Colorado Springs North Stake (CSNS)

Ward Council and Ward Youth Council Bulletin

Dec 21 - 27, 2020

Announcements for Events This Week and Next Week

1. Stake Music Christmas Devotional, Sunday, December 20th, 6pm-7pm [Online]

Dear Members of the Colorado Springs North Stake,

As a stake presidency, we invite each of you to use the following link to view our stake Christmas Musical Fireside at 6:00pm, Sunday, December 20th. We have had a chance to preview the fireside and it is wonderful! We are grateful for the talents of so many members of our stake who have put this special fireside together in a year when we are not able to gather in person as we have in the past. We encourage you to gather with your individual families to share in this event. The link will remain active and made available for you to share with friends and family throughout this Christmas season.

Stake Christmas Music and Narration Devotional

As we remember the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and celebrate this Christmas season, we hope you know and feel of our love for each of you.

Merry Christmas!

CSNS Stake Presidency,

Sterling Rogers, Jeff Johnson, Chris Lovejoy

2. 2020 Christmas Créche Held Online This Year

• The online Creche experience is going on now. As you have experiences of the light of Christ in your life during this holiday season, post them online, using any of the socials with #cslighttheworld. Invite your friends, no matter what their faith, to post their thoughts and experiences as well. When you post your thoughts to any social media, just include #cslighttheworld at the end. You can use the #Lighttheworld calendar for ideas.

• We encourage you to share pictures and stories about your favorite Créche and to invite friends and family to participate as well. We know that it would be fun in person and that the holiday season may be less festive for many, however we know that the Lord compensates in miraculous ways and pray that many will find peace and comfort as you share meaningful stories and celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. Below is a flyer and pass along card for your to print out and give to your friends and neighbors so they can be apart of the celebration. We love you and join with you to Light The World as we testify of Christ.

• You might consider posting as part of Light the World 25 Days of Christmas

• Include #cslighttheworld with your social media post and check the settings for those that you would like to be able to see it.

• You can view other's creche photos on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

3. Light the World Decals, Stickers, Beanies, and Masks

• See #LightTheWorld postings on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

4. Please share the following with your college students currently at home or returning home from Thanksgiving Day through New Years Day:

• Are you staying home from BYU Provo or BYU-Idaho after Thanksgiving? Institute is holding a three-week class at the Jamboree building for students home early from school Thursday’s from 6-7 pm Dec. 3rd-17th, with a grab-n-go dinner served afterward. We are following all Colorado safety guidelines, including masks and social distancing. Visit our website for more information: cospringsinstitute.org or text Reed Romney 719-377-8056.

Continuing Announcements

1. There is a change in contact information to schedule interview with a member of the stake presidency for temple recommends or BYU ecclesiastical endorsements:

   • UPDATED: 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 or online (by appointment only) to not interfere with leader/parents commitments to weekly child and youth activity nights on Tuesday and Wednesday; church dress requested

2. Colorado Springs Institute, for Young Adults (ages 18-30, married and single):

   • 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

Most announcements should be electronically distributed weekly prior to Sunday 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."

This Week: Monday, December 21st - Sunday, December 27th

Mon, Dec 21, 2020

• USAFA Winter Break (Return Monday, January 4th)

• School District 20 (D-20) Winter Break (Return, Wednesday, January 6th)

• School District 38 (D-38) Winter Break (Return Tuesday, January 5th)

• Stake Family History Center Closed [LX] (Reopens Saturday, January 2nd)

• Come, Follow Me - December 21–27. Christmas: “He Shall Come into the World to Redeem His People”

• Family Home Evening

• Multistake Middle Single Adult Home Evening Group [LX] 6 - 8pm

• Multistake Single Adult Home Evening Group [CSCSC] 6 - 7:30pm

• Stake Young Single Adult Home Evening Group [JB] 7 - 9pm

Tue, Dec 22, 2020

• USAFA Winter Break (Return Monday, January 4th)

• School District 20 (D-20) Winter Break (Return, Wednesday, January 6th)

• School District 38 (D-38) Winter Break (Return Tuesday, January 5th)

• Stake Family History Center Closed [LX] (Reopens Saturday, January 2nd)

• Come, Follow Me - December 21–27. Christmas: “He Shall Come into the World to Redeem His People”

Wed, Dec 23, 2020

• USAFA Winter Break (Return Monday, January 4th)

• School District 20 (D-20) Winter Break (Return, Wednesday, January 6th)

• School District 38 (D-38) Winter Break (Return Tuesday, January 5th)

• Stake Family History Center Closed [LX] (Reopens Saturday, January 2nd)

• Come, Follow Me - December 21–27. Christmas: “He Shall Come into the World to Redeem His People”

Thu, Dec 24, 2020

• USAFA Winter Break (Return Monday, January 4th)

• School District 20 (D-20) Winter Break (Return, Wednesday, January 6th)

• School District 38 (D-38) Winter Break (Return Tuesday, January 5th)

• Stake Family History Center Closed [LX] (Reopens Saturday, January 2nd)

• Come, Follow Me - December 21–27. Christmas: “He Shall Come into the World to Redeem His People”

• Denver Temple Closed (Reopens Saturday, December 26th) [DCT]

• Christmas Eve

• Multistake Support Meeting for Women [DS] 7 - 8pm

Fri, Dec 25, 2020

• USAFA Winter Break (Return Monday, January 4th)

• School District 20 (D-20) Winter Break (Return, Wednesday, January 6th)

• School District 38 (D-38) Winter Break (Return Tuesday, January 5th)

• Stake Family History Center Closed [LX] (Reopens Saturday, January 2nd)

• Come, Follow Me - December 21–27. Christmas: “He Shall Come into the World to Redeem His People”

• Denver Temple Closed (Reopens Saturday, December 26th) [DCT]

• Christmas Day

Sat, Dec 26, 2020

• USAFA Winter Break (Return Monday, January 4th)

• School District 20 (D-20) Winter Break (Return, Wednesday, January 6th)

• School District 38 (D-38) Winter Break (Return Tuesday, January 5th)

• Stake Family History Center Closed [LX] (Reopens Saturday, January 2nd)

• Come, Follow Me - December 21–27. Christmas: “He Shall Come into the World to Redeem His People”

Sun, Dec 27, 2020

• USAFA Winter Break (Return Monday, January 4th)

• School District 20 (D-20) Winter Break (Return, Wednesday, January 6th)

• Stake Family History Center Closed [LX] (Reopens Saturday, January 2nd)

• Come, Follow Me - December 21–27. Christmas: “He Shall Come into the World to Redeem His People”

• School District 38 (D-38) Winter Break (Return Tuesday, January 5th)

• Fourth Sunday: Priesthood quorums, Relief Society, and Young Women (Primary held every Sunday)

• Multistake Support Meeting for Men [JB] 6 - 7pm

Next Week: Monday, December 28th - Sunday, January 3rd

Mon, Dec 28, 2020

• Stake Family History Center Closed [LX] (Reopens Saturday, January 2nd)

• USAFA Winter Break (Return Monday, January 4th)

• School District 20 (D-20) Winter Break (Return, Wednesday, January 6th)

• School District 38 (D-38) Winter Break (Return Tuesday, January 5th)

• Come, Follow Me - December 28–January 3. Doctrine and Covenants 1: “Hearken, O Ye People”

• Family Home Evening

• Multistake Middle Single Adult Home Evening Group [LX] 6 - 8pm

• Multistake Single Adult Home Evening Group [CSCSC] 6 - 7:30pm

• Stake Young Single Adult Home Evening Group [JB] 7 - 9pm

Tue, Dec 29, 2020

• Stake Family History Center Closed [LX] (Reopens Saturday, January 2nd)

• USAFA Winter Break (Return Monday, January 4th)

• School District 20 (D-20) Winter Break (Return, Wednesday, January 6th)

• School District 38 (D-38) Winter Break (Return Tuesday, January 5th)

• Come, Follow Me - December 28–January 3. Doctrine and Covenants 1: “Hearken, O Ye People”

Wed, Dec 30, 2020

• Stake Family History Center Closed [LX] (Reopens Saturday, January 2nd)

• USAFA Winter Break (Return Monday, January 4th)

• School District 20 (D-20) Winter Break (Return, Wednesday, January 6th)

• School District 38 (D-38) Winter Break (Return Tuesday, January 5th)

• Come, Follow Me - December 28–January 3. Doctrine and Covenants 1: “Hearken, O Ye People”

Thu, Dec 31, 2020

• Stake Family History Center Closed [LX] (Reopens Saturday, January 2nd)

• USAFA Winter Break (Return Monday, January 4th)

• School District 20 (D-20) Winter Break (Return, Wednesday, January 6th)

• School District 38 (D-38) Winter Break (Return Tuesday, January 5th)

• Come, Follow Me - December 28–January 3. Doctrine and Covenants 1: “Hearken, O Ye People”

• Denver Temple Limited Hours (Reopens Saturday, January 2nd) [DCT]

• New Year's Eve

• Multistake Support Meeting for Women [DS] 7 - 8pm

Fri, Jan 1, 2021

• Stake Family History Center Closed [LX] (Reopens Saturday, January 2nd)

• USAFA Winter Break (Return Monday, January 4th)

• School District 20 (D-20) Winter Break (Return, Wednesday, January 6th)

• School District 38 (D-38) Winter Break (Return Tuesday, January 5th)

• Come, Follow Me - December 28–January 3. Doctrine and Covenants 1: “Hearken, O Ye People”

• Denver Temple Closed (Reopens Saturday, January 2nd) [DCT]

• New Year's Day

Sat, Jan 2, 2021

• USAFA Winter Break (Return Monday, January 4th)

• School District 20 (D-20) Winter Break (Return, Wednesday, January 6th)

• School District 38 (D-38) Winter Break (Return Tuesday, January 5th)

• Come, Follow Me - December 28–January 3. Doctrine and Covenants 1: “Hearken, O Ye People”

• Stake Primary Child-of-Record Baptisms [LX, JB, MN] 9am - 12pm

Sun, Jan 3, 2021

• USAFA Winter Break (Return Monday, January 4th)

• School District 20 (D-20) Winter Break (Return, Wednesday, January 6th)

• Come, Follow Me - December 28–January 3. Doctrine and Covenants 1: “Hearken, O Ye People”

• School District 38 (D-38) Winter Break (Return Tuesday, January 5th)

• Fast Sunday

• First Sunday: Sunday School (Primary held every Sunday)

• Multistake Support Meeting for Men [JB] 6 - 7pm

Updates to the Stake Calendar of Events

The following meetings and activities on the stake calendar are changed due to state and church-wide announcements:

• Thu, Dec 31, 2020

  • Cancelled: Multistake Single Adult New Year's Eve Dance [Denver] 8pm

  • Cancelled: Multistake Young Single Adult New Year's Eve Dance [JB] 8pm

  • Cancelled: Multistake Youth Dance (Church Dress) [FCSC] 9pm

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.

New This Past Week

• Notice, 18 December 2020: Revised General Handbook Chapters

  • Six chapters and other content have been revised in General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

• Notice, 18 December 2020: January 2021 Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults

  • A worldwide devotional for young adults will be transmitted live on the Church satellite system, ChurchofJesusChrist.org, YouTube, and other media on Sunday, January 10, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. mountain standard time.

• Notice, 15 December 2020: New Simplified Unit Financial Statement

  • A new simplified financial statement is now available for all stakes and wards.

• Notice, 15 December 2020: 2021 Seminary Changes—Come, Follow Me and Requirements

  • Beginning January 1, 2021, adjustments will be made to the seminary program.

Selection of Previously Released

• Notice, 11 December 2020: Availability of Zoom Licenses for Local Unit Virtual Meetings

  • Zoom licenses are available for virtual meetings when other technology solutions do not meet the needs of local units.

• Notice, 3 December 2020: Update: Missionary Standards for Disciples of Jesus Christ

  • Missionary Standards for Disciples of Jesus Christ has been updated.

• Notice, 3 December 2020: RootsTech Connect 2021 Leadership Instruction and Family Discovery Session

  • Those with callings listed above are invited to participate in the upcoming Temple and Family History Leadership Instruction.

• Notice, 30 November 2020: 2021 Churchwide Events Schedule

  • The schedule of Churchwide events for 2021 is enclosed.

• Notice, 23 November 2020: 2020 Tax Reporting—Forms 1099-MISC and 1099-NEC

  • Where applicable, stakes and districts must file Federal Tax Forms 1099-MISC and 1099-NEC before January 31, 2021.

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.

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.

Latest official General Conference addresses, and BYU-Provo, BYU-Idaho, BYU-Hawaii, BYU Pathway Worldwide, and Ensign College speeches.

Official Newsroom announcements and articles of interest to our stake.

New videos, images, music, and articles from the church from the Church Media.