January Valencia Ward Newsletter

(Please note that email addresses and phone numbers for leaders can be found in the Ward Directory or in the Church Tools App.)

Dear Valencia Ward Family,

We are committed to improving communication and ensuring everyone is in the loop. Each of you is a vital part of our community, and your input is invaluable. Please let us know if there’s anything we might be missing, and help us spread the word to include everyone.

Here’s the latest information gathered from each auxiliary:

Come Follow Me:

• D&C 3-5, D&C 6-9

• Voices of the Restoration: Translation of the Book of Mormon

• D&C 10-11, D&C 12-17, JSH 1: 66-75

• Voices of the Restoration: The Witnesses of the Book of Mormon
  
  

February Announcements:

• Relief Society:
  Join us on February 2nd to fast for the families in our ward. Let’s come together in faith to see each other more clearly, love each other more deeply, and for each family to receive the peace and guidance they need. Miracles do happen when we combine our faith.
  
  

• Primary Parents:
  If you haven’t submitted your child(ren)’s Spotlight Form, please return them to Sister Hudson ASAP. Forms can be emailed to her.
  
  

• Stake Conference:
  February 8-9th: Saturday at 6 PM and Sunday at 10 AM.
  
  

• Temple Tuesday:
  February 18th at 7 PM for the Endowment Session.
  
  

Future Dates for Families with Youth:

• Stake Youth Camp (All youth) in CO: June 17th-21st.

• For Strength of Youth (FSY) in Flagstaff: July 21st-26th.

Young Adults:

• Join us February 2nd at 6 PM MST for a worldwide devotional with Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf and Sister Harriet R. Uchtdorf. A get-together will be announced soon.

Young Men Activities:

• • Wednesdays at 7 PM
    1st - Combined YM
    2nd - Individual Quorums
    3rd - Combined YM/YW
    4th - Individual Quorums

Young Women Announcements:

• Wednesdays at 7 PM

Feb 5th: Lip Sync Skits - Bring Props

Feb 11th: Join RS for Painting Night

Feb 15th: Los Lunas YM/YW Stake Fireside

Feb 19th: TBD

Feb 22nd: Rio Rancho Multi-Stake Dance

Primary Assignments:

• February 2:

  • Reverent Child: Emma L.

  • Opening Prayer: Brielee W.

  • Scripture: Amberly L.

• February 16:

  • Reverent Child: Levi M.

  • Opening Prayer: Aria H.

  • Scripture: Karter W.

• February 23:

  • Reverent Child: Ivy H.

  • Opening Prayer: Colton W.

  • Scripture: Amelia K.

  • Talk: John L.

Primary Upcoming Activities:

• Primary Activity Boys: Leaders contact Tanner Lemon or Jake Wagner February 4th at 5 PM.

• Primary Activity Girls: Leaders contact Myka Muller or Melissa Sego.

• Valentine’s Day Activity in the Nursery Room on Feb 12th at 7 PM.

• Feb 26th TBD
  
  

Relief Society Activities

Activity Leaders

Gretchen Carrasco

Bonnie Sego

• Feb 11th 6pm in the Relief Society Room

  • Painting a Lighthouse (Look to Christ) with Ruth Bingham

  • Text Gretchen directly to sign up

• Feb 13th at 6pm Watch the movie Cabrini at Gretchen Carrasco’s home

• Future Dates:

  • March 1:  Relief Society Conference from 10 AM-1:30 PM

  • March 6–8: Roots Tech. See rootstech.org for more info.

Contact Information for Leadership:

Bishopric

Steve Bayely - Bishop

Jake Robinson - First Counselor

Brandon Carrasco - Second Counselor

Henry Holmes - Ward Executive Secretary

Elders Quorum Presidency

CJ Kettle - President 

Michael Knott - 1st Counselor 

Ivan Waddoups - 2nd Counselor 

Relief Society Presidency

Katryna Hanchett - President

Samantha Lemon - First Counselor

Jennica Kettle - Second Counselor

Holly Bayley - Secretary

Bishopric is contact for Young Men

Young Women Presidency

Heather Mandeville - President 

Julie Ledbetter - First Counselor

Analisa Hawkins - Second Counselor

Primary Presidency

Rachel Hudson - President

Cassidy Ahner - First Counselor 

Cathy Bradshaw - Second Counselor

Bonna Mae Quick - Secretary

Beginning 1/5/2025 - Sacrament Meeting will be at 9am.

As a reminder, second-hour classes change depending on the week:

• 1st/3rd Sundays we have Sunday school

• 2nd/4th Sundays we have Relief Society, Priesthood, and Young Men/Young Women classes.

• 5th Sundays are directed by the Bishopric

No Sacrament broadcase on 2/6 due to Stake Conference.

Beginning 2/13, Sacrament meeting will begin at 10:30 am (instead of 11am).   Sacrament ends at 11:30am, class is from 11:40am to 12:30pm

As a reminder, second-hour classes change depending on the week:

• 1st/3rd Sundays we have Sunday school

• 2nd/4th Sundays we have Relief Society, Priesthood, and Young Men/Young Women classes.

• 5th Sundays are directed by the Bishopric

Stake conference will be run a little differently this time.  Please read the details from President Clark, bleow.

I hope this finds you all well. Please see the information below regarding our upcoming stake conference February 5-6, 2022. You'll notice that the Sunday session will be webcast via Zoom to all the other buildings in the stake; Sage, Belen, Socorro, and Alamo. Members are invited to attend and view the Sunday session of conference in the building where they normally attend church. We simply can't have all the members together in one building since we are still in a pandemic. The Friday and Saturday meetings are in person at the stake center.

Please make sure you pay particular attention to who is invited to each meeting to understand which meetings you are invited to attend based on your current calling.

In the letter I recieved from President M. Russell Ballard regarding our upcoming stake conference he stated the following: "Stake conference is particularly important for the instruction and edification of stake and ward leaders and all other members of the stake. Please invite every member of your stake to prepare spiritually for the conference and to attend all appropriate sessions."

So we invite all to prepare spiritually and attend stake conference so that we can all be taught by the Spirit in miraculous ways. 

Bishopric/Branch Presidency Training

(Attending: Stake Presidency, Bishops/Branch Presidents and their counselors)

(In person at the Los Lunas Stake Center)

Saturday February 5, 2022

2:00 to 3:15pm 

Stake Priesthood Leadership Meeting

(In person at the Los Lunas Stake Center)

Saturday February 5, 2022

3:30-5:00pm

Invited to attend: Invited to attend: (Stake presidency including executive secretary and clerk, stake high council, bishoprics/branch presidencies, ward/branch executive secretaries and clerks, Elders’ quorum presidencies and secretaries, Aaronic Priesthood quorum advisors, zone leaders, sister training leaders, President Weathersby)

Light Meal for those attending Stake Priesthood Leadership Meeting

(In person at the Los Lunas Stake Center)

Saturday February 5, 2022

5:00 to 5:45pm

Saturday Evening Session

(In person at the Los Lunas Stake Center)

(Invited to attend: All members 18 years and older)

Saturday February 5, 2022

6:00-8:00pm

Sunday Morning Session

Sunday session will be webcast via Zoom to all the other buildings in the stake; Sage, Belen, Socorro, and Alamo. Members are invited to attend and view the Sunday session of conference in the building where they normally attend church. 

(Invited to attend: All members of the stake)

Sunday February 6, 2022

10:00am-12:00pm

Please contact a member of the stake presidency with any questions.

President Clark

Hello Sister and Brothers.

We appreciate the patience you have shown over the last 14 months as we have adapted church schedules, introduced new procedures, and social distanced with our friends.  Through all of this we as a Presidency have sought inspiration and followed State guidance and guidance from our Area Presidency.  Based on updated guidance from the State, Area Presidency, and counseling with the Stake Council for inspiration, those who are fully vaccinated including waiting the required two weeks are no longer required to wear masks at church. If you are not vaccinated, or you prefer to wear a mask, we invite you to continue wearing a mask.

Please remember to respect the decisions of others as they choose, or choose not to wear a mask. We often don't know the reasons for choices made by others. As a Stake we will continue to follow the social distance and cleaning guidelines we have been following for the time being.

Thank you all for your love, support, and faith as we move into this next phase.

The Los Lunas Stake Presidency

Hello Brothers and Sisters - just a heads up, even though the governor has removed the mask requirement for those vaccinated, *for now* we will continue to follow all existing safety requirements in Church Sunday, including masks in the building for everyone.

We hope to have updated guidance next week!

Thank you, everyone for complying with the guidance from our Stake and Area leaders!

As always, the sacrament meeting will be broadcast at http://sacrament.valenciaward.org.

Classroom details starting 5/2 - 10am.

• Junior Primary - Primary Room

• Senior Primary - Relief Society Room

• Adult Sunday School - Chapel

• Youth Sunday School - Young Men Rooms

• There will be no Nursery offered at this time

The class schedule will alternate per the schedule established in 2019:

• 1st/3rd Sundays - Sunday School Classes

• 2nd/4th Sundays - RS/YW/Priesthood meetings

• 5th Sunday - Bishopric Discretion

• We have a ward facebook page available to help coordinate information and interact with eachoer as a ward.
  
  https://facebook.valenciaward.org

The funeral service for Brother Alvin Shore will be held in the Los Lunas Chapel Wednesday 4/7 at 11am. Masks and social distancing will be required.

For those who cannot attend in person, the Chapel Service will be broadcast through zoom. Details:

Valencia Ward

Topic: Alvin Shore Funeral - Chapel Service

Time: Apr 7, 2021 11:00 AM Mountain Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/95550285860?pwd=b1FCTjYxNjRhR0tyZjQ4YmF5TURHZz09

Meeting ID: 955 5028 5860

Passcode: 954861

One tap mobile

+13462487799,,95550285860#,,,,*954861# US (Houston)

+16699006833,,95550285860#,,,,*954861# US (San Jose)

Dial by your location

        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)

        +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

        +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)

        +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)

Meeting ID: 955 5028 5860

Passcode: 954861

Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/adQGxs5P6

The Chapel Cleaning calendar has been updated with April (Our ward's month to clean), you can see it here: https://www.valenciaward.org/chapel-cleaning, or click the link under the menu at the top of any ward website page.  Note, it is a read-only calendar - just to see who is assigned.

The Missionary Meals calendar is also live - you can see it here: https://www.valenciaward.org/missionary-dinners  Note that the view on this website is for viewing only, if you want to schedule a dinner with the missionaries, please use the links on the calendar page, or visit http://feedthemissionaries.valenciaward.org.

If you have problems with either of these calendars, please contact Brother Mandeville.

Ward Youth Council is starting up today - 10:15 to 10:45 am.  Click here to join. 

Elder's Quorum class is today at 11:00am.  The link is http://eq.valenciaward.org. 

Due to inclement weather, power outages, and hazardous driving conditions, services and the online EQ class are canceled for today

You are invited to a Zoom webinar.

When: Feb 7, 2021 10:00 AM Mountain Time (US and Canada)

Topic: Los Lunas stake conference - general session

Please click the link below to join the webinar:

https://zoom.us/j/94236636856?pwd=KzRoWG9ydHgvRnZ4TjNKWTlqQ3hCdz09

Passcode: 202399

Or iPhone one-tap : 

    US: +16699006833,,94236636856#,,,,*202399#  or +12532158782,,94236636856#,,,,*202399# 

Or Telephone:

    Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):

        US: +1 669 900 6833  or +1 253 215 8782  or +1 346 248 7799  or +1 929 205 6099  or +1 301 715 8592  or +1 312 626 6799 

Webinar ID: 942 3663 6856

Passcode: 202399

• Due to Stake Conference the first weekend in February, the first online Relief Society lesson will be held today at 11am.

• Normally, RS will meet every 1st/3rd Sunday at 11am.  The second class will be February 21st.

• You can join at  http://rs.valenciaward.org or by dialing in with the following information

Valencia Ward is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Meeting ID: 925 4563 2312

Passcode: 123456

One tap mobile

+12532158782,,92545632312#,,,,*123456# US (Tacoma)

+13462487799,,92545632312#,,,,*123456# US (Houston)

Dial in:

        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)

        +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

        +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)

        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

        +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)

Meeting ID: 925 4563 2312

Passcode: 123456

Several important updates from the last few weeks, and an announcement of upcoming classes:

• Sacrament meeting is now at 9am and the zoom meeting will start at 9am, so remote viewers can participate in opening song, opening prayer, sustainings, and announcements.  The microphone will then be muted during the sacrament ordinance.  As always, you can join the meeting at http://sacrament.valenciaward.org. 

• The Primary has been publishing videos weekly for all primary kids - it contains a lesson and singing time.  The videos are on YouTube, and can be accessed from the primary page at this site: http://primary.valenciaward.org

• COMING SOON: Elder's Quorum classes will soon begin online!  EQ will meet every 2nd/4th Sunday at 11am beginning 1/24/2021.  You can join the class at http://eq.valenciaward.org.  Please see President Pope's email for details on the lesson.

• COMING SOON: Relief Society classes will soon begin online!  RS will meet every 1st/3rd Sunday at 11am. However, because of stake conference, our first class will the fifth sunday, January 31st.  You can join the class at http://rs.valenciaward.org. 

Beginning December 13th, we are allowed to return to one sacrament meeting at 11am.  

• As usual, our sacrament meeting session is broadcast on zoom starting about 11:20am.  As always, the broadcast can be seen at http://sacrament.valenciaward.org.  Recording the broadcast is prohibited.

• Because we need to clean quickly for the next ward, there will be bags with disinfecting wipes available as you enter the chapel. Please get one bag per family, and after closing prayer, wipe down all wood/plastic surfaces in your seating area.  Discard the wipe in the trash that will be in the foyer.

Beginning on January 3rd, 2021, our ward will be meeting at 9am.  Therefore, the online broadcast will begin *around* 9:20am.

Effective immediately and until further notice, here are the current guidelines for our ward:

• No more in-person activities.  Mid-week Zoom activities can and should continue.

• So that everyone who wishes to may continue to attend every week, Sacrament meeting is being split into two sessions *on the same day*.  Starting 11/22/2020 here is the new schedule for Valencia Ward:

  • 11:00am to 11:40 am, Last names beginning with  A-L

  • 12:00pm to 12:40pm, Last names beginning with M-Z

• The 12:00pm session will be the session that is broadcast on zoom starting about 12:10pm.  As always, the broadcast can be seen at http://sacrament.valenciaward.org or https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87826783436

• Because we need to clean quickly for the next ward, there will be bags with disinfecting wipes available as you enter the chapel. Please get one bag per family, and after closing prayer, wipe down all wood/plastic surfaces in your seating area.  Discard the wipe in the trash that will be in the foyer.

With updated guidance from the First Presidency and Area Authorities, President Clark and the Valencia Ward Bishopric have authorized all members to return to their wards on a weekly basis.  Safety precautions will still remain in effect, but there are some important changes to note:

• Pre-approval for at-home Sacrament meeting has ended.  If you would like to request approval for at-home sacrament, please contact Bishop Bayley

• Sacrament meeting will be at 10:45 - 11:45 am each week

• At this time there is still only sacrament meeting, no relief society, primary, sunday school, nor other classes.

It's my hope that you all are doing good and staying healthy!

I've attached the August newsletter (Click Here) as well as a tasty cake recipe provided by Sister Kim Little.  (Click Here)

Enjoy! Please reach out if there is anything I can do for you.

Sister Cortney Miller

Please read all the details about returning to church in this letter from the Bishopric.

Some Highlights:

• Church attendance is optional based on your individual situation and comfort level

• Masks are mandatory

• For now, we will have Sacrament meeting only, start at 10:45 and meet for 45 minutes or less; there will be no singing, but there will be music for prelude, opening, and sacrament songs.

• Attendance will be limited, please only attend during your assigned week:

  • Group A – 1st week of each month - Last name A - J   (Aug  2nd, 2020)

  • Group B – 2nd week of each month - Last name K - M (July 12th, 2020)

  • Group C – 3rd week of each month - Last name N – Z (July 19th, 2020)

I hope you are doing well and staying healthy! Click here to view the July newsletter!

I hope you have a wonderful July 4th holiday!

Cortney Miller

Hello Valencia Ward members,

We hope all are doing well and blessed in these difficult times. Originally we were on schedule to start back to church on the 5th of July however Covid cases have increased in NM so we have been asked to pause on the restart until the Coordinating Council meets Sunday June 28th where hopefully decisions will be made. Hopefully I will have a better understanding of when we will start back to church in the near future. The good news is that the "Plan" of how to start church has been finalized so once we are cleared to start it should be fairly simple to begin. As we all know, these challenging times are some that none of us have had to deal with. Know that we are following the direction of the Lord's chosen leaders and we will be blessed as we continue to be obedient and follow their direction. We as the ward leadership miss and love you all and are anxious to once again worship with you all. 

Prayers and love to you all!

Bishop Bayley and the Ward Council

Click here for the newsletter 

All

We as your stake presidency have again felt we would like to share some thoughts with each of you, the members of the Los Lunas New Mexico stake. First is President Walz, then President Fraley, they closing thoughts from me: 

Brothers and sisters,

As a worldwide church we recently fasted, and prayed "that the present pandemic may be controlled, caregivers protected, the economy strengthened, and life normalized." I have tried to pay attention so I would not miss the miracles as they come from this fast. Although I know many are still suffering from the pandemic, my testimony is that miracles are happening. Your faithful prayers are being answered. Thank you for your faith and all you do. Watch for miracles. If you have eyes to see, you will see them.

My first job out of college required me to go to Louisiana for 6 weeks of training. The training I most looked forward to was learning how to get out of a helicopter that had crashed in the water. For the training, you buckle up in a seat next to the window in a shell of a helicopter. The idea is that before the training starts you put your hand on your knee. Then learn where the handle to pop the window out is in relation to your knee. Your knee becomes the reference point that helps you know how to move towards the path of life, fresh air. Once you can grab the handle with your eyes closed the trainers lower the helicopter into a pool and flip it upside down. So imagine being in a 5 point harness, upside down, and your nose full of water. Everything becomes chaotic and disorienting.  But if you unbuckle the seat belt, find your knee then you can easily open the window and swim out. 

There are similarities in this experience and keeping the sabbath day holy. On Sunday we get to prepare for the chaotic, disorienting, flips and flops of the week. Sometimes we even feel the annoying pain of figurative water in your nose. But, if each and every Sunday we keep the day holy by making a deliberate effort to worship our Savior and Heavenly Father, we can follow the path to life. We can find strength in knowing how to find eternal life and hope in knowing our Father in Heaven loves you. I would like to encourage all of us to better keep the Sabbath holy. If you are looking for ideas on how to deliberately improve your Sabbath worship you could read the Church Blog Come Unto Christ and the article four steps to keeping the sabbath day holy . Elder Tingey has a wonderful article in the Ensign. As you and I choose to keep the Sabbath Day Holy I believe two things will happen; You will see more miracles, partly because you are looking for them and partly because you are being more obedient. Also your hope for the future will increase, because you are building your relationship with Christ. The church is true and the Sabbath is a gift, a reference point to guide us to eternal life. Don't throw the gift away. 

We love and appreciate all you are doing.

President Jake Walz 

Brothers and Sisters

     I hope all is well in your homes. The reports we are getting from Bishops and members indicate that you are doing well. Thank you for your loyalty and dedication to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We encourage you to continue your sabbath day observance while at home. Please take this opportunity to stay on track with Come Follow Me. The church website has many useful things that can be explored to bring the spirit into your home as well as your heart.

Please take the time to call others and encourage and help them stay connected to a spiritual message. Discuss Come Follow Me with those you contact. Youth leaders and youth class and quorum presidency’s please reach out to those you have stewardship for. Take the time to see the blessings in your lives. This work is going forward. The Lord needs your sabbath day observance to bless you and others. We as a Stake Presidency are thankful for all that each of you do.

President Fraley 

My Dear Brothers and Sisters

My counselors have shared wonderful council and advice. Please listen to their counsel and take it to heart to make your Sabbath days even more special than they already are.

This is such a wonderful time we are living in! We have been blessed with all we need to help us return and live with our loving Heavenly Father. We have such a special opportunity right now with our home centered worship to increase spirituality in our lives as part of our Sunday sacrament ordinance and Come Follow Me discussions. A couple of my thoughts from last week’s Come Follow Me lesson regarding the words of Abinadi.

Mosiah 12:27 “Ye have not applied your hearts to understanding…” and Mosiah 13:1 “And now I read unto you the remainder of the commandments of God, for I perceive that they are not written in your hearts…”

I invite you each to ponder, as I have been doing, to understand how we can better “apply our hearts to understanding” and “write the things of God in our hearts”. I know it will be a blessing to each and every one of us.

Please know how much we love each one of you. I pray for the blessings of the Lord to be upon each and every one of you and that your loving Heavenly Father will bless you and your families with exactly what you need. 

KEEP THE FAITH 

President Clark

PS: Just to make sure everyone knows. We, your stake presidency, are still doing temple recommend interviews. We will generally do those via technology such as phone or video chat but we are doing them.

There is power in having a temple recommend in our "pockets" that helps us to be more holy.

Our temple recommends are a symbol of our religion in our "pockets". 

Please contact Brother Chester Cook for appointments.

Bishop Bayley is inviting ALL young men and young women to join Sister Kettle and him for an on line youth fireside, Sunday, 4/26 at 6:30 pm.

Zoom meeting information:

Click to join Zoom Meeting 

Please join us and don't be shy to turn on your camera so you can all see each other’s smiling faces! :o)

Brothers and Sisters of the Los Lunas Stake

We as your stake presidency wanted to send a quick note to let you all know we are thinking about and praying for you and to send you a message of peace and hope. We pray this finds you all doing well during this pandemic and the situation we all find ourselves in. We completely understand this situation has completely disrupted our lives both temporarily and spiritually.

First a message from my first counselor President Jacob Walz:

Brothers and Sisters.  A few days ago I was in a meeting with President Clark where he said a prayer for each of you. He also reminded me in his prayer that we are children of God. God is our eternal, omniscient, Father. He knows each of us, and knows all that is happening with COVID-19. As concerns, fear, loneliness, boredom, or simply feeling like your jeans don't fit anymore, strike you, please take comfort in knowing you have a Father in heaven you can talk to. I watched a miracle happen tonight. My 3 year old daughter lost a camera lens cap and we couldn't find it. So my wife asked her to say a prayer to help us. She said the most honest heartfelt prayers her three year old soul could muster. And she spoke to God. That was the biggest miracle. And any of us can participate whenever we want.  We didn't find the cap as we expected, but we again learned the power of feeling close to God. (We did find the lens cap after we drove home, which was, in our mind, the second miracle.) If there were two things I could share with you, I would say take comfort and talk to your Father in Heaven with an honest heart. After that, do your part. If you need help call a ministering friend. Whether they are assigned to you or not. Call them, ask for help. Our Father in Heaven loves you, He will take care of you and bless you. This knowledge is called hope. COVID-19 will pass, life will return to normal, and these challenges will end. I love you, and our Father in Heaven loves you. Keep the faith, keep the hope.

President Walz    

Now a message from my second counselor, President Joe Fraley:

Brothers and Sisters

    What an exciting time we live in. As we participate in and watch the Gathering of Israel move forward we are reminded that the Lord has prepared us for such challenging times. We should continue to follow the Savior and stay on the covenant path. People around our communities are afraid, uneasy, and not sure about what tomorrow will bring. We should continue being good neighbors and good citizens. Your righteous example and faithfulness will bring many blessings to others and help calm those fears. Technology has been established so that we may continue spreading the Gospel. With technology We have the opportunity to bring our friends and neighbors into our homes and feel the calming spirit of the Savior. We have been prepared for where we are today. I know when this is over we will see the Lords purposes being fulfilled. I hope and pray your family is safe and sound.

President Fraley

Now a few thoughts from me:

I was in Idaho following the birth of our first grandson in March when all this started. My wife and I went to Sam’s Club to simply get some groceries we needed, not to buy a pallet of toilet paper… It was CRAZY! The parking lot and the store was packed and many things in the store were out of stock. It reminded me of the evening of 9/11 when my wife and I and our 3 young children (9, 7, and 3 years old) were driving home from the church building in Los Lunas to our home. There were lines at all the gas stations we passed and our old Suburban was almost empty. I felt a fear, uncertainty, and anxiety I had never experienced before. We didn’t get any gas that night because we didn’t want our children to see the chaos and be scared. We wanted them to feel peace and know that all would be Okay.

On our way back to our daughter and her family’s apartment last month in Idaho, my wife and I both felt the same thing we felt on 9/11. We needed to help our, now adult children, to feel peace in this situation and know that all will be well.

I have continued to feel an overwhelming desire to help those around me feel peace. I know of no better way than to share the words of our prophet, President Russell M. Nelson from general conference 2 weeks ago:

“Dear brothers and sisters, I express my love for you. During this time of tension and uncertainty, and invoking the authority vested in me, I would like to confer upon you an apostolic blessing.

I bless you with peace and increasing faith in the Lord.

I bless you with a desire to repent and become a little more like Him each day.

I bless you to know that the Prophet Joseph Smith is the prophet of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ in its fulness.

Should there be illness among you or your loved ones, I leave a blessing of healing, consistent with the will of the Lord.

I so bless you, adding once more my expression of love for each of you, in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.” President Russell M. Nelson, April 5, 2020 

Please know we love you, we pray for you daily, and pray that you and your families feel that peace that can only come from the Savior himself. 

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27

President Gerald Clark

Brethren

I hope this finds each of you doing well! Thanks so much for all you are doing and for getting your updates to me. I thought I would answer a few questions that have come to me so we can all be on the same page (Please note however that any of this could change as any time as further updates come along from the state and federal government as well as the church). Sorry so long but a lot of things to cover that I hope are helpful:

• Child of Record baptisms: I've received a couple of questions regarding child of record baptisms;

  • Can we still hold baptisms with the state limiting gatherings to 5? Yes we can still hold child of record baptisms, due to this being a religious related event we can actually have more than 5 attend BUT: This situation is serious...and keeps getting more serious every day. Staying in tune with what we are all trying to do, limit the spread of this virus as well as being part of the solution and not part of the problem in our country-state-and communities, we need to limit attendance to baptismal services. If families still desire to have their child of record baptized we NEED to limit attendance to the VERY minimum. Immediate family and the presiding priesthood authority to attend only. No exceptions to be granted. Some families have already opted to simply hold until things settle down. 

  • Can we move the date of our child's baptism in case church buildings are closed prior to the next child of record baptism? We would simply like to stick with our planned dates for our child of record baptisms and not grant any exceptions. I look at this in a similar manner as the temple ordinances. Those are important ordinances as well but temples are currently shut down. Members simply have to wait until they open again. This is all such an interesting time, an uncertain time for all of us. Let's all be patient. The Lord is aware of us! This won't last forever. What comes to mind is from President Nelson's message yesterday. "...I'm also a man of faith." Le't have faith and put our trust in the Lord.

• Sacrament Ordinance:

  • Authorization: Brethren, just a reminder to "keep it simple". Let's not go overboard with the process of authorizing priesthood brethren to administer the sacrament either in their homes or to other members. I understand you each hold the keys for the sacrament ordinance and that there may be a few you need to visit with personally but in my original letter I suggested that this could be done in an email. Again, keep things simple.

  • Sacrament to those without worthy priesthood brethren in the home: A question has been raised more than once about how often the sacrament ordinance should be provided to homes and if we are actually adding risk of illness to those we are visiting and to those administering the ordinance. We feel it necessary to make the sacrament ordinance available to these members on a monthly basis. Any more than that probably adds risk to both parties that we should not be adding. Each of these families should be communicated with to be certain they are comfortable with other coming into their homes to provide the ordinance. Again, we want to be part of the solution, not part of the problem. 

  • Investigators to participate in the sacrament ordinance: 

    • It was brought up that investigators could be blessed by being in member's homes and participating in the sacrament ordinance with members. I do agree having those people in members homes can only be a blessing to them and help them in their growth in the gospel. At this time it simply is not appropriate to have members invite others, such as investigators, into their homes. It simply goes against what we have all been asked to do to stop the spread of this virus. I would simply think that the ward/branch mission leaders should coordinate with EQ and RS presidencies to assure fellowshippers are assigned so those investigators so they can keep in close contact with those families via technology.  

• Members in need:

  • There is a growing number of members being affected by all the shutdowns, isolation, etc. that will be hard hit economically. I know of a number of self employed members that have had to close their businesses due to the governor's mandates. This is a hard hit economically to families that could be devastating in more ways than one. Please make sure your EQ and RS presidencies, along with all the ministering brothers and sisters, keep an eye on those families and their needs. 

• Callings and priesthood ordinations: 

  • How do we handle callings and priesthood ordinations due to not having sacrament meetings to sustain those members? 

    • If it is a calling or ordination that needs to be done then move forward with extending those callings or preparing those brethren for the ordination. When it is time for them to be sustained you are authorized to perform those releases and sustainings via email to the members of your units during this time of no church meetings. After all, the work must continue forward. What we discussed as a presidency for stake callings is that we are preparing a "form email" that will be sent out to the members for their sustaining votes. The email will provide basic guidance and a deadline for the sustaining vote of yes or no. Please place all members on distribution in the BC line and the bishopric in the TO line so responses only come to the bishopric/branch presidency. The bishopric will handle any dissenting votes on an individual basis per the handbook of instructions. I'm sure I haven't thought about everything in this so please let me know if I've missed something here.

• Missionaries:  

  • I'm sure you've read many of the updates to missionary work. We have ~13 missionaries serving currently from our stake. All of our missionaries are healthy. 

    • One returned home today from Brazil. He will self isolate for 14 days then will be reassigned in the U.S. 

    • Another will likely be returning in the coming days from Guatemala as soon as the the government opens their borders. He will also isolate for 14 days then will be reassigned.

    • We have one in England and one in Spain and at this time will continue to serve in those countries.

    • Some will soon be returning after completing their normal missionary service. One is coming home at 21 months per new church guidelines during this COVID-19 outbreak.

    • We have a senior couple being sent home due to being in a high risk age group. They will self isolate for 14 days.

    • The remainder will continue to serve but are currently self isolating as all missionaries throughout the world are doing. They are being kept busy and teaching via technology as much as possible. 

    • We have a senior couple that received a call some time ago and were originally to report in the next few weeks. Their mission has been postponed until June.

• General Conference:

  • Continue to prepare for our upcoming general conference. It will be very special!

• Constant Communication:

  • I have continued to feel so strongly the need for constant communication and how that can be a light in the lives of so many. Communication between stake leaders and our ward/branch counterparts, bishops/branch presidents with their ward/branch councils, EQ and RS presidencies with all their ministering companionships, all of us with our coworkers-neighbors-and friends, as well as all ministering brothers and sisters with all the members of our stake. Again, this is all part of "ministering in a bold, new, holier way." This will be a light to so many. Keep it up!

• Simplicity:

  • A member commented to me, and thanked the stake presidency, for keeping things so simple through these uncertain times. This touched me! I'm grateful to my counselors and for the guidance of the spirit in helping us keep things as simple as possible for our leaders and for the members of our stake in a EXTREMELY FLUID situation. We want to keep in touch with members, we want to assure the sacrament ordinance is available to members, we want to keep the work moving forward, we want to help our members feel peace and comfort in their homes, we want and need to respond to people's needs both temporal and spiritual, we want us all to act in faith not fear. I would simply encourage each of you to keep things simple for your leaders and members and not develop new programs, tools, tracking, work, that may simply burden members in an already stressful, difficult situation.

Please make sure all are aware of the worldwide fast called for by President Nelson this Sunday March 29. The Lord is aware of us and is and will continue to bless us. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btwh40huKIo&feature=youtu.be  

Keep the Faith!!!

President Clark

The Future of the Church: Preparing the World for the Savior's Second Coming 

Presidents,

With the cooperative effort of Loren Page, the Temple Facilities Manager, and Don Armstrong, the Temple Recorder, we are pleased to announce that the Temple Grounds will be open for individuals and families Tuesday through Saturday of each weeks between the hours of 8:00 am and 8:00 pm.  They have been generous to expand the hours of security personnel (for whom we also are very grateful they are making this possible) so we all may enjoy the sacred grounds of the temple.  There is power just being on the Temple Grounds and the Temple Grounds too have been dedicated. 

When Temple Operations go back to normal times, the grounds will be open as they were before this modified schedule.  If there is a change due to further direction, we will keep you posted.  Please find a way to inform the members through ward communications such a Facebook, emails or whatever method the wards and branches communicate to their members.

Warmest regards,

Perry M. Webb

Recently, President Russell M. Nelson gave a charge to hear the Savior more readily in our lives and to share with others the hope and guidance He brings. During this time of fear and uncertainty, the Lord is aware of us and shows His love daily.

Watch this powerful new video on how we can hear Him when we stop and listen—not with our ears, but with our hearts:  https://youtu.be/sbhOg6AS_QY

https://youtu.be/E1i5-ew2l9k

Dear Valencia Ward Members,

I hope this letter finds you all healthy. We are now being faced with challenges that most of us likely have not experienced before. We, the Bishopric, are working on how to handle everything as these challenges arise. Please be patient as we figure out how the Lord would have us deal with thesedifficulties. With that in mind I want each of you to know that the Lord is still directing his work on earth today and that we should work through these and all other life challenges with confidence in knowing that God is with us in all we do. I would also like to highlight that the Lord has known things like this would be coming. I am sure that is in part why he has put so much emphasis on Home Centered, Church Supported gospel learning and Self Reliance. Each of you has all the tools necessary to continue to teach the gospel to your families and those with whom you have responsibility for. Near term, we will continue to follow the direction of our Prophet and those who have been called to lead. Long term, we will continue to follow the direction of our Prophet and those who have been called to lead!!! Nothing has really changed. We have a prophet that leads and guides the church and that won’t change.

Now to discuss where do we go from here. First and foremost, it will be imperative that all of us are doing our parts to continue following the priesthood chain as established by the lord. As the Bishop along with my counselors we will continue to recieveguidance and direction from the Lord through inspiration, revelation, scriptures, priesthood leaders, and other resources like the new handbook. 

As we receive guidance we will route it to all the members through the Elders Quorum and Relief Society as well as the rest of the Ward Council. It will be very important to keep these lines of communication open as we move through this challenge. Each member has been assigned as a minister and as such has a responsibility to look after and care for those with whom you have been assigned. I would like to see communication both to and from the members to travel through the following channel as established by the lord:

➢ Bishopric

➢ Elders Quorum/Relief Society with support from the Ward Council and Technology Specialist (Jonathan Mandeville)

➢ Member Ministers

➢ Ministering Families and individuals

Jonathan Mandeville has created a website that we will also be posting current information on where each member may look for updates. 

https://sites.google.com/view/valenciaward/

Interviews will still be organized through Brother Montoya. We will follow the stakes direction where all temple interviews will be done in person however other interviews will be done remotely.

Sacrament

With this letter I Invite and Authorize all Worthy Melchizedek priesthood holders as well as all Worthy Priests in the Aaronic to administer the sacrament in their homes and in the homes of those with whom they have been assigned to minister to on a temporary basis. Worthy is defined here as those who have a current temple recommend. Teachers and Deacons will support the effort through ministering assignments as well as special assignments from priesthood leaders.

I would ask that all administrations of the sacrament be reported back to the Elders Quorum and Relief Society so that we can track and reach out to those who have not been blessed to have the Sacrament provided to them.

Below is guidance from our Stake Leaders on the subject ofadministration of the Sacrament. Remember that the Sacrament is a Sacred Ordinance and must be performed with the upmost respect and honor. I expect that the following guidance be understood and followed. 

This may be one of the most special opportunities of your lives to be able to make your homes a holy and special place where the Sacrament can be administered to your families. In my mind I see the similarity as when the Lord broke and blessed the bread and wine and gave to his apostles. It was no doubt a truly solemn and special experience for all present. I would hope that ours would be just as solemn and special as we invite the Lord into our homes to share in this experience.

We are here to support in any way we can please reach out as needs and questions arise.   

With great love,

Bishop Steven Bayley, Brother Ken Miller, and Brother Scott Newey

Valencia Ward Bishopric

Dear Bishops and Branch Presidents,

In the notice sent to all Church members, it was suggested that I provide some guidance about providing the sacrament to all members at least once per month.  My guidance on this point is based on these key principles.

1. The Bishop or Branch President holds the keys for the administration of the sacrament. Members may not authorize themselves to administer the sacrament without your direction.

a. Please review the guidance in section 18.9 of the new handbook.

2. The Elder’s Quorum Presidency and the Relief Society Presidency jointly hold responsibility for the adults in your unit. They are called to lead and administer the Ministering program, and to take care of the spiritual needs of the members. 

3. Ministering Brothers and Sisters are those who are called to provide primary care for the members of the church.

4. The Aaronic Priesthood holding young men should be mobilized as part of this effort to assure the sacrament is available to each member needing the sacrament. Use the Aaronic Priesthood holding young men to administer the sacrament, along with a Melchizedek priesthood holder, to those homes that do not have a worthy priesthood holder as well as those homes that do not have priesthood brethren in the home. 

Based on those three principles, I am requesting the following:

1. Each Bishop or Branch President will need to find a way, probably by email, to invite and AUTHORIZE your members to administer the sacrament in their own families, as long as there is a worthy Priest (CURRENT LIMITED USE RECOMMEND) or Melchizedek Priesthood holder(CURRENT TEMPLE RECOMMEND) in the family.

2. Each Bishop or Branch President should work with the Elder’s Quorum President and the Relief Society President to identify families where there isn’t sufficient priesthood authority in the home to bless and pass the sacrament. Ministering brothers along with bearers of the Aaronic Priesthood should be assigned through the Bishopric and Elder’s Quorum Presidency to take the sacrament to each of these families at least monthly. This frequency should be decided upon based on the health risk to the member and the needs of the ministering brothers.

3. If the assigned ministering brothers are unable to fulfill their assignment, they should contact the Elder’s Quorum Presidency for guidance regarding who could fill in. This situation might arise, for example, if the ministering brothers are sick and should not put the member at risk.

Other points to keep in mind would include:

1. Remember that one priesthood holder is all that is necessary to administer and pass the sacrament. We generally have a tradition of two people sharing that assignment, but two people are not required.

2. To avoid the appearance of evil, a brother who is going to administer the sacrament for a single sister should never go alone. They could take one of the Aaronic Priesthood brethren, their spouse, or another member of the family to accompany them.

3. The guidance is that members have the opportunity to partake of the sacrament at least once per month. In families that have sufficient priesthood authority, continuing to administer the sacrament weekly would still be appropriate.

4. Ministers should call ahead to make sure the family they are intending to visit are comfortable with the visit.

5. The sacrament is an opportunity that we offer, not something we force on anyone.

Some additional guidance regarding the performing of the ordinance from section 18.9 of the new handbook:

“Those who administer the sacrament should do so in a dignified manner, realizing that they are representing the Lord. The bishopric encourages them to ponder the Savior’s Atonement as they prepare, bless, and pass the sacrament.

Those who administer the sacrament should be well groomed and clean. 

Sunday attire (we must provide an environment of reverence) should be worn and hands washed well. The meeting should start with a hymn, followed by a prayer, then the Blessing of the Sacrament (Make sure the words are used from the scriptures Doctrine and Covenants 20: 77, 79), have a closing hymn and then a closing prayer. The priesthood holder may have a family member speak on an assign topic if so inspired. The priesthood holder may have a closing prayer. 

Ministering

Ministering interviews should continue during this period of time. We need to be sure that our members are OK and getting the things they need, as well as they can. Ministering Brothers and Sisters should continue to have contact with their assigned families so that needs can be identified and resolved quickly.

Thank you for your service at this critical time. Please assure your members of God’s love and His willingness to support us in difficult times if we will look to Him with faith and patience.I am reminded of Elder Ballard’s words in his April 2019 conference address:

“But even though we cannot control those external forces that impact our lives here on earth, as we strive to become faithful disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, we can find peace, joy, and happiness despite the worldly troubles that swirl around us.”

Please let me know if you have additional questions.

Los Lunas Stake Presidency

Hello Everyone,

I'm sure many of you have already seen that the first presidency announced today that church meetings have been temporarily suspended. This includes sacrament meeting and all ward and stake activities. Here's a link to the announcement. 

This will be a great opportunity to really focus on the individual and family Come, Follow Me programs to ensure we are still being fed spiritually on a regular basis. It's also a great time to reach out to your ministering families to check in, even if that is not in person.

I need your help to make sure we get the word out to everyone so we don't have a lot of people showing up on Sunday for sacrament meeting. There is a plan in place to have someone meet people there and explain if they do show up, but I would rather communicate with everyone we can before then.

Please let me know if you have concerns about any of your ministering families. I may be reaching out to you to help communicate to some on your list (though feel free to reach out yourself anyway if you're able).

The Stake Presidency is working on a plan for ensuring everyone can partake of the sacrament at least monthly, I don't have the details of that plan yet though.

Please respond to this email to let me know you received it and are aware that meetings are cancelled.

Thank you, and I appreciate all of you,

Griffin Pope

"The bishopric has been in communication with the Stake Presidency and we want to reassure everyone that we are working out a way to best move forward through this latest challenge.   Please use the resources on this website to focus on the teachings of the Savior, reach out to those you minister to, and communicate with leadership.  Please reach out to your Ministering Brothers and Sisters if you have any needs; if you cannot get ahold of them, please reach out the Elders Quorum (Brother Pope) or Relief Society (Sister Miller) or to a member of the Bishopric.  As much as possible, we will continue to conduct temple recommend interviews in person. 

Remember, we are led by a Prophet of God who has sought the Lord's guidance in these matters.

Love and prayers, Bishop Bayley"

For more details, visit the Church Newsroom: https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/gatherings-worldwide-temporarily-suspended