Coming Back to Church?

Archive of messages sent while serving as a bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

Dear Ward Family,

Most of you have seen the Church's announcement about returning to church by now. You've seen that there are instructions to follow a two-phase plan while honoring all local and government guidelines. We are also to council with the Area and Stake leaders on how to implement these phases in our wards and stakes.

We met as bishops and with the Stake Presidency tonight to discuss the timeline and procedure for going back to church. At this time, we have not set a date to return. We will continue to monitor the situation and look for further updates before setting a date.

A few thoughts that went into this decision:

1. Home centered church is largely going well.

2. We don't want undue pressure put on any at risk individuals to return before they should.

3. Logistically, it would be very difficult to coordinate a meeting schedule with the size of wards we have in the stake and the current restrictions on numbers of people and strict sanitizing guidelines.

The Sacrament remains authorized to be performed in the home and will continue to be until it is safe for everyone to return to church. Please continue holding at-home services and ensure that your neighbors and those you minister have the opportunity to partake of the Sacrament.

I feel this is the best decision at this time and ask for your support as we continue to navigate these crazy times. Your hope, faith, and prayers are needed on behalf of all those suffering. Whether that be physically, emotionally, mentally, or financially.

The brightness of hope is shining on the horizon. We will be back together soon. If you have any thoughts on returning to church, please share them with me by replying to this email or emailing me at rsullivan137@gmail.com. Thank you for all you are doing to serve where you are.

With love,

Bishop Sullivan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0UnA47tmDI&t=10s

Prophets and Temples

Archive of messages sent while serving as a bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

 It’s amazing to watch as President Nelson leads the worldwide church through such an unprecedented and difficult time. More than any other world leader, President Nelson has been confident, decisive, and has communicated wonderfully. One would almost conclude that he’s a prophet!

It’s also exciting to see some temples, like Payson, start to reopen for weddings. The work of God will go forward.

Our great Family History Leaders, Brother and Sister Bingham, recently shared with me this quote from President Nelson:

“Brothers and sisters, during times of our distress when temples are closed, you can still draw upon the power of your temple covenants and endowment as you honor your covenants. Please use this time when temples are closed to continue to live a temple-worthy life or to become temple worthy.

“Talk about the temple with your family and friends. Because Jesus Christ is at the center of everything we do in the temple, as you think more about the temple you will be thinking more about Him. Study and pray to learn more about the power and knowledge with which you have been endowed – or with which you will yet be endowed.”

What a prophet!

With Love,

Bishop Sullivan