tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52482883299746307302024-02-20T15:26:09.288-08:00I'm a Mormon...Robert Sullivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157201715928291731noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5248288329974630730.post-49752120641527824532020-09-20T14:42:00.001-07:002020-12-12T14:44:47.632-08:00The Last One<p><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Archive of messages sent while serving as a bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;"> </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dear Ward Family,</span></p><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Please see this short video for some great ward news and the announcement of next week's special sacrament meeting: <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl py34i1dx gpro0wi8" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dws53qglWdE&fbclid=IwAR0G_LWOxVQZgkfnqiqQel2Uw3RcE7PV37OtHOywX7RRYMngXVWmv698mk4" rel="nofollow noopener" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dws53qglWdE</a></span> Then read on to see the meeting schedule for September 27.</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Two important announcements for everyone:</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">1. Ward Youth Fireside tonight at 7 pm at the chapel. All youth invited and there will be refreshments!</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">2. Next week we will meet again in person. The Stake Presidency will be there to conduct ward business and has extended an invitation to anyone who can attend. We will follow the same safety protocols we have the last two meetings. Please come at your assigned time below:</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">9:00 am - Last names A-M</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">10:30 am - Last names N-Z</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Some important reminders:</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The maximum capacity has been changed to 150.</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">We will start weekly services after General Conference.</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you can't make it, we will miss you!!! You are still authorized to administer the sacrament at home.</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Please arrive on time, but no earlier than 10 minutes before your assigned time.</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Masks are strongly encouraged, especially when distancing is difficult to maintain.</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">NO JUDGING!!!! Everyone in the ward is going through a lot at this time, please be kind and gracious as we worship together.</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I look forward to a very special meeting with all of you!</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">With Love,</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bishop Sullivan</div>Robert Sullivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157201715928291731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5248288329974630730.post-79279499644827570522020-09-15T14:41:00.001-07:002020-12-12T14:41:55.151-08:00Hear Him<p><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Archive of messages sent while serving as a bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;"> </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem;">Have you noticed how closely our 'Come, Follow Me' reading has aligned with world events? The Book of Helaman seemed to be taken straight from the headlines of today. If we follow that trend then this week would bring us some great news; the visitation of Christ to the Americas!</span></p><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">While I wouldn't be completely surprised by a visit from Jesus Christ in 2020, I think I might need to adjust my expectations. What I do see happening in just a few weeks is General Conference where we have the chance to hear the voice of the Lord through His prophets and apostles on the earth today.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">At last week's amazing ward activity (thank you Binghams!) everyone received a handout hearkening back to <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl py34i1dx gpro0wi8" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.churchofjesuschrist.org%2Fstudy%2Fgeneral-conference%2F2020%2F04%2F45nelson%3Flang%3Deng%26fbclid%3DIwAR2BEQXTI_fsHsx4-C6ssVgmvVg39qvwkX1csESYe6CEip-WDlFI5pKcO7g&h=AT1iVaZaawhoLNsRRQpA_CyNfETePkpA52Ul0fKSEKwiNifRvXuttT2Om3OeeBs-7mKiTemXGsxg22ZPnPmLnnqcpzjAA1wf4alBr936du50HcAujFheVS-GJOunEKeX&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT3KMW836I1D1Oxndr_AKSkrK_PA8XJ_j1dTnOcLjwjcKn4VG0gndeM0h8Yfa_xHuJhOjHhfUWi5YJlprukP7GBJ2M7k-qrvt68EYTUD5ag4g4H64O73m8oUV4yQorjOccqBDmgW9LNQ1uOliXhNDaC-BDqz1B1JGidUg2YXdz7QiHA981ilRySQFenxuO2YVvURbGdO4sH91IXf" rel="nofollow noopener" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0" target="_blank">President Nelson's talk from last conference, "Hear Him."</a></span></span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Along with your 'Come, Follow Me' studies, I invite you to revisit this talk and look for ways that you can hear Him. It is vital that we are prepared to hear the words of the Lord at this time. Now, more than ever, the direction that we get from the prophet and our own personal revelation are needed to lead us to Christ and peace in the world.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">I am grateful for inspired leaders like President Nelson. I know he is called at this time to help guide us to Jesus Christ. With you, I look forward to the messages in just a few weeks.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">With Love,</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Bishop Sullivan</span></div>Robert Sullivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157201715928291731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5248288329974630730.post-8745751684378202062020-09-08T14:39:00.001-07:002020-12-12T14:39:50.230-08:00Forgetting<p><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Archive of messages sent while serving as a bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;"> </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem;">Dear Ward Family,</span></p><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: 600;">**SEE BELOW FOR THE IMPORTANT SACRAMENT DATE CHANGE INFORMATION**</span></span></span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Last time I wrote, I talked about remembering. I feel like this idea of remembering is important enough to address again. This week, we're reading about the Nephites at the time of Christ's birth. A sign was given them, a truly miraculous sign, where everyone witnessed a full night that appeared to be day.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Even with this incredible display of God's power, we read in 3 Nephi 2, "[T]he people began to forget those signs and wonders which they had heard, and began to be less and less astonished at a sign or a wonder from heaven, insomuch that they began to be hard in their hearts, and blind in their minds, and began to disbelieve all which they had heard and seen."</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">The miracles did not create believers. They quickly forgot the signs and turned again to wickedness in just a few years.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">I greatly worry about this very thing. It has been a few months that we have not been able to meet regularly and gather as saints. During this time, I have witnessed many miracles. But, I also worry that many people are forgetting the great things the Lord has done, even in just the last few months!</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">If we choose not to remember, if we don't actively worship, if we don't look to the Lord for all our blessings, then we can forget. We can forget the great blessings of Sabbath worship. We can forget the great blessings of the Spirit in our home or life. We can forget the simple things that bring joy and happiness in our life.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Please heed the counsel we have read in the scriptures and remember. Take time this week to remember the Lord in your life. Count your blessings and remember that God is in the details.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">I cannot wait until we can meet more regularly and remember the Lord and His goodness together.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">With Love,</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Bishop Sullivan</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: 600;">**Sacrament Date Change**</span></span></span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">The Brookside 1st Ward will hold it's next Sacrament Service on Sunday, September 27, not September 20 as previously announced.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">We will then await any further instruction from General Conference the first weekend of October. After that, we will schedule the rest of the year accordingly.</span></div>Robert Sullivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157201715928291731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5248288329974630730.post-88188512830821817382020-08-25T14:36:00.001-07:002020-12-12T14:37:54.424-08:00Remember, Remember<p><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Archive of messages sent while serving as a bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;"> </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem;"><span style="font-weight: 600;">Remembering</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem;">is a major theme in the Book of Mormon. From Nephi recounting his life experiences to Moroni sharing letters from his dad, the entire book is about</span><span style="background-color: white; color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem;"><span style="font-weight: 600;">remembering</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem;">the great things the Lord has done for them, and really, for all of us.</span></p><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">This week's 'Come, Follow Me' is a direct invitation to <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: 600;">remember</span></span>. Helaman (who named his kids Lehi and Nephi to help them<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: 600;"> remember</span></span>) recounts many miracles from the Old Testament and the Book of Mormon, exhorting his children to <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: 600;">remember</span></span>. In the midst of their own nation turning wicked, Helaman <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: 600;">reminds</span></span> them to <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: 600;">remember</span></span> "the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God." (<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl py34i1dx gpro0wi8" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.churchofjesuschrist.org%2Fstudy%2Fscriptures%2Fbofm%2Fhel%2F5%3Flang%3Deng%26fbclid%3DIwAR15GWmIvaW15WmLw0qzNGoEBdviJrTZUju0VoMUajExWRfVXyFzTYJOyto&h=AT2kC3hFvUAiekBoAxOlzXxH3aLXWNywDUWuX9OB7zwjH2QY3fh0RItesN_iBlauSeovsMPwiMNB2bL0m8OlwZ4-xBmbf8aJvWAzHbNCjxVPyC1b5KxFmhAAXvmRt0oh&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT0P1FR0KFNiMzklOOaVqwmlccpp5tXUJ_sr_J9YqmQC8AxRJrH0Vyx7ShRTo6JdNSPpVkixQIRG6GBkZ2GuUjaBoJceEWJnJLjZznvwYM6eLXZ-XahIhHoYcg-lmCXkiodTHtt3j6AAi-PC9t58JY4qqKE-Cdd1aluNWgKxwshfrylaZXn5XzAEmDJ3VP4w7jdL1SLIPqd9jzbA" rel="nofollow noopener" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0" target="_blank">Hel 5:12</a></span>)</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">This instruction to <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: 600;">remember</span></span> is most relevant in our times. We can <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: 600;">remember</span></span> the great things the Lord has done for others by reading the <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl py34i1dx gpro0wi8" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.churchofjesuschrist.org%2Fstudy%2Fscriptures%3Flang%3Deng%26platform%3Dweb%26fbclid%3DIwAR1YCMsnQP8O2VY3SUUbyKwvrcjGjRkDhQ-FgIUNRjpUT0XbNlxwbdKmawI&h=AT2lI6Mbda_JuFgH_ld27yhlDi0yMODbzctHbg7NsVKFBzoodYkq5MC5-Yqfy_DjmOIE6FBTWYbe7qnKn1RT_8vNOhZAz_aSquRmcAZYvRU0ooJwkQ1v3TUBlUEV2dKK&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT0P1FR0KFNiMzklOOaVqwmlccpp5tXUJ_sr_J9YqmQC8AxRJrH0Vyx7ShRTo6JdNSPpVkixQIRG6GBkZ2GuUjaBoJceEWJnJLjZznvwYM6eLXZ-XahIhHoYcg-lmCXkiodTHtt3j6AAi-PC9t58JY4qqKE-Cdd1aluNWgKxwshfrylaZXn5XzAEmDJ3VP4w7jdL1SLIPqd9jzbA" rel="nofollow noopener" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0" target="_blank">scriptures</a></span> and <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl py34i1dx gpro0wi8" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference?lang=eng&fbclid=IwAR2BEQXTI_fsHsx4-C6ssVgmvVg39qvwkX1csESYe6CEip-WDlFI5pKcO7g" rel="nofollow noopener" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0" target="_blank">General Conference talks</a></span>, we can <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: 600;">remember</span></span> the great things the Lord has done for our family through <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl py34i1dx gpro0wi8" href="https://www.familysearch.org/en/?fbclid=IwAR2GFhM8tc_eU3debs1lkfpuu826SO_vMxEhWS8ZMF7vZbnsLQm6vj5iTLk" rel="nofollow noopener" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0" target="_blank">family history work</a></span>, and we can <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: 600;">remember</span></span> the great things the Lord has done in our own lives through journals, prayer, and pondering.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">I invite everyone to take time to <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: 600;">remember</span></span> this week. <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: 600;">Remember</span></span> the goodness of Jesus Christ and His everlasting gospel. Just like Helaman preached to his sons, this is the remedy we each need in our lives today to survive the turmoil around us.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">With Love,</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Bishop Sullivan</span></div>Robert Sullivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157201715928291731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5248288329974630730.post-24581454843209630202020-08-18T14:34:00.002-07:002020-12-12T14:35:30.643-08:00The Power of God<p><i style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Archive of messages sent while serving as a bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.</i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;"> </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem;">Dear Ward Family,</span></p><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">I echo President Walker's email message from Sunday and encourage all Melchizedek Priesthood brethren to offer blessings to your family, your neighbors, and those to whom you minister. I invite everyone to seek the power of God in your life and use it to serve others.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Please view my invitation here: <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl py34i1dx gpro0wi8" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fyoutu.be%2F3B1LlF-uybw%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2ZnpoQlyxF6l4PYe7vO9ZijGDKEpw8GpWEnywvB6kms2CA_p_bPQyXGws&h=AT3jMxCtDhkYL_nlprCax6-fLHo4grof15lNP8mVwG4ljDpMqDLugCC8eUT7SsFcMu_ggzanqGofZVSb1bQFjyMqQo8NsULCv7LA4ZKOCxjrKN36409Z5BrO8ULVMlxf&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT243AtNyAWOyMqUHSNt0ZDdOooEeP4Py7FFvL_21rEvJkmIBj587-VUbMMd78rMYdvMasGCUmAKNKpgndk7oYhSlWuHtEJ-NAicOTzeifV51L0ATXs0tN0-t1-X_4QTqEiAhJwzwRlGGlLDvEl_61gUbM8fQSNVh8gVlJ42V949FTaS1wud9Cs1smn-IXZFhxwo4jRhjrBXm_Hj" rel="nofollow noopener" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/3B1LlF-uybw</a></span></span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">We had an amazing meeting on Sunday! We were happy to see so many of you and we missed those that still cannot make it. We will hold our next in-person services on September 20.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Have a great week everyone!</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Bishop Sullivan</span></div>Robert Sullivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157201715928291731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5248288329974630730.post-69118448234268809612020-08-06T14:31:00.005-07:002020-12-12T14:33:35.324-08:00God's Hand<p><span color="var(--primary-text)" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem;"><i style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Archive of messages sent while serving as a bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.</i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;"> </span></span></p><p><span color="var(--primary-text)" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem;">I</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem;">'ve been driving a lot lately. A last minute trip to Nebraska to pick up my dad, fun in southern Colorado (involving two flat tires!), and a few trips to the airport. This time on the road lends itself to so many thoughts passing through one's mind.</span></p><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" color="var(--primary-text)" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><i style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Archive of messages sent while serving as a bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.</i><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"> </span></span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" color="var(--primary-text)" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">One recurring thought I had in my 40+ hours of driving was recounting the many times I've seen the Lord's hand in my life. Whether it was a small memory of comfort or an actual miracle, I realized that I have been witness to God's hand over and over.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" color="var(--primary-text)" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">I see it in simple things, like the new families that have moved into our ward, the new found family time during COVID, or a farmer in the middle of nowhere with the tool I needed to fix my flat! (Literal middle of nowhere, look up <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl py34i1dx gpro0wi8" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fmaps%2Fplace%2FDisappointment%2BValley%2F%4037.6948382%2C-108.8552221%2C10.31z%2Fdata%3D!4m5!3m4!1s0x873858c163c02af1%3A0x2cfeb84384f6150c!8m2!3d38.0122146!4d-108.8370464%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0G_LWOxVQZgkfnqiqQel2Uw3RcE7PV37OtHOywX7RRYMngXVWmv698mk4&h=AT3tQ63fAJrQCEc3HrfTL5jdtELtkiTbYNgORupP8kqyp_0sQ9SeZ4xUIjyO7hyFuLAa3XSvXmVAa_MqDxoy3hBH1gW3iKK328gUtSNfIKZYYpazSifYURMITShH6BbL&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT0KRDDYvbDGVDPcuyUDWwG8I55qfNnibVSmm2AMd2OXGHIZqK8goCxhV-qNxENnmUMMMRnntzOQdQZ5tPWmq31ITSmy2xjvF18R0T8_dezjE8uJYY4uL18uey4mBGeTkrsfmbGrlDg0gdPQopaGJES4nN3X00xRT5_CMBKc_jTN4v60lmZd-exKtJCpyViaZPOhKKfo2ia_a-Md" rel="nofollow noopener" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0" target="_blank">Disappointment Valley</a></span> for reference.) I've been witness to healings, fulfilled promises, and the most miraculous of all, great changes of heart.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" color="var(--primary-text)" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">One could describe some of my experiences as mere coincidence. However, this would deny probability and my own strong confirmations of the Spirit. While I have not physically seen God's hand like the Brother of Jared, my experiences are just as real.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" color="var(--primary-text)" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">God is real. He loves you and want what's best for you.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" color="var(--primary-text)" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Our Heavenly Father is in the details. He is in the midst of these crazy times. If we look, we will see Him. If we listen, we will hear Him. Please seek to see and hear your Heavenly Father each day.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" color="var(--primary-text)" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">With Love,</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" color="var(--primary-text)" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Bishop Sullivan</span></div>Robert Sullivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157201715928291731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5248288329974630730.post-46262252277525481502020-07-23T14:29:00.001-07:002020-12-12T14:29:49.870-08:00Remember<p><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Archive of messages sent while serving as a bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;"> </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem;">It was so great to see so many of you last Sunday! We missed those we still cannot see, but we understand the importance of everyone's safety as well.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem;"><u><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: 600;">We will meet again on August 16.</span></span></u></span></p><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">This week's <span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Come, Follow Me</i></span> reading is one of my favorites. I've always loved reading Alma the Younger's advice to his three sons. There are so many nuggets of wisdom in this fatherly advice. Something that stands out the most to me is Alma's recounting of his own conversion story.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Decades later, and many, many miraculous mission stories later, the visitation of an angel and Alma's subsequent conversion is still the most important thing he wants to leave with his sons.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">In doing so, Alma also tells his sons to remember. To remember the captivity of their fathers and the many miracles that scripture has recorded.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">With our very infrequent meeting, remembering is more important than ever! Feelings of peace from the Holy Ghost can quickly be forgotten in the craziness of life. Without regular opportunities to meet and feel those things, those feelings can become distant memories until they are completely forgotten.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Like Alma admonished his sons, I invite you to do the same: Remember! If you were able to attend on Sunday, remember what you felt when we finally got to meet together again. Remember your own conversion like Alma. Remember your last great spiritual experience, even if it was a long time ago. Remember that the gospel of Jesus Christ brings peace. Remember that you have covenanted to follow Him and He has promised His peace to you.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: 600;">I can't wait until we meet again next month on August 16. I will post more updates and details as we get closer.</span></span></u></span></span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Thank you for all you do,</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Bishop Sullivan</span></div>Robert Sullivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157201715928291731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5248288329974630730.post-17793005368694013992020-07-18T14:27:00.001-07:002020-12-12T14:28:23.872-08:00Welcome Back to Church<p><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Archive of messages sent while serving as a bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;"> </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem;">I'm so excited to invite everyone back to church tomorrow!</span></p><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Please watch this short video to know what to expect when you arrive: <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl py34i1dx gpro0wi8" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DcCKe0Vx2WP4%26fbclid%3DIwAR3ugdOyI7XQm3i9qouqoz-eaGN5e_Bcpk-Je3hhNrlu3OsjPb3XH0-pZ8g&h=AT36hfGgdsYP-PJPV16No8D8S0c1A99iFJZIwErcE1Kksp68C-EVbtG2iC7Hc25xCvLZw3zjWxgfSNos5VtwiBOJj0w2SscU5ZsTs4WUB_b0k1kLZ3phPh942K2Nfb--&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT2zZcjdAPqqyFbog-IyvqTqLHEPbry5v5zILxLHLXkHrLsnEmcJeCDkaVtYUQ0csJxc6aGZHwcXCyaPhTZaSR6-0gyvx2a4M5Fh1DaG87_kwUXza394z4pw2QC_bapyCzzb369PXRw9zCHv7HqBMxCsUEE7fT7U7N3ypZmBQuolPI4DGEfJExqTbb0CeDkBs_QOam9dOlkX0OPR" rel="nofollow noopener" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCKe0Vx2WP4</a></span></span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">A few thoughts about tomorrow's services:</span></div><ul class="bi6gxh9e aov4n071 fjf4s8hc mf5omzu7" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 8px 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 32px;"><li><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">If you cannot attend for any reason, you are still authorized to hold sacrament services in your home</span></div></li><li><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Please come to be unified in worshiping our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, leave all judging behind</span></div></li><li><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">We will follow all guidelines from the Church and from the state to create a clean and safe environment for you</span></div></li></ul><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">For those that cannot attend - I miss you! Please reach out to your ministers, the Elders Quorum, Relief Society, or me even if it's just to say hi.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">A reminder on the schedule:</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">9:00 am - Last names A-G</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">10:30 am - Last names H-P</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">12:00 pm- Last names Q-Z</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">We have made a slight buffer during the 9 am meeting for anyone in a slightly higher risk category that would feel most comfortable attending the first meeting.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">See you tomorrow!</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Bishop Sullivan</span></div>Robert Sullivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157201715928291731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5248288329974630730.post-22639075816053912762020-07-09T14:24:00.003-07:002020-12-12T14:26:01.320-08:00Gathering<p><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Archive of messages sent while serving as a bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;"> </span> </p><p><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Gathering on July 19th</span></p><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I believe an important part of the gospel of Jesus Christ involves gathering. We gather as a Zion people to better ourselves and to lift others. We gather to live up to our covenants of mourning with those that mourn and comforting those that stand in need of comfort. We gather to feel the Spirit, share our struggles, rejoice, and worship our Heavenly Father.</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">While our current circumstances make it difficult to gather regularly, I am excited to invite everyone back for Sacrament Services on Sunday, July 19. Details on how we will do so safely are to follow, but before I get to that, I want to discuss how important it will be that we help, lift and support one another as opposed to being judgmental.</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">When we meet, there will be many that will not be able to come for a variety of reasons. We will miss you. You will not be judged for making those decisions for you and your family.</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">When we meet, masks will be strongly encouraged; however, a few people may not wear a mask for any variety of reasons. Those wearing masks and those not wearing masks will not be judged for making those decisions for you and your family.</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">When we meet, we will take the sacrament together to help us renew our covenants and to invite the Spirit to help us be better. We are all at different spots in our disciple's journey back to our Heavenly Father. No one will be judged with where we are falling short or trying to be better.</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">In short, there is no room for the prevalent divisiveness of today's culture inside our chapel and among a Zion people. This is a great reason we must gather: to exercise faith, charity, and hope for a better world. The answer to today's problems and all our problems is always Jesus Christ.</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Welcome back to church.</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">With Love,</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bishop Sullivan</div>Robert Sullivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157201715928291731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5248288329974630730.post-23208344188297301702020-06-23T14:22:00.001-07:002020-12-12T14:23:21.870-08:00Return to Church<p><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Archive of messages sent while serving as a bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;"> </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem;">Dear Ward Family,</span></p><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Mark July 19, 2020 on your calendars. We have tentatively scheduled that Sunday for our ward to return to Sunday Services at church. We will have more specific details about the return between now and the 19th, but we will follow these basic guidelines:</span></div><ul class="bi6gxh9e aov4n071 fjf4s8hc mf5omzu7" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 8px 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 32px;"><li><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">We will follow all state and local guidelines for social distancing and group meetings</span></div></li><li><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">No meeting will have more than 99 attendees</span></div></li><li><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Masks will be strongly encouraged</span></div></li><li><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Those in high risk categories are discouraged from attending</span></div></li><li><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">The Sacrament will be authorized to be done in all homes until it is safe for everyone to return</span></div></li></ul><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">We are very excited to enter this phase of gathering together again. As we prepare for the return next month, please pay special attention to what is making your at-home services so special. Our altered Sunday Services must be better when we return.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">I also highly encourage everyone to plan on maintaining a similar practice to at-home services even when we gather together again. Plan on studying together in your homes. Plan on gathering for a short time to worship together in your homes. While we go through these crazy times, take all the good that has come from it and keep those things.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">I look forward to seeing you at the chapel again next month! In the meantime, please let your neighbors know of the update and we will do our best to get all details to you in the coming weeks.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">With Love,</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Bishop Sullivan</span></div>Robert Sullivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157201715928291731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5248288329974630730.post-37513708921368645172020-06-19T14:20:00.000-07:002020-12-12T14:21:27.174-08:00Preisthood Keys<p><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Archive of messages sent while serving as a bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;"> </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem;">Enjoy this quick, 5 min, Sunday School lesson this weekend.</span></p><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">"What are Priesthood Keys and How are You Using Them in your Home Today?"</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl py34i1dx gpro0wi8" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkQFMCfnK18&t=10s&fbclid=IwAR3dDME_336kIZFYCv_bZxurMiHOkbTVrK1buvHLbanD0FRmeeN7lDBfVM4" rel="nofollow noopener" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkQFMCfnK18&t=10s</a></span></span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there and have a great weekend!</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Bishop Sullivan</span></div>Robert Sullivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157201715928291731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5248288329974630730.post-62343063960239965982020-06-08T14:18:00.001-07:002020-12-12T14:19:29.620-08:00Bridges of Cooperation<p><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Archive of messages sent while serving as a bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;"> </span></p><p> <span style="background-color: white; color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem;">Dear Ward Family,</span></p><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">I cannot say anything better than our dear Prophet, President Nelson. Please read his remarks from today and consider what you can do to “build bridges of cooperation rather than walls of segregation and alienation.”</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Read his remarks here: <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl py34i1dx gpro0wi8" href="https://medium.com/@Ch_JesusChrist/locking-arms-for-racial-harmony-in-america-2f62180abf37?fbclid=IwAR25vWi92EVMTWdJ_8NMuErjTwu2wL6WiEvE8QCxKmip_2XmZ2jeG2qLTK8" rel="nofollow noopener" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0" target="_blank">https://medium.com/.../locking-arms-for-racial-harmony-in...</a></span></span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">At this time of unrest, seek for peace, truth, and happiness at its source, Jesus Christ.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">With Love,</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Bishop Sullivan</span></div>Robert Sullivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157201715928291731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5248288329974630730.post-20532600576931043892020-06-01T14:16:00.001-07:002020-12-12T14:17:39.198-08:00Spiritual Preparation <p><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Archive of messages sent while serving as a bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;"> </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem;">I cannot wait until we can return to gathering at our chapels. As that day approaches, there are two areas of preparation to consider: logistics of returning and spiritual preparation.</span></p><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: 600;">Logistics</span></span></span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">As I mentioned in <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl py34i1dx gpro0wi8" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0UnA47tmDI&t=10s&fbclid=IwAR3XbsvCM2dsBv7bY4vGo9qr0uGuyseRLQ3IzHGxQXhhI1De2lU_k0g6Wck" rel="nofollow noopener" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0" target="_blank">my message two weeks ago</a></span>, we do not have a date scheduled for return. We are following the guidelines from the First Presidency that advised, <span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>“Wards with large attendance at meetings may need to wait to begin holding meetings at the phase-2 level.”</u></span> There are simply parts of phase-1 that would make it difficult to have a reverent, spiritual meeting at this time. We will be looking for the state of Utah to ease their guidelines and for the Church to allow for phase-2. This will allow for our ward to meet together appropriately and for more members to enjoy the Sabbath together.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">I anticipate having an update on our return within the next two weeks.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: 600;">Spiritual Preparation</span></span></span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">In the meantime, I want to point out the very important spiritual preparation that should be taking place before we return. It has to do with what we have learned during our home-centered worship. Ask yourself some or all of these questions:</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">What have I learned about worshiping Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ at home?</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">What is the importance of gathering in the gospel?</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">What insights have I gained about the importance of the Sacrament?</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Have I been a better minister?</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">How will my home worship continue when we return to Sunday worship at church?</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">How can I apply the insights I’ve gained at home to worshiping together at the church? (No, the answer to this question is not to continue home church only <span class="pq6dq46d tbxw36s4 knj5qynh kvgmc6g5 ditlmg2l oygrvhab nvdbi5me sf5mxxl7 gl3lb2sf hhz5lgdu" style="display: inline-flex; font-family: inherit; height: 16px; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle; width: 16px;"><img alt="😊" height="16" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/td8/1.5/16/1f60a.png" style="border: 0px;" width="16" /></span>)</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Before we return, I hope we can all understand better how to properly worship at church and at home. I hope we can find areas of our worship, and life, that we will continue to simplify. I hope we continue to care for one another at the level I’ve seen the last couple months. I hope we can keep the importance and reverence of the sacrament in our minds.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Most of all, I hope to see you very soon and live the gospel along side you each Sunday and throughout each week.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">With Love,</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Bishop Sullivan</span></div>Robert Sullivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157201715928291731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5248288329974630730.post-23902721975102994402020-05-21T14:14:00.001-07:002020-12-12T14:15:30.558-08:00Coming Back to Church? <p><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Archive of messages sent while serving as a bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.</i> </p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem;">Dear Ward Family,</span></p><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">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.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">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.<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: 600;"> </span></span>We will continue to monitor the situation and look for further updates before setting a date.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">A few thoughts that went into this decision:</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">1. Home centered church is largely going well.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">2. We don't want undue pressure put on any at risk individuals to return before they should.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">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.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">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.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">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.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">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 <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl py34i1dx gpro0wi8" href="mailto:rsullivan137@gmail.com" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0" target="_blank">rsullivan137@gmail.com</a></span>. Thank you for all you are doing to serve where you are.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">With love,</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Bishop Sullivan</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl py34i1dx gpro0wi8" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0UnA47tmDI&t=10s&fbclid=IwAR25vWi92EVMTWdJ_8NMuErjTwu2wL6WiEvE8QCxKmip_2XmZ2jeG2qLTK8" rel="nofollow noopener" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0UnA47tmDI&t=10s</a></span></span></div>Robert Sullivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157201715928291731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5248288329974630730.post-5185028828228641452020-05-11T14:12:00.001-07:002020-12-12T14:13:16.917-08:00Prophets and Temples<p><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Archive of messages sent while serving as a bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.</i></p><p> <span style="background-color: white; color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem;">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!</span></p><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">It’s also exciting to see some temples, like Payson, start to reopen for weddings. The work of God will go forward.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Our great Family History Leaders, Brother and Sister Bingham, recently shared with me this quote from President Nelson:</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">“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.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">“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.”</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">What a prophet!</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">With Love,</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Bishop Sullivan</span></div>Robert Sullivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157201715928291731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5248288329974630730.post-37431325478572470782020-04-27T14:10:00.001-07:002020-12-12T14:11:15.415-08:00We Will Overcome<p><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Archive of messages sent while serving as a bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.</i></p><p> <span style="background-color: white; color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem;">Here is the truth, I miss you.</span></p><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">We were out on a family walk last weekend and we saw so many of you out and about. As I caught up with you over your fences or passing on the trail, it reminded me of why Moroni was adamant about gathering. After wandering alone for many, many years and having hundreds of ‘at-home’ church meetings, Moroni instructed,</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: 600;">“</span></span>And the church did meet together oft, to fast and to pray, and to speak one with another concerning the welfare of their souls.<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: 600;"> </span></span>And they did meet together oft to partake of bread and wine, in remembrance of the Lord Jesus.” (Moroni 6:5-6)</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">I’m sure Moroni longed for the day that he could ‘meet together oft’ again. In pondering our situation and Moroni’s, I thought of another group of people that was kept from one another for a long period of time: Alma the Younger and the Sons of Mosiah. After serving 14-year missions, these life-long friends reunited and Mormon wrote:</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">“Alma did rejoice exceedingly to see his brethren; and what added more to his joy, they were still his brethren in the Lord; yea, and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God.<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: 600;"> </span></span>But this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God.” (Alma 17:2-3)</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">I know that these strange times will come to an end. I know that we will have the opportunity to meet together again and worship together. When that day comes, I know that everyone will have “given themselves to much fasting and prayer.” When we meet again to worship and partake of the sacrament, I imagine our reunion will be much like those sons of Mosiah.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Stay strong in the faith. Know that God loves you and that through Christ we will overcome all things.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">With Love,</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Bishop Sullivan</span></div>Robert Sullivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157201715928291731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5248288329974630730.post-65520426504784886292020-04-14T14:08:00.002-07:002020-12-12T14:09:10.181-08:00Miracles<p> <span style="background-color: white; color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem;">Have you seen miracles lately? Maybe the ever-changing, ever-evolving, and ever-frustrating circumstance we find ourselves in is keeping us distracted from the good that is happening around us.</span></p><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Last week’s fast helped me look more closely at the great things going on around us. If you haven’t seen this global Facebook group about the fast, I encourage you to check it out <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl oo9gr5id gpro0wi8 lrazzd5p" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/534352464165662/?fref=nf&__xts__[0]=68.ARBB7h_BKjyQOYjkWl-p1wpAp9kh2QIDWWBZ7vmbgR2iHW2BQQbGI80uMjdgVWqnuH6Bn3aytSXfBLgRdTiJQCPnsnMcJ2JUdZv-s2Z9ufJJC65GUeiHSpimoW6e4MeTTSwoLB7qoZ83jiVfWCklvLm11rTz3YXyyilQj8yjbZnDuKiIL7imLAGke-htBX7hjHn4vn3Kk3VowedJYn3WTBO1m33jxKIugS56SyntWrQg8A&__tn__=-UK-R&__cft__[0]=AZVeUWCTNjBlLFjoqWuCGh9yfBlhqrVEOPjOsrPvuise4hoPDoOWH-C9shyKc0kn2DNO-A8fl0OX3OEWwvCttiB9OedqGWxgXjsO-lxyr_-CTdRofpjV8_mqqwP4eaj4a0LoHN8iKWO7XqerGIinDY_vXWiq7imyE5jwyWb67SgAfoubKV3nEoJt_fx5wWAK0I8" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; font-weight: 600; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0">here</a></span>. The group is full of inspiring stories from around the world and from nearly every religion. It’s a great reminder of the goodness in the world and one of the many miracles of the fast.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Besides worldwide miracles, what miracles are happening in your home?</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">I know in the Sullivan home, between fighting over homework, or screen time, or anything else, I actually see my kids getting along better. I see them developing better relationships with each other. And family time is becoming even more sacred.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">In our ward and neighborhood, I see ministering fulfilling its purpose. Neighbors and ward members supporting each other to a greater degree than ever before. Treats and notes are on doorsteps. Primary teachers and youth leaders are still fulfilling their callings in a new way. There is simply more love and unity.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">These are miracles.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">God is interested in the details of our lives. He loves us and wants us to become like Him. It may not be His will to eradicate this disease at this time, but it will always be His will to love us, help us, and show Himself to us through these daily miracles.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Bishop Sullivan</span></div>Robert Sullivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157201715928291731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5248288329974630730.post-73991585683507311102020-04-06T14:06:00.001-07:002020-12-12T14:08:00.266-08:00Good Friday Fasting Invitation<div style="text-align: left;"><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Archive of messages sent while serving as a bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: var(--primary-text); font-size: 0.9375rem;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Wow! General Conference delivered on its promise of being unforgettable. I am so grateful for the words of our prophets and apostles. It brought a needed peace into my life. Like the hope of Christ’s resurrection, the messages brought a brighter hope that our current afflictions will be short-lived. I encourage you to return to those messages soon and of</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: var(--primary-text); font-size: 0.9375rem;"><span style="font-family: arial;">ten.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem;"><br /></span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">We now have an amazing opportunity to prepare for Easter Sunday like never before. The Church has created a library of ways we can ‘Hear Him’ as we celebrate this week. You can find the suggestions here: <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl py34i1dx gpro0wi8" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/easter-plan-hear-him?lang=eng&fbclid=IwAR3Dc1jEm0fsM2iTBwAXhG0-CK-u9f4yciEdbunyMiKo772H9MmZsBI0mv8" rel="nofollow noopener" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0" target="_blank">https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/.../easter-plan-hear...</a></span></span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">In addition to family traditions for the weekend, President Nelson has also called on all of us to fast on Good Friday. He asked:</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">"I am calling for another worldwide fast. For all whose health may permit, let us fast, pray, and unite our faith once again. Let us prayerfully plead for relief from this global pandemic. I invite all, including those not of our faith, to fast and pray on Good Friday, April 10, that the present pandemic may be controlled, caregivers be protected, the economy strengthened, and life normalized.”</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">As I stated in a recent message about fasting, a fast includes prayer, abstaining from food, bearing of testimony, and giving a generous offering.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">As you fast with the rest of the world and prepare for a joyous Easter celebration, you will be blessed with health and the Spirit of the Lord in your home.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Christ is risen. Because he rose from the grave on the third day we can always have “hope for a better world” (Ether 12:4).</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Happy Easter,</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Bishop Sullivan</span></div>Robert Sullivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157201715928291731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5248288329974630730.post-73407232299338278302020-03-22T13:59:00.001-07:002020-12-12T13:59:57.520-08:00COVID Newsletter<p><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Archive of messages sent while serving as a bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.</i></p><p class="MsoNormal">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. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">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. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">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. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">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. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">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. <o:p></o:p></p>Robert Sullivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157201715928291731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5248288329974630730.post-89688692073999852092020-03-02T13:55:00.001-08:002020-12-12T13:57:33.999-08:00Study of the First Vision<p><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Archive of messages sent while serving as a bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.</i></p><p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">“Vi una columna de luz”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">This was the first phrase I memorized in the MTC. It was fitting
it was the first, as I repeated these words thousands of times as I shared the
First Vision with the people of Peru. Each time I shared this sacred account,
my testimony of its veracity grew—even when I felt I had a strong testimony to
begin with!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Starting a few years before my mission, I fell in love with
studying church history. So much so that my friends gifted me a replica of
Joseph Smith’s wedding ring when I left for my mission. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">As you can imagine, I couldn’t be more excited for our prophet’s
invitation to study the First Vision in preparation for the 200-year
anniversary to be commemorated at this April’s General Conference. </span><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/russell.m.nelson/"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">https://www.facebook.com/russell.m.nelson/</span></a></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Here are a few resources I’ve loved reading that you might enjoy
as you prepare:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">The original is still the best: <b><u>Joseph Smith – History </u></b></span><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/pgp/js-h/1?lang=eng"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/pgp/js-h/1?lang=eng</span></a></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I particularly enjoyed the most recent history compiled by the
church here: <b><u>Saints: Volume One</u></b> </span><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/bc/content/ldsorg/media-library/ebook-pdf/Saints-v1-English-PD60001624.pdf?lang=eng"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/bc/content/ldsorg/media-library/ebook-pdf/Saints-v1-English-PD60001624.pdf?lang=eng</span></a></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"> (also on Gospel Library
app)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Have questions about the different accounts of the First Vision?
Read the <b><u>Gospel Essay</u></b> here: </span><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/first-vision-accounts?lang=eng"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/first-vision-accounts?lang=eng</span></a></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Or if you prefer to listen to the experts, try out this podcast:
<b><u>The First Vision:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A Joseph Smith
Papers Podcast</u></b> </span><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/inspiration/latter-day-saints-channel/listen/series/the-first-vision-a-joseph-smith-papers-podcast?lang=eng"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/inspiration/latter-day-saints-channel/listen/series/the-first-vision-a-joseph-smith-papers-podcast?lang=eng</span></a></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">If you have a lot of time and want to search what different
prophets, apostles, and professors have said about Joseph Smith at BYU
Devotional, browse this curated collection: <b><u>BYU Speeches Collection</u></b>
</span><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://speeches.byu.edu/topics/joseph-smith/"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">https://speeches.byu.edu/topics/joseph-smith/</span></a></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">For a longer read, but very exhaustive, this is my second
favorite biography: <b><u>Joseph Smith: A Biography</u></b> </span><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/592733.Joseph_Smith"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/592733.Joseph_Smith</span></a></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">And saving the best for last, my favorite biography: <b><u>Joseph
Smith: Rough Stone Rolling</u></b> </span><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://deseretbook.com/p/joseph-smith-rough-stone-rolling-richard-l-bushman-5351?variant_id=104298-paperback"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">https://deseretbook.com/p/joseph-smith-rough-stone-rolling-richard-l-bushman-5351?variant_id=104298-paperback</span></a></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Have a great week!<o:p></o:p></span></p>Robert Sullivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157201715928291731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5248288329974630730.post-80115198645161741682020-01-05T13:53:00.001-08:002020-12-12T13:54:31.509-08:00Read 1st Nephi...Again<p><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Archive of messages sent while serving as a bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.</i></p><p class="MsoNormal">How many times have you read 1<sup>st</sup> Nephi? I would
have to think, for members of the Church, that reading 1<sup>st</sup> Nephi in
January has happened hundreds of millions of times. So, what will be different
this time? That’s up to you! <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">With the new resource of “Come, Follow Me” we all have new
tools and insights to help us with our studies this year. There is a concrete,
weekly reading schedule, questions and comments in the lesson manual (three
lesson manuals actually!), and the new videos the Church has produced. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">2020 is your year to dive into the Book of Mormon like never
before! Take advantage of all these tools and deepen your understanding and
testimony of this great book this year. You will feel an increase of the Spirit
in your life and a peace and happiness throughout the trials 2020 will bring.
You will become closer to our Heavenly Father and your Savior Jesus Christ.
There is great power in reading the Book of Mormon. <o:p></o:p></p>
<div style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border: none; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;">
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="border: none; margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; padding: 0in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Bishop Sullivan<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>Robert Sullivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157201715928291731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5248288329974630730.post-35063474432330106352019-10-13T13:50:00.001-07:002020-12-12T13:51:29.741-08:00From a Child<p><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Archive of messages sent while serving as a bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.</i></p><p>"And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to
make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." (2 Tim
3:15) In speaking to Timothy about the coming apostasy, Paul reminded
Timothy that he had known the scriptures since his youth, and would be
protected against false doctrines. </p><p>This year, the 'Come, Follow Me' study has helped our whole family be more
involved in the New Testament. We still have quite a ways to go to really
integrate the studies in our home, but we have definitely had the opportunity
to know more about Christ's life and the other teachings of the New
Testament. </p><p>As we end this inaugural year of 'Come, Follow Me' and look ahead to
2020's Book of Mormon study, I hope we can see the ways that this year's
study has "made [us] wise unto salvation[.]" That we can see how it has
helped our "faith which is in Christ Jesus." And finally, that we know and
continue to have faith that, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is
profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness." (2 Tim 3:16) </p><p>-Bishop Sullivan
</p>Robert Sullivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157201715928291731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5248288329974630730.post-23947177503110674212019-09-01T13:46:00.001-07:002020-12-12T13:48:44.769-08:00His Grace is Sufficient<p><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Archive of messages sent while serving as a bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.</i></p><p>Like Paul, we all have "a thorn in the flesh." We all have weaknesses, infirmities, and
difficulties. While it can be a struggle to face our own shortcomings, I find comfort in reading
from prophets, like Paul, who express their own disappointments. </p><p>It's comforting to know we
aren't in this alone. We know that others are combating their own thorns in life.
However, if we do ever find ourselves feeling alone and it seems as though life has dealt us a
more challenging hand than others, there is even greater comfort in knowing that there is one
who has overcome all in Jesus Christ. </p><p>This week's lesson allows me to share one of my all-time
favorite talks as Paul reminds the Corinthians that Christ's grace is sufficient for each of us to
overcome our weaknesses. In Brad Wilcox's talk with the same title he says, "When we
understand grace, we understand that God is long-suffering, that change is a process, and that
repentance is a pattern in our lives. When we understand grace, we understand that the
blessings of Christ’s Atonement are continuous and His strength is perfect in our weakness (see
2 Corinthians 12:9). </p><p>When we understand grace, we can, as it says in the Doctrine and
Covenants, “continue in patience until [we] are perfected” (D&C 67:13)."
Last week I asked if our trials really could be blessings. I think Paul answers that question this
week. Even if the only blessing is turning us to Christ so we can more fully appreciate the
atonement, yes our trials and weaknesses are blessings.
God lives and loves us. Christ's atonement is real. We can bring all our weaknesses to Him and
His grace will be sufficient to make weak things strong. </p><p>-Bishop Sullivan</p>Robert Sullivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157201715928291731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5248288329974630730.post-61922470208075077442019-07-14T13:30:00.001-07:002020-12-12T13:32:34.650-08:00Personal Testimony<p><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Archive of messages sent while serving as a bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.</i></p><p>About the middle of Joseph Smith History, the Prophet compares himself to Paul before
King Agrippa, which we read this week. I’ve always loved the sternness of Joseph’s
conviction in these verses. </p><p>Joseph’s and Paul’s testimonies are similar in their
conviction in the face of doubt. Joseph describes them this way:
“However, it was nevertheless a fact that I had beheld a vision. I have thought since,
that I felt much like Paul, when he made his defense before King Agrippa, and related
the account of the vision he had when he saw a light, and heard a voice; but still there
were but few who believed him; some said he was dishonest, others said he was mad;
and he was ridiculed and reviled. But all this did not destroy the reality of his vision. He
had seen a vision, he knew he had, and all the persecution under heaven could not
make it otherwise; and though they should persecute him unto death, yet he knew, and
would know to his latest breath, that he had both seen a light and heard a voice
speaking unto him, and all the world could not make him think or believe otherwise. </p><p>“So it was with me. I had actually seen a light, and in the midst of that light I saw two
Personages, and they did in reality speak to me; and though I was hated and
persecuted for saying that I had seen a vision, yet it was true; and while they were
persecuting me, reviling me, and speaking all manner of evil against me falsely for so
saying, I was led to say in my heart: Why persecute me for telling the truth? I have
actually seen a vision; and who am I that I can withstand God, or why does the world
think to make me deny what I have actually seen? For I had seen a vision; I knew it, and
I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it, neither dared I do it; at least I knew that
by so doing I would offend God, and come under condemnation.” (JS-H 1:24-25) </p><p>That strong testimony spread the gospel through the known world after Christ’s death
and fueled the restoration of the gospel in the latter days. Those testimonies continue to
change people’s hearts and people’s lives today. The lesson this week invites us to,
“Consider the opportunities you have to share your testimony.” I would add, after
considering the opportunities to look for your next opportunity and share your testimony
with someone this week.
Your own testimony will grow, and who knows who you will affect by doing so. </p><p>Have a great week! </p><p>-Bishop Sullivan</p>Robert Sullivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157201715928291731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5248288329974630730.post-79878016061665054662019-05-12T13:29:00.000-07:002020-12-12T13:33:56.648-08:00Graven Upon His Palms<p><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Archive of messages sent while serving as a bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.</i></p><p>“Yet will I not forget thee, O house of Israel.
Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me” (1
Nephi 21:15-16). </p><p>This is one of my favorite scriptures and illustrations of the atonement. The
thought of being “graven” on the palms of the Savior’s hands makes me feel the personalized
nature of His sacrifice. </p><p>Too often we believe strongly in what He has done and can do for others, but we fail to
understand that His atonement is for each of us individually. As we study the final moments of
Christ’s earthly ministry this week, consider what Christ did for you personally. </p><p>-Bishop Sullivan
</p>Robert Sullivanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18157201715928291731noreply@blogger.com0