Sisters and Brothers,
Again, I open this letter with a sincere hope that you are all doing well and taking care of yourselves and others. This has been an inspiring season where we’re working to stay connected in a world that needs our physical disconnections.
I am encouraged by the creative ministering efforts we’ve been making in our desire to “meet together oft, to fast and to pray, and to speak one with another concerning the welfare of (our) souls.” (Moroni 6:5) My spirits have been lifted by the efforts of my ministering brother. His emails have been encouraging, funny and sincere. While we’re all in a state of shared sacrifice, our challenges and feelings are individual. So, too, should the ministering efforts we all make to succor one another.
Brother Sheldon Martin, a former member of our ward, recently gave a speech at the Church’s Hope Works event. His message was a great reminder of how we can all help each other through difficult times without trying to always take away one another’s challenges. There is strength in being there, side by side, as we work through individual challenges. For instruction and uplift, I encourage you to watch his speech.
[su_lightbox_content id=”watch”][su_youtube url=”https://youtu.be/WcG6rIGS-WI”][su_button url=”https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/inspiration/latter-day-saints-channel/watch/series/hope-works/mourn-with-those-that-mourn-hope-works?lang=eng” target=”blank” background=”#5DAAC7″ wide=”yes” center=”yes” icon=”icon: external-link”]More Hope Works Content[/su_button][/su_lightbox_content][su_lightbox type=”inline” src=”#watch”] >> VIDEO: Watch “Mourn With Those Who Mourn”[/su_lightbox]
This week, while reading in Mosiah, Chapter 2, I was reminded that the members of King Benjamin’s kingdom were asked to gather in families and heed the words of the Lord. We can learn much from their examples to gather as families and turn our homes toward the temple (even if we can’t attend the temple right now).
With that, I wanted to share some updates.
- I am authorizing the administration of the sacrament in homes for tomorrow, April 19. Worthy priesthood holders of the appropriate priesthood office can administer the sacrament to members of their family in their homes. Because of continued restrictions set forth from Governor Gary Herbert, we are not authorized to take the sacrament to other members of the ward for the time being.
- Those who cannot, for whatever reason, receive the sacrament temporarily are encouraged to prayerfully read the words of the sacrament prayers and ponder their feelings about their baptismal covenants. (The words of the prayers can be found in Doctrine & Covenants 20:77, 79 or in the Gospel Library under “Jesus Christ.”)
- Yesterday, the Church gave more information regarding administering the gospel and ordinances during times when gathering may be restricted — like now. Information about the new suggested administration of various ordinances and blessings can be found in this Church Newsroom Article.
- We are encouraged to maintain current temple recommends during the time of temple closure and want to do all we can to facilitate members ability to hold a current temple recommend. If you’re recommend has expired, please reach out to Brother Steve Swenson or Brother Justin Sorensen to renew. They will be informed as to the process of renewal for the time being.
Again, I love you and am so grateful for the opportunity to be your bishop. I appreciate and feel your prayers. Know that you are in mine, too.
– Bishop Bennett