The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Dayton, Tennessee held its annual Christmas party and made take-out dinners for the elderly, collected hygienic items for local elementary, middle and high schools students, and senior adults in the community. The young men, young women and Relief Society (women 18 years of age and older) will also carol at Life Care this week.
All year, but especially at Christmas time, The Church “encourages people to every day think of someone they can help or invite and minister to them as the Savior did, one by one,” officials said.
The Church kicked off its annual Light the World campaign on December 1 at ComeUntoChrist.org where anyone can sign up “to receive daily service prompts.”
The Dayton branch (congregation) is a part of this effort. Like members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout the world and believers everywhere, the Dayton branch invites everyone to come unto Christ because He is the Savior of the world – “and the greatest happiness in life comes from following Him.”
President Chris Curtis, who presides over the Dayton branch, referenced Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. “To all who wish to understand who we are as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I would like to offer a starting point defined by these three words: We seek Christ,” Elder Uchtdorf explained. “We seek to learn of Him. To follow Him. To become more like Him.”
“These words embody Dayton, too,” President Curtis said. “As the Church teaches, ‘The Christmas season is a time to reflect and act upon the blessings and opportunities we have because of the birth, life, Atonement, and Resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ.’ During this season, we join with the city of Dayton in proclaiming and praising His holy name. Jesus Christ is the living Son of the living God – the author of our salvation (Hebrews 5:9). ‘There is none equal to Him. There never has been. There never will be,’ as President Gordon B. Hinckley stated.”
“Jesus Christ is ‘Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace’ (Isaiah 9:6). ‘There is none other name under heaven…whereby men can be saved’ (Acts 4:12). So, come, let us adore Him. Worship with us at the Dayton branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 3373 Rhea County Highway. We meet every Sunday from 9:00 am – 11:00 am. Our congregation is made up of about 150 people, including families and individuals,” President Curtis said. “And visitors are always welcome.”