C e n t r a l 1st W a r d

Sabbath Day Activities

Upcoming Events

C e n t r a l 1st W a r d

Central News

October 25-

Tri-Stake Youth Conference 14+

October 10- November 10 -

Phoenix Temple Open House

October 31 - Halloween Trunk or Treat
November 2 - Stake Conference
November 9- Fast Sunday

A place where friends and family meet to uplift one another in the Central 1st Ward
of the Pima Stake of the Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-day Saints

November 6 -

Ward Thanksgiving Dinner @ Stake Center 6:00pm

A Monthly Newsletter

November 16 -

Phoenix Temple Dedication @ Stake Center

We Mourn the Passing

Brother Carl Watson

November 27 - Thanksgiving
December 2- RS Christmas Dinner and Program
December 4-6 -

Issue #43- October 2014

Pancake
Breakfast

Missionary Corner Elder Jason Boren

Live Nativity and Creche Festival at Temple 6:00,

6:45, 7:30, 8:15

Ward Council
We are always thankful to those people
who serve so willingly

Visit Sick Sacrament Meeting Read Scriptures Rest

Write in Journal Sing Hymns Write Letters Prayer
Home Teaching Set Goals

Young Men

Library

Bishop Rob Pursley --348-9504

Jeff McCormies --428-3263
Jeremy Hughes --348-1607

President Tom Pursley 651-1115

Sister Marva Bryce -- 428-0578

Young Women

Ward Bulletin

call Kerry Wilson at 428-6444 for an

appointment with the bishop.

President Sherrie Greer -- 245-4127

SisterJamie Biggers text @

480-980-2736 email to
mikeanjamiebiggers07@gmail.com

President Carol Parris --651-6568

High Priests
Leader Ross Ferrin --428-0242

Elders Quorum
President David Allred -- 242-8187

Page 8

Welcome to the Ward

Jim and Amy Lee Family

Grant Creek hike and

Scuba Certification

Bishopric

Relief Society

Our Amazing Youth &

Primary

Primary
President Christi Larson 965-6598

Sunday School
President Bill Allred -- 428-9462

Ward Mission
Leader Darvil Boren 428-5017
call Brother Boren if you have a friend you
would like to share the gospel with or if you
would like to feed the missionaries.

Building Schedule
Brother Kaye and Sister Sharon Taylor -428-5799
Schedule the building far in advance. It
fills up quickly!

Ward Newsletter
Sister Tracy Pursley -- 428-6370
call Sister Pursley or send your news item
for the next newsletter edition to
traco@cableone.net We always welcome
your good news!

Page 2

Page 3

Page 4

Message
from the
Bishopric

Brother Jeremy Hughes

2nd Counsellor

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

1 Nephi 15:23-25 says:
23 And they said unto me: What meaneth the rod of
iron which our father saw, that led to the tree?
24 And I said unto them that it was the word of God;
and whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and
would hold fast unto it, they would never perish; neither
could the temptations and the fiery darts of
the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead
them away to destruction.
25 Wherefore, I, Nephi, did exhort them to
give heed unto the word of the Lord; yea, I did exhort
them with all the energies of my soul, and with all
the faculty which I possessed, that they would give heed
to the word of God and remember to keep his
commandments always in all things.

Page 5

Page 6

What an incredible revelation and promise this is that

we have received through the prophet Nephi.
It is my goal to spend at least a little time each day
studying the scriptures and other messages from our
inspired church leaders. As I do, I always find a greater
feeling of peace and sense of purpose in my life. Our
beloved prophet, President Monson, has testified (along
with the prophet Joseph Smith) speaking of the Book
of Mormon, that this is the '"most correct of any book
on earth, even the Book of Mormon, Another Testament
of Jesus Christ."' We are greatly blessed in these last
days to have divine direction, and insight so readily
available and accessible through the Book of Mormon.
Inside these scared pages are truths and knowledge that
we should count as one of our greatest blessings. We
each are entitled to divine inspiration and revelation to
help us and others around us. It provides peace and
answers to many of life's situations. I would like to
extend the same challenge that President Tyler extended
to those attending our last Priesthood leadership
meeting, and that is to commit to spend time each day
studying the scriptures. It is my testimony that as we
do, we will be closer to the spirit and our lives will be
happier and more meaningful.
With Love,
Bro. Hughes

Page 1

C e n t r a l 1st W a r d
We Mourn the Passing of
Brother Carl Watson

Our ward lost a pillar of inspiration and hope this past month with
the passing of Brother Carl Watson. Carl lost the fight against a tumor
in his throat which is so ironic since his voice has been the instrument of
bringing joy and happiness to all of us. Carl had a love of music and
played in numerous bands including Rojoe and Sapphire with his wife
Sharon and in the musical trio Tribute with Sharon and Joe Goodman.
They would perform around the state bringing patriotism and love of
country back to those who attended. He shared his musical gifts with the
ward choir, which will now need the help of angels to make up for the lack
of his wonderful bass voice! Carl also volunteered his sound and lighting
equipment to the many ward and stake activities that I, Sister Tracy
Pursley, would rope him into helping with. His talent at the sound board
was amazing! He always had a
smile and an encouraging word for
any sparkle of creativity.
He,
Sharon, and Brianna were a tight
knit group that would always be
there and could always be counted
on to make any production an
above and beyond event. Thank
you, Carl, Thank you.
But Carl didnt only serve in the ward and stake. He took his
love of people and service out into the community. He volunteered
as Senior Elf at the Project Luke Foundation that the New Life
Church sponsors every year for the less fortunate children in the
community.
He served as the President of the Lions Club,
volunteered at the American Legion, helped with the JCARC, and
organized events for My Neighbors Pantry. He worked at the
Radio Station and helped to organize community events ranging from
downtown parades to 4th of July talent events. He spent countless
Carl with Brianna and Sharon at
hours helping with 24th of July events and starting the Live Nativity
at the Temple. People from all different faiths and backgrounds knew
Pioneer Pagaent 2012and loved Carl. He was a shining example of reaching out and letting Always helping with every production
the light of the true gospel of Jesus Christ shine. He was a pillar of
light on hill that certainly was not hid under a bushel!
Can anyone really say the name Carl without saying Carl and
Sharon? Carl and Sharon were highschool sweethearts. and were married in 1982. Carl has 8 children and
12 grandchildren. Carl and Sharon have lived in Central for the past 12 years. They have worked together
and performed together bringing Brianna along with them in the many activities they have been a part of .
While Carl was not perfect, his testimony of the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ was. He
helped us all to see that although we all are sinners, because of Jesus Christ, we can be forgiven. We can be
loved and accepted into the fold. Carl best lived his life by these words from M. Russell Ballard: Because of
Jesus Christ, peace can replace guilt; healthy relationships can be restored; addictions can be overcome.
Once again, Thank you Carl. We will miss you. Central is much the smaller place with out you. Say hello
to Bishop Gary White for us. We look forward to hearing you sing in the angelic choirs of the Second
Coming. God Be With You Till We Meet Again.

Page 2

C e n t r a l 1st W a r d

Announcements:
The Phoenix Temple Open House is currently going
on and will continue until November 1st. This will be
the fourth temple in Arizona. The dedication will be
state wide on the 16th. The Stake Center will be an
extension of the temple. Temple Recommends will be
needed to attend. Please talk to Bishop Pursley to get
your recommend.

Remember:
November 6th is ourWard Thanksgiving dinner@ the Stake Center
December 2nd is the RS Christmas dinner and program 6:30 @ the
old building
Dont forget to take a picture of yourself and send it to Sister Tracy
Pursley to put on a DVD for the missionaries.

--Stake Conference has been moved to the first Sunday

in November, November 2nd because of the Phoenix
Temple dedication. Fast Sunday will be on the 9th.
--Get out your gloves and brooms because it is our
wards turn to clean the building. We will be in charge
for the next three months. Everyones help will be
needed. Thank you in advance for all you do to keep our
building beautiful.

Performances at 6:00, 6:45, 7:30, 8:15

The Live Nativity will be held on the grassy lawn by the

Ramada at the Temple again this year. This is the perfect event
to bring your family and friends to. There will also be a
Creche Festival and Musical Performances inside the ward
building all evening long. Mark your calendars, you wont
want to miss it!
Page 7

C e n t r a l 1st W a r d

C e n t r a l 1st W a r d

Welcome to the Ward

The Angel Moronis View

We are the Lee's Jim, Amy, and our four

children, Savannah -17, Brennen - 15,
Mason - 11, and London - 6. We lived in
the Thatcher area before we moved to
Pinetop in 2005. Due to Jim's work being
here, we are back! Jim works for Freeport
McMoran as a construction manager, I am a
Real Estate agent, and in the process of
activating my license in the area, along with
the Pinetop and Show Low area. Savannah
is busy with school, cosmetology and work.
Brennen is very interested in Student
Council and becoming more involved with it
at school. Mason loves football and was sad
to miss the season here. London is doing
great in school and wants to play the piano if
anyone knows a good teacher!

The Jim and Amy Lee Family

We are looking forward to getting to know

everyone in the ward and are excited to be
back!

Preston Pursley and Emma Thompson

Page 6

Hometown or should I say HomeWARD

kids are getting married! Bishop Rob and Michelle
Pursleys son, Preston, is marrying Cliff and Cynthia
Thompsons daughter, Emma. to make it even more
fun, Prestons Grandpa Bob Pursley and Grandma
Carole Pursley are in our ward along with Emmas
Grandpa Gary and Grandma Carol Thompson. How
fun is that?! It was just meant to be.
Preston returned home from his mission on
May 28th and starting Emma right away. They did
not date before his mission, but fell in love
immediately.
They will be getting married in The Gila
Valley Temple on Thursday November 13th with a
reception at the Stake center on Friday the 14th
from 6:00-8:00.
Preston is working at McDougal Funeral home
and going to school. Emma is also going to school.
They will be living in Safford at the home of Emmas
McBride grandparents while they are on a mission.
Congratulations!

What a view!! This a view of the Angel Moroni that very few people ever get to see. Over the
last few weeks Brother Tanner and Chase Norton were blessed with that very opportunity. They were
hired to paint the spire of the temple. They climbed into a crane that lifted them up to the top of the spire
and they took this wonderful panoramic shot of the Angel Moroni calling to the valley. It is spectacular!
What an experience for Tanner and Chase! Thanks for sharing.

Back to School Pancake

Breakfast

Aiden Alder and Isaac Thompson

love pancakes!

Brother Steven Alder making pancakes

Brother Darvil Boren

We had a wonderful pancake breakfast to welcome in the new

school year at the Bill Allred home. It was a beautiful
morning and the food was FANTASTIC!! Brother Steven
Alder and his dad Scott Alder brought over their cooking rig
and really spoiled us all. It is always fun when we are all
together eating good food!

Page 3

C e n t r a l 1st W a r d

Missionary Corner

Elder Jason Boren

Pittsburg Pennsylvania Mission

Elder Jason Boren is serving in Lititz,

Pennsylvania. He is currently a trainer. He
loves serving with his new companion. He
states in his most recent letter, "There was a
real testimony builder this week on following
the spirit. Elder O'keefe and I were on an
exchange with some Elders in our district.
Elder Masina was with Elder O'keefe and
they went to a different area and I was with
Elder Durham in my area. In my plans, I had
planned to contact some potential
investigators who we just had the names and
address to. We started trying these people to
see if they were interested and to see if we
could share the gospel with them. We were
walking on one of the main streets in Lititz,
and while we were walking, I got a feeling
that we were doing something wrong. That
we needed to change our plans and do
something else.
So I stopped and Elder
Durham kept on walking by. He then noticed
I stopped and he turned around and looked at
me. I then told him we are not doing what the
Lord wanted us to and that we needed to do
something else. I asked him what he thinks we
should do. He paused, looked down at the sidewalk for a few seconds then looked back up at me to give a reply.
"Serve the community". I replied, "That is exactly what our bishop wanted us to do, so let's do it." "Oh and we need
to talk to that person over there working on his house." So we did and that guy said we could come back. So for a
good hour we asked people where the Borough or town hall, is so we could do some service. The people helped us
and we ended up talking with the Borough of Lititz and they gave us the mayors number. We also went over to the
park of Lititz and they gave us a number of the park manager to do some service for the park when it needs to be
maintained. We also are going to a project in November that a worker in the park told us about. We tried places for
hours looking for service in the community.
After a while, we did everything we thought of doing. We sat down for like 2 minutes to rest, since we were
walking for hours. Elder Durham asked me, "Where are we going next?" "Well, we haven't contacted some potentials
in Lititz. Let's go try them." I replied. We got up and the thought of, "No, don't do that!" came in my head. So I
reverted back to my backup plans in my planner which suggested to go to Manheim, which is 20 minutes away by car.
So, not wanting to upset the spirit we decided to walk back to our car and drive to Manheim. We decided to walk
down the busiest street in Lititz, Main Street. We walked for a ways and a lady from across the street yelled out to us,
"Hey, Hey wait!" We looked at her, smiled and waved. She said, "Are you guys preachers?" We said, "Yea of some
sort." Then after a good introduction, she still wanted to talk with us as we sat in front of a shop on Main Street,
where EVERYBODY drives past and we talked for a good 45 minutes. She talked about her life and how she wanted
to be happy. She told us that her mother and father passed away and she was now homeless living in her car. She said
she has been going to preachers and talking with them to try and receive comfort but she hasn't. She told us many,
many more things about her life and about how bad it was. We then introduced the gospel to her life. We told her
about God's plan for us, and we shared passages from the Book of Mormon. Then she replied, "I feel God with us
right now. I feel his presence." We testified with all of our hearts about God and his plan and about the Holy Ghost,
that this is what will help her in life. I noticed her eyes swelled up a little...she then said, "You know, when I was
walking down the street, I wasn't going to talk to you guys but God told me to go and talk to you, so I went." We then
said, "You know what, God told us to walk down this street, and now we know why."
I love the Spirit and I wonder what would have happened, if we had never followed that little, seemingly unnoticeable
prompting from the Holy Ghost. Where would she be? GOD LOVES ALL. HE uses us, imperfect people to bring
about his eternal plan. What a divine privilege and blessing! I am so grateful for the people we are able to meet. I
am so grateful for the Holy Ghost and His promptings he entrusts us with. I am so grateful for Jesus Christ because
without him, we would all be in a lost and fallen state forever.
Page 4

C e n t r a l 1st W a r d

Primary Children
The Primary worked hard these past few weeks to bring us a wonderful Sacrament
meeting program. The seats were filled with proud, smiling parents and grand parents as
they watched their little ones share their testimonies about this years Primary Theme.
Thank you teachers and leaders for helping to make this years program a success.

Our Amazing
Youth
Priests Chili Recipe

!
Ok, its official, the
young men can really
cook! The youth had a
chili cook-off this last week and
the Priests were victorious with their delicious chili.
Bishop Pursley and Brother Hughes were the judges. It
was a close competition with the final taste test being
narrowed down between the Priests and the Mia Maids.
Bishop Pursley chose the Mia Maids entry because they
used jalepenos and he likes it spicy. Brother Hughes
chose the priests because it was cheesy and had lots of
meat and other goodies. They called in Brother Van
Green to break the tie and he also was swayed by the
stringy cheesy goodness! The Priest took home the
prize and glory. Brother Hughes was in the dog-house
though because the Mia Maid chili was actually his
beautiful wife, Jandees, recipe! It was a fun activity
that was followed by a testimony and a bonfire.

2lb Ground Beef

1lb ground pork
1lb ground sausage (any kind you like)
2 lg onions, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans mild green chilis
4 14oz can diced tomatoes
1 lg can Pinto Beans
1 lg can Ranch style Beans
1tbs Oregano
3tbs Garlic Salt
1 tbs Coco Powder
1-2 tbs Chili Powder & Cajun Spice (to taste)
2-3 c. shredded cheese
In a large pot, brown the meat. Remove the
meat and cook the onion, peppers and garlic
until soft. Add the meat and the rest of the
ingredients except the cheese and simmer for
at least one hour. Just before serving add
cheese and salt and pepper to taste. Maybe
even a little hot sauce if you like it spicy.

This Saturday, October 25th-- There is a Did You Know... The Central kids who entered
Regional Youth Conference for youth ages animals in the fair did well. We want to
14+. It is going to be held at the Institute congratulate Jacie and Jake Brimhall, Dallin
McCormies, Cody and Clay Larson, Halie and
and is sure to be a FANTASTIC event!

Michael Greer, Beth Pursley and any others who

entered their animals in the fair.
Page 5