Helping families, especially parents, embrace the new Children and Youth Initiative

28 December 2019 

Email from Bishop (Name):

President,

There are a few reasons as to why we opted to have a standard Sunday. 

First, we have felt that much of the information was included in the Nov. 17th broadcast with Elder Gong, and we have really been implementing the new program pretty much already in the ward with the Youth. 

Second, we are anxious to get our YW class presidencies in place, so we plan to do that this Sunday, before the start of the new year (we have not had a class since early in the month.

Third, I only received the guidebooks last Thursday so we put plans in place for this Sunday in advance of receiving the books.

At this point we are planning on handing out the guidebooks during the standard class time this Sunday and making some announcements to the parents in Quorum, RS and Primary. We also are planning to have teachers help get the ring sizes for the ordering of the emblems. As you know the emblems should start arriving in March, we are considering a fifth Sunday combined meeting in march to hand out the emblems and do a review of what is working and what's not after we have been rolling a bit longer. 

I appreciate the suggestions for the second hour discussions, we will likely use that information in March, at this point we have quorum and class teachers prepared to teach this Sunday and I do not want to change things last minute. I also am trying to stay in line with what I think the church is doing by having families and parents take the lead on this new program. I am really hoping that families watched the broadcast and are engaging in the program with their children and aren't looking to the "church" to spoon feed them but take charge for themselves. Of course we plan to communicate and support, but I do want it to be clear the program is different (home led and much more individualized).

Thanks,

Bishop (Name)

MY RESPONSE: 

Bishop (Name),

Thank you for sharing these reasons.

First, let me say that it is your decision and I support you in it.

I appreciate your desire that parents will take the lead. While the Nov 17 broadcast was wonderful, there are still a lot of questions parents must be asking. Why else would the Brethren send out a 10-page FAQ after the broadcast? While most of the document was for leaders, parents did not receive it and the information in that document will help them. 

Personally, I would think you would want to take every opportunity to meet with the parents as often as possible to help them:

• Appreciate they’re not alone and the Church leaders will be there every step of the way to help;

• Understand their role in the new initiative (the paradigm shift is significant from (1) helping their children get to their meetings, and (2) “push” them to complete their Personal Progress or Scouting ranks to now becoming very involved in helping their children set goals and, with church support, achieve their goals—working together to help all youth become converted;

• With ideas on how to help their children use the new guidebooks;

• Understand why parents, families and leaders would benefit by setting their own goals in the 4 areas—as an example and as a learning exercise;

• When to step in and maybe not step in the goal-setting process (to give youth confidentiality, when they want it);

• What it means that the bishopric is now focusing on the youth and what are your expectations of individuals and families as more responsibility is shifted to the RS and EQ presidencies;

• With our “home-centered” focus, how are parents to interface with youth leaders and teachers to work together in helping their children become converted? When and where will that happen and how often?

• What is the expectation of parents of class and quorum presidency members? What more can parents do to help?

Etc.

I realize you want to cover all of this in March, after everyone has had a chance to try it for a while. I personally don’t think parents will figure this out that quickly after generations of the “old” way. Sending a signal to parents that the bishopric has a vision as to how families, especially parents, can embrace the new initiative is, in my opinion, very important right now. 

And, equally as important, is helping children and youth to realize there is an expectation that they are to work with their parents first on the goal-setting and, if parents are “absent,” church leaders will be there, too.

I hope you’ll find a way to communicate that to ward members, especially parents, beyond an announcement in EQ and RS this Sunday.

Thank you for giving this your consideration.

President Lewis

 

Reminder to bishops to use this Sunday, Dec 29, to introduce the new Children and Youth Initiative to families

27 December 2019

Bishops and Pioneer Branch President,

This Sunday—our final 5th Sunday of 2019—is ideal for introducing parents and children (everyone 8 years and older, if you choose)  to the Children and Youth Initiative again, but this time with more details as to how it will look in your ward, such as:

1. Distributing to children, youth AND parents a copy of the new guidebooks you received in the mail last week and reviewing how the guidebooks are to be used by the youth at home and at church;

2. Giving time to the children and youth to discuss (with their parents, if the choose) some ideas of the types of goals in the 4 areas they want to consider pursing;

3. What the weekly (or regular) children and youth activity meetings will look like in your ward and how they will be different than before (especially for boys and young men, who were involved in Scouting before);

4. How some quorums and classes may be grouped differently for Sunday meetings or weeknight activities;

4. How service is to take more of a center stage in the program;

5. How families can use the Church websites more effectively to help their children and youth increase in the 4 areas identified in Luke 2:52;

6. When the children and youth can expect their emblems of belonging (and maybe even take the time to obtain sizes for the rings) that you’ll need before placing your order;

7. Why the emphasis on quorum and class presidencies and how the presidents will now meet regularly in a Ward Youth Council;

8. Make parents aware of the youth protection training all adult leaders are to complete immediately (see New Initiative To Do’s the stake leaders prepared in early December);

9. Review the new YW and YM themes that youth will recite often;

10. Allow time for Q&A so everyone understands the plans and expectations.

I know this is late bringing this up if you weren’t already planning to use your 2nd hour this Sunday in this way (I know most of you are). And it is strictly your decision, but I strongly encourage you to consider using this Sunday to visit with parents, youth and children about the new initiative and to distribute the new guidebooks to children, youth and parents.

Thank you for your leadership of the new initiative as it launches in your ward / branch on Jan. 1.

President Lewis

P.S. If you are not planning to introduce the new initiative in your ward / branch this Sunday, will you please reply privately and explain your plan for introducing the new initiative to families in your ward / branch?

Discussing what the Stake YMYW leaders should teach to the youth in upcoming second-hour presentations of ward conferences

14 December 2019

Paul,

Thank you for sharing these. They are wonderful questions and should lead to excellent discussions.

My concerns are that by the time they go through just a couple of these questions, I suspect they’ll have the same 4-5 young people answering all the questions. Do you know if the stake leaders are planning to break the youth into smaller discussion groups or some other teaching tool so they find a way for everyone to participate?

Finally, there are some questions that could be asked that are maybe even of more importance, in my opinion:

1. President Nelson says the purpose of the new Children and Youth Initiative is to help the rising generation stay on the covenant path. What is the covenant path that he’s talking about? 

2. What are the covenants on that path and how can each covenant bless us in our future lives?

3. Why does God want to make covenants with us, His children?

4. How will the new initiative help me prepare to make covenants and stay on the covenant path throughout my life?

Maybe others...

5. What does it mean to become converted? 

6. Why is conversion to the gospel so important in today’s world?

7. How does Satan try to push us off the covenant path? And why?

Feel free to add other questions, if any come to mind. 

My concern is that the proposed questions below seem to focus on the “nuts and bolts” of the program and not on the outcome—conversion to the gospel of Jesus Christ. The purpose of the new Initiative is more than a self-improvement plan…more than to help the youth become better people in those 4 areas...but the final, overarching objective is to help them desire to live and love the gospel of Jesus Christ…and never forsake it.

Please express to our wonderful Stake YMYW leaders my thanks for sharing these wonderful questions and for continuing the discussion.

Gratefully,

Crismon

President,

Here are a list of questions and answers from the handbook that Sis. Dobson put together for potential questions during 2nd hour presentations.  We will be discussing with YM/YW presidencies tomorrow.  They are great questions and could lead to wonderful discussion with the youth!  Because of this focus and wanting to allow time for full and open discovery, I am not recommending spending as much time on the questions or showing the seminary video.  

The topic of personal conversion and how the new youth initiative can lead to this conversion, how questions and seeking through work can also lead to conversion, and how studying the Book of Mormon and first vision as the prophet invited can lead to personal conversion will be the focus as of now.  Let me know if you have strong feelings to the contrary before meeting tomorrow.  I definitely want to let the Stake YM/YW leaders counsel together after these recommendations are introduced so I will let you know a final outline once agree upon by them.  Thanks.

Paul

Sent from my iPhone



Here are a list of questions we came up with and below are some answers from the guide books. I am fine with adding other questions, rewording, or taking away some of them. 1)Why do we have this program and what does my Heavenly Father want me to gain from it? 

2) Why is the program focusing on the four categories of Spiritual, Social, Physical, Intellectual?

3)What can leaders do to help you with this program?

4) What can parents do to help you?

5) Where do you think the Lord is trying to take you with these goals?

6)What will be most difficult about taking part in this program?

7) How can you as a youth group support and strengthen each other?

8) How can I use personal revelation to accomplish my goals?

Below are the same questions with answers from the youth guide book, and parent and leaders guide book see below (I realize the youth will be coming up with their own answers but this could be a guide for us and we can direct them to these answers if needed, hopefully they will have these booklets by then) We can also use it for our leadership training 

1) Why do we have this program and what does my Heavenly Father want me to gain from it? 

You Have a Purpose

“Your Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, know you and love you. You are an important part of Their work, and you can make a great impact on the world. Heavenly Father has given you talents and spiritual gifts. You can seek revelation to know how to develop your talents, become more like Jesus Christ, and make yourself, other people, and even the world better. This personal development guidebook offers principles and tools you can use in your efforts to develop your gifts and follow Jesus Christ.”

2) Why is the program focusing on the four categories of Spiritual, Social, Physical, Intellectual?

“Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” LUKE 2:52

You Can Follow the Savior

Heavenly Father wants His children to learn and to grow. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to be the perfect example for all of us in every way.

SPIRITUAL Jesus increased in “favour with God.” You can grow spiritually by showing your love for God and your willingness to live the gospel.

SOCIAL Jesus grew in “favour with . . . man.” You can grow socially by showing love to all people.

PHYSICAL Jesus grew in “stature.” You can learn to work and take care of your body, your mental health, and God’s creations.

INTELLECTUAL Jesus grew in “wisdom.” You can study in school, learn new skills, and improve your talents.

3) What can leaders do to help you with this program?

Leaders, What is my role? 

Assist parents and the bishopric in guiding and inspiring young women to understand their identity as daughters of God, prepare for temple covenants, and fulfill their divine purposes. Guide class presidencies as they lead, minister to, and serve the members of their classes.

What do I do?

 Set an example as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Guide the class presidencies as they prayerfully plan and help teach lessons from Come, Follow Me—For Young Women. Encourage them to lead in planning and carrying out service and activities that will help young women to grow in all areas of their lives. Offer additional support to young women who need it.

Where do I start? Get to know the young women individually. Talk with the young women, their parents, and the bishopric about how you can support the young women’s growth. Pray to know how you can help your class presidencies succeed in their callings

4) What can parents do to help you?

Parents, What is my role? 

Be a righteous example to your children. Teach them how to grow in all areas of their lives. Find ways to help them learn the joy of keeping covenants, discovering new talents, and doing hard things. Help your family grow closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and live the gospel in daily life.

What do I do? Let your children know how much you love them. Be involved in their lives. Prayerfully identify their individual needs and plan gospel study and activities to address those needs. Regularly share your testimony with them. Talk with leaders about how they can help support your children.

Where do I start? Continue to talk with and listen to your children. Pray about how you can support them. Help them discover and begin working on areas of learning they are interested in. Start or continue family prayer, gospel study, service opportunities, and activities to help your children grow.

5) Where do you think the Lord is trying to take you with these goals?

6)What will be most difficult about taking part in this program?

7) How can you as a youth group support and strengthen each other?

Quorum and YW Presidencies 

What do they do? 

Presidencies should strive to be true disciples of Jesus Christ as they help each member of the quorum or class feel loved and discover the joy of living the gospel. Under the direction of the bishopric, quorum presidencies lead Aaronic Priesthood holders as they officiate in the ordinance of the sacrament. Both quorum and class presidencies lead in gathering Israel on both sides of the veil and in caring for those in need.

Where do they start?

 Presidencies learn their duties from the Lord and from their leaders. They pray for quorum or class members and get to know their needs. They support them in becoming disciples of Jesus Christ. They counsel together about which lessons, activities, and service will bless and strengthen the youth and bring unity to their quorums or classes.

8) How can I use personal revelation to accomplish my goals?

Questions 3,4,7 Remember, your growth is up to you, but you aren’t meant to do it alone. Your Heavenly Father wants to help you, and you can ask your parents, leaders, and friends for help. Look for opportunities to help others in their growth as well. Heavenly Father wants His children to love and support each other. 

In response to a father's concern that we announced to YSA branch leaders that his son was removed from the branch and YSA activities

The father of a son who was put on restriction wrote:

President Lewis, I am curious why you are asking this read to the branch council. We don't do this to excommunicated members anymore, which makes me wonder why we would do this for (Name)?

-(Name)

In response:

(Name),

I’m sorry this is so painful, not only for Justin but especially to you and Dorinda, I’m sure. Again, I’m so very sorry.

As to your question, we no longer announce disciplinary action, like an excommunication, to the entire body of the priesthood, but we still make it known to key leaders so the member under discipline is not called on to give prayers, substitute teach, etc.

I felt it important that leaders know for several reasons:

1. So branch leaders would know the facts and could clarify should rumors arise, including set the record straight that Justin was NOT excommunicated or disfellowshipped, if that rumor should start.

2. Even though (name of son) did not hold a leadership position in the branch, his influence simply due to his popularity and time in the branch was significant. At first, I had suggested to President Lindhorst that I might want to go into the EQ and RS meetings and make the announcement myself to all the branch members. But decided to confine the announcement to the leadership.

3. I wanted to send a signal to the branch via the leadership that attending the YSA Branch is a privilege and there is a line of conduct that, if crossed, will be addressed. 

I hope this is helpful. If this has caused additional pain, please forgive me. I have no ill will toward your family; in fact, I pain deeply for the suffering this whole incident has caused you and others. 

President Lewis

My story of when I faced a faith crisis while on my mission in South America

Dear amazing, wonderful children…

Mother and I send our heartfelt love for each of you and express our deepest gratitude on this Thanksgiving Day for your faithful dedication to living the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I have felt to share with you a personal experience that includes a 7-page letter that I received from my father when I faced a faith crisis while on my mission. I’ll let you decide when to share both of these letters with your children, if at all. 

A number of friends and stake members are facing challenges to their testimonies today. I hope the attached letters will be a blessing to you and your family should the need ever arise in your home.

With love and gratitude,

Dad Lewis

Thanksgiving 2019

Dear Children and Grandchildren,

Recently in my personal study I have found my heart turning to the growing number of friends who are questioning their own  testimonies because of concerns about Church history or even some doctrines.

You may not be aware that your father (grandfather) also underwent a faith crisis.

It happened in the summer of 1968. I was 19 years old and had been called to the Andes Mission departing in February 1968. After three months in the Language Training Mission (MTC today), eight or so of us elders flew from Salt Lake City via Chicago and Miami to Lima, Peru. My first assignment was to Guayaquil, Ecuador arriving in late May or early June.

Within 2-3 months my testimony was shaken.

A young man in our small Guayaquil Branch asked my companion and I if we could administer to his non-member uncle, who was seriously ill in the hospital. It threw me into a bit of a panic. I was still very much struggling with the Spanish language and, while I had seen an administration of the sick on a variety of occasions, I had never participated in giving such a blessing. In those days, you received the Melchizedek Priesthood and subsequently endowed in the temple only a few days before departing on your mission.

So I quickly memorized my part of the administration (anointing of the oil) in spanish and we proceeded to the hospital. Afterwards as we came out I told my companion, “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if he were healed and his family came into the Church?” 

My enthusiasm was dashed three days later when our young branch member informed us that his uncle had died.

I was personally devastated and began to question everything about my faith. A few days later I wrote my father a letter asking, “What happened? I thought this Melchizedek Priesthood was supposed to help, even heal, people?”

In short, I let him know I wanted to come home if I couldn’t reconcile some things in my heart about this Church, the gospel, administration of the sick, and even why I was on a mission.

For history’s sake, and in hopes it may benefit you if the need should arise, I am enclosing a copy of my father’s tender, seven-page letter that “rescued” me personally and kept me on the mission.

His words of counsel set me on a course of deep gospel study and personal prayer...constantly looking for the Lord’s hand in my life—evidence that He was really there and cared that I was on a mission.

The answers have come over a lifetime of waiting upon the Lord with many subtle impressions, the unmistakable feeling of His arms around me in difficult times, and a few rare occasions where I had what you might call a “bonfire” experience.

One of those significant turning points came a year after my faith crisis. I was still on my mission now serving in the mission home in Lima, Peru as the Andes Mission Public Affairs director. I regularly drafted news releases in Spanish about an open house or other event. Routinely I would add a paragraph or two at the bottom of the news release something to the effect that “the Mormon Church was the only church with 12 living Apostles” or some other distinguishing characteristic of our faith in hopes it would make it into print and reach a reader seeking truth.

This one time I decided to share the story about the First Vision at the end of the news release. As I always did before, I took my final draft into the mission president for him to review my Spanish grammar and vocabulary before copying and distributing to the media.

As I returned from the mission president’s office, for whatever reason, I decided to re-read the news release to myself one more time. As I read the story of the First Vision—a story I had told countless times by memory—the Spirit came over me and in an indescribable way “transported” me to that magnificent  moment in a sacred grove. I’m not suggesting I saw the Father and the Son, but suddenly I was on very sacred ground and I knew that the First Vision truly happened just as Joseph had described it.

I still don’t have all the answers that caused me to question my testimony, but I know with all my heart that our Father in Heaven has the answers and, if I continue to trust in Him and His timetable, all things will be made known to me to my full satisfaction.

For I know He lives and loves us; as does His Only Begotten Son, our Savior. And They have established Their Church on the Earth today with Prophets and Apostles (even with mortal flaws) to guide us back to the safety of our Heavenly Home.

If you also find yourself struggling, will you please lean on my testimony and patiently wait on the Lord? I promise you the answers will come and He will convey to your heart enough assurance that you, too, will know what is true and real.

With the deepest of love and affection for each of you,

Your loving father and grandfather Crismon S. Lewis

Acquainting bishops with gender dysphoria and gender confusion and what to do when it arises among youth

25 November 2019

Bishops and Branch Presidents,

Gender confusion (aka gender dysphoria—defined as a dissatisfaction with life) can be very confusing indeed.

Sadly, it is quite popular in some schools. 

In fact, it’s not unusual for youth to be told by friends at school that they need to make a decision about their gender—everyone else is having to decide. Are you bi-sexual, trans, queer? Not only is the whole question bizarre to our generation, there are now laws protecting those who choose to act on their gender dissatisfaction.

While we don’t feel gender dysphoria is so prevalent that it merits a stake devotional to teach parents, we suggest bishops and branch presidents get acquainted with the subject so you can address it when it surfaces among your youth.

LDS Family Services recommends that, when a young person brings it up, bishops should not try to address it but simply (1) acknowledge with sympathy. 

You might say something like this: “I’m sorry you’ve been wrestling with this matter. It must have been painful to keep this to yourself for so long.” 

And then follow that up with: “There are professionals in the Church who can help us understand gender dysphoria and how to help you. Would it be OK if we visited with your parents and then help you and them learn more at LDS Family Services?"

Recently LDS Family Services conducted training on gender dysphoria. I attended it along with a number of others from our stake. Attached is a 2-page document with highlights from the training. This is not mean to be the final word on the subject or even training on gender dysphoria, but hopefully these training notes will be of help in your understanding.

If you would like additional training on the subject, please let me know privately and the stake presidency will consider arranging for Matthew Scott, manager of the local LDS Family Services office, to conduct a presentation to leaders and others in our stake.

We hope this is helpful.

President Lewis

Gender Dysphoria

Highlights from LDS Family Services training

Some key points from training conducted by LDS Family Services on Nov 12:

PRESSURE IN SCHOOL: It’s very common for youth to have friends in school who will come to them, even at a young age, and say something like: “Hey, what’s your gender identify? Everyone is making that decision and you need to, too.” That’s one way youth can begin to wonder if they were born in the wrong body.

FEELING SHAME: Those in the Church, who are wrestling with their gender identity, are being told by friends in the LBGT community things like: “Your family and church won’t understand your feelings, if you tell them how you feel. They’ll stop loving you.” So we are to constantly give assurance that our love will never end because of issues like this. We do not want to “fix” them but help them deal with it. 

ADDRESSING THOSE FEELINGS: Telling a young person “It’s OK to be gay, just don’t act on it” or “pray away the gay.” These statements are harmful and only cause more shame. Instead, give assurance that we love them and will do all we can to help them. Let’s go together to LDS Family Services and learn together.

THERAPISTS HANDS ARE TIED: Oregon law (and the laws in many other states) ban therapists from trying to change anyone who declares they are dealing with gender dysphoria. Therapists must, by law, affirm and acknowledge that the feelings are real. LDS Family Services usually approaches it by attempting to identify depression, anxiety or relationship issues, which are often the root cause of gender confusion issues. Conversion therapy of any sort is absolutely banned.

INTERNET CONCERNS: We can help parents understand that unlimited access to the Internet is often at the root of gender dysphoria. When youth can access LGBT websites, it’s easy for them to become obsessed with gender issues. And for reasons of fear and shame, they may not tell anyone but obsess in silence leading to depression and anxiety, among other emotional issues. It’s vital that parents monitor their children’s access to the Internet and social media.

PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIPS: The parent-child relationship and communication is key to helping young people deal with gender dysphoria. Parents who do not panic, but show unconditional love will be the greatest help to their children struggling with gender confusion.

FROM A MEMBER IN OUR STAKE WHO ALSO ATTENDED:

IT’S ABOUT LOVE: Be understanding and show acceptance.  Love them anyway! Each individual is a beloved child of Heavenly Parents who know that individual's eternal plan-—and we don't.

DON’T JUDGE: Be kind, don't judge, and meet the individual where they are at.  We may be the first (and only) person they talk with about their struggles.

NO LABELS: Don't label, and encourage the individual to not label themselves.The worldly approach is to label, while Heavenly Father's approach is individualized and with an eternal perspective. The individual (and those around them) need time to prayerfully come to understand who they are and Heavenly Father's individual plan for them. This may be a years-long, or even life-long, process.

BE CLEAR: We are still developing the words to describe all of this, and these words can mean different things to different groups and individuals. It’s common in the church to use the term 'same-gender attraction' to describe the individual's mortal challenge, and we should do the same. The world uses labels as 'gay' and 'LGBTQ' to describe both a sexual orientation and a lifestyle. I believe one can live with 'same-gender attraction' sexual orientation and not lead a 'gay' lifestyle.  I also have known same-gender couples that don't appear 'gay'.

MISUNDERSTANDINGS: Science is trying to catch up and it is years behind. In many cases what is known may be ignored and/or misconstrued by lawmakers and activists to achieve their own goals. This can be seen in laws limiting a professional (physical and mental) health care provider's ability to discuss care while being legally forced to support a minor's self-diagnosed gender dysphoria. We are working and living in an imperfect environment trying to make informed choices based on a lack of information.  

3 TYPES OF DYSPHORIA: It is not well known but there are three different types of dysphoria. It can make a big difference talking about them. Each one is so different, and their symptoms and needs are just as varied.

MIXED MESSAGES: Other mental and psychological needs are involved with all gender dysphoria types. These often include depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, and more. Counseling should be a part of the health care as soon as possible in order to address these. However, counseling is not to “'fix” an individual because they are “broken” due to same-gender attraction.  Counseling is to help the individual develop the tools to manage the mental, emotional, and psychological challenges that are a part of it. Heavenly Father created them to be happy. They often need help in figuring out how to do that because of the mixed messages they receive (church vs. world). 

PERSPECTIVE: Work to keep an eternal perspective, and help the individual increase theirs. In other words, “Don't Give Up On Your Child”' or “Don't Give Up On That Youth!”  Telling an individual with gender dysphoria and same-gender attraction “no partner'”or “no companionship” based on the law of chastity may be obvious to the person giving the advice, but it may be too much for the individual—pushing them away from the gospel. When, given time to draw closer to Heavenly Father and gain a stronger testimony, they may come to that realization on their own and choose their own individual way to live the law of chastity.

FAMILIES: Please don't forget about the other members of the family.  They need support, too.

TRUST AND PATIENCE: Finally, trust our Heavenly Parents and our Savior to know what is best for their child regardless of age. I believe this also applies to trusting them that things will work out-somehow. Do we condemn the addict because they give in to their physical addiction?  No. Same-gender attraction is another mortal challenge to work through—not an eternal death sentence. 

Removing a Young Single Adult from the Mt Hood YSA Branch

24 November 2019

TO: Pertinent priesthood leaders

Dear Brethren,

After consultation with the stake presidency and President Lindhorst, I visited today with (parents' names) and their 23-year-old son (name) and informed him and them that his membership record will be moved to his family ward, the (Name of Family Ward) effective immediately.

I explained to (name) that membership in the Mt. Hood YSA Branch is a privilege and because of several recent incidents, he has lost the privilege of attending the YSA Branch or any of the official Church-sponsored YSA activities at the branch, stake or multi-stake level, including the YSA gatherings on weeknights for basketball and volleyball.

(Name) is allowed to continue to attend Institute, Pathway and other classes at the Gresham Institute.

I realize this is an unprecedented move, but the circumstances are such that merit this action. I explained to Justin that his service in the family ward and personal dedication to living the gospel will tell us at what point he can return to the YSA Branch, if he wishes.

I further explained to Justin that he begins today his full-time “mission”; he is to become his first “convert.”

Bishop (Name), when you return from your family vacation this week, please give me a call and I’ll give you more details. We ask that you welcome Justin back to the ward and that you promptly find a place for him to serve in the ward; he can serve in the Primary, but not with the youth.

Brother (Name), will you please move (Name)'s membership record right away or instruct a ward or branch clerk to do so?

We will draft a statement for Brother (Name) to read, on behalf of the stake presidency, to the YSA Branch leadership next Sunday announcing this action in hopes of avoiding rumors.

Gratefully,

President Lewis


ANNOUNCEMENT TO YSA BRANCH LEADERSHIP:

Dear Mount Hood YSA Branch Leaders,

We are sorry to announce that the membership record of (Name) has been moved to his home ward.

Membership in the Mount Hood YSA Branch is a privilege and because of recent incidences (name) has lost that privilege. 

Furthermore, (Name) has been asked not to attend any official Church-sponsored YSA activity, including branch, stake and multi-stake YSA activities. And he is not to attend the weeknight branch Family Home Evening or the YSA volleyball and basketball gatherings. 

He is encouraged to continue attending Pathway, Institute and any other classes at the Gresham Institute.

We want you to know that this is not an attempt to ostracize (Name) so please reach out to him and maintain your friendship. Our hope is that this period of time in the family ward will be a blessing to (Name) as he aligns his priorities and lives the gospel in a higher way.

Gratefully,
The Stake Presidency

Changes to High Council speaking assignments and Ward Conference Ministering Visits

23 November 2019

TO: Bishoprics, Branch Presidencies, Elders Quorum Presidencies and High Councilors

Dear Brethren,

In light of the emphasis of our Sake Organization Training last Tuesday and a High Councilor's recommendation, we are pleased to announce the following two important changes:

1. HIGH COUNCILORS SPEAKING: Effective January 2020, High Councilors will be assigned to speak in ward and branch sacrament meetings on the third Sunday (not the second Sunday, as in the past). This will ensure High Councilors are available to attend Elders Quorum meetings on second Sundays of the month. 

High Councilors are assigned to speak every month of 2020 except March and October. When the ward or branch conference is on the third Sunday, the High Councilor will be excused.

2. WARD CONFERENCE MINISTERING VISITS: In conjunction with ward and branch conferences, the 4-on-4 ministering visits will be principally with the elders quorum presidency and not the bishopric, as in the past. Please review the attached 2020 ward conference plans under "Ministering Visits" on page 2 for more details.

Brother Schumacher will send you separately the tentative date of when your Ward Conference Ministering Visits are scheduled.

We appreciate you adjusting your calendar and plans accordingly.

Gratefully,

The Stake Presidency

In response to a member of our stake who said he has forgiven, but can't forget

31 October 2019

Brother (Name),

It was nice to visit with you last night. Thank you for leading the way in helping families in our stake find “LDS-friendly” Scout units, if they desire. I appreciate you copying me on the text you sent Jason. I look forward to receiving his response.

I am equally grateful you brought up concerns about your family eventually moving into the Damascus Ward and the reasons you do not want to attend that ward. As I mentioned, we can certainly submit your concerns in an appeal for a boundary waiver to the Presiding Bishopric.

 

Candidly, (Name), the more appropriate answer is to plead with you you to seek help in applying a “healing ointment.” I will be happy to help you with that, if you would like.

So before we make that appeal to the Presiding Bishopric in the coming months, will you please review this talk by Elder Duncan in General Conference?

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2016/04/the-healing-ointment-of-forgiveness?lang=eng

Furthermore, I don’t consider it a coincidence that my personal study this morning—my Come, Follow Me study of the epistle to Philemon—led me to a timely set of verses in Mosiah 26. As you’ll remember, this is where King Mosiah had asked (authorized) Alma (senior) to take charge of the Church—all ecclesiastical duties in the land of the Nephites. 

In answer to Alma’s pleading as to how to set up and administer the affairs of the Church of Jesus Christ, we receive a rare set of verses where we have the Lord’s answer to Alma's prayer word for word. It goes from Mosiah 26:15 - 32. The direction is amazingly explicit as to how to help church members become “my people.” (vs. 17)

I caught my breath when I read verse 31, as it referenced those who say they’ve forgiven but haven’t forgotten.

I hope it will be helpful to you, too. Please know I don’t condemn you nor can I feel the full the measure of pain you have suffered through the (Name) offensive behavior and words. All I know (after having a daughter and her three children move into our home recently as protection against an abusive ex-husband) is that forgiveness is real and liberating. 

Thank you for following this counsel as we anticipate your move into the Damascus Ward.

I look forward to visiting with you about the Scouting concerns you have shared. You and your family are a true blessing to our stake.

President Lewis

Responding to a request involving "competing revelation"

31 October 2019

President (Name),

Thank you for giving this your devoted due diligence in arriving at these wonderful recommendations.

As you may remember, I cautioned against recommending Brother (Name)—not that he’s not an excellent choice, but that I knew his bishop, who is also having to make a change in his bishopric, was seriously considering (Name) as a counselor in the Tickle Creek Ward bishopric. So when I approached Bishop (Name) for worthiness clearance, he said that he was about to submit Clay's name to be called into the (Name) Ward bishopric.

It’s a little unusual to encounter “competing revelation” and, as you can imagine, it gets very awkward for us. It will be awkward for you, too, when you encounter two organizations asking for the same person at the same time. 

You are both inspired, but just as there’s not a “one and only” in marriage (until after we’re married, of course:) there’s not a “one and only” who can serve in either bishopric/presidency. In this case, where Bsp (Name) had mentioned to me previously of his intention (but first wanted to seek confirmation in prayer) and where you have a much larger “pool” (the entire stake) to draw from, I need to ask that you consider another brother to serve as your second counselor.

President Westover has in the past given his clearance to Bro (Name). So that recommendation is a go so far. I have written both President Westover and Bishop Miller for confirmation.

If I can help by counseling with you on others on your short list of candidates, I’d be happy to do so. We still need to have a recommendation no later than Saturday morning.

Thank you for your understanding as we move forward on these sacred and important callings.

Gratefully,

President Lewis