Sisters and Brothers—
A few months ago, our family celebrated 15 years in our home and it has given me the chance to reflect on how our ward, neighborhood and community has changed in those years. When we moved here, Riverview Elementary wasn’t open, the justice center wasn’t anchoring our neighborhood to the north and the Sports Park had little developed west of the tennis courts. Wendy’s wasn’t down the street and the Alpine Homes development that makes up a big chunk of our ward was still dirt.
We’ve had numerous members of our ward own more than one home in the boundaries (one that I know of has even owned three homes in the ward boundaries), we’ve had people move out and come back. We’ve lost beloved members to death. We’ve shared the tragedies and triumphs that come from more than a decade of shared experience.
Since stake conference, I’ve been thinking about the concept of Zion. Brother Ryan Chambers gave a great talk on the subject during the evening session of stake conference. His words have encouraged me to look at what I can do — personally, in my role as the bishop, as a husband and father, and as a member of the ward — to make our ward a little piece of Zion.
This Sunday, we will meet as a ward on Zoom for a fifth Sunday lesson. I will be leading the discussion, but would love input from as many as we can. If you have time this morning, please review Elder D. Todd Christofferson’s talk from October 2008 general conference, “Come to Zion.” It will guide our discussion.
I hope each of us can ask the Lord how we can better love our neighbor, become more personally holy and humbly accept the Lord’s direction in our lives. When we do those things, I firmly believe that “Zion-ness” will be the natural byproduct.
Part of that holiness comes in the opportunity that we have take the sacrament. We welcome families whose last names begin with Q through Z to participate in person at the chapel for sacrament meeting. Others can view the sacrament service online at the link below:
http://mywebcast.churchofjesuschrist.org/Events/spanishforkutahriverstake
For those who aren’t in the chapel for the sacrament, please administer the sacrament at home. As a reminder, participants are to be worthy priesthood holders of the appropriate priesthood office. If you have any questions, please reach out to a member of the bishopric or elders quorum.
At 11:30, there will be one meeting for the fifth Sunday. All members of the ward are welcome to participate at the link below:
https://zoom.us/j/93213269470?pwd=Mkh6OTgxMzlzRllhZFQ0ZnZtUTlIQT09
Calendar:
Young Men’s Fireside
Jan. 31, 7 p.m.
Matt Brown, an NCAA championship wrestler and author of the book “Mission Accomplished” will be speaking to young men, leaders and parents. The Zoom fireside will originate from the stake center and will be available for viewing at the link below under “Young Men Fireside”:
http://mywebcast.churchofjesuschrist.org/Events/spanishforkutahriverstake
Self Reliance Devotional
Feb. 7, 7 p.m.
The stake will be hosting a virtual Self Reliance Devotional for all interested members. Please view the fireside at the link below:
https://daviddrowley.zoom.us/j/92055667915?pwd=OG5ZS3ZER0pELzkzOThFTWJkcG5uUT09
Friend to Friend for Children
Feb. 20, 11 a.m.
We invite children ages 3–11, their parents, and Primary leaders and teachers to participate in this event. It will include music and activities as well as messages by President Russell M. Nelson, members of the Primary General Presidency, and Elder Ulisses Soares.
For more information on the online event, reach out to Alisa Merrill, our primary president, or visit
https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/event/friend-to-friend-for-children