Concluding remarks given at funeral service for Suzi Lewis

24 January 2017

Suzi Lewis Funeral Service

January 24, 2017

Remarks by Crismon Lewis

·   While we do not know most members of the Lewis family, we can’t help but love this family because we knew and loved Suzi…and we knew of her love for us and you.

·   A blessed posterity because two wonderful people came together and chose to be a family.

In preparing for this message, I had impressed on my mind the scriptural phrase “the sting of death,” which I have pondered.

The phrase was used by:

·   Paul to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 15:56)

·   Abinadi in King Noah’s court (Mosiah 16:8)

·   Aaron, one of the sons of Mosiah, to the king of the Lamanites (Alma 22:14) and

·   Mormon in his final words to all of us (Mormon 7:5).

Where Mormon uses the word “also” suggests that there is a distinction between the other common phrase used with it, “the victory over the grave,” suggests that the two are very different elements in the Plan of Redemption.

Almost all references of “the sting of death” are combined with the assurance that this “sting” is “swallowed up in Christ.”

While the “sting of death” may be a reference to those of us who mourn the loss of a loved one, it may also reference another dimension to the death “event” itself.

Just as we’ve come to learn that the Atonement of Jesus Christ addresses sin so we do not have to suffer the full measure of justice required when we transgress or sin…and just as the Atonement assures us all that we will be resurrected, a gift to all mortals…thanks to Alma’s discourse to the people of Gideon (Alma 7:11-12) the Atonement also provides a sustaining influence in our lives to help us endure, even make it through, the trials, troubles and afflictions of mortality.

This latter blessing provides yet a third dimension to the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

We may get a glimpse of how “the sting of death” is swallowed up in Jesus Christ by this reference in D&C 42:46: “And it shall come to pass that those that die in me shall not taste of death, for it shall be sweet unto them;”

This is confirmed in both the New and Old Testament.

·   See Revelation 14:13: “…Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.”

·   See Psalm 116:15: “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.”

When we begin to hear words like “sweet, blessed, precious” in reference to death, we can’t help but wonder: “How can this be? How can something so sad and so sorrowful be described with words like those?”

The answer lies in the words of the Book of Mormon prophet Jacob: “For as death hath passed upon all men, to fulfill the merciful plan of the great Creator, there must needs be a power of resurrection, and the resurrection must needs come unto man by reason of the fall; and the fall came by reason of transgression; and because man became fallen they were cut off from the presence of the Lord.”
(2 Nephi 9:6)

When we understand the purpose of death—that there is a Plan—then we can appreciate how “the sting of death” is swallowed up in Jesus Christ.  Suzi understood and believed in the Plan and so death must have been sweet unto her despite the pain of her illness and the loneliness of separation from her family here on earth.

Because of the Plan brought to earth by angels (Alma 12:28-30), Suzi knew and understood…

…We lived before this life and accepted Heavenly Father’s Plan for His children; we even “shouted for joy,” the scriptures say (Job 38:7).

…We witnessed the creation of this magnificently beautiful earth that we would populate;

…We trusted in Adam and Eve that they would come to realize they must instigate the Fall—it was not a mistake—but fulfilled the purposes of God so that families could be created, children could be born and so that we could know pain, sorrow, disappointments, happiness and joy (2 Nephi 2:25)…and yes, even death (2 Nephi 9:6);

…We trusted in Jehovah, a God, to join us in mortality and break the bands of death (Alma 34:9-10)—it can be said that all of us who live and lived on this earth had faith in Christ even before He was the Christ;

…We have come to learn through prophets that God trusted in us to walk this thorny path of life and to learn of Christ and walk the path Jesus marked (D&C 19:23);

…We are taught that death is not the end, but the door to eternal life where we might not only live WITH God but become LIKE God our Heavenly Father—the magnificent end result of this marvelous Plan of Salvation, Plan of Redemption, even Plan of Happiness.

We join with Elder Bruce R. McConkie who said in General Conference: “We rejoice in life. We rejoice in death.” (October General Conference 1976)

Yes, we are to mourn at times like this…in fact it is part of our baptismal covenant to “mourn with those that mourn.” (Mosiah 18:9) But the covenants we make bring us comfort even in death.

As Elder L. Tom Perry, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, once described in a General Conference (tribute to his wife, who had recently passed away (when I read this it reminded me of you, Vaughn):

“And it shall come to pass that those that die in me shall not taste of death, for it shall be sweet unto them.” (D&C 42:45–46.)

“I understand this scripture now as never before. Even though there is great loneliness without her, her passing was sweet because of the way she had lived.

“In tribute to her today, I recommend to you her way of life. I watched service consume pain. I witnessed faith destroy discouragement. I have seen courage magnify her beyond her natural abilities. I have observed love change the course of lives.” (April General Conference 1975)

As I contemplated what would Suzi want me say to her posterity, my mind went to this scripture:

“Wherefore, my beloved brethren [family], pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons [and daughters] of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen.” (Moroni 7:48)

I testify that your mother and grandmother lives. She truly led the way and even marked the path for each of you and us. I know she lives because I know He lives. And because the Savior lives we can all enjoy the victory over death and witness  “the sting of death” being swallowed up in Jesus Christ.

Helping Trinity Lutheran Church with Emergency Preparedness training

20 February 2017

Stake leaders and bishops,

Below is a brief write up from Sister Kim Donovan, our stake Public Affairs Director, about how she, Dennis Tanner (our stake Emergency Preparedness Specialist) and our resident preparedness expert Julie Milburn, of the Damascus Ward, all participated in an evening presentation on Emergency Preparedness for members of Trinity Lutheran Church in Gresham.

A member of that church had contacted us asking for expertise and ideas on how to prepare for an emergency. It was a wonderful community outreach. We are so grateful for these wonderful stake members who were able to help the congregants of another faith.

The Stake Presidency

On February 15, Dennis Tanner, Julie Milburn, and Kim Donovan were invited to the Trinity Lutheran Church in Gresham to present an emergency preparedness class. It was truly a night of loving our neighbors and following our Savior’s footsteps. The three of us ate dinner with the Lutheran congregation which had 28 people in attendance. The conversations were so incredible. The people reached out to us and truly demonstrated love to all of us and the LDS church.
Brother Tanner was well prepared and demonstrated information about storing water and starting a 72-hour kit. Sister Milburn taught about what and how to store food storage. She brought samples and made a 24-hour kit for each person. Julie didn’t stop there; she even offered to help or take people to the Bishop’s storehouse.
It was amazing that people had no idea on how to prepare for an emergency. Everyone seemed motivated to start in a small way with acquiring emergency supplies. They were all taking notes in addition to getting all the handouts which were provided for them. It was a beautiful night with some incredible people who went out of their way to show us love. We felt the spirit as we got to know our neighbors. 

Extending our summer camp funding policy to non-members

21 February 2017

Bishops and Branch Presidents...

After much deliberation and thanks to a sizable surplus in 2016 funds, we have decided to change the 2017 Summer Camp Funding policy so that the fee schedule for non-member youth is the same as for member youth, including Young Women and Scout camps.

While we see this as an excellent opportunity to invite non-members (and their families) to get involved in your Scout units, Young Women activities and other youth summer camp plans, our preference is that this will apply to non-member youth who have been actively involved in your Young Women, Scouting or other youth programs prior to the summer camp—and not just a one-time summer activity at a very attractive price.

Please communicate this by delivering a copy of the attached letter to your Ward Council members, especially YM, YW and Primary, and ask them to deliver a copy of the letter to all families with non-member youth currently participating in your youth programs and other families they want to invite.

We hope this will be a blessing to many families in our area. 

The Stake Presidency

Plan to re-emphasize Scouting in our stake

21 February 2017

Bishops and Branch Presidents...

We feel a compelling need to give the Scouting program in our stake a “re-set.”

As a consequence, we are asking you to CANCEL all Young Men activities and plans on Wednesday evening, April 26, so that (1) you, (2) your counselors, and (3) all ward Young Men and Scout leaders (including Scout Committee chairs) can attend a special Stake Scout Leader training at 7:00 pm that evening, April 26, at the stake center. This is to include the 11-Year-Old Scout leaders, too, but not the Cub Scout leaders.

The training, under the direction of Presidents Lewis and Christiansen, will include break-out sessions so you’ll want all of your ward AP-YM-Scouting leaders to receive this training.

We chose to conduct this training on a Wednesday evening so your ward YM leaders won’t have to commit to an extra night that week to ensure we get maximum attendance. It is VERY important all AP-YM and Scouting leaders attend! 

We also realize you may have a combined activity already scheduled for that evening. If so, we hope this is adequate notice to adjust your plans so that ALL involved with YM and Scouting can attend this training.

For wards with Mutual on Thursday evening, you have the option of canceling your YM program the following evening.

The Young Women are to still meet as usual on the evening of April 26. Only the Young Men’s program is cancelled. This training is for AP, YM and Scouting leaders, not Primary-Cub Scout leaders.

Finally, we ask that Young Men leaders come in full Scout uniform, if possible, or with as much of a Scout uniform as you have. If you don’t have any part of a Scout uniform, please try to obtain all or some of a uniform for this training, but don’t use this request as a reason not to attend. We need ALL YM-Scout leaders at this meeting.

The purposes of this training will be:

1. To explain how Scouting works within the Young Men's program;

2. Which elements of Scouting can help each ward Young Men's program function more effectively;

3. How to build a solid YM and Scouting program with planning, follow-up and accountability.

We look forward to meeting with you and your AP-YM-Scouting leaders on Wednesday, April 26. Please put it on your calendar!

The Stake Presidency

Thoughts on temple service to President and Sister Watts

28 February 2017

My dear, dear friends (President and Sister Watts)…

I’ve had a few thoughts I wanted to share with you in hopes they might be helpful. Vivienne and I love you very much and will always be grateful for the privilege of serving at your side that enriched and blessed our lives in more ways than we can number.

We both enjoy the blessing of temple service and thank you for your leadership at the temple as it continues to bless all of us. You are both doing a magnificent job!

1. We talked with our son Seth on Sunday evening. He had just returned from a High Priest quorum meeting in the Eugene Stake where the entire meeting was focused on encouraging more HP to serve in the temple. There were just two speakers: a newly called temple worker, who had already had a life transformation through his temple service, and a long-time temple worker. Seth said the topic was as a direct result of your visit to their stake. Nice job!

2. Thank you for recommending a number of brethren in our stake, who are not serving in the temple, to serve in the baptistry. We appreciate the encouragement you gave and the help it will be to those families.

3. Each Wednesday after our shift, we often stay to do ordinances rather than fight the rush-hour traffic. Last Wednesday we performed some sealings. We both came away feeling like Brother Jensen (a sealer on the Wednesday evening shift) was especially effective in his calling. He wasn’t too fast, nor too slow, he was just right (as the nursery story goes). He was very gracious, not a lot of chit-chat or joking and was sensitive to everyone’s time schedules and needs. Thought you’d like to know your sealers are doing a great job.

4. We enjoyed having President and Sister Lundgreen at our stake conference last weekend…and doubly glad that you were able to join us as well. I’m sorry that we didn’t recognize you in the audience. That was my oversight. Please forgive me. I know you’re not looking for recognition, but we want our stake to appreciate the blessing of a having a temple presidency member in our stake.

5. As you well know, there are few things a stake president yearns for more than to make a difference, some how to “move the needle” in a way that measurably impacts the work of the Lord in our area. I’m sorry to report that I haven’t moved the needle in this stake to any extent in this stake. We haven’t grown (we’re the lowest baptizing stake in the mission), our sacrament meeting attendance has inexplicably dwindled to 41%, our endowed with current recommend holders is a disappointing 67% (our goal is 80%) and less than 20% of our young men serve missions.

Some three or four years ago when I realized my leadership was failing in so many areas, I had this thought that there was something I could do that I could control: I had my own sweet experience serving in the temple soon after being released as your counselor, I could recommend more from our stake to serve in the temple. I began working with the bishops and, in a short time, we had more than doubled the number of temple workers (ordinance, veil and volunteers) serving in the temple from our stake. We now have 93 serving in the temple, but I think our high point was 107. With the addition of the baptistry workers you’ve helped bring on, we should be well over the 100 mark soon, so thank you! I believe temple service has been…and continues to be...a true blessing to the stake!

Please know I’m not looking for a pat on the back (I’m just personally grateful that with all my weaknesses, I was able to make a measurable difference in at least one area of the Lord’s work…and I am so grateful there is this opportunity for our members to be so richly blessed by serving in the temple!). What I would appreciate when a member of the temple presidency visits and speaks at our stake conference is for you to recognize and thank the many temple workers in our stake. I believe you will find more of our stake’s members will desire to serve in the temple when they realize so many others among us are reaping the blessings of temple service and how helpful it is to the temple and to each of our families and posterity. (I realize I’m preaching to the choir right now after hearing my son tell what an impact you made in his stake by pleading for more to serve in the temple.)

Elder Costa had a wrap-up meeting following the general session with the stake presidency last Sunday. He invited the Lundgreens and Ballards to join in. At one point, he asked the Lundgreens, “Does this stake provide a lot of temple workers?” Sister Lundgreen replied, “Well, I recognize a lot faces as temple workers and even patrons.” That was nice, but it would have been extra nice if she had numbers or at least a recognition that the Mount Hood Stake had made an extra effort to provide temple workers. When the Ponds visited our stake, they would often say over the pulpit something like, “We realize you are not very close geographically to the temple, but your stake is among the highest contributors of temple workers in the temple district and we appreciate it very much.” That’s all it would take for our members to know their sacrifice is appreciated.

Please know this is not shared in the spirit of criticism, but only as a suggestion. Please do not forward this email to others in the temple presidency, but maybe there will be an opportunity to address this in the future. You can really help our efforts to recommend even more to serve in the temple when a temple presidency member thanks the workers in our stake and expresses added appreciation for their sacrifice in time and distance.

Thank you for letting me share. As you can see, things haven’t changed, have they? You still become the brunt of my L-o-o-o-ng emails :) Sorry!

With love,

Crismon

In response to a discussion in High Council meeting on appropriate teachings at baptismal services

20 February 2017

Dear Brethren of the High Council,

As you know, we had a lively discussion yesterday regarding baptismal services.

I need to apologize for suggesting, in response to a comment by Don Hokanson, that the Handbook lists other topics besides baptism and Holy Ghost for talks at a baptismal service. As best as I can tell, he was right and I was wrong. The Handbook and Preach My Gospel read as follows in the outline of the elements of a baptismal service (Handbook 2, 20.3.4):

“One or two short talks on gospel subjects, such as baptism and the Holy Ghost.”

As a stake presidency, in hopes of helping to change the tone of baptismal services in our stake, we have amplified the list of recommended "gospel topics" to include: “Restoration, the Godhead, the Atonement, principles and ordinances of the gospel, priesthood authority.” I’ll add another one: “The purpose and blessing of making covenants through ordinances.”

Some of you may be asking, why is the stake president so worked up over this?

My concern has grown over the years after attending MANY baptismal services in our stake and elsewhere…and so you’re getting the “eruption.” :) So please forgive me if I have been too adamant or been insistent that my view is “the one and only true view.”

My concerns arise from the fact that whenever “baptism” is the assigned topic at a baptismal service, members almost invariably focus on the “cleansing” aspect of baptism so that it’s taken out of proportion to the purposes and blessings of this sacred ordinance, as spelled out in the Bible Dictionary and as referenced by Brother Hokanson in our meeting yesterday.

While baptism is “for the remission of sins” and truly past sins are now and forever in the past, speakers on the topic often use that to infer falsely that baptism makes us “perfect” and that there’s a “quick fix” to repentance—to repent all we have to do is to take the sacrament and we’re instantly made "as clean as the day we were baptized," or confess to the bishop and God has forgiven us, or stop doing that which is evil (forsake sins) and we’ve repented.

This “quick fix” teaching would suggest that the best thing that can happen to the baptismal candidate is for them to die right now because they’re now “perfect.” Or how sad it will be when you start making mistakes by clouding your one-and-only moment of purity. Or that you can get a quick fix in the future by renewing your baptismal covenant at the sacrament table, as if the sacrament was a “magic pill that absolves sin.” Or, because of your “perfect state," it’s only downhill from here.

The "quick fix" causes members to yearn to be baptized again even though they've been taking the sacrament for years.

Moroni warned us that “quick fix” traditions would arise when he prophesied in Mormon 8:32 that the Book of Mormon would come forth “…in a day when there shall be churches built up that shall say: Come unto me, and for your money you shall be forgiven of your sins.” It’s called “indulgences” in the churches which fulfill Moroni’s prophecy and practice it today.

Please know that I don’t think our stake is on the road to apostasy…certainly not anything akin to the apostasy described by Moroni, but I am concerned that we are teaching an inappropriate view of repentance at baptismal services to children, converts, members and non-member friends alike.

There are no “quick fixes” to repentance. 

There is a reason the Handbook states that severe disciplinary action, such as disfellowshipment “usually lasts at least one year” and excommunication “almost always lasts at least one year.” (Handbook 1, 6.9.2 and 6.9.3) 

That’s because repentance is not accomplished by us completing a checklist of things we must do (taking the sacrament, confessing, forsaking) but…

…by us becoming “born again; yea, born of God…become new creatures…” (Mosiah 27:25-26); 

…by making and keeping covenants (Mosiah 5:7); 

…by our hearts changing so much that we abhor the very sins we once embraced (Alma 13:12);

…by witnessing our sorrow and regret being replaced by joy (Alma 36:19-20);

…in short, by the Lord giving us a new heart (Ezekiel 36:26)!

All of this takes time through Godly sorrow, dedicated personal devotion (including fasting, prayer, study, pondering), faithful observance of the commandments, regular renewal of covenants, consistently turning our heart to the Lord and seeking only His will in our lives. The Lord then turns us into “new creatures” (Mosiah 27:26) as we commit to a “godly walk” (D&C 20:69).

This is what is not being taught and it weighs on my heart as your stake president. 

Again, if I have offended and overreacted, please forgive me. I invite you, even ask you, to please help us teach correct doctrine in all of our meetings and worship in this stake and avoid teachings that would undermine the many truths we are so blessed to have in the fullness of times.

It is an honor to serve and associate with you. 

Crismon

Letter to First Presidency requesting an exception to the Handbook boundary rule

6 February 2017

Office of the First Presidency

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

47 East South Temple

Salt Lake City, UT 84150

Dear Brethren,

In accordance with Handbook 1, 13.6, I respectfully request authorization to permanently transfer (or in this case, retain) the membership records of Marlo and Marcee Dean to the Powell Valley Ward, of the Mount Hood Oregon Stake. Their member numbers are 000-2867-166A and 000-2867-1678 respectively.

The Deans have lived within the Damascus Ward boundaries for many years, but their records were moved to the Powell Valley Ward on 24 July 2011 by then-Stake President Richard Hansen. We do not know if President Hansen obtained First Presidency approval for the transfer.

President Hansen (now Elder Hansen, of the Seventy) obviously directed the record transfer because Marlo Dean, who once served as bishop of the Damascus Ward, apparently had come under considerable harassment, even persecution, related to a political controversy involving the newly created City of Damascus, Oregon. Brother Dean had been elected to the City Council during a highly charged period experienced by the new city government. The vitriol apparently spilled over into the Damascus Ward and the Deans became the target of other members’ discontent. According to Brother Dean, ward members left anonymous, threatening notes on his car in the church parking lot and, at his home, there were acts of vandalism to his car (nails in the tires).

I am attaching a few documents and pieces of evidence in support of the political controversy and attacks on the Deans (see 1-a, b, c, d), provided by Brother Dean.
We have no way of verifying the truthfulness of Brother Dean’s claims.

Subsequent to and in consequence of the political firestorm, Brother Dean declined to run for re-election around 2012 and by 2016 city residents voted to dissolve the city government altogether and go back under the umbrella of the county government.

Nonetheless, the pain and hurt feelings remained with the Deans. Brother Dean obsessed over the incident to the extent that he withdrew and became less-active in the Church. Sister Dean continued to serve faithfully in the Powell Valley Ward.

Last fall, I felt impressed to visit Brother Dean and subsequently call him to serve on the High Council—an “Amulek experience” as described and encouraged by President Uchtdorf in his October 2016 General Priesthood message.

Thankfully, after prayerful consideration, Brother Dean accepted the call and has served faithfully ever since on the Stake High Council.

Things were going so well that in December of last year, following the passing of Sister Dean’s elderly father (also a member of the Powell Valley Ward), I approached the Deans and explained that the stake presidency felt it was time—and “safe”—for them to return to the Damascus Ward, the ward of their residence.

Attached is a series of three communications that followed:

2 - Marlo Dean Letter 30 Dec 2016 – Brother Dean explains why his feelings are still raw and asks that their records not be transferred back to the Damascus Ward.

3 – Pres Lewis Response 2 Jan 2017 – President Lewis explains why the stake presidency believes there is ample evidence that the Deans could, and should, return to the Damascus Ward without fear of offense or reprisals.

4 – Marcee Dean Letter 28 Jan 2017 – Sister Dean responded by sharing, for the first time, her deep feelings why their concerns are still very real and to please allow them to remain in the Powell Valley Ward.

I must confess that Sister Dean’s letter was especially compelling, even causing me to reverse my personal feelings so that I now request an exception to 13.6 in Handbook 1 allowing the Deans to remain in the Powell Valley Ward. The Stake Presidency has discussed this extensively and concurs with this recommendation.

Thank you for giving this your consideration.

Sincerely,

Crismon S. Lewis

President, Mount Hood Oregon Stake

Unit No. 515795                                   

An Epistle to the Sandy Seminary students

At the request of Sandy Seminary teacher Nancy Hansen, I prepared the following Epistle to the students as they began studying Pauline Epistles in their New Testament course:

14 February 2017

An Epistle to my friends (see D&C 84:77) in the Sandy Seminary

Dear students,

I salute you as a “a chosen generation” (1 Peter 2:9) of the last days—the youth of a noble birthright! Personally, I feel grateful and honored that I am privileged to live in the day when you are on the earth.

You have so many years ahead of you. And while the world cries doom and gloom, you hold within your heart the true gospel of Jesus Christ and know with a certainty that it is a message of hope and happiness. That is why so many of you—I hope all of you—will serve a mission to share with as many of God’s children as possible the thrilling news of the gospel truths…

…that God lives and is a loving Heavenly Father, who has a plan of happiness for each of us;

…that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, whose Atonement and grace makes it possible for us to return to our Heavenly Home to live with our heavenly and earthly parents;

…that we are “heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17) and have before us a magnificent future filled with goodness, love and joy;

…that the Gospel has been restored to the earth in its fullness, that our loving Heavenly Father speaks to prophets on the earth to help us return safely to His presence;

…that priesthood authority is on the earth to bless and heal us in this oft-times painful journey back to Heavenly Father’s presence;

…that each of us has been given the gift of agency to choose God (see Moses 7:33) and to follow His Son, giving each of us the magnificent opportunity to create our own eternal family;

…that enduring to the end, not giving up on living the gospel, when the world mocks us or cries that it’s too hard, knowing that the most prized gift of eternal life awaits us. (2 Nephi 31:20)

I am so proud of each of you that you have made a commitment to attend Seminary and to show your love for the Lord by rising early to learn of Him and to listen to His words (D&C 19:23). You are truly the “children of light” (1 Thessalonians 5:5) and, as your stake president, I rejoice in the blessing and privilege of associating with you in this majestic work of the Lord.

With love and admiration,

Crismon S. Lewis