We will proceed with our live expo that is scheduled for Sept 23-25 at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy, Utah. Firm Foundation has no specific rules about masks or distancing only those that the Mountain America Expo Center says here and below. Face coverings and social distancing will no longer be required for those fully vaccinated.  We encourage those who have yet to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, and those 12 years of age and younger (not yet eligible for the vaccine), to continue to wear a face covering while inside our facility. 

Firm Foundation suggests you follow the laws of the State of Utah, and Salt Lake County. Below you will find the current rules about Covid.

Salt Lake County Covid Updates

It was announced on April 7, 2021 that when the Utah state mask mandate ends on April 10 that Salt Lake County will not be extending its mask mandate. Businesses may still require a mask and many businesses in the area have said they will. Please follow any signage at individual businesses. You can find more information on the Salt Lake County website.
 
Current Salt Lake County Health Order – with links to all COVID-19 related health orders in Salt Lake County
Salt Lake County COVID-19 Data Dashboard – infection statistics and hospitalization numbers

SALT PALACE CONVENTION CENTER/MOUNTAIN AMERICA EXPO

Internet accessed on Aug 14, 2021 9:32 pm.

• Face coverings and social distancing will no longer be required for those fully vaccinated.  We encourage those who have yet to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, and those 12 years of age and younger (not yet eligible for the vaccine), to continue to wear a face covering while inside our facility. 
• Private groups renting the facility can set more restrictive
• Self-reporting by athletes is no longer required

We are excited to see you Sept 23-25

Updated Speakers Schedule Here!

Below are a few opinions about the recent statement made by our leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Myself, along with everyone at Firm Foundation love the Lord and His Church with all of our hearts. These statements below are individual opinions and do not represent the position of the Firm Foundation or it’s employees. We share this information to help others understand that we are responsible for our own decisions and however you feel about this issue, that is your right. We believe you should have freedom of choice and opinion and we trust the Lord will bless you individually through faith and your personal decision.

Rian Nelson

“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is supporting the many good governments and qualified medical experts of the World and that is what they should do. I understand the Church must be supportive of anything that is in the best interest of the members based on the information they have been given. It is my opinion that we always take into consideration the leaders of our Church and make it a matter of prayer as well. President Nelson showed an example of following his beliefs by taking the “shot”, not to say that’s what we should do, but to say it is how he feels. I don’t believe it should be called a vaccine as it is officially classified by the FDA as “experimental”, and until we know exactly what is in the “shot” I will not take it myself. The Prophet did not command us to take it, but a statement from the Church on Jan 19, 2021, said, “the Church urges its members, employees and missionaries to be good global citizens and help quell the pandemic by safeguarding themselves and others through immunization. Individuals are responsible to make their own decisions about vaccination.” I feel I am being a great citizen by sharing with others a perspective from an active member in good standing and allowing each person to make up their own mind.

In this new statement by the Church in an email of Aug 12, 2021, it said, “we urge the use of face masks in public meetings whenever social distancing is not possible. To provide personal protection from such severe infections, we urge individuals to be vaccinated.” I do not have the same level of confidence in the current medical experts and very few of our government officials that the Brethren may have trust in. I know the only true Church, even, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is doing what it feels best for the world as a whole. It’s amazing to me how effective the Church is in this world-wide organization. With my study and prayer and considering the Church’s advisement, I decided to not wear a mask, and I will try to safely keep a distance with others that seem sensitive. Out of respect in some situations, I may choose to wear a mask. Also, I will not take the “shot”, as I have looked at the ingredients and I don’t want some of those substances in my body. I have taken safe vaccinations in the past, but I don’t have confidence in the current experimental gene therapy.

I would only recommend that each of you do what is best for yourself. After you research and study this situation, please take into consideration the advice of the Church, doctors you trust, and other reliable sources, and make your own decision, especially after much prayer. Also, I don’t believe others should be making decisions for my children especially ones that force them or mandate. I am the parent with a God-given responsibility, and I will make the decision for my children until they are 18. The Lord loves us all and He will bless us according to our faith, and the Lord loves us regardless of the decision we each make. What is right for me, may not be right for you. The plan of moral and free choice is a blessing from the Lord.

Joseph Smith said, “We have heard men who hold the priesthood remark that they would do anything they were told to do by those who preside over them even if they knew it was wrong; but such obedience is worse than folly to us; it is slavery in the extreme; and the man who would thus willingly degrade himself, should not claim a rank among intelligent beings, until he turns from his folly. A man of God would despise the idea. Others, in the extreme exercise of their almighty authority have taught that such obedience was necessary, and that no matter what the saints were told to do by their presidents, they should do it without any questions. When Elders of Israel will so far indulge in these extreme notions of obedience as to teach them to the people, it is generally because they have it in their hearts to do wrong themselves.” -Joseph Smith, (Jr. Joseph Smith, the Millennial Star, Vol 14, # 38, pages 593-595)

Elder Dallin H. Oaks said, “President [Marion G.] Romney then described one of Satan’s methods: “Satan is a skillful imitator, and as genuine gospel truth is given the world in ever-increasing abundance, so he spreads the counterfeit coin of false doctrine.” Our Strengths Can Become Our Downfall; Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

I feel the powers of Satan are doing their best to distract us, confuse us, force us, and make good look evil and evil look good. To me the purpose behind Covid which to me is a manufactured item and not a natural virus, purposely made to create fear and power. The powerful and elite want power and control over the masses in order to manipulate us however they choose. Our individual faith in Christ will protect us more than anything man may do.

“Satan uses every possible device to accomplish his purpose to degrade and enslave every soul. He attempts to distort and corrupt everything created for the good of man—sometimes by diluting that which is good, sometimes by camouflaging that which is evil. We generally think of Satan attacking us at our weakest spot. President Kimball described this technique when he said, “Lucifer and his followers know the habits, weaknesses, and vulnerable spots of everyone and take advantage of them to lead us to spiritual destruction” (Spencer W. Kimball, The Miracle of Forgiveness [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1969], pp. 218–19) …

I have heard of more than one group who are so intent on following the words of a dead prophet that they have rejected the teachings and counsel of the living ones… Following the prophet is a great strength, but it needs to be consistent and current lest it lead to the spiritual downfall that comes from rejecting continuous revelation. Under that principle, the most important difference between dead prophets and living ones is that those who are dead are not here to receive and declare the Lord’s latest words to his people. If they were, there would be no differences among the messages of the prophets.” Our Strengths Can Become Our Downfall Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

I agree with the Prophet Joseph Smith Jr., along with our current Prophet, Russell M. Nelson. I love them both and I know this Church is true and the Book of Mormon is the word of God. I realize that when the Prophet gives a revelation, it becomes doctrine, and I will always follow it as led by the Spirit. When the Leaders of the Church urge us or recommend something, they are doing their duty of warning, preaching, and trying to help us in this difficult world. Individual answers are all around each of us, and the Lord will guide us based on our faith, research, and study to know what is right. Personal revelation is most important as it comes from God. However, we must be hesitant to share personal revelation as if we are speaking for the Church or any other individual or Church leader. We are all accountable to Christ individually, not collectively.” Rian Nelson

Quotes submitted by Mike and Betty LaFontaine

“I say to you with all the fervor of my soul that God intended men to be free. Rebellion against tyranny is a righteous cause. It is an enormous evil for any man to be enslaved to any system contrary to his own will. For that reason men, 200 years ago, pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor.

No nation which has kept the commandments of God has ever perished, but I say to you that once freedom is lost, only blood – human blood – will win it back.” Ezra Taft Benson, Delivered to the International Freedoms Conference. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. October 26, 1979

“I do not believe that a member of the Church can have an active, vibrant testimony of the gospel without keeping the commandments. A testimony is to have current inspiration to know the work is true, not something we receive only once. The Holy Ghost abides with those who honor, respect, and obey God’s laws. And it is that Spirit which gives inspiration to the individual. Humbly I testify to the reality of this promise.

There is another part of this revelation that constitutes a pertinent warning to this modern generation: “In consequence of evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days, I have warned you, and forewarn you, by giving unto you this word of wisdom by revelation.” (D&C 89:4.)

The Lord foresaw the situation of today when motives for money would cause men to conspire to entice others to take noxious substances into their bodies. Advertisements which promote beer, wine, liquors, coffee, tobacco, and other harmful substances are examples of what the Lord foresaw. But the most pernicious example of an evil conspiracy in our time is those who induce young people into the use of drugs.” A Principle with a Promise 1983 Ezra Taft Benson President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Jonathan Neville

“Because I get asked often, here’s what I think about face masks and vaccinations. I’ve lived in China and the Philippines. I’ve worked in Korea, Japan, Taiwan, China, Malaysia, and Thailand, and I’ve visited those countries plus Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Singapore, Indonesia, and Vietnam. In all these places, it has long been standard practice to wear a face mask if you have a respiratory illness. It’s common sense. We were living in China when COVID broke out. It seems to be a cultural and political issue in the U.S., not because of science, but because of economics. Corporate media profits by controversy. In my view, Church leaders have given common sense advice ever since the COVID outbreak started, regarding both the face masks and the vaccinations. People can do whatever they want, but I want to be clear that I support Church leaders, including the recent advice. I got vaccinated early on and I have no problem wearing a face mask when it makes sense. I hope everyone can make good decisions for themselves without being angry or oppositional about others’ choices.” Source: Book of Mormon Consensus/Jonathan Neville

Eric Moutsos

“Many are asking me my opinion on the recent message coming from the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-Day Saints regarding masks and vaccines, yet again.

My first initial thought is I don’t believe it’s going to change many people’s minds who have already had their direct revelation once they prayed about it for their family the first time. The policy of the church says, “Ultimately it’s between you and God.” That is a true principle.

Believe it or not, many people actually did go to God, and many people did receive direct revelation for them and their famlies. I did. Personally when I’ve gone to and asked God about this topic, I’ve been told, by Him, not to tamper with this specific drug for me and my children. Further, Covid has been in my house and our antibodies and God given immune systems have already done their job as promised Doctrine and Covenants section 89.

Many people possibly wouldn’t have gone to God and just did as they were told, without question, if the policy said “You will take this vaccine or you won’t be worthy of a temple recommend or the celestial kingdom.” In other words, this is not “By way of commandment” like some are now believing.

The President of the Church has the right to dictate the functions of the church. Family is not the function of the church. The church was made for families. Not the other way around. It cannot and will not become greater than the thing for which it was created. As a Father of my home, who holds the keys to MY family I quote President Oaks,
“The principle that priesthood authority can be exercised only under the direction of the one who holds the keys for that function is fundamental in the Church, but this does not apply in the family. For example, a father presides and exercises the priesthood in his family by the authority of the priesthood he holds. He has no need to have the direction or approval of one holding priesthood keys in order to perform his various family functions. These include counseling the members of his family, holding family meetings, giving priesthood blessings to his wife and children, or giving healing blessings to family members or others. Church authorities teach family members but do not direct the exercise of priesthood authority in the family.”

This may be a hard truth for those who want to perpetrate a political agenda, but it’s the truth. And to me, this is obviously a response coming from the church to a political agenda that threatens to hinder their worldwide operations if they do not comply.

This may even get some pushback, even with some in our amazing church leadership. However I believe we CAN still sustain them entirely as prophets, seers, and revelators, AND not wear masks or take vaccines for us or our familes.
I believe the greatest test we face right now in these our latter days, is if we will continue to love one another, through our own personal revelations, even if they are at odds with another. I love the gospel. I love President Nelson and his counselors. I know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored back to the earth.” Eric Moutsous

If you would like to submit your opinions about the Covid or anything else please email me at [email protected]

Here is the message from early January from the Church Leaders.

The First Presidency and Apostles Over Age 70 Receive the COVID-19 Vaccine

19 January 2021 – Salt Lake City News Release The Church has helped immunize nearly 117 million people since 2002

Eight senior leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints received the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine Tuesday morning in Salt Lake City. These leaders qualify for the vaccine in Utah because they are over the age of 70. Health care workers, first responders and other high-priority recipients in the state had the opportunity to be vaccinated in recent weeks.

Receiving the vaccine were all three members of the First Presidency and five members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and most of their spouses: President Russell M. Nelson and his wife, Wendy; President Dallin H. Oaks and his wife, Kristen; President Henry B. Eyring; President M. Russell Ballard; Elder Jeffrey R. Holland and his wife, Patricia; Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf and his wife, Harriet; Elder Quentin L. Cook and his wife, Mary; and Elder D. Todd Christofferson and his wife, Kathy.

Eight senior leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints received the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine Tuesday morning in Salt Lake City. These leaders qualify for the vaccine in Utah because they are over the age of 70. Health care workers, first responders and other high-priority recipients in the state had the opportunity to be vaccinated in recent weeks. Pictured here are President Russell M. Nelson and his wife, Wendy, and President Dallin H. Oaks and his wife, Kristen.2021 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.

First Presidency Statement on Vaccinations 8/12/21

“The First Presidency released the following statement Tuesday about the importance of vaccinations and immunization against preventable diseases:

In word and deed, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has supported vaccinations for generations. As a prominent component of our humanitarian efforts, the Church has funded, distributed and administered life-saving vaccines throughout the world. Vaccinations have helped curb or eliminate devastating communicable diseases, such as polio, diphtheria, tetanus, smallpox and measles. Vaccinations administered by competent medical professionals protect health and preserve life.

As this pandemic spread across the world, the Church immediately canceled meetings, closed temples, and restricted other activities because of our desire to be good global citizens and do our part to fight the pandemic.

Now, COVID-19 vaccines that many have worked, prayed, and fasted for are being developed, and some are being provided. Under the guidelines issued by local health officials, vaccinations were first offered to health care workers, first responders, and other high-priority recipients. Because of their age, Senior Church leaders over 70 now welcome the opportunity to be vaccinated.

As appropriate opportunities become available, the Church urges its members, employees and missionaries to be good global citizens and help quell the pandemic by safeguarding themselves and others through immunization. Individuals are responsible to make their own decisions about vaccination. In making that determination, we recommend that, where possible, they counsel with a competent medical professional about their personal circumstances and needs.”

https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/church-leaders-covid-19-vaccine