CHURCH STARTS AT 12 NOON IN 2026

Fasting is one of the most powerful ways we can align our hearts with the Savior. Throughout His mortal ministry, Jesus Christ taught that some blessings come only through prayer and fasting (Matthew 17:21). I’ve often thought of fasting as an underutilized secret weapon. When we fast, we temporarily set aside physical needs to declare something deeper: that we trust God more than we trust our own strength. Fasting invites humility, sharpens spiritual sensitivity, and creates space for the Spirit to work more fully in our lives. It is not about persuading God to change His will, but about allowing our will to become more closely aligned with His.

Scriptures teach that fasting has often been associated with collective needs—times of drought, danger, or deep concern (Joel 1:14). When God’s people fast together, unity is strengthened and faith is multiplied. As we respond to our stake leaders’ invitation to fast for rain and snow during this unusually dry season, we do so remembering that the Lord is mindful of both temporal and spiritual needs. He who calmed storms and fed multitudes understands our dependence upon Him.

As we participate in this special fast, we invite each member of the ward to approach it prayerfully and intentionally. Whether the answer comes quickly or unfolds over time, fasting draws us closer to Jesus Christ—the source of living water. As we turn to Him with faith, humility, and unity, we trust that He will bless our land, our homes, and our hearts in ways that strengthen our discipleship and deepen our reliance upon Him.

With love,

Bishop Finlinson

Jared and I were both raised in Upstate New York. We met at a YSA activity after we returned from our missions when we were both undergrads. We were married in the Palmyra temple in August 2000. In 2012, we moved from New York to Utah when Jared was hired at BYU.  We have lived in Mapleton for the past 10 years with our four children. 

Joy is 13. She is in 8th grade at MMJS. She plays the violin and the bass. Her name fits her personality; Joy is truly a Joy. She is perpetually happy looking for the positive things in life. She loves to be around people. She is aware of others and quietly serves them. Joy has the ability to find the best in every person and in every situation. She is constantly learning and developing new talents. She is a peacemaker.

Eden is 15. She is in 9th grade at MMJS. She plays the trumpet and is in the MMHS Marching Band. Eden loves to follow rules and is diligent in all of her endeavors. When Eden makes a promise/commitment, she will do everything possible to fulfill that promise/commitment. Eden is very reliable and goal driven while simultaneously aware of the world around her. She loves to read and LOVES, LOVES, LOVES all sports. She is NOT a NY Yankees fan, however, but is a fan of the Buffalo Bills. She also thinks the Toronto Blue Jays are pretty great too.

Michael is 18. He is a senior at MMHS. He will graduate from high school in May and is preparing to serve a mission after graduation. He hopes to submit his mission papers this month. Mike has a lot of interests and talents. He enjoys dirt biking, ATVs, boating, hiking, fishing, mountain biking, and fixing cars. Mike and his friend are currently fixing a jet ski to sell. Mike enjoys sports. This past year he has been stunting with the MMHS Cheer and Stunting Team. Last week they won the 5A co-ed state championship. Mike plays several musical instruments; his favorite is the guitar. In January, he won 2nd place in the MMHS talent show. In his free time, he works at Quick Quack Car Wash in Salem. 

Tori is 22. She returned from her mission in July 2025. She served in the Dallas West mission as a Spanish-speaking missionary and continues to help support missionaries in the field through various forums and podcasts. She is currently a student at BYU majoring in International Relations with plans to go to law school. She currently attends a YSA ward. When she is not in class, she works at KBYU radio and as a sound engineer for several podcasts. She enjoys playing the piano and viola.

Jared and I stay busy with our children's various activities, our careers and whatever home improvement project I find on Pinterest. Jared is always building or fixing something. Even though Jared and I have very different interests and talents, over the past 25 years of our marriage, we realize the things we have in common have made all of the difference in our lives. Our testimonies of the Savior, the Gospel, The Book of Mormon, our earthly and eternal goals have helped strengthen our marriage and our family. We are grateful for the chance we have to live in Utah. It is a blessing to live where church and Gospel principles can be prevalent in our lives if we choose to take the opportunities that are granted to us.

Presiding: Bishop Finlinson

Conducting: Bishop Finlinson

Music Director: Will Dyer

Organist: Pam Tippetts

Announcements

Opening Hymn: #284 "If You Could Hie to Kolob" - The whole congregation will sing verses 1 & 2, men and boys will sing verse 3, women and girls sing verse 4, and all together again for verse 5.

Opening Prayer: Laurie Parrotti

Ward Business

Sacrament Hymn: #1009 "Gethsemane"

Administration of the Sacrament

Bearing of Testimonies

Closing Hymn: #49 "Adam-ondi-Ahman"

Closing Prayer: Jared Parrotti