CSNS Bulletin - Nov 16

Colorado Springs North Stake (CSNS)

Ward Council and Ward Youth Council Bulletin

Nov 16 - 22, 2020

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

1. Multistake Youth Devotional with Elder S. Gifford and Sister Wendy Nielsen, Wednesday, November 18th, 7pm-8pm, Online

2. A Special Video Message of Hope and Healing Is Coming From the Prophet November 20:

A Special Video Message of Hope and Healing Is Coming From the Prophet November 20Russell M. Nelson, prophet and president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will share a special video message with the world on November 20, 2020, at 11 a.m. MST.

3. Sunday meetings changed due to Level Orange

The discussions the stake presidency have had with our Area Authorities, and the impressions of the spirit, the stake presidency has decided the following and ask that we adhere to ALL of these recommendations:
- All members and visitors should wear masks and ensure that they are social distancing while in the church building. Hand sanitizer and extra masks will be available in the foyer of all buildings. These supplies will be checked frequently to ensure they are replenished as needed.
- Our Sunday services will continue to be held every Sunday while adhering to the same schedule that has been in place for the last couple of months. Two sacrament meetings will now be held for each ward on every Sunday. They will happen back-to-back and last 35 minutes each. This should allow adequate time for cleaning between the two sacrament meetings as well at the end of the second sacrament meeting. The entire block of meetings (two sacrament meetings), along with clean up, should not exceed 1 hour and 45 minutes to allow adequate time for the next ward to come into the building.
- Each sacrament meeting will only be allowed to accommodate “50 people excluding staff”. Staff is defined as those responsible for ensuring the meeting is held and all support people. This includes those involved in the sacrament meeting program as well as those needed to administer the sacrament, usher, provide music, etc. All members will receive an opportunity to attend in persons at least every other week. The bishopric will determine how to allocate the spots available for their sacrament meetings.
- We have asked each ward to continue to arrange for at least one sacrament meeting to be broadcast via Zoom to the members who are unable to attend in person.
- The Area Presidency has instructed that members should be invited to listen to the hymns but not sing.
- Additionally, the following procedures will be followed in our buildings to ensure that we do not exceed the stated number and that we maintain adequate social distancing throughout our meetings:
- Ushers will be provided to ensure that there are alternating empty rows in the chapel and cultural hall. If keeping row separation is a problem, it is suggested to tape off individual rows to ensure compliance.
- The ushers will encourage families to areas of the chapel and cultural hall where their family will fit and still maintain adequate distancing from other families or individuals. It is our hope that no one is offended when ushers’ direct members to a seat that may not be their favorite location.
- At the end of the meeting, we ask that all members remain seated while the ushers come forward and dismiss the members row by row. We also ask that after you are dismissed by the ushers that you not congregate in the foyer. Please make your way out of the building so that the appropriate cleaning can be performed in preparation for the next meeting.
- All weekday activities (RS, YW, YM, Primary) should comply with the same state health order which restricts the total number of individuals in the building (less administrative staff) to 50.

4. 2020 Christmas Creche Will Be Held Online This Year

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.

Sterling L. Rogers
Jeffery A. Johnson
Christian K. Lovejoy

Flyer

Pass Along Card (Front)

Pass Along Card (Back)

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

6. Stake Service Project, Saturday, December 12th, 9am-12pm:

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:
- 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
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.

Fall 2020 Institute Meeting Information and Links
- - Note: two of the institute classes are in-person every week at 7 pm at the Jamboree building. Dinner is provided as early as 6:45.

Workshop Topics and Dates

In addition to regular course classes, the institute will provide relevance-based workshops once a month. The purpose of these workshops is to address relevant issues facing the young adults of this generation. These workshops will be facilitated by the full-time institute faculty. We hope these create a sense of community and belonging as the young adults realize that we all face similar challenges. The 5 workshop topics will repeat each month allowing young adults to attend multiple topics over the three workshop dates.
- 5 Lessons I learned when I didn’t seem to have enough money
- Learning to be happy while I’m single
- Dealing with Breakups and/or heartaches
- 4 Lessons of Light for Dark Times
- Mental Health: Help for me or a friend
Dates: October 1st, October 29th, December 3rd 7 pm at the Jamboree building

Class Zoom Links and Other Info
- The Gospel of Jesus Christ in Today’s World: Thursday 12:00 pm
- Jesus Christ: The Author of Salvation: Thursday 7:00 pm
- Saints Volume 2 (Adapted Needs): Thursday 7:00 pm
- The Gospel of Jesus Christ in Today’s World: Thursday 7:00 pm
- Come, Follow Me on Instagram: asynchronous. Register for the class on the app and follow it @comefollowmeinstitute

COVID Safety Precautions
- On the once-a-month in-person workshop classes, students meet in the Jamboree building. We will follow the same safety protocols as on Sunday worship. We will enter and exit at specified doors, require masks, social distancing, proper building cleaning, etc. It has not been determined if we are able to serve, but we hope we can. That information and decision will be made as September unfolds and we will keep you posted.

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

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, November 16th - Sunday, November 22nd

I Will Bring You up Again out of the Depths, by Jonathan Arthur Clarke

Come, Follow Me - November 16–22. Ether 6–11: “That Evil May Be Done Away”

Speaking of the Jaredite record, Mormon commented that “it is expedient that all people should know the things which are written in this account” (Mosiah 28:19). Keep this in mind as you read Ether 6–11. Why are these things expedient—or beneficial—to you and your loved ones?

Mon, Nov 16, 2020

Tue, Nov 17, 2020

Wed, Nov 18, 2020

Thu, Nov 19, 2020

Fri, Nov 20, 2020

Sat, Nov 21, 2020

Sun, Nov 22, 2020

Come, Follow Me - November 16–22. Ether 6–11: “That Evil May Be Done Away”
School District 20 (D-20) Thanksgiving Break (Return Monday, November 30th)
School District 38 (D-38) Thanksgiving Break (Return Monday, November 30th)
Fourth Sunday: Priesthood quorums, Relief Society, and Young Women (Primary held every Sunday) - Sacrament meetings held at meetinghouse; Second hour classes to be held online (See Announcements)
Multistake Support Meeting for Men [JB] 6 - 7pm

Next Week: Monday, November 23th - Sunday, November 29th

Ether Hiding in the Cavity of a Rock, by Gary Ernest Smith

Come, Follow Me - November 23–29. Ether 12–15: “By Faith All Things Are Fulfilled”

Recording impressions can invite further revelation and strengthen your testimony. It also helps you remember your impressions and share them with others in the future.

Mon, Nov 23, 2020

Tue, Nov 24, 2020

Wed, Nov 25, 2020

Thu, Nov 26, 2020

Fri, Nov 27, 2020

Sat, Nov 28, 2020

Sun, Nov 29, 2020

School District 20 (D-20) Thanksgiving Break (Return Monday, November 30th)
School District 38 (D-38) Thanksgiving Break (Return Monday, November 30th)
Come, Follow Me - November 23–29. Ether 12–15: “By Faith All Things Are Fulfilled”
Fifth Sunday: Youth and adult meetings under the direction of the bishop (Primary held every Sunday) - Sacrament meetings held at meetinghouse; Second hour classes to be held online (See Announcements)
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:

Tue, Nov 17, 2020
- Added: Ministering Tools: Welfare and Self-Reliance Training [Online] 7 - 7:45pm
Wed, Nov 18, 2020
- Added: Area Youth Devotional with Elder S. Gifford Nielsen and Wendy Nielsen [Online] 7 - 8:15pm (See Announcements)
  - Will take the place of ward youth activities this week
Sat, Nov 21, 2020
- Cancelled: Stake Family History Center Staff Meeting [LB] 6 - 9pm
Fri, Dec 4, 2020
- Changed: Christmas Creche Exhibit and Live Nativity Presentation [LX] to [Online] via social media throughout November and December
Sat, Dec 5, 2020
- Changed: Christmas Creche Exhibit and Live Nativity Presentation [LX] to [Online] via social media throughout November and December
Tue, Dec 15, 2020
- Ministering Tools: Welfare and Self-Reliance Training [Online] 7 - 7:45pm
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
Tue, Jan 19, 2021
- Ministering Tools: Welfare and Self-Reliance Training [Online] 7 - 7:45pm
Tue, Feb 16, 2021
- Ministering Tools: Welfare and Self-Reliance Training [Online] 7 - 7:45pm
Tue, Feb 16, 2021
- Ministering Tools: Welfare and Self-Reliance Training [Online] 7 - 7:45pm

Sat, May 22, 2021
- Added: Stake Conference Saturday Evening Session [LX] 6pm-8pm
Sun, May 23, 2021
- Added: Stake Priesthood Leadership Meeting [LX] 7am - 8:30am
- Added: Stake Conference General Session [LX,JB,MN] 10am - 12pm
Sat, Oct 16, 2021
- Added: Stake Conference Saturday Evening Session [LX] 6pm-8pm
Sun, Oct 17, 2021
- Added: Stake Priesthood Leadership Meeting [LX] 7am - 8:30am
- Added: Stake Conference General Session [LX,JB,MN] 10am - 12pm

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

First Presidency letter, 5 November 2020: 2020 First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional
- The First Presidency’s annual Christmas devotional will be held on Sunday, December 6, 2020.

Selection of Previously Released

Notice, 25 October 2020: Face to Face Event with Young Women General Presidency
- Includes the worldwide broadcast schedule for ChurchofJesusChrist.org, the Church satellite system, YouTube, and other media. Speakers: Sister Bonnie H. Cordon, Sister Michelle D. Craig, and Sister Becky Craven of the Young Women General Presidency.
Notice, 16 October 2020: Publication of Portions of the General Handbook in Languages
- Chapters are being revised and published in the new General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Notice, 7 October 2020: Dates for Tithing Settlement and Annual Tithing Reports
- Bishops should observe the following dates as they hold tithing settlement and submit annual tithing reports.

Administrative Updates

Member Tools App Release Notes

Release 4.0

Date Released: July 16, 2020

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

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.