CSNS Bulletin - May 3

In February of last year, the first of the Church’s 168 temples began to close due to COVID-19 related precautions. By March 25th, a little over a month later, all temples throughout the world had closed due to the pandemic. Today, a year later, temples worldwide are in various stages of operations as part of a careful and cautious phased reopening. Some temples today are open for both proxy and living ordinance work — most performing only living ordinances — while some are still paused or are yet to reopen.

Mindful that normal temple worship and work has been interrupted, many members of our stake have chosen to remember their temple covenants and prepare for future temple worship by increasing family history work and preparing names for temple ordinances. To you we express our gratitude.

During the early history of the church, many Saints flocked to the temple still-under-construction in Nauvoo. Though they went to receive their temple endowments and ordinances, just prior to their forced exodus, most waited decades before being able to return again to the temple. Clearly, our absence from the temple has been but a fraction of theirs.

Last month, Elder David Bednar shared, “Perhaps for a little longer we cannot be physically in the temple, but is the temple in us? Are the covenants and ordinances in us? I think we have been compelled to reflect on, remember, and cherish temple covenants and ordinances in ways we may not have otherwise appreciated.”

During the conference address from President Henry B. Eyring this past month, he said, “My purpose today in speaking of temples is to increase your desire and mine to be worthy and ready for the increased opportunities for temple experiences that are coming for us.”

This past week the temple presidency and our stake president invited us to add to our fasting and prayers a plea that circumstances will improve to allow the temple to move forward into Phase 2B and Phase 3 and beyond.

I hope we were all listening. Are we “worthy” and “ready” for the increased temple opportunities that are coming? “Is the temple, the covenants and the ordinances in us?” Do we “cherish” those covenants?” Is our temple recommend current? Are the limited-use temple recommends of our youth current?

Elder Bednar shared that, “One of the great blessings of the pandemic is that we are finding even better ways in the Church to accomplish the Lord’s work. We’re gradually reopening the temples, but temple construction has not stopped. …Obviously there were some construction disruptions because of the pandemic, but relatively few of the temples are behind schedule. I find that to be miraculous. All over the world the construction of temples has moved forward in a remarkable way. …So, yes, there have been some real challenges, but no unhallowed hand can stop this work from progressing."

Sisters and brothers, the temple is the house of the Lord, where holy ordinances are performed and sacred, meaningful worship takes place. We invite every youth and adult within our stake to obtain and hold a current temple recommend. Your participation in temple worship is a sacred privilege, not an entitlement or simply part of our established routine. Along with Elder Bednar, we too bear our witness that by coming to the temple we will receive the power of godliness through priesthood ordinances that enable us to confront and conquer the world of evil. That as we apply in our homes, the principles we have learned and the patterns we have observed in the Lord's holy House, our homes will become more sacred and the spirit of our Heavenly Father will dwell in our hearts, our lives and yes, our homes.

We add our testimony of the sacred nature of our homes and of the Lord’s temples. We know that God is our loving Heavenly Father. We bear witness of Jesus Christ and of His role as our Savior and Redeemer and of living prophets authorized to exercise all priesthood keys. We do so in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.

President Sterling L. Rogers
President Jeffrey A. Johnson
President Christian K. Lovejoy

Announcements

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."

Upcoming Events

1. Attention High School Seniors!

The Colorado Springs institute will be hosting a high school seniors-only workshop on Thursdays from April 29th through Thursday, May 20th at 7:00 pm at the Jamboree building; please mark your calendars and plan to attend:

2. Young Single Adult (YSA) BBQ and outside dance, Saturday, June 12th, 7pm at the Liberty building:

3. Single Adult Face to Face Broadcast with Elder Andersen, Sister Bingham and Sister Eubank, Sunday, June 13, 2021, 4pm-5pm:

Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and President Jean B. Bingham and Sister Sharon Eubank of the Relief Society General Presidency will host a Face to Face event for single adults ages 31 and older on June 13, 2021.
“We know that many single adults are facing difficult challenges or have questions or concerns,” said Elder Andersen, adding that “the Savior’s love can heal every sorrow. We hope to be able to share the incomparable love of the Savior with our friends around the world.”

Recurring Events

1. 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.

Winter 2021 Institute

Begins Thursday, January 14^th, and we are going to start in-person! We will continue to provide a grab-n-go meal before class at 6:45pm.
Below are two images of digital flyers images you can use to post/share and text to help spread the word about institute starting on January 14^th
An Institute Class Descriptions PDF file is available that will be our poster that hangs in the hallway of the Jamboree building.
All of our information is on our website: cospringsinstitute.org. Please helps us spread word!
The classes we will be teaching on Thursday nights:

Foundations of the Restoration
The Divine Gift of Forgiveness
Old Testament Solutions to New World Problems
The Unique Doctrine from Latter-day Hymns
Missionary Preparation – Began March 4^th

Finally, we are holding workshops again this semester. The topics are:

Learning from Past Mistakes
“I think I’m Addicted”…overcoming all sorts of habits
Beware of the Double Life
Habits of Success

Reed Romney, Institute Director - Colorado Springs, 719-377-8056

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

- Colorado Springs YSAs Facebook and Instagram groups

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

Stake Calendar of Events, Lesson Schedules, and Ward Assignments

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.

This Week: Monday, May 3rd - Sunday, May 9th

The Camp Meeting, by Worthington Whittredge

Come, Follow Me - May 3–9. Doctrine and Covenants 46–48: “Seek Ye Earnestly the Best Gifts”

As you read Doctrine and Covenants 46–48, write down impressions you receive. Then you might ask, as Elder Richard G. Scott suggested, “Is there more I should know?” (“To Acquire Spiritual Guidance,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2009, 8).

Mon, May 3, 2021

Tue, May 4, 2021

Come, Follow Me - May 3–9. Doctrine and Covenants 46–48: “Seek Ye Earnestly the Best Gifts”

Wed, May 5, 2021

Come, Follow Me - May 3–9. Doctrine and Covenants 46–48: “Seek Ye Earnestly the Best Gifts”

Thu, May 6, 2021

Fri, May 7, 2021

Come, Follow Me - May 3–9. Doctrine and Covenants 46–48: “Seek Ye Earnestly the Best Gifts”

Sat, May 8, 2021

Sun, May 9, 2021

Next Week: Monday, May 10th - Sunday, May 16th

Come, Follow Me - May 10–16. Doctrine and Covenants 49–50: “That Which Is of God Is Light”

“He that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day” (Doctrine and Covenants 50:24). Ponder how you are receiving light by continuing in God.

Mon, May 10, 2021

Tue, May 11, 2021

Wed, May 12, 2021

Come, Follow Me - May 10–16. Doctrine and Covenants 49–50: “That Which Is of God Is Light”

Thu, May 13, 2021

Fri, May 14, 2021

Sat, May 15, 2021

Sun, May 16, 2021

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:

Tue, May 4, 2021

Rescheduled: Multistake Presidents YSA Coordination Council [LX] 7 - 9pm to Tue, May 11, 2021 [Online]

Thu, May 6, 2021

Cancelled: Stake Temple Night [DCT] 5 - 11pm
Added: Stake Temple Recommend Interviews (by appointment only) [LX and Online] 6pm-9pm

Thu, May 6, 2021

Cancelled: Multistake Single Adult Temple Night [DCT] 7:30 - 9:30pm

Sat, May 8, 2021

Cancelled: Multistake Late Saturday Temple Sessions [DCT] 7 - 9pm
Cancelled: Multistake Young Single Adult Temple Night [DCT] 7 - 9pm

Friday, Jun 9, 2021

Added: Hill Cumorah Pageant Broadcast [Online]

Tue, Jul 27, 2021 through Sat, Jul 31, 2021

Rescheduled: Stake Young Men Aaron's Camp [CF] to Tue, Jun 7, 2022 through Sat, Jun 11, 2022

Thu, Aug 5, 2021 through Sat, Aug 7, 2021

Rescheduled: Stake Young Men Deacons Camp [CF] to Thu, Jun 2, 2022 through Sat, Jun 4 ,2022

Ward Meeting Times for 2021 starting Sunday, January 3rd

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 - 9:10am, quorums and classes 9:20am - 9:50am, Wednesday weeknight activities at the Jamboree building
- Cordera Ward: Sacrament meeting 10:30am - 11:10am, quorums and classes 11:20am - 11:50am, Tuesday weeknight activities
- Gleneagle Ward: Sacrament meeting 12:30pm - 1:10pm, quorums and classes 1:20pm - 1:50pm, Wednesday weeknight activities
- Northgate Ward: Sacrament meeting 2:30pm - 3:10pm, quorums and classes 3:20pm - 3:50pm, Thursday weeknight activities
Monument building, 950 West Colorado Highway 105, Monument CO 80132
- Jackson Creek Ward: Sacrament meeting 8:30am - 9:10am, quorums and classes 9:20am - 9:50am, Tuesday weeknight activities
- Monument Ward: Sacrament meeting 10:30am - 11:10am, quorums and classes 11:20am - 11:50am, Wednesday weeknight activities
- High Forest Ward: Sacrament meeting 12:30pm - 1:10pm, quorums and classes 1:20pm - 1:50pm, Tuesday weeknight activities
- King's Deer Ward: Sacrament meeting 2:30pm - 3:10pm, quorums and classes 3:20pm - 3:50pm, 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]
- Pikes Peak YSA Ward: Sacrament meeting 11:30am - 12:20pm, quorums and classes12:30pm - 1:10pm, Monday and Thursday weeknight activities
- Cheyenne Mountain YSA Ward: Sacrament meeting 12:30pm - 1:20pm, quorums and classes 1:30pm - 2:10pm, Monday and Thursday weeknight activities
- Mount Herman YSA Ward: Sacrament meeting 1:30pm - 2:20pm, quorums and classes 2:30pm - 3:10pm, Monday and Thursday weeknight activities

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

COVID-19 Vaccinations for Missionaries
- Notices | April 23, 2021: All missionaries and prospective missionaries are encouraged to safeguard themselves and others by being vaccinated.
Single Adult Face to Face Broadcast, June 13, 2021
- Notices | April 23, 2021: Announcement of the June 13, 2021 Single Adult Face to Face Broadcast with Elder Neil L. Andersen, President Jean B. Bingham, and Sister Sharon Eubank.

Selection of Previously Released

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
Letter, 15 January 2021: Youth Activities and FSY Conferences in 2021
- This letter contains information about holding stake and ward youth conferences, Young Women and Aaronic Priesthood camps, and FSY conferences.

Administrative Updates

Reminder - Recording Attendance

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.

Callings and TrainingsServing in your calling in the Church can help you learn and grow. This collection of training media will guide you in your ministry and development as a teacher and leader.

New Feature Lets Parents Manage Children’s Online Church AccountsA new feature on ChurchofJesusChrist.org makes it easier for Latter-day Saint parents to create and manage their children’s Church accounts.

Instructions for Discarding Obsolete Materials

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.

Stake Interviews

- 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)