Bishops and branch presidents have many responsibilities that can be delegated — but they cannot pass on responsibility for sacrament meetings, said Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve.
"You preside and are thus responsible for both the spirit and the content of these meetings," he said.
Sacrament meeting is the one ward or branch meeting attended as a family, the basic unit of the Church.
"Teach your family and members to arrive well before sacrament meeting begins," Elder Nelson told bishops and branch presidents. "Teach them that we attend, as the Lord commanded, to receive the sacrament and renew our covenants. It is the highlight of our Sabbath-day observance."
The sacramental prayers, Elder Nelson said, contain covenants and a promise. "We covenant to take upon us the name of Jesus Christ and keep His commandments," he said. "We eat the broken bread in remembrance of His body. We drink the water in remembrance of His blood that was shed for us. And we witness that we will always remember Him. The promise: we will always have His Spirit to be with us."
With these doctrines in mind, bishops and branch presidents should plan sacrament meeting thoughtfully. Focus on the Lord and teach of His Atonement, His example and the doctrines of the gospel, Elder Nelson said. Invitations to speak should be extended well in advance and include clear instructions on topic assigned and time allotted. Let those who pray include members who are not often called upon.
Elder Nelson added departing missionaries may be given an opportunity to speak in sacrament meetings, but their family members and friends should not be invited to speak. Returning missionaries and youth from the ward or branch should also be invited to speak in sacrament meetings. Consider calling members to serve as greeters and ushers.
"Please ensure that these meetings begin and end on time and are not overprogrammed," Elder Nelson said. Bishops and branch presidents should teach their music directors that the hymns of the Church are the basic music for worship services and the standard for congregational singing. Other appropriate selelctions may be used for prelude and postlude music, choir and special musical selelctions.
"Ideally, you would have a choir in your unit, with an invitation to sing periodically," Elder Nelson said.
"Each member of the Church bears responsibility for the spiritual enrichment that can come from a sacrament meeting."
