New Guidelines on a disciplined member's level of participation in public Church meetings

30 August 2017

Bishops and Branch Presidents,

Lately we have had a number of stake and ward disciplinary councils. Typically when someone is excommunicated or disfellowshipped, they are given “terms” of their discipline including precise limitations regarding their participation in public Church meetings. For instance, usually they are instructed not to partake of the sacrament, not to use their priesthood (including temple attendance), not to sustain Church officers, etc.

Handbook 1 Section 6.9.3 states for those excommunicated: “He may attend public Church meetings, if his conduct is orderly, but his participation in such meetings is limited the same as for disfellowshipped members.”

In 6.9.2 it states for those disfellowshipped: “He is encouraged to attend public Church meetings, if his conduct is orderly, but he may not give a talk, offer a public prayer, partake of the sacrament, or participate in the sustaining of Church officers.”

In the past we have defined “limited participation” to include not participating in class discussions, not bearing testimony, and not singing in the choir. As I have met with these brethren in follow-up visits, several have expressed that one of the most painful aspects of the discipline has been the prohibition to participate in class discussions. It touched my heart and I began to prayerfully ponder the matter, study again the instructions in the Handbook, and seek counsel from the stake presidency and others.

I’ve concluded that I may have gone beyond the spirit of the Handbook’s definition of “participation in public Church meetings.” We invite you to consider the following guidelines in addressing this with those under formal discipline with whom you may be counseling in your ward or branch .

Possibly the key phrase in the Handbook is not “limited participation,” but “If his conduct is orderly.” In other words, as long as the member doesn’t verbally attack priesthood leaders, vocalize bitterness about the disciplinary process or bring shame to himself by divulging his disciplined status, we want him or her to feel the Spirit of the Lord by: (1) answering questions and expressing feelings in class discussions; (2) bearing testimony in class; and (3) singing the hymns including participate in choirs and special musical numbers. In short, a disciplined member should have at least some of the same privileges in public Church meetings as a non-member. 

We do not encourage allowing the person to bear his or her testimony in the monthly Testimony Meeting. A testimony over the pulpit is akin to giving a talk, which is specifically prohibited by the Handbook.

Finally, we leave to your judgment as to the level of participation you feel is appropriate for each individual within the specified terms outlined in the Handbook and/or in the follow-up letter from the stake presidency.

While this change may heighten the risk that the disciplined member will be asked to give a prayer, substitute teach a lesson or receive other requests that will make it awkward to respond, we feel the blessing of feeling included, wanted and needed outweigh the risk. We want these wonderful members, who willingly walk the thorny path of Church discipline and repentance, to feel some restriction of Church membership privileges, but not feel ostracized. 

Will you please communicate this change immediately to any with whom this may apply in your ward or branch? Yes, you may forward this email to them, if you feel appropriate.

Thank you,
President Lewis

P.S. The attached letter originated soon after a brother in our stake, who was under formal discipline, was called on to give a prayer in his High Priest group meeting and he had to decline. It was very embarrassing for him. Will you please remind leaders and instructors that all public prayers are to be assigned privately in advance.

Sharing the no-fundraisiing miracle with Elder Blunck, of the Seventy

29 August 2017

Elder Blunck,

As we continue to discuss the importance of reduce and simplify in CCM trainings, you may find interesting an experience in our stake. 

In 2012, soon after I was called as stake president I suspended—over the protests of many youth leaders--all fundraising for youth summer camps. I explained to our YMYW leaders that it is the parents’ responsibility to teach children how to earn or raise money. Our responsibility, as leaders in the Church, is to teach youth the gospel and help them apply it in their lives, not help them make money.

Then I promised them that if we were to eliminate the role of leaders to help youth raise funds for summer camps and if we were to return that responsibility to the parents, the Lord would bless our stake with adequate—even overflowing--funds for all of our budget needs plus reduce the financial burden of youth summer camps on families.

Now, five years later we’ve seen the miracle.

You may find the attached two documents to be helpful validation of the principle you are teaching us.

Best wishes,

Crismon Lewis

President, Mount Hood Stake

Reaching out to two families in the midst of law suits

29 August 2017

Dear (names of a couple),

Somewhere along the way, (name) learned that you met with me about a year ago relative to the marijuana grow incident that has led to you ultimately filing a suit or suits against him and possibly some patients.

Recently, he asked to meet with me to tell his side of the story. He shared with me some of the extremely blunt text and social media messages that have gone on between you. While he didn’t directly request it, I’m certain he was hoping I could prevail on you to either back down or modify some of the litigation. 

Frankly, I don’t want to get in the middle of any litigation. But my heart breaks when a disagreement between two families in the Church and in our stake reach this level. 

Is there anything I can do to help bring about a reconciliation? Would you like to meet again? I’m not interested in getting involved in debating each side’s story or or having to take sides…I love both families equally and can hardly stand the fact that an offense has reached this level of pain and suffering for both parties.

When the Lord gives a commandment such as “I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men,” (D&C 64:10) then I can’t help but want to do something to help both of you reap the blessings of fulfilling this commandment.

Is there anything I can do to help bring peace in both families? I’d welcome your counsel.

Gratefully,

Crismon Lewis

Remembering an old college friend Stephen J. Stirling

28 August 2017

Email to our family:

I happened to see a post today about pop violinist Lindsey Stirling dedicating a recent concert to her late father, Stephen J. Stirling, who passed away in January of this year.

I had a good friend at BYU my junior-senior years, who lived just down the hall in Hinckley Hall, by that name. I have thought of him often, wondering where he was and what he was doing. I once searched for him online but had forgotten the unique spelling of his last name (Stirling, not Sterling). He even came to Arizona once, soon after our missions (I believe), and just happened to attend our ward in Phoenix. It was so fun to see him again and reminisce. He was such a fun-loving guy, one you always wanted to be around because life was so full of laughs and kindness. So I hung out with him often, double dating, etc., even though he was a bit younger, that I recall.

It wasn’t until I saw this photo on Lindsey Stirling’s website that I realized her dad was my good college friend. I’m so sorry I never connected with him before he passed.

Thought you’d find interesting the connection.

Love,

Dad

Picture of my good friend Stephen with Lindsey as a little girl.

A tribute to my older brother Corwin on his 70th birthday

                                                                        14 August 2017

A TRIBUTE TO CORWIN GLENN LEWIS, MY BIG BROTHER!

It is my pleasure to pay tribute to my big brother on his 70^th birthday and his retirement from decades of devotion to his noble profession as an outstanding accountant.

I’m probably the closest person to Corwin, at least until he married Lynette, as he and I were often seen as inseparable brothers in our growing up years—almost twins. Though 14 months separated us in age, we were only one year apart in school so we shared many of the same friends, played on the same sports teams and spent years engaged in the same interests and activities.

Corwin was the ideal big brother. I’m confident the Lord knew what kind of role model I would need in my growing up years so He sent Corwin as the first boy to arrive in our family. Whatever Corwin liked, I liked. Whatever Corwin did, I did. Whatever Corwin said, I said. Whatever Corwin laughed at, I laughed at. We were not so much inseparable, I was his clone!

And what a blessing that was to me.

Corwin introduced me to the Brooklyn (later L.A.) Dodgers. We were loyal fans together, spending many a night lying on the floor in front of our large radio console in the Ajo home dining room listening to Vin Scully and Jerry Doggett make every Dodger game come alive in our young minds.

When Corwin chose to play the clarinet in the sixth grade band, I took up the clarinet when I entered the sixth grate. Later he switched to saxophone and I switched to alto clarinet.

When Corwin ran for student body treasurer his junior year and student body president his senior year at Ajo High, I clung to his coattails precisely—getting elected, I’m sure, because I was Corwin’s little brother.

When Corwin went to BYU, I followed a year later.

When Corwin went on a mission, I followed 18 months later.  When I left the Language Training Mission for Peru, Corwin—who was serving in the office of the Northern States Mission headquartered in Chicago—arranged to meet me (accompanied by his mission president, no less!) during my layover in Chicago. It would be the only time we would see each other in the four years spanning our missions.  (Yes, I later served in the office of the Andes Mission in Lima, Peru.)

Our parallel—almost identical—paths didn’t end there.

When Corwin got married in the temple to an amazing bride from an amazing family of faith, I followed by praying for and receiving an equally amazing bride from an equally remarkable family rooted deeply in the faith.

Corwin and Lynette wanted a large family, Vivienne and I wanted a large family. Both couples were richly blessed.

While our life paths, including professions, have had their share of differences, once Vivienne and I moved to Oregon in 1989 our mannerisms, interests and, to some extent, even our looks (until his hair started to turn gray and mine bald) began to mirror each other causing a double take for a variety of friends and even family members.

It should come as no surprise that our Church callings have followed an almost identical pattern, too, even though we’ve never lived in the same stake since our youth.

Not long ago we met up for a temple session. Our wives weren’t totally surprised to discover we were wearing identical ties.

Talk about a role model!

My life has been filled with joy because I followed Corwin’s example to happiness.

I will always be grateful for his steadiness in life, never getting flustered or even upset, that I recall.

His kind and gentle nature with children impressed me deeply and helped to temper my own impetuous parenting skill.

Corwin’s love for the Lord and the gospel of Jesus Christ also had an enduring impact on me. Corwin seldom, if ever, judged me, but always stayed the course of gospel faithfulness. It became the lifeline-beam that guided me to my own future of church service.

Corwin is more than my big brother. His footsteps were my footsteps. As we walked our life’s journey together—he a few steps ahead of mine—Corwin never let me down or took me astray. That’s not a role model. That’s a hero!

Happy Birthday, Corwin! Thanks for more than just great memories!

                                                                        With love, respect and admiration,

                                                                        Your little brother Crismon

Seeking the Area Seventy's counsel regarding an aspect of Church discipline

24 August 2017

Elder Blunck,

I write to seek your counsel.

My heart has been weighed down recently by a series of disciplinary councils. In the past 10 months we have had five such councils for holders of the Melchizedek Priesthood, including three high priests (including a former bishop) and a returned missionary who waited until his departure day to confess serious transgressions. Of the five, two have resulted in excommunication and three disfellowshipment. In my years of church leadership I’ve never experienced so many in such a short time. Frankly, it has been heartbreaking and wearying like no other time in my church service.

In setting forth terms for all of these brethren, in every case I have explained that they are encouraged to attend “public Church meetings” as described in Section 6 of Handbook 1, but that their participation is “limited.” As described in 6.9.2 that limited participation means they are not to offer public prayers, partake of the sacrament or sustain Church officers. I’ve also suggested that they are not to participate in class discussion.

As I follow up with these brethren, I have been touched that almost without fail they cite that one of the most painful aspects of their journey to complete and sincere repentance is the inability to participate in class discussions.

As I review the handbook, it occurs to me that I may have interpreted the spirit of “limited participation in Church public meetings” beyond the scope of the handbook instruction.

Before making an official change of direction, including notifying these brethren they are allowed to participate in class discussions, I would welcome your counsel. Do you see any problem with reversing the direction I have taken in the past?

In my opinion, here are the Pro’s and Con’s of reversing direction:

PRO: Not being allowed to participate in class discussions can make the disciplined member feel ostracized, that he has nothing of value to contribute. Moreover, teachers do not know who is under formal discipline thus creating the potential for some very awkward, even embarrassing, moments in the class when a disciplined member is called on to contribute in class discussion. Finally, non-members are allowed to speak in a Church meeting so a member under a no-participation restriction feels even less valued.

CON: Unable to participate in a class helps the disciplined member appreciate more than ever the blessing of membership and full fellowship with the Saints. Class participation heightens the risk that he will inadvertently expose his disciplined status and/or criticize priesthood leaders (though the risk is very low).

I guess as I write this it is even more obvious to me that I have been too strict in my interpretation of “limited participation in Church public meetings.” In fact, the word “limited” may be the key. If the Brethren didn’t want any participation by disciplined members, they would have said, “no participation in Church public meetings.”

Still, I will share this email with you and invite you to share any counsel on the subject or insights you may have gleaned from the Brethren. If you prefer not to comment, I will not be offended.

Thank you for listening,

Crismon Lewis

President, Mount Hood Stake

Appeal for single sisters along with senior couples to serve full-time missions

Email to Stake Presidency, Aug 8, 2017

Brethren,

You can read the emails below. It reminds me that in all of our efforts to encourage senior couples to serve full-time missions, we may have many single sisters who could and would serve if we only asked them. As you can see, Keli (I home teach her…so I’m very ashamed to say I never approached her about serving a mission) she was waiting for someone to “call” her.

I was so grateful she spoke up at dinner last night. And thankfully she went home last night and didn’t think, “What did I just say?” but her excitement just continued to grow. 

Will you please help me communicate to our stake that the Lord desires more senior members (only couples and sisters are eligible) to serve full-time missions? Just as we expect the wards to willingly to “give up" members to serve in stake leadership positions, I want us to demonstrate the same spirit of freely “giving” by encouraging more and more seniors to serve full-time or church-service missions regardless of their church position. (The Chuck Allens and Scott Hansens were especially good examples of this.)

I welcome all of us prayerfully considering members of our stake to recommend to bishops and branch presidents to help every adult member set a date as to when they plan to serve.

I also encourage all of us in our interviews that we plant a “seed” in everyone’s heart and encourage them to set a date…and, if older, consider serving now.

Thank you,

Crismon

Bishop May,

We had the privilege of having Keli Lowe in our home for dinner along with four missionaries. She shared how much she has wanted to serve a mission “now or in the future, it doesn’t matter.” She just was waiting for someone to “call” her :)

Will you please open an online file for her immediately and instruct her how to begin completing the missionary recommendation? 

Her preference is a humanitarian mission, but she noticed online last night that apparently only couples are called to the humanitarian effort.

What a wonderful blessing this will be for her and our stake!

Gratefully,

PrL

Dear Sister Keli,

Thank you so much for desiring to serve…wherever and in whatever capacity. We have a single sister in our stake now serving at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Hawaii and she’s loving it so much (who wouldn’t :) she asked to extend her mission. I think you’ll find you’ll be very pleased with the call you receive, though I will still put in my comments that you desire to serve in a humanitarian service, if possible.

I’ll ask Bishop May immediately to open a file online for you. Then when you log into www.lds.org you can begin to fill out the recommendation form. It’s a very friendly application and once completed, you’ll interview with the bishop and then myself. 

We look forward to helping you on this journey. Congratulations and thank you for your example to others in our stake!

President Lewis

Hello President Lewis,

So, after sharing with you the greatest desire of my heart last night about serving a mission. I came home and looked up mission opportunities for single sisters. The church has no humanitarian, or proselyting missions available to single sisters, which is a real bummer. But I still want to go. Where do I start?

Keli

Statement given prior to "early" reorganization of the Sandy River Ward Bishopric

Sandy River Ward, August 6, 2017

Brothers and Sisters,

On occasion personal circumstances make it challenging for us to serve in Church callings that are especially demanding.

After prayerful deliberation and in consultation with Bishop Dickinson, the Stake Presidency recently submitted a recommendation to the First Presidency. That recommendation was accepted and we have been directed to reorganize the bishopric of the Sandy River Ward.

We realize this is unusual to reorganize a bishopric after 13 months of service. Out of respect and love for Bishop Dickinson and his family we ask that you not speculate or pry as to the personal challenges or reasons leading to this action.

Bishop Dickinson and his counselors have served you well. There are very few leaders who have shown greater love and concern for ward members than your bishop. One of the ways we can show our gratitude is to remember Bishop Dickinson and his counselors in our prayers.

Therefore, we have released with deep appreciation…

·   Norman Dickinson – Bishop of the Sandy River Ward with

·   James Dunihoo – 1^st Counselor

·   Glen Smith – 2^nd Counselor

We invite you to join with us in expressing your gratitude for their outstanding service with the uplifted hand.

Will the following please stand?

It is proposed that we sustain…

·   Jeremy S. Kato – Bishop of the Sandy River Ward with

·   Anthony Glenn Smith - 1^st Counselor

·   Robert T. Pierce - 2^nd counselor

Those in favor may manifest by the uplifted hand.

Those opposed by the same sign.