Banbury Ward of
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Message from the Bishopric

Dear Banbury Ward,

This week I was reading in 2 Nephi 9, the absolutely wonderful and deep sermon from Jacob, one of Nephi’s younger brothers, about the Atonement of the Savior Jesus Christ.  He powerfully walks through the reasons we need a Savior, and the condition we’d be in throughout eternity without a Savior.  

It’s instructive to see the pattern that played out in 2 Nephi 5, that put Jacob in a position to give such a powerful testimony of Jesus Christ.

First, the Lord warned Nephi to take the believers away from the murmuring older brothers whose anger had grown to the point of seeking to kill Nephi.

They took what they could into the wilderness and traveled for the space of many days.  I can only imagine the humility it would have taken to answer that call, after eight years in the wilderness, followed by a long, difficult journey by boat.

Nevertheless, Nephi says they “did observe to keep the judgments, and the statues, and the commandments of the Lord in all things.”

Next, Nephi taught his people to build buildings, and to work.  He had them build a temple, like Solomon’s of old, only not as ornate, and taught them to be industrious.

Then, Nephi consecrated Jacob and Joseph to be teachers and priests over the land.

We follow this pattern today.  We teach the rising generation to live in the world but not be of the world.  From the time they are baptized until the time they leave their parents’ homes is about the same amount of time Nephi was journeying through his wildernesses.  We teach them obedience to the Lord, his judgments, statutes and commandments.  We build them through time spent in homes, chapels and temples.  And then many, both young men and young women, are consecrated, or set apart full time, to take the gospel to the four corners of the earth. 

As it was then with Nephi, so it is now with us.  We pass the torch of faith, burning bright, to them, and the pattern repeats. We ignite their torch, and keep ours burning bright, both for ourselves, and for them.

I saw this pattern in effect this week, with our young men and young women at their camps.  I heard them testify of the atonement, of the need for a Savior, of the blessings of repentance, and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ.  I heard the conviction in their earnest testimonies.  And I felt confirmation of the pattern playing out in our homes, ward and church.

I love the rising generation! Nephi summed all these things up with these words: “We lived after the manner of happiness.”  This is the pattern, or manner, that God has given us, for the best opportunity for happiness.  I testify of His goodness and grace and hope you’ll join me in building the rising generation of children, youth and young adults in our midst, while keeping our own testimonies burning bright!

Love,

Bishop Price

• July Building Cleaning Schedule - Please come to the church Saturday at 8:00am on the assigned day or trade with another family if your assigned day doesn't work.

  • • • July 19th: Daniels, Davis, Dawson, De Burgh, Dean, Deehr, Denison, Dildine, Dittman, Frew, Froerer, Gates, Hales

      • July 26th: Hall, Hancock, Hanson di Bartolo, Hartman, Herbster, Hibler, Holland, Hope, Jackson, Jetsel, Johnson, Laird, Leach

• July 24 - Stake Humanitarian Workday - 10am-1pm at the Stake Center. In addition to the children's center for ages 0-5 from 10:30-12:30, there will also be activities for elementary students. Junior high students can work on humanitarian projects under the direct supervision of a parent.

  • • School supplies are needed. Donations can be brought to Workday or left on Sister Wahl's porch (14028 W Battenberg Ct, Boise) anytime. All supplies are needed.

• August 13-16 - YSA Conference - For all YSA ages 18-35 (including recently graduated seniors). Please ask a member of the bishopric for details.

• Reading The Book of Mormon - Join our Ward in reading The Book of Mormon by January 15. Bishop Price said:

  • • • I would like our youth to gain a stronger testimony of Jesus Christ by reading the Book of Mormon, every day from June 1 to January 15, 2026, completing it, for the first time, or another time.

      • I call on their families to join them in this challenge.  Commit to re-reading the entire Book of Mormon again, and reading every day.

      • I call on the primary children to also accept this invitation.  On road trips, listen to the Book of Mormon.  Read it together as families.  Those who can, get your own copy of the Book of Mormon and commit to reading several minutes every day.

      • I call on all the youth leaders, the Sunday School and Primary teachers, the grandparents; all adults, from the newly-wed to those who have reached emeritus status, to join us.  When you speak in Sacrament Meeting; when bearing testimony on Fast Sunday, in a class, or at home — testify of the Book of Mormon and how it is drawing you to the Savior, and drawing His power into your life.  Share what you are reading and what you are learning in classes, at activities, or even in the foyer, in simple and consistent ways.  Plan one or more activities centered around this Book of Mormon challenge as we motivate each other these next seven and a half months.

      • The Book of Mormon was written for our day.  All the major writers saw our day and wrote “those things that would be of greatest worth to us”.  As you consistently read from the Book of Mormon, “the heavens will open for you.  The Lord will bless you with increased inspiration and revelation.” (Pres. Russell M. Nelson, Oct 2018).  You will be inoculated against the “potent mixture of prosperity, possessions and ease that can lead even the righteous to drink the spiritual poison of pride” (Elder David A. Bednar Oct 2025)

      • ”Do you want to get rid of a bad habit? Do you want to improve relationships in your family? Do you want to increase your spiritual capacity? Read the Book of Mormon! It will bring you closer to the Lord and His loving power.” (Russell M. Nelson Oct 1999)

      • ”I implore each of us to prayerfully study and ponder the Book of Mormon each day.” (Pres. Thomas S Monson Apr 2017)

      • “My dear brothers and sisters, I promise that as you prayerfully study the Book of Mormon every day, you will make better decisions—every day. I promise that as you ponder what you study, the windows of heaven will open, and you will receive answers to your own questions and direction for your own life. I promise that as you daily immerse yourself in the Book of Mormon, you can be immunized against the evils of the day, even the gripping plague of pornography and other mind-numbing addictions.” (Pres. Russell M Nelson Oct 2018)

      • Let us, as a ward, accept this challenge, to read daily, as individuals and families, and to speak often to each other of the power of the Book of Mormon to draw the Savior’s mercy, grace and power into our homes, families and lives.  Let us talk of Christ, rejoice in Christ, and preach of Christ, especially to the rising generation, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins (2 Nephi 25:26), that “the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein.” (Pres. Marion G Romney Apr 1980).

      • Will you join me?

• FAMILY SEARCH CENTER VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY - The FamilySearch Center is looking for anyone who would like to serve as a staff worker. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn how to do family history research and use the equipment to preserve your family memories. And, it's a joyful experience to serve those who come to the center seeking help for their family history efforts. No prior experience is required to serve in the center. You will be trained and given time to learn. If you would like to know more about this opportunity, please contact Brian Bird, Gene and Camille Roylance, or Janeen Lish.

• MISSIONARY MEALS

  • • • Just a friendly reminder that our day to feed the missionaries is on Fridays. There are a couple of options available.

        • • We can have them come teach a lesson in our home to us or friends, and then feed them.

          • We can provide them a meal to pick up and take home.

          • Please reach out to our Ward Missionary Leader, Daniel Michalsky if interested, and for further details and options.

• "To allow for greater access to the words of the living prophets, printed copies of Church magazines are now available at no cost. These magazines include the Liahona, For the Strength of Youth, and Friend. This policy will eventually apply to every area of the Church.

  • • • Members can use their Church account to choose their preferred subscription(s) on a yearly basis at MagazineSubscriptions.ChurchofJesusChrist.org"

      • Please contact a member of the Bishopric, Relief Society Presidency, Elders Quorum Presidency, or your ministering sisters/brothers if you have any questions about this change or if you need assistance with subscribing for no-cost print magazines.

• For temple recommend interviews with the Bishopric and other meetings with the Bishop, please call or text David Swenson at (208) 477-8903.

• All temple recommend interviews with the Stake Presidency must be scheduled ahead of time. There are no walk-in appointments at this time.  For recommend renewal interviews, please visit https://calendly .com/minorth/temple to see available times and schedule an interview with the stake presidency.

Worldwide Church Events

The following link will take you to the church website with a list of all the upcoming and recent church events

https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/events/