Weekly Update April 17

Bishop's Message

Brothers and Sisters,
 
I have been feeling like there are many of you felling tired, depressed, and downtrodden. I know that it can be hard, as I have had times of my life where I have felt very alone. You may feel alone. You may feel that no one can understand your trials. You may feel that you are continually in a rain storm and there is no sunshine in your life. You may feel that the world is not fair.
 
Please know this: You are not alone. You are in good hands. You have someone that completely understands you. Remember, Jesus Christ - our Savior, "[has taken] upon him [our] infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know… how to succor [us] according to [our] infirmities" (Alma 7:12).
 
When Alma saw the afflictions of the humble followers of God and all of their inequality, "he was sorrowful, nevertheless the Spirit of the Lord did not fail him" (Alma 4:15). Turn to your Heavenly Father. Ask for angels to attend to you. Do what you need to do to see His hand in your life. Sis. Reyna I. Aburto, said, "Exercise faith in Him and act to receive His healing."
 
We have been given the promise that if we live according to His will, exercise faith in Him, and endure to the end, the "sun shall no more go down…for the Lord shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended" (Isaiah 60:20).
 
I know God loves each and every one of you. That is why He sent His Son. I know that through Jesus Christ and His atonement, we can receive healing and our "afflictions [can be] swallowed up in the joy of Christ" (Alma 31:38).
 
With love,
 
Bishop Cox

Meeting Program:

Opening Hymn: #95 Now Thank we All our God
Closing Hymn: #67 Glory to God on High
Speakers:
RaAnn Foote
Taylor Briggs

Calling Changes

Releases:

Sister Fidler released as a Sunday School Teacher
Brother Seager as Primary Activities Leader
Sister Seager as Nursery Leader

New Callings:

Brother and Sister Fidler to be Activity Day leaders and Primary Teachers
Sister Ammons to be Primary Teacher
Sister Ollis to be Primary Teacher

Announcements

Building Cleaning

As ward members, we have the opportunity to serve each other by preparing the Ward building for services. Please show the Lord your love for other ward members by signing up. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050945a5a629aaf85-ward

Relief Society Activity

Join us for our Relief Society Activity this week Tuesday, April 20th at 7:00pm on Zoom. Tell us about a book you've enjoyed or that has impacted your life.

Weekly Update April 10

Bishop's Message

Brothers and Sisters,
 
I hope you had a wonderful Easter and enjoyed General Conference. It is wonderful to hear from the prophet of the Lord and the other leaders of the Church. I hope that you will review the messages that were shared in Conference regularly. I know as you do so you will be blessed with inspiration and be able to hear Him more often in your life.
 
I felt several different promptings as I listened to Conference last weekend. A few things that I felt:
I loved President Nelson's invitation: "As we listen to the messages that have been carefully prepared by our leaders under the direction of the Holy Ghost, I invite you to pray to identify the debris you should remove from your life so you can become more worthy." That message and invitation resonated with me, and I too would invite you to pray and seek the direction of Lord to know what distractions, sins, or other items in your life should be removed.
I felt directed to share my testimony of the Savior more often - on social media and in normal and natural ways. The world needs more of Jesus Christ. I know He lives! I am grateful for His atonement. And through Him we can find peace in our lives.
 
These are just two of the items that inspired me from conference. What inspired you? I invite you to share the messages or thoughts with others of those things that resonated with you as you listened to conference. Share them on our Facebook page. Share them with your neighbors. Share them with your families.
 
I am grateful for the Lord and His everlasting love for each one of us. General Conference is one way in which he shows that love - through a living prophet.
 
Let God prevail in your life, and I know God will bless you!
 
Bishop Cox

Meeting Program

Opening Hymn: 87 God is Love
Closing Hymn: 96 Dearest Children, God is Near You
Speakers: Testimonies

Announcements

Meeting Update

COVID-19 guidelines for church meetings and activities
As you know, the State of Utah has announced an end to a statewide mask mandate, effective this weekend. The state continues to ask that masks be worn for large gatherings of more than 50 people where physical distancing isn’t possible.
 
we ask that you continue to be sensitive to the health concerns of others. We will still require masks in our church meetings. Please wear them. We will continue to sanitize our chapels and exercise physical distancing to make sure our members feel safe and protected.
 
As health conditions improve for our state with decreased infections and rising vaccinations, the Church has authorized stakes to consider plans for returning to in-person church meetings. We are eager to do so. We miss you desperately. And yet, we wish to move forward with caution and deliberation to ensure that we protect the health of our members.  
 
In the coming days, we will announce plans for a phased approach to returning to church meetings. This approach will ensure that members feel comfortable and safe as we resume a normal Sunday schedule.
 
We invite you to prepare for this return. We invite you to reach out to others — to friends, family and neighbors — with a heartfelt desire for them to return as well.

Temple and Family History

The Temple and Family History Zoom meeting activity is Tuesday, April 13 at 7:00pm.  It's for everyone...come listen or ask questions it's a relaxed meeting for all to learn or participate in.

Relief Society Lesson

The Relief Society lesson this week " Finding Joy in Christ/Becoming Like Him", will be given by Jessica McGill.  Don't forget the new time is 11:00am this Sunday.

Weekly Update April 4

 General Conference

 You can watch online on the Church's website here, on the Church's YouTube channel here, or on BYU.org streaming.  It will be on channel 5 KSL-TV, and can also be viewed by using several apps: Deseret News, Church News, KSL, or BYUtv. If you'd like to listen using the radio, tune to AM 1160, FM 102.7, FM 89.1 or use Sirius XM Channel 143. As a reminder the sessions are Saturday at 10 am, 2 pm, and a 6 pm Priesthood Session for all men and boys 11+, Sunday sessions are at 10 am and 2 pm.

Ward Announcements

Our condolences go out to Sister Middleton's family. If you'd like to read here obituary, you can do so here.

Relief Society Announcements

• The Stone Family wanted the ward to know how much they appreciated the lunch that was provided for Brother Stones funeral.  Thank you for taking the time to help them.
• Also, thank you for all who helped with Sister Helen Middleton's funeral service and the meal provided. Your service shows the love we have for Sister Middleton and her family.
• The upcoming Relief Society Activity on April 20 will give you the opportunity to share information about a  book you have read.  So read that book you have on your list or finish up a book you have started be for the 20th.

Seminary Registration

Seminary Registration has begun. Parents of youth in grades 9-12 next year can register for seminary by going to http://seminary.churchofjesuschrist.org. 

Weekly Update March 28

Bishopric Message

As I read the talk “The Savior's Touch” by Elder Walter F. Gonzalez, I felt it really applies to us.

“As we come unto Him, God will come to our rescue, whether to heal us or to give us the strength to face any situation."

Roughly 2,000 years ago, the Savior came down from the mountain after teaching the Beatitudes and other gospel principles. As He walked, He was approached by a man sick with leprosy. The man showed reverence and respect as he knelt before Christ, seeking relief from his affliction. His request was simple: “Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.”

The Savior then extended His hand and, touching him, said, “I will; be thou clean.”

We learn here that our Savior always wants to bless us. Some blessings may come immediately, others may take longer, and some may even come after this life, but blessings will come in due time.

I think as we look at these examples in the scripture  we learn that our Heavenly Father will bless us in His time. We just need to press forward with faith.   

We love you all.

Brother Harvey Wamsley 2nd counselor in the Bishopric

Meeting Program

Opening Hymn: 198: That Easter Morn

Closing Hymn: 200: Christ the Lord Is Risen

Speakers:

Tenlee Hansen

Elaine Wright

Mike Major

Announcements:

Our Condolences go out to Jeff Konold and his family. Jeff's mother passed away . The viewing and funeral were on Friday. Read her obituary here: Maxine Konold

Youth Summer Activities

Please save the date for your youth who will be involved in Youth Conference, YM Camp, and YW Camp.
Youth Conference: July 15-17
YM Camp: June 23-26
YW Camp: June 30- July 2 

April Fast Sunday

Due to General Conference, we will be having April's Fast Sunday on April 11th.

Ward Facebook Page

If you are on Facebook, join our page Taylorsville 23rd Ward-Inspiration, News, and Events.
We would like for this page to connect us more as a community and have more activity from members. This is a place where we would love you to share tender mercies in your life, if you have extra zucchini to share, questions about the neighborhood, family updates, etc. This may feel a little uncomfortable at first as we get into a new rhythm, but we have moderators who will approve all posts and all new members to keep our page safe and enjoyable. Please get the ball rolling and if you feel comfortable, please create a post and share with us about your family!

Missionaries

-As Spanish missionaries, we have also been asked to send out a survey to help find Spanish speakers in the stake. Here's a link to this survey that will help us know who has Spanish neighbors that we can contact. Here's the survey link.
-The missionaries for our stake are asking for participation in a fast. Here are the details: Missionary Fasting Challenge. We are being asked to participate from March 28th to April 3rd (2-3 families each day), if you're willing to sign up please sign up here.

Relief Society

The Relief Society lesson this Sunday is, "Highly  Favored of the Lord", and will be taught by Mary Ellen Strong at 11:00am on zoom.

Weekly Update March 20

Bishop's Message

Brothers and Sisters,
As this week started, I had the distinct impression to "Trust in the Lord".  It was a moment of clarity that I knew this was the Lord speaking to me and I needed to hear what He was saying.
 
The Lord has said, "Let him trust in me and he shall not be confounded; and a hair of his head shall not fall to the ground unnoticed" (D&C 84:116). This tells me he knows each of us individually. He knows what we are going through and is in the details of our lives.
 
I know several of you are experiencing difficulties in your life. I certainly have my moments. I am always amazed at the faith of so many of you. You truly do trust in the Lord. Thanks for being such wonderful examples.
 
I had the opportunity a couple of times this week to provide blessings to individuals in need in the ward. I was amazed at the trust each of these individuals had in the Lord, knowing he would answer their prayers and provide them guidance through the spirit.
 
I know that "whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day" (Alma 36:3).
 
Love,
Bishop Cox

Meeting Program

March 21, 2021
Opening Hymn: #197 O Savior, Thou Who Wearest a Crown
Closing Hymn: #199 He is Risen
Speakers: Felipe Soares
Waisea Lesuma

2nd Hour Meetings

We apologize to all those that experienced difficulties with getting into the right meeting last Sunday. We are working with a new Zoom account that the Church has provided to us, so things are working a little differently. We appreciate your patience as we work all of the kinks out of the process in using this new account.

As you may have noticed, we are all using the same room and then going to separate breakout rooms. Getting to the breakout room can be done through assignment when you get into the initial room, or you can elect to go to the correct breakout room through the breakout room option if you have the most up to date version of Zoom.
 
If you are not seeing an option to choose a breakout room, please download the latest version of Zoom on your computer. You can do this by going here: https://zoom.us/download (PC or Mac).  For the most up to date versions for phones or tablets, you can go to the Apple Store or Google Play. This should get you the latest version of Zoom, so when you log in to the 2nd hour meeting you should be able to choose the correct breakout room.
 
If you still need assistance, we suggest logging into the meeting and someone should still be able to get you to the right breakout room.
 
Again, please be patient as we work through some of the issues surrounding this new process. We are trying to simplify things, which is different than what you may be used to.
 
If further help is needed to get logged in, please contact your ministering brothers or sisters and we can get you help from there.
 
Keep praying that we will be able to meet in person again very shortly. I remain optimistic that we will be able to do so very soon.

Meeting Changes

-We will be meeting for our 2nd hour meeting at 11am.
-We have been given permission from the stake to begin holding singing time for the Primary children immediately after sacrament meeting.  We will remain in the chapel and stay seated in family groups (socially distanced and still with masks).  Singing time will only last at most 15 minutes.

Missionaries

As Spanish missionaries, we have also been asked to send out a survey to help find Spanish speakers in the stake. Here's a link to this survey that will help us know who has Spanish neighbors that we can contact. Here's the survey link. 

The missionaries for our stake are asking for participation in a fast. Here are the details: Missionary Fasting Challenge. We are being asked to participate from March 28th to April 3rd (2-3 families each day), if you're willing to sign up please sign up here.

Relief Society

We wanted to thank all of you who attended our Relief Society Birthday Zoom meeting.  We had a great time!  We missed those that had other obligations and hope you will join us in the future.  We also wanted to thank the Relief Society Activities Committee for working so hard on this event.  Thank you for all your hard work!!!

Family History

The Family History zoom meeting earlier this month could not be held because of technical difficulties.  It will now be held on Tuesday, March 23rd at 7:00pm.  The youth have an active roll in this up coming meeting and should be a treat to hear.

Weekly Update March 14

 Bishops Message:

Brothers and Sisters,
 
As I reflect upon this past week, I am amazed at how the Lord has lightened my load. After a particularly rough day, I struggled in prayer for what would help me and my situation. As I pondered that question over the next day, I received my answer: #GiveThanks.
 
As the Saints in Missouri were struggling with their neighbors, and the demand was made to leave Jackson County, the Lord offered this revelation:
"Verily I say unto you my friends, fear not, let your hearts be comforted; yea, rejoice evermore, and in everything give thanks;" (D&C 98:1).
 
I am aware that many of you are struggling right now - some with health problems, others emotionally, several with job issues, and most of us with the every day stresses of life. There are many things out there to throw doubt and strife in our way. We certainly are living in some difficult times. However, know that the Lord has provided a way for us to rejoice and get through these struggles. He knows what we are going through and His hand is outstretched ready to help us. What a wonderful reason to give thanks.
 
We have been commanded, "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (1 Thes. 5:18).
 
As the answer to #GiveThanks came to me, in my difficult time, I felt gratitude for my Heavenly Father. As I felt that gratitude, I felt the weight of my struggles lifted.
 
I am so optimistic that the Lord has great things for us to accomplish in these, the latter days. As you seek to give thanks to Him, you will find it easier to serve, love, and bless the lives of those around you.
 
I am grateful to you for your wonderful examples to me - for the great service you provide to your neighbors and friends. May God bless each of you.
 
Love,
 
Bishop Cox

Meeting Program

Opening Hymn: 116 Come, Follow Me
Closing Hymn: 252 Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel

Speakers

Brooke Schafer
Almarie Wright

Meeting Changes

We are making an adjustment to our meeting schedule this week. We will begin meeting for our 2nd hour meeting at 11am. I appreciate your flexibility and hopefully alleviate a big rush at home after our sacrament service.
 
In addition, for most of the 2nd hour classes we have made some adjustments to the zoom link. It should be the same for just about everyone. We will be sure to update the links on the website with this information.

Announcements

We are collecting items for the Utah food bank next Saturday (3/20) morning. More information will be delivered to you by door hanger some time over the next week.

Missionary Announcements

- The missionaries in our area would love for you to visit, like, and share posts from their Jesus Christ In Taylorsville Facebook Page.
- The missionaries for our stake are asking for participation in a fast. Here are the details: Missionary Fasting Challenge. We are being asked to participate from March 28th to April 3rd (2-3 families each day), if you're willing to sign up please sign up here.

Relief Society Announcement

- We kindly ask you to contact the sisters on your ministering list, that you feel is appropriate, and ask 1: if they need help getting on zoom for the variety of church meetings offered and 2: if they desire the sacrament to be brought to their home.  Please contact sister Lyman if there is a need.
- Please join us this week on Tuesday, March 16th at 7:00pm for the zoom, “Birthday in a Box” celebration. This will be a fun night to celebrate Relief Society's birth with a range from spirituality to lots of laughs! PLEASE NOTE:  sometime Monday night-Tuesday night a special birthday box will be delivered to your porch.  Watch for it since there might be questionable weather. Now, do not open it until we tell you at the zoom meeting. (We would hate for you to spend time in Relief Society Jail for opening your box early. LOL)!

Primary Announcements

- We have been given permission from the stake to begin holding singing time for the Primary children immediately after sacrament meeting.  We will remain in the chapel and stay seated in family groups (socially distanced and still with masks). Singing time will only last at most 15 minutes.

Weekly Update March 7

Bishop's Message

Brothers and Sisters,
 
I love this time of year when you can feel spring time right around the corner. You can feel the energy in the air with the birds chirping, some of the spring tulips beginning to come out of the ground, and the warmer weather. The sunshine provides hope!
 
Also, it appears that things are looking up with regards to COVID and the new normal that we are all hoping for. With vaccines, herd immunity, and lower diagnoses, I am truly hopeful for our future to get back to being together - connecting in person.
 
There is a renewal that comes as part of spring that brings hope. I love the reminder that it brings to me of Jesus Christ - his birth, what He represents in performing the atonement, and His death and resurrection.  I am grateful for our Savior and Redeemer and know that He lives and offers us hope to better things to come through our repentance and His grace.
 
I am optimistic in our future. I love you and am grateful for you and all you offer us here in the 23rd ward!
 
Thanks,
 
Bishop Cox

Meeting Program

March 7, 2021
Opening Hymn: 280 Welcome, Welcome, Sabbath Morning
Closing Hymn: 273 Truth Reflects upon Our Senses

PRIMARY

Parents and Leaders of Primary, we have a new Primary Presidency! We would love to start getting to know the kids and their leaders and need your help. Please fill out the questionnaires below! (One per child)

Child Questionnaire
Leader Questionnaire

Announcements:

Meeting Changes

We are making an adjustment to our meeting schedule this week. We will begin meeting for our 2nd hour meeting at 11am. I appreciate your flexibility and hopefully alleviate a big rush at home after our sacrament service.
 
In addition, for most of the 2nd hour classes we have made some adjustments to the zoom link. It should be the same for just about everyone. We will be sure to update the links on the website with this information.

Ward Calling adjustments:

This past week several individuals asked if we could announce the ward callings for this week.
 
The following individuals were released from their callings:
Bob and Larilyn Dang - Primary Teachers
Bob Dang - Self Reliance Specialist (Employment)
Cecily Blakey - Activity Day Leader
Geileen Schow - Nursery Leader
Debbie Richardson - Primary Teacher
 
The following individuals were sustained:
Bob and Larilyn Dang - Activity Day Leaders
Colleen Norris - Primary Teacher
Debbie Richardson - Nursery Leader

Temple Recommends

The Stake Presidency is holding temple recommend interviews at the stake center at 2pm each Sunday (except Fast Sunday). They have asked those that are interviewing to gather in the chapel so that social distancing may still take place.

Relief Society Activity

The Relief Society Birthday Zoom Celebration is coming up.  "Party in a Box" Tuesday, March 16th 7:00pm

Family History Activity

Join us for our monthly Family History Activity on March 9th at 7 pm.

Sacrament Needs

Any sisters that need the sacrament to be brought to their home please call a member of the Relief Society Presidency.