Well the time has come at last, next Sunday the 21st of June will be our turn to hold a Sacrament meeting in the Chapel, we will meet at 10:30am. This will be a very different Sacrament meeting from what you are used to having, we are meeting under some very serious challenges that necessitate some extreme measures to keep us all safe. I want you to be aware of what these will be so that as you ponder the decision this week on whether to attend or not that you will know the risks and precautions. I would encourage you to watch the video that Pres. Barlow sent out recently about returning to church: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Okay, here are what to expect at church next Sunday-
1. Anyone who feels ill, has a fever, or any other symptoms—related or not to the
COVID-19 virus—should stay home to prevent exposure to others. Even if it's just the sniffles from allergies or a teething child please stay home.
2. Members in the high-risk categories (65 years old and above, with respiratory issues
or other compromised health), should stay home!
3. All members attending are encouraged to wear face masks! (Please bring your own facemasks) All who will be administering the sacrament must wear a face mask. We will most likely need a few Elders to assist in administering the Sacrament- if you desire to help please make sure to have a facemask. (All administering the Sacrament will also use Hand Sanitizer prior to handling the Sacrament and trays)
4. The meetinghouse will need to be sanitized prior to each sacrament meeting, and at the end of the sacrament meeting. We want to thank the Jasperson's and Motteshards for volunteering to help in this, they will need help for the next few months as this continues and will train you on how to properly sanitize the chapel and other areas. Please contact a member of the Bishopric if you would like to help in July and August.
5. Please no Handshakes, Hugs, etc I know this goes against every fiber of our Member DNA, also please no congregating before or after inside the building. If you must gather please do so afterwards outside in the parking lot.
6. Bathrooms and using the Water Fountain should be avoided if at all possible. The meeting will last less than 45 mins.
We will not be singing as a congregation, this will feel very odd, but is for our safety, instead we will have either just instrumental or pre recorded music played over the speakers.
Please sit by family groups or properly spaced between individuals only - rows will be marked off as reserved to help us maintain proper distancing and to allow the priesthood brethren room to administer the sacrament without having to "pass" the trays down each row, instead they will present the trays to you each individually with a separate water tray to dispose of the used water cup. This will also cause the passing of the Sacrament to take longer, please be patient and reverent during this extra time and use it to reflect upon our Savior's sacrifice and love for you.
There will only be one speaker per Sunday, we will begin with a member of the Bishopric first and then invite as needed in the months to come. We anticipate the meeting to last no more than 45 mins and possibly quite less, closer to 30 mins.
We wish to keep the distractions of this new method to a minimum, but as you can tell it will be quite different than you are used to experiencing, please know that our first priority is your safety, followed by maintaining the sacred solemness of the ordinance of the Sacrament.
Brothers and Sisters, we love you and miss you and want to see you all, but we cannot stress enough how important it is that we be safe. I personally would be devastated to learn that anyone became sick because they attended a Sacrament meeting. We have been given the tools, authority and means to provide Sacrament in our homes, you may continue to do so for June and July without having to attend a meeting in the chapel. If you have not had the Sacrament in some time, please contact your Ministering Elders, Elders Quorum Presidency, Relief Society Presidency, or member of the Bishopric and we will arrange a way for you to have the Sacrament safely administered.
Please show kindness and compassion to those who chose to wear a mask and those who choose to not wear a mask. If you are not comfortable with being in a place with mixed use of masks then please stay home.
There is absolutely no pressure or expectation of any kind for you to attend the meeting next Sunday! I would much rather see nobody attend then all of you. I know that sounds strange, but I believe it is too serious of an issue to risk becoming sick for something we can take care of in the safety of your home. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to reach out to me.
Sincerely,
Bishop Howard Jackman
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