NEWS AND UPDATES

NEWS & UPDATES

Volume 20, Number 1 Jan/Feb/Mar/Apr 2019 Issue No. 77

NON-RESIDENT PASTORS – by James A. Vun Cannon, Counselor to the First Presidency

In the Book of Mormon we are given the instruction to take the names of the saints that they might be remembered and nourished by the word of God.

“And their names were taken, that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God, to keep them in the right way, to keep them continually watchful unto prayer, relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who was the author and the finisher of their faith” (Moroni 6:5).

Saints have this in our organized areas with local priesthood providing home ministry, preaching services, prayer services, and classes. However, in the unorganized areas, far from a branch or congregation, saints must rely on their own study and devotions to stay in the right way.

A non-resident pastor is provided to give pastoral care to those saints who are not in an organized area. This person performs many of the duties of a pastor but without a physical church building. Instead, a non-resident pastor is assigned to a region. Those saints located in the region are in his care. He provides personal contact and ministry via phone, letters, email, or personal visits in an effort to heed the command from Moroni 6:5.

Currently, we have designated two regions, an East Region and a West Region. Names of the saints in our church records who do not attend an organized branch or group will be moved to a region and be under the care of a non-resident pastor. The non-resident pastor for the East Region is High Priest Wayne A. Bartrow. We are in the process of selecting a pastor for the West Region.

Please pray for this ministry as we hope to provide valuable ministry to those saints and possible missionary
opportunities for the church.

PRIESTHOOD ASSEMBLY / WOMEN’S RETREAT Please see page 23 for the registration forms for the upcoming Priesthood Assembly and Women’s Retreat to be held April 5–7, 2019.

CAMPGROUND WORK WEEKENDS Please come and use your time and talents to help get the campgrounds ready for camps and reunions. We can use all available men and women.

Blackgum, Oklahoma: April 26–28, 2019
Geneseo, Illinois: July 5–7, 2019

The projects we will be doing at both campgrounds include yard work, roofing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, general maintenance, and cleaning the  buildings. Bring your tools. Geneseo, especially, needs a good sized cleaning crew as they have a big lodge and several cabins used for sleeping quarters to be cleaned.

Lodging and food will be provided. Also, some of those participating in the work day will be providing the ministry on Sunday morning at the local branch.

Please remember it is a privilege and a blessing that we have these campgrounds to use. To continue to use these campgrounds, we all need to put in the effort to keep them running. If you are willing to help, contact Seventy Darrin Moore (816) 835-2265.