GETTING READY #1: Lead singing in the home in virtual sacrament meetings

 7 September 2020

TO: Bishoprics and Branch Presidencies

Dear Brethren,

As we prepare to begin webcasting sacrament meetings from the chapel, please review together the following:

Several years ago I was reading King Benjamin's sermon in Mosiah 5. I noticed in verse 2 that the people "all cried with one voice" when making a covenant. I thought, "I wonder why we don't cry with one voice in our worship services?" Just then the Spirit whispered, "You sing!"

Ever since then I have cherished the wonderful element of congregational singing in every sacrament meeting.

As we transition to the chapel this weekend, we ask that you please find a way to incorporate congregational singing—especially members singing at home—in your virtual sacrament meetings. Also those in the chapel are now invited to sing reverently through their masks.

How do you incorporate congregational singing in a virtual meeting?

Here are three suggestions:

1. Have a music conductor with organ or piano accompaniment in the chapel direct the music over Zoom and encourage those at home to sing along. Some wards have learned how to overlay the lyrics on the screen. Encourage those in the chapel also to sing reverently through their masks.
   
   
2. Screen share the playing of hymns on the Church's music website. We recommend you click on "Vocals and Music" to the right of the lyrics. It's easier for those at home to sing along when they can hear others singing.
   
   
3. Show a video clip of a congregational hymn in General Conference and encourage those at home and in the chapel to sing along.

You can help members prepare to sing at home by identifying the hymns to be sung when you send your broadcast email announcing your sacrament meeting. That way those at home can have the lyrics ready.

Thank you for making congregational singing an essential part of your virtual sacrament meetings.

Gratefully,

President Lewis and the Stake Presidency