A Message from the Stake President
Dear stake members and neighbors,
It has certainly been a memorable month of March – COVID-19, an earthquake and “social distancing” being the new normal. With all our church meetings canceled, you might think this would be a time to relax. For most of us, that hasn’t yet been the case. There seems to be “work enough to do…” ?
These are times of exceptional challenges. While the media is focused primarily on the bad news, it’s nice to pay attention to the multitude of positive and uplifting things happening in our church, families and in our community. Many, many families have embraced the home-centered gospel curriculum and opportunities to administer the sacrament at home. Ministering brothers and sisters are finding ways to pick up groceries or pitch in to help those who are in need. Bishops and ward leaders are supporting those with employment, anxiety or other difficulties.
Our living prophet, President Russel M. Nelson said recently: “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.”
To that message, I add my own testimony that Heavenly Father lives and is aware of each one of us. Jesus is our brother and Savior. With His help, we can overcome any adversity. The scriptures remind us that the hardest challenges “shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.” I see much good ahead for our stake here in South Weber.
I love and pray for each of you,
President David Lowry
Stake Web Site
For up-to-date stake info, visit:
Fasting and Fast Offerings
March 29th is fast Sunday. President Nelson has invited us all to fast and pray for all those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, please study with your family the power of fasting. Fast offerings are used to help those in our own ward and around the world. We have a very generous stake. If you are in a position to do so, please be even more generous in your fast offerings and humanitarian aid.
Note that online donations are preferred at this time. Contact your ward clerk for assistance.
Church Gatherings
Worship services and other church gatherings are temporarily suspended. Church buildings are not to be used for ad hoc gatherings such as basketball, pickleball, walking or other activities.
The Gospel at Home
With church gatherings suspended, individuals and families have more incentive than ever to use the “Come, Follow Me” resources, study the scriptures together, have family devotionals, participate in family history work, listen to uplifting music and otherwise create a Christ-centered home.
During suspended worship meetings, the stake president and bishops determine how to make the sacrament available to members at least once a month, or at most once a week. As authorized and instructed by the bishop, priesthood holders should administer the sacrament in a simple and reverent manner in accordance with the General Handbook, Section 18.9. This service is not to be a sacrament meeting with talks, etc., but to officiate in the ordinance of the sacrament. Additional procedural questions can be answered by the bishopric or elders quorum presidency.
General Conference
General Conference will be held on April 4-5. All sessions will be broadcast from temple square. President Nelson invited each member to prepare for conference by studying about Joseph Smith and the restoration. Click here for ideas to “immerse ourselves” in the glorious light of the restoration.
All conference sessions are available to view or listen by television, radio or on the internet.
- Saturday: 10-noon, 2-4 pm, 6-8 pm (for all members)
- Sunday: 10-noon, 2-4 pm
Temple and Family History Work
All the temples are temporarily closed. Stake temple recommend interviews are on hold until further notice. Use this time to learn more about family history work including family history research, family stories, family history activities, indexing, and finding names for the temple. Click here or contact your ward family history specialist for help.
Full-time Missionaries in South Weber
We are very blessed to have two full-time elders (Elder Dervishi and Elder Carlson) and a senior missionary couple (Elder and Sister Walker) serving in our stake. At the moment, they are not going into member or investigator homes, but they are 100% open for business in other ways. Please pray for opportunities to share the gospel in new and creative ways. Our neighbors need the blessings of the gospel now more than ever.
The full-time missionaries are anxious to engage with you or your friends. Contact the full-time elders at 801-651-9296.
- Include the missionaries on any ward-sponsored Facebook groups
- They would be glad to lead or join Come, Follow Me discussions via video or phone (Skype, FB Messenger, Zoom, Google Hangouts all work)
- Consider inviting the missionaries to any member devotionals via video or phone
- Provide a list of those who may be shut-in or needing contact. The missionaries will send uplifting messages via text, email or phone call.
- They could lead youth devotionals via video or phone
- They can teach Albanian language lessons – we have an expert in our midst!
Missionaries Returning Home
Due to potential health risks, several young and couple missionaries are returning home from missions around the world. They are to be self-quarantined for 14-days after returning. As directed by the first presidency, some of those missionaries will be released while others will be reassigned.
We love and pray for each of our missionaries and their families. Although we may not have anticipated these changes to missionary service, “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). The missionaries remain faithfully committed to the gospel and missionary cause.
Urgent Senior Missionary Needs
In these challenging times, there is more need than ever for senior Church Service Missionaries. These are part-time, live-at-home assignments at the church cannery, bishop’s storehouse, transient services and other operations. Please contact Brent Stauffer (801-589-6273) or President Workman (801-510-1567) to help find the right opportunity to serve.
If you’re a young person considering a mission, this is the place to be. During the school closure, Zoom meetings will be held:
Download the app on your phone or laptop:
The youth Pioneer Trek is scheduled for July 15-18. We honestly don’t know what our options will be at that time, but we believe there is still a benefit to moving forward for now. The trek committee will be working closely with the ma’s and pa’s to chart a course for our stake. In the meantime, if you’re going on trek:
Preparedness and Self-Reliance
Recent events have reminded us to be prepared for adversity. We are taught that preparation, both spiritual and temporal, can dispel fear. Church and stake information on Preparedness and self-reliance can be found here. Josh Haacke and Doug Bitton are our stake emergency preparedness coordinators.
We are encouraged to make a personal and family emergency plan and update it regularly. In making a long-term plan we should consider:
- Avoid debt and live within your means
- Gain an adequate education
- Keep a reserve of food and other supplies
- Obtain first aid training
Self-Reliance Groups
Leaders and members are asked to work toward spiritual and temporal self-reliance. Our stake self-reliance groups offer practical courses with spiritual benefits. Courses include:
- Personal Finances
- Find a Better Job
- Education for Better Work
- Starting or Growing a Business
These 12-week courses are taught 1-2 times each year and as-needed by Zoom meeting or other technology. Contact Norm Johnson (801-389-7355) or Jan Keim (801-388-8689) for more details.
Employment Help
The Church has resources to help you prepare for and find a better job. Start by creating a profile on www.ldsjobs.org. Contact your ward employment specialist for more details. Jim Golding (801-633-6675) is our stake employment specialist.
Blood Drive
Thanks to those who supported the blood drive earlier this week. Our goal was to collect 50 units of blood and we collected 66 – with some folks turned away due to maximum capacity! Another great example of our community spirit and generosity.