Christ is the Reason

In our recent branch conference, we were instructed about the importance of temple service and the blessings we can receive as a branch and in our families through regularly attending the House of the Lord. We share in the District’s goal in doing “a better job of shepherding the Saints to the house of the Lord.” (see Elder Bednar’s April 2009 Conference address). Alma taught that “the field was ripe, and blessed are ye, for ye did thrust in the sickle, and did reap with your might, yea, all the day long did ye labor; and behold the number of your sheaves! And they shall be gathered into the garners, that they are not wasted” (Alma 26:5). Elder Neal A. Maxwell taught the “great garner into which the sheaves should be gathered is the holy temple.” It is at the temple of the Lord that we are made safe, where we can serve our kindred dead and partake of the Spirit in rich abundance. There is no reason why we should deny ourselves and our families these incredible blessings. The Prophet Joseph Smith prayed for us that, “no weapon formed against them shall prosper; that he who diggeth a pit for them shall fall into the same himself; That no combination of wickedness shall have power to rise up and prevail over thy people upon whom thy name shall be put in this house.” (D&C 109:25-26). The carpool for the temple leaves the hospital parking lot at 1630 every first Friday of the month unless otherwise noted. We realize with busy work and family schedules and even worthiness issues, that getting in those vans can be difficult. Home and Visiting teachers, look for ways to help your families get to the temple. Please schedule an appointment with the branch president if necessary (e-mail Brother Scott Pierce at exesecr@yahoo.com for an appointment). With the district presidency, we plead with you to be worthy, to be steadfast, and to look forward with great anticipation to receiving the blessings of regular temple attendance.