Grateful for America

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Hello beloved sisters and brothers,

Last Saturday morning four beautiful souls were added to the Lord’s kingdom.

From the Oak Hill Ward, Max Cold was baptized by his Father, Scott.  Harris Gale was baptized by his brother, Porter.  And Kalia Davies was baptized by her father, Brigham. Click here for more information

From the Millrace Ward, Brother Mauricio Sandoval was baptized by Brother Diego Sanchez.  Mauricio’s mother-in-law, wife, and son (baptized previously) were thrilled that he has joined them as a member of the church.  Click here for more information

Upcoming Events

• Stake Girls Camp 7/11-14/23

• Old Testament Tabernacle closes 7/16/23

• Oakcrest Camp for Young Women 7/31-8/4/23

Talking Faith 

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.

The Old Testament Tabernacle Experience

Beginning on Tuesday, June 27 through Sunday, July 16, a full-scale replica of the Old Testament Tabernacle will be in our community for public tours (1510 Parliament Ave).  Click here for more information

Weekly Message: Grateful for America

This week we celebrate the 247th anniversary of the founding of our country.  While our celebrations may take many different forms,  I hope each of us will feel personal meaning in it.  

I wish to express my gratitude for the liberty and freedoms I enjoy as a result of the efforts, convictions, and sacrifices made by the Founding Fathers and many, many others.

I am not unaware that there have been injustices and misappropriations of these freedoms over time.  Our own history as a church is proof of this.  But I attribute these flaws to the imperfections of humankind and choose to focus on and celebrate the blessing it is to live here.

President Ezra Taft Benson, in a speech given in 1976 said,

“As one looks back upon what we call our history, there is a telling theme which recurs again and again in this drama. It is that God governs in the affairs of this nation.” 

His point is further borne out by the Book of Mormon prophet Lehi,

“There shall none come into this land save they shall be brought by the hand of the Lord.

Wherefore, this land is consecrated unto him whom he shall bring. And if it so be that they shall serve him according to the commandments which he hath given, it shall be a land of liberty unto them; wherefore, they shall never be brought down into captivity; if so, it shall be because of iniquity; for if iniquity shall abound cursed shall be the land for their sakes, but unto the righteous it shall be blessed forever.” (2 Nephi 1:6–7)

We who live in this country are experiencing the blessings foretold by Lehi.  One of these blessings is that we are given a voice to choose our local, state, and federal leaders.  On this topic, President Dallin H. Oaks recently said,

“...no party, platform, or individual candidate can satisfy all personal preferences.”

“… members should seek inspiration on how to exercise their influence according to their individual priorities.” 

“Such independent actions will sometimes require voters to support candidates or political parties or platforms whose other positions they cannot approve. That is one reason we encourage our members to refrain from judging one another in political matters. We should never assert that a faithful Latter-day Saint cannot belong to a particular party or vote for a particular candidate. We teach correct principles and leave our members to choose how to prioritize and apply those principles on the issues presented from time to time. We also insist, and we ask our local leaders to insist, that political choices and affiliations not be the subject of teachings or advocacy in any of our Church meetings.”

This idea is so important that the First Presidency recently issued a letter to be read in all Sacrament Meetings which reaffirms the church’s neutrality and encourages each of us to actively participate in the political process.

Along with this emphasis, the Utah Area Presidency sent me a letter on June 15 with materials to be distributed to each ward.  The letter states in part,

“The Utah State Legislature has designated the month of September as American Founders and Constitution Month (Constitution Day is celebrated September 17th).”

“...we encourage your stake to sponsor one patriotic event during the month of September that would 1) rekindle a spirit of patriotism…2) build a spirit of appreciation for our Founding Fathers…3) encourage individual families and members to study and gain a greater appreciation for the Founding Fathers and our inspired constitution. (D&C 101:78-80)” 

I conclude this message with counsel from President M. Russell Ballard about how we each can make a positive difference in our country,

“…I have had the impression come to me that the best way to help the current world situation is for all people to rely more fully upon God and to turn their hearts to Him through sincere prayer. Humbling ourselves and seeking heaven’s inspiration to endure or conquer what is before us will be our safest and surest way to move confidently forward through these troubling times.”

“The world’s current chaotic situation may seem daunting as we consider the multitude of issues and challenges. But it is my fervent testimony that if we will pray and ask Heavenly Father for needed blessings and guidance, we will come to know how we can bless our families, neighbors, communities, and even the countries in which we live.”(M.Russell Ballard, October 2020, Watch Ye Therefore And Pray Always)

I hope that as we take time to consider our own circumstances and contemplate the teachings of the prophets, we will feel an increased sense of appreciation for the Founding Fathers of this nation and the principles upon which our country was founded.  I hope we will treat our neighbors with respect, especially if we disagree.  And I hope we will pray for them, pray for our leaders, and pray for humility, strength, and wisdom. 

I love you all. 

President Gardner