We had an enjoyable Primary Program in church today. The theme of the program was "I am a Child of God".
I was walking around with Lily in the back most of the time, but what I did hear was really good. A large portion of the program was children saying why they know that God loves them.
The principle that we are children of a loving God is very simple, and yet implies so much that it can also be called complex. Today I add my witness to all of the Primary children of my ward. I know that God lives, that He loves me, and that I am His son. He is a real, caring, interested Father. He teaches me what will bring me the most joy. He sorrows when I choose not to obey. He allows me to struggle, not because He is a mean bully, but because it is only through struggling that I can progress.
He has provided a way that I may overcome my natural tendencies, escape the consequences of sin, and become more like Him. I know that Jesus the Christ lived, that He died to save us from sin, and that He lives today as a resurrected Being. He is my Savior. I worship Him. I pray to my Father in His name, for He is the only way that I can return to my heavenly home.
We live in a world where decency and goodness are belittled and even called evil. My voice stands with the children. God is good. We are His children. Let's be good.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Stake Presidency reorganized
Today I was able to be part of an infrequent event--the reorganizing of our Stake Presidency.
The ministry of our church is a lay ministry. There are no professional preachers or administrators. Each member provides service in positions that we refer to as "callings". A member is "called" to a certain position, and will be "released" from that calling some time in the future (excepting those called to the Quorum of the Twelve). Not all positions are equal, of course. The calling of Stake President is a great responsibility, for he has stewardship over a large geographic area (in this case, a large portion of the Austin area) and over all the people living within that area (whether members of the church or not).
My stake president had been serving in this position for over nine years--almost a decade. And yet, today his time was up. He was released with a vote of thanks and that was that. He will be called to another position, whether "higher" or "lower" in the leadership hierarchy it matters not, for what matters is not where one serves, but how. He could be called to teach the 4-year old children of his ward, and that would be just fine.
When a Stake Presidency is reorganized, at least one General Authority of the church comes to direct the matter. In this case, we had two--an Elder Lees and an Elder Packer (son of President Boyd K. Packer I believe). It was noted, as a stark contrast to political activity, that there is no lobbying or campaigning. There isn't even any voting (in the common sense). The General Authorities interview many brethren and the will of the Lord regarding who He wants to lead the stake is made known to them through the power of the Holy Ghost. The names are later presented to the body of the stake for "sustaining". We may either sustain the action or oppose it.
I am grateful for the revealed organization of the church. I know that our leaders serve to serve. They are not seeking power. They do not seek their positions, but are willing to do the will of Him who gives us everything. Through their service they gain a love for their people that can't be obtained any other way. I experienced that phenomenon as a missionary in Argentina. If you want to love, serve. This Church seeks to bring us to Christ, to have us become like Christ. The only way to become as Christ is to have a pure love for everyone. The only way to gain that love is to serve.
The ministry of our church is a lay ministry. There are no professional preachers or administrators. Each member provides service in positions that we refer to as "callings". A member is "called" to a certain position, and will be "released" from that calling some time in the future (excepting those called to the Quorum of the Twelve). Not all positions are equal, of course. The calling of Stake President is a great responsibility, for he has stewardship over a large geographic area (in this case, a large portion of the Austin area) and over all the people living within that area (whether members of the church or not).
My stake president had been serving in this position for over nine years--almost a decade. And yet, today his time was up. He was released with a vote of thanks and that was that. He will be called to another position, whether "higher" or "lower" in the leadership hierarchy it matters not, for what matters is not where one serves, but how. He could be called to teach the 4-year old children of his ward, and that would be just fine.
When a Stake Presidency is reorganized, at least one General Authority of the church comes to direct the matter. In this case, we had two--an Elder Lees and an Elder Packer (son of President Boyd K. Packer I believe). It was noted, as a stark contrast to political activity, that there is no lobbying or campaigning. There isn't even any voting (in the common sense). The General Authorities interview many brethren and the will of the Lord regarding who He wants to lead the stake is made known to them through the power of the Holy Ghost. The names are later presented to the body of the stake for "sustaining". We may either sustain the action or oppose it.
I am grateful for the revealed organization of the church. I know that our leaders serve to serve. They are not seeking power. They do not seek their positions, but are willing to do the will of Him who gives us everything. Through their service they gain a love for their people that can't be obtained any other way. I experienced that phenomenon as a missionary in Argentina. If you want to love, serve. This Church seeks to bring us to Christ, to have us become like Christ. The only way to become as Christ is to have a pure love for everyone. The only way to gain that love is to serve.
Reverence
Today we had all 10 little Sunbeams show up. I don't think it has ever happened this whole year and I was very grateful to have an assistant teacher with me. He is a great help as we try and teach these young 4-year-old's.
Our lesson was "We can be Reverent". How do you teach a 4-year-old to be reverent? We focused on how we act in church and why. The church building is the Lord's house, and while not as sacred as the temple, it is still sacred and special because we gather there to learn more about the gospel, to share our testimonies and fellowship with our brethren and sisters. No individual owns the church, we all pay tithes so that we can have a church building where we can meet.
Reverence is something that the children seem to know by this age. The children all know that being reverent can consist of folding their arms, bowing the head, speaking softly, and raising their hand when they have something to say in class. Putting our lesson into practice, we walked around the halls of the church in a reverent manner. They all did very well and we even helped some adults be more reverent as we walked past.
I hope they remember something of what we taught today, because as we headed back to primary for closing exercises, they ran down the hallway and seemed to quickly forget what we had just taught.
God bless the little children.
Our lesson was "We can be Reverent". How do you teach a 4-year-old to be reverent? We focused on how we act in church and why. The church building is the Lord's house, and while not as sacred as the temple, it is still sacred and special because we gather there to learn more about the gospel, to share our testimonies and fellowship with our brethren and sisters. No individual owns the church, we all pay tithes so that we can have a church building where we can meet.
Reverence is something that the children seem to know by this age. The children all know that being reverent can consist of folding their arms, bowing the head, speaking softly, and raising their hand when they have something to say in class. Putting our lesson into practice, we walked around the halls of the church in a reverent manner. They all did very well and we even helped some adults be more reverent as we walked past.
I hope they remember something of what we taught today, because as we headed back to primary for closing exercises, they ran down the hallway and seemed to quickly forget what we had just taught.
God bless the little children.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Second Service
This week I was called on to help out with a Hurricane Ike relief effort. The call came mid-week. I was awake Saturday morning at 3 am, about to start a long day.
The Pflugerville Ward ended up sending 14 brethren. Our stake, the Austin Stake, sent more than 100. We descended on Lake Jackson, TX, to assist with the clean-up effort. We combined with 3 other stakes, for a total of 400-500 people.
There were many trees blown over, many fences destroyed, and occasionally some damage to structures. The worst that I saw was where a huge tree sliced about 10 feet into the garage of someone's home. We couldn't help him because he said that the insurance had to come first. Our efforts there yesterday were to focus on helping get the fallen trees cut up and out to the curb for pick-up.
Our crew of seven had three chainsaws going. Luckily, we didn't have any major injuries. We were able to help out at 6 different homes, two of them being major (multiple-hour) projects. None of them were members of our church. We were only able to talk to 3 home owners (one only by phone). All were very grateful for the assistance. It was a good experience--service always is.
We believe that service to our neighbor is service to our God (Mosiah 2:17). We are all children of a Heavenly Father, and thus, we should treat each other as brothers and sisters. Stepping out of our schedules and comfort zones is required in such service. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is an organization that is only alive through such service, and I am grateful for the opportunities I have to render such.
The Pflugerville Ward ended up sending 14 brethren. Our stake, the Austin Stake, sent more than 100. We descended on Lake Jackson, TX, to assist with the clean-up effort. We combined with 3 other stakes, for a total of 400-500 people.
There were many trees blown over, many fences destroyed, and occasionally some damage to structures. The worst that I saw was where a huge tree sliced about 10 feet into the garage of someone's home. We couldn't help him because he said that the insurance had to come first. Our efforts there yesterday were to focus on helping get the fallen trees cut up and out to the curb for pick-up.
Our crew of seven had three chainsaws going. Luckily, we didn't have any major injuries. We were able to help out at 6 different homes, two of them being major (multiple-hour) projects. None of them were members of our church. We were only able to talk to 3 home owners (one only by phone). All were very grateful for the assistance. It was a good experience--service always is.
We believe that service to our neighbor is service to our God (Mosiah 2:17). We are all children of a Heavenly Father, and thus, we should treat each other as brothers and sisters. Stepping out of our schedules and comfort zones is required in such service. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is an organization that is only alive through such service, and I am grateful for the opportunities I have to render such.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Friendship & animal crackers
This week we discussed being friends with our sweet little Sunbeam class. This week I had a strategy to keep them occupied by doing different activities every 5-10 minutes and it seemed to work. They were more attentive and engaged than usual.
I tried an object lesson: I gave each of the children a toy animal. Then I asked them to turn to the child on their right and ask if they could have the other child's toy. They enjoyed this very much and learned that sharing is what friends do.
We also asked them who their friends are. We asked them what their friends are like, what made them different, and emphasized that their teachers and parents are their friends. One of the little girls volunteered that Jesus is our friend, which we reinforced. I think the most important thing I can teach the children is that they are children of a loving God and that Jesus loves them.
On a side note, this was the first Sunday we went without snacks during class. I thought we would have trouble maintaining peace, but keeping them engaged in the lesson helped avoid concerns about snacks. When the children are in nursery (18 months - 3/4 years old) they are allowed to eat snacks and have more playtime. Part of the goal of Sunbeams is to help them transition to the rest of primary, and the rest of primary does not have snack time. The rest of the year my co-teachers and I will continue to 'ween' them off snacks all together.
Until next week!
I tried an object lesson: I gave each of the children a toy animal. Then I asked them to turn to the child on their right and ask if they could have the other child's toy. They enjoyed this very much and learned that sharing is what friends do.
We also asked them who their friends are. We asked them what their friends are like, what made them different, and emphasized that their teachers and parents are their friends. One of the little girls volunteered that Jesus is our friend, which we reinforced. I think the most important thing I can teach the children is that they are children of a loving God and that Jesus loves them.
On a side note, this was the first Sunday we went without snacks during class. I thought we would have trouble maintaining peace, but keeping them engaged in the lesson helped avoid concerns about snacks. When the children are in nursery (18 months - 3/4 years old) they are allowed to eat snacks and have more playtime. Part of the goal of Sunbeams is to help them transition to the rest of primary, and the rest of primary does not have snack time. The rest of the year my co-teachers and I will continue to 'ween' them off snacks all together.
Until next week!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
A definition of salvation
Sacrament meeting stressed prayer and faith, but I'd like to focus again on the Elders Quorum lesson, Chapter 17 in the Teachings of Joseph Smith manual, The Great Plan of Salvation. One of the points that struck me the most was a definition that Joseph Smith gave for salvation.
From my limited experience with other religions, it seems that the term salvation is somewhat of a mystery in what it actually means. A lot of emphasis is made on being saved, but what exactly is being saved? I guess I would have vaguely described it as being able to return to the presence of our Father in Heaven and His Son. But that doesn't correlate with being saved--saved from what?
Joseph Smith has been criticized for pretty much everything he did. But one thing that he cannot be accused of is doing anything in a shallow manner. He was a very deep man and his comments regarding the Great Plan of Salvation are no different--in fact I would propose that they are some of his deepest works. In terms of theology and philosophy, Joseph Smith contributed fundamental changes to current understanding. I highly recommend reading the entire chapter.
However, I will quote one of his definitions of salvation, which was one of the main points that the teacher made today:
It is interesting how a physical tabernacle is so tightly bound to that statement. But a bit more interesting is the first part--our enemies. Who and/or what are my enemies? We listed some during class on the board:
Many of those items are related, and strictly of Mormon theology. Thus, conquering our enemies is nothing less than changing our natures. In short, that "... we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually." (Mosiah 5:2) This makes perfect sense logically, and salvation is no longer a fuzzy idea. We cannot be saved in our sins. We cannot be saved in ignorance. But how do we get there (and ultimately conquer death)? Only in and through Jesus Christ.
From my limited experience with other religions, it seems that the term salvation is somewhat of a mystery in what it actually means. A lot of emphasis is made on being saved, but what exactly is being saved? I guess I would have vaguely described it as being able to return to the presence of our Father in Heaven and His Son. But that doesn't correlate with being saved--saved from what?
Joseph Smith has been criticized for pretty much everything he did. But one thing that he cannot be accused of is doing anything in a shallow manner. He was a very deep man and his comments regarding the Great Plan of Salvation are no different--in fact I would propose that they are some of his deepest works. In terms of theology and philosophy, Joseph Smith contributed fundamental changes to current understanding. I highly recommend reading the entire chapter.
However, I will quote one of his definitions of salvation, which was one of the main points that the teacher made today:
Salvation is for a man to be saved from all his enemies; for until a man can triumph over death, he is not saved. (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, (2007), 211.)
It is interesting how a physical tabernacle is so tightly bound to that statement. But a bit more interesting is the first part--our enemies. Who and/or what are my enemies? We listed some during class on the board:
- People we don't like
- People that want to do us harm
- Myself
- The natural man
- Sin
- Satan
Many of those items are related, and strictly of Mormon theology. Thus, conquering our enemies is nothing less than changing our natures. In short, that "... we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually." (Mosiah 5:2) This makes perfect sense logically, and salvation is no longer a fuzzy idea. We cannot be saved in our sins. We cannot be saved in ignorance. But how do we get there (and ultimately conquer death)? Only in and through Jesus Christ.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Service
This weekend I had the opportunity to go down to Baton Rouge, LA. and assist with the cleanup from Hurricane Gustav. I was interested to see how much destruction had actually occurred because there were no news reports of the damage. Most of the media concentrated on New Orleans.
I rode down with my 2 brother-in-laws who live locally, and 2 members of the Birmingham 2nd ward. Our Stake President sent out a call to all the members in our Stake to go down and help in Baton Rouge. Emails were passed from the Stake President to the Elders' Quorum presidencies and on to the general membership. We were warned to be self-sufficient and to gas up in Hattiesburg, MS before entering LA.
We soon discovered that the damage was quite extensive and we spent the weekend (both Saturday and Sunday) using chainsaws to cut away trees and haul away debris. The power was still out (at that point it was a week out from the storm) and people had thrown away their perishables. The people were all very appreciative of our help and it was great to help out someone in need. There will be some time where we'll all need help.
Church was held Sunday morning for an hour outside of the Stake center in Baton Rouge, right next to the temple. A Seventy, Elder Gay, and the mission president spoke. Elder Gay related a story of a trip to Africa where he suffered severe injuries in a car accident. The accident occurred in a remote area, but fortunately he and his missionary driver were taken to a town 30-miles away. The town had extremely limited medical care and supplies, but they had enough basics to treat Elder Gay. The doctor mentioned to him that all of the supplies that they did have had been provided by two senior couple missionaries from our church that had passed through the area some time before. The Church supplied the medical supplies for free, as part of our humanitarian efforts.
What's the lesson here? All of this boils down to our belief that faith and works go hand in hand. Because of our faith, because of our love of God and our fellow brothers and sisters, we feel we have a responsibility to help those in need. Throughout the New Testament, Jesus calls us to serve others and he shows us plainly by his example. Today, he still calls us to help others. If we truly love our Heavenly Father, won't we also love our brothers and sisters?
I rode down with my 2 brother-in-laws who live locally, and 2 members of the Birmingham 2nd ward. Our Stake President sent out a call to all the members in our Stake to go down and help in Baton Rouge. Emails were passed from the Stake President to the Elders' Quorum presidencies and on to the general membership. We were warned to be self-sufficient and to gas up in Hattiesburg, MS before entering LA.
We soon discovered that the damage was quite extensive and we spent the weekend (both Saturday and Sunday) using chainsaws to cut away trees and haul away debris. The power was still out (at that point it was a week out from the storm) and people had thrown away their perishables. The people were all very appreciative of our help and it was great to help out someone in need. There will be some time where we'll all need help.
Church was held Sunday morning for an hour outside of the Stake center in Baton Rouge, right next to the temple. A Seventy, Elder Gay, and the mission president spoke. Elder Gay related a story of a trip to Africa where he suffered severe injuries in a car accident. The accident occurred in a remote area, but fortunately he and his missionary driver were taken to a town 30-miles away. The town had extremely limited medical care and supplies, but they had enough basics to treat Elder Gay. The doctor mentioned to him that all of the supplies that they did have had been provided by two senior couple missionaries from our church that had passed through the area some time before. The Church supplied the medical supplies for free, as part of our humanitarian efforts.
What's the lesson here? All of this boils down to our belief that faith and works go hand in hand. Because of our faith, because of our love of God and our fellow brothers and sisters, we feel we have a responsibility to help those in need. Throughout the New Testament, Jesus calls us to serve others and he shows us plainly by his example. Today, he still calls us to help others. If we truly love our Heavenly Father, won't we also love our brothers and sisters?
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Visit the house of each member
As it was the first Sunday of the month, today was our monthly fast and testimony meeting. We fast two meals, giving generously the money we save from it as "fast offerings" that are dispersed by the Bishop to help those in need. It was also my turn in Elders Quorum to give the lesson.
Somewhat surprising to us in the Elders Quorum Presidency is the poor home teaching that goes on (or better said, DOESN'T go on) in our quorum. We have problems getting them to do their home teaching and problems getting their reports. This is surprising because we are, relatively, a very active ward.
Today I gave a lesson on our responsibility to do home teaching. I searched out many quotations from Church leaders on the topic and had volunteers read them. We discussed home teaching. I can only hope that the Spirit touched the members of the quorum with a confirmation of how important it is to fulfill this sacred duty of EVERY Melchisedek priesthood holder.
Home teaching is a church program that helps us to fulfill our priesthood duties as laid out in Doctrine and Covenants Section 20. Specifically,
One of the most explicit quotations I found was this:
I was lucky to have a father that was an EXCELLENT example of a faithful home teacher. Through his example, I learned that home teaching is something that you just do. Is it inconvenient at times? Yes--most things of worth are. Is it uncomfortable to be involved with the problems of other families? Of course. But the satisfaction and blessings that come from doing home teaching faithfully are well worth it. I have never come home from home teaching feel worse than when I left.
If we want to bless the lives of our own families, then we should leave them and do our priesthood duty by doing our home teaching. We can hardly count on the blessings of the Lord otherwise. And I dare say we will be held accountable for those we could have blessed had we been more faithful. Let us rely on the arm of Christ as we do all we can do.
Somewhat surprising to us in the Elders Quorum Presidency is the poor home teaching that goes on (or better said, DOESN'T go on) in our quorum. We have problems getting them to do their home teaching and problems getting their reports. This is surprising because we are, relatively, a very active ward.
Today I gave a lesson on our responsibility to do home teaching. I searched out many quotations from Church leaders on the topic and had volunteers read them. We discussed home teaching. I can only hope that the Spirit touched the members of the quorum with a confirmation of how important it is to fulfill this sacred duty of EVERY Melchisedek priesthood holder.
Home teaching is a church program that helps us to fulfill our priesthood duties as laid out in Doctrine and Covenants Section 20. Specifically,
Watch over the church always, and be with and strengthen them; And see that there is no iniquity in the church. And see that the church meet together often, and also see that all the members do their duty (D&C 20:53–55). And visit the house of each member, exhorting them to pray vocally and in secret and attend to all family duties (D&C 20:51).
One of the most explicit quotations I found was this:
The responsibility to do home teaching is inherent in the call of every man to the Melchizedek Priesthood and in the call to the offices of teacher and priest in the Aaronic Priesthood. Every priesthood bearer, in order to magnify his calling according to the “oath and covenant which belongeth to the priesthood,” is obliged to respond to the home teaching call when it officially comes to him. (Marion G. Romney, “The Responsibilities of Home Teachers”, Ensign, March 1973.)
I was lucky to have a father that was an EXCELLENT example of a faithful home teacher. Through his example, I learned that home teaching is something that you just do. Is it inconvenient at times? Yes--most things of worth are. Is it uncomfortable to be involved with the problems of other families? Of course. But the satisfaction and blessings that come from doing home teaching faithfully are well worth it. I have never come home from home teaching feel worse than when I left.
If we want to bless the lives of our own families, then we should leave them and do our priesthood duty by doing our home teaching. We can hardly count on the blessings of the Lord otherwise. And I dare say we will be held accountable for those we could have blessed had we been more faithful. Let us rely on the arm of Christ as we do all we can do.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Judge not?
The main theme of today's meetings was on the life of Christ. I'd like to focus on one of the talks in Sacrament meeting that claimed to be about one of the most misquoted passages from the Bible.
According to the speaker, Matt. 7:1-2, is one of most misquoted passages from the Bible--often in politics--but more often to justify sin.
The speaker then brought attention to the words of one of the current General Authorities of the Church on the subject. I do not recall who it was, but the basic idea was that we should never make eternal judgments, which would be something like deciding that a certain person is surely going to go to heaven or hell. However, we must make daily temporary judgments when we decide with who we will associate, with who we want our children to associate, with who we will do business, etc.
I think this principle goes hand in hand with the commandment we have received to forgive. Matt. 18:21-22:
According to the speaker, Matt. 7:1-2, is one of most misquoted passages from the Bible--often in politics--but more often to justify sin.
1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.The speaker continued posing a question as to what this can possibly mean, given that, shortly thereafter, the Lord commands us to judge in Matt. 7:15-20:
2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.That is, in order to "beware" we must make some sort of judgment. Christ tells us that the judgment should be made according to their fruits. But what exactly is this judgment?
16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
The speaker then brought attention to the words of one of the current General Authorities of the Church on the subject. I do not recall who it was, but the basic idea was that we should never make eternal judgments, which would be something like deciding that a certain person is surely going to go to heaven or hell. However, we must make daily temporary judgments when we decide with who we will associate, with who we want our children to associate, with who we will do business, etc.
I think this principle goes hand in hand with the commandment we have received to forgive. Matt. 18:21-22:
21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?D&C 64:8-11:
22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
8 My disciples, in days of old, sought occasion against one another and forgave not one another in their hearts; and for this evil they were afflicted and sorely chastened.How can we possibly hold malice in our hearts and yet leave it up to God as to the fate of the one that has offended us? Everyone makes mistakes. Most have no special ill will towards us. Let's just let things go and move on.
9 Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin.
10 I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men.
11 And ye ought to say in your hearts—let God judge between me and thee, and reward thee according to thy deeds.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Appreciation for homes
This last Sunday we talked about homes, in particular to be thankful for our homes. We walked them through different types of homes, both throughout history, in the scriptures, and in our own times. Then I asked them about their own homes.
Hello, Shane Jordan here, and I'll be talking about what we discuss each Sunday in the Birmingham 1st Ward of the Birmingham Stake, in Birmingham, Alabama.
I'm a Sunbeam primary teacher, which is for girls and boys ages 3-4. Sunbeams is their first experience in primary (ages 3-12) classes, and is crucial to help them transition from nursery (18 months - 3 years old) where they have less structure and more free play than primary does. I enjoy teaching these children a lot, though you will see that it can be challenging to keep their focus for 2 hours each Sunday.
This last Sunday we talked about homes, in particular to be thankful for our homes. We walked them through different types of homes, both throughout history, in the scriptures, and in our own times. Then I asked them about their own homes. While most weren't able to describe much detail, they were able to tell me what colors their house had. Though one boy said he lived in a forest, most were thankful for air conditioning, running water, etc.
The sweetest part was when one of our quietest children pointed out that the church building we were in was the House of the Lord! I am always amazed by their spiritual intelligence. I believe they are closer to the Spirit than most of us.
Hello, Shane Jordan here, and I'll be talking about what we discuss each Sunday in the Birmingham 1st Ward of the Birmingham Stake, in Birmingham, Alabama.
I'm a Sunbeam primary teacher, which is for girls and boys ages 3-4. Sunbeams is their first experience in primary (ages 3-12) classes, and is crucial to help them transition from nursery (18 months - 3 years old) where they have less structure and more free play than primary does. I enjoy teaching these children a lot, though you will see that it can be challenging to keep their focus for 2 hours each Sunday.
This last Sunday we talked about homes, in particular to be thankful for our homes. We walked them through different types of homes, both throughout history, in the scriptures, and in our own times. Then I asked them about their own homes. While most weren't able to describe much detail, they were able to tell me what colors their house had. Though one boy said he lived in a forest, most were thankful for air conditioning, running water, etc.
The sweetest part was when one of our quietest children pointed out that the church building we were in was the House of the Lord! I am always amazed by their spiritual intelligence. I believe they are closer to the Spirit than most of us.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Faithfulness, as in consistency
Today's topics seemed to center somewhat on the theme of faithfulness, as it relates to consistency, day in and day out.
During the third hour, in Elders Quorum, we covered the following General Conference talks:
The first talk appeared to have two distinct topics. The first told of how a very small margin of error in course heading will lead to a large error in our final destination. Related to the gospel, our heading is the course that our lives are taking day after day, their pattern pattern if you will. Are we headed in the right direction? Are we doing the little things every day that will guide to where we want to be? All the Primary answers apply here (prayer, scripture study, family home evening, attending Church). The second topic related to correcting our course, once we realize we are in error. Minor course correction must be taken every day, for we are all imperfect. Major sin requires major course correction, and requires guidance from the control tower since we've gotten ourselves all turned around and our instruments aren't working right. The control tower would be the proper priesthood leader, be it Bishop or Stake President, etc.
The second talk dealt with our standards, the expectations we try to live by. As the world lowers its standards of honesty, morality, and personal responsibility, we must not yield. We must not lower our standards. However, as we grit our teeth and hold fast, we must not let any degree of self righteousness cloud our eyes--they must be single to the light of Christ.
Will the day come that we will have to fight the unpopular fight to uphold our standards? I think that it is happening in a more conspicuous way every year. This year, we see that fight in California regarding the sanctity of marriage between man and woman.
One of the doctrinal arguments I've often heard levied against the Church is that it teaches that we must save ourselves through our works. This is the fallacy of the grace versus works debate. Any serious reader of the Book of Mormon will know that we believe that there is no other way nor means whereby man can be saved, only in and through the atonement of Christ (Helaman 5:9). However, it is also often taught that we must do all that we can, that we must remove all ungodliness from our lives, in short, that we must strive to be perfect. Trying to be perfect in all aspects of life--having perfect patience with our disobedient children, having a perfect understanding of the scriptures, having a perfect food storage, etc., etc., etc.--inflicts an enormous amount of pressure on the individual, and subsequently, on the individual's family. Will we be perfect in this life? Of course not. But that is not the point. We are commanded to strive to be perfect, to be willing to keep all the commandments. The Good News of the Gospel of Christ is that he will make up the difference--AS LONG AS WE ARE FAITHFUL, as long as we are consistent in making our course corrections. It is when we give up, when we are unwilling to keep trying, only then are we really in trouble, for the atonement of Christ can have no claim upon such.
During the third hour, in Elders Quorum, we covered the following General Conference talks:
The first talk appeared to have two distinct topics. The first told of how a very small margin of error in course heading will lead to a large error in our final destination. Related to the gospel, our heading is the course that our lives are taking day after day, their pattern pattern if you will. Are we headed in the right direction? Are we doing the little things every day that will guide to where we want to be? All the Primary answers apply here (prayer, scripture study, family home evening, attending Church). The second topic related to correcting our course, once we realize we are in error. Minor course correction must be taken every day, for we are all imperfect. Major sin requires major course correction, and requires guidance from the control tower since we've gotten ourselves all turned around and our instruments aren't working right. The control tower would be the proper priesthood leader, be it Bishop or Stake President, etc.
The second talk dealt with our standards, the expectations we try to live by. As the world lowers its standards of honesty, morality, and personal responsibility, we must not yield. We must not lower our standards. However, as we grit our teeth and hold fast, we must not let any degree of self righteousness cloud our eyes--they must be single to the light of Christ.
Will the day come that we will have to fight the unpopular fight to uphold our standards? I think that it is happening in a more conspicuous way every year. This year, we see that fight in California regarding the sanctity of marriage between man and woman.
One of the doctrinal arguments I've often heard levied against the Church is that it teaches that we must save ourselves through our works. This is the fallacy of the grace versus works debate. Any serious reader of the Book of Mormon will know that we believe that there is no other way nor means whereby man can be saved, only in and through the atonement of Christ (Helaman 5:9). However, it is also often taught that we must do all that we can, that we must remove all ungodliness from our lives, in short, that we must strive to be perfect. Trying to be perfect in all aspects of life--having perfect patience with our disobedient children, having a perfect understanding of the scriptures, having a perfect food storage, etc., etc., etc.--inflicts an enormous amount of pressure on the individual, and subsequently, on the individual's family. Will we be perfect in this life? Of course not. But that is not the point. We are commanded to strive to be perfect, to be willing to keep all the commandments. The Good News of the Gospel of Christ is that he will make up the difference--AS LONG AS WE ARE FAITHFUL, as long as we are consistent in making our course corrections. It is when we give up, when we are unwilling to keep trying, only then are we really in trouble, for the atonement of Christ can have no claim upon such.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
A Typical Sunday
Today was a fairly typical Sunday in the Pflugerville Ward of the Austin, TX Stake. I'll briefly describe the flow of events (from my perspective). I doubt we'll do this for each post, but for the reader who is unacquainted with our meetings, this should provide an idea of what's going on. Remember, our worship services are open to the public.
Before the meeting started, I tried to handle some of my calling, as a counselor in the Elders Quorum Presidency, handing out home teaching assignments (we are assigned to visit the homes of the families in our ward each month).
First meeting: Sacrament meeting, all family members together in the chapel
Second meeting: Sunday School
Third meeting: Priesthood and Elders Quorum
Wow. That went on for a bit longer than I anticipated. Again, I don't see us doing this every time, but we'll probably just pick a topic from one of the lessons or something and discuss it.
Before the meeting started, I tried to handle some of my calling, as a counselor in the Elders Quorum Presidency, handing out home teaching assignments (we are assigned to visit the homes of the families in our ward each month).
First meeting: Sacrament meeting, all family members together in the chapel
- Welcome by the bishop, opening hymn and prayer.
- Stake and Ward business. Several people were released and called to various 'callings' (service positions, remember we have no paid ministry).
- Sacramental hymn and Administration of the Sacrament--bread and water in memory of Jesus Christ. This happens every week (except for Stake and General Conferences) and is the most important part of the meetings since we renew our baptismal covenants.
- Speakers (previously selected from the congregation). There was a Youth Temple trip yesterday. One of the youth was asked to share a bit about the experience. Then one of the leaders present shared her experience. These first two were both women (referred to as Sisters). The final speaker was a man (referred to as Brother) who talked on the importance of temples and what "House of the Lord. Holiness to the Lord" means and how our own homes should compare with the Spirit felt at the temple.
- Closing hymn and prayer.
Second meeting: Sunday School
- Opening prayer.
- Lesson covering the Book of Alma, chapters 40-42, in The Book of Mormon. These chapters deal mostly with a discussion of the resurrection and the concept of restoration as it relates to the resurrection and spirituality.
- I ended up walking the halls a bit with our 9-month old as well as trying to go to the clerk's office to get a missing home teaching assignment printed.
- Closing prayer.
Third meeting: Priesthood and Elders Quorum
- Combined priesthood (Aaronic and Melchizedek) holders opening: welcome, song, prayer, business. We had a change in the High Priest Group leadership.
- Priesthood quorums separate in different groups (deacons, teachers, priests, elders, and high priests).
- Lesson in Elders Quorum from the manual Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith. The chapter covered was called "Establishing the Cause of Zion". The main message was how we need to purify our own lives, our hearts and our minds.
- Closing prayer.
Wow. That went on for a bit longer than I anticipated. Again, I don't see us doing this every time, but we'll probably just pick a topic from one of the lessons or something and discuss it.
The Boring Beginning
Mormons (or members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) have seen an increased level of publicity and scrutiny in recent years. I've read plenty of articles and blog posts that are followed by malicious comments. One of the favorites is that Mormonism is a cult. Another is that Mormons aren't Christians. There seems to be a whole lot about who we are or who we aren't. What I see lacking is an appropriate coverage of what we do.
What does a Mormon do in church for THREE hours each Sunday? What is taught week in and week out? While the mainstream media likes to cover all the exciting and controversial aspects of Mormonism, this blog is here to bring you back to reality. The truth is, to the outsider, Mormonism is most likely to be described as boring! However, I hope that this blog, through the steady description of what is actually done in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will show that the true excitement of Mormonism can only be obtained by boring deeper and deeper into it.
This blog will not attempt to establish the basic beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Church). For that purpose, I redirect the reader to:
However, the purpose of this blog is to show what is taught at the local level week in and week out, as well as what members of the Church do week in and week out. I have invited a good friend, Shane, to also contribute.
Randy Theobald
What does a Mormon do in church for THREE hours each Sunday? What is taught week in and week out? While the mainstream media likes to cover all the exciting and controversial aspects of Mormonism, this blog is here to bring you back to reality. The truth is, to the outsider, Mormonism is most likely to be described as boring! However, I hope that this blog, through the steady description of what is actually done in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will show that the true excitement of Mormonism can only be obtained by boring deeper and deeper into it.
This blog will not attempt to establish the basic beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Church). For that purpose, I redirect the reader to:
However, the purpose of this blog is to show what is taught at the local level week in and week out, as well as what members of the Church do week in and week out. I have invited a good friend, Shane, to also contribute.
Randy Theobald
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