Hello Everyone,

You are invited to attend the Stake Self Reliance Workshop this coming Sunday evening Jan 21, 2024 @ 7pm at the Stake Centre (Tipton Road)

We will be introducing the Self Reliance Courses and registering individuals into one of the following Self Reliance Courses:

• Finding Strength in the Lord - Emotional Resilience

• Personal Finances

• Starting and Growing My Business

• Education for Better Work

• Finding a Better Job

There are minimum enrollment requirements in order to successfully host a class. At least 8 will be required for each class except for Starting and Growing My Business the minimum requirement will be 12. 

Depending on enrollment numbers and locations classes may be held on-line or in person (determined after enrollment #'s seen)

For those courses that meet minimum enrollment threshold, classes are scheduled to start the week of February 25, 2023 and will run for 10-12 weeks (2 hours class time each week plus any assignments)

Please plan to attend and register for one of these excellent courses.

If, for some reason, you are unable to attend this workshop and would like to register. Registration will be available via e-mail to pitcherjared@gmail.com until end of day Saturday Jan 27th. (please include your name, email, phone #, which course, and 2 times that would work for you to hold the weekly class)

If you have any questions, please reach out to me at pitcherjared@gmail.com

Thanks,

Jared Pitcher, Stake Welfare and Self Reliance Specialist

Calgary Alberta North Stake

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

We are thrilled to announce a momentous occasion that has been a labor of love for the Calgary North Stake Family History group. After months of dedication and hard work, we are delighted to invite you to the Grand Opening of the FamilySearch Centre at the Main Street Chapel in Airdrie. (1504 Main St. S, Airdrie)

This Centre stands as a testament of our commitment to preserve and cherish our ancestral heritage.

On September 23rd, 2023 from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm we encourage you to invite your friends, family, and neighbours from Airdrie and the surrounding areas to join us in this celebration with a FREE informative presentation, tours, discovery experiences and more. Together, we will open doors to the past, strengthening our understanding of who we are and where we come from, catching the spirit of Elijah as we make connections to our past.

Please save the date, and let us come together to celebrate the Grand Opening of the Family Search Centre. Together, we will embark on a journey through history, strengthening our faith and our bonds as a congregation.

Calgary North Stake Presidency

Upcoming events geared towards any G12 students.

• The Worldwide Devotional broadcast with President & Sister Oaks this Sunday May 21st at 6:00 pm at the North Institute Bldg (3120 32 Ave NW). 

• The G12 Welcome Activity on Monday June 5th at 7:00 pm at the Parkland Chapel (14540 Parkland Blvd SE). Both of these events will be hosted by the YSA Stake and Calgary Institute programs.

• We would also encourage anyone interested to follow the Institute program on Instagram @yycinst as well as the YSA Stake @ysastakecalgary. These accounts will be kept up to date with the most current information regarding events and activities. For more detailed information, these are other resources that students can refer to:

 Facebook Pages: Calgary Institute of Religion  Calgary YSA Stake  Calgary Institute website  Calgary YSA Stake website

Seminary Graduation and Fireside 

 Seminary Graduation and Fireside is taking place Sunday June 11th at 6:00 pm at the North Stake Center. All those currently attending seminary or will be attending Seminary next year (Grade 8-12 and up) with their parents are invited to attend. Seminary teachers, and leaders of youth are also invited to attend. We ask that all Grade 12 students make their best effort to attend so they can be recognized.      

Seminary Grade 12 Dinner 

Calgary North Stake in Conjunction with Confederation Park Stake is hosting a Grade 12 seminary dinner at the Institute building on June 10th at 6:00 pm. This event is for all Grade 12 students and their parents. Grade 12 students please RSVP for this event at Shane.ellis@gmail.com by June 1st.   

Seminary Registrations 

This message is for all Parents of youth in Grade 8-11 who will be attending Seminary next year (Students start when they are in Grade 9). To help us plan teachers and class sizes for the upcoming semester of Seminary we ask that parents please register their students in Seminary. This is especially important for parents of Grade 8 students (Going into Grade 9).  Please go to myseminary.churchofjesuschrist.org to register your student. Please reach out to Shane Ellis (shane.ellis@gmail.com, or 403-308-5279) with any questions on Seminary.   

• April 20 - FSY Registration will be open to other Stakes, if you are considering registering, please do so before this date.

• April 23 - East Lake Ward Conference

  • 2nd hour will be EQ, RS, Primary, and combined Youth with various stake leadership

• Friday, April 28, 7pm - Youth Devotional with Elder Bednar

  • Youth only, no Youth leaders or Parents of Youth

  • Carpool if possible, there is limited parking

  • Parents should not take up parking stalls at the building waiting for Youth

  • Any concerns or questions, direct them to myself or Bro Trim

• May 13, 12:30pm - 2:30pm - Aaronic Priesthood Restoration Commemoration BBQ

  • 263044 Range Road 293A, Rocky View County, AB (The Beattie Residence)

  • All Young Men, Fathers, and Leaders.

  • Bring a lawnchair or blanket

• May 13, 6pm - Ward Emergency Preparedness Activity

  • Reunion Building

  • Will be a fun activity

• June 3 - Stake Primary Activity, details to come

We invite all to attend the 56th Semi-Annual Conference of the Calgary North Stake, to be held on Saturday, February 4th & Sunday, February 5th, 2023.

We ask that each member of our stake make a special effort to attend in-person and to extend an invitation to those they minister to, to attend so they can feel the Spirit at this conference.

The Adult Session will be held on Saturday, February 4th at 6:00pm at the North Stake Centre (5927 Tipton Rd NW, Calgary.) All adults 18+ and full-time missionaries are invited to attend. 

All are invited to attend the General Session held on Sunday, February 5th at 10:00am at the North Stake Centre (5927 Tipton Rd NW, Calgary.) This session of the conference will be broadcast to the Drumheller chapel.

A broadcast link will be made available for those who are unable to attend in-person because of special circumstances. Requests for the broadcast link can be made to your Bishop or Branch President.

We encourage members to prepare themselves to listen, study, and apply the counsel given as we rejoice in meeting together to worship.

Calgary North Stake Presidency

Calgary Alberta North Stake

We are pleased to announce a special devotional with President Russell M. Nelson and Sister Wendy W. Nelson for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and friends residing in Alberta and British Columbia. They will be accompanied by Elder Dale G. Renlund and Sister Ruth L. Renlund.

The devotional will be broadcast live from a stake center in Alberta on Sunday, October 16, 2022, from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. MDT at the following link: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/.../lethbr.../2022/10... 

The devotional represents a unique opportunity to celebrate the strength of the Church in Alberta and British Columbia and to receive inspired messages from the Lord’s prophet and a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. We encourage members to invite friends, neighbors, and colleagues to view the broadcast with them.

We, with you, look forward to participating in this extraordinary event where we will hear guidance from prophets, seers, and revelators specifically for this beautiful area.

Calgary Alberta North Stake

In-person Seminary will start on Friday September 2nd at 7:00 am for Airdrie in-person students.  Although Fridays are typically Canvas modules, September 2nd will be an exception and will be in-person. After the first day Seminary will run in-person lessons Monday - Thursday 7:00 am - 7:50 am at the Airdrie Mains Street Chapel for all grades, unless there is a holiday from school. Friday students are asked to completed an online self directed module on Fridays. For students enrolled in online classes information on start date will come out from your teacher.  

Modifications to Temple Session Times

We are returning the session times for Friday PM back to the same times as other weekday evening session times. Effective July 15 the Friday evening session times will be:

  Friday PM: 4:30, 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30.

In addition, we are modifying the Saturday AM session times to be more consistent with the weekday morning session times with the exception that we will have an 8:30 time on Saturday morning. We are also eliminating 2 sessions on Saturday that had been added during Covid.  Effective July 30 the Saturday times will be:

  Saturday AM sessions: 8:30, 9:30 and 10:30.

  Saturday PM sessions: 12:30, 1:30, 2:30.

You may recall, that we had added a number of sessions during Covid when the session capacity numbers were restricted. As we are now at full capacity we feel we can safely reduce the number of sessions as some of our current session have very few patrons.

We have also noted an increase in the number of “walk-ins”. We felt that having consistent session start times throughout the entire week  would be helpful, particularly to “walk-in” patrons.

We truly appreciate your support of the temple.

Warmest Regards,

 John W. Swendsen

President

Calgary Alberta Temple

Learn how to Rescue your family!

The following is an opportunity to join the ranks of Family History historians around the world and rescue your own family members, and get them onto the Covenant path.

We have had requests to do these classes for those who are working and the youth, but who have a time constraint for the duration of the Tuesday morning lessons.

In an effort to reach those persons who are youth (12 and up), are working or otherwise unable to attend our wonderful Family Search lessons that have been on Tuesday morning and taught by Camille Clark, the Family History Consultants of the East Lake Ward are offering a stand alone lesson that will go over the program in 1 1/2 - 2 hours.

Please be prepared by bringing a charged up laptop if you want to follow in real time on your own computer, or be prepared to listen and practice on your own at home.  Bring a notebook and pencil to write down your questions and there will be opportunity to have them answered afterwards or book time for a 1: 1 to look at your challenges with either Sister Clark, the Lucas’, or the Travers’.

This event will be on Sunday 26 June 2022.

This event will start at 6:00 PM.

Grant Sikstrom the Stake Family History specialist will lead the lesson and discussion.

All Ward members are welcome.  

John & Rose Travers

Temple and Family History Leaders

In response to the plight of the Martin and Willie Handcart companies who were stranded and in dire straits on the pioneer trails, President Brigham Young declared, “Your faith, religion, and profession of religion, will never save one soul of you in the celestial kingdom of our God, unless you carry out just such principles as I am now teaching you. Go and bring in those people now on the plains, and attend strictly to those things which we call temporal, or temporal duties, otherwise your faith will be in vain.” 

Just as those pioneers fled to Zion for safety in 1856, today hundreds of displaced Ukrainians are and will be coming to Canada and to the Calgary area for safety. And we can help. 

Our incredible Stake Relief Society presidency is spearheading this effort in our Stake. They have organized a way for us to provide support, each according to her or his capacity. The current need is to support these displaced Ukrainian families with basic household goods. There is an online signup sheet. To access it, click here. 

Many of you also indicated you would be willing to provide housing and support for a Ukrainian family. Information is soon coming that will allow you to decide how you would like to provide that support. 

Please give and do what you can. Remember it is not requisite that we should run faster than we have strength but Be Creative! Be Prayerful! For example, this is an opportunity for us to engage our children and youth (perhaps through the Children and Youth program) and our wonderful friends and neighbors who like us are looking for ways to help support these families that aren’t any different than us. 

Thank you for your faith and goodness. We love you and pray for your continued well-being. 

With love and appreciation, 

Calgary Alberta North Stake Presidency 

Family Search Drop-In Workshops

Tuesdays    9:30-12:00    Reunion Chapel

April 26: Getting Started

May 3: Making Things Right

May 10: Preparing a Name for the Temple

May 17: Making Your History Come Alive

May 24: What’s up with the Family Search Mobile App?

May 31: Building Your Family Tree - Part 1

June 7: Building Your Family Tree – Part 2

June 21: When Managing Becomes Fun

Indexing Drop-in Workshops

Sundays 3:00 - 5:00 Reunion Chapel

May 29: Getting Started

June 5: Hints and Tools of the Trade

June 12: What’s up with the Indexing Mobile App?

I am pleased to announce that we are now able to start our Sacrament meeting at 10:30am once again.  This is due to the Alberta Government

lifting all restrictions for gathering limits. I was hoping to announce the time change during our meeting this past Sunday, but was waiting for the direction from our Stake Presidency which we received on Sunday night.  

Starting on Sunday March 6, 2022:

• Sacrament meeting will start at 10:30am

• Masking is optional for all members during church meetings (Masks are still required while attending the Temple)

• Second block classes will begin at 11:40am (note that the chapel will no longer be utilized for our classes as there will be another ward holding their Sacrament meeting at that time)

• All activities are permitted without restrictions 

Please take the time to reach out to all those that you minister to to remind them of the time changes for our meetings.  

As we are also coming into March, I would like to remind everyone of the Goal for the month;

Seek for forgiveness and forgive others (Gen 50:17)

I love this quote by Dieter F. Uchtdorf

“We are not Perfect. The People around us are not perfect.  People do things that annoy, disappoint, and anger…. Part of the purpose of mortality is to learn how to let go of such things.  That is the Lord's way.  Remember, heaven is filled with those that have this in common.  They are forgiven, and they forgive.”

 I love and appreciate each member of our ward family.  All of you in some way strengthens and lifts each other, even when feeling life's burdens this happens.  Regardless of where you think you are spiritually, emotionally, or physically your faith and testimony is felt by others as we work through this mortality, forgiving others and being forgiven.

I am happy to be on this wonderful ride together.

Have a great month!

Trevor Stiff

East Lake Ward Bishop

You are invited to attend the 54th Semi-Annual Calgary North Stake Conference. Held on February 12th & 13th, 2022.

We are delighted to have members of our Stake participating at our Conference.

Adult Session will take place Saturday, February 12th, at 6:00 pm.

All adults are invited and encouraged to attend in person at the North Stake Center.

If you are unable to attend in person, use the following link to view online: http://www.northstake.ca/

General Session will take place Sunday, February 13th, at 10:00 am. 

Due to capacity limitations, only members from the following Wards/Branch are invited to attend in person at the North Stake Center: Arbour Lake Ward, Nose Hill Ward, Symons Valley Ward, and the Drumheller Branch.

For all Airdrie Wards, the General Session will be broadcast online for viewing at home.

Use the follow link to view online: http://www.northstake.ca/

As a reminder, local Covid restrictions are in effect and being followed in places of worship.

See website for details: https://www.alberta.ca/covid-19-public-health-actions.aspx

We encourage you to prepare yourself to listen, study and apply the counsel given as we rejoice in meeting together to worship.

Calgary North Stake Presidency

Invitation to all couples in where the husband holds the Melchizedek priesthood and are between the ages of 60-75 to watch a 

www.churchofjesuschrist.org/broadcasts/languages/nac-senior-missionary-devotional/2022/01

North Stake January Indexing Blizzard is now on. Everyone 11 years and older is invited to participate. If you already index regularly, great, keep going. If it has been a while since you’ve been on the site, resolve to go on again. If you have never indexed, now is the time to do so. If you need help getting started or would like a refresher please click HERE for a list of people in your ward that can get you going, or reach out to one of our Stake Temple & Family History Consultants - Edwina Howie (eghowie66@gmail.com) or Grant Sikstrom (sikstrom@gmail.com).

Hello Brothers and Sisters,

I hope you are all having a wonderful Christmas season.  I am excited to hear of all the uplifting events that you all may be involved in and some of your own family traditions that keep this season truly about the Savior.

I thought that I would share some information about important meetings, activities and times through December and into the new year.

Christmas Program:

December 19, 2021 - 9am - This upcoming Sunday will be the Ward Christmas program.  This will occur during the Sacrament meeting at the conclusion of the passing of the emblems to members.  Following the program, the regular second block classes for Sunday School will be held.  I have attached the program for your reference, and there will be copies available on Sunday as well.

Boxing day meetings:

On Sunday, December 26, 2021 Sacrament meeting will be held at the regular time of 9am, however upon direction by the First Presidency, second block will not be held so members can spend time with their families and continue to practice sabbath day observance in their homes.

New meeting times in the new year:

Starting on January 2, 2022 and moving forward, East Lake Ward sacrament meeting will begin at 11:30am.  Second block classes will run from 12:30pm-1:30pm.  If gathering occupancy limit restrictions get lifted through the year, then this time may change, but I will keep you posted should that occur.

Children and youth activities:

Children and youth activities will continue to be on Wednesdays at the times specified by the leaders of those organizations.  The church building will always be reserved for these activities for East Lake Ward on this night. 

I hope and pray that each of you stay healthy, and feel of the Savior's love for you and your family through this special season, and throughout the new year.

Merry Christmas!

Trevor Stiff

East Lake Ward Bishop

Hello Sisters and Brothers!

You are invited to a Combined Elders and Relief Society Activity

November 18th 7pm via Zoom (a link will be sent out closer to the activity)

Madeleine D’Engle said, 

“If you don’t recount your family history, it will be lost.  

Honor your own stories and tell them too. 

The tales may not seem very important, but they are 

what binds families and makes each of us who we are.” 

Please join us for a fun evening of sharing stories and experiences with regards to family history.  

We'll touch on the topics of recording your own life story, learning from the past 1918 pandemic, sharing the hard things we've experienced, helping others record their history and recording faith building experiences.  

We have a line up of celebrity speakers; Luella Payne, Rose Travers, John & Fay Bancroft, Nathan Lee, Danielle Hirtle and possibly a couple surprise appearances.   

We encourage you to invite your friends and family to attend as well! 

Postponed
The Calgary Nativity Pageant has been put on hold for this year, due to the continuing challenges of COVID-19. We miss seeing everyone at this 52 year-old Calgary Tradition. Stay healthy this season! Merry Christmas YYC!

Tithing Settlement
Starting this Sunday (October 17) Bishop Stiff will start to conduct tithing settlement. Again there will be two ways to meet with the Bishop: 

1. In person meetings conducted on Sundays after sacrament meeting. A sign-up sheet will be posted at his office. 

2. Virtual meetings which will be held during the week in the evenings. You can sign up for specific dates and times using Calendly (same as last year) via this link: https://calendly.com/colinjforsyth/tithing-settlement-2021

If you have any questions or require assistance feel free to contact me by phone (587-832-5050) or email (colinjforsyth@gmail.com).  

16 September 2021

Hello Brothers and Sisters,

Many of you have heard that the Government of Alberta has once again issued some guidelines and restrictions pertaining to COVID-19. Starting this Sunday and moving forward our meetings and activities will be altered slightly. 

 Sacrament meeting

The new guidelines require the church to hold no more than ⅓ capacity for the Sacrament meeting. We will once again have the curtain open to the cultural hall and seating in every second row to accommodate physical distancing. The capacity of the chapel and cultural hall at ⅓ capacity allows us to still meet as a whole ward. This will continue weekly at 9am. 

Face masks will be required in all indoor church meetings. When giving a talk or prayer in sacrament meeting, a person may remove the mask when at the pulpit, and replace it at the conclusion of the talk or prayer.  For those that have illness or other specific concerns, a zoom link will be utilized to listen to the speakers. Sacrament is not authorized in the home unless an interview with the Bishop occurs and specific guidelines are followed. This will be on a case by case basis. 

Second block

There will be no in person second block meetings until restrictions change and once again allow for safely meeting in classrooms. 

Lessons

Each organization will hold their lessons via zoom as we did previously. 

All lessons will start at 11:20am and end at 12pm. This allows time for the Primary to have singing time with the children from 11-11:20am

The lesson schedule will go as follows:

1st Sunday - RS lesson

2nd Sunday - EQ lesson

3rd Sunday - youth lesson (YW & YM combined)

4th Sunday - Sunday School lesson (gospel doctrine)

Our ward technology specialist will provide a zoom link for the lessons and this will be distributed to all the organizations to send out each week. 

Activities

Weekly youth and primary activities are still permitted both indoor and outdoor. If activities are held indoors, masks must be worn (unless engaging in physical activities) and physical distancing measures will be maintained. Activities are encouraged to be held outside when possible. 

Primary Presentation

Traditionally the ward Primary has a presentation that is done during a sacrament meeting in November of each year. These presentations take many days, weeks and months of practice and preparation by the children and leaders. Due to the limited available time to prepare, the Stake has advised the wards to postpone these presentations until next year. We love all of the primary children and encourage all families to continue to help build their testimonies through studying From Come Follow Me, singing primary songs, and enabling them to join the singing time on zoom each week. 

I recognize the many challenges that some may face once again through the latest restrictions. If you are feeling overwhelmed, or are suffering spiritually, physically, emotionally, or financially, please reach out to any member of the Bishopric, the Relief Society or Elders Quorum Presidents. 

 With Love. 

Trevor Stiff

East Lake Ward Bishop.  

04 September 2021

Brothers and Sisters, 

During yesterday’s Covid update from the Provincial leaders it was announced that we are once again required to wear masks at all indoor gatherings. For our Sunday meetings, we will have masks available at the doors for members that do not have there own.  

There are no other restrictions at this time and we are hopeful that we will return to once again seeing everyone’s smiling faces. 

Please reach out to any member of the Bishopric should you have any questions or needs. 

Trevor Stiff

East Lake ward Bishop

Please check the Youth tab for information regarding upcoming events for Youth - Seminary grad, Youth Conference, and Firesides

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 

CALGARY ALBERTA NORTH STAKE (17 APR 1966) 

We invite all members of the Calgary North Stake to participate in our 53rd Semi-Annual Conference, which will be held Saturday and Sunday, 14-15 Aug 2021. We are delighted to have members of our Stake participating at our conference. 

Elder Anthony D. Perkins of the Seventy will preside at the conference by assignment from President Ballard of the Council of the Twelve. Elder Perkins hopes that stake and ward officers will make a special effort to use ministering brothers and sisters to invite all members, active and less active, to attend in person or virtually so they can feel the Spirit at this special conference. 

The Leadership* meeting is at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday. The Adult session will begin that evening at 6:00 p.m. Both meetings will be held at the Stake Centre. 

The Sunday session of Stake Conference begins at 10:00 a.m. All members are invited to attend at the Stake Centre. 

There is limited availability to watch the broadcast of the Stake Conference for those who are unable to attend in person. Requests can be made to the Stake Clerk or Stake Executive Secretary. We encourage members to prepare themselves to listen, study, and apply the counsel given as we rejoice in meeting together to worship. 

Calgary North Stake Presidency 

* All members of Stake and Ward Councils and their presidencies and secretaries are invited to attend Ward young women and men presidencies and secretaries. 

We request ward leaders sit together during the Leadership meeting, and be prepared to provide an accounting of who is present/absent 

30 June 2021

Hello Brothers and Sisters,

I know many of you have had questions about how we will be proceeding after the Provincial government lifts all restrictions on July 1, 2021.  Although there will be restrictions lifted, we have a few items that all members should be aware of.

Sacrament meeting:

Starting on Sunday, July 4, 2021 we will all be meeting as a full congregation in person for the Sacrament service at 9am. We also recognize that some members may still feel some uneasiness with the loosening of all restrictions. We will still however be keeping the distance between the congregational pews at every second row until July 25.  The Sacrament will still be passed by the Priesthood in a similar manner as it has during the restricted period with the Priesthood wearing gloves and masks while administering the emblems as well as having separate cups for the bread.  This will take place also until July 25th.  

Members can still wear masks if they wish, but it is optional.

Singing:

Once restrictions are lifted on July 1st, we will again resume singing of the hymns during our sacrament meetings.  Hymn books may be redistributed through the chapel, or members can follow along on their devices through church apps.  

Second Block classes:

Second block in person classes will also start in July.  Starting on July 11, 2021 in person second block classes will resume.  That will mean that our first classes in person will be Elders Quorum, Relief Society, Aaronic Priesthood, Young Woman, and Primary on that day.  July 4th will still be online and presented by the Relief Society as previously scheduled. 

For future reference, the regularly scheduled in person classes are: 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month will be Sunday School and Primary.  2nd and 4th Sundays of the month will be Priesthood, Relief Society, YM, YW and Primary.  5th Sunday will be special lessons by the Bishopric or other lessons planned by the

ward council.

Activities:

All Primary, youth and ward organization activities can resume inside or outside starting July 1.  Many people have missed the social interactions and the

closeness that occurs by having church sponsored activities.  

Ministering:

Ministering in members homes can once again commence as of July 1.  I would urge all members to discuss with those to whom they minister as to their comfort level and how they would like to be ministered to.  The blessings that come from watching out for each other is evident when both parties are uplifted and

edified.  

In all areas and interactions please be mindful and respectful of those that may still not feel comfortable being in close contact with others.  I would also ask those that are not comfortable being around others to respect members in their choices to not wear a masks, or participate in activities.  We all have different comfort levels and can be respectful and loving to each other despite different personal views or situations.  Our ultimate goal should be to continue our progress down the covenant path and support one another to do the same.

Thank you all for your patience, hard work and adaptability through this challenging time.  I look forward to continuing to build stronger relationships with each of you, and hope you feel fulfillment as you strive to do the same with all members of the East Lake Ward.

Trevor Stiff

East Lake

Ward Bishop

ADDICTION RECOVERY PROGRAM:
Group meetings for those who struggle with any addiction are held weekly, from 7:30-8:30 p.m. and are ongoing.  No referral is needed.  In-Person meetings are currently not available.  Effectively July 1, 2021new Zoom information is as follows: 

GENERAL ADDICTION GROUP MEETINGS

TUES 7:30 pm (Parkland SW Meetinghouse) Meeting ID: 920 1043 7952   Passcode:  662109

WED 7:30 pm (Okotoks/Banister Meetinghouse) Meeting ID: 984 6108 7516 Passcode: 986904

THUR 7:30 pm (Martindale NE Meetinghouse) Meeting ID:  985 5168 6506 Passcode:  059559

THUR 7:30 pm (24th Street SW Meetinghouse) Meeting ID: 957 7011 1337   Passcode:  055150  

FOR WOMEN ONLY ​

THUR 7:30 pm Spouse & Family Support Group (17th Ave SW Meetinghouse)

Meeting ID: 961 6502 1734   Passcode:  218981

FOR MEN ONLY (Pornography and Sexual Addition Group Meetings)

WED 7:30 pm PASG Group  (17th Ave SW) Meeting ID:  989 8782 8894 Passcode:  128539

For further information, go to arp.churchofjesuschrist.org orcontact LDS Family Services at 403-255-0153.  You can also talk your Bishop or the ARP Regional Coordinators, Elder and Sister Tilleman at 403-560-6303, or send an email to TillemanWS@churchofjesuschrist.org.    

19 June 2021

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I was humbled and excited to see so many faces all together last Sunday for Sacrament services. When we meet together, the spiritual fire certainly burns brighter. I also recognize that there may be some members of our ward Family that have some legitimate health issues, or other concerns with meeting as a whole ward before full restrictions are removed. Although we are, and will continue to follow all public health guidelines, as well as the direction from our Area and Stake Presidents, I acknowledge these concerns. I want all members and guests to have the privilege of hearing the inspired messages prepared and presented each week, whether at home or at our church building. As such, I would encourage all those that may still be feeling uneasy, or unable to attend in person, if they have not already done so, to please contact me to for an interview and make arrangements for the Sacrament meeting zoom link to be sent out to you.

This latest step we have taken to meet as a whole ward is one in the right direction, and we can prepare ourselves to do as Moroni states in chapter 6:5-6
5 And the church did meet together oft, to fast and to pray, and to speak one with another concerning the welfare of their souls.
6 And they did meet together oft to partake of bread and wine, in remembrance of the Lord Jesus.

I hope and pray that we will soon be meeting all together during Sacrament, and second block classes in an environment that we all feel comfortable in. 

Please know that the Bishopric loves and cares deeply for the spiritual and physical well being of each of you. 

See you tomorrow.

Trevor Stiff

10 June 2021

Hello Brothers and Sisters,

With the announcement from the Provincial Government that we will be commencing with stage 2 of the reopening plan, we will once again be meeting as a whole congregation.  The plan allows us to hold our Sacrament service with ⅓ of our rated fire code capacity which should accommodate all the members from our ward to attend as one group.

Here are the details moving forward:

When: Starting this Sunday, June 13, 2021 all Sacrament services will be in person for the whole ward.  Please note that we will still be holding our second block classes online with the regular monthly schedule until further restrictions are lifted.

Time: Sacrament service will still start at 9am at the reunion chapel

Other details: The speaking portion of the Sacrament service on june 13th will still be broadcast via zoom to those who will not be attending in person.  We encourage all members to come join our ward family in person to partake of the emblems and be uplifted by those speaking.

Starting on June 20th, Sacrament will not be authorized to be performed in individual homes except to those who have been interviewed by the Bishop with certain circumstances to otherwise hold the service.  If granted, the regular service will still be broadcast to these individuals with an individual zoom password to join the

meeting.  

This will be in place until other provincial restrictions are lifted and we will be holding all meetings and classes in person. 

Health Measures: Masks are still required to be worn in the church building and social distancing is also necessary. Precautions will still be taken while blessing and passing the Sacrament. 

Activities: Activities will continue to be held for all organizations.  The changes announced today will enable us to allow up to 20 people to attend outdoor activities.  Of course, Zoom activities will still continue to be permitted.  Indoor activities are not permitted at this time. This may change sooner than the next stage of Provincial reopening as we are awaiting some clarification on the current guidelines.

Setting apart for callings: Many members have inquired about being set apart for their calling that they have been sustained in during Covid restrictions. All members who

have been called and not yet set apart are still entitled to the revelation and inspiration pertaining to their callings as if they have been set apart. The Lord is understanding of the current situation and would not withhold the power, revelation and promptings that would normally be received through setting apart by the laying on of hands.  We are aware of each of you that have been called during this time, and are grateful for the dedicated service which you continue to render to all in the East Lake Ward.  We will certainly be setting you apart once permitted to do so under the guidelines that have been given.

Lessons:

June 13, 2021 11:20am - Elders Quorum lesson - https://zoom.us/j/93311050187?pwd=d2JBVDhsNjQyaHlNaDdqMFpPTERHdz09

June 20,2021 11:20am - Youth lesson -  https://zoom.us/j/93311050187?pwd=d2JBVDhsNjQyaHlNaDdqMFpPTERHdz09

June 27, 2021 11:20am - Sunday School lesson - https://zoom.us/j/93311050187?pwd=d2JBVDhsNjQyaHlNaDdqMFpPTERHdz09

Primary singing time 11am https://zoom.us/j/97516622399?pwd=QmlKY2wvZ21Lb3FPMUJ0cE15VlNDZz09

We have all been through many difficult challenges over the past 15-16 months, but it is exciting to feel like we may be approaching a possibility of some degree of normalcy. This week will be one of the few times we will have been able to meet as a whole ward family since we had our boundary change back in February 2020.  I hope that every member feels the love that is ever present for each of you within the ward.

With love and optimism;

Trevor Stiff

East Lake Ward Bishop

Good news!!  Starting this Sunday, May 30, 2021, we will again be meeting in person for the Sacrament service.  Although we will still be divided into two groups (A-L and M-Z), the loosening of restrictions looks promising and there is hope that we can all meet together again soon.

Once again, only those who's week it is to attend via zoom are authorized to perform the Sacrament for their families in their home.  All others will need authorization (unless previously given) once again to administer the Sacrament in their home.

Sunday, May 30 -  Sacrament meeting: M-Z in person  (A-L  on zoom) https://zoom.us/j/97501675170...

Sunday, June 6 - Fast and testimony Sacrament meeting: A-L in person (M-Z on zoom)  https://zoom.us/j/97501675170...

Sunday, June 13 - Sacrament meeting: M-Z in person (A-L on zoom) https://zoom.us/j/97501675170...

Sunday, June 20 - Sacrament meeting: A-L in person (M-Z on zoom)  https://zoom.us/j/97501675170...

Sunday, June 27 - Sacrament meeting: M-Z in person (A-L on zoom) https://zoom.us/j/97501675170...

Lessons:

All lessons will now start at 11:20am and end at 12pm. This allows time for the Primary to have singing time with the children from 11-11:20am

May 30, 2021 - Sunday School Teacher Development  https://zoom.us/j/93311050187?pwd=d2JBVDhsNjQyaHlNaDdqMFpPTERHdz09

June 6, 2021 - Relief Society lesson -  https://zoom.us/j/93311050187?pwd=d2JBVDhsNjQyaHlNaDdqMFpPTERHdz09

June 13, 2021 - Elders Quorum lesson - https://zoom.us/j/93311050187?pwd=d2JBVDhsNjQyaHlNaDdqMFpPTERHdz09

June 20,2021 - Youth lesson -  https://zoom.us/j/93311050187?pwd=d2JBVDhsNjQyaHlNaDdqMFpPTERHdz09

June 27, 2021 - Sunday School lesson - https://zoom.us/j/93311050187?pwd=d2JBVDhsNjQyaHlNaDdqMFpPTERHdz09

Primary singing time https://zoom.us/j/97516622399?pwd=QmlKY2wvZ21Lb3FPMUJ0cE15VlNDZz09

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Trevor Stiff

East Lake Ward Bishop

6 May 2021
Brothers and Sisters,

As many of you are aware, there were new gathering restrictions announced by the Provincial government this week.  This will affect several aspects of how we worship and have activities together.

Sacrament:

Starting this week, and subsequent weeks to follow (until restrictions loosen), the Sacrament meetings will be broadcast via Zoom through the regular ward zoom link https://zoom.us/j/97501675170…

·         All households with a worthy Melchizedek priesthood holder are authorized to administer the sacrament in their homes only to those that reside with them.

·         If a household only has a worthy Priest in the Aaronic Priesthood in the home, the Sacrament can still be administered with prior approval by the Bishop.

·         As part of the ordinance, it is not completed until it is reported.  This is done in the same manner as before by notifying the Elders Quorum Presidency following the administration of the emblems. 

Speakers and weekly service:

Starting this week, all those that have been assigned to speak will still attend the church at 9am as the meeting will still be broadcast from there.  If you are assigned to speak, you may have your spouse or family members attend with you.  We are permitted to have up to 15 people in attendance at the church. 

The members that would regularly attend these meetings are: The members of the Bishopric, the ward organist, the ward technology specialist, the speakers assigned for that day (2-3), and the family members of the speakers.

We will be asking that the family members that would be attending with those that are assigned to speak assist with the invocation and benediction if they are comfortable doing so.  These assignments will be asked in advance of the meeting.

Lessons:

All lessons will still be scheduled as previously done.

Lessons start at 11:20am each week.  Primary singing time is at 11am.

May 2, 2021 - Relief Society Lesson https://zoom.us/j/93311050187?pwd=d2JBVDhsNjQyaHlNaDdqMFpPTERHdz09

May 9, 2021 - Elders quorum lesson https://zoom.us/j/93311050187?pwd=d2JBVDhsNjQyaHlNaDdqMFpPTERHdz09

May 16, 2021 -Youth Lesson https://zoom.us/j/93311050187?pwd=d2JBVDhsNjQyaHlNaDdqMFpPTERHdz09

May 23, 2021 - Sunday School lesson https://zoom.us/j/93311050187?pwd=d2JBVDhsNjQyaHlNaDdqMFpPTERHdz09

May 30, 2021 - Teacher Development https://zoom.us/j/93311050187?pwd=d2JBVDhsNjQyaHlNaDdqMFpPTERHdz09

Primary singing time https://zoom.us/j/97516622399?pwd=QmlKY2wvZ21Lb3FPMUJ0cE15VlNDZz09

Youth and children Activities:

Although the current provincial restriction allows up to 5 people to gather in an outdoor setting, we have been asked to suspend all in person activities for now.  Zoom activities are still allowed.

I hope to have a further update on this in the near future.

Ministering:

We encourage ministering sisters and brothers to reach out to their assigned families and others

around them that need their faith and strength. In-home ministering is suspended but that does

not mean to stop ministering.

If there is an emergency, the bishop will determine whether a virtual

means of conducting the ministering visit would be appropriate. If it is determined that the situation requires an in-home visit, the bishop must discuss the situation with the Stake Presidency before he or the ministering Brother or Sister conduct the in-home visit.

Temple:

Further clarification has been requested regarding our temple worship.  Since the re-opening of the current temple phase, many have had the wonderful opportunity to perform proxy baptisms, as well as living ordinances. 

I will let you know when I hear about the status of the temple. 

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Trevor Stiff

East Lake Ward Bishop 

Hello Ward Family,

what a great easter weekend it was as we were able to tune in to the General Conference.  I would encourage everyone to re-listen or read the talks as they are available on the Gospel Library app or on churchofjesuschrist.org already.  

As mentioned on our previous fast and testimony meeting, April's ward goal is to "watch the easter message video with another".

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bACX8BXHuEs&ab_channel=TheChurchofJesusChristofLatter-daySaints)

I am grateful for the modern day Prophet that we have to lead and guide us.  I am also grateful for our Saviour and the chance I have to try to follow his teachings.  As I have reflected this week on the resurrection of Him, I know that it is he that broke the bands of physical death and separation from our Heavenly Father.  He overcame the finality of physical death, and through his resurrection each of us have gained that as a gift. I hope you all had a great easter. 

As we prepare ourselves for the challenges during the weeks ahead, please join all of us in the Ward family for the Sacrament services, and lessons that have been prepared.  Below you will find the calendar and lesson/meeting links.  With the new announcement of Provincial restrictions going back the stage 1, this does not affect our current meetings as we were already at our 15% capacity.  We will continue meeting as we were before alternating weeks at church. 

As always, please reach out should you have any questions.

Sunday, April 11 -  Sacrament meeting: M-Z in person  (A-L  on zoom) https://zoom.us/j/97501675170...Meeting ID: 975 0167 5170Passcode: Moroni10:4

Sunday, April 18 -  Sacrament meeting: A-L in person (M-Z on zoom)  https://zoom.us/j/97501675170...Meeting ID: 975 0167 5170Passcode: Moroni10:4

Sunday, April 25 - Sacrament meeting: M-Z in person (A-L on zoom) https://zoom.us/j/97501675170...Meeting ID: 975 0167 5170Passcode: Moroni10:4

Lessons:

All lessons will now start at 11:20am and end at 12pm. This allows time for the Primary to have singing time with the children from 11-11:20am

April 11, 2021 - Elders quorum lesson  https://zoom.us/j/93311050187?pwd=d2JBVDhsNjQyaHlNaDdqMFpPTERHdz09

April 18, 2021 -Youth Lesson https://zoom.us/j/93311050187?pwd=d2JBVDhsNjQyaHlNaDdqMFpPTERHdz09

April 25 - Sunday School lesson https://zoom.us/j/93311050187?pwd=d2JBVDhsNjQyaHlNaDdqMFpPTERHdz09

Primary singing time https://zoom.us/j/97516622399?pwd=QmlKY2wvZ21Lb3FPMUJ0cE15VlNDZz09

Trevor Stiff

East Lake Ward Bishop

Brothers and Sisters,

Welcome to March!  Time certainly does fly. It has been a year since the original restrictions were placed on individuals, families, and us as a church to prevent the spread of Covid.  It has been up and down to say the least. Though regulations change regularly I have felt the direct and indirect effects that these restrictions have had on many of us.  I know that some individuals are going through hardships with lost employment, sickness, isolation, depression and many other hardships.  I want you to know that, as a Ward leadership, we pray for you and will continue to do all we can to help you through these challenging times. Each of us are a part of a wonderful ward family, and like any other family, we want to help when members of that unit may stand in need.  Thank you to those that are so ready and willing to serve and help where needed. Please reach out to me, or anyone that you are comfortable with speaking to if you feel you have some needs, questions, or a desire to just have someone listen.

I am pleased that the Relief Society leadership shared some of the work that they had done to support the ward monthly goal for March to “complete a challenge given by our Prophet”.  They sent out some of the challenges issued by our Prophet from the past 3 years since being called as President of the Church. One of my favorite challenges that he issued that was not included in the list, was the social media fast.

 “ I invite you to participate in a 10-day fast from social media and from any other media that bring negative and impure thoughts to your mind. Pray to know which influences to remove during your fast. The effect of your 10-day fast may surprise you. What do you notice after taking a break from perspectives of the world that have been wounding your spirit? Is there a change in where you now want to spend your time and energy? Have any of your priorities shifted—even just a little? I urge you to record and follow through with each impression.”

This will be my goal this month.  I have felt some of the negativity that can come from social media, and I know that I can spend my time focusing more on the things that lift and inspire me. I hope that some of you will share the things that you may focus on this month as you accept and complete a challenge from our dear Prophet.

March has some events that you may want to be aware of.  Here is a list of our meetings and events, as well as how to tune in.

Canada Calgary Regional Conference

Saturday, March 6  

2:00-5:00 pm - Leadership conference.  This will include: Temple, Mission, Stake and District Presidencies, Bishoprics and Branch Presidencies, Elders Quorum Presidencies,

Stake and Ward Relief Society and Young Women Presidencies, Ward Mission leaders and Ward Temple and Family History leaders.  (we are awaiting confirmation on Primary Presidencies) (link has been sent to individuals invited)

5:30-6:30 pm - Priesthood leadership conference - this is for: All 3 members of the Stake Presidency of each Stake, Mission Presidency and Temple Presidency.  This will also include the Bishops and Branch presidents but not their counsellors

7:00 - 9:00 pm - Devotional for Sisters. (link to be provided by the Stake)

Sunday, March 7 -  Sacrament meeting: M-Z in person  (A-L  on zoom) https://zoom.us/j/97501675170...Meeting ID: 975 0167 5170Passcode: Moroni10:4

Sunday, March 14 - Ward Conference: A-L in person (M-Z on zoom)  https://zoom.us/j/97501675170...Meeting ID: 975 0167 5170Passcode: Moroni10:4

Sunday, March 21 - Sacrament meeting: M-Z in person (A-L on zoom) https://zoom.us/j/97501675170...Meeting ID: 975 0167 5170Passcode: Moroni10:4

Sunday, March 28 - Fast & Testimony meeting: A-L in person (M-Z on zoom) https://zoom.us/j/97501675170...Meeting ID: 975 0167 5170Passcode: Moroni10:4

Lessons:

All lessons will now start at 11:20am and end at 12pm. This allows time for the Primary to have singing time with the children from 11-11:20am

March 7, 2021 - Relief Society Lesson https://zoom.us/j/93311050187?pwd=d2JBVDhsNjQyaHlNaDdqMFpPTERHdz09

March 14, 2021 - Elders quorum lesson (pending ward conf details) https://zoom.us/j/93311050187?pwd=d2JBVDhsNjQyaHlNaDdqMFpPTERHdz09

March 21, 2021 -Youth Lesson https://zoom.us/j/93311050187?pwd=d2JBVDhsNjQyaHlNaDdqMFpPTERHdz09

March 28, 2021 - Sunday School lesson https://zoom.us/j/93311050187?pwd=d2JBVDhsNjQyaHlNaDdqMFpPTERHdz09

Primary singing time https://zoom.us/j/97516622399?pwd=QmlKY2wvZ21Lb3FPMUJ0cE15VlNDZz09

Have a great month.

Trevor Stiff

East Lake Ward Bishop

Here is a great way to prepare for our upcoming General Conference in April. This goes along well with our February as well as March ward goals. 

Hello Brothers and Sisters,

Here are some important details for upcoming meetings and events and how to participate.  We will continue to post on the ward website (eastlakeward.com), as well as on Facebook any changes or online meeting links as they come up.

SuSat and Sun Feb 6&7 - Stake Conference

Saturday Evening Adult Session will take place at 6pm on February 6 and can be viewed on YouTube. (https://youtu.be/lvXrsKhgBpI)

 Sunday Morning General Session will take place at 10am on February 7 and will also be broadcast on YouTube. (https://youtu.be/IR_AcoGW_W0)

Wed Feb 10 @7pm - Youth Standards night.

All youth and parents are invited to attend the reunion chapel for a special panel Q&A by the youth

Sun Feb 14 @9am - Fast and Testimony meeting - Families with last names A-L in person, M-Z on zoom https://zoom.us/j/97501675170...

Meeting ID: 975 01675170  Passcode: Moroni10:4

Sun Feb 21@9am - Sacrament meeting. Families with last names A-L in person, M-Z on zoom https://zoom.us/j/97501675170...

Meeting ID: 975 01675170  Passcode: Moroni10:4

Sun Feb 28 @9am - Sacrament meeting. Families with last names M-Z in person, A-L on zoom https://zoom.us/j/97501675170...

Meeting ID: 975 01675170  Passcode: Moroni10:4

Trevor Stiff

East lake Ward Bishop

We will be hosting weekly Sunday Lessons for each organization at 11am. Please find the schedule with the link below. We invite all to attend their respective lessons. 

1st Sunday – Relief Society lesson

2nd Sunday – EQ lesson

3rd Sunday – Youth lesson

4th Sunday – Sunday School lesson

5th Sunday – Joint priesthood/Relief Society lesson

The time of the lessons will be the same each week at 11am. The Aaronic Priesthood quorums and Young women will be combined.

The lessons will all be held on Zoom. The instructor will use the same information below as for all members participating. This link will be used for all organizations. We ask the organizational leader to make sure that all lessons begin and end with prayer, and start and end on time.

If you may have any technical issues or questions regarding the presenting of the zoom meeting, you can contact our Ward Technology specialist, John Rasmussen.

Thank you for all of your input and service.

Please see the Youth page for an important seminary announcement

Hello Everyone,

Thank you for all your patience as we have continually adapted to changing guidelines from the Province and from the Brethren.  Here are a few more details for the meetings in person and at home.

The Sacrament Schedule:

Dec 13 – Group A will attend in person at the church

Dec 20 – Group B will attend in person at the church

Dec 27 – Group A will attend in person at the church

Jan 03 – Group B will attend in person at the church.

And so on until further notice.

Who is in what group:

Group A is those whose last name starts with A-L

Group B is those whose last name starts with M-Z

If you are able, please attend in the group to which you are assigned.

(This may change as we have a strict capacity limit that we are permitted for in person attendance and we are attempting to balance the numbers for equal meetings).

Weeks that your group is not in person:

A Zoom meeting link will be sent out weekly for those that are at home to still listen to the talks and music from the Sacrament meeting. (The actual ordinance will not be broadcast, but the feed will resume when Sacrament has been administered and the speakers begin).

New changes:

We are now able to authorize worthy Priesthood holders to administer the Sacrament to those who reside in their home.  This is only authorized on the weeks in which in person attendance is not scheduled.   All Priesthood holders that do administer the Sacrament in their home during the authorized period are required to send a quick message to one of the Bishopric to indicate such.  This can be done by email or text.

For those that previous authorization has been given to hold weekly Sacrament in their homes on a recurring basis, a message is also required to be sent to the Bishopric indicating the ordinance was administered.

Members are temporarily restricted from ministering to others outside of their own household, which includes providing sacrament or Priesthood blessings. 

I am grateful for your faithfulness and support as we continually make changes to accommodate local authorities, as well as our Stake, and Area 70 leaders.

Please contact one of the Bishopric, if you have any questions. 

With Love and concern;

Trevor Stif - Bishop

Manfred Melzer - 1st Councillor

Nathan Lee - 2nd Councillor

Good morning Brothers and Sisters,

Many of you have participated in our dear Prophets challenge to show and express gratitude, and as we approach the Christmas season, we can continue to serve by “Lighting the world.”  Many members have approached me to see if they can assist any families in the Ward.  While the Ward council has planned and organized assistance to brighten some families' season, there are still many in the community that are not of our faith that may need a lift during tough times.  As President Nelson said “one of the most powerful ways we can show our gratitude is to serve His children”.

With that in mind, I would like to provide 2 opportunities to assist members of our community that are in need.

 Airdrie

Food Bank:

As we were unable to assist with the annual food drive this year due to the ongoing pandemic, the Airdrie food bank could use additional donations to fill some of the needs that are present.  The 2 needs would be food donations, as well as cash donations.  

I propose that if you are able, and in a position to assist, that we take the time this week (November 29-December 5) to make a donation to the food bank. 

There is also the Mayor’s drive thru food drive on Sunday December 13 should you wish to also participate in that. 

 Airdrie

Lioness Club:

Due to the pandemic, the Lioness Club is limited in their ability to deliver actual food hampers this year.  They can still assist families in the community by providing food gift cards.  This takes donations by community members.  If you are able to donate through their website link, the ATB will match 15% of the donation.  These are needed very soon as they would like to be delivering the gift cards to families in the upcoming few weeks.

If you would like to donate, go to airdrielionessclub.com and click on the donate tab. Thank you all for watching out for each other and serving those in the community.

Trevor Stiff

East Lake Ward Bishop

From Calgary Alberta North Stake:

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

With the latest provincial COVID-19 restrictions which greatly restrict interactions between people of different households, the stake presidency is reiterating the government announcements that as of today:

• Wedding and funeral ceremonies are limited to 10 attendees.

• Baptismal services are again limited to 10 attendees (from the same household only) including a member of the bishopric.

• No receptions, social gatherings, ward parties, sports etc are permitted in the church buildings until further notice, and current bookings will be cancelled in the stake calendar through to the end of 2020.

• Sunday sacrament worship services will continue as is, given all the wards average attendance has been below 1/3 capacity.

• No indoor or outdoor youth activities should take place until further notice. Virtual activities can still be planned.

• Patriarchal blessings are temporarily suspended.

While many of these provincial restrictions are to be in place for the next three weeks, given the proximity to the Christmas season it made sense to extend this until the end of the year (and one might expect that the province may extend some of these measures beyond 3 weeks anyway). We hope and pray that these measures will not last for much longer.

It is a blessing that we are still able to gather on Sundays to worship together. We recognize there are a lot of other difficulties and emotions especially when it comes to restrictions on things like baptisms, weddings and especially funerals.

Please convey the stake presidency's gratitude to the members who take the time to clean and sanitize the building each week. 

Thank you for all you do.

Calgary North Stake Presidency.  

Calgary Nativity Pageant will be postponed for the 2020 season. Please continue this 57 year Christmas tradition with your friends and family and watch The Christ Child nativity story online at www.calgarynativity.com.

The Calgary Canada Mission has launched a new Christmas initiative. Visit www.findingfaithinchrist.org or follow the Facebook page: Finding Faith in Christ for more details about virtual events and other online resources to help create a Christ-centered Christmas for your friends and families. 

Please note that there are multiple Facebook pages & groups with the name Finding Faith in Christ, the one regarding this announcement can be reached through the link above if the link does not work for you, copy and paste  or type this into your browser: https://www.facebook.com/FindingFaithInChrist/

East Lake Ward Members:

Some of you have pointed out that the link for tithing settlement sign-up sent to you takes you instead to a site to sign up for "calendly", which is appointment scheduling software.  It seems that for some people only part of the link's name is actually HTML enabled, or in other words it's not using the full web address, so it does not take you to the actual appointment sign up page.  The link is shown below.  If only part of it is highlighted (usually blue), then copy and paste the entire text into your web browser to get into the appointment sign-up page.     If you have any problems whatsoever, please contact Bro. Wenzel.

https://calendly.com/eastlakebishop/tithing

Hello Brothers and Sisters,

We have surely been in turbulent times as of late trying to keep up with all the rapidly changing regulations surrounding Covid-19.  I have had many questions surrounding the latest announcements from the Province and will clarify what is still permitted (for now).

Sacrament:

The Province announced that worship services will now be restricted to 1/3 capacity for the chapel. I am pleased to say that we have already been falling within that guideline.  With the opening of the cultural hall area, and the spacing used (every second row), we meet the 1/3 capacity.  Currently, for reunion chapel, the maximum capacity for the chapel area with the cultural hall area is 523. At one third, we are permitted to have 174 members attend.  our average attendance since returning is about 135 members.  Sacrament services will continue with the full ward, in person meetings for now.  Please continue to follow all previously outlined regulations (stay home if sick, wash hands, maintain physical distance of 2 meters, avoid shaking hands and hugging, no singing)

Masks

We are also required to wear masks at all times during the service. They may be pulled down for the partaking of the sacrament emblems, then pulled back up.

Youth Activities:

We have been asked to do all we can over the next few weeks to limit contact with those outside of our families.  As such, we will be postponing youth activities indefinitely. There is however a service opportunity for the youth to participate in during the month of December that will maintain all safety guidelines, and that we feel is important to still hold.  Details will be released to youth and parents as we get closer to Christmas.

Other Activities and bookings:

All other activities are also to be postponed until further notice.  Baptisms, weddings, and funerals will be determined at the time of request as requirements are changing almost daily.  Please let me know if you may have a need to book for one of these types of events and I will be able to inform you of the current status and regulations.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we do all we can to be good neighbours.  As such we should put forth our efforts to do all we can to follow the advice that has been given to slow things down for the next few weeks.  I, like many others, do not know what may come after these current measures.  But I can assure you, that Heavenly Father is keenly aware of each of us individually.  He knows our struggles, hardships and pains.  Please continue to reach out to him in prayer for those that have to lead through this hard time, as well as ways that we can help others.  Now more than ever we have been called upon to minister to each other.  What that looks like, is entirely different for everyone, but I invite you to find out.

Thanks you for all you do.

Trevor Stiff

East Lake Ward Bishop

Important Seminary Change:

After careful consideration of the current escalation of the Pandemic over the last week, the Stake Presidency has made the decision not to return to face to face Seminary lessons starting this Thursday as previously announced. This means that Zoom meetings will continue to be held on Thursdays and Fridays, and Canvas lessons will be completed Monday - Wednesday. Emails will be going out to Parents and students to inform them of this change. 

From the Calgary North Stake Presidency:
Attn: Bishops, Branch President and patrons of Calgary North Stake 

Due to the new COVID-19 restrictions released by the province yesterday, along with recent communications from the Church’s Facilities Management (FM) group, this letter is intended to clarify appropriate building use and expectations.

As a general principle, we ask that allowance be given for each member to determine for themselves whether or not they will attend in person meetings / activities, as each circumstance will be different.

Until further notice, Church buildings may only be used for worship services, church-organization (EQ/RS/YM/YW/Primary) activities and funerals. Other approved events may be scheduled including weddings and baptisms. No other private activities, receptions or sports are approved at this time.

Youth activity nights are assigned and do not require scheduling.  All other organization activities must be authorized by the bishop and the organizer must complete the Building Use Form (including baptisms and weddings). 

In light of the current restrictions, gathering together for Ward/Branch Christmas parties is discouraged (though shouldn’t preclude a creative event). Serving food at any event is discouraged, however, is possible by following AHS guidelines with regards to food preparation and catering. 

Calgary / Airdrie:

Calgary and Airdrie, in addition to wearing masks to and during all events, is currently under a social gathering restriction of 15 people. This restriction does not affect the numbers for worship services where attendees are seated with appropriate social distancing and wearing masks throughout the meeting.

Indoor and Outdoor organization activities, including youth events, are permitted as long as the cohort is 15 or less people, including leaders, and masks are mandatory. It will require careful coordination between wards if the building is to be used by more than one group at any given time, and critical these groups do not interact.

Indoor Audience events now require masks throughout, including sit-down seminary classes, baptismal services, wedding ceremonies, and funerals with attendance number limits still at 100 and must abide by physical distancing rules and local bylaw mask wearing requirements. (Social gathering is discouraged following these events but if they are held must be limited to 15 people. Remember there are still time limitations for building use depending on the type of event).

During a recent Ward Council meeting, it was discussed that we would run lessons in each of the organizations through zoom on a rotating weekly basis.

We will be starting the rotation next week as there are 5 weeks in November, but as we get in to December the rotation will be the same each month.

Here is what it looks like:

Nov 8 – Relief Society lesson

Nov 15 – Youth lesson

Nov 22 – EQ Lesson

Nov 29 – Sunday School lesson

 Starting December and going forward month to month the rotation will be:

1st Sunday – Relief Society lesson

2nd Sunday – Youth lesson

3rd Sunday – EQ lesson

4th Sunday – Sunday School lesson

5th Sunday – Joint priesthood/Relief Society lesson

 The time for the lessons will be the same each week.  November and December – 10am.  Starting in January, the lessons will be at 11am

 The Aaronic Priesthood quorums and Young woman can work out a schedule as it would be wise to have the youth combined for logistics purposes.

 The lessons will all be held on Zoom.  The leader of the organization will need to set up the meeting and ensure the link is sent out to all the prospective participants.  We recognize that zoom meetings can only be a maximum of 40 mins unless a professional version is purchased.  We would like to keep the lessons to that limit (35-40 mins) for now.  If it is determined that the limit may not be sufficient, we can readdress this in the future.

 If you may have any technical issues or questions regarding the presenting of the zoom meeting, you can contact our Ward Technology specialist, John Rasmussen.

 Thank you for all of your input and service.

 Trevor Stiff

Eastlake ward Bishop

Posting on behalf of Brother Falk.  If you can help, please call or text him, his number is at the bottom:

Hello Brothers and Sisters,

What a blessing it is to be able to go to church and attend our Sacrament Meeting!

In accordance with Church Policy we are required to clean the church after our Sacrament Meetings.

We need to wipe down high touch areas such as door handles, backs/tops of chairs and benches, light switches, podium and bathroom fixtures. This takes about 15 to 20 minutes with the help of two or three couples or families.

Those families who have very young children can help by allowing one of the spouses to clean while the other watches the children so they do not wander through the church.

Brother Melzer or myself will help in the assignment by showing what cleaning supplies are used and what areas need to be cleaned.

We need volunteers for each and every Sunday so please take the opportunity to be of service and sign up for one or more Sundays.

Regards,

Brother Clare Falk

Ward Facility Rep

Cell: 403 809-4400

Update to East Lake Ward Services:

Starting the week after General Conference (Sunday October 11, 2020) we will be gathering for sacrament meeting as a whole ward once again.  The sacrament meetings have been approved to be held as a 1 hour block with all membership of the ward in one meeting.  All other protocols will remain in effect with regards to safety and cleaning.  

The time that our ward will meet at will be at 1pm for Sacrament meeting.  With the announcement of phase 2, it also enables us  to begin to plan for the re-start of the second block classes.  Although this has been approved, we will not be starting with the classes until the Stake counterparts of each of the organizations can have thorough input and provide training to the organization leaders.   I would expect that sometime in the near future we will have an announcement regarding 2nd block classes resuming.

Also in the near future, Primary activities for boys and girls will commence as well, and youth activities will continue as we have been doing week to week.

Thank you to all those that continue to serve so diligently and finding ways to continually reach out to one another, our youth, and children of the East Lake ward.  

Trevor Stiff

East Lake ward Bishop