From President Anderson:
(Link included to view Stake Conference virtually)
Dearest Brothers and Sisters,
By now you might have heard that part of the business of our upcoming stake conference will be the calling of a new stake presidency. Because there is not enough time in the day and my love for you all and emotions will collide, I thought I might send this note to share some thoughts and feelings for you and also some ‘housekeeping’ business of the conference.
MUSIC - During the general session on Sunday we are going to be blessed to have some special music from two nearly instant choirs: a primary choir and a young men/young women choir. In preparation for that experience I ask the following:
All primary age children who desire to be part of this historic conference, be at the Stake Center by 9:30 am and find your way to the choir seats. The primary will sing the prelude music of well known primary songs for 15 minutes. After the welcome and prior to the to the opening prayer, the choir will sing as a special musical number - I’m Trying to Be Like Jesus. Following the prayer we ask that you quietly go and sit with your families.
Young men and women - following the sustaining, as the new stake presidency makes their way to the pulpit, we ask that you all reverently make your way (with a hymn book) to the choir seats. You will be singing How Firm a Foundation (hymn #85) verses 1-4 and 7. This will be all on the melody only - no harmony parts to worry about. Following your hymn, we ask that you quietly go and sit with your families. If your schedule allows, we ask that you to come to the stake center for a short practice at 8:45 am Sunday morning.
Now, concerning if you are going to be part of either choir, please consider this your invitation, if you have or have not been to any practice.
Stake conference is particularly important for the instruction and edification of stake and ward leaders and all other members of the stake. I invite every member of our stake to prepare spiritually for the conference and to attend all appropriate sessions.
To my beloved family, friends, teachers, stake and ward leaders, and associates: I feel intense gratitude and devotion beyond my power to express. I have had the blessing of watching behind the scenes all the work and selfless service that goes into the day-to-day operations of the stake. Elder Christofferson put it this way “We know that “when [we] are in the service of [our] fellow beings [we] are only in the service of [our] God.” And the Lord reminds us that such service is central to His life and character: “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” President Marion G. Romney wisely explained: “Service is not something we endure on this earth so we can earn the right to live in the celestial kingdom. Service is the very fiber of which an exalted life in the celestial kingdom is made.”
This past year we have focused on preparing ourselves to be ready for the rededication and reopening of the St. George Temple. We have testified to one another of the miracles and spiritual growth that we have experienced as we progressed along the covenant path. I add my testimony to Elder Renlund when he said “As you walk the covenant path, from baptism to the temple and throughout life, I promise you power to go against the natural worldly flow. . . Going against the flow may be difficult. But when we yield “to the enticings of the Holy Spirit” and put off the selfish tendencies of the natural man or woman, we can receive the Savior’s transforming power in our lives, the power to do difficult things.”
In his first message as President of the Church, President Nelson stated:
“Your commitment to follow the Savior by making covenants with Him and then keeping these covenants will open the door to every spiritual blessing and privilege available to men, women, and children everywhere.
“… The ordinances of the temple and the covenants you make there are key to strengthening your life, your marriage and family, and your ability to resist the attacks of the adversary. Your worship in the temple and your service there for your ancestors will bless you with increased personal revelation and peace and will fortify your commitment to stay on the covenant path.”
I bear testimony of Jesus Christ, of His life, His message, His mercy and His atonement. I pray the Lord’s choicest blessings on you and your loved ones.
I express special gratitude to the Lord Jesus Christ. I am thankful for His loving-kindness and for His open invitation to come unto Him.
I look forward to seeing you this weekend.
Your brother in the gospel.
Our greatest desire is to worship with you face to face and feel of your spirit. If for some reason you are not able to attend in person please join us virtually at the following link.
Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the Mesquite East Stake Zoom link. (Sunday general session only).
