Greetings friends and neighbors in the Battlecreek 8th ward neighborhood!
Many of you have seen the email message the Stake Presidency sent last week that addressed a few calling updates. They also announced a change to our sacrament meeting schedule.
I have included here several snippets from that email.
After consulting with the bishops, an adjustment is being made to the Sunday meeting schedule beginning in September. Each ward will be having sacrament meetings on two Sundays each month. The bishops will be providing you with details.
Those with health conditions or concerns, and those 65 or older are encouraged (but certainly not required) to remain at home during this phase of implementation. Nobody will be turned away.
We remind you that the sacrament, whether at church or at home, is under the direction of your bishop. While it may be well meaning, administering the sacrament at other locations is not authorized by the bishops.
We encourage us all to help minimize the risk of the spread of the CONVID-19 virus by continuing to be aware of and follow the current health guidelines.
Even with the uncertainty related to the length of time the CONVID-19 situation will be altering things, we encourage each of us to look for ways to fulfill our callings and to serve and uplift one another. The impact has been different for different individuals and families. For some, there has been a higher level of impact. We are particularly mindful of those who’s opportunity for social interaction has been greatly reduced and may be experiencing periods of loneliness and anxiety. Please join with us in actively looking for ways to serve one another… even if it is with a cheerful telephone call or an in-person visit.
We know that the Lord is mindful of your situation and promise you will be blessed with guidance and peace as you study the Book of Mormon, Come Follow Me and pray daily in your home.
Again, we love you and look forward to being with you again.
Kindest regards,
President Brown, President Smith and President Nelson
The Battlecreek 8th ward has been assigned to the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month. Our meeting time is 1 pm.
While the stake has also given us the option of holding a second sacrament meeting session at 3pm, the bishopric and ward council have looked at our attendance numbers and determined that we will not need two sessions. Our ward is relatively small and we can safely social distance with a single sacrament meeting.
The Stake Presidency has given us the option to delay starting this new schedule until September 20. This is the 3rd week of the September. The ward council has decided to take this option.
We want to make sure everyone gets the information about the schedule change. Some of the people in the ward see email, some don't. Some read SMS messages, some don't. Some are on Facebook, some are not. Some won't see any electronic communication. We need to make sure everyone knows about this new schedule.
Aside from the change in schedule, we will continue to conduct the meeting with all of the same safety measures as before.
It is so easy to feel frustrated and stressed out in times like this. I know each one of you is experiencing different trials and emotional struggles. While this is a unique time, full of uncertainty, may we not get too focused on making it through this that we fail to notice the opportunities to learn, grow, laugh, and serve that we will find along the way.
“Sometimes in life we become so focused on the finish line that we fail to find joy in the journey.“ - Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf - “Enjoy the Moment“
