Dear Sisters and Brothers,
Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities, opens with, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.” As you read these words do you see similarities between Dickens opening paragraph (written in 1859) and the unprecedented times we are experiencing today? I invite you to reflect on these words and ask yourself, is this pandemic the best of times or the worst of times? Am I growing in wisdom and belief in our Father in Heaven’s plan or did incredulity (disbelief) and fear overpower faith? As I focus on my home centered gospel learning, is this a season of Light or Darkness? This pandemic has given me time to reflect on my discipleship, commitment, willingness and desire to align my will with my Father in Heaven’s will. I have much to improve and work on…but I still have time to fill my lamp before the Bride Groom comes. We will make it through this pandemic. We will come out stronger than we could have imagined. My prayer is that we may find gratitude during these days of uncertainty, and find ways to serve our ministering families, neighbors, children and spouse.
It was good to see many of you this past Sunday as we held in-person sacrament meetings. We felt the spirit of those who continue home centered sacrament meetings or were unable to attend. Please remember, you may continue administering the sacraments in your homes each Sunday. I look forward to receiving direction from our Stake Presidency as we hopefully begin a new phase of Sunday worship per the First Presidency Letter sent today. Here is an excerpt from that letter, “depending on local conditions, and with the oversight of the bishop, weekly sacrament meetings can be held virtually, safely in person or by hybrid in-person and virtual broadcasts. Broadcasts should not be recorded. Leaders are also to support Latter-day Saints who need to continue worshipping at home.” We will keep you informed as we navigate through these changes and counsel with the Stake Presidency.
I sincerely appreciate all the service that many of you provided for your neighbors to help clean up after the windstorm. I truly feel blessed to live among such wonderful saints.
We have called the following:
Lloyd Berentzen: Sunday School President
Josh Backlund: Ward Missionary
Jaxon Riggs: Ward Missionary
We will ratify these callings when we meet in-person.
As always please reach out to a member of the Bishopric if you have any questions.
Warmest Regards,
Bishop Allen