Dear Brothers & Sisters of the River Ridge Stake, (2023 Stake Focus)
We wish you a Happy and Prosperous New Year 2023. We express our gratitude for your continual striving to be “Brilliant at the Basics”, and for your expressions of faith and service in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
We invite each member of the South Jordan River Ridge stake to read or reread, discuss and ponder, chapters 1, 2 & 27 the of the Handbook of Instructions found online at churchofjesuschrist.org, gospel library or tools. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/general-handbook?lang=eng
The First Presidency said, “The home is the basis of a righteous life” (First Presidency letter, Feb. 11, 1999). In their homes, individuals and families engage in the work of salvation and exaltation. This work consists of four divinely appointed responsibilities.
Living the gospel of Jesus Christ
Exercising faith in Christ, repenting daily, making covenants with God as we receive the ordinances of salvation and exaltation, and enduring to the end by keeping those covenants (see 3.5.1).
Learning and teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ at home and at church.
Becoming self-reliant in providing for ourselves and our families, both spiritually and temporally
Caring for those in need
Serving and ministering to individuals, families, and communities. Sharing resources, including Church assistance, with those in need. Helping others become self-reliant.
Inviting all to receive the gospel
Participating in missionary work and serving as missionaries.
Helping new and returning Church members progress along the covenant path.
Uniting families for eternity
Making covenants as we receive our own temple ordinances.
Discovering our deceased ancestors and performing ordinances for them in the temple so they can make covenants with God.
Going to the temple regularly, where possible, to worship God and perform ordinances for His children.
We encourage members to establish a home where the Spirit is present, we encourage you to honor the Sabbath day, study and learn the gospel at home, and hold weekly home evening.
During October 2022 General Conference,, President Russell M. Nelson invited listeners to “focus on the temple in ways you never have before.”He said, “I promise that increased time in the temple will bless your life in ways nothing else can”. “As you let God prevail in your life, I promise you greater peace, confidence, joy, and yes, rest,”.
Our ward conference focus for 2023 will concentrate on the direction given to us by President Russell M Nelson on our Identity, staying on or returning to the Covenant making and keeping path, and striving to become and work to remain disciples of Jesus Christ.
We express our sincere love and gratitude to each of you and recognize the friendships and covenant relationships we share. May the Lord bless each of us as we strive to “strengthen spiritual foundations and maintain spiritual momentum”.
With Love,
President Soffe, President Healy, President Brough