Edinger Ward

(updated: 2021-07-13, 8:00am)

Dear Sisters and Brethren,

Latter-day Saints gather and meet together to worship, edify one another, and teach and learn the gospel. During rare circumstances such as the COVID-19 Pandemic,  we followed the Church Handbook in streaming meetings and holding virtual meetings.  Streams and virtual meetings are not meant for the convenience of those who could reasonably attend in person. However, under normal circumstances,  sometimes it is not possible for Church members to attend in person. These people may include those who:

• Have physical, mental or emotional health challenges.
• Are immunocompromised or in a care facility or hospital.
• Are essential workers or otherwise are required to work on the Sabbath
• Care for someone who is homebound and cannot be left alone.
• Have allergies that put their health at risk in a meeting.

For the benefit of these members and others, the Bishop may as an exception, authorize live streaming of a sacrament meeting to selected individuals or families.

Beginning Sunday June 20, 2021 church meetings are to be held in person. Streaming and virtual sacrament meeting will be discontinued. Streaming or virtual second hour meeting with individual exceptions will be discontinued as well.

With the exceptions noted above all members are encouraged to meet with fellow ward members in the chapel. Members need the spiritual blessings that come from strengthening one another and from partaking of the sacrament. In those exception noted above, the bishop may assign or authorize priesthood holders to administer the sacrament to those members or authorize a worthy priesthood holder in the home, to prepare, bless and pass the sacrament. The Bishop holds the priesthood keys for administering the sacrament in the ward. All who participate in preparing, blessing and passing the sacrament receive approval prior to doing so in the home.

Local guidelines of social distancing and the wearing of masks have been lifted for those who have been fully vaccinated. Members should not be made to feel uncomfortable should they choose to wear a mask – no matter the reason. Members can feel the love of fellow ward members without judgement.  No member will be required to show proof of vaccination or will be asked by leadership, if they are fully vaccinated. Fully vaccinated or the wearing of a mask will not be a requirement to attend meetings in person.  

Guidelines found in the Handbook for the Sacrament ordinance will be followed for priesthood holders who prepare, bless and pass the sacrament during sacrament meeting.

How grateful we are as the Lord provided for our care and well keeping during these challenging times. We bear testimony of his love for each of his children. His watchful eye is upon us as a people, as families and as children of God.

With Love,

President Clay E. Johnson

President Gregory V. Anderson

President Gary E. Smith