Brothers and Sisters —
I hope you’re all doing well and have enjoyed a good week in all aspects of your life. I pray that the Lord’s Spirit is lifting your hearts even as the world seems to be more and more heartbreaking.
However, even as the world seems darkest, God can fill our hearts, forgive our weaknesses, enrich our lives and soften our heartaches.
Even as I write this, dark clouds are over my house and lightning and thunder and dominating the sky. But, despite the dark clouds, I know the sun will shine again.
And I know that tomorrow will bring additional light to many in our ward as we begin to take steps to meeting together once again in the chapel to partake of the sacred emblems of the Lord’s Supper. I look forward to sitting near — but not too near — my brothers and sisters, solemnly renewing covenants together. I also look forward to seeing others from the ward in upcoming weeks.
For those unable to join us, please know of our love and dedication to you. We will gladly assist in any way. As mentioned in previous letters from me, I am authorizing the administration of the sacrament in homes by worthy priesthood holders of the appropriate office. If you need someone to bring the sacrament into your home, please reach out to your ministering brothers or sisters or to members of the ward Relief Society or elders quorum presidencies for assistance.
For those planning on attending church at the chapel tomorrow, a couple of reminders:
- If you have any symptoms of illness, please do not come.
- You are encouraged to wear masks for the protection of others around you.
- Please park on the east side of the church and enter in the east doors near the bishop’s office. Other doors into the church will be locked from the outside.
- Please refrain from walking through the church. We have to clean all areas where people go, so please only use west and north doors (and hallways) in cases of emergency.
- Please adhere to seating suggestions from ushers. Ushers will ensure we maintain proper social distancing and limit exposure risk to ourselves and others.
- We are planning on limiting access to drinking fountains throughout the building, so please bring a water bottle if you think you may need a drink during your time at the church.
- Hard surfaces in the chapel will be disinfected between meetings, but if you are concerned with the padding on the benches, please bring a blanket to place between you and the padded seats.
- If you have tithing or other offerings, please find a member of the bishopric immediately following the meeting and give him your donation to be processed.
Thanks again for all you do to enrich my life and the lives of others in our ward. I’m excited to see some of you tomorrow.
Have a great week!
Bishop Bennett