Sunday March 29th, Fast and Prayer: A Message From The North America Area Presidency

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

We extend our love to you and want you to know we are praying for your safety and well-being.

The next few weeks and months will likely be a time of significant challenge and economic struggle for many as efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19 continue. We assure each of you that our Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, are mindful of us and our individual needs. We can turn to Them for peace and comfort.

Sunday, March 29, 2020, is a fast Sunday. It is also the weekend just prior to April general conference. As an Area Presidency, we invite you to join us in a special day of fasting and mighty prayer. The purpose of this fast is five-fold:

To ask the Lord to bless and inspire our Church and government leaders and their efforts to protect the health and well-being of all people and to find solutions to address the challenges we are facing in all nations. To pray for all those who are suffering the physical, emotional, and economic impact of COVID-19, that they will be blessed according to their needs. To pray that the hearts of people everywhere will be softened and turned toward the Lord in humility and that faith in Jesus Christ will increase on the earth. To pray for spiritual strength to overcome fear and anxiety, for inspiration to protect ourselves and our families, and for the awareness and ability to minister to those in need. To pray for increased understanding and personal revelation in preparation for general conference and the prophetic guidance and messages regarding the bicentennial of the Restoration.

Like the prophet Enos, we too can turn to the Lord in mighty prayer in behalf of ourselves, our families, our nations, and those in need. He will hear and answer our humble prayers.

We hope you will invite others of faith to join with us in uniting our faith and prayers. As you do, please consider a generous fast offering and, based on your personal circumstances, a donation to the Humanitarian Fund. As an Area Presidency, we will be looking for significant and meaningful ways to address the immediate and growing humanitarian needs of our Area. We encourage you to listen to and share President Russell M. Nelson’s recent media posts on hope and love with your family and friends.

We invite you to join us in a special day of fasting and mighty prayer and to unite with others as we pray for heaven’s help and blessings.

Sincerely,

The North America West Area Presidency

While we are being urged to be vigilant in keeping ourselves, families and communities safe from COVID-19, here are some tips to stay connected and informed:

Tips for Church at Home and Connecting with Others

We have all been affected by recent changes to daily life caused by the virus known as COVID-19. You are not alone in this, and we will get through this together.

Below are some answers to common questions about church at home, the sacrament, and maintaining connections with others:

While the administration of the sacrament has important guidelines (see question below), how you worship during this time can be guided by your own personal revelation.

Saints around the world are using some of the following resources to help them: -Scriptures - Listen to Hymns - Follow the Come, Follow Me lessons - Read Church magazines - Visit ChurchofJesusChrist.org - Use the Gospel Living App - Watch the Latter Day Saints Channel - View the many "Life Help" classes the Church has available online

Every member needs the spiritual blessings that come from partaking of the sacrament. The administration of the sacrament must be authorized by the bishop (See General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,), and the First Presidency instructed that bishops counsel with their stake president to determine how to make the sacrament available to members at least once a month.  When a priesthood holder is not available in a home, ministering brothers can be asked to provide the sacrament to their assigned individuals and families. How can we minister when we are supposed to maintain physical distance? As we follow the recommendations of health officials, practice physical distancing, and stay at home when possible, you might wonder how to minister to others if you can't see them regularly.  Here are a few ideas: Pray for your families and individuals by name. Then act on promptings from the Holy Ghost as you consider ways to help others feel loved, included, and important. Consider a virtual visit. Video calls can provide some face time and fun. Talk with your ministering companion. He or she likely has some great ideas. Be a source of joy, optimism, comfort, and peace. Share a scripture via text. Or visit HearHim.ChurchofJesusChrist.org, and consider sharing one of the picture quotes or images of Christ. Call. Let them hear the sincere love and concern in your voice. "I miss seeing you! How are you dealing with everything?" Assess their immediate needs. Do they have food, shelter, supplies? Listen to them and validate their feelings. Respond with compassion and understanding. If immediate needs exist, identify ways you can safely help, and relay any concerns to ward leaders. How do I manage my need for meaningful connection? Finding yourself in isolation can be challenging. The following are some ideas of how to effectively handle the challenges of isolation: Seek God’s reassurance. Strengthen your relationship with your Father in Heaven through daily prayer and scripture study. Use technology to reach out to others (use video if possible) or learn new things. Consider activities like indexing, doing family history, and creating memory books. Serve others. Many local organizations are in great need, such as blood donation centers and food banks. Many opportunities to serve and help your neighbors and community can still be accomplished while practicing physical distancing. Be physically active. Physical activity can help you sleep better, reduce stress, and manage uncertain emotions. If possible, get outside to enjoy nature. Make time to reflect, and then write down your insights. Reflecting on good memories can help you manage loneliness.

A Speacial Message From President David Benning and Kelly Benning 3.22.20

A Special Message from our Stake President 3.15.20

Church and Temple Activity Canceled Until Further Notice 3.16.20

  

The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sent a letter Wednesday, March 11, 2020, to Latter-day Saints everywhere. Their message details a notable restriction on large gatherings of Latter-day Saints. Beginning March 16, 2020, large gatherings will be postponed in Asia, Asia North, Europe, Europe East, the United States and Canada Areas.
Church leaders also sent a letter to Saints on March 12 that says says worship services worldwide are temporarily suspended. Local leaders will counsel to determine how to make the sacrament available to members at least once a month

 

My dear friends, our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ know us, love us, and are watching over us. Of that we can be certain.
These unique challenges will pass in due time. I remain optimistic for the future. I know the great and marvelous blessings that God has in store for those who love Him and serve Him. I see evidence of His hand in this holy work in so many ways.
So, during these uncertain times, be comforted by this promise from the Savior. He said, “I the Lord am bound when ye do what I say.” I promise you that joy is always within the reach of everyone who will hear Him and obey His laws.
I love you. I pray for you. And I promise that you will receive comfort and peace as you continue to hear Him.

 The Church is monitoring developments and taking steps to comply with best practices and direction provided by public health organizations of various national governments.

Suggested Ways to Prevent the Spread of Covid-19:
Preventative Measures for Members
For all Church members, there is wisdom in taking steps to remain healthy during this cold and flu season. These precautions include*:

• Regularly and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water or clean them with an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick (this may include avoiding shaking hands or other customary greetings).
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Maintain at least three feet (one meter) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow public health agency recommendations for using a face mask.

*Based on recommendations from the World Health Organization and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/coronavirus-update-february-27-2020