Saturday, November 28, 2020
Bishop Brooks' letter November 28th
November 29, 2020
Dear 5th Ward Family
So November is coming to a close and Christmas is fast upon us. I’ve been listening to what is becoming my favourite radio station, the Hallmark Christmas station on satellite radio. It plays nonstop Christmas music and little tidbits about their Christmas movies. Sadly, I’ve watched most of them, so the behind-the-scenes information is really quite interesting. I don’t know when this happened, although I’m guessing it was about the same time I realized all my favourite movies are found on Turner Classic Movies.
Anyway, it got me thinking about the impact that music has had on my life. I never really had any formal training, with the exception of 2 1/2 years of trying to play the trombone, but I discovered on my mission that I could carry a tune and even sing some harmony. Lori encouraged me to sing in the choir in one of our wards and that lead to performing both solos and in groups. My first solo was about this time of year when I sang, O Holy Night in Sacrament meeting. I got a lot of “I didn’t know you sang” comments, which in hind sight wasn’t particularly encouraging.
Not long before we moved back to Southern Alberta, our ward put on a performance of “The Forgotten Carols”. The solo parts were split up among the choir members, and I sang “The Shepherd”. I didn’t realize that its a portent of things to come.
We moved to Cardston in the spring of 1998 and started building the home in which we still live. In the spring of 2001, while I was a member of the Stake choir, Sister Debbie Burt asked me to sing a solo part in Stake conference. It was a scriptural reference that I’ve never forgotten, and has great meaning, especially in our time of trial:
Peace I leave with you
My peace I give unto you
Not as the world giveth
Give I unto you
Let not your heart be troubled
Neither let it be afraid
What a message of hope and comfort. While uttered over two millennia ago, those words of peace and calm have been a source of strength and tranquility to many who have been faced with tribulations and hardship. I’m reminded of the words spoken to Joseph Smith when he found himself imprisoned in inhumane conditions in Liberty Jail:
7 And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.
8 The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?
This is likely the first time that many of us have been faced with what could be described as a true test. Yes, we have had individual tests, that is to be both expected and in some ways welcomed. But we are currently being tested not as individuals or even families or communities, but on a global scale. Unfortunately, many of us have, as a result of years of seeming spin doctoring and even downright untruths, lost faith in our political leaders to the point we do not believe them or want to follow their direction. Like the boy who cried wolf, some of us feel we can’t trust them and therefore choose not to. Know that we have been directed by a living prophet to follow the advice and direction of our elected leaders during this time of Covid. To not follow them at this time is potentially not just at our peril but at the peril of those around us. In times such as these, we must follow those whom we have elected and more importantly follow the counsel of a living prophet of God while holding to words of comfort from His Son. He is the source of peace, hope, comfort and truth.
So while we contemplate a virtual Christmas morning bereft of children and grandchildren, let’s remember that we can get through this. Better days are ahead with the very real possibility of a miraculous medical intervention that is indeed a gift from God.
In 2006, the Carriage House Theatre produced Michael Maclean’s “The Forgotten Carols.” I’d been asked to play the role of Uncle John, who (spoiler alert) is actually John the Beloved. However, unlike my one solo effort from 8 years earlier, I would this time be singing all of Uncle John’s songs. The feelings of love and acceptance when performing that role were amazing. When I think back to that time I’m reminded how good music can uplift and edify and how it can actually speak to our souls. Uncle John’s songs were for those who didn’t see the babe lying in a manger, or who failed to make it with the other wisemen, or who turned Mary and Joseph away from the inn. In short, they are for all of us who must simply rely on faith to overcome the challenges we face. In many ways, that’s where we are today. Have faith and do not waiver. He will be there to guide us.
A great example of doing good things during difficult times is our ward Relief Society. I was lucky enough to spend a little time yesterday delivering the beautiful gifts they compiled for us all. We will greatly miss gathering together to eat and celebrate in our usual Christmas activity, however, President Oertli and her counsellors were absolutely inspired in allowing us to virtually wish each other a Merry Christmas.
We will meet today at 10 am for Sacrament meeting. That is because we are only having one meeting and are the only ward in the building. We are limited to 95 people. I know that is both awkward and irritating but it is the restriction we are under. We simply cannot have more than that in the building, so we will keep track and limit attendees accordingly. The link for the primary presentation is
http://www.youtube.com/c/CardstonAlbertaWestStake/live
Please check the blog daily because as you know, the situation is very fluid.
Stay safe, stay healthy and social distance.
We love you all,
Bishop Brooks
Friday, November 27, 2020
Letters from Bishop Brooks, President Ferguson, & Elder Stewart re: New Covid-19 Guidelines
Dear 5th Ward Members,
Attached to this short letter is a letter received from President Ferguson. I will also send to all of you a copy of an email from Elder Stewart. Both letters describe the situation that exists following the government announcement this past Tuesday regarding the state of emergency. It will certainly have an impact on us as a ward.
I’ve discussed our ward situation several times this week with President Ferguson. In a nutshell, this Sunday we are going to have one meeting, commencing at 10 am. It so happens that this Sunday, we will have the Primary Presentation, which will be prerecorded and shown on the screen in the Chapel. This is, quite likely, a one time exception to the rule that we don’t use video or visual aids in a Sacrament meeting. The Primary Presentation portion of Sacrament meeting will also be available to view on the Stake YouTube channel. This too will likely be a one time occurrence. We have been given permission to this in order to allow family and friends from outside our ward to participate in the meeting. Of course, we will not be showing any other portion of the meeting.
Now, for the difficult part. The new restrictions mean we cannot have any more than 95 people attend our meeting. On Nov. 15, when we held our last meeting, we had 88 people attend. If a similar number come this Sunday, we will be well within our cap set by the government. However, we will be keeping track of the numbers and if we exceed 95 we will have to exclude some people.
So, please review your circumstances. If you are in a vulnerable group, including age (65 is the number usually used) or underlying health concern, or if you have tested positive or been in contact with someone who has tested positive, or have been in contact with someone who has been in contact with someone who has tested positive, or if you are ill in any way, or if you are the least bit concerned about being in a group setting, please do not come to the church and watch it on the YouTube channel instead.
One significant change is that we must all wear masks throughout the meeting, the only exception is being at the pulpit to pray or speak, or while partaking of the Sacrament. You might remember that on the 15th I mentioned that we were not, at that time, subject to such a restriction. That has changed with the most recent health order.
We will still keep track of names and phone #’s and will ask all to take advantage of the hand sanitizer that is available and will ask everyone to enter the building through the main doors on the east side of the TSC. You will see from Elder Stewart’s letter that there will be no in person YM/YW activities, but that is something we have been doing anyway. The numbers for funerals, weddings and baptisms are lowered, although baptism numbers have yet to be determined. We expect all will be restricted to 10. You have also likely heard that the Temple has been placed in Phase 1 status again, meaning only living sealings, and only by appointment, can occur.
I know it seems we are regressing. That may be true, but we are hopeful this is temporary. We love you and ask for your cooperation in this, particularly the maximum number of 95.
Bishop Brooks
To All Members of the Cardston Alberta West Stake,To each and everyone, I say, Thank You, I Love You , and We Need You!We are living in a day that has been foretold by many Prophets of old, even current Prophets of our day. There is so much commotion in today’s world, that it may be difficult to steady our course, especially during this Global Pandemic. During these past 9 months we have experienced and personally witnessed so many Changes, Restrictions, & Adapting to a “New Normal”. With the recent announcements from the Alberta Govt and further Restrictions, one might question and wonder “Will this ever end” All these restrictions affect each and everyone of us to some capacity. It is up to each of us to do our part in helping control the spread of the Virus! May I reaffirm what the First Presidency and Quorum of the 12 Apostles have asked each of us as members of the Church to do.They have always asked, that Each Member of the Church be a good Global citizen, be law abiding, that we look after each other, that we follow Govt Rules and comply to those rules and regulations given.I encourage each and everyone of us in this great Stake, to do our part, and follow the council of The Brethren and Govt Leaders. We will be blessed in our very personal lives if we do. I promise each of you, that there is Help, Hope and Light ahead in this dark tunnel we been travelling through.May we allow “God to Prevail” in each of our lives. I bear my witness that God Lives, and His True & Living Church has been established on this earth, with a Living Prophet today, even Russell M Nelson! May we listen to the council below from our Prophet on “The Healing Power of Gratitude”.
May it heal our souls!God Bless all of you!President Michael James FergusonCardston Alberta West Stake
Dear Presidents,As per Premier Kenney’s directives last night, we have some new guidelines in our province. As it relates to church activities, they are on the following link:I have listened to Premier Kenney’s message and have reviewed the documents. As I read them, we are allowed to meet at 1/3 capacity. He also said that most faith communities were already abiding by this, however some were not so these are no longer “guidelines” but “required”. But the written info above speaks to “normal attendance”. We haven’t been “normal” since before COVID so we need to look at 1/3 pre-COVID attendance. We are encouraged to utilize technology. Please continue to do so. If you have technology troubles, please have your Stake Tech person reach out to a neighboring Stake’s tech person. Masking is required in Calgary and Lethbridge and other “purple” areas (link to that map is on the above link). Most of both CC’s are in purple now.Social events (youth groups would likely fall in that category) may not be held in person. Virtually they can. “In person faith group meetings can continue” - I can see Bishopric / Stake Presidency meetings falling there, maybe High Council although the physical distancing may be tough. We have been encouraged to “work from home” so I think virtual meetings when possible is advisable. I think we should not be taking Sacrament into another person’s home for now. I think we want to “avoid the appearance” of a social visit. There is the “submit a complaint” button where you can complain if someone is not following the orders, and we sure would not want people complaining about our actions.In the April 16 letter “Administrative Principles in Challenging times” it gives guidelines. Under “Administering the Sacrament” it states that a Bishop can authorize the Sacrament in the homes of Priesthood holders or the homes of others, however “in unusual circumstances when the sacrament is not available, members can be comforted by studying the sacrament prayers and recommitting to live the covenants members have made and praying for the day they will receive it in person, properly administered by the Priesthood.” Please remind your members who this will apply to of this counsel. You may need to visit with your Bishops and consider again re-authorizing “at home sacrament” if your units have ceased that recently with the resumption of “in builiding” sacrament meeting. You may want to revisit that letter.No indoor social gatherings in any setting likely includes ministering. Virtually there is no concern. I think people can still reach out and could visit outside on some days weather permitting. Please encourage people to redouble their efforts to reach out by phone, virtually or a letter to those who are isolated.Seminary and Institute follow the school system so in person likely needs to be done Nov 30 for Seminary, and Institute can follow the local College or University lead. If they meet in person they need to have physical distancing and masks.Weddings / Funerals are at 10 with no receptions. You can decide if you want them in your buildings or not. 10 may not need a building the size of a Church but could. I suspect this may now apply to temple weddings as well, however endowment ceremonies may be still under the 1/3 normal capacity already and not need to adjust those numbers. Your local temple president will likely directly address this.Thanks brethren. Please connect locally with other units if there are some that share your locale so that you are all singing from the same song sheet.Summary:1. Sacrament meetings at 1/3 pre-COVID numbers with physical distancing2. No in-person indoor social gatherings - so no in-person indoor youth gatherings and no in-person indoor ministering.3. Seminary and Institute will follow the local school / college / University schedule.4. Weddings / Funerals capped at 10.Please let me know if I’ve missed anything. I appreciate your service to the great people in your Stakes.Elder David StewartThe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsArea 70 - North America Central Area
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
New Restrictions "Help Stop the Spike"
COVID-19: A state of public health emergency is being declared. New mandatory measures to stop the spike in cases are in effect. Learn more.
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Schools:
Mandatory restriction – Provincewide – Starting Nov. 30
Grades 7-12 students
- Move to at-home learning Nov. 30 to Jan. 8, except during winter break*
- Resume in-person classes Jan. 11
- Diploma exams are optional for rest of the school year. Students and families can choose to write an exam or receive an exemption for the January, April, June and August 2021 exams.
Grades K-6 students (including Early Childhood Services)
- Continue in-person learning to Dec. 18
- Move to at-home learning Dec. 18 to Jan. 8, except during winter break*
- Resume in-person classes Jan. 11
*Schools have different winter break schedules, check with your school for details.
Learn more at K-12 learning during COVID-19
Saturday, November 21, 2020
Bishop Brooks' letter November 22nd
November 22, 2020
Dear 5th Ward Family
I am sitting in a warm house, close to a fireplace, in my favourite chair as I write a few words to you this morning. While it is not our ward’s turn for sacrament meeting this week, we can nevertheless study and worship in a free land without fear of prosecution or oppression and am looking forward to next Sunday when we can be together.
The sounds and smells of Lori making breakfast and preparing for another day of wrapping Christmas presents for family and friends brings a sense of love and appreciation for the blessings that abound.
Each day we are able to connect with our children and grandchildren through the miracle of technology, even though they live many miles away. The look of joy on an innocent 2 year old face when he sees his grandma on FaceTime makes those miles shrink away and fills our hearts with joy despite a pandemic that is doing its best to keep us apart.
That same heart aches when I am updated on trials, health and otherwise, that so many of you are enduring, yet at the same time I am so grateful for our ward leaders and the efforts they make to stay in touch with all of you and to keep me informed. I am also thankful to the organization leaders who make efforts to keep their charges informed and connected.
Many years ago, then President Gordon B. Hinckley said that each convert in the church required 3 things: a friend, a responsibility and to be nourished by the good word of God. That was then expanded to include all members of the church.
I am so thankful to the members of our ward who reach out to one another in love and support. I have heard some say that they do not want ministers coming to their home as it is bothersome and inconvenient. I have heard others, thankfully not often, complain of onerous tasks placed upon them by a bishop or Elder’s Quorum or Relief Society President. On more than one occasion, I have seen this same person be the first to attend to ask for assistance if some trial has befallen them, and have watched that same RS or EQ President drop what they are doing to go render service and offer comfort.
I am reminded of the parable of the Good Samaritan. Christ told this parable to the Jews, who, I am sure, were immediately struck by the fact that one of their own had been ministered to by a hated and despised neighbour. But what of the Samaritans themselves? Look at the message from their perspective. Why would a man of Samaria stop to help someone who hailed from a people who treated them with such derision, especially in a wild and obviously dangerous part of the path where they themselves might fall victim to robbers and thieves, placing their own safety in peril?
Some might argue that there is a fine line between offering service and of having advantage taken, and there indeed might come a time when that line must be drawn. However, let me suggest that we must be extremely cautious in making that determination. Far better to kneel before our Saviour and say we tried our best to share of our bounty than have to explain why we were so parsimonious with the blessings that He had provided us.
Similarly, when we find ourselves in a situation where we have been the recipients of an offering from another, whether it be time or substance, let’s remember to show the thanks and appreciation that the benefaction deserves.
Lori and I have, in the past, been the recipients of notes of appreciation from someone who has received something from us. They are often hand written expressions of thanks and are greatly appreciated. I should point out that it is Lori who is usually, if not always, the genesis of the original gift or service and I am, at best, the delivery person. From my own experience, men are seldom the authors of notes of appreciation. I am both embarrassed and ashamed to admit that. Perhaps it originates, at least in my generation, from a belief that we should keep our feelings hidden lest it be considered a show of weakness. I hope that a lack of appreciation shown to someone does not begin with a sense of entitlement or privilege.
But while sending a handwritten note, or a text or email is a wonderful way to show gratitude for service and support, might I also suggest another method and provide an example of same?
Suppose you are an Elder’s Quorum President who has spent many hours and some money preparing for a quorum activity. You have even gone so far as to send out invitations to all of the intended attendees. On the appointed night, no one shows up. You are left, literally, holding the bag. Imagine the feelings of rejection that EQ president must be experiencing. His feeling of wanting to do anything else would likely be at an all-time low. He would feel humiliated and rejected. The sad thing is, some of the invitees would likely say that their quorum never does anything as a group. A similar example could be given for each quorum and organization in our ward and stake. It’s important to remember that sometimes the best way to express gratitude for someone’s service is to simple support it by attending. I recognize that we can’t always be at every single activity every single time. That would likely be impossible, but if you can’t attend, a contact with the organizer expressing your regrets and thanking them for the invitation would be far from inappropriate and would likely be greatly appreciated.
President Nelson, in his broadcast on showing gratitude, is calling on us to show a sense thankfulness that transcends the entitlement and selfishness that seems to have permeated our culture. He further challenges us to “count our blessings” and use social media for the next 7 days as a journal of gratitude. In addition, he urges us to join in prayer in an expression of thanks to our Father in Heaven for the bounteous blessings we share each day and by doing so marginalize the trials and challenges that seem to instead occupy our lives.
Be safe. Be healthy. Be grateful.
We love you all
Bishop Brooks
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
Saturday, November 14, 2020
Bishop Brooks' letter November 15th
November 18, 2020
Dear 5th Ward Family
Well, let’s deal with first things first. I told you last week that I had chosen to stay in Medicine Hat last weekend because of the forecast blizzard, both here in Cardston and in the Hat. The snow indeed arrived as predicted and I’m sure you’ve all been digging out. When I decided to stay in my eastern abode, I contacted a friend and made arrangements to have him use his Skidsteer to plow my driveway for me once the storm stopped. I certainly didn’t want to have Lori think she needed to shovel it, although truth be told I also didn’t want her driving on the snow and packing it down. Sure enough, when I checked our security cameras on Monday night, the driveway had been cleared. I immediately contacted my friend to thank him profusely for moving all that snow and he informed me he had been at work all day long and continued to be there, even though it was long past 10 pm. He also told me he was suffering vertigo and didn’t know if he’d have been able to drive his Skidsteer anyway. I asked him if he’d had anyone else go do my driveway. He said no. So, that leaves a mystery Lori and I have been dealing with: who shovelled our driveway? If it’s someone who’s reading this letter, please accept our heartfelt gratitude. Your service is greatly appreciated.
I’m going to add two more examples of service we experienced this week. Lori had an appointment downtown on Monday morning at 9:00 am. She couldn’t drive down because of the snow, so she decided to walk. She didn’t get far before a ward member stopped to pick her up and gave her a ride. When the appointment was over, she started out for home when another ward member stopped and picked her up and gave her a ride. Thank you so much for your help and consideration.
So I drove home Tuesday night on roads I wouldn’t recommend, especially from Lethbridge to Cardston. We missed having a local ceremony for Remembrance Day this year. Many of us are of a generation where our forebears likely served and sacrificed, in some cases offering the ultimate sacrifice, to preserve the freedoms that we enjoy today. As an example, my father and 4 of my mother’s brothers all wore the uniform during World War II, while Lori’s Uncle Chuck was killed in a training accident while stationed on the West Coast in the early months of the war. Many local names like Cahoon, Caldwell, Leavitt, Jensen, McMurray and Bunnage are among those who lost their lives in either the First or Second World Wars. As I indicated, I missed the local ceremony, so I went to our Cardston Legion Branch #170 facebook page to see if they had Roll of Honour listed. Instead, they had a link to to the Town of Cardston YouTube page for “Cardston’s Fallen Heroes”. It is a wonderful combination of names and photographs of those men who gave their lives. What a stirring tribute. I recommend it to you. (link below)
I was just a generation removed from those men who served and was lucky enough to know many of them. I can say that those whom I did know were unassuming for the most part. They rarely discussed their wartime experiences, although one was quick to point out that he met his wife while she nursed him to health in a military hospital after he was wounded in action. My Uncle Jim, who served as a radioman in the tank corp, used to laugh at Hollywood’s attempts to depict what war was really like, but he had a lifelong habit of ducking whenever a car backfired and caught him by surprise. The point I make is that their experiences impacted them in a lasting fashion. My father thought it was both an honour and a responsibility to join his comrades on Nov. 11 in commemoration. He taught me the importance of learning from history and respecting the participants.
So November 11 has come and gone and we put away our poppies for another year. But let’s not forget the sacrifices made and lessons learned. We benefit every day from those who have gone before. Lori shared something with me that she saw this week on that point: “We don’t know them but we owe them.” Sage advice indeed.
We will press on this week with Sacrament Meeting and, until we hear otherwise, expect to have another meeting in two weeks time. As I keep reminding you, we are still in the grip of this pandemic. The government has just announced new restrictions that will impact some of the things we want to do. Please follow the guidelines. We again remind you to bring a mask with you when you attend church. Please wear it. We will open the overflow doors to give more room for people to spread out. Please don’t socialize, and, if you are ill, or elderly, or are immunocompromised, please stay home.
Christmas is fast approaching. I know that because it seems every evening is spent watching Hallmark Christmas movies. Of course, I think they started airing those in July, but I’m really not complaining. Frankly it’s refreshing to have entertainment that focuses on positive Christmas messages.
Usually, it is a message of hope, which is the quintessential Christmas message. When Christ was born, He brought Hope of redemption through His atoning sacrifice.
In Romans 15:13 we read:
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Let’s focus on this hope of joy and peace as we approach the Christmas season.
Stay safe, stay healthy and social distance.
We love you all.
Bishop Brooks
https://www.cardston.ca/news/post/lest-we-forget-cardstons-fallen-heroes
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