Hello beloved sisters and brothers,
I’m so grateful and excited for so many opportunities to fellowship and learn together.
Upcoming Events
Oakcrest Camp for Young Women July 31 through August 4
In August we have an explosion of Activities for Young Adults. The Utah Area is hosting a YSA Conference (Together in Christ) that is composed of multiple events on multiple days throughout the month. Get more information here!
And, the SLCC Institute is hosting Summertime Spectacular events on the 11th, 12th and 13th of August. You can get more information here!
And, the Stake Primary is hosting an activity on August 26th
And, the Annual Harvest Fair will be Saturday, September 9th from 10 AM - 4 PM
Ongoing Events
Every 2nd and 4th Sunday at 3 pm in the stake center Relief Society room there is a group discussion specifically for youth called “Talking Faith”. Hosted by Julie and Ron Henricksen, this discussion time is meant to help youth explore and ask questions related to church doctrine, teachings, and practices. We encourage all youth in the stake to attend and invite friends.
Weekly Message: Living…Saints
I recently completed Vol.3 of Saints (Espanol), which chronicles the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints from 1893-1955. If you have not yet read or listened to it, I highly recommend it. The electronic version is available for free in the Gospel Library. I’m grateful for the authors of this work who candidly tell the story of the growing church by sharing stories from the lives of members all over the world.
One of the things that impressed me in the book was the willingness of early members to make “pioneer-level” sacrifices in the face of uncertainty and adversity to further the work they believed in. Whether their contemporaries mocked, ridiculed, or persecuted them, their determined devotion in their unique circumstances is inspiring.
…ordinary, non-famous, people relying on their faith in God to do extraordinary things…
One of the great privileges of my calling, as stake president, is to witness this same kind of “determined devotion” among members and neighbors of this stake. For the past four years, I have met with young prospective missionaries preparing to faithfully serve wherever they are called. I have met with couples and individuals who choose to become temple workers or senior missionaries despite difficult health and family circumstances. I have met with individuals striving nobly to overcome past sins and life decisions and get back on the covenant path. I have met with those who pay a full tithe and generous fast offering, even in challenging economic circumstances. I have met others who willingly consecrate their time to teach English or donate food, furniture, and clothing to sisters and brothers they barely know.
…These are living latter-day witnesses…
…Saints…in every sense of the word…
…willing to consecrate their time, their money, their talents...their hearts…
Some may ask, “Why do we do this?”
I suspect the answer is unique and personal for each one. But I believe it can truly be said that your willingness, and the willingness of those portrayed in Saints (Espanol), grows from a love of our Savior and a spiritual witness that this is His work…and a desire to become like Him AND lead others to Him.
You inspire me!
When we Trust God and Move Forward, we “receive His image in our countenance” and are “purified even as he is pure” (Alma 5:14, Moroni 7:45)
I promise!
Jesus Christ is the Savior of our world!
We are learning and striving to be like Him!
I love you all.
President Gardner