Sisters and Brothers –
I have an update to share with each of you.
Last Sunday, I received new information regarding new in-person sacrament meeting attendance guidelines. Because of an increase in local transmission rates and in efforts to be good neighbors, we have been asked to implement the following two guidelines starting this Sunday.
1) Sacrament meeting attendance will again be limited to 99 per meeting. We will continue to broadcast meetings to the other ward members desiring to participate through video.
We will go back to the division of attendance we implemented through the summer, namely A through G on the first Sunday (Nov. 8), H through P (Nov. 15) and Q through Z (Nov. 22). We will continue on that rotation until otherwise notified.
2) Group activities, including young men’s and young women’s activities, will be limited to 10 people. Leaders of organizations should discuss any questions with a member of the bishopric. Participants will be asked to practice safe public health practices, including social distancing and wearing masks.
General guidelines for church services are outlined in the governor’s order as exempt to a lot of the state’s limitations. Specifically, it says:
“6. Religious services. This Order does not apply to a religious service. Faith-based organizations are encouraged to implement protocols to mitigate the spread of COVID- 19.”
The decision to limit attendance at sacrament comes from the Area Presidency and I hope you all support this effort to help limit the spread against COVID-19.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Bishop Bennett