The temple is not a conduit into the Spirit World for mortals

27 February 2018

Comment sent to a 79-year-old brother in the Church, who pines out of loneliness after his wife passed away 13 months ago. I had asked him if he had felt close to his wife while in the temple.

He responded that he had not, even though he had attended weekly and spent a lot of time in the celestial room.

I responded: Thanks for sharing. I wouldn’t be too concerned about not feeling close to her. I suspect it’s not necessarily common to feel the closeness of a deceased spouse in the temple. That is not the purpose of the temple. It’s simply that something happens occasionally for some people (but not very many, from my observations). I suspect the Lord doesn’t make that one of the main purposes of the temple (to be a conduit into the spirit world) because we would linger and not move on with our lives--something He wants us to do so He can continue to use us as an instrument in His hands to move forward in good works (church and community service, helping our families, home teaching, encouraging and lifting others, sharing the gospel, seeking out temple names, etc.—all the good things you’re doing) to bless His children while we’re still in mortality.

Concerns about a member on parole or probation

14 February 2018

Presidents Hansen and Christiansen,

In meeting with President Westover last night, he raised the question of (name).

As you know, (name) was arrested, jailed and later pled guilty to a felony in a plea bargain for a crime involving a minor (sexting). Unfortunately, it’s a felony and now Justin is on 5 years of parole or probation, we’re not sure which (Justin says parole).

President Westover reports (name) has made some signifiant changes in his attitude and life and feels he is worthy to begin using his priesthood again. In fact, he has begun to administer the sacrament and accept a calling as teacher of the Gospel Principles class. He appears to be living an exemplary life and is already quite popular in the branch (i.e. others follow his lead).

It’s only natural that (name) is now asking if he can get a limited-use temple recommend.

I could only find the reference in Handbook 1, 10.3.14 that prohibits someone on parole or probation from being baptized until they have resolved all criminal action with authorities.

While the Handbook doesn’t appear to address worthiness restrictions on those who already are members of the Church, I would think that we should be very careful in what we allow Justin to do until his criminal obligation has been fulfilled. And yet we want him to have as many opportunities as possible to build on the changes he’s made subsequent to his court action. He knows he should not expect to be able to serve a mission. But should he be allowed to go to the temple with a limited-use recommend?

I would welcome your insights, experience or counsel on the matter.

You may remember that (name) of the (ward) was jailed for several years and when he returned home he was still under parole or probation restrictions (and is today), including checking in with a parole/probation officer, no driving, no drinking, etc. I don’t remember how long it was (at least 6 months, I believe), but as he worked closely with Bishop (name) he eventually was allowed to use his priesthood. His membership record shows he had a temple recommend issued in 2014 so that would have been AFTER his prison time. So we have somewhat of a precedent here, though I am beginning to wonder whether that allowance by us was appropriate or not. His recommend has since expired and, frankly, I don’t think he ever used his recommend, even when his son (name) was endowed.

I’m copying this to President Westover for any additional information he wants to contribute to the discussion.

I appreciate your counsel.

Thanks,

Crismon

A plea to protect accordion curtains in stake center

12 February 2018

Stake and Ward Leaders…

Over the past few months, the Church has had to repair the accordion curtains in the stake center that separate the cultural hall and the chapel overflow area. It can cost up to a thousand dollars or more each time.

We have been asked by Church Facilities Management (FM) to help protect the curtains when basketball and other games are being played where players have a tendency to run into the curtains. 

The best protection we can think of is to ask that before playing games—like basketball, soccer, dodge ball and other indoor sports—that the curtains be opened so their exposure is limited.

It’s also been suggested that we invite spectators to sit in the chapel overflow area so players won’t have a tendency to run into the next set of curtains that lead into the chapel.

Please help us address this concern immediately.

Gratefully,

The Stake Presidency

Bishops Hulet, May and Miller and President Ibarra…Please forward this email to all members of your ward or branch council and encourage them to forward to leaders within their organizations.