2017

Ward Conference Program

(Revised 29 November 2016)

  

Ward	YM/YW Activity	Ward Visits	Conference Date
Huntsville 1st	18 Jan 2017	19 Jan 2017	22 Jan 17 @ 9:00 am
Eden 1st	8 Feb 2017	9 Feb 2017	12 Feb 17 @ 11:00 am
Eden 2nd	15 Mar 2017	16 Mar 2017	19 Mar 17 @ 9:00 am
Liberty 2nd	5 Apr 2017	6 Apr 2017	9 Apr 17 @ 9:00 am
Liberty 1st	17 May 2017	18 May 2017	21 May 17 @ 11:00 am
Huntsville 2nd	14 Jun 2017	15 Jun 2017	18 Jun 17 @ 11:00 am
North Fork	12 Jul 2017	13 Jul 2017	16 Jul 17 @ 1:00 pm
Middle Fork	16 Aug 2017	17 Aug 2017	20 Aug 17 @ 9:00 am
Nordic Valley	13 Sep 2017	14 Sep 2017	17 Sep 17 @ 1:00 pm
Wolf Creek	11 Oct 2017	12 Oct 2017	15 Oct 17 @ 11:00 am
South Fork	15 Nov 2017	16 Nov 2017	19 Nov 17 @ 1:00 pm

 

Conference Theme:

 

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.”

James 1:5-6

 

Preparation for Ward Conference

 

Home and Visiting Teachers:  The bishopric should prepare a message to be delivered to each home by both home and visiting teachers prior to the conference, inviting all ward members to Sunday’s meetings and other planned activities.  Please provide a copy of the message to the stake presidency.

 

Temple Session:  All ward members should be encouraged to attend the temple during the week before conference.  A special effort should be made to renew any lapsed recommends prior to that week.

 

YM/YW:  A special YM/YW activity will take place on the Wednesday prior to Ward Conference at 7:00 pm at President Rigby’s bunkhouse (3141 No. River Drive, Eden). A special effort should be made to invite all mutual-age young men and young women in your ward. Any changes to this activity should be coordinated with President Rigby.

 

Melchizedek Priesthood Leader Stewardship Interviews:  President Wadman will interview the Elders

Quorum President and High Priests Group Leader during the month of ward conference.  Presidents Child and Rigby will interview the counselors in each group. Brother Richardson will contact them for an appointment.

 

Ward Council: During the month of ward conference, the stake presidency may coordinate a visit to your ward council as schedules permit.

 

Auxiliary Visits: Relief Society, Sunday School, Primary and youth presidencies (youth may be accompanied by advisors) should visit members of their organizations prior to ward conference and invite less active members to participate in the activities and meetings.

 

Bishopric Stewardship Interview and Visiting:  At 7:00 p.m. on an assigned evening around Ward

Conference, the stake presidency and two high councilmen (one assigned to your ward and one from your ward) will meet with the bishopric, Elders Quorum President and High Priest Group Leader at your ward building.  A member of the stake presidency will conduct the meeting. At about 7:45 p.m., the group will pair up (there should be 5 companionships) and visit ward members (determined by the bishop).  Please consult with President Wadman in advance as to who would benefit from a visit.  Please make an appointment with two families for each companionship to visit.

 

Officers Sustained Form:  The ward clerk should complete two (2) accurate and legible copies of the

Officers Sustained Form.  Please provide these forms to the stake presidency prior to Ward Conference.

 

Block Meetings:

 

a.      Sacrament Meeting:  After the ward business and before the sacrament, a member of the High Council will conduct the sustaining of church officers.  After the sacrament, the bishop should address the ward on the conference theme or another topic of his choosing (to be finished at 15 minutes to the hour).  Time does not permit for youth speakers.  Following the bishop’s address, the ward choir should present one musical number.  The remainder of the meeting will be under the direction of President Wadman (who may share his time with one of his counselors).

 

b.      Sunday School:  Sunday School classes should be held as usual. Stake leaders may visit classes.

 

c.      Melchizedek Priesthood:  The Elders Quorum and High Priests Group will meet together for the first 10 minutes.  The meeting will be conducted by a member of the bishopric.  After the opening song and prayer, please turn the time over to a member of the High Council to conduct stake business.  The Elders Quorum and the High Priests Group will then separate.  President Child will teach the Elders Quorum.  The high councilor assigned to your ward will teach the High Priests Group.

 

d.      Relief Society:  The meeting will be conducted by the ward relief society presidency.  The ward Relief Society President should consult with the stake Relief Society President in advance as to who (ward or stake) will teach the lesson.

 

e.      Young Men/Young Women:  A combined YM/YW meeting will be held, conducted by a member of the bishopric.  After an opening song (special musical number) and prayer, a young man and a young woman will briefly address the group for approximately 3 minutes each. The remainder of the meeting will then be under the direction of President Rigby.

 

 

Ward Conference Discussion

  

As we become and help others to become true followers of Jesus Christ, please consider the following Area Priorities and Implementation in preparation for ward conference and while meeting with the stake presidency prior to ward conference visits:

  

Area Priorities

 

1. Live the gospel of Jesus Christ

 

2. Gather Israel through missionary work.

  

3. Care for the poor and needy.

   

4. Enable the salvation of the dead by identifying ancestors and performing vicarious temple ordinances for them.

 

 Implementation

 The specific actions members should take to help individuals and families participate in the work of salvation are an important part of the area plan.

 

Leaders: Members of coordinating stake and ward councils should prayerfully develop specific steps they will take to accomplish the area vision, priorities, and goals. By developing such steps, leaders help more individuals and families receive the full blessings of the gospel.

 

Individuals and Families: Individuals and families (in family council) may ask themselves:

1. What should I do to develop stronger faith?
2. How should I participate more fully in the work of salvation?
3. What should we do in our family to become better followers of Jesus Christ?

 

Accountability and Follow Up: Area Seventies encourage stake presidents to develop meaningful ways to implement the area plan and continually follow up with them on their progress. Stake presidents in turn encourage bishops to work with priesthood and auxiliary leaders in developing ways ot implement the area plan and likewise follow up with them.