Sisters and Brothers—
I love you all and hope you’ve had a great week. And happy Father’s Day to all of the good men in our lives.
As I think on my own father, I think of his current favorite role of doting grandfather who did his best in his earlier years to teach six children that we could do good in the world — that we had something to offer — and that when we got outside of ourselves, we would be happier. He’s a retired teacher and his classroom was a place where young people could come to feel heard and cared about while also being challenged and expected to give their best effort.
We each have a loving Heavenly Father who offers perfect parenting and offers encouragement in times of challenge, love in times of loneliness and agency to make our own decisions. He gave us the gift of the Atonement, which frees us from the bonds of death and hell. (2 Nephi 2:25-28)
Regardless of our station in life or the relationships we have with our earthly fathers, I hope each of us will offer our thanks for a loving Father in Heaven who is perfect, loving and ready to walk beside us with an outpouring of His Spirit.
As for worship services tomorrow, we’re back to the beginning of the alphabet (last names beginning with A through G) and we look forward to seeing any of you that can make it tomorrow. We will continue to do all we can to create a safe environment for you to feel the Holy Ghost and where you can renew covenants and come together in the spirit of fellowship.
For those who will not be joining us at the chapel, the sacrament may be administered at home by worthy priesthood holders of the appropriate office. As always, please let me know of any questions regarding this direction. Also, please reach out if you need the sacrament brought to your home.
I love you all and hope you have a great Sabbath day.
Bishop Bennett