21 Jul 2021
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
This week in Come, Follow Me we are invited as part of Zion: “Zion must increase in beauty, and in holiness, ... and put on her beautiful garments.” (Doctrine and Covenants 84:14)
A wonderful part of the temple recommend process involves a review and reminder of the importance and purpose of the temple garment and an invitation to wear the garment properly. This paragraph is shared with each member as they are invited to declare their worthiness and desire to participate in temple ordinances:
“Wearing the Temple Garment: The temple garment is a reminder of covenants made in the temple and, when worn properly throughout life, will serve as a protection against temptation and evil. The garment should be worn beneath the outer clothing. It should not be removed for activities that can reasonably be done while wearing the garment, and it should not be modified to accommodate different styles of clothing. Endowed members should seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit to answer personal questions about wearing the garment. It is a sacred privilege to wear the garment and doing so is an outward expression of an inner commitment to follow the Savior Jesus Christ.” (The Temple Garment: "An Outward Expression of an Inward Commitment", Elder Carlos E. Asay, Ensign Sept 1997)
Notice the first promises indicated relating to the power and purpose of the garment. “A protection against temptation and evil.” This comes on the condition that it is worn properly. The Lord then shares some general counsel and a specific invitation to know how to properly wear the garment.
“The garment represents sacred covenants. It fosters modesty and becomes a shield and protection to the wearer. … The garment, covering the body, is a visual and tactile reminder of [covenants made in the temple] ... Among other things it symbolizes our deep respect for the laws of God—among them the moral standard”3
We learn in the Standards for Youth pamphlet under dress and appearance about the sacred status of our mortal bodies and how to properly care for and protect them:
“Immodest clothing is any clothing that is tight, sheer, or revealing in any other manner. Young women should avoid short shorts and short skirts, shirts that do not cover the stomach, and clothing that does not cover the shoulders or is low-cut in the front or the back. Young men should also maintain modesty in their appearance. Young men and young women should be neat and clean and avoid being extreme or inappropriately casual in clothing, hairstyle, and behavior. They should choose appropriately modest apparel when participating in sports. The fashions of the world will change, but the Lord’s standards will not change.”3
Sisters and Brothers, let us define “young men” and “young women” as anyone under the age of 120 years old. We are invited to counsel with the Lord and receive personal direction on the proper wearing of the garment, or the proper future wearing of the garment as circumstances may dictate.
The outward expression of our inward commitment is not an invitation to judge others, rather an opportunity to teach those closest to us how we revere Jesus Christ, His atoning sacrifice and the amazing gift of our mortal bodies.
We testify of the significance, sacred symbolism and protection found in the proper wearing of the temple garment. We testify of the love God has for each of us. We unite with you in wearing or preparing to wear the garment as a great symbol of our love for God and all He has done for us. We plead together for protection against temptation and evil in the world today.
President Sterling L. Rogers
President Jeffrey A. Johnson
President Christian K. Lovejoy
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."
Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Sister Susan Bednar will be the featured guests at a Face to Face for young adults on September 12, 2021, titled “Ask, Seek, Knock.”
View the broadcast on Sunday, September 12, 2021, at 4:00 p.m. mountain daylight time on the Church satellite system, Broadcasts.ChurchofJesusChrist.org, YouTube, Latter-day Saints Channel and other digital channels.
All young adults, whether single or married, are invited to participate. Full-time missionaries are also invited to attend and to bring those they are teaching when possible. All ages and demographics are welcome. Local leaders are encouraged to determine a viewing date and time that best serves the young adults in their area.
Prior to the event, young adults may submit questions on the event page on Face2Face.ChurchofJesusChrist.org .
1. Colorado Springs Institute, for Young Adults (ages 18-30, married and single):
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.
All of our information is on our website: cospringsinstitute.org. Please helps us spread word!
Reed Romney, Institute Director - Colorado Springs, 719-377-8056
2. Young Single Adults (YSA), ages 18-30
3. Middle Single Adults (MSA), ages 31-45, Events and Information
Colorado Springs LDS Midsingles (ages 31-45) Facebook group and email: CSMidsingles@gmail.com
4. 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
5. 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.
6. Temple Ordinance Workers and Temple Volunteers are Needed at the Denver Colorado Temple
If interested, contact your bishop
7. Colorado Springs Home Storage Center and Bishops' Storehouse normal weekly schedule:
Wednesday: 4pm-7pm
Thursday: 9am-12pm
Saturday: 9am-11am
The online stake calendar provides event details: e.g. event start/end times, participants invited, point of contact for questions, address, reserved building room(s), setup/cleanup times, etc.
Christ and the Rich Young Ruler, by Heinrich Hofmann
Come, Follow Me - July 19–25. Doctrine and Covenants 81–83: Where “Much Is Given Much Is Required”
As you study Doctrine and Covenants 81–83, make note of principles that can help you do good among your family, your friends, and others.
Mon, Jul 19, 2021
Multistake Middle Single Adult Home Evening Group [LX] 6 - 8pm
Multistake Single Adult Home Evening Group [CSCSC] 6 - 7:30pm
Thu, Jul 22, 2021
Fri, Jul 23, 2021
Sat, Jul 24, 2021
Sun, Jul 25, 2021
Come, Follow Me - July 26–August 1. Doctrine and Covenants 84: “The Power of Godliness”
As you read Doctrine and Covenants 84, ponder the counsel to “live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God” (verse 44). How will you live by the words in this revelation?
Mon, Jul 26, 2021
Multistake Middle Single Adult Home Evening Group [LX] 6 - 8pm
Multistake Single Adult Home Evening Group [CSCSC] 6 - 7:30pm
Thu, Jul 29, 2021
Sat, Jul 31, 2021
Sun, Aug 1, 2021
The following meetings and activities on the stake calendar are changed due to state and church-wide announcements:
Tue, Jul 27, 2021 through Sat, Jul 31, 2021
Rescheduled: Stake Young Men Aaron's Camp [CF] to Tue, Jun 6, 2023 through Sat, Jun 10, 2023
Thu, Aug 5, 2021 through Sat, Aug 7, 2021
Rescheduled: Stake Young Men Deacons Camp [CF] to Thu, Jun 1, 2023 through Sat, Jun 3 ,2023
Unless an exception is noted below, all wards hold sacrament meeting first and ward weeknight activities are at the same building as Sunday meetings
Lexington building, 8710 Lexington Dr, Colorado Spring CO 80920
Pine Creek Ward: Sacrament meeting 8:30am - 9:30am, quorums and classes 9:40am - 10:30am, Wednesday weeknight activities at the Jamboree building
Cordera Ward: Sacrament meeting 10:00am - 11:00am, quorums and classes 11:10am - 12:00pm, Tuesday weeknight activities
Gleneagle Ward: Sacrament meeting 11:30am - 12:30pm, quorums and classes 12:40pm - 1:30pm, Wednesday weeknight activities
Northgate Ward: Sacrament meeting 1:00pm - 2:00pm, quorums and classes 2:10pm - 3:00pm, Thursday weeknight activities
Monument building, 950 West Colorado Highway 105, Monument CO 80132
Jackson Creek Ward: Sacrament meeting 8:30am - 9:30am, quorums and classes 9:40am - 10:30am, Tuesday weeknight activities
Monument Ward: Sacrament meeting 10:00am - 11:00am, quorums and classes 11:10am - 12:00pm, Wednesday weeknight activities
High Forest Ward: Sacrament meeting 11:30am - 12:30pm, quorums and classes 12:40pm - 1:30pm, Tuesday weeknight activities
King's Deer Ward: Sacrament meeting 1:00pm - 2:00pm, quorums and classes 2:10pm - 3:00pm, Wednesday weeknight activities
Black Forest building, 6950 Shoup Rd, Colorado Springs CO 80908
Meadow Run Ward: Sacrament meeting 9:00am - 10:00am, quorums and classes 10:10am - 11:00am, Wednesday weeknight activities
[Black Forest Ward (Colorado Springs High Plains Stake): 12:00pm - 2:00pm, Tuesday weeknight activities]
Jamboree building, 8295 Jamboree Cir, Colorado Springs CO 80920
[Chapel Hills Ward (Colorado Springs East Stake): 9:00am - 11:00am, Tuesday weeknight activities]
Cheyenne Mountain YSA Ward: Sacrament meeting 12:35pm - 1:30pm (chapel), quorums and classes 11:30am - 12:25pm, Monday and Thursday weeknight activities
Mount Herman YSA Ward: Sacrament meeting 11:30am - 12:25pm (cultural hall), quorums and classes 12:35pm - 1:30pm, Monday and Thursday weeknight activities
Pikes Peak YSA Ward: Sacrament meeting 11:30am - 12:25pm (chapel), quorums and classes12:35pm - 1:30pm, Monday and Thursday weeknight activities
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.
Young Adult Face to Face with Elder and Sister Bednar
Notices | July 23, 2021: A Face to Face event will be held on September 12, 2021, with Elder David A. Bednar and Sister Susan Bednar.
Notices | June 25, 2021: The 2022 curriculum items are listed in the attachment to this notice.
Materials for Area, Coordinating, Mission, Stake, Ward, and Branch Councils
Notices | June 15, 2021: Materials used in the April 2021 general conference leadership meeting are now available for area and local leaders.
For the Strength of Youth (FSY) Conferences Schedule for Stakes in the United States and Canada
Notices | June 11, 2021: Beginning in 2022 and 2023, all stakes in the US and Canada will attend FSY conferences every other year.
Addiction Recovery and Spouse and Family Support
Notices | May 20, 2021: The Church’s addiction recovery program has resources to help individuals, spouses, and family members.
First Presidency | May 10, 2021: Activities should be well planned and follow the safety guidelines included with this letter and at safety.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
Notices | March 31, 2021: Revised General Handbook Chapters
Four chapters and other content have been revised in General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
General Handbook: Summary of Recent Updates - March 2021 (links to updated sections)
Church Newsroom: See the March 2021 Update to the General Handbook
75% of the English handbook has now been revised
Effective January 1, 2021, local unit leaders and clerks should record stake conference, sacrament meeting, and Sunday quorum and class meeting attendance (excluding Primary) in Leader and Clerk Resources or Member Tools.
As a reminder, effective January 1, 2021, local unit leaders and clerks have been asked to record stake conference, sacrament meeting, and Sunday quorum and class meeting attendance (excluding Primary) in Leader and Clerk Resources (LCR) or Member Tools, including both number of members who attend in person and the number of those who attend remotely. (See Official Communication dated February 10, 2021 – 2021 Guidelines for Recording Attendance in Stake Conferences, Sacrament Meetings, and Sunday Quorum and Class Meetings)
Attendance recorded will be reflected, as follows, on your Quarterly Report in LCR:
Sacrament meeting attendance – Average of the first three months of recorded attendance.
Sunday quorum and class meeting attendance (excluding Primary) – Average recorded attendance in March.
Primary attendance will be calculated using historical unit reported attendance.
Please note this information cannot be changed on the Quarterly Report page in LCR. Any changes would need to be made on the “Class and Quorum Attendance” or “Sacrament Meeting Attendance” reports in LCR for the first quarter of 2021.
Many bishops’ offices, clerks’ offices, and meetinghouse resource centers contain excess and outdated materials. In considering what to discard, please refer to the list of meetinghouse resource center materials and guidelines on what to discard. Please also consider the following:
With the introduction of Come, Follow Me, many manuals have been replaced, including Primary 1–7, Gospel Doctrine, and youth Sunday School manuals.
The new Children and Youth program has replaced materials associated with Scouting, Duty to God, Personal Progress, and Faith in God.
Online processes in Leader and Clerk Resources (LCR) have replaced most administrative forms.
Clerks and resource center specialists should identify materials that are not being used regularly or that will not be used again and discard them or offer them to members for use at home. Clerks can also shred outdated stationery, forms, or sensitive materials.
To schedule an interview with a member of the stake presidency for temple recommends or BYU ecclesiastical endorsements send an email to stake.interview@csnorth.org or text/call 719-644-6401
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
Stake presidency interviews are not to be scheduled until after the bishopric interview is completed
Stake interviews are usually scheduled within a week of their request and should be completed within 30 days of the bishopric interview
Members are encouraged to keep their recommends current and avoid last-minute efforts to schedule an appointment under very difficult-to-fulfill time constraints; please plan ahead when scheduling your appointment
The stake offices are located as the southwest corner of the stake center with an access door to the right of the main foyer doors (8710 Lexington Dr; northwest corner of Lexington Dr and Research Blvd)
Latest official General Conference addresses, and BYU-Provo, BYU-Idaho, BYU-Hawaii, BYU Pathway Worldwide, and Ensign College speeches.
By President Henry B. Eyring
Second Counselor in the First Presidency
The purpose for our receiving the priesthood is to allow us to bless people for the Lord, doing so in His name.
April 2021 General Conference, Priesthood Session
Official Newsroom and Church News announcements and articles of interest to our stake.
Hill Cumorah Pageant Commemorative Devotional and Hill Cumorah Pageant Broadcast
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will present a devotional with Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and a broadcast of the 2019 Hill Cumorah Pageant on July 9, 2021.
New videos, images, music, and articles from the church from the Church Media and Come Unto Christ.