Sisters and Brothers— Tomorrow, a so-called “Christmas Star” will appear when Jupiter and Saturn line up in the southwest night sky. While maybe not bright enough to direct traveling wise men from the east, the star can be a reminder of those who sought Christ so diligently that they traveled miles and miles, over harsh…
Category: Bishopric
Ward Update, December 13
Brothers and Sisters— I was working from home on Friday and turned on “It’s a Wonderful Life” while I was sending emails and writing some stories for upcoming magazines. As the holiday classic came to its iconic end — with neighbors, friends and family members near and far coming to the financial rescue of the…
Ward Update, December 6
Sisters and Brothers— We’re now in December. We’ve voted, given thanks and are now heavily into the Christmas season. It is truly one of my favorite times of the year. Like other holidays in this like-no-other year, Christmas 2020 will be different for most people. Larger gatherings will be minimized. Shopping won’t be done in…
Ward Update, November 29
Brothers and Sisters— I hope you all enjoyed the Thanksgiving holiday and found lots to be thankful for. I have felt enriched by reading so many of your posts reminding me to #givethanks. Not only did it remind me to be more grateful in my life, but I believe it was a unifying exercise that…
Ward Update, November 22
Sisters and Brothers— Like many of you, I watched President Russell M. Nelson’s message of hope and healing yesterday and felt the calming and unifying influence of the Holy Ghost as the mouthpiece of the Lord gave words of comfort and counsel. If you didn’t see it, you can watch the 12-minute message below. Among…
Ward Update, November 15
Sisters and Brothers – I hope you are all doing well and enjoying the lead up to Thanksgiving and Christmas. To me, these two holidays have always fit together well. Thanksgiving allows us a dedicated day to counting blessings. Christmas reminds us of the greatest blessing we’ve ever received — the Lord, Jesus Christ. As…
Ward Update, November 8
Brothers and Sisters – We are in the middle of the fall semester for students and teachers of all ages, many of whom are in our ward. Our children appreciate the chance they have to learn, to socialize and to challenge their perspective through formal education. In the most recent general conference, Elder David A….
Special Ward Update, November 5
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….
Ward Update, November 1
Sisters and Brothers— We’ve made it to November! I don’t mention this milestone because I think the “challenge is almost over” or anything, but to remind each of us that despite difficulties arising, life moves on and we can rise with the challenge. We received a phone reminder from the state of Utah that the…
Ward Update, October 25
Sisters and Brothers— Boyd K. Packer taught: “True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior. … That is why we stress so forcefully the study of the doctrines of the gospel.” “Little Children,” Ensign, Nov. 1986,…