister Mitzi Bender played a beautiful rendition of "Faith of our Fathers" on the piano. President Anderson joined in the Teacher Discussion during the second hour; a discussion ably lead by Sunday School President Don Lawrence, as part of the Come Follow Me program. Concurrently, Brother Ron Crossman was teaching the Gospel Doctrine class a lesson from the Old Testament. Sister Fiso, Stake Relief Society President, lead a discussion on Faith based on verses found in Ether 12. High Council Representative Brother Noel led the discussion on Faith (Ether 12) in the High Priest Group Meeting. We are looking forward to Stake Conference on January 20th and 21st.

Come join the singles 31+ for a night of fun and refreshment to start out the new year! When: Monday, January 22nd Where: Stake Center Cultural Hall Time: 6:00pm We will have a short lesson and activity followed by brownies and ice cream. Come get to know new people and help plan more activities. If you have questions, please feel free to text or call Jamie at 702 810 5328 or email at jazmier30@yahoo.com. See you all there!