Dear Sisters and Brothers,
I would like to share something I learned in our family study of Come, Follow Me this morning. Helaman was teaching his sons the importance of remembering their ancestors’ righteous examples. He named his sons Nephi and Lehi. “Behold, I have given unto you the names of our first parents who came out of the land of Jerusalem; and this I have done that when you remember your names ye may remember them; and when ye remember them ye may remember their works; and when ye remember their works ye may know how that it is said, and also written, that they were good.” We discussed the significance each of our children’s names have;
· Shelbi Ann, first and middle names to help her always remember her birthmother and her birthmother’s family and the hard sacrifice and purpose for them placing Shelbi with us.
· Mary Isabelle, her great grandmother, whose name she bares, had fortitude and a testimony in our Savior Jesus Christ that is second to none. This was developed amidst much heartache and trials.
· Caroline Elizabeth, her great grandmother, Elizabeth Green, who traveled in the Willie/Martin handcart company and overcame much and developed a strong zeal for the gospel.
· Jacob Knowles, his great grandfather, John Knowles, worked on the Logan Temple. He fell from the spire and had his spirit “bounce” out of him. He was given a blessing to come back and finish his work on the temple and was back working on the temple two weeks later.
As I was loading Jacob in the van to take to school for the first day of first grade this morning, he said to me, “Dad, I’m a little scared to go to school.” I told him like his Grandfather Knowles who worked high on the temple and did hard things, that he too can do hard things like his Grandpa. Jacob smiled at me, gave me a big hug and said, “thanks Dad!” I draw great strength in my ancestors. I also draw power from the knowledge that each week as I promise to remember and carry the name of Jesus Christ with me at all times, in all things and in all places that His spirit will always be with me. “Remembering” is more than just a passive thought, it entails action on our part. I pray that we may remember that we are sons and daughters of Heavenly Parents. We have a Heavenly Father who showed his love for each of us, as he stayed his hand and watched His Only Begotten suffer the pains of the world for us. As we remember Him, may we act with power, conviction, strength and peace so our names may be remembered “that (we) were good.”
I am grateful to be able to meet again with you in person for Sacrament meeting on September 6th. We ask for your patience as we determine the best schedule for our ward. I would like to only hold two Sacrament meetings on our given Sunday, however we would like to see the numbers that attend, so on September 6th we will hold three sacrament meetings. This is a change from the information you received last week.
· 9:00 a.m. – Members who do not have children living with them (empty nesters) are invited to attend this meeting or the 10:30/12:00 per their last name.
· 10:30 a.m. — Members are invited to attend with the last names starting with letters “A-K”
· 12:00 p.m. –Members are invited to attend with the last names starting with letters “L-Z”
Currently we will not meet in October due to General Conference but will meet in person again on November 1st.
As a reminder, for those who cannot attend in person Sacrament meeting, the Sacrament is still authorized to be administered in individual homes as we have been doing. Members who belong to a high risk category (age 65 or older, or with medical conditions increasing their risk) or who do not feel comfortable attending an in person Sacrament meeting, please do not feel any pressure to attend. Safety is our foremost concern and you are welcome to worship at home. Also, anyone who does not have a Priesthood holder to administer the Sacrament in the home may attend any of the meeting times above, regardless of when you are assigned.
We will be approaching in person Sacrament meetings with an abundance of cautiousness. We ask that you wear a mask while inside the building. Hand sanitizer will be available, and the building will be sanitized before and after each group meets.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to a member of the Bishopric. Also please ensure the family or families you minister receive this information as several are not on the ward email list.
This Sunday:
· The Elders Quorum will hold a quorum meeting at 9:00a.m. via Zoom.
· The Relief Society will also hold a Zoom meeting at 10:00a.m.
Links to these Zoom meeting will be sent out by email.
I look forward to meeting with you again, worshiping together, and partaking of the Sacrament together.
Love,
Bishop Allen