https://www.taylorsvillestake.org/

Taylorsville Utah Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4845 Woodhaven Drive, Taylorsville, UT (2026)

08/29/2026

President Gardner's Weekly Message: Perspectives and Parables

One of the things I love about parables and symbolic gospel teaching in general is that they enable us to see gospel principles and teachings through multiple lenses and from multiple perspectives. This helps us to actually experience the teachings rather than just learn them like facts from a textbook. Symbolic teaching has the ability to grow with us. As we do our best to live the gospel of Jesus Christ each day, our unique life circumstances provide context that allows symbolic teachings to deepen and widen our understandings, perceptions, and feelings. …we actually feel the truths more than just believe them or teach from others’ experiences. They become a living, breathing, growing part of who we are.

For most of my life, when I heard or read the parable of the Prodigal Son, I identified with the obedient son or sometimes with the father. I appreciated and learned and felt the lessons of patience, love, mercy, forgiveness, and acceptance from their perspectives. But several years ago, I read a talk by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf (The Prodigal and the Road that Leads Home) in which his words helped me realize… I am the prodigal son…as we all are…in need of forgiveness, mercy, and the embrace of a loving Heavenly Father.

Symbolic teaching sometimes can be very obvious…when the time and circumstances are right…it comes.

But often, it is much more subtle and must be sought through study, prayer, meditation, and fasting.

Regardless of when we go, or in which ordinances we may be officiating, in our temple worship there are profound eternal truths to be learned and experienced.

Some time ago, Shirleen and I attended a special training for Wasatch Front Missionaries in which they showed a video of a blind man running a rugged mountain race with the help of a guide to whom he was tethered. As they ran together, the guide offered verbal instructions to help the blind man avoid detrimental obstacles and find the safest path. The lesson and perspective shared at that time was that as leaders, we must allow those we are “helping” to “run their own race”…make their own choices. It is not for us to force or push others to do what we think is best. It is not for us to judge them. Rather, we teach, invite, and support in the Savior’s way, pointing out obstacles and options we can see. But over time, with help from leaders to whom I am tethered, I have realized that often, I am also a blind man… in need of guidance, encouragement, and support from others…especially from the Holy Spirit. This realization came very directly to me when President Nelson shared his now-famous quote…

”In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, and comforting influence of the Holy Ghost.”

The Lord’s use of parables and the many symbolic illustrations we find in the scriptures or the temple complement and accentuate the symbolic dealings God has with us individually as well. Into each of our lives, under the “guiding, directing, comforting influence of the Holy Ghost”, the Lord is offering us uniquely personal insights and instruction.

What has He shown you recently?

How have you responded?

How will your life be changed by Him?

One of the most symbolic teachings in our weekly teachings and worship is partaking of the sacrament.

How has your partaking of the sacrament and the meaning it holds for you evolved as your discipleship and faith have matured?

What might you do to create even deeper understanding and feelings?

How does your striving to internalize the Utah Area Vision: Joyfully Gathering Israel One by One in Christ, enhance your experience partaking the sacrament?

The 8th question in the temple recommend interview is,

“Do you strive to keep the Sabbath day holy, both at home and at church; attend your meetings; prepare for and worthily partake of the sacrament; and live your life in harmony with the laws and commandments of the gospel?”

When should we prepare for partaking of the sacrament, and what does our preparation look like?

With such busy lives, I pray there may be a way for us all, as individuals or as families, to be more intentional and mindful about deepening our experiences with sacred and powerful symbols given by our Father in Heaven and our Redeemer, Jesus Christ.

May they be living, breathing, growing part of our lives.

I love you all,

President Gardner

08/22/2026

President Gardner's Weekly Message - Our Bishops

Earlier this month, we reorganized the bishoprics in the Taylorsville 4th Ward and the Paradise Ward. For a stake presidency, these moments are some of the most precious and revelatory experiences in our time of service. And we feel the weight of these decisions keenly. The process of selecting the person the Lord has prepared to be the next bishop is one we take very seriously. We receive recommendations from the departing bishop, from the high council, then prayerfully counsel together as a presidency. Having each previously served as bishops, we have a keen sense of what this call means for the person selected, for their spouse and family, and for the ward. But we also know the Lord is in charge and He will make His will known.

I can testify with firm conviction that He has made His choice clear to us each time this responsibility has come to us.

As I have said many times and in many different settings, I believe every member of the church should read and re-read Sections 1-4 of the General Handboook. They will help you understand your relationship to God and the role of His church better than any other book I can think of. Today, though, I’m encouraging every member to read Section 7 of the General Handbook titled “The Bishopric”. When you do, you will see that our Bishops have enormous responsibility and trust placed in them. Generally speaking, they must “grow into the calling” as there are many circumstances and situations that will be new to them. But as I mentioned, the Lord always prepares them sufficiently to begin their service by giving them a willing heart and a strong desire to serve their fellow ward members.

We have all heard the jokes about not knowing whether to express condolences or congratulations to the person called:)

But in my interactions and interviews with each of these choice men the Lord has called, I find they are serving joyfully and feel great gratitude for the blessings the Lord pours down on them and their families. Yes, the call is difficult for the Bishop, his spouse, and their children. Undoubtedly, sacrifices will be made. But there is no better employer than our Savior. His compensation is beyond anything we can imagine or acquire in worldly terms.

I typically interview each bishop around four times per year, but we are in communication very frequently about the circumstances and challenges that arise in the wards and in the lives of our fellow saints. One of those interviews each year includes their dear wives who operate in their roles without the benefit of a handbook or manual.

Without exception, I find our bishops and their wives to be persons of the highest character and aspirations. They are not perfect, and neither are their children, but they are striving under very taxing circumstances to be the best examples they can be of the Lord’s love and charity.

So we extend our deepest gratitude to the two departing bishops this month. We welcome and heartily congratulate our two new bishops and their counselors to the High Priest Quorum of the Taylorsville Stake.

We pray each day for them, for their families, and for ourselves as we seek to work together and Joyfully Gather Israel One by One in Christ.

I love you all,

President Gardner

08/15/2026

President Gardner's Weekly Message: Turning Up Our Intensity

In a few short weeks, the Sunday Schedule format will change. This is only the latest fulfillment of President Nelson’s prophetic comments back in 2018, which he called “exciting”!

Since the this recent announcement was made back in March of this year, I have had numerous conversations with friends, fellow stake presidents, and current or former stake and ward leaders.

Everyone seems to have an opinion about whether this change is good…or not.

And, not surprisingly, I also have an opinion.

However, in our most recent Coordinating Council meeting, our Area Seventy, Elder Timothy Barney, suggested that rather than talking about OUR opinions, our energy and time would be much better spent reflecting on three questions posed by Elder Bednar…that can help us to receive revelation.

Why are prophets making this change NOW?
What will or can we learn from this change?
How will this change bless our lives?

How would you answer these questions?

As I have prayerfully considered this schedule change with the help of Elder Bednar’s questions, I have begun to understand two things.

What I think, may not be the most important thing to focus on.
It is probably much more important for me to focus on what the prophet…thinks and what the Lord thinks.

When President Nelson said it would be critical to our spiritual survival to have the constant guidance of the Holy Ghost, did he mean now…or some time in the future?

When President Oaks reiterated this statement and added to it in his first public speech after becoming the President of the church, warning that we live in a day of deception, did he mean now…or some time in the future?

I am grateful for prophetic voices that have shielded and protected us from unseen dangers in the past. I pray we will not ignore those trusted voices now.

As stake leaders, we pray that every member, teacher, and leader will allow this change in format to help us increase the intensity of our weekly Christ-centered worship, increase the intensity of our personal and family gospel study at home, and increase the intensity of our ministering efforts with neighbors.

Here is one more question that has come to my mind…

How will these changes and my attitude toward them help me prepare for the Second Coming of the Redeemer?

May we joyfully tackle this new schedule change and increase our intensity to gather Israel one by one in Christ.

I love you all.

President Gardner

08/07/2026

This week’s message: Following Him

As you may recall, last week I began a discussion of some of the factors necessary for our successful journey back home to our Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ. I suggested that the first and most important factor is the gift of the atonement of Jesus Christ, which makes repentance and the resurrection possible for us.

This week, I’d like to suggest that the second most important factor, is OUR WILLINGNESS to follow Jesus Christ…to “let God prevail” in every aspect of our lives.

Each of us comes into this world with the God-given ability to choose what and who we will follow. We refer to this ability as agency…as in “the agency of man”. It is one of the highest principles of operation in the universe that God will not force us to choose to follow Him. He will invite, reason, and seek to persuade us. And as Elder Patrick Kearon has taught, He will “relentlessly pursue“ us. But He will not coerce or force us against our will.

Elder Neal A. Maxwell taught,

“The submission of one's will is really the only uniquely personal thing we have to place on God's altar.”

Our choices are the expression of our will and carry with them natural consequences. Every choice we make in accordance with God’s will is a step upward in our journey back home.

Jesus Christ is our perfect example of “letting God prevail” and of “submitting His will to the Father”. His stated purpose in life was simply and always to do the will of the Father. (John 6:38)

When we make and keep covenants with God, we receive increased light, joy, and glory in this life. We also yoke or bind ourselves to Him as companions or partners such that when the inevitable temptations and storms of life come, we have His light and power to shield and comfort us. The more frequently we choose His will, the greater the glory and light we receive...the more we become like Him. (Christofferson) (Spanish)

Of course, submitting our will and choosing His will is much easier said than done. That is why, in His wisdom, our Father provided a Savior. That is also why He provided a church with priesthood authority to create sacred spaces and authorized prophet-teachers and ministers to inspire and guide us. Today, more than at any other time in history, we have access to temple worship and the teachings of inspired leaders…to help us navigate successfully back to our Father in an age of great deception. (Matthew 24:24)

My hope and prayer is that each of us will avail ourselves of the gifts God has provided and daily affirm our personal commitment to follow the Savior.

I promise that as we do, we can receive His strength and His light, which will illuminate our perspective

I love you all.

President Gardner

08/03/2026

This week’s message: The Power to Save - Pioneers

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” (Matthew 11:29)

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13)

Even the harshest of critics recognize the pioneer journey to the Salt Lake Valley in 1847 as a heroic and faith-filled chapter in history. And, although we may appreciate them, honor them, and admire their accomplishment, it is difficult, if not impossible, for us to fully understand or even imagine what they experienced.

From their diaries and journals, we get a brief glimpse of the determination, strength, and faith by which they traveled the trail and built a thriving network of colonies in the intermountain West… and beyond.

And as we celebrate and remember our pioneer ancestry of this dispensation, our study of the Old Testament helps us realize and remember that for followers of the God of Israel, “pioneer journeys” are the rule, not the exception. Not only are church history and every book of Scripture replete with examples of these journeys, but even our temple worship is a symbol of our individual journey back to the “promised land”... the presence of our Father in Heaven.

No wonder modern-day prophets have emphasized in their teachings (and made it increasingly possible) for all of us to frequently and regularly worship in these sacred spaces as a means to help us maintain an eternal perspective and endure faithfully to the end of our journey.

Temple worship helps us joyfully “wend our way” on our personal pioneer journey through life. It gives us the power and revelation needed to face our 21st-century challenges just as they faced theirs.

As we recall the journeys of our fellow pioneers throughout history, we may well ask, What are the essential factors needed to successfully complete our journey?

Strength
Skill
Preparation
Faith
Persistence
Desire
Discipline
Prayer
Testimony
Friendship

What factors have you found most helpful in your journey?

In coming weeks, I’d like to consider some of these, but I would like to begin with this assertion… that the single most important factor in OUR success is the great atoning sacrifice of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Without Him and His great atonement. No special ability or effort of our own could ever be sufficient to achieve our redemption.

I have a personal witness of this truth, and I pray each of you have as well.

And I hope we each are very intentional about taking time daily to express our deep gratitude for Him, for His gospel, and for His ultimate sacrifice. It is only through His power that we are saved.

Happy Pioneer Day…and Hallelujah; Jesus Christ is our Redeemer.

I love you all,

President Gardner

PS. We are doing our best to ensure every member of the stake is familiar with and remembers the Utah Area Vision and Plan.

Please take a moment to review, recall, and even share with a member to whom you minister.

Utah Area Vision:

Joyfully Gathering Israel One by One in Christ
Feasting upon the words of living prophets and the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon—the Lord’s instrument of gathering
Searching after and rescuing the one, while ministering faithfully to the ninety-nine.
Walking the covenant path intent on receiving—and helping others receive—eternal blessings and a greater measure of God’s power in the House of the Lord.

07/26/2026

President Gardner's Weekly Message: Waiting upon the Lord

I recently had a conversation with a dear sister who recommended I re-read or re-listen to a talk given in 2011 by Elder Robert D. Hales entitled “Waiting upon the Lord”. I took her advice and made time on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday to do this and feel very grateful to my friend for her suggestion.

You may recall that Elder Hales had a remarkably successful business career before being called as a General Authority. In 1994 he was called as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve, where he served valiantly until his death in 2017. In his later years, he suffered from some very daunting medical issues, yet maintained a cheerful demeanor and continued his service as an Apostle.

In this talk, already visibly suffering the effects of age and illness, he began with a simple question…

“...Why is it that the Son of God and His holy prophets and all the faithful Saints have trials and tribulations, even when they are trying to do Heavenly Father’s will? Why is it so hard, especially for them?”

How would you respond to his question?

The scriptures and church history are full of examples showing that those who serve God are not exempt from the trials of mortality. In fact, in some cases, it appears as though the trials may even increase in frequency, duration, and depth BECAUSE of their service.

Why?

I would never pretend to understand all the Father’s purposes, but Elder Hales offers this explanation…

“These mortal challenges allow us and our Heavenly Father to see whether we will exercise our agency to follow His Son. He already knows, and we have the opportunity to learn, that no matter how difficult our circumstances, “all these things shall [be for our] experience, and … [our] good.”

Does this mean we will always understand our challenges? Won’t all of us, sometime, have reason to ask, “O God, where art thou?” Yes! When a spouse dies, a companion will wonder. When financial hardship befalls a family, a father will ask. When children wander from the path, a mother and father will cry out in sorrow. Yes, “weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” Then, in the dawn of our increased faith and understanding, we arise and choose to wait upon the Lord, saying, “Thy will be done.”

It takes true commitment and devotion to remain joyfully faithful to our covenants in the face of exhausting and difficult trials…that may remain with us until the end of our lives.

But perhaps even more importantly, it takes TRUST in God and sincere HUMILITY to allow experiences borne from His wisdom… to do their redeeming, glorifying, and perfecting work in us.

I love you all,

President Gardner

PS. We are doing our best to ensure every member of the stake is familiar with and remembers the Utah Area Vision and Plan.

Please take a moment to review, recall and even share to a member to whom you minister.

Utah Area Vision:

Joyfully Gathering Israel One by One in Christ

Feasting upon the words of living prophets and the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon—the Lord’s instrument of gathering

Searching after and rescuing the one, while ministering faithfully to the ninety-nine.

Walking the covenant path intent on receiving—and helping others receive—eternal blessings and a greater measure of God’s power in the House of the Lord.

07/20/2026

President Gardner's Weekly Message: The saviors of Israel

For the past few months, I have been heavily involved with interviewing and working with young sisters and brothers who are finalizing their preparations to serve a mission and departing. At the same time, I have been interviewing young sisters and brothers who are returning from their missionary service. These moments, though hectic and demanding, are some of the most joyful and rewarding a stake president gets to experience. To see the faith and trust of those leaving and then witness the assured and faithful confidence of those returning is an awesome sight.

With this as a backdrop, I enjoyed a slightly different perspective as I re-read the story of David and Goliath a few weeks ago.

Here are some thoughts that came to me as I explored 1 Samuel…

As a boy, whether David knew it or not, he was being prepared for a moment that lay in his future. He was obedient to parents and the Lord, and passed through challenging experiences that gave him strength, skill, and faith in God.
When David heard the challenge of Goliath to the armies of Israel, he was surprised that no one was answering because of his faith and confidence in the promises of God.
When he presented himself as the answer to Goliath’s challenge, his brothers and the king did not recognize him as their savior (lower case s). He did not look like a champion of Israel. He was too small, too inexperienced, they thought.
With the very survival of the nation at stake, the king and others were very reluctant to put their lives and futures in the hands of someone so young. He was just a “lad”.
When the king finally agreed to let David take on this challenge and represent Israel, he offered him the traditional armor and weapons of a warrior. But these were unfamiliar to David and did not fit him. They were of no value to him.

What lessons might we learn in 2026 from the story of Daniel?

Have we had some of these same thoughts and feelings when we look at the rising generation of children, youth and young adults?

Are we quick to judge…based on mischaracterizations or generalizations about the rising generation?

When he was finally given the opportunity to serve, David used the experiences and preparation he had received earlier in life, along with a healthy dose of faith in God, and BECAME the savior of the house of Israel on one fateful day. Despite his size, inexperience, and youth, the very non-traditional solution that was put into his heart and mind by God was exactly what was needed to preserve the entire nation of Israel.

His success that day was determined by his faith in God.

The success of Israel that day was determined by their faith in a young lad and THEIR faith in God.

Might this not be a great lesson for all of us?

When we look at our Primary children, the young women, and young men of the church, instead of focusing on OUR perceptions of THEIR limitations, might we not choose to see with an eye of faith and recognize their God-given potential and promise?

In 2022, President Russell M. Nelson said that this generation of young people has the capacity to have “more impact [for good] on the world than any previous generation.”

From Elder Gary E. Stevenson’s most recent General Conference address, we receive this wise and prescient counsel.

In the perilous times in which we live, the rising generation needs a defense and refuge from the storm. We can contribute to this effort by investing time and teaching. There is no greater need and no greater return on this investment than when it is made with Primary children, young men, young women, and young adults.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf has promised that as we do our part in teaching, nurturing, and then trusting in God to work His miracles, “the result will be more beautiful and more stunning and more joyful than anything you could accomplish just by yourself.”

How do we do this?

By motivating, teaching, and encouraging our young people to receive the holy name of Jesus Christ in their hearts and minds, to joyfully take up the cross of Christ, and to walk in holiness as His disciples and emissaries.

We teach this, “that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins,” even Jesus Christ.

Inspire them to “sincerely and persistently do the spiritual work needed to develop the crucial, spiritual skill of learning how to hear the whisperings of the Holy Ghost, [giving them] all the direction [they] will ever need in [their lives].”

These precious souls are beings of potential beyond measure whose destiny it is to walk through eternity in halls of celestial glory.

Teach the rising generation to know, love, and emulate their Savior, Jesus Christ. “He is the strength of youth.”

They will respond.

As older Covenant Keeping Zion Builders, our role is to respect, teach, strengthen, and support the rising generation…and recognize them as the true leaders they already are.

May we intentionally give the children, youth, and young adults of our stake a meaningful voice in councils and leadership roles in the work of building Zion.

I think it is interesting that when Jesus Christ, presented Himself to the people of His day, the political and priestly rulers did not recognize Him as THEIR Savior…the Savior of all mankind. He did not look or act like they imagined He SHOULD. Like David, centuries before, they would not accept Jesus’ “non-traditional” gospel teachings.

But He WAS the true Savior. And He IS the true Savior now. He IS the true solution to all our challenges.

Let us go forward with joy and rejoicing together as parents, grandparents, children, youth, and young adults to receive the power of God and build Zion together.

I love you all,

President Gardner

PS. We are doing our best to ensure every member of the stake is familiar with and remembers the Utah Area Vision and Plan.

Please take a moment to review, recall and even share to a member to whom you minister.

Utah Area Vision:

Joyfully Gathering Israel One by One in Christ
Feasting upon the words of living prophets and the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon—the Lord’s instrument of gathering
Searching after and rescuing the one, while ministering faithfully to the ninety-nine.
Walking the covenant path intent on receiving—and helping others receive—eternal blessings and a greater measure of God’s power in the House of the Lord.

Taylorsville Utah Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

08/29/2026

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