September 7 2020 - Important Message From Our Stake Presidency

Important Message From Our Stake Presidency 

PDF can be found in this link: www.ashtonstake.org

 THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS 

ASHTON IDAHO STAKE

Dear Brothers, Sisters and Children of the Ashton Stake,

Over the unusual times we have experienced in the past 5 months, there has not been a single individual that has not been affected by the current situation in one way or another. To some, it has been a
physical or emotional concern, to others it has been loss of work or stability at work, to others perhaps a decline (or increase) in spirituality, and for our young children perhaps the anxiety that comes with
overhearing about all of the turmoil and unrest taking place today. Regardless of the situation we have been experiencing, a couple things remain a fact:

1) The Lord oversees His church and he is actively giving guidance to our dear prophet, church leaders, and each member that is genuinely seeking it.

2) Many individuals are needing the blessing that comes from the 2nd great commandment —"love thy neighbour as thyself".

We know from Ether 12:27-28 that the Lord puts us in situations that instill growth and add value to our souls. Sometimes we are slow to catch His majestic vision or maybe we do not have the necessary
information to put it all together in a way that makes sense but eventually, and every time, the Lord is proven to be our Redeemer and Savior in our myriad of trials we each face on this earth.

With that being said, as a Stake Presidency we have prayerfully considered the appropriate time to resume holding sacrament meetings in the chapels. Due to the many complications and concerns that have surfaced over the last 5 months it has taken a while to get to the point where we can start the process of getting back to normal. We now feel that September will be the month to start meeting
again. The method will be gradual to allow for learning curves and adjustments to be made to the process as well as for members to carefully dip their toes in the water to test how they can each best handle this situation. We would lovingly ask that each one of you approach this phase with love in your heart for 'the other member' by understanding that not everyone is in the same situation as you are.

With that in mind and putting ourselves aside, we can better emulate the character of the Savior in our own actions, just as the sacrament prayer suggests we do by taking "upon them the name of thy Son".

One of our major concerns has been how to avoid contention. The solution has always come down to one thing: it will only happen if every member has love for others. The great plan of happiness does not have anything to do with masks. For this reason, we must refrain from judging others (mask or no mask) and use this opportunity to practice what we have always proclaimed to believe in - charity. Our love as a stake presidency for each of you is deep and is real. Our desire is that we can all share this feeling of compassion for each other. Your ward leaders will announce the day and time to come to sacrament meeting this month and please come, with love in your hearts, to fellowship each other while we worship the Holy One of Israel!

Below is an outline of the protocol we would like everyone to follow in each ward and building as we begin our ascent back to our usual schedule:

• Maintain physical distancing. Ushers will help guide members where to sit but in general we encourage spacing between families or groups. Let us make this a place where the spirit can be felt without anyone feeling like their space or safety is being invaded.

• Please help those whose health or age may put them at a higher risk to find a comfortable place to participate in sacrament meeting.

o If you feel that you are in a higher risk category, we recommend you continue to stay home and communicate with your Bishop about sacrament in your home or being brought to you.

• If you or anyone in your party have not been feeling well or if you have been around others that have not been feeling well it is advised that you not attend the meeting.

• We will be requiring priesthood holders to wear a face mask while administering the sacrament.

• Face masks are encouraged at this time. Your Bishop will keep you informed of any changes to this.

• Please use the provided hand sanitizer as you enter the chapel and if needed wipes will be available to self-clean the area around your seats.

• Choirs will be suspended until further notice from your Bishop.

We want all of you to know that we love and sustain President Nelson as our latter-day prophet. We will always listen to his direction and give heed to his council. We sustain the twelve apostles as directly chosen officials of Jesus Christ, our redeemer, and we will continue to support them in all they do. We pronounce our love for you individually, desire to help you in anything that we can, and look forward to mingling with you again in the meeting houses on Sundays. Please join us in making this a phenomenal end to 2020 as we continue the celebration of the 200th year of the coming of our Savior to begin the restoration of this wonderful gospel which has blessed our lives so dramatically!

With Love,
Ashton, Idaho Stake Presidency