Dear Friends and Ward Family,
Attached is the letter from the Area Presidency inviting us to organize and plan for the instruction to the ward for the upcoming 5th Sunday, January 30th. Will you please take some time this week to review the information on the Utah Area Website – https://utah.churchofjesuschrist.org and prepare to discuss the following 3 questions:
1. How does aligning with prophetic counsel bless us and help us draw closer to the Lord?
2. What does it mean to place the Lord and sacred covenants at the center of our lives, and how will that protect us from distraction, deception, and spiritual desensitization?
3. How will these principles help our wards and members become more unified and find more joy in living the gospel?
We have also attached the Utah Area: Vision, Priorities, and Measures as an additional tool of reference.
In this past week in the “Come Follow Me” Lesson we covered Moses 7 which is a continuation of the story of Enoch. The lesson references a section that describes God weeping for his children. (verses 28 – 40). Enoch inquires of the Lord as to why God and the heavens weep.
I would like to suggest a podcast titled: “Real Talk – Come, Follow Me”. At about 6 minutes into the podcast, John Fossum paraphrases the story and explains why god is weeping in the scripture. I encourage you to listen to this podcast in preparation for this 5th Sunday’s Discussion.
32 The Lord said unto Enoch: Behold these thy brethren; they are the workmanship of mine own ahands, and I gave unto them their bknowledge, in the day I created them; and in the Garden of Eden, gave I unto man his cagency;
33 And unto thy brethren have I said, and also given commandment, that they should alove one another, and that they should choose me, their Father; but behold, they are without affection, and they bhate their own blood;
37 But behold, their sins shall be upon the heads of their fathers; Satan shall be their father, and misery shall be their doom; and the whole heavens shall weep over them, even all the workmanship of mine hands; wherefore should not the heavens weep, seeing these shall suffer? <https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/pgp/moses/7?lang=eng>
The hosts unpack what it means that God weeps with us, and they give suggestions on how to minister more powerfully. Their Invitation: When was the last time you cried? How does knowing God weeps with you give you comfort and strength? <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uo32gCNMR-E&t=50s>
I testify the Lord is aware of you. He is with you in the trenches of your life. Please look to Him, take Him into your trust, lean on Him, and feel of His love.
I testify the Lord is aware of you. He is with you in the trenches of your life. Please look to Him, take Him into your trust, lean on Him, and feel of His love.
I love you and pray for you always,
- Bishop Jeff Anderson
- Highland 28th Ward
- 801-372-2072
- [email protected]
- Ward Blog: www.highland28th.org
- Dave Summers, Ward Executive Secretary
- 801-361-9224
- [email protected]
“Stay Humble, Work Hard, & Be Kind”
John Fossum joins “Real Talk – Come, Follow Me” this year. John is a seminary teacher that taught my two older children at Pleasant Grove High School and is a cozen of mine.