January 2, 2020

Elders,

Happy New Year! January is always an interesting month. It is the start of a new year and this year it is even a new decade. What were you like 10 years ago? How has your family / life changed over the past 10 years? Are you in a better position physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, or financially? We talked last Sunday about perfectionism and not being too critical of ourselves. I do think it is important to check in from time to time to see how we are doing. The start of the new year is a great time for that little bit of introspection.

It has been a wonderful year for me and my family. There certainly have been ups and downs with challenges and successes along the way. I have enjoyed serving with each of you and seeing our quorum grow together. I don’t know what the new decade has in store, but I am optimistic about the future and what it can be.

One thing I know for sure is that our church block time has changed. We now meet from 9:00-11:00 each week. That makes it a little more difficult with the kids and teens, but it does give you more time after church to spend with your family and focus on improving your relationship with our Heavenly Father. The new curriculum for 2020 is the Book of Mormon. I really loved going through the New Testament this previous year. I learned more about him and his character. I learned about the early disciples and their struggle to implement Christianity. I learned about the great love that God has for me. My testimony grew and I’m better for the experience. I look forward to studying the Book of Mormon as the primary course of study. It is a powerful book that is another testament of Jesus Christ. It contains the truths of the Gospel and points us to Christ at every turn. I encourage you to join together and re-experience or just experience the Book of Mormon in 2020.

Keep doing the great things that you do. God loves you and is watching over you and your families.

The lesson in Sunday school this week is all of the introductory pages of the Book of Mormon – everything up to “I Nephi, having been born…”

Have a wonderful start to the New Year. See you at 9:00 this Sunday. Contact me if I can help in any way.

Thanks,

President Oldroyd
801-573-6828