Brothers and Sisters—
The summer school holidays are officially here and with them come more freedom of schedule, flexibility of fun and attitudes of gratitude.
This week also saw the publication of new guidelines for worship services from the First Presidency. If you haven’t seen it, the press release can be found at this link. I am excited to work toward meeting with you all again soon and appreciate the chance it will give us to “meet together oft, to fast and to pray, and to speak one with another concerning the welfare (our) souls.” (Moroni 6:5)
The Utah Area presidency has authorized us to move to Phase 1 of the reopening and we are working closely with our stake leaders and other wards in our stake to develop a plan that will enable us to start meeting in small groups (99 or fewer), but those details are still being prayerfully and considerately worked out, so we will not be meeting together tomorrow.
Therefore, I am authorizing the administration of the sacrament at homes for another week. Worthy priesthood holders can administer the sacrament to those in their stewardship. Please contact me directly with any questions or clarifications.
In the coming days, I hope to be able to send another message that outlines the plan for reconvening sacrament meetings. It will involve dividing the ward into smaller groups and may include temporary meeting times that we’re unaccustomed to. I hope that each of us remembers that these adjustments are temporary and are necessary for us to be able to meet at all.
Also, realize that if you don’t feel ready to meet in groups for church yet, that choice is perfectly acceptable to the Lord. We will continue to have at-home worship options.
This situation affects everyone differently and we are each open to personal revelation concerning our approach to dealing with it. Elder Dale G. Renlund was quoted in the Church News recently about how the Holy Ghost can guide us through times of uncertainty — including the ones we’re in right now.
“It is an incomparable blessing that God has blessed us with the opportunity to receive personal revelation so that we, in our different circumstances, can be inspired.”
Please know that I love you and am here for you if you need anything. I am excited to work through these details and look forward to meeting together soon.
—Bishop Bennett