Bishopric Message – January 2021

Dear Ward:

Wonderful news, we are coming back to church.  As we return there are still safety guidelines that will be followed to limit the risk and provide some safety for our friends and families as we return to meeting together to uplift and strengthen each other.  We will limit the in-person attendance to 99 individuals in Sacrament meeting and continue our 2nd hour being conducted virtually. 

Sacrament service will continue to be broadcast through the church broadcast system and the families that choose to remain at home can continue to prepare and partake of the sacrament at home.

This Sunday is Ward Conference.  The Conference Theme is: “The Necessity of Personal Inspiration and Revelation” based on Doctrine and Covenants 42:61.

61 If thou shalt ask, thou shalt receive arevelation upon revelation, bknowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the cmysteries and dpeaceable things—that which bringeth ejoy, that which bringeth life eternal.

D&C 42:61

We are starting a new year, 2021 is here.  Let us start this new year with vigor and vitality, putting the trials of 2020 behind us as we remember our tender mercies from 2020. 

I’m so very grateful to the Lord for his support, comfort, and love during this past year.  I have leaned on Him and He has been there as my family has navigated the challenges of this existence.  As we continue to turn toward Him, He will support us in our efforts to improve our situations, one step at a time, moment by moment, day by day. 

Thank you for your patience with me as we navigate these unique times and work on continually organizing our ward.  I look forward to this new year as another starting point, a time to recommit to doing a little better, a little more.  I hope to continue to improve my relationship with my Savior, my wife, and my family.  I look forward to that day when I will hear the loving voice of the Savior say: “Well done thou good and faithful servant,.. enter into the rest of the Lord.”  But this day is not yet here.  There is still much to be done.  I look forward to the years to come as I continually watch for His return.  

I’m always telling myself and my kids that I will live to be 110 years old.  This helps me to stay young and not afraid to live.  It helps provide an optimistic perspective for my future and also allows me to visualize a time far off so I can plan my life without limitation.  Then if my life is cut short and I’m called home, I will be ready and hopefully not have any regrets. 

The Lord leads the church through our living prophet, President Nelson.  Your Savior is aware of you.  Learn to take him into your confidence and trust in him.

We love you and hope that you are doing well despite the pandemic that still disrupts our lives.  I have attached the Sunday School newsletter for January.

Love,