Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Communication will be important as our Elk Ridge Ward moves forward day-to-day. Several individuals have wonderful ideas or thoughts they would like share with the ward, but do not have an outlet to correspond. I feel the best way to accomplish this communication is through the Gospel Living app (developed by the Church). I have attempted to attach an image associated with the app below. The Gospel Living app is an amazing tool not just for youth, but for adults as well. Everyone that downloads the app is included in “circles” that consist of their household, Priesthood quorums (including Elders), Relief Society, Sunday School classes and all Adults as well as primary and youth classes. Within each of these “circles” you can share text messages or uplifting content that is available for all who are in that circle to explore. Additionally, there are tools to help you and your youth set goals, reminders, and keep track of your progress.
Please take the time tonight or tomorrow to download the app for yourself and to help your children download it as well. Your login information is the same for all Church sites. If you do not have a login, you will need your membership number and confirmation date. If you have any questions or need help locating this information please contact Brother Mike Larsen, Brother Steve Thorne or a member of the Bishopric for help. This will be a great tool for your leaders to communicate with you as well as a source for you to share your ideas with others. I am confident that you will find it a very valuable resource as you begin to explore and use it. I also ask that you check with your ministering families and encourage them to download the app and answer their questions as they come.
A few reminders:
· Please use ElkRidgePark.org as good source of information
· Tomorrow (Sunday) the Young Men of the Aaronic Priesthood will be telephoning your home to minister and answer questions you may have about online donations
· President Nelson has invited the world to join in fasting tomorrow for relief from COVID-19 pandemic
· Please continue to magnify your calling if possible. For example, we have had primary teachers send letters to our children. This has been a great source of strength for our family. Pray for guidance in your stewardship
· Brother Curtis Jacob’s adult religion class will continue each week. Look for an email from the Stake with a new link each week. Here is his class link for Thursday, March 26th.
· As we prepare for General Conference our Primary would encourage you to watch the following video on the Restoration with your family.
· We ask that you fast and pray for our Elk Ridge Ward Missionaries and their families…they need it!!!
o Camren Christensen (Ivory Coast, Africa) airport closed; shelter in place; waiting for arrangements for a flight home
o Parker Horman (Mexico) stuck in apartment with 25 missionaries; waiting for arrangements to fly home
o Landon Burt (Peru) on lockdown in very, very small apartment; airport closed; waiting for travel home.
o Mike and Zoe Ann Weston (arrived home Thursday, 14 day quarantine, Ghana)
o Jackson Weston (arrived home Friday, 14 day quarantine, Brazil)
o David Alder (Florida)
o Matthew Backlund (Arizona)
o Evan Lagerholm (California)
o Enoch Shumway (Oregon)
o Jaxon Jensen (Arizona, enters MTC June 17)
· Gospel Doctrine is tomorrow at 11:30am via Zoom. Brother Curt Hanks will be teaching. Please remember this is just an invite, join if you would like. (See email from Bishop on 3/28 with link to class).
· All temples are closed
It is a wonderful time to be alive, with wonderful with inspired leaders. I pray that we may grow closer to our family during this time, and more importantly our Father in Heaven and His son Jesus Christ. We will get through this and be stronger as we emerge from this trial. May we recognize the blessings Father is sending to us at this time. President Ballard said this week, “From the beginning of history there have been circumstances similar to this one. Somehow they got through them, and we are going to get through this one,” he continued “Let’s be happy and keep going forward to do the best we can, and these circumstances will change. The Lord Jesus Christ loves us with a love beyond our ability to comprehend. The kingdom of God will continue to roll forth.”
Please let me know if I can help with anything!
Warmest Regards,
Bishop Allen