Hello friends,
I am writing to inform you that we are changing our sacrament meeting schedule. We have met for two months and this has helped us gather insight into our plan moving forward. We will change from four sessions a month to two sessions per month. We feel this will lead to improved sacrament meetings and will reduce some of the preparation associated with holding four meetings in a month.
Beginning on September 6, 2020, those members, and friends whose last names begin with A-K are invited to attend sacrament meeting on the first Sunday of the month at 10:00 AM.
Beginning on September 20, 2020, those members, and friends whose last names begin with L-Z are invited to attend sacrament meeting on the third Sunday of the month at 10:00 AM.
We invite those who wish to attend sacrament meeting in-person to meet according to the above schedule. We, as a bishopric, still have heighten concern for our high-risk members. Please prayerfully consider whether you should attend an in-person meeting at this time. The Area Presidency has not changed or rescinded their earlier statement, “Our sense is that it is still best if these individuals are discouraged from attending an in-person sacrament meeting”.
Here are the guidelines that have been established for sacrament meeting attendance:
- Members who have had any of the symptoms of COVID-19 within the last two weeks, or who have been exposed to anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the last two weeks, should not attend Sacrament meeting in the chapel.
- These symptoms include fever, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, cough, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or unexplainable rash.
- All members should have concern for their fellow saints. As such, all members are encouraged to wear face coverings.
- Only the east entrance will be used to enter the building.
- We ask that members not use the west foyer, west restrooms, or classrooms.
- Please be mindful that any area used by members will need to be thoroughly cleaned after use.
- Members should not congregate in the foyer or the chapel or greet each other with traditional handshakes, hugs, or any other physical contact.
- Members should arrive at the appointed time and exit the building promptly after the conclusion of the Sacrament meeting
IMPORTANT NOTE FROM THE BISHOP:
This change to sacrament meeting times does not change the direction that I gave in June.
- This is not a trial of your faith.
- If you do not feel comfortable joining an in-person meeting, you should worship in your home.
- You should not feel compelled to attend an in-person meeting and I support you in your decision to worship at home.
- I extend my authorization to priesthood brethren to administer the sacrament on at least one Sunday each month in their homes.
- This is an ongoing authorization and I will communicate to the priesthood brethren when this authorization is removed.
- This authorization is extended to ministering brethren who minister to single sisters.
- Brethren, I cannot be forceful enough when I say, “Look after these sisters!” This is your priesthood duty to help these sisters receive the sacrament.
- Please decide, at least once each month, to help those around you who desire to receive the sacrament.
As we move through these challenging times, we will be blessed as we follow the Lord, Jesus Christ and his prophets and apostles. Their voices can easily be swallowed in the din and tinkling brass of our lives. A review of the 13th article of faith, should remind us how to exemplify the life of a Christian. Honesty, Truth, Chastity, Benevolence and Virtue. Benevolence is all too often overlooked. It is the quality of being kind. Not being kind but, the quality of being kind. There is a difference and our actions with those with whom we communicate, personally or virtually, will mark us as benevolent or not. We believe in doing good to all men. There are no qualifications here. The words are clear, all men. Not just those who hold our shared beliefs, all men. This takes effort. This takes practice but, remember we are taught to “pray for those who despitefully use you”. We should believe, hope, and endure. Endurance takes patience. Endurance takes wisdom, Endurance takes restraint. Endurance takes hope. “We hope to be able to endure all things”. We should seek every day to find things that are virtuous, lovely, of good report or praiseworthy. Things that are praiseworthy of men, neighbors, friends, co-workers, online followers, have little value. Things that are praiseworthy in the eyes of our Father in Heaven, He who is Holy, are most precious. I pray that we will all seek after the kingdom of God. May our Father in Heaven bless you and keep you.
Bishop Knight
Riverdale 7th Ward 