LDS Church names new Bishops

Lincoln wards of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as Mormons, saw changes in leadership recently as ward boundaries were realigned and two new bishops were called.Leaders in the church serve without pay and bishops usually serve as leaders of their congregations approximately five years.The church has grown in the Lincoln area from about 100 members in the early '60s to more than 1,700 members in Lincoln at the present time, making up three wards or congregations and one branch for Spanish-speaking members. The newly called bishops are Jason Merrill and John Brasher. Merrill and his wife Diana have four children. He moved to Lincoln two years ago after completing a master's program at Arizona State University. He is employed as a supply chain manager at Hewlitt Packard in Roseville.Brasher, 33, and his wife Julie have three children and have lived in Lincoln for the last four years. He is a wholesale auto auctioneer.Both men serve in the capacity of spiritual leader of their local units and are part of the Rocklin California Stake, which includes the Rocklin, Loomis and Lincoln areas. Both men feel they are fortunate to live in Lincoln and are anxious to serve as spiritual leaders and to help share the Gospel of Jesus Christ through selfless service to others.As the church experiences growth in a particular area and numbers reach approximately 700 in each ward, boundaries are shifted and new wards created.Church membership in the greater Sacramento area has warranted construction of a temple, which is nearing completion just off Interstate 50. The public is invited to an open house at the Temple each day except Sunday from Saturday to August 31. Reservations are recommended and can be obtained on line at www.lds.org or by telephone at (800) 537-6214. There is no charge to attend the open house.Services are held locally in the Lincoln Chapel each Sunday at 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Scouting, sports and other youth activities, as well as humanitarian projects, are held throughout the week. Visitors are always welcome.