Church Policies and Announcements

The following notices recently appeared in Messages, which is sent to local priesthood leaders as official guidelines from Church headquarters:

Roster of Services for Deaf Members. A list of units providing interpretation services for deaf members is now available to bishops and branch presidents who may have use for it. Deaf members who are traveling or moving will find the roster helpful in locating wards or facilities adapted for their needs. Copies may be obtained at no cost by writing or visiting Personal Welfare Services, 7th floor, Church Office Building, Salt Lake City, Utah 84150, or by calling (801) 531–2847.

Scheduling 1977 New Year’s Eve Parties. Where New Year’s Eve socials sponsored by Church organizations or units are held on 31 December 1977, the First Presidency recommends that stake presidents set an alternate Sunday for observing fast day. Dancing or similar activities should be discontinued at midnight, but provision may be made to serve a late supper or early breakfast from midnight to 1:00 or 1:30 A.M. Participants would then be free to go home immediately thereafter and be available for regular Sunday meetings.

Attendance at Dedicatory Services at São Paulo Temple. Many Church members who reside outside the São Paulo Temple district appear to be planning to attend dedicatory services at the temple. Members who do not live in the São Paulo Temple district will not be invited to attend the dedicatory services. Available seating for these services will only accommodate the worthy members living in the temple district. Others planning to attend the São Paulo Temple should delay their visit until several weeks after the temple dedication.