Stake Priesthood Leadership Training

On Tuesday, June 5, 2012 the Stake Priesthood Leadership Training was well attended. Crismon was pleased with the attendance as there is just three times a year they have an opportunity to train, two times are connected with stake conference.

Crismon spoke for 30 minutes in the general session on the doctrine of God's love then taking it into an explanation of the gospel principle "Everyone is needed." He taught that there are those who are marginalized in the church—less actives, new converts, those with special needs, young single adults, part-member families, elderly and youth. He posed the question: How do we engage them in activities?

Typically, we visit these people with the attitude that they need us—they need the temple, prayer, missions, family home evening, etc. And they do. But these members seldom, if ever, hear us say to them through our actions or visits: "We need you!"

He then taught them there are three tools that we can use, as leaders, to help these marginalized groups feel needed:

1. Callings: When new ward members' records are read over the pulpit, he challenged the bishops to also sustain them to callings.
2. Indexing: It's simple and can be done at home; everyone can feel needed via Indexing.
3. Service: Projects are ideal for helping youth become outward-focused and to invite their friends to participate with us.

After the first 30 minutes of instruction, they separated into break-out sessions where they discussed in more detail the three tools with Melchizedek and Aaronic priesthood leaders.

In the final 30 minutes, they all gathered in the cultural hall where each ward had a semi-circle of chairs waiting for them so the bishopric could conduct an abbreviated Ward PEC meeting and how they wanted to apply the tools they had learned about that evening.

First Bishopric to be reorganized under Crismon's direction

On May 20, 2012 a new Bishopric was called in the Tickle Creek Ward. Scott Howes is the new Bishop with Robert Stephenson and Derick Conklin as his counselors. Larry Nicholson was released as Bishop and his counselors, Leon Enz and Russell Hokansen.

Rob Stephenson, Bishop Scott Howes, Derick Conklin

Bishop Howes shared a spiritual experience he had several years ago. He was driving home contemplating about accepting a job offer he just received that would require moving out of state. The spirit prompted him not to accept the job as he was going to be called as a Bishop in his ward. He didn't accept the job, but stayed in Sandy, OR. Two years later he was called to serve as Bishop.

June 7th a training was held for the new Bishopric by Presidents Lewis and Baird. Vivienne did a training with the wives.

Judy & Rob Stephenson, Ericka & Scott Howes, Derrick & Carrie Conklin