This message was sent via email to all ward members, 9 April 2025.
Dear sisters and brothers,
Near the end of the Book of Mormon, the ancient prophet Moroni, writing about 1,600 years ago, gave several instructions that continue to guide our lives as church members today. These include this note: “And they did meet together oft to partake of bread and wine, in remembrance of the Lord Jesus” (Moroni 6:6).
Sunday meetings are central to the lives of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Central to these meetings is the sacrament. President Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor in the First Presidency, has taught, “The ordinance of the sacrament makes the sacrament meeting the most sacred and important meeting in the Church.”
While in certain circumstances and settings the sacrament can be administered to individuals and families, Moroni’s teaching makes clear that generally we should partake of the sacrament while we are meeting with other members of the Lord’s church. In other churches this ordinance is often called “communion”, suggesting that it brings us into communion with the Lord and that it is a communal act — something we all do together.
At the beginning of this year our ward moved once again to the 9am meeting time. I know this is early, and the weather hasn’t helped. But I have grown concerned not only about the lower attendance in sacrament meeting but that many of those who do attend arrive so late that they miss the sacrament — the most important reason for coming to church to begin with.
I invite all members of the Jamaica 1st Ward to increase their efforts to attend Sunday meetings each week and to try to arrive early. At least 5 minutes early, as instructed in past editions of the General Handbook, is a good guideline. As you do so, not only will you make sure you are able to partake of the sacrament, but your mind, spirit, and body will be calmer and our meeting more reverent.
Our church leaders have asked us to start our Sunday meetings on time. The General Handbook further instructs, “Before the meeting starts, members of the congregation prepare spiritually for the sacrament. They can do this through quiet prayer and pondering. Leaders set an example of reverence” (29.2.1.3).
As we apply these principles individually, as families, and as a ward, our sacrament meetings will be more spiritual, more sacred, and more fulfilling.
Thank you for joining with me in prioritizing these goals.
Sincerely,
Dustin Tyler Joyce
Bishop, Jamaica 1st Ward
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