Special Message to All Wards from Stake Presidency

Brothers and Sisters of the Lodi Stake,

We want all members of the Lodi Stake to have increased support from the church.  Therefore, in February each ward and branch in the Lodi Stake will begin holding virtual meetings for Relief Society, Elders Quorum, Primary and Sunday School, joining the youth classes already being held, as part of our Sunday schedule.  Meetings will be abbreviated to avoid holding meetings simultaneously and can still occur during a 2-hour time frame.  Each ward or branch will develop the schedule according to their needs and circumstances following these guidelines. Please be patient and understanding with ward leaders, teachers, and one another as we implement this expanded meeting schedule. 

We look forward to being back in our meetinghouses, gathering and worshiping together, and pray that time will come soon.  While many of the adjustments that have been made in our lives during this pandemic have been challenging, positive opportunities have also emerged.  There are opportunities to minister, to serve, to share, and to lift in ways and at times that may not have been considered prior.  As they received and understood impressions from the Holy Ghost with greater sensitivity, many members have gained new insights and perspectives that will continue to help them, and others, draw closer to Jesus Christ.

Although we would all prefer trials and difficulties of this pandemic to pass sooner rather than later, we are reminded that the purpose of mortality is to learn through all types of experiences and to become more like Jesus Christ in the process.  As we focus on the Savior and heed the prophetic call to “Come unto Christ,” our spirits will be lifted, our understanding increased, and our faith strengthened. As Elder Holland reminded us in October, our burdens will be lifted “by and by,” and we will each eventually see His arm revealed on our behalf.  (D&C 123:17)

We love each member of the Lodi Stake. We are so grateful for your faithfulness and for your wonderful examples. We have been strengthened by your testimonies of both word and action.  We testify that our Father in Heaven and our Savior, Jesus Christ, love us and will be with each of us during our difficulties.  As we strive to draw unto them more fully, we will feel their influence with more and greater abundance. 

With love, Scott Means, Dan Sroufe, Jared Critchfield

Lodi California Stake Presidency