General Conference - October 2024

Please see below for the official announcement letter from the Stake:

Dear Tokyo South Stake, 

On behalf of the Stake Presidency, I would like announce the October 2024 General Conference viewing schedule for the Tokyo South Stake. General Conference will take place on October 5th & 6th in Salt Lake City. However, due to the time difference, our stake will observe it one week later. As such, the schedule for our stake will be as follows:

• October 6th: Fast and Testimony Meeting; all other church meetings held as usual

• October 12th: Saturday Sessions of General Conference

• October 13th: Sunday Sessions of General Conference

No church meetings or activities should be scheduled on October 12th or 13th. The church building may be used to broadcast General Conference, but otherwise the buildings should be closed throughout the weekend. During this dedicated weekend to view General Conference, we encourage families to gather in their homes, invite others to view the sessions together, and use it as an opportunity to minister to others.

We look forward to being able to spend a full weekend dedicated to hearing the words of the Lord's servants during the next General Conference.

Musical Fireside on August 14 at 6:00pm

The Tokyo North Mission is hosting an event on August 14 at 6:00pm featuring Nik and Darla Day. The Days have graciously offered to put on a musical fireside in which they will use music to teach gospel principles.

From President Tueller, the mission president:

“The target audience is non-member friends who are investigating the gospel. Missionaries are invited to bring their friends. If those being taught are also being fellowshipped by a young member or YSA, they may attend with the investigator and the missionaries. Otherwise, they are invited to participate over Zoom using the link in the flyer.”

They hope to have around 200 people including missionaries and friends.

Young Men Invictus Camp - June 11 to June 15

Invictus Camp is almost here!

We will be meeting at the Yokota Air Base Chapel on June 11th by 3:00 pm for those with Base access.

For those without Base access, the plan is to meet at the Yokota LDS church building at 2:00 p.m. on June 11th. (Check with your ward/branch leaders regarding travel to and from the event!)

Camp will be finished by 10:30 a.m. on June 15th.

Please ensure that you have paid the camp fee of $200 for each attendee to your respective Bishopric/Branch Presidency. It was due on May 15th.  Please also make sure you’ve have your parent/guardian sign and turn in the permission/medical release form to your local Bishopric/Branch Presidecy.

Please find below the packing list for the week. Ensure to bring your government issued ID, you will not be able to attend camp without this. Let's also learn from last year...and bring and apply sunscreen...:)

Youth leaders from each unit have planned activities. We are confident it will be an incredible experience and look forward to having you all at Invictus Camp!

Packing List

CASUAL CLOTHING FOR FOUR DAYS

• Pants, jeans, or shorts

• Shirts

• Socks/underwear

• Comfortable shoes for walking (there is a lot of walking)

• Hiking shoes

• Pajamas

• Swimsuit / rashguard

• Water shoes with backstrap for the rafting/canyoning day (can rent at the venue for 300 yen, not covered by Stake)

OTHER ITEMS

• Government issued ID with picture (passport, base ID, other)

• Signed permission slip / Medical release

• Sunscreen (remember what happened last year?!)

• Sleeping bag, or blankets/sheets, pillow, with mat/pad (we will be sleeping on floor)

• Eye mask and ear plugs (for those early/light sleepers)

• Backpack/daypack

• Towel

• Hat for sun protection

• Rain poncho (durable in case of multiple day usage)

• Water bottle (stay hydrated)

• Personal toiletry items (sunscreen, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, bug spray, etc.)

• Personal medications (prescriptions, cough drops, etc.)

• Spending money (for snacks, water shoe rental, incidentals, or emergencies)

• Scriptures (hard copy or electronic)

• Journal and pens/pencils

• Snacks for free time and evening

• Favorite board/card game

• Alarm clock

• Optional: instruments, etc. (bring at your own risk)

We strongly discourage participants from bringing electronic devices (laptops, tablets, gaming systems, etc.). We cannot guarantee the security of these items. In-line skates, skateboards, hover boards, and other athletic equipment are not allowed.

Label your luggage and personal items to avoid confusion and mix-ups.

CLOTHING GUIDELINES

• Be neat, clean, and appropriate in your clothing and grooming.

• Avoid being extreme or inappropriately casual in clothing, hairstyle, or behavior.

• Footwear should be appropriate for the activity and worn in all public areas.

Stake Priesthood Gathering & Campout - April 26 2024

The stake is pleased to announce a stake priesthood gathering and campout at the Tama Hills Recreation Center on April 26, 2024.

All Priesthood holders are invited to attend as Friday evening we will commemorate the 195th anniversary of the restoration of the priesthood.

Campsites have been reserved for all who desire to stay over. Please note that this is tent camping. Overnight stay is optional - feel free to join only for the activities on Friday, April 26.

Friends are welcome! Toddlers/children also welcome (males). 

-Anyone >15 will require base access in advance by providing details below.

-Campfire Gathering at 8:30 pm at amphitheater behind campsite #1.

-Bring your own dinner

-Breakfast provided

Please sign up at the link provided.

Other locations were considered but could not accommodate such a large gathering (or they didn’t allow fires, etc.). Any ideas for future activity locations are welcome.

Misawa and Iwakuni are encouraged to hold local events with assistance from the High Counselors from their respective units.

We look forward to celebrating the 195th anniversary of the restoration of the priesthood with you.

Stake Youth Dance on April 27 (Fri.) @ 7:00pm

It’s time to sport your most dazzling look and come enjoy a night of glamor and celebrity!
Walk the red carpet, get your photo taken, and you may even leave the night with an Oscar!
There will be plenty of food and fun to be had, and of course, dancing! We can’t wait to see you there!

Who: All stake youth (ages 13-18)

What: Stake Youth Dance

Where: Temple Annex building

When: April 27, 7:00pm to 10:00pm

Why: To have fun!

How: In style 😎

Devotional Broadcast with BYU President Reese on Sunday, May 12th at 7pm

All are invited to watch the upcoming devotional broadcast given by President C. Shane Reese, president of BYU, together with Sister Reese. The devotional will be given from the Ibaraki meetinghouse, and broadcast to Japan, Korea, and Mongolia.

BYU Noteworthy and Vocal Point will also be performing.

Full details can be found at the link below (English follows Japanese):

https://jp.churchofjesuschrist.org/2405-areawide-devo

At his inauguration, President Reese said the following about BYU:

“I love BYU and its mission. I love our students. They warm the world with their faith and brighten it with their light. I love my consecrated colleagues — faculty and staff — who labor tirelessly to make our inspired mission a reality for our students.”

The official flier and letter from the Area Presidency can be found below:

Seminary Graduation on Sunday, June 2 @ 5pm

We will be celebrating the accomplishments of those that have finished another year of seminary.

When: Sunday June 2nd @ 5 pm

Where: Tokyo Temple Annex

Who is invited: All seminary students (not just seniors), their families, and teachers

Meeting Time: 5 - 6 pm

Pot luck dinner to follow from 6pm - 7pm

Note: We invite those that are in Iwakuni or Misawa to meet together as a seminary class and we will provide your Bishopric/Branch Presidency with a link to the broadcast.  

*Update
The food assignments have been broken up by units as follows. Hopefully, this is not the first time you are hearing about this, but if it is please bring something with you to share.

Tokyo 1st - Main Dishes
Tokyo 2nd - Side Dishes
Zama - Desserts
Yokota - Side Dishes
Yokosuka - Main Dishes

Thank you all for your efforts in seminary this year!

Please reach out to Brother Brett Withers if you have any questions regarding this event.

FSY 2024 Coming This Summer! Save the Dates: June 17 to 22

Asia North Area's (English speaking) For the Strength of Youth (FSY) Conference will be held this summer!

Please talk to your local Youth leaders for details such as location, registration, cost, etc.

Below is a message from the session directors, Brother and Sister Browne:

“We are so grateful to be part of FSY this coming year! FSY is designed to help and uplift you no matter where you are on your spiritual journey. You will make eternal friends, strengthen your testimony of Christ, and leave with unforgettable memories. We know that the Lord sees you, He knows you by name, He knows what you need, He loves you eternally, and He will always be there for you when you call on Him. You are not alone!”

Please find the official Facebook page below:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1077131903613824

We hope all eligible youth consider attending FSY. All youth who attend pledge to follow the principles found in the For the Strength of Youth guide. Those who attend will have the opportunity to strengthen their testimony, meet many new friends, and develop a better relationship with Jesus Christ.

For Young Single Adults/Single Adults, 19-40 years old, who are interested in serving as FSY counselors, and have a current temple recommend, please contact your Stake or District President.

Orphan Graduate Care Package Humanitarian Project on March 9 @ 9:30am

In March there will be a humanitarian service project for the youth in which we will prepare care packages for 23 orphans who will be graduating from children’s homes and preparing to live on their own. Each package will contain hygiene & cleaning supplies, housewares (ie. plates, utensils, cookware, towels), food, and a card. In addition, we will be preparing goody bags and cards for future humanitarian projects.

Below are the details:

Date: March 9th

Time: 9:30 - 11:30 followed by  lunch from 11:30 -12:30 (or finish) 

Location: Temple Annex Building

Participants: Youth from both the Tokyo South Stake (Kanto Plains only) and the Tokyo Japanese Stake.

Fill out the sign-up form here!

In addition, there will be two General Authorities joining us: Brothers Mark L.Pace, Sunday School General President, and Brad Wilcox, 1st Councilor in Young Men General Presidency.

There will also be a Youth Fireside on Sunday, March 10th at 7pm which will be broadcast via Zoom.

Nationwide Youth and Parents Devotional on March 10 @ 5pm

On March 10, there will be a nationwide youth and parents devotional given by President Mark L. Pace, Sunday School General President, and President Bradley R. Wilcox, 1st Counselor in the Young Men General Presidency. Below are the details:

Who’s Invited: All youth and parents

Date/Time: Sunday, March 10 @ 5:00pm - 6:30pm

Location: Tokyo Temple Annex. For those who are unable to come, online viewing will also be available (see https://jp.churchofjesuschrist.org/202403-Youth-Devo)

This is a great opportunity to hear from some of our leaders and be spiritually strengthened!