November 2026 Take A Gnome Home

November 2026

Take A Gnome Home

 

Deb Luke and her helpers at each table got us started assembling our gnomes.  

We started off with 6 cups of rice as the base. 

From there it was glue guns and our imaginations. 

As you can imagine there were plenty of laughs during the project. 

2 Nephi 2:25 

 "...Men are, that they might have joy."

A little history of the gnome...

Christmas gnomes originate from Scandinavian folklore, where they are known as the nisse (in Norway and Denmark) or tomte (in Sweden), and the tonttu (in Finland).

The Yule Connection: 

Over time, as Scandinavian cultures blended pre-Christian winter solstice customs with Christian traditions, the nisse became closely tied to Yuletide celebrations

Merging with Santa Claus: 

By the mid-19th century, holiday cards and literature began romanticizing the nisse as gift-bringers who helped or merged with the image of Saint Nicholas / Santa Claus 

Modern Holiday Decor: 

Today, the figure has evolved globally into the popular whimsical "Christmas gnome" seen on mantels, trees, and holiday displays, blending ancient peasant protection lore with modern festive cheer

Gnomes without visible eyes are commonly called gonks (especially in the UK) or faceless tomte / nisse, and they are designed with their tall hats pulled low over their faces to evoke mystery and shyness. While they appear "eyeless," the design simply hides their eyes beneath the brim so only their round noses and long beards peek out.

Ecclesiastes 3:12–13 (summary)

 – It is good to rejoice, do good, and enjoy the fruits of our labor.

Ecclesiastes 5:18–19 (summary)

 Enjoying the good things God gives us is a gift from Him.

Doctrine and Covenants 59:18–20  (summary)

The Lord created the beautiful things of the earth for our benefit and enjoyment.

Philippians 4:8  (summary) 

Think about things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report.

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Lucky winners of this months drawing for the beautiful print of Jesus Christ were:

Janet Ball

Rebecca Sorensen

Angie Beirdneau

Bonnie Bell-Andersen

Alma 34:38  (summary) 

Live in thanksgiving daily.

A wonderful baked potato bar with all the toppings was served for our lunch.  

The perfect dessert for November was pumpkin pie with lots of whipped cream.  

Creche reminder.....

SunRiver Community Creche Celebration

December 2nd thru 4th

Live Music daily at 4 pm 

See handouts for details. 

Please sign up to display your nativity! 

By:  Connie Beecroft

October 2026- Brushstrokes and Beautiful Words

 October 13, 2026

Brushstrokes and Beautiful Words

with 

Bernice Hancock

It was a cool, rainy Tuesday as we gathered to hear Bernice Hancock present her paintings, stories, poems, and history of the meaning behind the paintings, 

Bernice brought her most recently completed work so that we could see the beauty of the colors used in her paintings.  Nothing can compete with the naked eye for the actual colors scheme the artist wants to convey. 

Bernice's presentation included the size of each painting, how the painting was mounted and framed, 

a poem, where the painting resides, etc. 

Bernice, Ardis Jensen, and Evelyn Grey took turns providing detailed information about each painting. 

A very small sampling of Bernice's presentation 

Favorite Things

"Aspens, wildflowers, a meadow in the spring

The wonder of butterfly wings."

Sisters Story

The little red haired girl in the doorway of the painting inspired the title. 

Oh Bird

The bird is this painting is a special bird that was an image in Bernice's mind.  A new species, if you will.  

Bernice pictured with her 2 daughters and son-in-law.

Cute fall decorations adorned the tables and were used as centerpieces for each table. 

Winners of the canvas print of Christ were:

Mary Jo Snyder

Michelle Olson

Roma Beecroft 

with visiting guest Chesney Anderson (my granddaughter) 

Julie Johnson 

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Lunch was a delicious selection of soups and homemade rolls with sweet breads and cookies for dessert. 

Chicken Tortilla Soup

by Julie Johnson 

Whole roasted chicken

1 med onion

2 cloves garlic

2 Tbs olive oil

1 cup diced celery

1 cup chopped carrots

2 15 oz cans diced tomatoes

1 15 oz can pinto beans, drained

1 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup corn

2 32 oz cartons chicken broth

Cut/tear meat of chicken from bones (omit skin)

Saute onion, garlic, celery, carrots in oil

Then add:

chicken, chicken broth, tomatoes, beans, corn

Bring to boil, add a dash of sugar

Salt and pepper to taste

To serve:

Top with sliced avocado, tortillas chips or strips

shredded cheese

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Here is the recipe for Sherril Rasmussen's 

Shrimp Bisque

We appreciate our Relief Society Activities committee and their efforts to make each activity beautiful, thoughtful, and delicious! 

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Other announcements

Creche reminder-

Everyone is invited to the 

SunRiver Community Creche Celebration! 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

4461 Country Club Drive

December 2-3, 2026 3 pm-6 pm

December 4, 2026 3 pm- 5 pm

Live music daily at 4 pm. 

Canned food donations for Switch point are appreciated

Creche setup Tuesday, December 1, 9 am-1 pm

Plan to share your Nativities with us.

Invite your neighbors, family and friends to join our celebration.

Welcome our Jewish friends and view incredible Menorahs! 

Our next activity will be making these cute gnomes. 

The cost is $5. 

Please give your money to Deb Luke. 

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Operation Christmas Child Shoebox

If you are looking for an opportunity to donate to a child this Christmas this would be a great one! 

By:  Connie Beecroft