- This topic is empty.
-
Posts
-
My husband and I are new converts. In short, our Ward is having a Temple day, where the entire Ward is invited. There will be stuff planned for the primary, and then those with temple recommends to do sealings, etc. in the Temple. The Bishopric wants everyone to go. I was really into this a couple months ago because a few “higher” ups in the ward were saying how we’d be able to do a baptism/confirmation. So, I kept asking if there’s anything I’m suppose to do, because I’m new so I don’t know how all this stuff works. Well, then it was kind of dropped and I didn’t get any answers. My husband and I were/are irritated, because then what are all those that don’t have temple recommends suppose to do for four hours? It kind of makes me feel that it’s to make those without temple recommends feel like jerks. Like they’re saying “we’re better than you.” Basically I’m just going so that my kids can have the experience and don’t feel left out. Personally, I feel like bringing a blanket and a book and just lay under a tree in the shade. Has anyone’s ward had a ward temple day before?
That’s really too bad the ball got dropped and it is ruining the experience for you. I live close to a temple, so we have had temple days but it was easy to either go, or get out of it and make an excuse. Although I hold a recommend, I’ve never thought that I was better than anyone else because of it, but I can certainly sympathize on how you might feel that way. I doubt others are trying to act that way, but they may not be sensitive enough to realize they are sending that message. Maybe you should ask someone in the ward you trust?
I don’t know how far of an excursion it is for you to go to the temple, but I would raise the issue with your High Priest Group Leader who should be helping to organize temple trips and getting everyone ready for it.
Unfortunately, sometimes the church is poorly run and unorganized, and you shouldn’t have to put up with it. It should either help your family have a good experience at the temple, or you should not go this time, and wait to go when you can enjoy it. Especially first time experiences should be special and important and preparations in place.
You don’t have to go just because your bishop “wants everyone there” – if they really want everyone there, they should help make it good for everyone, otherwise, try to do what you can for you and your husband to make it enjoyable, or pass and wait for another opportunity…there are always other opportunities. Maybe you should pray and see what you feel you should do.
Please let us know how it turns out…I’m interested to hear.
It’s too bad that those who have not been through the temple are being overlooked. That hasn’t been my experience in wards I’ve been in, but people sometimes make mistakes and in their effort to do too much, end up doing too little or overlooking important things. I’d certainly bring it up to your RSP or EQP. I’m not sure when you are going, but all you and your husband have to do is be interviewed by the bishop for a limited recommend to do baptisms. All the youth have to go through the same process. The interview should only take 5 minutes. I’ve even seen interviews done just prior to loading up in the cars to go! Although your milage may vary on that.
You could call the executive secretary and set up interviews-he should be listed in the bulletin and directory.
As for the actual temple experience, you will just need white underwear (and bra) for the baptisms. And bring a change of dry ones for afterwards. They provide a jumpsuit there.
If you will be there for 4 hours you should probably bring a book anyway.
I remember feeling the same way. The members of your ward/branch are not trying to ostracize you but simply forget how it feels to be new. They’re just human. Hang in there. Your time will come and you’ll be grateful for the experiences. May God bless you and yours and welcome to the gospel.
Don’t feel bad. I’m sure they didn’t mean to “Leave you out” .. I won’t lie there are some people out there that do think they are better than the next with their works, TR’s … worthiness and such but Not every TR holder-NO WAY .. So many memebers are loving people! I have never been to a temple day … And I’ve been a convert for about 4 ish years. BUT I didn’t really have the desire at all .. So. Welcome! Hi, I have never been to the Temple and I dont know how different the layouts of each are (ie grounds, visitors centre etc). However from what my friends have told me there is quite a bit to do even if you dont have a TR. I think it is used more as a time to think and feel the spirit…so taking a blanket and sitting under a tree sounds good to me.
My friends are planning on taking me down to our Temple for the day…taking a picnic, just sitting and chatting in the grounds, feeling the spirit, praying and going to the visitor centre and watching a few of the films they have on. I think that can easily take up 4hours..that said I dont get to talk about the Church much (family are against it and dont know I still consider myself LDS) so can talk for hours on it when I do manage to organise to see my LDS friends..
😆 Hope this helps…
Sorry to hear it wasn’t handled in a sensitive manner. People who organize this stuff don’t always remember that a lot people in wards aren’t all in the same situation (hold current recommend, etc.). I like the suggestions to do baptisms though. That isn’t just an activity for kids. I never did that as a kid, but really enjoyed the experience as an adult. It’s very easy to get a recommend for that. Don’t be too hard on the ward members. I’m sure they are thoughtless, but I don’t believe they were intentionally trying to make you feel bad. I think you should ask the bishop if you can do baptisms too. I don’t know how long you’ve been a member, but he may think that is a good idea for you to participate, and apologize for his lack of good manners on this. I hope you get a chance to do baptisms too–I think it would be a good experience for you.
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.