Hello Sisters and Brothers,
We hope this message finds you doing well. We know that you are likely experiencing some level of disruption in your life related to the pandemic. We hope that your are finding the love and support you need to help sustain you. Perhaps, now more than ever, this is an opportunity for us to strengthen one another. We are, after all, in this together!
We would like to direct your attention to a few important matters:
Fast Sunday: Tomorrow is fast Sunday. What a wonderful opportunity to seek strength and guidance from our Heavenly Father through fasting with a purpose. Perhaps you have some specific needs or concerns. Or, perhaps this is an opportunity to seek guidance for how you can support others during this difficult time. President Russel M. Nelson has asked us to join him in fasting for relief from the COVID-19 pandemic. Please take a moment to listen to this invitation from the Lord’s prophet:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Administering the Sacrament: For those members/families who do not have a priesthood bearer in the home or in cases of illness; or if the individuals do not want to have contact with others at this time, the sacrament emblems can delivered and priesthood holders can offer the sacrament prayers by video (please first discuss with the Bishop if this is the selected option). The member can be notified and it can be left on the porch rather than handed directly to the member. Please let your ministering brothers, Elders Quorum Presidency, or member of the Bishopric know if you have a need or concern here. We desire ALL members to receive the blessing of the sacrament.
Missionaries: We have the great blessing of having full-time missionaries in the ward. Elder’s Sutton and Watkin would love to share a spiritual message with your family, neighbor, or friend (by video, of course). In fact, I can’t think of anyone that wouldn’t benefit from a message from the Lord’s anointed servants. Please consider inviting the missionaries to share a message with your family or friends. In addition we have the blessing of having Elder’s Patrick, Castlemain, Dugan, Nibarger, and Rhoades that returned, or will be returning shortly from their overseas missions. Elder’s Patrick and Castlemain have completed their full-time missions. Elder’s Dugan, Nibarger, and Rhoades will be home until they are reassigned to stateside missions. Please consider having these missionaries share lessons with your families. When will our ward ever again have so many full-time missionaries to minister to us?
General Conference Broadcast, April 4-5: President Nelson has invited us to prepare for this special and historic conference by studying and pondering the restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ in the latter-days. We also invite you to more fully prepare for General Conference by taking time this week to read the accounts of the first vision and subsequent restoration of the precepts, ordinances, principles, and organization of the Church of Jesus Christ and contemplate the great blessings of His latter-day works.
We love you and invoke the blessings of the Lord upon you. We have great anxieties and desires for your temporal and spiritual welfare. Please reach out and care for one another during this unique time of isolation. Your love and service will provide peace and comfort to many. We would also have you know that there are brighter days ahead. We look forward to seeing you again soon, face to face.
Sincerely,
Heritage Ward Bishopric
Bishop Cory Rhoades
Justin Ashton, 1st Counselor
Gregory Ehardt, 2nd Counselor
Chris Becker, Ward Clerk
Nick Godfrey, Executive Secretary