Join Our Mailing List Email: Genesis Group Home Page President Don Harwell First Counselor Orin Howell Second Counselor Eddie Gist Webmaster and Newsletter Editor Kathryn Gordon Archived Articles Meetinghouse: 6710 S. 1300 E. Salt Lake City Presidency Message: Merry Christmas! "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:14–16). Two thousand years ago in Bethlehem, the City of David, our Father in Heaven gave to all mankind the gift of light, His son Jesus Christ: "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Many testified of His birth and felt the warm embrace of His ministry. He healed the sick and afflicted, letting the blind see. Where there was darkness, He brought light. Where there was doubt, He brought truth. He testified that He came into the world to do the will of His Father—to lay down His life so that all of us could once again live in the presence of our Heavenly Father. May we stay focused on the true meaning of Christmas. May we all be enriched by Him in every way during this Christmas season and throughout the year. Merry Christmas, President Don Harwell First Councilor Orin Howell Second Councilor Eddie Gist Executive Secretary Randy Cutliff December AAHGS Meeting December 8—The Afro-American Historical & Genealogical Society (AAHGS), in conjunction with Nubian Storytellers of Utah Leadership (NSOUL) will present the fifth in its Utah Chapter Research Series on Saturday, December 8, from 10 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the Calvary Baptist Church Convocation Room, 1091 South State Street, Salt Lake City. The meeting will feature master storyteller and storyteacher, Baba Jamal Koram, Ed.S. Don't miss this chance to hear stories that will inform, encourage, and support strong family and community values! All God's Critters: Some Thoughts on the Priesthood Restriction and Differing Opinions In two of the three-part series that originally appeared on common consent.com, Margaret Young offers poignant and insightful thoughts on the priesthood restriction, the reaction of President Hinckley, and our responsibilities as caring, dedicated disciples of Christ. Read the article here. President Thomas S. Monson: Gifts Reflecting on the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, President Thomas S. Monson challenges us all to think about the most meaningful gifts we can exchange, reflecting on an inspirational and poignant story familiar to all. To read President Monson's talk, click here. President Henry B. Eyring: How to Give Gifts to Christ In an inspiring address in the 2010 First Presidency Christmas Devotional, Henry B. Eyring of the First Presidency reflects on how we can bring joy to the Savior at a season when we celebrate His gifts to us. To read the talk and find out how you can give gifts to Christ, click here. Nursery Volunteers Needed The Genesis Nursery is in need of adult couples willing to volunteer in the Nursery once or twice a year. If you can assist at one or two Genesis firesides, please contact the Nursery leaders to volunteer. Thank you in advance for your help! Genesis Choir The Genesis Choir practices at 6 p.m. at the Genesis meetinghouse before each Genesis meeting (the first Sunday of each month). If you are interested in singing in the choir, please come to practice! Need to Be Set Apart? If you have received a calling in the Genesis Group and need to be set apart, that ordinance takes place at 6:15 p.m. in the Relief Society Room on the first Sunday of each month, just before the Genesis meeting. No appointments are necessary. This Week in History: November 28–December 4 Take a look at what happened during this week in history—and how African-Americans have influenced who, what, and where we are today. Help Us Recognize Our Youth! If you know about stories, achievements, awards, accolades, or great goings-on about the Genesis youth, share the great news! Simply submit it to us—no more than 200 words—and send along a picture as well if you can. We have tremendous young men and women, so help us get out the word about what they're doing!