12-20-18 The Pyramid

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thePyramid We A r e S a n p e t e . c o m

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Mormon Miracle Pageant will definitely end with 53rd performance GENELLE PUGMIRE

Daily Herald

SALT LAKE CITY-- An October announcement that pageants produced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints would be scaled back was updated Dec. 5 with the final production year and plans for each of these traditional events. According to the church statement, the following timelines are in place: - The Nauvoo Pageant will continue with support from church headquarters. -The Mesa Pageant will continue under area leadership in 2021, following the renovation of the Mesa Temple. -The British Pageant will continue every four years under area leadership. The next pageant will be in 2021. -The Hill Cumorah Pageant will end in 2020. -The Manti Pageant will end in 2019. -The Castle Valley Pageant is discontinued.

We A r e S a n p e t e . c o m Thursday, December 20, 2018  •  Vol. 128, No. 51  •  75 cents

- The Clarkston Pageant is discontinued. The church statement said that because the church is growing across the earth, local leaders and members are being encouraged to focus on gospel learning in their homes by participating in Sabbath worship and the church’s supporting programs for children, youth, individuals and families. “The goal of every activity in the Church should be to increase faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and to share His gospel message throughout the world,” the church statement said. “Local celebrations of culture and history may be appropriate. Larger productions, such as pageants, are discouraged.” Church leaders in pageant cities met with community leaders to discuss the impact of the pageants on local economies and tourism, etc. The decisions to end, modify or continue the productions took these into consideration.

The public is welcome to attend a free non-denominational Christmas Eve program on Monday, Dec. 24, at 7 p.m., in the historic Spring City Second Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 164 South Main.

Christmas Eve program set Dec. 24

The Manti LDS Temple grounds provided a wonderful stage for the 52nd Annual Mormon Miracle Pageant on the hill overlooking the Sanpete Valley on the south side of the temple in June 2018. The 53rd Annual presentation in 2019 will be the last.

Staint Lucia celebration brings brighter days RAY LAFOLLETTE

The Pyramid

EPHRAIM-- The Saint Lucia celebration held Dec. 15 in the ballroom of the Ephraim Co-op was enlightening, entertaining and a delicious experience for all who attended. On that cool evening, attendees at the Saint Lucia celebration enjoyed a Scandinavian smorgasbord dinner prepared by CowCamp Catering and witnessed Alexi Thatcher lead a procession of three young ladies, Kaydence Thatcher, Marion Seely and Catie Seely as they portrayed St. Lucia bringing food to the imprisoned Christians during part of the Roman Empire’s reign. All those in the audience were also entertained as they listened and sang along with Christmas music performed by singer and songwriter Greg Boothe. The smorgasbord included Svenska köttbullar (Swedish meatballs), Janssons frestelse (potato casserole), Gravlax with hovmästarsås (cured salmon with dill and mustard sauce), Fyllda ägghalvor (baked salmon with Scandinavian eggs), Djevelegg (Norwegian deviled eggs), Aqurksalat (Norwegian cucumber salad), Rödbetssallad (beet root salad), Lefse

Singer and songwriter Greg Boothe performed Christmas songs on the piano and guitar during the Saint Lucia celebration held Dec. 15. (Photo by Ray LaFollette, The Pyramid) (potato bread), Prästost (Swedish cheese with crackers), Risgrynsgröt (rice pudding), and Pepparkakor (Swedish ginger snaps). Dec. 13 is known as Saint Lucia’s Day and is the beginning of the Christmas season for Scandinavians around the world. The symbol of Lucia’s hopeful message is light. Coming at the darkest time of year, Lucia’s light marks the beginning of brighter days ahead. Now, as in the past, Lucia’s radiant presence brightens people’s dark spirits by reminding them of the true light of Jesus Christ. It is during this

Alexi Thatcher, (on left, portraying Saint Lucia) led her procession, Kaydence Thatcher, Marion Seely and Catie Seely during the St. Lucia celebration held in the Ephraim Co-op Ballroom Dec. 15. (Photo by Ray LaFollette, The Pyramid) Christmas season when Scandinavians and Christians usher in the light of Lucia’s spirit, hope, cheer and goodwill. The legend of Lucia is traced back to a young woman in third century AD from a wealthy Sicilian family. She was engaged to a Roman pagan who was attracted to her for her beauty and Christian faith. But he became jealous of her devotion to

the poor, sick and needy. The legend is that Lucia would sneak down into the catacombs and bring food to the imprisoned Christians. In order to carry more food in her arms, Lucia is said to have worn a crown of candles to light her way. Her Roman fiancé ultimately ordered her to suffer persecution and See ST. LUCIA, page 2

LDS Church announces age changes for youth progression, ordination KURT HANSON

Daily Herald

SALT LAKE CITY-- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced a change on Dec. 14 to when its youth advance into new age groups and classes. As of January 2019, children will complete Primary and begin attending Sunday School and Young Women or Aaronic Priesthood quorums and groups at the beginning of January in the year they turn 12. Young men will be eligible for ordination to the appropriate priesthood office in January of the year they turn 12, 14, and 16, meaning 11-year-old

young men can be ordained to the Aaronic Priesthood. Ordained young men and young women will be eligible for limited-use temple recommends beginning in January of the year they turn 12. Young women and young men will progress between classes at the beginning of January in the year they turn 14 and 16. "We desire to strengthen our beloved children and youth through increased faith in Jesus Christ, deeper understanding of His gospel, and greater unity with His Church and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced age changes its members," reads a letter from the which will affect the age at which young men may participate in blessing and passing the sacrament, along with other changes. First Presidency of the church.

SPRING CITY-- A non-denominational Christmas Eve program will be held on Monday, Dec. 24, at 7 p.m., in the historic Spring City Second Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 164 South Main. All are encouraged to attend this family program. There is no admission required. The program will feature the retelling of the Christmas story complete with biblical verses and music to complement the presentation. The readers and musicians will include performers, Lance Martin, Matt Schukis, Debi and Rylee McKay. The tradition of presenting the Christmas story in this way was established many years ago by Mt. Pleasant’s Presbyterian Church. The church closed in April 2016, and the Christmas Eve program is being continued in the Spring City Second Ward. For more information, call David Rosier (435) 462-3172.

School districts, workforce services partner in preschool programs SANPETE COUNTY-- The Department of Workforce Services in conjunction with Sanpete County School Districts recently received a grant that created the position of Sanpete County Early Education Liaison (SCEEL). The grant supports a county-wide initiative to improve kindergarten readiness. The purpose of the grant is to increase enrollment of four-year olds in high quality preschool programs. Free preschool is available for those who qualify. Ellen Aste now fills the SCEEL position. Part of Ms. Aste’s assignment is to connect families with available resources and programs that will prepare their children for kindergarten. Participation in a high-quality preschool prepares children for school. Preschool develops academic, social and behavioral skills that build a strong foundation for future student success. See PARTNER, PAGE 2

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