Blanding Utah Stake:The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

07/24/2026

Missionary Highlight:
Toby Ward, Philippines, Olongapo Mission

I am so happy that I served a mission. It taught me that God is my strength. I learned this through experience with a person I met in the first week of my mission. Her name was Nanay Linda, she was 70+ years old and had been searching for God’s true Church for quite some time. She progressed rapidly towards Baptism. I, however, felt that I had nothing to do with her progress because I could not yet speak or really understand the language. And generally had no idea what was going on whenever we taught her. In short, I thought that if I couldn’t speak the language I couldn’t be a missionary. But one day as we arrived at Nanay Linda’s house I saw her face light up as I came around the corner. And it dawned on me that even though I could not communicate with her, that I had somehow connected with her. God had used me to bring her Joy. In a simple yet powerful way. And that, as well as many other experiences, is why I know that God is our strength. And We can do all things through Him.

07/24/2026

All are invited to our new hours.

07/08/2026

07/08/2026

Trek was a really cool experience and even though I wasn’t excited about going, I’m so glad I did. We got to know our Trek families and they were amazing. We did some really fun team building games and learned that everyone has value and divine purpose. I was really impressed seeing how much families were willing to help each other, especially on the hard hills and the women’s pull. During the entire Trek we carried a rock that represented a burden we carry. We learned we all carry hard things but can help each other and find strength in the Savior. The theme for Trek was “Walk with Me” from Moses 6:34. At the end of Trek everyone laid their rocks at the Savior’s feet by putting our rock in a handcart next to a picture of Christ. I know Jesus Christ is always there to lift our burdens and walk beside us. (Anonymous)

07/07/2026

If you would like to help get things ready for ordinances to be performed on behalf of deceased relatives, coming to the family search center is one way to learn how to do that. Year and location of at least one of the following: birth, death, or marriage will allow the work to be done. We can show you how to find records of birth, death, and marriage.
Sometimes there are more than one profile made for a person and they need to be merged. There's a lot of ways to find family members waiting to be found on the other side of the veil.

At the family search center you have access to additional records without cost. There are 9 computers available. We can help set up or restore accounts.

Blanding Stake
Family Search Center Schedule
South Chapel on West end of Gym

Sundays 4-5 PM
Mondays 10-noon
Tuesdays 6-8 PM
Wednesdays 3-5 PM
Thursdays 10-noon

07/04/2026

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

We warmly invite you to consider the invitation from our Prophet and the First Presidency to fast in gratitude for the founding principles of our nation and for the vital continued protection of religious freedom. We hope that, wherever you are, you are enjoying this special time of year on this special 250th anniversary of the birth of our nation.

We are also very mindful of the fires that threaten our immediate area and that rage around the state and the western part of the country. We would invite you to consider including in your fast this weekend a request for favorable weather patterns, rain in our land, protection for those who are working to contain these threats, and relief from these fires.

As we unite in faith we are strengthened and miracles can occur. But the fast this weekend does not need to be the end of our supplications to heaven. We would encourage you in your families, quorums, classes, and wards to discuss this and discern how you might “give [yourselves] to much prayer and fasting.” We know the Lord hears our pleadings and prayers. We have faith that He will cause all things to work together for good for you humble and faith-filled saints who love the Lord. As you consider your fasts, please know that the Lord is mindful of health concerns and limitations—the most important part of this practice is to “hunger and thirst after righteousness” and, if appropriate and able, you could additionally go without food and water.

We would also encourage you to consider the principles of preparedness discussed in our previous email.

May your 4th of July be filled with hope for the future and gratitude for the providence that has guided the founding of our nation. May our earnest prayers for relief from the threats that surround us be efficacious in turning our hearts more fully to God and qualifying us for His blessings.

With Love,

The Blanding Utah Stake Presidency

06/26/2026

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

We are pleased to provide updated information regarding tomorrow’s community event associated with The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square’s “Songs of Hope” Benefit Concert at the Hollywood Bowl. This gathering combines meaningful service with an opportunity to enjoy the Choir’s inspiring performance.

Service Project – 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM

We invite all members of the stake—men, women, and children of all ages—to participate in service projects focused on blessing the lives of women and children in our local community. The event will include fun activities for families in addition to service opportunities.

Due to forecasted wind and possible thunderstorms, the service event has been relocated indoors to the cultural hall of the South Chapel. (It was originally scheduled for the south parking lot of the high school.) All previously communicated information regarding service projects and donation opportunities remains unchanged.

Tabernacle Choir “Songs of Hope” Watch Party – 7:00 PM

Immediately following the service project, we will broadcast the Tabernacle Choir’s historic “Songs of Hope” Benefit Concert live from the Hollywood Bowl in the high school auditorium. This special performance features the Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square, along with renowned guest artists including Donny Osmond. All are welcome to attend the broadcast.

This service event is intentionally paired with the Choir’s concert as part of the broader “Songs of Hope” initiative, which emphasizes both uplifting music and humanitarian outreach.

Please note that participation in any portion of this event is entirely voluntary and not required. We simply extend a warm invitation to those who would like to join in service, celebration, and community fellowship.

We look forward to gathering together for this memorable evening.

Yours,

The Blanding Utah Stake Presidency

06/17/2026

06/14/2026

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

This Sunday, we will hold our first event to learn the new hymns. It will be the Second Sunday Sing-In at 7:00 at the Stake Center. It will be held at the same time and place every month.

This will be a low-key event. We will gather to learn the new hymns and sing through them a few times. This week, we will work on:

1055- The Power of the Holy Ghost

1040- His Voice as the Sound

1026- Holy Places

Please join us! This is not a choir or any form of a performance. It's just a gathering to learn the new hymns.

Love to all,

Kristan Smith