Post - June 2017 Stake Conference Letter to Stake

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

In order to build unity and strengthen Zion, during stake conference we asked stake members to do three things: 1) partake of God’s love regularly, 2) make the sacrament a weekly “Day of Atonement”, and 3) experience Zion in the temple with your ward on stake temple night (and bring a friend).

1. Partake of God’s Love Regularly.

As in Lehi’s vision, we hold to Christ (our rod of iron), move forward, kneel down in humility at the tree of life and partake of its glorious, joyful fruit. We do this by developing thought patterns of faith, trusting our Savior and our Heavenly Father and their love for us.  We do this by feasting on the word of God and praying in faith and humility daily.  We do this by trusting that our Savior understands us completely, is our Advocate and the Advocate of each person with whom we interact, and will help us to develop relationships of unity and love.  We carry the spirit of the Advocate in our hearts towards all mankind, including the members and leaders of the Church, those who hold different views, and our enemies.  We avoid social media and other influences that point the finger of scorn and encourage the spirit of the Accuser.

2) Make the Sacrament a Weekly “Day of Atonement.”

In the Day of Atonement, all the sins of the people were placed on the head of the scapegoat, and the goat was led out into the wilderness and released, never to return (Leviticus 16). All past offenses were gone.  It was a completely fresh start in all relationships. As we partake of the sacrament each week, we can think of the Day of Atonement and let go of all past offenses, allowing us to move forward in all our relationships with a spirit of peace and goodwill.

3) Experience Zion in the Temple With Your Ward on Stake Temple Night (and bring a friend).

Like the Nephites of old, we can gather as a ward at the Savior’s feet in the temple.  It is important that our leaders (the bishopric and all ward presidencies) lead the way in this. Our temple worship blesses our families, provides inspiration to bless our lives, makes us more sin resistant, and allows us to feel the love of the Lord.  The temple provides gospel hope, the spiritual assurance that we have a glorious future together in heaven. The temple is where we covenant to build Zion together. Stake temple night allows us to spiritually bond with ward members and pray for those who need special blessings.

As we do these three things, we will be encircled about by the Savior’s arms of safety and love.  Our hearts will be filled with abundance and charity, enabling us to be a Zion people.  We will want to serve others and to invite and welcome everyone, of all walks of life, into the circle of our love.  

With all our love,

Mark Sabey

Gary Blaylock

Jack Marble

Littleton Stake Presidency