Concluding remarks given at funeral service for Suzi Lewis

24 January 2017

Suzi Lewis Funeral Service

January 24, 2017

Remarks by Crismon Lewis

·   While we do not know most members of the Lewis family, we can’t help but love this family because we knew and loved Suzi…and we knew of her love for us and you.

·   A blessed posterity because two wonderful people came together and chose to be a family.

In preparing for this message, I had impressed on my mind the scriptural phrase “the sting of death,” which I have pondered.

The phrase was used by:

·   Paul to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 15:56)

·   Abinadi in King Noah’s court (Mosiah 16:8)

·   Aaron, one of the sons of Mosiah, to the king of the Lamanites (Alma 22:14) and

·   Mormon in his final words to all of us (Mormon 7:5).

Where Mormon uses the word “also” suggests that there is a distinction between the other common phrase used with it, “the victory over the grave,” suggests that the two are very different elements in the Plan of Redemption.

Almost all references of “the sting of death” are combined with the assurance that this “sting” is “swallowed up in Christ.”

While the “sting of death” may be a reference to those of us who mourn the loss of a loved one, it may also reference another dimension to the death “event” itself.

Just as we’ve come to learn that the Atonement of Jesus Christ addresses sin so we do not have to suffer the full measure of justice required when we transgress or sin…and just as the Atonement assures us all that we will be resurrected, a gift to all mortals…thanks to Alma’s discourse to the people of Gideon (Alma 7:11-12) the Atonement also provides a sustaining influence in our lives to help us endure, even make it through, the trials, troubles and afflictions of mortality.

This latter blessing provides yet a third dimension to the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

We may get a glimpse of how “the sting of death” is swallowed up in Jesus Christ by this reference in D&C 42:46: “And it shall come to pass that those that die in me shall not taste of death, for it shall be sweet unto them;”

This is confirmed in both the New and Old Testament.

·   See Revelation 14:13: “…Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.”

·   See Psalm 116:15: “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.”

When we begin to hear words like “sweet, blessed, precious” in reference to death, we can’t help but wonder: “How can this be? How can something so sad and so sorrowful be described with words like those?”

The answer lies in the words of the Book of Mormon prophet Jacob: “For as death hath passed upon all men, to fulfill the merciful plan of the great Creator, there must needs be a power of resurrection, and the resurrection must needs come unto man by reason of the fall; and the fall came by reason of transgression; and because man became fallen they were cut off from the presence of the Lord.”
(2 Nephi 9:6)

When we understand the purpose of death—that there is a Plan—then we can appreciate how “the sting of death” is swallowed up in Jesus Christ.  Suzi understood and believed in the Plan and so death must have been sweet unto her despite the pain of her illness and the loneliness of separation from her family here on earth.

Because of the Plan brought to earth by angels (Alma 12:28-30), Suzi knew and understood…

…We lived before this life and accepted Heavenly Father’s Plan for His children; we even “shouted for joy,” the scriptures say (Job 38:7).

…We witnessed the creation of this magnificently beautiful earth that we would populate;

…We trusted in Adam and Eve that they would come to realize they must instigate the Fall—it was not a mistake—but fulfilled the purposes of God so that families could be created, children could be born and so that we could know pain, sorrow, disappointments, happiness and joy (2 Nephi 2:25)…and yes, even death (2 Nephi 9:6);

…We trusted in Jehovah, a God, to join us in mortality and break the bands of death (Alma 34:9-10)—it can be said that all of us who live and lived on this earth had faith in Christ even before He was the Christ;

…We have come to learn through prophets that God trusted in us to walk this thorny path of life and to learn of Christ and walk the path Jesus marked (D&C 19:23);

…We are taught that death is not the end, but the door to eternal life where we might not only live WITH God but become LIKE God our Heavenly Father—the magnificent end result of this marvelous Plan of Salvation, Plan of Redemption, even Plan of Happiness.

We join with Elder Bruce R. McConkie who said in General Conference: “We rejoice in life. We rejoice in death.” (October General Conference 1976)

Yes, we are to mourn at times like this…in fact it is part of our baptismal covenant to “mourn with those that mourn.” (Mosiah 18:9) But the covenants we make bring us comfort even in death.

As Elder L. Tom Perry, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, once described in a General Conference (tribute to his wife, who had recently passed away (when I read this it reminded me of you, Vaughn):

“And it shall come to pass that those that die in me shall not taste of death, for it shall be sweet unto them.” (D&C 42:45–46.)

“I understand this scripture now as never before. Even though there is great loneliness without her, her passing was sweet because of the way she had lived.

“In tribute to her today, I recommend to you her way of life. I watched service consume pain. I witnessed faith destroy discouragement. I have seen courage magnify her beyond her natural abilities. I have observed love change the course of lives.” (April General Conference 1975)

As I contemplated what would Suzi want me say to her posterity, my mind went to this scripture:

“Wherefore, my beloved brethren [family], pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons [and daughters] of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen.” (Moroni 7:48)

I testify that your mother and grandmother lives. She truly led the way and even marked the path for each of you and us. I know she lives because I know He lives. And because the Savior lives we can all enjoy the victory over death and witness  “the sting of death” being swallowed up in Jesus Christ.

Helping Trinity Lutheran Church with Emergency Preparedness training

20 February 2017

Stake leaders and bishops,

Below is a brief write up from Sister Kim Donovan, our stake Public Affairs Director, about how she, Dennis Tanner (our stake Emergency Preparedness Specialist) and our resident preparedness expert Julie Milburn, of the Damascus Ward, all participated in an evening presentation on Emergency Preparedness for members of Trinity Lutheran Church in Gresham.

A member of that church had contacted us asking for expertise and ideas on how to prepare for an emergency. It was a wonderful community outreach. We are so grateful for these wonderful stake members who were able to help the congregants of another faith.

The Stake Presidency

On February 15, Dennis Tanner, Julie Milburn, and Kim Donovan were invited to the Trinity Lutheran Church in Gresham to present an emergency preparedness class. It was truly a night of loving our neighbors and following our Savior’s footsteps. The three of us ate dinner with the Lutheran congregation which had 28 people in attendance. The conversations were so incredible. The people reached out to us and truly demonstrated love to all of us and the LDS church.
Brother Tanner was well prepared and demonstrated information about storing water and starting a 72-hour kit. Sister Milburn taught about what and how to store food storage. She brought samples and made a 24-hour kit for each person. Julie didn’t stop there; she even offered to help or take people to the Bishop’s storehouse.
It was amazing that people had no idea on how to prepare for an emergency. Everyone seemed motivated to start in a small way with acquiring emergency supplies. They were all taking notes in addition to getting all the handouts which were provided for them. It was a beautiful night with some incredible people who went out of their way to show us love. We felt the spirit as we got to know our neighbors. 

Extending our summer camp funding policy to non-members

21 February 2017

Bishops and Branch Presidents...

After much deliberation and thanks to a sizable surplus in 2016 funds, we have decided to change the 2017 Summer Camp Funding policy so that the fee schedule for non-member youth is the same as for member youth, including Young Women and Scout camps.

While we see this as an excellent opportunity to invite non-members (and their families) to get involved in your Scout units, Young Women activities and other youth summer camp plans, our preference is that this will apply to non-member youth who have been actively involved in your Young Women, Scouting or other youth programs prior to the summer camp—and not just a one-time summer activity at a very attractive price.

Please communicate this by delivering a copy of the attached letter to your Ward Council members, especially YM, YW and Primary, and ask them to deliver a copy of the letter to all families with non-member youth currently participating in your youth programs and other families they want to invite.

We hope this will be a blessing to many families in our area. 

The Stake Presidency

Plan to re-emphasize Scouting in our stake

21 February 2017

Bishops and Branch Presidents...

We feel a compelling need to give the Scouting program in our stake a “re-set.”

As a consequence, we are asking you to CANCEL all Young Men activities and plans on Wednesday evening, April 26, so that (1) you, (2) your counselors, and (3) all ward Young Men and Scout leaders (including Scout Committee chairs) can attend a special Stake Scout Leader training at 7:00 pm that evening, April 26, at the stake center. This is to include the 11-Year-Old Scout leaders, too, but not the Cub Scout leaders.

The training, under the direction of Presidents Lewis and Christiansen, will include break-out sessions so you’ll want all of your ward AP-YM-Scouting leaders to receive this training.

We chose to conduct this training on a Wednesday evening so your ward YM leaders won’t have to commit to an extra night that week to ensure we get maximum attendance. It is VERY important all AP-YM and Scouting leaders attend! 

We also realize you may have a combined activity already scheduled for that evening. If so, we hope this is adequate notice to adjust your plans so that ALL involved with YM and Scouting can attend this training.

For wards with Mutual on Thursday evening, you have the option of canceling your YM program the following evening.

The Young Women are to still meet as usual on the evening of April 26. Only the Young Men’s program is cancelled. This training is for AP, YM and Scouting leaders, not Primary-Cub Scout leaders.

Finally, we ask that Young Men leaders come in full Scout uniform, if possible, or with as much of a Scout uniform as you have. If you don’t have any part of a Scout uniform, please try to obtain all or some of a uniform for this training, but don’t use this request as a reason not to attend. We need ALL YM-Scout leaders at this meeting.

The purposes of this training will be:

1. To explain how Scouting works within the Young Men's program;

2. Which elements of Scouting can help each ward Young Men's program function more effectively;

3. How to build a solid YM and Scouting program with planning, follow-up and accountability.

We look forward to meeting with you and your AP-YM-Scouting leaders on Wednesday, April 26. Please put it on your calendar!

The Stake Presidency

Thoughts on temple service to President and Sister Watts

28 February 2017

My dear, dear friends (President and Sister Watts)…

I’ve had a few thoughts I wanted to share with you in hopes they might be helpful. Vivienne and I love you very much and will always be grateful for the privilege of serving at your side that enriched and blessed our lives in more ways than we can number.

We both enjoy the blessing of temple service and thank you for your leadership at the temple as it continues to bless all of us. You are both doing a magnificent job!

1. We talked with our son Seth on Sunday evening. He had just returned from a High Priest quorum meeting in the Eugene Stake where the entire meeting was focused on encouraging more HP to serve in the temple. There were just two speakers: a newly called temple worker, who had already had a life transformation through his temple service, and a long-time temple worker. Seth said the topic was as a direct result of your visit to their stake. Nice job!

2. Thank you for recommending a number of brethren in our stake, who are not serving in the temple, to serve in the baptistry. We appreciate the encouragement you gave and the help it will be to those families.

3. Each Wednesday after our shift, we often stay to do ordinances rather than fight the rush-hour traffic. Last Wednesday we performed some sealings. We both came away feeling like Brother Jensen (a sealer on the Wednesday evening shift) was especially effective in his calling. He wasn’t too fast, nor too slow, he was just right (as the nursery story goes). He was very gracious, not a lot of chit-chat or joking and was sensitive to everyone’s time schedules and needs. Thought you’d like to know your sealers are doing a great job.

4. We enjoyed having President and Sister Lundgreen at our stake conference last weekend…and doubly glad that you were able to join us as well. I’m sorry that we didn’t recognize you in the audience. That was my oversight. Please forgive me. I know you’re not looking for recognition, but we want our stake to appreciate the blessing of a having a temple presidency member in our stake.

5. As you well know, there are few things a stake president yearns for more than to make a difference, some how to “move the needle” in a way that measurably impacts the work of the Lord in our area. I’m sorry to report that I haven’t moved the needle in this stake to any extent in this stake. We haven’t grown (we’re the lowest baptizing stake in the mission), our sacrament meeting attendance has inexplicably dwindled to 41%, our endowed with current recommend holders is a disappointing 67% (our goal is 80%) and less than 20% of our young men serve missions.

Some three or four years ago when I realized my leadership was failing in so many areas, I had this thought that there was something I could do that I could control: I had my own sweet experience serving in the temple soon after being released as your counselor, I could recommend more from our stake to serve in the temple. I began working with the bishops and, in a short time, we had more than doubled the number of temple workers (ordinance, veil and volunteers) serving in the temple from our stake. We now have 93 serving in the temple, but I think our high point was 107. With the addition of the baptistry workers you’ve helped bring on, we should be well over the 100 mark soon, so thank you! I believe temple service has been…and continues to be...a true blessing to the stake!

Please know I’m not looking for a pat on the back (I’m just personally grateful that with all my weaknesses, I was able to make a measurable difference in at least one area of the Lord’s work…and I am so grateful there is this opportunity for our members to be so richly blessed by serving in the temple!). What I would appreciate when a member of the temple presidency visits and speaks at our stake conference is for you to recognize and thank the many temple workers in our stake. I believe you will find more of our stake’s members will desire to serve in the temple when they realize so many others among us are reaping the blessings of temple service and how helpful it is to the temple and to each of our families and posterity. (I realize I’m preaching to the choir right now after hearing my son tell what an impact you made in his stake by pleading for more to serve in the temple.)

Elder Costa had a wrap-up meeting following the general session with the stake presidency last Sunday. He invited the Lundgreens and Ballards to join in. At one point, he asked the Lundgreens, “Does this stake provide a lot of temple workers?” Sister Lundgreen replied, “Well, I recognize a lot faces as temple workers and even patrons.” That was nice, but it would have been extra nice if she had numbers or at least a recognition that the Mount Hood Stake had made an extra effort to provide temple workers. When the Ponds visited our stake, they would often say over the pulpit something like, “We realize you are not very close geographically to the temple, but your stake is among the highest contributors of temple workers in the temple district and we appreciate it very much.” That’s all it would take for our members to know their sacrifice is appreciated.

Please know this is not shared in the spirit of criticism, but only as a suggestion. Please do not forward this email to others in the temple presidency, but maybe there will be an opportunity to address this in the future. You can really help our efforts to recommend even more to serve in the temple when a temple presidency member thanks the workers in our stake and expresses added appreciation for their sacrifice in time and distance.

Thank you for letting me share. As you can see, things haven’t changed, have they? You still become the brunt of my L-o-o-o-ng emails :) Sorry!

With love,

Crismon

In response to a discussion in High Council meeting on appropriate teachings at baptismal services

20 February 2017

Dear Brethren of the High Council,

As you know, we had a lively discussion yesterday regarding baptismal services.

I need to apologize for suggesting, in response to a comment by Don Hokanson, that the Handbook lists other topics besides baptism and Holy Ghost for talks at a baptismal service. As best as I can tell, he was right and I was wrong. The Handbook and Preach My Gospel read as follows in the outline of the elements of a baptismal service (Handbook 2, 20.3.4):

“One or two short talks on gospel subjects, such as baptism and the Holy Ghost.”

As a stake presidency, in hopes of helping to change the tone of baptismal services in our stake, we have amplified the list of recommended "gospel topics" to include: “Restoration, the Godhead, the Atonement, principles and ordinances of the gospel, priesthood authority.” I’ll add another one: “The purpose and blessing of making covenants through ordinances.”

Some of you may be asking, why is the stake president so worked up over this?

My concern has grown over the years after attending MANY baptismal services in our stake and elsewhere…and so you’re getting the “eruption.” :) So please forgive me if I have been too adamant or been insistent that my view is “the one and only true view.”

My concerns arise from the fact that whenever “baptism” is the assigned topic at a baptismal service, members almost invariably focus on the “cleansing” aspect of baptism so that it’s taken out of proportion to the purposes and blessings of this sacred ordinance, as spelled out in the Bible Dictionary and as referenced by Brother Hokanson in our meeting yesterday.

While baptism is “for the remission of sins” and truly past sins are now and forever in the past, speakers on the topic often use that to infer falsely that baptism makes us “perfect” and that there’s a “quick fix” to repentance—to repent all we have to do is to take the sacrament and we’re instantly made "as clean as the day we were baptized," or confess to the bishop and God has forgiven us, or stop doing that which is evil (forsake sins) and we’ve repented.

This “quick fix” teaching would suggest that the best thing that can happen to the baptismal candidate is for them to die right now because they’re now “perfect.” Or how sad it will be when you start making mistakes by clouding your one-and-only moment of purity. Or that you can get a quick fix in the future by renewing your baptismal covenant at the sacrament table, as if the sacrament was a “magic pill that absolves sin.” Or, because of your “perfect state," it’s only downhill from here.

The "quick fix" causes members to yearn to be baptized again even though they've been taking the sacrament for years.

Moroni warned us that “quick fix” traditions would arise when he prophesied in Mormon 8:32 that the Book of Mormon would come forth “…in a day when there shall be churches built up that shall say: Come unto me, and for your money you shall be forgiven of your sins.” It’s called “indulgences” in the churches which fulfill Moroni’s prophecy and practice it today.

Please know that I don’t think our stake is on the road to apostasy…certainly not anything akin to the apostasy described by Moroni, but I am concerned that we are teaching an inappropriate view of repentance at baptismal services to children, converts, members and non-member friends alike.

There are no “quick fixes” to repentance. 

There is a reason the Handbook states that severe disciplinary action, such as disfellowshipment “usually lasts at least one year” and excommunication “almost always lasts at least one year.” (Handbook 1, 6.9.2 and 6.9.3) 

That’s because repentance is not accomplished by us completing a checklist of things we must do (taking the sacrament, confessing, forsaking) but…

…by us becoming “born again; yea, born of God…become new creatures…” (Mosiah 27:25-26); 

…by making and keeping covenants (Mosiah 5:7); 

…by our hearts changing so much that we abhor the very sins we once embraced (Alma 13:12);

…by witnessing our sorrow and regret being replaced by joy (Alma 36:19-20);

…in short, by the Lord giving us a new heart (Ezekiel 36:26)!

All of this takes time through Godly sorrow, dedicated personal devotion (including fasting, prayer, study, pondering), faithful observance of the commandments, regular renewal of covenants, consistently turning our heart to the Lord and seeking only His will in our lives. The Lord then turns us into “new creatures” (Mosiah 27:26) as we commit to a “godly walk” (D&C 20:69).

This is what is not being taught and it weighs on my heart as your stake president. 

Again, if I have offended and overreacted, please forgive me. I invite you, even ask you, to please help us teach correct doctrine in all of our meetings and worship in this stake and avoid teachings that would undermine the many truths we are so blessed to have in the fullness of times.

It is an honor to serve and associate with you. 

Crismon

Letter to First Presidency requesting an exception to the Handbook boundary rule

6 February 2017

Office of the First Presidency

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

47 East South Temple

Salt Lake City, UT 84150

Dear Brethren,

In accordance with Handbook 1, 13.6, I respectfully request authorization to permanently transfer (or in this case, retain) the membership records of Marlo and Marcee Dean to the Powell Valley Ward, of the Mount Hood Oregon Stake. Their member numbers are 000-2867-166A and 000-2867-1678 respectively.

The Deans have lived within the Damascus Ward boundaries for many years, but their records were moved to the Powell Valley Ward on 24 July 2011 by then-Stake President Richard Hansen. We do not know if President Hansen obtained First Presidency approval for the transfer.

President Hansen (now Elder Hansen, of the Seventy) obviously directed the record transfer because Marlo Dean, who once served as bishop of the Damascus Ward, apparently had come under considerable harassment, even persecution, related to a political controversy involving the newly created City of Damascus, Oregon. Brother Dean had been elected to the City Council during a highly charged period experienced by the new city government. The vitriol apparently spilled over into the Damascus Ward and the Deans became the target of other members’ discontent. According to Brother Dean, ward members left anonymous, threatening notes on his car in the church parking lot and, at his home, there were acts of vandalism to his car (nails in the tires).

I am attaching a few documents and pieces of evidence in support of the political controversy and attacks on the Deans (see 1-a, b, c, d), provided by Brother Dean.
We have no way of verifying the truthfulness of Brother Dean’s claims.

Subsequent to and in consequence of the political firestorm, Brother Dean declined to run for re-election around 2012 and by 2016 city residents voted to dissolve the city government altogether and go back under the umbrella of the county government.

Nonetheless, the pain and hurt feelings remained with the Deans. Brother Dean obsessed over the incident to the extent that he withdrew and became less-active in the Church. Sister Dean continued to serve faithfully in the Powell Valley Ward.

Last fall, I felt impressed to visit Brother Dean and subsequently call him to serve on the High Council—an “Amulek experience” as described and encouraged by President Uchtdorf in his October 2016 General Priesthood message.

Thankfully, after prayerful consideration, Brother Dean accepted the call and has served faithfully ever since on the Stake High Council.

Things were going so well that in December of last year, following the passing of Sister Dean’s elderly father (also a member of the Powell Valley Ward), I approached the Deans and explained that the stake presidency felt it was time—and “safe”—for them to return to the Damascus Ward, the ward of their residence.

Attached is a series of three communications that followed:

2 - Marlo Dean Letter 30 Dec 2016 – Brother Dean explains why his feelings are still raw and asks that their records not be transferred back to the Damascus Ward.

3 – Pres Lewis Response 2 Jan 2017 – President Lewis explains why the stake presidency believes there is ample evidence that the Deans could, and should, return to the Damascus Ward without fear of offense or reprisals.

4 – Marcee Dean Letter 28 Jan 2017 – Sister Dean responded by sharing, for the first time, her deep feelings why their concerns are still very real and to please allow them to remain in the Powell Valley Ward.

I must confess that Sister Dean’s letter was especially compelling, even causing me to reverse my personal feelings so that I now request an exception to 13.6 in Handbook 1 allowing the Deans to remain in the Powell Valley Ward. The Stake Presidency has discussed this extensively and concurs with this recommendation.

Thank you for giving this your consideration.

Sincerely,

Crismon S. Lewis

President, Mount Hood Oregon Stake

Unit No. 515795                                   

An Epistle to the Sandy Seminary students

At the request of Sandy Seminary teacher Nancy Hansen, I prepared the following Epistle to the students as they began studying Pauline Epistles in their New Testament course:

14 February 2017

An Epistle to my friends (see D&C 84:77) in the Sandy Seminary

Dear students,

I salute you as a “a chosen generation” (1 Peter 2:9) of the last days—the youth of a noble birthright! Personally, I feel grateful and honored that I am privileged to live in the day when you are on the earth.

You have so many years ahead of you. And while the world cries doom and gloom, you hold within your heart the true gospel of Jesus Christ and know with a certainty that it is a message of hope and happiness. That is why so many of you—I hope all of you—will serve a mission to share with as many of God’s children as possible the thrilling news of the gospel truths…

…that God lives and is a loving Heavenly Father, who has a plan of happiness for each of us;

…that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, whose Atonement and grace makes it possible for us to return to our Heavenly Home to live with our heavenly and earthly parents;

…that we are “heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17) and have before us a magnificent future filled with goodness, love and joy;

…that the Gospel has been restored to the earth in its fullness, that our loving Heavenly Father speaks to prophets on the earth to help us return safely to His presence;

…that priesthood authority is on the earth to bless and heal us in this oft-times painful journey back to Heavenly Father’s presence;

…that each of us has been given the gift of agency to choose God (see Moses 7:33) and to follow His Son, giving each of us the magnificent opportunity to create our own eternal family;

…that enduring to the end, not giving up on living the gospel, when the world mocks us or cries that it’s too hard, knowing that the most prized gift of eternal life awaits us. (2 Nephi 31:20)

I am so proud of each of you that you have made a commitment to attend Seminary and to show your love for the Lord by rising early to learn of Him and to listen to His words (D&C 19:23). You are truly the “children of light” (1 Thessalonians 5:5) and, as your stake president, I rejoice in the blessing and privilege of associating with you in this majestic work of the Lord.

With love and admiration,

Crismon S. Lewis

Announcement that stake temple chapel meetings are now cancelled

29 January 2017

Bishops,

During a training meeting yesterday morning with the temple president we were instructed that the Brethren do not favor chapel meetings in the temple. In fact, the Portland Temple is one of the few temples in the church where chapel meetings are still held. 

There are several reasons why chapel meetings are discouraged, principally that “the temple is for ordinances, not meetings.” The Brethren would prefer members come and use even that half hour of time to perform initiatory or sealing ordinances if they only have a short time.

With a desire to follow this counsel, we have cancelled our Stake Temple Chapel meetings scheduled for February 28 and October 3, 2017.

Rather than have a stake chapel meeting associated with stake conference, we ask members, who hold temple recommends, to use the week leading up to stake conference—Feb 21-25 and Oct 10-14—to attend the temple at a time of their choosing as a way of preparing to be taught by the Lord at our stake conferences scheduled for Feb 25-26 and Oct 14-15.

We are confident the Lord will honor our temple service during the week before stake conference with an added measure of His spirit at our conference.

Will you please share this with your ward leadership and help publicize to all ward members that the stake chapel meetings scheduled in 2017 have been cancelled and replaced by a concerted effort for all members to attend the temple during the week leading up to stake conference?

Gratefully,

The Stake Presidency

Discussion about marijuana and temple recommends

26 January 2017

Bishops,

My apologies, I forgot to bring up a subject that was discussed in the meeting with our Area 70 last Sunday.

While marijuana use, both for medicine and recreation, is widely and legally available in Oregon, because marijuana use is still a violation of federal law we have been counseled that you NOT issue a temple recommend without first consulting with the stake president if the member is using marijuana for any purpose.

I have been given a list of questions, shared by a local stake president who is also an oncologist, that we may use in determining together whether or not a temple recommend should be issued. If the member is using marijuana for any reason, typically a recommend is NOT issued; but there may be cause to consider otherwise.

No direction was given as to whether a member can receive a temple recommend if he or she is involved in the marijuana industry, either growing or leasing property for marijuana production. Typically we do not deny temple recommends for a person’s involvement in the alcohol or tobacco industry. But I am concerned that members looking for a “quick buck” in what is an exploding industry will think the church says it’s OK. I think we want to discourage members from touching “...the unclean thing.” (Moroni 10:30)

Again, my apologies for forgetting to bring this up in our meeting last night. If you have a question or concern, feel free to respond and we may consider holding a conference call to address all concerns.

Thank you,

President Lewis

From Elder Larry Blunck's, of the Seventy, executive secretary following a discussion in a Coordinating Council Meeting with stake presidents from Portland and Vancouver on Sunday, January 22:

After our discussion last Sunday on responses to member use of marijuana, Elder Blunck asked President Rushing to develop some questions that could be used by stake presidents during discussions with members.  As a reminder,  this list should be kept very confidential and used as directed by the Spirit.  Here are the questions with President Rushing's introduction.

Each Stake President will need to consider the individual circumstances when discerning the worthiness of a member to hold a temple recommend who is using marijuana for medicinal purposes. I am providing some questions that could be used to assist you during your recommend interview in determining the nature of their use of marijuana.

Let me start by saying that in my practice of oncology- there are some circumstances where marijuana or some of its derivatives can be helpful in chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting. It is certainly not what should be used first (especially in the LDS member), but there are some rare cases where it helps when other anti-nausea medication does not. There has also been some impressive responses to diseases such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and seizure disorders. In my opinion, there is less science behind its use in such conditions of chronic pain, fibromyalgia, depression, anxiety, etc.

Questions:

1) How often are you using the marijuana?  (For example- if they are taking this for chemotherapy associated nausea/vomiting- this usually is only taken in the days after treatment, not every day).

2) Have you tried other medications for your symptoms prior to using marijuana? 

3)If taking this for chronic pain- have you gone to a pain specialist or pain clinic prior to starting marijuana?

4) Have you considered other forms of marijuana that do not cause the euphoria and mental changes associated with the most common form of marijuana which is THC? Cannibidiol (CBD) can have the same medical effects but without the mental side effects. 

5) What form of marijuana product are you using? In my opinion the order of preferability is pill form, oils, edibles, vaporizing and lastly smoking. (Marinol is an oral pill that doesn't have as much of the mental side effects. CBD much preferred over the THC products).

6)  Does you doctor know you are using marijuana and does he/she agree that it is helpful? 

7) Is your doctor prescribing marijuana in your situation? If not, is he/she recommending it?

8) Have you used marijuana recreationally before using it for medicinal purposes?

An apology to Jeremy Kato following a discussion in Bishopric Training that week

26 January 2017

Brother Jeremy,

I think I owe you an apology.

During Bishopric Training I asked who were those “children” spoken of in Mosiah 26:1. That I recall, you mentioned Alma the Younger. And I responded “not yet.”

First, we preach of the importance that teachers not ask questions that can have incorrect answers, i.e. knowledge questions, but questions that will help us share from our heart and encourage more response and discussion later. I obviously didn’t practice what I preach!

Second, your answer was partially right and I didn’t acknowledge that.

As clarification, you were right in that Alma the Younger was of the same age as those children spoken of in Mosiah 26:1 and, of course, had a similar result of being a disbeliever. However, I don’t know that we know why Alma strayed from his father’s teachings; possibly due to his friendship with and the influence from his peers, the four sons of Mosiah.

What we do know was that when the four sons of Mosiah were children at the time their grandfather, King Benjamin, gave his mighty address, Alma was likely a child living in the Land of Nephi where his father, Alma “Senior,” was a member of wicked King Noah’s court. As you know, his father (Alma Senior) converted after hearing Abinadi’s magnificent teachings and created a following that eventually had to flee the Land of Nephi (aka land of Lehi-Nephi) to settle a city they called Helam, which was still in Lamanite “country." Ultimately, Alma and his followers had to flee again, this time from the city of Helam and miraculously found their way to Zarahemla, a land they had never seen before because they were the third generation of the Nephites that had left Zarahemla around the time of Mosiah (father of King Benjamin). When Alma (Senior) arrives in Zarahemla with his followers, Mosiah (son of King Benjamin) had already been king for a period—he and Alma Senior were peers—and King Benjamin had died meaning Alma the Younger could not have attended—as a child—King Benjamin’s address. But the scriptures tell us that Mosiah (the son of Benjamin) was about 30 years of age at the time he became king (that was the purpose of King Benjamin’s address, to announce his son Mosiah is their new king) so it’s likely that Mosiah would have had a family including  several, if not all four, of his sons at that time, but they would have been little children at the time of their grandfather’s “towering” address :)

Hope that’s not too confusing, but know that your answer wasn’t totally wrong and I should have acknowledged that. More importantly, I should not have asked a question that caused me to “correct” you. I hope I didn’t offend. If so, please forgive me.

I appreciate your patience with me and the wonderful supporting leader you are. You and your family are a treasure to our stake!

Gratefully,

Crismon

In response to parents pleading for their returned missionary son not to have to face a Stake Disciplinary Council

6 January 2017

Dear (parents),

Thank you for writing. If it were my son, I would be writing the same email to the stake president. So please know that I don’t fault you for writing from your heart on behalf of your son.

I’m so grateful that you’re beginning to see your son emerge again. He is a great young man and has a bright future no matter how this is resolved. As you mentioned to me, James, thankfully we’re addressing this now and not 10 or 20 years later.

I, too, wish this had been handled in the mission field and that all of us would have been made known to us prior to his return. I was so taken back by the word I received from the mission president just hours before (your son's) arrival that I was reluctant to even mention it to you until I heard it from (him) personally. Then with (his younger brother) in the room and not knowing how open (he) would be with you, I did not say anything until he had a chance to to visit with you both in confidence. 

To your family’s credit, you have responded in a most amazing way. I can’t thank you enough for the admirable example you’ve shown through all of this.

While any missionary coming home with an unresolved serious transgression is a “gut punch” to all of us, especially the parents, the repetitive nature of (his) actions and his resolve to keep it from his mission president for all those months until the last minute is what takes this to a new level. I believe that is one of the reasons the Missionary Department directed me to handle this with a stake council. 

In response to your question, can we hold a modified version of a stake council? I wish there was a way, too, but I’ve never seen it happen nor do I see any latitude in the Handbook.

Having said that, I remind you of a recent Disciplinary Council that you served on. I have tried to stay close to that brother, as a dear friend. In fact, I just met last Sunday with him and his wife. Among other things, he expressed gratitude as to how confidential his disciplinary action has remained even though he had served in some very prominent leadership positions, as you know. In other words, there is no hint that the word has leaked out. The brethren on the council have been true to their calling.

As I look around the table in my mind’s eye, I believe every man on the council is a father of a son. Their hearts will bleed for you both, as mine does. They know how painful this must be for you. I believe they will treat this as they would want to be treated if they were in your position—with total confidentiality. I don’t believe your son will come from this with a scarlet letter unless he chooses to divulge it to friends. I truly hope he won’t. I hope you’ll help (him) understand the importance of confidentiality. Where he has been so open with his siblings it raises the risk of others learning. There will also be the temptation for (him) to seek pity or sympathy from friends by sharing what has happened, which is always a risk when someone so young is involved. That is one of the many reasons I’m so grateful that he has you as his parents. I don’t know how long the repentance process will take, but (your son) will need the loving, guiding hands of faithful, compassionate parents like you. He is truly blessed to have you both there for him in this difficult hour and the months ahead. 

I hope I have responded to your valid and impassioned plea. I love you both and shudder to think if the Stake Presidency and High Council were placed in this position by a returning missionary without a faithful family's love and compassion as (your son) has. I have faith the Lord’s will will be made known to us so (your son), you and his priesthood leaders will know definitely how to help (him) on this path to becoming whole and clean again. I’m confident (your son) will weather this and, not unlike Peter who denied the Savior three times and wept bitterly for it, (he) will rise to be a greater man and an instrument in the Lord’s hands down the road, if he will cling to you and follow your guidance.

With love and admiration for you both,

Crismon

In response to Marlo and Marcee Dean's desire to remain in the Powell Valley Ward after having their records moved five years ago

Dear Marlo and Marcee,

I realize this is a tough decision and there’s a lot of history that caused your records to be moved into the Powell Valley Ward in the first place more than five years ago.

However, the bottom line is that Handbook 1 (13.6) is very specific about membership records, stating that for us to keep your records in the Powell Valley Ward requires bishop, stake president and First Presidency approval. I don’t know if the original record move was ever made with First Presidency approval, I only know that both the bishops and myself no longer feel there is adequate cause or reason that justifies us to seek First Presidency approval. 

The reasons that caused the move in the first place have been eliminated (collapse of the City of Damascus), as you indicated, and there has been no negative reaction or feedback (only positive!) to your calling to the High Council, which suggests to us that any objections or hard feelings that apparently arose within the stake five years ago also no longer exist.

Even more importantly, we want you to both be able to progress spiritually. As you well know Marlo, having served faithfully for many years as a bishop, that whenever members go against the counsel of priesthood leaders they find themselves in that awkward position or spiritual dilemma described in Paul’s experience (Acts 9) and in D&C 121:38: “…he is left unto himself, to kick against the pricks…”

You have both created many deep and lasting relationships in the Powell Valley Ward. So we know asking you to return to the Damascus Ward will not be easy. That’s why I’ve tried to give you as much time and latitude as possible. Speaking of latitude, the Handbook does allow members in temporary residence and seeking full-time residence up to three months to remain in their home ward (or the ward they’re leaving) until they find permanent residence, at which time we must transfer their membership records. If they don’t find permanent residence within three months, then we must send the records to the ward where their temporary residence is located.

If remaining in the Powell Valley Ward means that much to you, would you be willing to seek permanent residence within the Powell Valley Ward boundaries? If so, we can extend your stay in that ward for another three months while you seek a permanent residence within the Powell Valley Ward boundaries.

Otherwise, I have no choice but to return your membership records to the Damascus Ward.

Please know of our love and admiration for you both. You have been through a great deal and we have tried to be sensitive to all the suffering you’ve had to endure. We are so grateful that the threats and offenses appear to be well behind us. We have faith that the Lord will soften hearts, if needed, to make your return to the Damascus Ward a wonderful, welcoming experience. You are missed and needed in that ward, where you are dearly loved and where you served faithfully for so many years.

Thank you for your willingness to follow priesthood counsel and trust in the Lord that He will bring healing in your home and in the hearts of others, if needed, as you return to the Damascus Ward.

With love and gratitude for your many contributions to our stake,

President Lewis

Update on how to respond to severe weather

Memo to Bishops

Bishops,

As we had yesterday, we occasionally have extreme weather that can affect meetings. More often than not, the decision is yours as a bishopric / branch presidency as to whether you feel to modify your meeting schedule inasmuch as the weather conditions can sometimes be different even within our stake. Yesterday, for instance, Sandy had a measurable snow fall and Boring had mostly rain. A few feet in elevation made a significant difference!

We appreciate you letting the stake presidency and other wards in your building know when you decide to make changes to your meetings so we can help communicate your decision.

There are occasions, when there’s widespread ice as we had in mid-December, when the stake presidency will intervene and attempt to coordinate everyone’s meeting schedules so we can alert members as early as possible.

As a reminder, below is a statement we issued to all stake members one year ago on what to expect and how to respond when there is a question about whether services are being held, postponed or cancelled. Feel free to use or draw from this document if you think it might be helpful for your ward members.

Thank you for not being too quick to cancel all meetings without consulting with the stake presidency.

Gratefully,

President Lewis

Update on Duraye after losing her job

Dear family,

I’m sorry to report that Duraye has lost her job. Or more accurately left her job this week.

She knows that many, if not all, of us are shaking our heads thinking, “Not again! Can’t she keep a job?!” Believe me she feels horrible about this and, after coming so close to getting on her feet financially, to be in this position again is devastating to her, too. 

I don’t know all the details and everything I do get is from her perspective. In short, she was doing very well in the company. She liked them and they, by all appearances, liked her ver much. But last week her company (an investment firm) abruptly got investigated by law enforcement, apparently due to a complaint by two disgruntled former employees. While Duraye said she felt the owner was completely honest and never saw any evidence of fraudulent practices, she felt an obligation to her clients (investors) and both she and her sales manager felt they could no longer represent the company in good conscience with the cloud of an investigation hanging over it. They both resigned along other employees (for all I know they were laid off). She said the company went from 20 to 5 employees overnight. It was a tough decision because she was on the brink of some very lucrative bonuses, but those were lost when she, in good conscience, chose to notify her clients of the investigation.

She feels horrible. not only because she has to find another job but she knows how this makes her appear to the family.

To her credit and much to her own satisfaction, she was able to cover all her expenses for November and even December, including the past-due debt payments. So she was working hard to get on her feet and out from family assistance.

She still has her part-time (contract labor) job at Ann Taylor’s apparel store in the Scottsdale Mall and would work more hours, but because her manager brought on so many part-time workers (wanting extra $$ for the holiday season) it’s difficult for Duraye to get extra hours even though she now has time.

Also, Duraye leaves this Thursday for Utah to spend Christmas with her daughters. We’re so happy for her and, while it may not be a mutual feeling, from Duraye’s perspective her relationship with Olivia is significantly better. So she’s looking forward to this trip and we’re hopeful it will be a bonding and joyful visit for her…and a needed break to be with her family.

So here’s where we stand…

The “financial crisis” has put us back in touch a little more often (not always Duraye’s doing; we’ve been extra busy, too, with family, church, holidays, etc.), maybe a silver lining to it all. 

Thank you for understanding that I can’t give you the assurance that Duraye is doing significantly better in every area of her life or that this “revolving door” of financial issues won’t happen again. But in the end, we’re still her family. And we’re better off working together than separately in trying to help her along this painful path. 

I hope it’s some consolation to share my personal feelings that she is not wrestling with addictions of the past nor do I sense she has a boyfriend.

In fact, she mentioned to me in passing last week (maybe a “set up” comment, I don’t know), but that she was driving to work one day last week and thinking how wonderful her life was now. She said she hardly thinks of Mike any more, that she has a nice apartment, a solid job, and family that loves and is willing to help her. It was one of the first times I’ve heard joy in her voice. It thrilled me to know she had experienced some happiness.

Of course, there was a “but…” to the conversation. She then proceeded to unfold the sad events causing her to question her employer’s integrity and thus the health and longevity of the company that led to her resignation.

So while she’s in desperate need again, I really sensed that part of her joy came from being self-sufficient financially. She was confident again and was so happy that she had been able to cover all the expenses on her own in November, including past-due debt payments.

Furthermore, she is able to cover ALL of her expenses (both past debt and current living expenses) through December. But come January 1, unless she finds a full-time job during the holidays (very unlikely), her sole income will be about $500 per month from her retail part-time job. Sadly there’s no full-time option at Ann Taylor because most of their employees are contract labor (part-time) to avoid benefits and because standing for so long is brutal on her feet and legs. She has to spread out her shifts just to buy time to recover.

So now, for the first time and recognizing that I must come to the family for a sizable contribution, I’m going to share detailed numbers with you. I’ve not done so in the past because there are a few expenses or even fines from her “past life” that are very embarrassing to her. I can tell by how she asks each time if all of you will be seeing these numbers. It’s obvious it’s very shameful to her. I explained that I only send totals.

But I feel it’s important for you to know more details so you can decide if you want to continue to “invest” in our proposal to help Duraye. I have blocked out some of the information that would embarrass her. I have no desire to shame her, but you deserve more details.

So you’ll find two spreadsheets attached. I use both of these with her to help her keep on track in paying past debts and recognize that she doesn’t have any “surplus” to spend frivolously. 

For those who don’t want to go over all the details, here’s the bottom line:

Duraye has $1,256.67 in her check book right now. As you’ll see on page two of the “Duraye Assistance for Jan 2017” document that it is all earmarked in detail for debt and monthly fixed expenses with $75 left for food and other living expenses.

So she’s good through December. Here’s where she needs our help:

As you can see in the same document, Duraye has $4,045 in past-due obligations that she negotiated down from nearly $8,000. We have negotiated monthly payments that total $690.40 per month.

Her fixed living expenses total about $1,625 per month, including the $950 rent payments we’ve been making.

She has around $370 per month in non-fixed living expenses (groceries, personal items, auto fuel, etc.).

I suggested that she devote the $500 she gets from her retail job toward her monthly living expenses.

That means as a family, until she can get work, we would be willing to help her with the balance…trusting that she will get some type of second job (hopefully full-time) before January is over. She is working hard right now to find work.

The balance totals:

$690 Debt payments

$1,625 Fixed living expenses…for a total of…

$2,315

Fortunately, we had a surplus of $451.26 of family contributions that were not needed for December’s rent because Duraye paid nearly half of the rent for that month.

So our true contribution is:

$2,315 Needed

-    451 Surplus

$1,864 Total needed for January

While this is twice what we originally agreed to ($50-$100 per family), as you can see in the “Duraye Pay Timeline Jan 2017 - B” (B means blacked out version) not all of her bills are due at the first of the month. So if she can secure work sooner, hopefully some of those later bills will be paid by her.

So I’m asking for those who feel they can contribute (and please know we fully understand if she’s worn out her welcome to your generosity), that we contribute $300 or more per family this month. For some, $50-$100 is a stretch and please know everything and anything is appreciated and will be adequate. We're so sorry to ask for funds especially around Christmas. But the end of the month is near and we felt it important that you know now and can plan accordingly, if you can help.

We grow weary of this, too, but we want you to know we have not lost faith in our sister...that she wants a happier life and is making a sincere effort to achieve it. It would be doubly difficult if she wasn’t grateful. But she is VERY grateful. And so are we.

Love,

Crismon & Vivienne