Colorado Springs North Stake (CSNS)

Ward Council and Ward Youth Council Bulletin

Aug 24 - 30, 2020

Stake Focus

North America Central Area Plan

Announcements

Most announcements should be printed or electronically distributed so they do not take time in sacrament meeting; the bishopric may give essential announcements briefly before the opening hymn (see General Handbook 29.2.2.2).

From Elder Quentin L. Cook's general conference talk Deep and Lasting Conversion to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ (after President Nelson's two-hour meeting block announcement), "To help members prepare for the Sabbath, some wards already send an informative email, text, or social media message midweek. In view of this adjustment, we strongly recommend this type of communication. These invitations will remind the members of the Sunday meeting schedule for that week, including the upcoming class lesson topic, and support continuing gospel conversation at home."

Announcements for Events This Week and Next Week

Information for youth and and their parents:

BYU and CES will be sponsoring the following three online events for high school students who are planning to apply to Church-sponsored schools this year or in the future.

BYU Application Opening Night – August 26, 2020 – 7:00 PM MDT -

1. - - “The 2021 Application opens today! All high school seniors nationwide are invited to our opening day livestream event. We will be covering all the ins and outs of the application, common troubleshooting issues, tips from current students who applied last year, advice from the Director of Admissions and the Financial Aid Office, and handing out lots of swag!”

CES Livestream -September 8th or 9th – various times available –

“Watch & chat with representatives from: BYU, BYU-Hawaii, BYU-Idaho, BYU-Pathway, Ensign College, Seminaries & Institutes”

BYU Livestream Colorado – September 29, 2020 – 7:00 PM MDT -
- “Watch & chat with representatives from BYU at stream.byu.edu! Learn about your options for the future!”

You can register for the Kick-off and the Livestream events right now at virtualevent.byu.edu.

2. The church has a new wireless network to replace the “LDSAccess” network in meetinghouses and other Church facilities.

- The switch from “LDSAccess” to the new network, “Liahona,” reflects the Church’s effort to follow President Russell M. Nelson’s direction to use the correct name of the Church.
- The password for accessing the new network is “alma3738” — a reference to the Book of Mormon verse that names the compass used by Lehi and his family as the “Liahona.” Users will be required to accept the terms of use each day they access the network, but they only need to enter the password on their device once.
- This agreement helps manage available bandwidth by reminding users of the network’s intended purpose and by preventing unintentional use by devices performing automatic functions (such as updates) when connected to wi-fi upon entry to a Church building,” according to the announcement.
- The purpose of providing internet in meetinghouses is to enhance gospel learning and instruction, support Church administrative functions, and further the purposes of the Church.

3. Stake Cadet Sponsorship Information

Each year the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) welcomes over a thousand new cadets, including many members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to the local area
The Cadet Sponsor program is a way for local families to support these new cadets by providing them a home-away-from-home during their time at USAFA
According to the Cadet Sponsor Program website, sponsor families “provide cadets with positive adult role models.... that serve as mentors, friends and advisors in an environment that allows some time to relax away from the rigors of the Academy.”
Cadets who are members of the Church often take great comfort in knowing they may request to be sponsored by families who are also members of the Church
Over the years, these families have provided enormous blessings in the lives of the cadets
Sponsor families need NOT be affiliated with the military
Opening your home for time and relaxation away from life at the Academy is the only requirement.
If your family is interested in sponsoring a cadet, we invite you to contact Elder Mark Melville (mmelville6@gmail.com) for more information.
More information is also available at the USAFA Cadet Sponsor Program website
Stake technology specialists can help members and leaders with network use, if needed.

4. Elder and Sister Rasband will speak at the next Worldwide Face-to-Face Broadcast, Sunday, September 13th, at 6pm:

On September 13, 2020, at 6:00 p.m. mountain daylight time, Elder and Sister Rasband will participate in a Face to Face event for young adults around the world. They will answer questions and share insights focused on the Restoration and the new Restoration Proclamation. If you would like to submit a question, you can do so below.

The broadcast was originally planned to originate from the Sacred Grove in Palmyra, New York. However, due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, the Church has decided to broadcast from Goshen, Utah, on a set replica of ancient Jerusalem. Elder and Sister Rasband are excited to discuss how the Church the Savior established in the Holy Land has been restored to the earth today.

We invite you to gather with your family, ward members, or friends at institute to participate. Young adults, both single and married, are encouraged to bring a friend to the event. Missionaries are invited to attend with young adults they are teaching. The event will be broadcast live on this page, the Church satellite system, Facebook, YouTube, BYUtv, and other media.

4. Review the church's website periodically as the church provides continuing and timely updates and consolidates their announcements on this website:

Updates on How COVID-19 Is Impacting Saints WorldwideThis page provides updates on how COVID-19 (coronavirus) is impacting The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its global membership.

6. See the Updates to the Stake Calendar of Events section below for adjusted (e.g. now being held online), cancelled, or postponed meetings and activities

Continuing Announcements

There is a change in contact information to schedule interview with a member of the stake presidency for temple recommends or BYU ecclesiastical endorsements:
- Send an email to renewtemple@csnorth.org or text/call 719-985-1130 (or as a backup 719-244-3199 or 719-649-8974)
- Interviews are held on Thursday evenings at the stake offices - *** Currently Online Only! (by appointment only) to not interfere with leader/parents commitments to weekly child and youth activity nights on Tuesday and Wednesday; church dress requested
Colorado Springs Institute, for Young Adults (married and single), ages 18-30
- Draw closer to the Lord during the quarantine through Institute. Register using the Seminary and Institute app (for Apple or Android) or at myinstitute.churchofjesuschrist.org. All meeting link and other information will come once students are registered.

3. Young Single Adults (YSA), ages 18-30

- Colorado Springs YSAs Facebook and Instagram groups

4. Middle Single Adults (MSA), ages 31-45, Events and Information

- Colorado Springs LDS Midsingles (ages 31-45) Facebook group and email: CSMidsingles@gmail.com

5. Single Adults (SA), ages 31+, Events and Information

- Colorado South Single Adults (CSSA) Website
- Colorado Springs LDS Multi-Stake Single Adults 31+ Facebook group
- Denver LDS Singles Website
- Castle Rock LDS Singles crssingleadults@hotmail.com email

6. BYU-Pathway Worldwide

- A one-year program that helps members of the Church start or return to college
- Students earn 15 credits toward a degree and upon completion, may continue working toward a skills-based certificate, an Associate's degree, or a Bachelor’s degree online through BYU-Idaho – at a GREATLY reduced cost
- Learn more and apply online or contact your local Pathway missionaries: Elder & Sister Zenger (ages 18-30) 503-290-9933 or 503-684-6073; or, Elder & Sister Riding (ages 30+) 719-761-2955.

7. Temple Ordinance Workers and Temple Volunteers are Needed at the Denver Colorado Temple

- If interested, contact your bishop

Church Letters, Notices, and Policy Updates

The church’s Official Communication Library messages may contain confidential or privileged information and are only accessible by and for the use of the individual(s) addressed in the letter/policy.

New This Past Week

Notice, 23 August 2020: Young Adult Face to Face Event with Elder and Sister Rasband
- Includes the worldwide broadcast schedule for ChurchofJesusChrist.org, the Church satellite system, YouTube, and other media. Speakers: Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Sister Melanie Rasband.

First Presidency letter, 14 August 2020: Three Worldwide Church Magazines
- To better serve members worldwide, the Church will publish three global magazines beginning in January 2021.

Selection of Previously Released

Notice, 11 August 2020: Missionary Service Opportunities for Individuals with Higher-Risk Health Conditions
- Based on updates from medical professionals, missionaries with higher-risk conditions may now be considered for missionary service.
Notice, 31 July 2020: Revised General Handbook Chapters
- As directed by the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the following four chapters have been revised in General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Notice, 11 June 2020: Children and Youth Protection Training
- This training is required every three years for those who have callings related to children and youth.
First Presidency letter, 8 June 2020: Safety in Church Activities
- Stake, ward, and youth council meetings provide opportunities to prayerfully plan activities and to discuss safety guidelines and practices to ensure the safety of participants and protect the Church and its volunteers.

Stake Calendar of Events, Lesson Schedules, and Ward Assignments

The online stake calendar provides event details: e.g. event start and end times, participants invited, point of contact for questions, address, reserved building room(s), setup time, cleanup time, etc.

This Week: Monday, August 24th - Sunday, August 30th

Illustration of Nephi in a garden tower by Jerry Thompson

Come, Follow Me - August 24–30. Helaman 7–12: "Remember the Lord"

Nephi, Lehi, and others had “many revelations daily” (Helaman 11:23). Frequent revelation is not just for prophets—it’s available to you, too. Recording your impressions can help you receive revelation more consistently.

Mon, Aug 24, 2020

Tue, Aug 25, 2020

Come, Follow Me - August 24–30. Helaman 7–12: “Remember the Lord”

Wed, Aug 26, 2020

Come, Follow Me - August 24–30. Helaman 7–12: “Remember the Lord”

Thu, Aug 27, 2020

Fri, Aug 28, 2020

Come, Follow Me - August 24–30. Helaman 7–12: “Remember the Lord”

Sat, Aug 29, 2020

Come, Follow Me - August 24–30. Helaman 7–12: “Remember the Lord”

Sun, Aug 30, 2020

Next Week: Monday, August 31st - Sunday, September 6th

Samuel the Lamanite on the Wall, by Arnold Friberg

Come, Follow Me - August 31-September 6: Helaman 13–16 "Glad Tidings of Great Joy"

As you record your impressions this week, think about how the principles in Helaman 13–16 build on and reinforce other things you have been learning in the scriptures.

Mon, Aug 31, 2020

Tue, Sep 1, 2020

Wed, Sep 2, 2020

Come, Follow Me - August 31–September 6: “Glad Tidings of Great Joy”

Multistake Relief Society Leadership Instruction Meeting [Online] 6 - 8pm

Thu, Sep 3, 2020

Fri, Sep 4, 2020

Sat, Sep 5, 2020

Sun, Sep 6, 2020

Updates to the Stake Calendar of Events

The following meetings and activities are cancelled or changed to Online-only due to state and church-wide announcements and removed from the stake calendar:

Note: A reminder to sync your Member Tools app to align with these stake calendar changes as the app is only a snapshot of calendar/member information each time you sync; if you followed the Personal Calendar instructions below, your personal calendar will be updated automatically

Mon, Aug 24, 2020
- Changed: Multistake Adult Education Gospel Study Class [ML] 12 - 1:30pm to [Online]
- Changed: Multistake Middle Single Adult Home Evening Group [LX] 6 - 8pm to [Online]
- Changed: Multistake Single Adult Home Evening Group [CSCSC] 6 - 7:30pm to [Online]
- Stake Young Single Adult Home Evening Group [JB] 7 - 9pm to [Online]
Thu, Aug 27, 2020
- Changed: Stake Temple Recommend Interviews (by appointment only) [LX] 6 - 9pm to [Online]
- Changed: Institute [JB] 6:30 - 10pm to [Online] 6pm - 8:30pm to [Online] 6 - 8:30pm
- Changed: Multistake Support Meeting for Women [DS] 7 - 8pm to [Online]
Sun, Aug 30, 2020
- Cancelled: Fifth Sunday: Youth and adult meetings under the direction of the bishop (Primary held every Sunday) - tailored to each ward's scheduled Sunday classes at meetinghouse (see bishopric)
- Cancelled: Stake Aaronic Priesthood–Young Women Committee Meeting [Online] 3:30 - 4:30pm
- Changed: Multistake Support Meeting for Men [JB] 6 - 7pm to [Online]

Mon, Aug 31, 2020

Changed: Multistake Adult Education Gospel Study Class [ML] 12 - 1:30pm to [Online]
- ChangledMultistake Middle Single Adult Home Evening Group [LX] 6 - 8pm to [Online]
- Changed: Multistake Single Adult Home Evening Group [CSCSC] 6 - 7:30pm to [Online]
- Changed: Stake Young Single Adult Home Evening Group [JB] 7 - 9pm

Tue, Sep 1, 2020
- Added: Multistake Primary Leadership Instruction Meeting [Online] 6 - 8pm
Wed, Sep 2, 2020
- Added: Multistake Relief Society Leadership Instruction Meeting [Online] 6 - 8pm
Thu, Sep 3, 2020
- Cancelled: Stake Temple Night [DCT] 5 - 11pm
- Added: Multistake Young Women Leadership Instruction Meeting [Online] 6 - 8pm
- Canceled: Institute [JB] 6:30 - 10pm until Thursday, September 10
- Changed: Multistake Support Meeting for Women [DS] 7 - 8pm to [Online]
Fri, Sep 4, 2020
- Cancelled: Multistake Single Adult Temple Night [DCT] 7:30 - 9:30pm

Sun, Sep 6, 2020
- Cancelled: First Sunday: Sunday School (Primary held every Sunday) - ) - tailored to each ward's scheduled Sunday classes at meetinghouse (see bishopric)
- Changed: Multistake Support Meeting for Men [JB] 6 - 7pm to [Online]
Sat, Sep 12, 2020

- - Cancelled: Multistake Youth Dance (Casual Dress; Outdoor) [LB] 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
- Sun, Sep 13, 2020
  - Worldwide Young Adult Face-to-Face Broadcast [Online] 4 - 5pm to 6 - 7pm
- Sat, Sep 26, 2020
  - Moved: Stake Primary Child of Record Baptisms [LX,JB,MN] 9am-12pm to Saturday, October 10
- Sun, Sep 27, 2020
  - Changed: Fast Sunday to Sunday, October 11
- Sat, Oct 3, 2020
  - Changed: General Conference Saturday Morning Session [LX]10am - 12pm to [Online]
  - Changed: General Conference Saturday Afternoon Session [LX]2 - 4pm to [Online]
  - Changed: General Conference Women’s Session [LX]6 - 7:30pm to [Online]
- Sun, Oct 4, 2020
  - Changed: General Conference Sunday Morning Session [LX]10am - 12pm to [Online]
  - Changed: General Conference Sunday Afternoon Session [LX]2 - 4pm to [Online]
- Sat, Oct 10, 2020
  - Changed: Stake Primary Child of Record Baptisms [LX,JB,MN] 9am-12pm from Saturday, September 26
  - Cancelled: Stake Conference Adult Session [LX] 6pm-8pm
- Sun, Oct 11, 2020
  - Cancelled: Stake Priesthood Leadership Meeting [LX] 7am - 8:30am
  - Cancelled: Stake Conference General Session [LX,JB,MN] 10am - 12pm
  - Changed: Fast Sunday from Sunday, September 27
  - Added: Second Sunday: Priesthood quorums, Relief Society, and Young Women (Primary held every Sunday)

Administrative Updates

Member Tools App Release Notes

Release 4.0

Date Released: July 16, 2020 *** NEW ****

Membership Related

Automatic updates can be enabled so any changes will be received without having to manually sync.
- Setting can be adjusted in the “Update” menu.
Weekly sacrament meeting attendance can be recorded.
Dark mode has been enabled.
Implemented security policy. Member Tools requires a password/pin/biometric. The device security can be used to access Member Tools.

Issues Resolved

Resolved issues with Ministering
Resolved issues with Missionary information being duplicated or not showing up
Resolved Temples schedule issues
Additional bug fixes and performance improvements

Member Tools App previous release notes

Leader and Clerk Resources (LCR) Release Notes

Release 4.9 *** NEW ***

Date Released: May 19, 2020

New or Enhanced Functionality

Membership Related

Young Women and Aaronic Priesthood specialist system access has been updated to be the same as that of advisers within the organization.
Ward temple and family history leader system access has been expanded.
Limitation on the number of clerks a unit can have.
“Finance” appears in the menu for organization presidencies so they can view their budgets.
Improvements for callings that required dual authentication.
- Previously the second approver needed to be at the same computer as the person entering the calling. Now the second approver can approve from a different location, on a different computer.
Youth certificates are available to print in English. Other languages will be available in upcoming releases.
Youth protection report is available worldwide.

Issues Resolved

Corrected numerous translation problems.
Additional bug fixes and performance improvements.

Leader and Clerk Resources (LCR) previous release notes

Using Virtual Meeting Technologies

The ready availability of audio conferencing and video conferencing solutions allows local ecclesiastical leaders to conduct virtual meetings with councils or members while avoiding an increase in technology costs for the Church. Local leaders are encouraged to use a free, reputable solution that works best in their area. Some possible options may include:

- Google Hangouts or Google Hangouts Meet
- Zoom
- Webex
- WhatsApp
- Facebook Messenger
- Skype

These solutions should be adequate to meet most virtual meeting needs. If these tools are unfamiliar, it is recommended that leaders test their preferred solution before hosting actual meetings.

- Consider the following when selecting and using virtual meeting technologies:
- Understand the time and participant limits of your selected platform
- Use good lighting for a better video conference experience
- Minimize background noise and other potential distractions
- Encourage everyone to mute their microphones when not speaking
- Be sensitive to confidential information, and avoid recording meetings

If a leader has an account with a videoconferencing platform from their employment, they should ensure they have their employer’s approval before using that platform for Church purposes. Be aware that employer administrators may have access to personal meetings. In all cases, leaders should consider confidentiality and safeguard the personal information of members and others. Please share this information with the leaders in your wards and stake.