Brothers and Sisters—
I hope each of you enjoyed the rejuvenation and rededication that accompanies general conference weekend. I know I received insight into how to be a better husband, father, neighbor and disciple of Christ.
I hope you did, too.
As we move forward from the wonderful conference weekend, I am excited to announce that starting this Sunday, Oct. 11, we will enjoy expanded opportunities for worship together. I will break down the plan in the next few paragraphs, but also ask for your patience and understanding as we work through how this next phase of worship will work and discover best practices for meetings, lessons and activities.
Sacrament Meeting
Starting this Sunday, we will expand services to allow for up to 150 people to gather for sacrament meeting at our usual time of 12 p.m. Due to the size of our ward, we will still need to divide the ward in half, with Group 1 (last names beginning with letters A through L) and Group 2 (M through Z) alternating Sundays in the chapel for in-person sacrament meeting. We will begin with Group 1 in the chapel this upcoming Sunday, Oct. 11. Group 2 will be meeting in person for Oct. 18 — and so on.
For those not attending in person, sacrament will be broadcast via the internet. To access the broadcast, utilize the link below:
http://mywebcast.churchofjesuschrist.org/Events/spanishforkutahriverstake
(We’ll repost this link on the website as part of posting the program each week)
When you go to the address above, find the “River View Ward” option and click “View.” After entering your name, you will be directed to the online broadcast. If you have concerns or questions during the broadcast, please text Brother Bangerter or Brother Jones and they will do their best to help.
The broadcasted sacrament meeting will last approximately 30 minutes, beginning at noon. It will include an opening hymn, opening prayer, ward/stake business, two speakers, a closing hymn and closing prayer.
At the conclusion of the broadcast, those in attendance in the chapel will then be administered the sacrament by the priesthood. Those at home are encouraged to administer the sacrament at the same time (or other time during the day, if necessary for your family situation). As always, the at-home sacrament should be administered by worthy priesthood holders of appropriate office. Contact a member of the bishopric or elders quorum presidency with questions and/or clarifications.
The sacrament ordinance (at-home and in-chapel) should be concluded by approximately 12:45 p.m.
Second-hour Classes
The authorized expansion of worship services includes added “second-hour” instructions for all organizations except Primary. (There are no authorized Primary classes or activities at this time. For clarification, please contact our primary president, Sister Alisa Merrill, at 801-376-7534.)
The second hour class schedule will be the same as we are used to and enjoyed before Covid-19 restrictions altered services. For Oct. 11, we will begin with Relief Society/elders quorum instruction for adults and young women/Aaronic Priesthood classes for youth.
To alleviate the technological stress on families, we’re alternating 30-minute classes. This week, we will start with Relief Society and young women’s classes at 1 p.m. and finish at 1:30 p.m. Elders quorum and Aaronic Priesthood classes will start at 1:30 p.m. and end at 2 p.m.
For Sunday School classes in alternating weeks, we will start with youth classes running from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Gospel doctrine will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Individual organizations and teachers will send links to class and quorum members to join the virtual classes. Please contact the organizational leaders and/or teachers for questions, clarifications and information.
Youth Activities
The expanded worship opportunities include the reinstatement of youth class and quorum activities. Weekly activities are authorized, although patience should be shown with less frequent activities as organizations make plans and institute those plans in the coming weeks.
Activities should be held with individual classes (not combined) and be limited to 20 people. The church building is available for activities on Tuesday nights, although outdoor activities are encouraged while weather permits.
Primary Activities
Primary classes and activities — including Activity Days — are not authorized at this time. Primary teachers and leaders should make efforts to reach out regularly to class members and their families.
Temple Recommends
Bishopric members will be available for in-person temple recommends at 2 p.m. on Sundays. Please contact Brother Nathan Michelsen (801-615-9023) to make an appointment for a temple recommend.
Bishop Interviews
I will be available for interviews on Sundays and Wednesdays, by appointment. Please contact Brother Michelsen to make an appointment with me.
A visual reference of the schedule is attached to this email. Items in bold on the schedule are broadcast. Please let me know if you have any questions.
I love you all and look forward to the blessings of added interaction and fellowship.
Bishop Bennett