Sisters and Brothers,

2020 is rapidly drawing to a close. While much can be—and has been—said about the multitude of challenges we’ve all faced in this rollercoaster year, I would suggest that the better exercise is a rehearsal of the many ways we’ve been blessed this year. I won’t burden this note with my personal rehearsal of blessings this year, but since President Nelson encouraged us to give thanks as a means of finding healing and peace amid turmoil and stress, I haven’t stopped giving thanks each day. I testify that gratitude truly is a powerful healing balm against all the ills we face in this world.

As we enter the Christmas “home stretch”, I hope each of you will find joy celebrating the birth and life of our Lord, Jesus Christ. No present under a Christmas tree can compare to the gifts we have been given by a loving Father in Heaven. Gifts like the Holy Ghost—and the peace and light we receive through the Spirit, the words of prophets—both ancient and modern, and, most importantly, of the Atonement—with its redeeming and enabling powers that we depend on in our daily walk. I hope we each dedicate time this season to “unwrap” these gifts afresh and thrill in the immensity of their value.

Sacrament Meeting and Second Hour Plans

Members with last names beginning M through Z are invited to attend Sacrament Meeting in person this week (Dec. 20th at 1pm). Those with last names A through L are invited to participate remotely as well as any who ought not to gather in groups due to being at higher risk of infection at this time. We will be presenting our Christmas Program this week, which will include pre-recorded music and rehearsal of the nativity story. All are invited to join us for this special presentation as we celebrate this sacred event.

All “second hour” meetings have been cancelled for the week of Dec. 27th. We will still hold Sacrament Meeting in person (for families with last names A through L) and will broadcast it as well. This meeting will be continuation of our celebration of the birth and life of Jesus Christ and I expect will be a sacred and special meeting for all participants.

2021 Meeting Times

Beginning in January the Geneva Heights 12th ward will hold Sacrament Meeting at 9:00am. Until further notice, these meetings will continue to be held both in person and via broadcast. There may be some changes to the broadcast access (to be announced later) so keep an eye out for additional announcements. Sunday School, Relief Society, Elders Quorum and youth class and quorum meeting times are still being finalized. Also until further notice, these classes will continue to be held entirely online.

As always, my prayers remain with each of you every day. I hope you find peace during this season and that we may each enjoy a less stressful and challenging year in 2021!

Faithfully yours,

Bishop Ty Kenworthy