Policies and Announcements

Temple Clothing

The First Presidency issued the following letter, dated 6 October 1998, to be read aloud in sacrament meetings worldwide:

“We encourage all endowed members to have their own temple clothing and to use it when performing temple ordinances. Those who do not have their own temple clothing can obtain what is needed through Church distribution outlets. For a period of time, a substantial discount will be provided to assist members in acquiring their initial set of temple clothing. Members should present a current temple recommend when purchasing temple clothing.

“Church distribution outlets also provide pre-cut fabric from which temple clothing can be sewn. These pre-cut materials replace all previous sewing patterns and instructions. Temple clothing should be sewn only by endowed members under the direction of stake and ward Relief Society presidents.

“Great blessings come to those who regularly attend the temple. The preparation and care of one’s own temple clothing will enhance the feeling of reverence and gratitude for this sacred work.”

Member Care of Church Meetinghouses

The First Presidency issued the following letter, dated 28 October 1998, to priesthood leaders throughout the Church:

“We are asking Church members to assume a greater responsibility for cleaning and caring for Church meetinghouses. Aaronic Priesthood quorums should play a prominent role in fulfilling this responsibility. They may be assisted by young women of corresponding ages. From this service, young people can deepen their reverence and feelings of respect for the house of the Lord.

“Bishoprics and branch presidencies should enlist their youth to be part of this weekly activity. They may participate in this responsibility as family members, quorums, or classes. Some of the weekly tasks that may be assigned are shown on the enclosed sheet. [Suggested assignments include cleaning rest room floors and counters and replacing paper products; sweeping the cultural hall floor, platform area, and exterior entrance walks; cleaning the sacrament preparation areas; cleaning grounds, parking lots, and adjacent Church-owned property; preparing the meetinghouse for Sunday worship; removing snow from sidewalks as needed; and planting, weeding, and caring for flower beds.]

“Some tasks, such as snow removal, may need to be done on the Sabbath. Where possible, most of the cleaning tasks should be accomplished as part of ongoing weekly youth activities. Local priesthood leaders should determine the details of how to organize and carry out the work.”

Scripture Availability

The Office of the Presiding Bishopric recently sent a letter to priesthood leaders that stated: “In an effort to provide members with scriptures at the most economical prices, the Salt Lake Distribution Center now offers all styles of scriptures printed in English, including quadruple combinations and deluxe styles.” The Salt Lake Distribution Center also provides personalized name embossing of scriptures.

To order or find out more about scriptures, members in the United States and Canada may contact the Salt Lake Distribution Center at 800-537-5971 or, in the Salt Lake area, at 240-3800. Members outside the United States and Canada may contact their local Church distribution center. The Presiding Bishopric’s letter noted that commercial bookstores will continue to carry LDS editions of the scriptures.