Sacrament and reminders
We have decided that as a ward to allow worthy Melchizedek Priesthood holders and Priests in the Aaronic Priesthood to bless and administer the sacrament in their own homes and are counseled not to do so if not worthy. You can find the Sacrament Prayers in Doctrine and Covenants 20:77 for the Bread and 20:79 for the Water.
The bishop has temporarily authorized the administration of the sacrament on Sundays between 10 am and Noon for the heads of households to administer the sacrament to their families. Please text a member of the bishopric, and let us know who is present. This will help us to keep track and make sure everyone has the opportunity to partake of this ordinance and get it to all who desire it.
For those who have circumstances that would prevent receiving the Sacrament in the above way or if you need someone to assist you with the sacrament in your home please advise your ministering brother or sister or a priesthood leader and they will let the Elders Quorum know and they will coordinate for Priesthood holders to administer the sacrament to you. Each family will provide their own tray, bread, and water. Those who go throughout the Ward to administer the Sacrament must be in good health. Please do not have anybody come to your house if you are not in good health as keeping everyone healthy is our first priority. If you prefer to not receive the sacrament alone, please contact a member of the Bishopric and safe, small groups may be organized.
Some thoughts on preparing for the sacrament after the authority has been given to priesthood brethren in the ward:
1. The ordinance should be done in a reverent and sacred manner.
2. Please use water in small, plain (unadorned) cups. Sacrament cups will be provided to all who request.
3. Bread should be ‘broken’ by a priesthood holder.
4. Prayer should be said clearly, accurately and with dignity while kneeling.
5. Bread should be completely taken before prayer on water.
6. Hymns and prayers are appropriate during a sacrament service.
Please reach out to a member of the Elders Quorum Presidency with any questions.
A couple of clarifiers:
Please reach out to your ministers if you need assistance to hold sacrament in your home. This should be done at a minimum of once per month, per our current instructions. If you are able to do it in home, every week is appropriate.
The sacrament should only be administered on Sunday, between 10AM and Noon. Afterward, report to a member of the bishopric who was present for the sacrament in your home.
If you know of someone who needs assistance with the sacrament, reach out to their Ministers first. We are aware of multiple people in the ward and have been in contact with most of them to make sure they are being taken care of, but we have not heard back from others. Please feel free to bring anything to our attention.
The bread should be on a plate and broken by a Priest or Melchizedek priesthood holder, blest and passed around.
The water should be in small individual cups. These can be any cup, but should not have designs or be ornamental. They should not be filled more that you can comfortably swallow at once. If you need sacrament cups if you do not have access to appropriate cups, please reach out to a member of the Elders Quorum.