We are all currently experiencing a change in life and emotions that are new to all of us. A recent article in the Harvard Business Review titled, That Discomfort You Are Feeling Is Grief puts a name to our emotions andoutlines why it’s important to acknowledge the grief you are feeling, how to manage it, and how we can find meaning in it.   We can take additional comfort in having a living prophet who leads and guides us in what we can do to find peace and comfort in these times. In President Nelsons April 2018 conference address titled, Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives he said, “Our…

Hello Parley’s 5th Ward Community. Welcome once again to the emergency preparedness column. In today’s column I would like to reflect a bit on where we are at, and what we have learned. It has now been just over two weeks since schools were closed, and everyone was encouraged to stay at home as much as possible. In that time many things have happened, including an earthquake with many aftershocks. These events have caused many to refocus on their food storage and emergency preparedness plans. Some feel they just need to add a few things here and there, others need to expand and enhance, and even some are just starting…

Some time ago the Bishopric and Ward Council prayerfully considered what we might address for the 5th Sunday in March.  We had a distinct impression to learn more of and revisit the life of Joseph Smith with a focus on the First Vision he received of Heavenly Father and the Son. Sister Kathleen Barlow was invited to prepare a lesson.  In light of the recent stay at home public health guidelines, she has adapted her presentation and posted it on YouTube for us as we study, ponder and feel the power of the First Vision.  We graciously thank her, Steve, Andrew (son), Thomas Barlow (son) and his wife Rene for…

Bishopric Message To say that we live in a unique era is an understatement.  Our society is facing challenges not seen collectively for generations.  Through it all, we are learning how to communicate and connect with our families, with each other and with our Father in Heaven.   During a virtual Ward Council Meeting today (not your typical meeting format), our caring leaders suggested that we might do well to have more frequent communications.  To that end, you may see the newsletter come a little more frequently than monthly.  We hope this will provide you a respite from the unusual circumstances surrounding us.             Our message today comes from Rabbi Yosef…

Contribution by Sister Nancy Miles Ok. We are all concerned about getting too close to anyone, due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Don’t know when we will see anyone or how long it will last. In the meantime, I am reading a lot of good books, cooking and trying new recipes, making a lot of bread, exercising, working on my upcoming cooking classes and new book, walking the dogs, housework, naps, movies, and of course and keeping up with everyone on all social media. Next week I will be doing virtual dinners with friends and family, by way of Skype. I will send an invitation, along with a recipe that we…

Please be aware that scam activity has increased as criminals try to take advantage of the coronavirus situation. Scammers are reaching out by phone, email, and in person. Scams are popping up in many forms from callers claiming you or someone you know has tested positive for having the virus, to false claims about products that prevent or treat the disease. Be wary of anyone asking for your personal information or payment. For more information and tips to protect yourself, check out the following links and other reputable resources:  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/coronavirus-scams-what-ftc-doing https://www.justice.gov/usao-or/pr/us-attorney-shares-tips-avoiding-covid-19-scams-targetingvulnerable-populations

Hello Parley’s 5th Ward Community. Welcome once again to the monthly emergency preparedness column. In this month’s column we will be discussing two concepts, the first is dealing with the emotional effects of isolation and the second is starting a container potato garden. The effects and impact of isolation and separation are real. But we need to remember at this time, that while we are practicing physical social separation we are not completely cut off from friends, family, neighbors, and ward members. Reaching out over text is fine, but a FaceTime or Duo video call can be much more engaging and therapeutic. If you are looking to connect with a…