Val Vista Ward

Letter from the Bishopric:

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Charity: The Pure Love of Christ
A Two-Month Sacrament Meeting Focus

Over the next two months, our ward family will center our sacrament meetings on charity—the pure love of Christ. The scriptures teach that “the greatest of these is charity” (1 Corinthians 13:13), that “charity never faileth” (Moroni 7:46), and that it is given to true followers of Christ who “pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart” (Moroni 7:48).

What to Expect (Dates & Themes)

• Aug 31 — Receive His love more deeply (1 John 4:19)

• Sept 7 — Fast Sunday (testimonies guided by Week 1’s theme)

• Sept 14 — Extend that love inwardly (Ether 12:27)

• Sept 21 — See others as God sees them (1 Samuel 16:7)

• Sept 28 — Cross the boundaries of difference (Matthew 5:44)

• Oct 5 — General Conference (watch for messages on charity)

• Oct 12 — Fast Sunday (testimonies reflecting our charity themes)

• Oct 19 — Build Zion (4 Nephi 1:15)

• Oct 26 — Endure in charity (1 Corinthians 13:8)

Talks will be given by Primary children, youth, and adults, with music to invite the Spirit. On Fast Sundays, members are invited to bear testimony of how Christ’s love is changing them. During General Conference, we’ll listen for teachings that deepen our understanding and practice of charity.

Why this matters: In a world where it’s easy to feel divided, discouraged, or unworthy, charity is Christ’s answer. Together we’ll learn to rest in His love, see ourselves and others with mercy, cross boundaries with compassion, build Zion in our homes and ward, and endure in the love that never ends.

We invite you to join us each week with an open heart—ready to let Christ’s love change you.

With love and gratitude,

Val Vista Ward Bishopric 

Community Preparedness Fair Help Needed

Dear Ward Members, 

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Planning is underway for our next Community Preparedness Fair, hosted by the Gilbert Stake, with participation from the Gilbert Greenfield, Gilbert Stapley, and Gilbert Val Vista Stakes. The proposed date for this event is February 28, 2026.

Each booth will require a host and multiple helpers to ensure its success. Are there any members with expertise or interest in preparedness or any of the topics listed below, that are willing and available to participate as hosts or helpers in this event?

Please contact Bob and Shelby Jarman (Gilbert Stake Preparedness Specialists) if you are available to participate as hosts or helpers at bobshelb@cox.net

Below is a list of booths we have featured in previous fairs:

• 72-Hour Kits (host secured)

• Beekeeping

• Chickens

• Communications

• Employment/Finances

• Food Storage (host secured)

• Gardening

• Water

• Headquarters/Info (filling out assessments, help needed)

• Kids Booth

• Medical

• Off-Grid Cooking

• Sound System/MC

• Sanitation

• Solar

• Storing Your Storage

• Unexpected Death

• Using Your Food Storage

We look forward to working with you to make this event a valuable resource for our community, equipping us to be better prepared for times of need.

Thank you!

Bob and Shelby Jarman

Mission Prep Class starts Oct. 12th -every Sunday, 3pm @ Stake Center

for all High School Juniors and Seniors

Contact Beka or Danny Pickett with any questions!

BLOOD DRIVE - OCT 14th (see flyer)

Project: Add What You Know! Seeking Members Stories about FamilySearch - DEADLINE Oct. 20th

For: Family Search of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

DEADLINE to submit: Monday, October 20, 2025

FamilySearch is producing a video that celebrates the many ways people "Add What They Know" to the work of Family History.

NEED: 

• Members of The Church who are actively involved in family history work

• Diverse range of voices - young and old, new converts and seasoned genealogist, all ethnicities

DETAILS:

• For wards with the most responses, short conversational on-camera interviews will be arranged

• No acting experience is required - just a willingness to share your story

For more information and to APPLY, please visit link:

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/serve/casting/add-what-you-know

VAL VISTA  & FREESTONE PARK FRIENDS FALL FESTIVAL - Oct 29th (see details below)

Val Vista Building Update

There seems to be some disturbance at the Val Vista Building!

Ghost and Goblins have been spotted in anticipation of the Fall Festival on the 29th.

Go now and reserve your parking space or bring a dessert or cornbread before the ghosts have taken all the spots.

Yours truly,

Eddie Munster and Casper

Everyone is welcome- bring friends!

PLEASE Signup below to help:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0949ABAF2CABF58-59293058-fall#/

Contact Juan & Nancy Hernandez with any questions!

JUST SERVE

As the holidays approach, there are many ways to give back in our community. Specific service projects will be shared soon, but in the meantime, donations are always welcome! Items like clothes, shoes, toiletries, school supplies, non-perishable food, blankets, and craft supplies can be dropped off anytime at Mindy Pickett’s home.

Looking to serve with your family or friends? Visit JustServe.org to find meaningful opportunities near you.

If you have questions or need help, feel free to contact Mindy. Serving others is a beautiful way to celebrate the season—your efforts will make a real difference. 

WOMEN'S STAKE CONFERENCE  (MEN INVITED AS WELL!) - OCT 23rd (see details below)

"Life, Prep and Mission" is a new class designed specifically for Young Adults who are:

• Recently returned missionaries

• Preparing to serve within the next year (or currently holding a mission call)

The class is currently held Wednesday nights at 7:00 p.m. at the Chandler- Gilbert Institute 

The Gilbert Stake Monthly Newsletter:

https://gilbertarizonastake.org/blog

Ward Temple Night- The 1st Friday of each month at 7pm session at Gilbert Temple (make an appointment to join)

2025:

November 7th, December 6th

Val Vista Ward Missionaries Contact Info: