Pilot Stakes Testing Consolidated Meeting Schedule

The Church is initiating a four-week experimental program in fifteen stakes to study the most effective meeting schedules for meeting the needs of individuals and families. One reason for the study is the increase in transportation costs.

A spokesman for the Church explained that the pilot stakes have been assigned to experiment with various meeting schedules and formats. After the pilot programs have been completed, all the various experiments will be evaluated by the General Authorities, who will then determine what—if any—program will be approved and announced to the Church at large for general implementation.

Generally the plans involve scheduling all priesthood, sacrament, and auxiliary meetings within a three-hour time block on Sundays with fewer activities being held on weekdays and evenings.

The spokesman emphasized that no action will be taken until the experiments in the pilot stakes have been completed and thoroughly evaluated.

The stakes assigned to participate in the experimental study are: Salt Lake Monument Park, Sandy Utah Crescent, Orem Utah Windsor, Orem Utah South, Salt Lake Ensign, Ogden Utah East, Bountiful Utah East, Sandy Springs Georgia, Portland Oregon, Los Angeles California Granada Hills, Meridian Idaho East, Rapid City South Dakota, State College Pennsylvania, Fallon Nevada, and Boston Massachusetts.

The pilot stakes started the program on September 30.