Stake Focus

North America Central Area Plan

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. North America Central Area Young Adult Devotional with Elder and Sister Renlund, Sunday November 1st, 6pm-7pm, for ages 18-30 married and single:

2. 2020 Christmas Creche

• 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

3. Face to Face Devotional Broadcast with the Young Women General Presidency, November 15, 2020, 4pm-5pm [Online]

• 150 years ago, the Young Women organization we know and love gathered for the first time. The pioneering young women were an important part of the ongoing Restoration and the gathering of Israel—and so are young women today!

• Young women around the world are invited to gather for a special Face to Face event on November 15, 2020, at 4:00 p.m. MST, with President Bonnie H. Cordon and her counselors, Sisters Michelle Craig and Becky Craven. Together we will celebrate 150 years of amazing young women and leaders.

• Parents, adult Young Women leaders, and all women who have been involved in the Young Women organization are also invited. The event will be broadcast live on the Church satellite system, ChurchofJesusChrist.org, Facebook, YouTube, BYUtv, and other media.

4. An updated meeting schedule for all wards has been approved by the stake presidency as of Sunday, October 11th:

• Unless an exception is noted below, all wards hold sacrament meeting first and ward weeknight activities are at the same building as Sunday meetings

• Second hour ward meetings will follow the church's prescribed schedule: first and third Sundays for Sunday School; second and fourth Sundays for priesthood quorums, relief society, and young women; and fifth Sundays for youth and adult meetings under the direction of the bishop. Note: Until further notice, no Primary to be held due to COVID-19 with all primary children will attend classes with a parent

• Lexington building, 8710 Lexington Dr, Colorado Spring CO 80920

  • Cordera Ward: Sacrament meeting 8:30am - 9:10am, second hour classes 9:20am - 9:50am, Tuesday weeknight activities

  • Gleneagle Ward: Sacrament meeting 10:30am - 11:10am, second hour classes 11:20am - 11:50am, Wednesday weeknight activities

  • Northgate Ward: Sacrament meeting 12:30pm - 1:10pm, second hour classes 1:20pm - 1:50pm, Tuesday weeknight activities

  • Pine Creek Ward: Sacrament meeting 2:30pm - 3:10pm, second hour classes 3:20pm - 3:50pm, Wednesday weeknight activities at the Jamboree building

• Monument building, 950 West Colorado Highway 105, Monument CO 80132

  • Monument Ward: Sacrament meeting 8:30am - 9:10am, second hour classes 9:20am - 9:50am, Wednesday weeknight activities

  • High Forest Ward: Sacrament meeting 10:30am - 11:10am, second hour classes 11:20am - 11:50am, Tuesday weeknight activities

  • King's Deer Ward: Sacrament meeting 12:30pm - 1:10pm, second hour classes 1:20pm - 1:50pm, Wednesday weeknight activities

  • Jackson Creek Ward: Sacrament meeting 2:30pm - 3:10pm, second hour classes 3:20pm - 3:50pm, Tuesday weeknight activities

• Black Forest building, 6950 Shoup Rd, Colorado Springs CO 80908

  • [Black Forest Ward (Colorado Springs High Plains Stake): 9:00am - 11:00am, Tuesday weeknight activities]

  • Meadow Run Ward: Sacrament meeting 12:00pm - 1:00pm, second hour classes 1:10pm - 2:00pm, Wednesday 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 (cultural hall) 11:30am - 12:10pm, second hour classes 12:50pm - 1:30pm, Monday and Thursday weeknight activities

  • Mount Herman YSA Ward: Classes 11:30am - 12:10pm, sacrament meeting (chapel) 12:50pm - 1:30pm, Monday and Thursday weeknight activities

  • Pikes Peak YSA Ward: Sacrament meeting (chapel) 11:30am - 12:10pm, second hour classes 12:50pm - 1:30pm, Monday and Thursday weeknight activities

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.

• 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

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 2nd - Sunday, November 8th

Mon, Nov 2, 2020

• • Come, Follow Me - November 2–8. Mormon 7–9: “I Speak unto You As If Ye Were Present”

  • Family Home Evening

  • Multistake Adult Education Gospel Study Class [ML] 12 - 1:30pm

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

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

  • Institute [USAFA] 6:20 - 7:50pm

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

Tue, Nov 3, 2020

• Come, Follow Me - November 2–8. Mormon 7–9: “I Speak unto You As If Ye Were Present”

• Carpet Cleaning [LX]

• Election Day - General Presidential Election

Wed, Nov 4, 2020

• • Come, Follow Me - November 2–8. Mormon 7–9: “I Speak unto You As If Ye Were Present”

  • Carpet Cleaning [JB]

Thu, Nov 5, 2020

• Come, Follow Me - November 2–8. Mormon 7–9: “I Speak unto You As If Ye Were Present”

• Institute [JB] 6:45 - 8:30pm

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

Fri, Nov 6, 2020

• Come, Follow Me - November 2–8. Mormon 7–9: “I Speak unto You As If Ye Were Present”

Sat, Nov 7, 2020

• Come, Follow Me - November 2–8. Mormon 7–9: “I Speak unto You As If Ye Were Present”

• Stake Music [LX] 9 - 11am

Sun, Nov 8, 2020

• Come, Follow Me - November 2–8. Mormon 7–9: “I Speak unto You As If Ye Were Present”

• Daylight Savings Time Ends

• Second Sunday: Priesthood quorums, Relief Society, and Young Women (Primary not held; children attend parents' class)

• High Council Meeting [Online] 6:30 - 8am

• Multistake Young Single Adult Council [JB] 1:45 - 2:30pm

• Stake Communication Council Meeting [LX] 3:30 - 4:30pm

• Colorado Springs Coordinating Council Communication Council JustServe Meeting [LX] 4:30 - 5:30pm

• Stake Young Women Leadership Meeting [LX] 4:30 - 5:30pm

• Colorado Springs Coordinating Council Communication Council Meeting [LX] 5:30 - 7pm

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

Next Week: Monday, November 9th - Sunday, November 15th

Mon, Nov 9, 2020

• Come, Follow Me - November 9–15. Ether 1–5: “Rend That Veil of Unbelief”

• Family Home Evening

• Multistake Adult Education Gospel Study Class [ML] 12 - 1:30pm

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

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

• Institute [USAFA] 6:20 - 7:50pm

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

Tue, Nov 10, 2020

• Come, Follow Me - November 9–15. Ether 1–5: “Rend That Veil of Unbelief”

Wed, Nov 11, 2020

• Come, Follow Me - November 9–15. Ether 1–5: “Rend That Veil of Unbelief”

• School District 38 (D-38) No School (Return Thursday, November 12th)

• USAFA No Classes (Return Thursday, November 12th)

• Veterans Day

Thu, Nov 12, 2020

• Come, Follow Me - November 9–15. Ether 1–5: “Rend That Veil of Unbelief”

• Stake Temple Recommend Interviews (by appointment only) [Online] 6 - 9pm

• Institute [JB] 6:45 - 8:30pm

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

Fri, Nov 13, 2020

• Come, Follow Me - November 9–15. Ether 1–5: “Rend That Veil of Unbelief”

Sat, Nov 14, 2020

• Come, Follow Me - November 9–15. Ether 1–5: “Rend That Veil of Unbelief”

• Stake Music [LX] 9 - 11am

Sun, Nov 15, 2020

• Come, Follow Me - November 9–15. Ether 1–5: “Rend That Veil of Unbelief”

• Third Sunday: Sunday School (Primary held every Sunday) to Sunday School (Primary not held; children attend parents' class)

• Stake Relief Society Leadership Meeting [Online ] 7 - 8am

• Stake Sunday School Leadership Meeting [Online] 7 - 8am

• Stake Missionary Coordination Meeting [Online] 2 - 3pm

• Stake Self-Reliance Committee Meeting [LX] 3:30 - 4:30pm

• “Young Women: Celebrating 150 Years” Face to Face with the Young Women General Presidency [Online] 4 - 5pm

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, Nov 5, 2020

  • Cancelled: Stake Temple Night [DCT] 5 - 11pm

• Fri, Nov 6, 2020

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

• Sat, Nov 7, 2020

  • Cancelled: Veterans Day Commemorative Fireside‏ [FCSC] 6 - 7:30pm

• Sun, Nov 8, 2020

  • Changed: High Council Meeting [LX] 6:30 - 8am to [Online]

  • Changed: Second Sunday: Priesthood quorums, Relief Society, and Young Women (Primary held every Sunday) to Second Sunday: Priesthood quorums, Relief Society, and Young Women (Primary not held; children attend parents' class)

  • Added: Stake Young Women Leadership Meeting [Online] 4:30 - 5:30pm

• Sat, Nov 14, 2020

  • Cancelled: Stake Family History Workshop [LX] 9 - 10am

  • Cancelled: Multistake Single Adult Conference [TBD] 9am - 10pm

  • Cancelled: Multistake Late Saturday Temple Sessions [DCT] 7 - 9pm

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

• Sun, Nov 15, 2020

  • Added: Stake Relief Society Leadership Meeting [Online] 7 - 8am

  • Added: Stake Sunday School Leadership Meeting [Online] 7 - 8am

• Tue, Nov 17, 2020

  • 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

    • Will take the place of ward youth activities that 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

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, 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.

Selection of Previously Released

• 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.

New Church "Liahona" Wireless Network to Replace "LDSAccess"

• 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.

• Stake technology specialists can help members and leaders with network use, if needed.

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.

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 from the church from the Book of Mormon Videos, Bible Videos, HopeWorks, ComeUntoChrist.org, Latter-day Saints Channel, Video Series: Give Back, His Grace, Gospel Solutions for Families, Inspirational Messages, Inspirational Messages for Youth, The Daily, etc. -- inspirational stories, news, events, quotes from Church leaders, and more for your daily uplift.