Message to bishops and branch presidents as they consider delivering a message to their ward members

21 May 2020

Bishops and Branch Presidents…

I have been pleased to find in my visits that nearly all of you, if not all of you, are planning to create a video message to deliver to your ward or branch members in the next week or two.

In my opinion, a 5th Sunday message would be an excellent time. But it’s your call. If we can be of help on how to create and post a video, let us know.

What to speak about?

You may have noticed at the bottom of the May 13 Notes from the Area 70 Conference Call there was a reference to something Elder Quentin L. Cook, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, said right at the end of the latest Area Training meeting attended by Elder Blunck, our Area 70.

Elder Cook apparently said to the Area 70s and mission presidents, “Brethren focus on two messages: the Restoration Proclamation and Hear Him!”

You may want to consider that counsel.

If you do, here are a couple of thoughts that came to me as I contemplated those topics. Feel no obligation to use them, they’re simply thoughts that may be of help.

RESTORATION PROCLAMATION

As you know, we just reviewed in our Come, Follow Me study Mosiah 18:9 where we are reminded that our baptismal covenant includes a promise by us to “stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places.”

In a recent podcast, I was intrigued by this insight:

When we talk about “witnesses” it’s usually in a court setting. A court setting means someone is being accused. 

So who is being accused? God is being accused.

We’ve all heard people say things like...

“If there was a God, He would not allow people to suffer like we see in the world.” 

“If God were real, there would be no wars.” 

“If God truly loved us, innocent children would not die.” etc.

So…are we ready to stand as witnesses on behalf of God? The Restoration Proclamation is indeed an example where modern-day prophets are standing as witnesses that Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ live and love us. There is a Plan. “God is making known His will for His beloved sons and daughters.”

HEAR HIM!

President Nelson delivered a stirring address on Sunday morning in the last general conference where he declared, “It has never been more imperative to know how the Spirit speaks to you than right now."

In that message, President Nelson pointed out that the words “Hear Him” were uttered by God on three occasions when those present were in serious distress—with Peter, James and John on the Mount of Transfiguration, with Nephites at the temple after major destruction and darkness, and with Joseph Smith pleading for his life in the grove.

“Our Father knows that when we are surrounded by uncertainty and fear, what will help us the very most is to hear His Son,” President Nelson reminded.

Elder Bednar also presented some wonderful thoughts in a video on how he hears the Lord.

I hope the above is helpful. Again, feel no obligation to use these thoughts, I share them only with a desire to give you something to contemplate while seeking the Lord’s direction.

Thank you for presenting a gospel message to your ward members through video or email message. You were all called of God and I know He will sustain you in His own special way.

President Lewis

Addressing the boundary transition for a new convert family

20 May 2020

Bishops May and Conklin and President Lindhorst...

We were blessed to have the family of Craig and Wendy Vermeulen baptized in April. They were introduced to the gospel and subsequently fellowshipped so well by the Sam and Claire Lider family in the Walters Hill Ward. Because of that connection they were taught by the WH missionaries.

The Vermeulens are close to the Liders through their involvement in US World Class Tae Kwon Do, a business owned by the Liders.

Craig, Wendy and their two children, Kennedy (18) and Grant (14), live in the Tickle Week Ward (18240 Deloris Ave, Sandy, OR 97055). But currently are members of the WH Ward due to the teaching and fellowshipping in the WH Ward before and during the Covid shutdown.

In time, we need to help them transition into the Tickle Creek Ward and hopefully Kennedy into the YSA Branch.

A tender mercy is that Michael and Melissa Taylor of the TC Ward, who also have son(s) in US World Class TDO, know the Vermeulen family so there’s already a contact in the TC Ward, which will help with a transition. Plus…both Melissa and Wendy are RN’s. 

And 18-year-old daughter Kennedy attended the virtual Institute class last night, a first step to involving her with other YSA in the area.

Bishop May plans to visit with the Vermeulen family soon about receiving temple recommends so they can perform temple work for their family (Wendy has already become engaged in FH work). Bishop May plans to visit with them at that time about the Church’s boundary policies.

In the meantime, I recommend that Bishop Conklin and TC Ward leaders (and the Taylors) begin to reach out to the Vermeulens. Since the Vermeulens apparently have not been officially introduced to the Church’s boundary policy, a blessing so that we can more easily watch over and minister to each other, Bishop Conklin, will you please teach your leaders to reach out to the Vermeulens, but not “force” the boundary issue. (Not say things like: “Technically you’re in our ward.”)

Hopefully Bishop May will explain before the end of this month about the boundary policy and help avoid awkward conversations for TC Ward leaders. Boundaries, of course, are not a major issue while we’re not meeting in person. So the move doesn’t have to be immediate. But transition efforts should begin right away so when we do begin to meet again in person the Vermeulens will have so many friends in the Tickle Creek Ward they will naturally want to attend that ward’s meetings.

Bishops May and Conklin, please work together in coordinating the transition of the membership records at the appropriate time.

The Liders, of course, will continue to be marvelous fellowshipping friends for a lifetime. The Vermeulens, for instance, go to the Liders home each Sunday for worship and the sacrament.

Thank you, all, for helping this to be a smooth transition—to be in place before we start meeting in-person again—so this wonderful family can enjoy the blessing of complete obedience.

Gratefully,

President Lewis

Caution given to the Stake Primary president after a suggestion she made in Stake Council meeting

18 May 2020

Paul,

Yesterday in our meeting Kelly Perry suggested that her presidency is considering taking their unused Primary budget funds to create candy or treat gifts for all the children in the stake.

Will you please address that with her to help her understand that we do NOT recommend such an action because:

1. We don’t want children to get the idea that the Church is where you get candy (schools and parents do plenty of that; we can’t compete);

2. There is a Handbook caution that we should never give food to children without checking first with parents to make sure we don’t cause dietary problems.

We hope the Stake Primary will consider an all-stake activity on a Saturday in the fall, when we can meet again, or teaching ward presidencies how to have an activity event that accomplishes the objective(s) of the Stake Primary Activity each summer.

If they insist on using their funds for giving a gift to children, please encourage them to consider giving each child a picture of the temple or of the Savior for putting up in their bedroom or on a mirror.

Thanks,

Crismon

Counsel to bishops following a video conference training meeting

15 May 2020

Bishops and Branch Presidents,

Thank you for joining with us in our video conference last night. We appreciate all the time and inspiration you put into your sacred callings. There’s a lot of talk about those “on the front lines” in the news. For the true Church of Jesus Christ, that’s YOU! And we can’t express enough how grateful we are for your tireless and faithful service.

I had several thoughts come to me this morning in my personal devotions:

1. TRAINING VIDEO: Please consider sharing the member and leader video with your ward or branch council members and ask them to come to your next council meeting with an answer to these two questions:

a. What is one idea or thought that stood out to you in the training for your responsibility?

b. How do you and your counselors (where applicable) plan to apply that idea in your service during these challenging times?

2. IN PLACE OF SINGING: As you’ll remember, we shared the guidance from the Interfaith conference call that we not sing when gathering in small groups, including when we take the sacrament into another’s home. (So that there’s no misunderstanding, a family singing in the home is not only appropriate, but strongly encouraged.)

This morning when I read again the account of Alma and his people in Mosiah 23...where they were commanded not to pray vocally or they would be killed…so they turned to praying in their hearts.

The thought came to me what a wonderful blessing the sacrament hymns are in helping us prepare for that sacred ordinance. Please consider encouraging the priesthood holders, who go into homes, to have those in the home quietly read the lyrics of a selected sacrament hymn while preparing to partake of the sacrament. They could also play a recording of the hymn being played or sung from the Gospel Library.

Speaking of the sacrament in homes... I was also reminded this morning of what a brother-in-law, who serves as a bishop in another state, shared with me: how in their family they noticed the sacrament ends too quickly when there are only a few in the home. So they pause for a full minute or two and sit in silence between the administration of the bread and water; a time to reflect as we do when we meet at church.

Thank you again for your service and for giving the above your consideration.

President Lewis

Announcement that sacrament can be taken into homes

14 May 2020

Bishops and Branch Presidents,

We are very pleased to announce that we have received permission for volunteer priesthood holders to take the sacrament into the homes of those who desire it beginning this Sunday, May 17. There is no restriction on how many Sundays per month this may happen, as long as there is no change to government restrictions.

It is important that we follow these guidelines:

• The same priesthood holder(s) must always be the one(s) who take the sacrament to the same household each time;

• Recognizing there is still a risk involved, priesthood holders are not to be assigned, but must volunteer to take the sacrament into a home;

• It is recommended, where possible, that volunteer priesthood holders be under the age of 60;

• Safety is of highest concern: priesthood holders should wear gloves and use masks and always maintain 6 ft social distance (see authorized procedure below);

• It is permissible for a household to invite other members into their home, using the same safety precautions described above, to participate in the sacrament, but please no more than one or two visitors per home; visitors should go to the same home each time;

The following procedure is to be followed when administering the sacrament in a home other than your own:

• Members receiving the sacrament are to provide a piece of unbroken bread on a plate and water in cups on a plate;

• A cloth covering is nice, but not required;

• The priesthood holder(s) will enter the home, break and bless the bread and then step back; the person(s) receiving will step forward one by one and partake of the bread and then step back; then the brother(s) will step forward and repeat this procedure for the water always maintaining social distance;

• You may have a prayer before or after the sacrament, but singing is not recommended when trying to maintain social distance, because of the potential of projecting from the mouth.

Due to the shortness of time before this Sunday, we encourage you to coordinate immediately with your elders quorum president to identify all worthy priesthood holders (preferably under 60 years of age) willing to take the sacrament into homes. Please explain to them that this is not an assignment, there is a risk, and that it entails a commitment to be the same priesthood holder who will always administer the sacrament in that home. It is not expected that members receive the sacrament every Sunday, but hopefully at least once a month.

You may also want to communicate this immediately to your ward / branch members either with a broadcast email, phone tree or individually to those who have shown the greatest desire. We expect that many members will not want others, including priesthood holders, to come into the home yet.

We will still meet this evening (Thursday) for our Bishops Video Conference at 8:30 pm where we can discuss this further, if needed. But we wanted you to be aware as soon as possible so you and your elders quorum have as much time as possible to organize this in your ward or branch.

Thank you for moving on this quickly.

Gratefully,

The Stake Presidency

In response to my First Counselor about asking wards to replace summer camps with an activity that focuses on strengthening testimonies

12 May 2020

Paul,

Thank you for your most thoughtful response. I know you feel you don’t express yourself well in writing, but you did a masterful job in sharing your feelings. You are very convincing. I made many of the changes to the document you recommended.

I believe we’re on the same page. We definitely want the same thing: the youth to pick up the baton and move forward the work especially with a focus on growing faith. 

I think maybe our only disagreement is the level of responsibility we place on the youth presidencies.

I, too, want to see it rest fully upon the youth, but feel we should allow bishoprics and YW presidencies to decide how and when it happens. Hopefully our stake training will be convincing enough for the adult leaders to ultimately "let them lead.” But I don’t feel we should mandate from the stake that the youth have full responsibility and final say.

It’s very important to me personally that we teach that the objective of summer camps is to strengthen testimonies and we ask that they make it the objective of the special youth summer activity in each ward and branch. And, if it becomes difficult for the youth to figure out what to do after praying about it, that they not think they have the option of doing nothing. Adult leaders are there to help them with ideas, encouragement and coaching.

With all respect to Sister Cordon, I would rather risk the youth planning something good for a lesser reason (to please us), than risk the youth feeling that it’s…

…OK to do nothing because it was too hard; or

…OK to say “no" to priesthood leaders who feel inspired that every class/quorum presidency should plan a summer activity to strengthen testimonies; or

…OK to think that because they didn’t get an answer to their prayers that it must mean the Lord doesn’t want them to do anything.

It’s not OK.

I hope we can help youth presidencies understand their calling includes shouldering some responsibility for the spiritual welfare of their class or quorum members…and that we expect them to do something beyond the weekly activity nights this summer to reach and bless those for whom they have stewardship…even if it’s something as simple as having a class or quorum fast and then concluding their fast together on Zoom with a prayer.

I’m so very grateful for your leadership in overseeing our unified efforts to bless and strengthen the youth of our stake.

Crismon

Expectations of counselors in responding to emails

7 May 2020

Paul and Steven,

I’m OK with meeting to discuss expectations. You’re both feeling pressure from me, for which I apologize. I’m trying not to make this difficult or burdensome on either of you. Obviously I’m failing.

If you want to meet, I suggest we meet sooner than our presidency meeting on May 9 so we address it while it’s fresh; and that we not constrain ourselves to a time right before presidency meeting. I know you’re both much busier than I am so why don’t you two talk and pick a couple of days and times that work for you both? Chances are I can meet one or both of them.

Obviously, your desire for expectations means you want to know what I expect of you in regard to emails.

Let me see if I can describe my feelings on the subject so we can discuss in our meeting:

• I want you to know that I’m trying to accommodate your schedules recognizing that you both may not be able to review my many emails until late each night. My expectation is that you review emails throughout the day glancing at the subject lines and that you respond to all emails, that need a reply, at least once within that same day the email was sent to you (presumably late that night). 

• At times I feel an urgency and ask that you (1) respond sooner or (2) at a minimum let me know you saw the urgent email and (3) when I can expect to receive your reply. I will do my best to put “Urgent" in the subject line for those special times.

• Please note, as happened this week, when we “wrestle” over an email and you make suggestions then I rewrite it and send again. When I send the next draft it would help me if you could review those emails sooner than later that night so it doesn’t take 24-48 hours for an email to be approved. I try to mark those as “Final Draft” in the subject line.

Is this a fair request?

You can respond when we meet, but please respond before the meeting if you have any questions about the expectations described above.

I appreciate deeply your willingness to review emails I send and, when you can, respond to them. Your counsel, suggestions and even corrections are invaluable to me. I hope we can continue to handle the fast-paced issues of Church administration in this unique time without being too disruptive to your personal lives and without causing you anxiety.

You are both wonderful counselors and I am very much indebted to you for your loyalty, wisdom and inspired counsel.

Crismon

An appeal to our Area 70 for allowing wards to be provide gospel instruction

2 May 2020

Elder Blunck,

I’m not sure all that we’re discussing in our CCM tomorrow, but I hope we can give the following consideration.

I received a message from our son who is attending Columbia University in Manhattan. He shared with us the attached ward bulletin received today announcing a series of Sunday online gospel discussions to be presented by members of the ward council.

I was impressed by the bishop’s reminder that this does not replace regular Sunday worship, now conducted in the home, but is a supplement, as was recommended in the First Presidency’s “Administrative Principles in Challenging Times” that states: “Bishops and ward leaders may use technology for messages to supplement a member’s home centered worship.” 

I also like the idea of sharing the responsibility with ward council members so there’s no confusion that this is NOT a sacrament meeting or even an official Relief Society, Sunday school or Elders Quorum meeting. 

While we’re now encouraging bishoprics to conduct a weekly Virtual Youth Activity (see attached document), they are finding it quite challenging to connect with the youth in this way. I really like their idea of holding a youth discussion each Sunday, too, to give the bishopric an opportunity to engage the youth in a regular gospel discussion.

My personal opinion is that we’ve now focused on encouraging families to make teaching the gospel a home-centered priority. I hope we can now bring the “Church-supported” element back into the equation with more gospel instruction from ward leaders.

I hope this is helpful.

Crismon Lewis

Update announcement about stake youth summer camps in 2020

1 May 2020

Dear Bishops and Branch Presidents,

As you know, the Church has announced that all camps, youth conferences and overnight outings or events are now canceled for the summer.

We had hoped that government officials would allow by summer gatherings in sufficient numbers for wards and branches to hold their own youth summer camps and outings with the help and guidance of the Stake YMYW presidencies. That option is no longer available regardless of what civil authorities decide.

So you can end immediately any planning for youth gatherings or outings you were hoping to have this summer.

Fortunately, we are able to still provide “technology-based experiences” for the youth of our stake, according to the announcement from the Church.

Therefore we ask that we now take the following direction:

• HELP YOUTH HEAR HIM: We ask the Stake APYW Committee (Stake YMYW presidencies) to prayerfully counsel together with your ward and branch youth leaders immediately and draft a recommendation for the stake presidency, bishoprics and branch presidencies on how to help the youth of our stake this summer learn to “Hear Him";

• CREATE A NEW APPROACH: Stake and ward leaders should not try to create a virtual duplication of a Stake YW or AP Camp thus placing a burden on adult leaders, but to “think outside the box” to come up with a fun, unifying, testimony-strengthening experience for all youth in our stake this summer;

• NO TIME CONSTRAINT: This summer activity does not have to span a certain amount of time or be confined to a certain week, but may include virtual activities with different groups at different times throughout the summer;

• ALL LEVELS INVOLVED: The plan does not have to be conducted by stake leaders or be for all the youth together at one time, but may include a series of virtual activities planned and organized by ward, quorum or class youth leaders, with ideas, guidance and suggestions from the Stake APYW Committee;

• RESOURCES: In their planning, leaders are asked to draw from the April 2020 General Conference talks and the May 2020 edition of the New Era magazine.

Bishops, please join with us in praying for the wonderful youth leaders in our stake that they will be inspired in their deliberations. Our hope is that they will be able to craft a recommendation no later than the middle of May (to be presented to the stake presidency on May 9 or at the latest May 16).

We appreciate your flexibility and patience as we strive to strive to “strengthen the rising generation” during these trying times.

Gratefully,

The Stake Presidency

Announcing the closure of stake summer camps because of the pandemic in 2020

28 April 2020

Bishoprics and Branch Presidencies,

It has become apparent that our plans for a Stake Young Women's and Stake Aaronic Priesthood Camps will not be possible this summer due to size of gathering restrictions and camp availability.

Sadly, both camps have been cancelled, as has the Stake Primary Activity scheduled for June 16-19.

Will you please notify the youth, their parents and youth leaders when you feel appropriate? (BTW...the young women, their parents and YW leaders were already notified the Stake YW Camp, but we appreciate you passing this along anyway.)

We wanted to alert you to this development as quickly as possible so you and your ward youth leaders can begin to focus on planning some type of camp or outing at the ward level—or maybe even at the class and quorum level, depending on the numbers allowed to gather this summer.

The Stake YMYW presidencies can help you with this new direction in a number of ways, including:

• Provide ideas for activities (they will send you soon a list of appropriate youth outings and activities that may not require extraordinary planning or funding);

• Offer suggestions on how to use these activities to build and strengthen testimonies (they will share ideas they were planning for the stake YW and AP camps);

• Share counsel on how to engage the youth in the planning ("let them lead");

• Provide additional financing from stake funds, where needed.

In all of this, we remind you of these key principles when planning your own camps:

• Bigger is not always better;

• Be extra-sensitive to the burden extended camps and major activities can place on adult leaders, who may not have the time or resources due to the time off work during the pandemic;

• Let the youth lead out—do not try to dazzle them, but allow them to grow from the opportunity to plan and organize the activity;

• Be flexible: gathering restrictions may require activities to be held at a class or quorum level instead of even the ward level.

Financing summer activities

Fortunately, almost of the ward and branch budgets are flush with funds due to the lack of activities during the pandemic. With supplemental funds available from the stake (upon request), we hope you will not have to ask for any funding from families (i.e. no fundraising in the home or otherwise).

The Stake Primary presidency will visit soon with your ward Primary leaders to discuss alternatives to the Stake Primary activity.

We hope this is helpful as you move in this new direction. We join our faith with yours that the Lord will inspire us on how to make this not just a memorable, but uplifting and testimony-building summer for the youth of our stake.

Gratefully,

Stake Presidency

In response to Jennifer Miller's latest complaints about the Church

27 April 2020

Hi President Lewis,

I've been thinking a lot about the changes the LDS Church has made in the last few years. I remember meeting with you to discuss policies, programs and doctrine that bothered me, and have been very pleased to see the Church making improvements in those areas. There is one thing that I haven't been able to wrap my mind around, though, and I wondered if you'd be willing to share your thoughts with me.

I never agreed with the covenant I made in the temple to obey my husband (which was later changed to "hearken"). I felt like it created a hierarchy with wife at the bottom, then husband, then God at the top. You explained this to me as patriarchy and told me that it was God's plan for governance. This plan was eternal and how God would govern in heaven. My take away from that conversation was that if it was God's plan, then I was going to need to change and be willing to be a part of it. This was the main reason I ultimately became inactive. After my daughter was sealed in the temple 5 years ago, I turned in my temple recommend to the bishop. I told him I just couldn't spend my life making sacrifices to get in to 'Mormon heaven'. The idea of living with the hierarchal nature of patriarchy took away all my joy and hope.

Imagine my surprise when I heard that the temple ceremony has eliminated that covenant of obedience to husband. I've heard that women now make their covenant to obey God just like men do. If that is correct, I was wondering how you explain it? How can that covenant have been a requirement for me but it is no longer a requirement for women now? 

When I've asked other people about it, I often get a general answer of "Isn't it great we have continuing revelation?" I agree that it is. But I just don't understand how I'm supposed to believe that God is leading this Church if a covenant that was so fundamental is just gone now. Why in the world did I ever have to agree to something that seemed so wrong if it can be changed when a more progressive President is in charge? Was it ever right in the first place? I never thought it was, but you and other leaders told me it was. Were all the other Presidents just making stuff up because it matched their world view? The idea of wives being obedient to husbands has been around a long, long time around the world.

The Church obviously still believes in patriarchy since women are not allowed to serve in most leadership positions. Do you believe that patriarchy is still how we will be governed in heaven?

Well, that's a lot of questions, I know. If you feel like answering any of them I'd be very grateful.

Thanks,

Jennifer Miller

Hi, Jennifer…

Thank you for reaching out. I don’t think I’ll be able to respond to your satisfaction, but I’ll be happy to share a few opinions. Thanks for understanding that they’re opinions, not doctrines or policies.

Why the change in the temple?

I don’t think anything has changed as to the doctrine, but I believe the Brethren (President Nelson specifically) was disturbed by the offense that the temple wording cause. I don’t think you’re old enough to remember the wording of the earlier temple ordinance when I was first endowed in 1968, but there was some pretty harsh language that surely offended converts from other faiths and was disturbing because it harkened back to pioneer and even ancient times.

I’m grateful that language was changed. But the promises are still the same.

Reverence for the temple ordinance is such that changes take time—sometimes a LONG time. But the ordinances don’t change. Obviously, wording in the covenants can change, as you mentioned. I personally don’t think the ordinance changed because of the change in wording. The outcome is still the same—binding us to a loving Heavenly Father and out-of-this-word promises.

At the heart of your concern, I believe, is that there was not a proper understanding (especially by men) as to what it means when the scriptures describe the marriage relationship using words like “rule” (Gen 3:16), “head” (1 Cor 11:3), “obedient” (Titus 2:5), “subjection” (1 Peter 3:1), and “submit” (Eph 5:22). I believe that when the Brethren realized that people, even covenant people, (especially men) were misunderstanding scriptural terms like these and using the misunderstanding to justify abuse, over bearance, etc. You can see why they would try to alter the temple presentation to remove any support or endorsement of mis-understood or mis-used terminology. I think it’s a blessing that enough women, like yourself, spoke up and it got the Brethren’s attention…and, to their credit, they responded where possible.

BTW…you’ll love the terminology changes made to the sealing ordinance, which still contains the same promises.

And I suspect we’ll yet see more changes to terminology, wording and phrasing as we all become more sensitive to words that can hurt. What they couldn’t do was change the scriptures or the doctrine or the promises.

So, I personally, don’t think this was a doctrinal or ordinance change, as much as it was a terminology clarification to help all of us appreciate the true balance that should exist in an eternal marriage—and that did not exist in many marriages because men apparently used the wording to justify inappropriate behavior.

And I don’t believe that because you and I earlier in life made covenants with different wording means we are under a different standard or obligation. The Lord’s covenant of marriage is still in tact. 

So why didn’t the Lord make the change long ago through His prophets? That’s a fair question if you believe the Lord dictates every policy and gives daily direction to the prophet. I personally don’t think he does. My own experience tells me that the Lord usually allows very ordinary men and women to figure things out, become more sensitive, make mistakes, yearn for help, learn to judge righteously…before He gives revelation. I think the prophet is also allowed to struggle, to listen and learn from others, become more sensitive, etc. (in President Nelson’s case and the temple change, it may be because he has 10 daughters!) 

Whatever the reason, I’m grateful the Church is moving forward, changes are happening, revelation is continuing, restoration is ongoing, and the Lord’s purposes are being fulfilled. It’s thrilling to watch how He is moving us toward His second coming. We are blessed to live in such a day!

I hope this is helpful. Would you like to visit on a Zoom call sometime? I would be honored to visit with you, though I can’t guarantee you’ll be satisfied with my responses. But I’ll be happy to apologize for and, if possible, clarify anything I’ve shared before that has offended you. 

Please know we love you and Herb and miss you both!

Crismon

An appeal for monetary assistance to food pantries in and near our stake

25 April 2020

Dear Mount Hood Stake Members,

We are reminded in King Benjamin's masterful sermon in this week's Come, Follow Me study that we are to reach out to the less-fortunate. He then asks, "For behold, are we not all beggars?"

While we may feel confined and unable to help those around us, there is something we can do right now for our communities.

We are blessed with a number of non-profit food pantries in and near our stake that would benefit greatly from our generosity.

Last fall we collected several tons of food goods for local pantries (see photos). They were very grateful to our stake members. Now, during these uncertain times, the demand on the food pantries is even greater—double for some. And a food drive is not practical.

If your budget will allow, please consider monetary donations to the food pantries in our communities, all of which can purchase surplus canned goods from the Oregon Food Bank at a very affordable price. For instance, $5 can buy 100 lbs. of food.

The most effective monetary donation is to our Church's Fast Offering (to help those within your ward or branch) and Humanitarian (global assistance) funds, which can be made online with our tithing. This is where we should begin when giving monetary assistance.

If, however, you are still able, please consider donating to any of the following local food pantries:

• SnowCap Communities Charities - Gresham

503-674-8785 • http://www.snowcap.org/

To donate, go to this website

• Zarephath Kitchen & Pantry - Gresham

http://www.feedeastcounty.org/

To donate, go to this website

• Sandy Community Action Center - Sandy

503-668-4746 • https://sandyactioncenter.com/

To donate, go to this website

• Estacada Area Food Bank - Estacada

503-630-2888 • https://estacadafoodbank.org/

To donate, mail check payable to Estacada Area Food Bank, PO Box 1196, Estacada, OR 97023

• Neighborhood Missions - Welches

503-622-9213

To donate, mail check payable to Neighborhood Missions, PO Box 594, Brightwood, OR 97011 or contact Shirley Dueber, of the Sandy River Ward, 503-349-6879

• St. Vincent de Paul / Catholic Charities - Gresham and Sandy

503-235-7837 Gresham • 503-668-4446 Sandy

To donate, mail check payable to St. Vincent de Paul to St. Henry's Catholic Church, 346 NW 1st St, Gresham, OR 97030 or St. Michael's Catholic Church, 18090 SE Langensand Rd, Sandy, OR 97055

Thank you for giving this your consideration. Please do not feel obligated. This is not an assignment or directive. We simply want you to be aware of a growing need within our stake's communities. And this is one thing we can do even when confined to our homes.

With love and gratitude for your generosity,

The Stake Presidency

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Clarifying questions to our Area Seventy about activities for youth

19 April 2020

Elder Blunck,

1. In the most recent guidelines issued last Friday by the First Presidency, it states: “Bishops and ward leaders may use technology for messages to supplement a member’s home-centered worship.”

We have some bishops who would like to record an occasional video message and email or stream the message to ward members. Until now, that has been prohibited. Is this now permissible?

2. We continue to be deeply concerned that bishoprics are struggling to connect with the youth of their ward. It’s a challenge when there are no activities or events to plan with the quorum and class presidencies.

We are hearing about wards elsewhere where Young Women and Young Men are meeting regularly for their Activity Nights via video conference. They’re playing games online together, working on family history together, sometimes discussing the gospel, sharing service ideas, etc.

Can we ask the Area Presidency for permission for bishoprics and youth leaders to conduct weeknight activities, at least once a month,  via video conferencing? 

That would also give our class and quorum presidencies more reason to meet regularly to plan these virtual activities in addition to addressing ministering efforts.

Thank you for giving this your consideration.

Crismon Lewis

President, Mount Hood OR Stake

503-914-8689

Forwarding pandemic guidelines from the First Presidency

17 April 2020

Bishops, Branch Presidents and Stake Leaders…

You have likely seen the attached guidelines issued today by the First Presidency with more details for leaders on Church administration in challenging times, including the performance of essential ordinances and blessings.

You’ll notice in the attached 10-page document that the Brethren first spell out the principles of administration upon which the guidelines are based and then the approved practices.

It is gratifying to note that we have been instructed well by our Area Presidency and Area Seventy such that we have already been following nearly all, if not all, of the practices outlined in the document.

One of the most significant changes that I noted was the permission granted for leaders, family and friends to view the performance of ordinances via technology, such as video conferencing.

Despite the current challenges, we are privileged to personally witness the truth of these words in the document: “Inspired direction over many years has prepared the Lord’s Church and its members, both temporally and spiritually, for changing and challenging times…When we look at the interlocking patterns of these efforts and many others, we can see how the Lord has carefully orchestrated and sequenced us to prepare for challenging times."

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to respond privately to this email.

President Lewis and the Stake Presidency

In response to a single sister's hurt feelings about not able to receive the sacrament

15 April 2020

Elder Blunck,

As you remember, the First Presidency’s original Covid-19 announcement on March 12 stated that "Bishops should counsel with their stake president to determine how to make the sacrament available to members at least once a month.”

In contemplating how to fulfill this direction, I have wondered if there might be something more we can do to accommodate a few single sisters, who are deeply pained by the current sacrament administration policy. Fortunately, the vast majority of those affected have been very accepting and have not even complained.

But there are some who feel that our policy is isolating them even more.

One dear single sister, who we helped return to activity after 30 years of being less-active, wrote me: “I’m really not trying to be a problem, it’s difficult in the church to be a single woman. Unless you have experienced how it is, it’s hard to understand. I’m really needing to get the opportunity to partake of the sacrament.”

My first thought was, “Leslie, you went without the sacrament for 30 years, can it really mean that much now?” But that would be unkind. I will try to teach her how she can abide the current policy and still enjoy the blessings of heaven.

However, my question…

Would it be counter to the Area guidelines if those few single sisters, who feel isolated by the current policy, could be allowed to choose an invitation into a home where there is a worthy priesthood holder? We would be willing to do that for our friend Leslie.

I can see where a sister could be invited into a home and, if everyone wore masks, could still practice social distancing within the home for a brief service, including the sacrament. The greatest risk is to the single sister herself since she would be touching and consuming bread and water touched by the priesthood holder. 

So a sister, who is feeling isolated and is willing to take the risk, could be told she could be invited into another home and partake of the sacrament in that way—assuming a family is willing to have a guest. Frankly, I don’t believe we’d have more than a few such sisters in our stake willing to take the risk. But at least it would be their choice.

I know this a very small thing that falls into a “Law of Moses” category, so I apologize for even bringing it up. My request is to see if you’d be OK for me to advise the bishops in our stake that if they have a single sister, who feels especially offended or alienated by the current policy, that this approach may be considered if a family can be found who is willing to invite her into their home for the sacrament.

I welcome your counsel.

Thank you,

Crismon Lewis

Mount Hood Stake