Guidelines to bishops as we near the start of virtual sacrament meetings

13 July 2020

Bishops and Branch Presidents,

Thank you for your continuing efforts to provide your ward or branch members a virtual sacrament meeting, some beginning this Sunday, July 19. You’re doing a wonderful job communicating with and preparing your membership for these upcoming meetings.

Some developments and reminders:

1. ESPECIALLY FOR THOSE LIVING ALONE: Many families will find their “home church” more enjoyable (with more reverence from children) than when they’re watching a sacrament meeting online. You may want to remind members, especially families, that this virtual meeting is optional. And then emphasize with leaders to continue to focus on making sure all members living alone can access the virtual sacrament meeting. These virtual sacrament meetings are especially for them. And then arrange for them to receive the sacrament before or after, if they welcome guests.

2. NEW GOVERNMENT GUIDELINES: You may have seen the news today that Oregon’s governor announced that beginning this Wednesday, July 15: (1) indoor social gatherings of more than 10 people are banned; and (2) everyone must wear masks outdoors if they are unable to maintain a 6-foot distance from others.

While the indoor social gathering limit does NOT apply to churches (we’re still allowed the indoor limit of 25), please remember the example of our leaders to be “good global citizens” and keep gatherings, especially among youth groups, to as few as possible and instruct everyone to wear masks. Also, please make sure parents are aware of in-person youth gatherings and that they do not feel obligated to send their children.

3. SETTING UP THE ZOOM CALL: I’m not a Zoom expert, but I noticed when scheduling a Zoom meeting it gives you the option of turning off participants video (under the “Video” heading) and “Mute Participants upon entry” under the “Advanced Options.” (See attached screen shot) While everyone will still be able to view the Participants list, you’ll want to avoid having participants on video to eliminate the distraction it will cause during sacrament meeting. Of course, for the second hour meetings you’ll want all participants to be on both video and audio.

If you haven’t already, please feel free to use budget funds to purchase the video conferencing service you need to provide these virtual meetings for your ward or branch. 

4. MEETING SCHEDULE: Also attached is the most updated version of the Virtual Sacrament Meeting schedule in our stake. Please notify us of any changes.

5. WORK TOGETHER: As you begin hosting these meetings, please work together by sharing ideas and recommendations with the other bishops and branch presidents. The oft-used phrase “We’re in this together” certainly applies to us right now. Let’s help each other learn how to do this so it’s a blessing to the members of our stake.

I hope the above is helpful. Thank you again for moving forward on this new direction of holding virtual meetings.

President Lewis

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