Sharing an idea on how to resume sacrament meetings with very small numbers

5 June 2020

Bishops and Branch Presidents…

Following our video conference last night I’ve had a thought come to me this morning…

As you know I suggested that when we start to consider returning to meeting…maybe as early as August…that it would be nice if Estacada Ward and/or the Pioneer Branch were the first to put their “toe in the water” and help the rest of us by what they learn.

I’ve wondered if there’s a better way, something most of you can do, if you’re interested.

What if you invited only single adults or sisters without active husbands to your first sacrament meetings? As you know…

…singles are more susceptible to the emotional challenge of isolation and likely would benefit the most from meeting again;

…singles, especially sisters, felt left out when the sacrament was first administered in homes;

…singles consistently feel marginalized in this family-centered church;

…a number of sisters with less-active husbands may not be receiving the sacrament in the home, but the husband will allow his wife to attend sacrament meeting (of course, some of these sisters are visiting in the homes of families to receive the sacrament, which is great).

If you invited only single adults and sisters with less-active husbands to sacrament meeting…

…they would know they’ve been remembered;

…there would be no small children;

….attendance would be low (maybe as few as 5-10 at first; or more if you combined with another unit) so room for social distancing, including sacrament administration, would not be an issue;

…they might be willing to attend where they know that only other “senior citizens” will be in attendance (similar to stores having “senior citizen hours” to limit exposure risk).

Member families would not resent singles being invited first remembering how many singles were “left out” when the sacrament was first authorized to be administered in homes, but not taken into homes.

I know this may sound like I’m pushing for you to open sooner, especially right after giving you 101 reasons NOT to resume sacrament meetings. That is not the case. I simply want to give you confidence that all of you can put your "toe in the water" when you decide the time is right. 

And I wanted to share this thought while it’s fresh on my mind.

So just plant this as a seed in your mind. If it grows this summer, then it will give you confidence that reopening may not be that daunting at first. If you choose to try it, I’ll be happy to help you draft a Meeting Plan in July or August to submit to the Area Presidency for permission to start with this approach. If you’re not interested, it’s OK, too. Feel no obligation.

Just want to help you with the task ahead.

President Lewis