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Gilbert Arizona, Mesa Arizona and Phoenix Arizona Temples are Currently in Phase 3 Covid Protocol.

TEMPLES OPEN FOR ALL LIVING ORDINANCES AND LIMITED PROXY ORDINANCES—Based on First Presidency direction, the above temples have resumed limited operations. At this time, all living ordinances and limited proxy ordinances are being performed. All ordinances will be performed by appointment only and proxy ordinances may be limited to members residing in this designated temple district. For these ordinances, the temple will have reduced staff and the number of guests may be limited. To schedule an appointment, please click the appointment link below. If you are unable to use the online scheduling system, please contact the temple. Temples may only have limited clothing available, so patrons are encouraged to bring their own temple clothing. Patron housing and cafeteria services may be open but with limited services. All government guidelines will be observed, including regulations related to travel, gatherings, sanitization, and safety. Please contact the temple for more information.

Gilbert Arizona Temple

3301 S. Greenfield Rd, Gilbert, AZ, 85297

(480) 822-5000 2022 Temple Closures

Monday, 28 Mar 2022 - Monday, 11 Apr 2022 Saturday, 1 Oct 2022 Monday, 3 Oct 2022 - Monday, 17 Oct 2022 Wednesday, 23 Nov 2022 - Thursday, 24 Nov 2022 Saturday, 24 Dec 2022 Saturday, 31 Dec 2022

Please check https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/temples regularly for updates.

Mesa Arizona Temple

101 S. LeSueur, Mesa, AZ, 852014

(480) 833-1211

2022 Temple Closures

Saturday, 2 Apr 2022 Tuesday, 5 Apr 2022 - Sat, 16 Apr 2022 (Limited) Monday, 18 Jul 2022 - Monday, 1 Aug 2022 Saturday, 1 Oct 2022 Wednesday, 23 Nov 2022 (Limited) Thursday, 24 Nov 2022 Saturday, 24 Dec 2022

Please check https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/temples regularly for updates.

Phoenix Arizona Temple

5220 W. Pinnacle Peak Road, Phoenix, AZ 85310

(623) 474-9500 2022 Temple Closures

Saturday, 2 Apr2022 Monday, 16 May 2022 - Monday, 30 May 2022 Saturday, 1 Oct 2022 Monday, 31 Oct 2022 - Monday, 14 Nov 2022 Wednesday, 23 Nov 2022 (Limited) Thursday, 24 Nov 2022 Saturday, 24 Dec 2022 Saturday, 31 Dec 2022 (Limited)

Please check https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/temples regularly for updates.

By Hillary Jade Fevrier

The Welcome to Arizona Project

Bringing New Life to Christ’s Teachings

Refuge is defined as “a condition of being safe or sheltered from pursuit, danger, or trouble.” Most people who read this article will read it from a place of refuge. While newscasts are overflowing with broadcasts of turmoil, violence and unrest the world over, it’s hard not to think about our brothers and sisters living in those realities; those who want nothing more than the safety and shelter that we enjoy every day.

It’s no secret that the number of refugees entering the United States has increased recently. More than 5000 refugees will arrive in Arizona this year, from Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar, Syria, Eritrea and other parts of the world, and one local organization will be there to welcome them. The Welcome to Arizona Project lives up to its name: volunteers welcome refugees from all over the world, assisting them with critical resources and helping with faster, fuller integration into their new surroundings.

In 2001, the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center changed our nation in many ways. One of the families affected by the crisis was the Manning family. They decided to change the loss of their brother, Terrence, into something positive. Their tribute started as donating supplies and clothing to a refugee family from Afghanistan as a symbol of peace between countries that have often been seen as enemies. What

Photo courtesy of The Welcome to Arizona Project The Welcome to Arizona Project has been serving displaced families since 2021.

it turned into was a nonprofit organization that serves thousands of displaced individuals every year.

There are plenty of ways to make an impact with The Welcome to Arizona Project. Volunteering of time or financial/ gift card donations are always welcome. Those who choose to give time can expect to help in one (or more) of four ways: Saturday morning welcomes, bike repair, sorting/ organizing donations, or the mobile clothing closet distributions. For more details and additional ways to get involved with this incredible organization, visit wtap.org.

Volunteers often receive their assignments thinking they are coming to be an inspiration or help to the refugees, but as The Welcome to Arizona Project agency director, Mike Sullivan says, volunteers are often the ones who come away most impacted. They are “humbled by refugees’ perspectives, resilience, optimism, faith, and spirit to push on.” Another element of The Welcome to Arizona Project that makes it special is the enthusiasm of those who receive assistance to then come back and volunteer. Once they are integrated and self-sufficient, many newly settled refugees become volunteers for the next wave of those in need.

Director Sullivan says, “The only difference between refugees and us is circumstance.” It’s almost unimaginable to consider the fear and complexity of becoming a refugee, yet for some it’s the only way to survive. The Welcome to Arizona Project helps refugees feel welcome in their new community. More importantly, it helps us take a look outside ourselves and see where we could bring relief to suffering in Christlike service unto some of the least of these, our brothers and sisters from around the world.

For more information, please visit wtap.org.