First, I should inform you that this is not an email about the return to church this Sunday. Further information regarding the next steps will come at a later date. The Stake will be preceding with “an abundance of caution.” We all await more information as our stake leaders and bishop continue in conversation about proceeding in the best way possible.
We are approaching the prophet Alma the Younger in our “Come, Follow Me” study and I look forward to this part of the Book of Mormon, as Alma is one of my favorite prophets of the Book of Mormon. I love to read through Chapter 5 of Alma. The questions he poses always give me a chance to reexamine my life and where I am at. “Have ye been spiritually been born of God?”, “Do you exercise faith in the redemption of him who created you?” and “Can ye look up to God . . . with a pure heart and clean hands?”
As I look forward to this examination of my status with my Father in Heaven, I thought, have I given our modern-day prophets the same weight for my spiritual rebirth? Therefore, I looked at the most recent General Conference addresses, looking for questions that would stir me to change or to reflect on my status with God. These are a few that I found. I ask you to take some time to consider these modern-day questions that were given by our modern day prophets and apostles and look for ways in which you can change your life today.
Quoting from President Eyring, Elder Anderson asked, “Did God send a message that was just for me? Did I see His hand in my life or the lives of my [family]?”
Elder Stevenson, “What does my foundation look like?”
President Eyring, “As we remember Jesus Christ always, we might ask in silent prayer, ‘What would He have me do?’”
Elder Renlund, “What does it take for you to be drawn to the Savior?”
“Consider what offering you will present to the Lord in righteousness in the coming days. Be courageous—share it with someone you trust, and most important, please take the time to do it!” President M. Russell Ballard
Elder Gong, “Because ‘God himself atoneth for the sins of the world,’ the Lord’s Atonement can make whole not only what was but also what can be.”
Elder Rasband, “We do not know when the Savior will return, but this we do know. We must be prepared in heart and mind worthy to receive Him, and honored to be part of all that was prophesied so long ago.”
Elder Holland, “What do we hope God will provide in response to our spiritual longing?”
President Nelson, “What will happen as you more intentionally hear, hearken, and heed what the Savior has said and what He is saying now through His prophets?” “Where can we go to hear Him?” “What does it mean for you that the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored to the earth?”
Elder Uchtdorf, “Is there not a place in His Church for all of God’s children? Even for those who feel unworthy, forgotten, or alone?” “Would you honestly want everything spelled out in every detail? Would you honestly want every question answered? Every destination mapped out?”
I hope that we can take some time and reflect on points of change given to us by our modern-day prophets and apostles.
-Brother Rogers
Ward Callings:
Ben Morrill as been called to serve as a Ward Missionary
Gabby Kennedy has been called to be on the Relief Society Committee
New Records in the Ward:
We have received the records of Trevor Bushman. Trevor is the nephew of Ron and Raquel Bushman and will be staying at their home for the next several months. I hope we can all welcome Trevor into the Ward.
Relief Society Masks:
We would like to give thanks for all of the individuals who were able to give of their time in order to sew facemasks for those in need over the last several weeks. The Relief Society were able to sew together 1300 masks over a very short period. I know they will be gratefully received.
Ministering and Neighbors:
Again, we continue to encourage you to check in on neighbors and those to whom you minister. Many people even with the changes in the state’s health status continue to have needs and as instructed continue to physically distance themselves. Please check in on those you love and care for to assure their needs are being meet. Remember to respect individuals desire to maintain a distance and continue to practice healthy patterns as suggested by our department of health.
Missionary Sign up:
The Stake Presidency would like the missionaries to feed the members of the stake by providing virtual (15-minute) lessons. The stake has created a calendar that has dates and times that work with the missionary’s schedule. I have attached the link for your convenience. If you would like to sign-up but are unable to use the link, please contact our ward missionaries, Mike and ZoeAnn Weston for assistance.
Youth Talent Show:
The Teacher’s Quorum will be holding a Zoom Meeting Talent Show on Tuesday June 2nd at 7:00 pm. We invite members of the ward particularly those who need a good pick me up with fun and youthful entertainment to send your email address to Brother Rogers. Prior to the event we will send out a zoom link to watch us demonstrate our talents. We look forward to entertaining you.
Combined Youth Zoom Meeting:
YM/YW will have a combined activity via Zoom at 7:00 PM on 5/26.
There will be a packet dropped off at your house prior to the meeting.
Again, we are using precautions to keep items clean and virus free.