Message from Bishop Ekker:
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I have received some additional information from our Stake Presidency, who have been prayerfully discussing the many issues related to the impact of COVID-19. I would like you to be aware of the following updated instructions related to to the ordinance of the sacrament and guidelines for keeping the Sabbath Day holy in our homes.
1. As Bishop, I authorize worthy priesthood holders in the Westbrook 5th Ward to administer the sacrament in their home beginning this Sunday, March 15th. Participation in this sacred ordinance should be consistent with the duties of the priesthood office which each individual holds (deacon, teacher, priest, Melchizedek Priesthood holder).
2. Where the priesthood is not in the home, ministering brothers should look after their assigned families and help to administer the sacrament to them if desired. Please do not gather in “large home groups” to receive the sacrament.
3. Members officiating and those receiving the sacrament should dress appropriately out of reverence for the sacred nature of this ordinance. It is a rare privilege to exercise priesthood authority to administer the sacrament in the home. This should be a spiritually uplifting experience for all present.
4. The sacrament may be administered once per week where priesthood holders are present or at least once a month when administered by those outside the home. The authorization will be given until regular sacrament meetings resume or until further notice is provided.
5. Members are encouraged to study the Come Follow Me Curriculum for Individuals and Families together on the Sabbath and participate in other worthy activities that are meaningful and that will add to the Sabbath Day experience.
Again, it is a wonderful blessing to be able to partake of the sacrament in our own homes during these challenging times. The Bible Dictionary teaches that “only the home can compare with the temple in sacredness.” May we each make our home a holy place of worship and “be not moved” (D&C 87:8).
With Love,
Bishop Ekker
Church History Story
Click here to read the story about the Saints in Ghana when the Church was on a “freeze” in 1989.
