Now is the time

 Mighty friends,

I hope this Tuesday morning finds you well. I hope that General Conference provided you with a needed weekend of rest and nourishment. I've already begun re-listening to general conference talks. I have found that, for me, most of my learning comes as I listen a second time. I felt so unified with all of you as we gathered in our homes to listen to a prophet's voice. What inspiration did you receive? Which was your favorite talk? Which questions did you have? I ask that with sincere interest, I'd love to hear your responses!

For me, the message I received most clearly is that joy is found in the Atonement of Jesus Christ. All the things I do at church and in the Gospel is or should be with the sole intent of focusing my heart (and the hearts of others) on Jesus Christ. I hope that our ward activities and culture can reflect a similar sentiment. I received some other specific instruction as well and I look forward to putting it into action in the upcoming months.

As we approach this upcoming season, I invite you to reflect on the messages you received in General Conference and allow your faith to inspire action. These upcoming months are FULL of opportunities to minister, to unify and serve, to build Zion, and to focus our hearts on Jesus Christ through covenants. October is full of fall activities and festivities. In November, we'll have family focused events and Thanksgiving as well as starting to prepare for the Festival of Nativities. Finally, December will come and we'll spend the entire month celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Let's start preparing for Christmas now.   

I hope we can take advantage of as many opportunities as possible. Please be aware of the following: 

Oct 11 (Friday)- Temple Cleaning assignment in the evening for endowed members. Please respond to this e-mail for details. We do need volunteers for this.
Oct 11 - Youth Temple Trip, meeting at the church at 4:45 PM.
Nov 01 - Youth Temple Trip + Adult Stake Temple Trip
Nov 02 - Stake Conference with visiting general authority
Nov 23 - Ward Missionary outreach activity
Dec 13-15   Festival of Nativities

Friends, I really do love all of you so much. I hope you continue to be patient with me. I hope you can feel how much I love you. I was impressed by President Nelson's comments, "Now is the time for us to make our discipleship our highest priority." and "every sincere seeker of Jesus Christ will find him in the temple". Please, please join me in mighty prayer and strive with me to make our discipleship our highest priority. Let's pray mightily to soften our hearts, sanctify our souls, cleanse ourselves of pride and anger and to be sincere Christ seekers.

Thank you for always inspiring me and praying to make our ward Zion. 

With love and adoration,

Bishop Kienzle

PS: Remember to let me know if you're interested in helping with a cleaning assignment in the temple this Friday evening.