Archive of messages sent while serving as a bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
First and foremost, one of the most important things we can
do right now is be a light. We have something so many people do not, a
steadfast faith in Jesus Christ and a living prophet. Faith in Christ can bring
peace and comfort in a time like this. We can truly comfort the comfortless.
Second, we can fortify our own homes by keeping the sabbath
day holy. As President Buckner addressed in his email to the stake, until we
return to our normal schedule all worthy priests and Melchizedek priesthood
holders are authorized to administer the sacrament in their own homes. As this
is done under the keys of the bishop, please only do this in your own home or
in the homes of members of our own ward. Also, limit this practice to Sunday
and do it in a reverent manner, dressed appropriately. If you are unable to
contact a ministering brother or neighbor to help you with the sacrament,
please reach out to me or President Walker and we will make arrangements to
ensure the sacrament can be in your home.
I also highly encourage you to spend time each Sunday
reviewing “Come, Follow Me” and studying the First Vision as a family. For
some, this may be a fifteen-minute exercise and for others this may be a full
Sunday afternoon. Either way, spend time living and studying the gospel in your
home.
Finally, find joy and happiness in our strange and shared
situation. Serve one another. Seek to brighten someone else’s day. Watch
someone’s kids. Share some extra treats or toilet paper! Follow the guidelines
we have been given on social distancing, but do not distance yourselves from
ministering to one another.
We have the gospel of Jesus Christ. He lives and is our
Savior. There is a light and a hope in the eternal plan of happiness. Let us
live that way and help others do the same.
