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.

Weekly Update February 28th

Bishopric's Message:

Brothers and Sisters,

We hope you are safe and well.  This week we had the unique opportunity to participate in RootsTech online.  One of the activities of RootsTech was specifically designed for the youth.  The challenge for the youth was called “Our Quest for Connection” and provided the youth a chance to connect with their past, present, and future through various challenges.  They shared their experiences on social media with #questforconnection.

I think we can all agree that the past year has really taught us the importance of connection with others and how it can bring joy into our lives.  Time away from friends and loved ones has provided us the opportunity to appreciate the relationships we have with one another.  Moments of connection create shared memories and experiences that we can cherish throughout our lives and record for our future posterity to feel connection with us.

We echo the words that faith and family are our most important possessions and encourage you to accept the recent invitation from Elder Holland to “continue to build memories with your loved ones”.

Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. We love you.

Your 23rd Ward Bishopric

Meeting Program

February 28, 2021

Opening Hymn: #85 How Firm a Foundation

Closing Hymn: #96 Dearest Children, God Is Near You

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:

Virtual Attendance in Sacrament Meeting

If you are attending sacrament meeting online, we are tracking and reporting your attendance. However, we would love to know if you are with other family and friends while you are attending. We are only seeing each login to the meeting as one participant, but would love to know if there is more than one person watching online. Due to this issue, if you attend sacrament meeting with more than one person, please text, call, or email Bro. Pittman to let him know how many attended sacrament meeting online.
 
Bro. Pittman: (801) 349-5004; gap3245@gmail.com

Temple Preparation Class

We are looking at starting a Temple Preparation class on Sunday, February 28th. If you are interested in attending, please talk to Bro. or Sis. Woodbury ((801) 966-1678) about attending. This class is for those that would like to receive their endowment or if you have been through the temple and would like to review the blessings of the temple.

Language Classes

Anyone wanting to learn Spanish contact Sister Lyman or Brother Feil

Building Cleaning

We are in need of individuals and families to assist with Building Cleaning

Weekly Update February 21

Bishop's Message:

Brothers and Sisters,
Last Sunday afternoon, I had the opportunity to witness a baptism of a young woman in our ward who made the intentional decision to be baptized and enter into a covenant with the Lord. It was a blessing of the gathering of Israel and the wonderful missionary work that is going on around us.

A couple of weeks ago, I was invited by the missionaries to fast and pray for missionary opportunities. I am grateful for that invitation. And, since then I have had the opportunity to witness this baptism, as well as share my testimony with several individuals over the past couple of weeks. What a blessing.

I would invite you to seek opportunities to help gather Israel on both sides of the veil. Pray for those opportunities. As you do so, you will witness the blessings of the gathering of Israel take place right before your eyes.

We all have the opportunity to participate in Roots Tech this next week (Feb. 25-27), also. I would encourage you to attend a session or a few to learn how you can write your family story and learn about your ancestors that the prophecy may be realized that we will turn our hearts to our fathers and our fathers will turn to their children (Malachi 4:6).

I love you and pray for you.

Bishop Cox

Meeting Program

February 21, 2021
Opening Hymn: #84 Faith of Our Fathers
Closing Hymn: #83 Guide Us, O Thou Great Jehovah

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:

Virtual Attendance in Sacrament Meeting

If you are attending sacrament meeting online, we are tracking and reporting your attendance. However, we would love to know if you are with other family and friends while you are attending. We are only seeing each login to the meeting as one participant, but would love to know if there is more than one person watching online. Due to this issue, if you attend sacrament meeting with more than one person, please text, call, or email Bro. Pittman to let him know how many attended sacrament meeting online.
 
Bro. Pittman: (801) 349-5004; gap3245@gmail.com

Temple Preparation Class

We are looking at starting a Temple Preparation class on Sunday, February 28th. If you are interested in attending, please talk to Bro. or Sis. Woodbury ((801) 966-1678) about attending. This class is for those that would like to receive their endowment or if you have been through the temple and would like to review the blessings of the temple.

Language Classes

Anyone wanting to learn Spanish contact Sister Lyman or Brother Feil

RootsTech

February 25-27: From inspirational keynote speakers to hundreds of on-demand classes and a cutting-edge virtual expo hall, RootsTech Connect will be one virtual event you won't want to miss. Don't know what to expect? Watch these videos to find out more. Want to prepare? Ensure you have an account on FamilySearch, make one here.

Building Cleaning

We are in need of individuals and families to assist with Building Cleaning

Weekly Update Sun. February 14

Bishop's Message

Brothers and Sisters,
 
I am grateful for the love that our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ have for us. I hope you can feel that love and are aware of the hand of the Lord in your life. He is looking for ways to bless you and those around you.
 
As I have been reading through the Doctrine and Covenants this week, as part of the Come Follow Me, I am impressed by the willingness of the Lord to send messengers to help answer prayers. As you may be aware, D&C Section 13, is the words John the Baptist used to ordain Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery to the Aaronic Priesthood. John the Baptist was an answer to the prayer of Joseph and Oliver regarding baptism. I love that the Lord is so willing to bless Joseph and Oliver.
 
We can be the Lord's messengers to those around us. To be able to be those ministering angels, we must listen and "give heed to His word"(D&C 12:2). The Lord has said that "no one can assist in this work except he shall be humble and full of love, having faith, hope, and charity, being temperate in all things, whatsoever shall be entrusted to his care" (D&C 12:8).  Look for the opportunities to serve those around you and hear Him.
 
I know many of you need the blessings of the Lord. Know He is mindful of you. He cares for YOU! He loves YOU! Pray for His love and His help if needed, and watch carefully - with spiritual eyes, and you will see miracles happen.
 
I love you. I pray for you. I know the Lord loves you!
 
Bishop Cox

Meeting Program

February 14, 2021
Opening Hymn: #58 Come, Ye Children of the Lord
Closing Hymn: #70 Sing Praise to Him

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:

Virtual Attendance in Sacrament Meeting

If you are attending sacrament meeting online, we are tracking and reporting your attendance. However, we would love to know if you are with other family and friends while you are attending. We are only seeing each login to the meeting as one participant, but would love to know if there is more than one person watching online. Due to this issue, if you attend sacrament meeting with more than one person, please text, call, or email Bro. Pittman to let him know how many attended sacrament meeting online.
 
Bro. Pittman: (801) 349-5004; gap3245@gmail.com

Self Reliance Classes

The stake will be starting the next round of Self-Reliance classes on Sunday, February 21st from 3:00-4:30 pm. The classes will be taught virtually. They are offering two classes - Emotional Resilience and Personal Finance. If you would like to attend one of these classes please let Bro. Clay Cox (claytonmcox@gmail.com) know by Feb 16th, along with which class you are interested in attending.

Temple Preparation Class

We are looking at starting a Temple Preparation class on Sunday, February 28th. If you are interested in attending, please talk to Bro. or Sis. Woodbury ((801) 966-1678) about attending. This class is for those that would like to receive their endowment or if you have been through the temple and would like to review the blessings of the temple.

RootsTech:

February 25-27: From inspirational keynote speakers to hundreds of on-demand classes and a cutting-edge virtual expo hall, RootsTech Connect will be one virtual event you won't want to miss. Don't know what to expect? Watch these videos to find out more. Want to prepare? Ensure you have an account on FamilySearch, make one here.

Relief Society Activity:

Join the Relief Society for a virtual activity all about holiday traditions on Wednesday, February 17th at 7 pm.

Building Cleaning:

We are in need of individuals and families to assist with Building Cleaning