Virtual Christmas 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

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 Ferguson 

Cardston Alberta West Stake 

https://youtu.be/tlcILxGmVrI

 

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:

https://www.alberta.ca/enhanced-public-health-measures.aspx#toc-1

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.  

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/letters?clang=eng&id=17661&lang=eng&source=1&inline=true

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 distancing

2. 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 Stewart

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Area 70 - North America Central Area

 

 

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.

COVID-19 Update Help stop the spike COVID-19 cases continue rising across Alberta and the situation is critical.  A state of public health emergency is being declared to bring in aggressive new measures to address growing cases, starting Nov. 24. Mandatory restrictions apply across Alberta: No indoor social gatherings in any setting 10-person limit on outdoor gatherings 10-person limit for wedding and funeral services, no receptions permitted Changes to in-person learning schedules for K-12 students Working from home should be considered, where possible Additional restrictions apply to regions on the enhanced list (purple zones): Business and service restrictions start Nov. 27 (see below for more details) Places of worship limited to 1/3 of normal attendance, masks required Additional restrictions apply to the Edmonton and Calgary area* Mandatory masks for indoor workplaces except when working alone in an office or a safely distanced cubicle or an appropriate barrier is in place New measures at a glance * See the full list of locations included in Edmonton and Calgary areas to find out if your community is affected Business and service restrictions Effective Nov. 27, new restrictions will limit the amount of contact between people in the community, while still allowing businesses to offer services.  These measures apply to all communities on the enhanced list (purple areas). Albertans are encouraged to limit in-person visits to retail locations and use curbside pick up, delivery and online services Full restriction details Get your test results faster with MyHealth Records Access COVID-19 test results for you and your children through MyHealth Records, a free and secure online service that helps keep track of your health information. Sign up for MyHealth Records Visit alberta.ca/covid19 to learn how you can help limit the spread.

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