Hello Ward Family,
We have a very special opportunity this April 15 – July 8 to attend the open house for the Saratoga Springs temple. It is free, and the signup is easy (less than 1 minute), just click here Book a Tour of the Saratoga Springs Temple and select the day and time and number of reservations you would like. We invite every member of the ward to book a date and time to put in your calendar and attend. It is a great opportunity to bring family members and/or friends. I promise you will feel closer to the Savior as you come see His temple.
This conference the importance of temples was reemphasized. I thought I would share one quote from President Nelson and one story from Elder Duncan that I thought were particularly applicable:
“Jesus Christ is the reason we build temples. Each is His holy house. Making covenants and receiving essential ordinances in the temple, as well as seeking to draw closer to Him there, will bless your life in ways no other kind of worship can. For this reason, we are doing all within our power to make the blessings of the temple more accessible to our members around the world.”
- President Nelson, April 2023
“Last year, just prior to the rededication of the Tokyo Japan Temple, many guests not of our faith toured that temple. One such tour included a thoughtful leader from another religion. We taught our guest about Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness, Jesus Christ’s redeeming role in that plan, and the doctrine that families can be united eternally through the sealing ordinance.
At the conclusion of the tour, I invited our friend to share his feelings. In reference to the uniting of families—past, present, and future—this good man asked in all sincerity, ‘Do the members of your faith truly understand just how profound this doctrine is?’ He added, ‘This may well be one of the only teachings that can unite this world that is so divided.’
What a powerful observation. This man was not moved simply by the exquisite craftsmanship of the temple but rather by the stunning and profound doctrine that families are united and sealed to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ forever.8
We should not be surprised, then, when even someone not of our faith recognizes the majesty of what happens in the temple. What could become common or routine for us is sometimes seen in its splendor and majesty by those who hear it or feel it for the very first time.”
- Elder Kevin R. Duncan, April 2023
Thank you and happy Easter!
Brian Woodbury
Patriarchal Blessings
“A patriarchal blessing from an ordained patriarch can give us a star to follow, which is a personal revelation from God to each individual. If we follow this star, we are less likely to stumble and be misled. Our patriarchal blessing will be an anchor to our souls, and if we are worthy, neither death nor the devil can deprive us of the blessings pronounced. They are blessings we can enjoy now and forever.” James Faust
Did you know that you can request the patriarchal blessings of your deceased family members? I recently asked for and received my deceased grandmother’s blessing. It was a special experience to read the blessings she was promised. I felt closer to her even though she has passed on.
Here is how you do it.
1. Sign-in to your family search account. (for information on how to set up an account, please see previous posts)
2. Go to the Patriarchal Blessings tab as shown here.
3. Click on Family Blessings.
4. Click on the +Family Blessings tab
5. Fill out the form. You will need the birth and death date of your relative as well as their father and mother’s information
Good luck and if you need any help, please reach out!
“As Church members, we do have a divinely appointed responsibility to seek out our ancestors and compile family histories. This is far more than an encouraged hobby, because the ordinances of salvation are necessary for all of God’s children.” Elder Rasband April 2018
Make the temple personal! I have felt great joy in sharing the gospel with my ancestors. I have had many personal and special experiences as I have engaged in this important work. Among these is experiences is having the work done for my grandfather and several great aunts and uncles. There is great joy in knowing that we are helping all of God’s children receive the gospel.
Creating a Family Search Account:
Here is a tutorial on how to create an account on Family Search.
1. Go to Familysearch.org
2. Click on Create Account
3. Fill in your name and birthday.
4. Make sure you click the box that says “Add Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints membership record”
At this point you will need to find your membership record number. You can find it one of three ways:
1. On your temple recommend.
2. Member Tools App.
a. Go to the “more” tab and click on your name.
b. Click on Membership Information.
c. It is the “Record Number”.
3. Churchofjesuschrist.org
a. Sign in
b. Click on “Account Settings”
c. Click on “Membership”
At this point you will have a free account.
Check out this tutorial on YouTube for more information on what to do when you get signed in. Introduction to FamilySearch.org – Getting Started – Tutorial – YouTube
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any help.
Cami Kenworthy
Temple and Family History Consultant
Vineyard's Trailside Ward Community 