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Well, I went ahead and attended church yesterday. It went fine and I enjoyed myself. As I mentioned in my previous post, it has been about 20 years and I have never been to my ward here before. I got to church about 5 minutes before the starting time and they had already started giving the announcements. The missionaries were sitting behind me, so after SM I asked them to introduce me to the RS Pres or the Bishop. The RS Pres was nearby, so they left me with her. I didn’t get to Sunday School because the RS Pres and 1st councilor spent about 20 minutes visiting with me. They were both very welcoming, warm and friendly. I didn’t meet the bishop this time.
I went to RS and there were three sisters there that I already knew and I chatted with them afterwards. Others came up to say hello and welcome me.
Some other things that I liked:
The meeting got started on time and was well organized.
There were quite a few children but the noise level was very acceptable.
There were some men with blue or gray shirts including one of the priests blessing the sacrament.
The “brethren of the priesthood” blessed and passed the sacrament rather than “the priesthood”.
There were no troubling mentions of political topics, modesty, or anti gay opinions in SM or in RS.
What I didn’t like: nothing so far. Next week is Fast and Testimony meeting, that should be interesting
Glad it went well. Sounds like they passed the Utah test….the Utah test is where you, as a new member of the Ward, sit on the benches near where people enter the chapel and see how many people come up to welcome you….sounds like the Ward passed the test with all the friendlness… Outstanding! That’s the way it should go. I’m glad it was a positive experience. (Fast meeting is always interesting. You never know what you’re going to get.)
Well done. Congratulations. It sounds wonderful. Please keep us informed as you go along. Share the good days and the bad. We love happy stories. And we commiserate with sad ones. On the topic of F & T meeting, for me it’s one of the easiest because even if someone spouts off their opinion. Its just that. Their opinion. I always bring my kindle and read when someone gets on a personal soap box. On the other hand I like “Open Mic Sunday” as I call it. I feel like I get a slice of other people. I may or may not agree with them, but I get to hear from them about them. On the other Sunday’s I may just get some one’s version of some GA’s talk.
Either way it goes next week. I am so happy this week was so good.
SilentDawning wrote:Sounds like they passed the Utah test….
I hadn’t heard about the Utah test before, but yes, they definitely did pass it!I was surprised to find how much I felt at home there. I guess I was really ready to come back. F&T meeting is a great chance to get a little peek into other people’s lives, thoughts and opinions. I have my kindle too, but probably won’t need to get it out for a month or two.
I’m very happy to hear it! I bet they were happy to have someone new in their meetings. Each person brings some new perspectives and talents and adds to things. I hope it keeps going well. Good for you! Glad it went well and hope you continue to feel welcome and “at home.” Everyone here has been so kind and encouraging. I appreciate it so much and I feel like I have found a warm and thoughtful group of new friends. I’m glad it was a positive experience for you. Even though women don’t have power Joseph Smith translated with a rock in a hat
The BofA translation is problematic
There was no horses/steel/grain in the Americas in BofM times
Etc, Etc, Etc
Even after all this, there is still good in the church, and you found a little piece of that.
Sheldon wrote:Even though women don’t have power
Joseph Smith translated with a rock in a hat
The BofA translation is problematic
There was no horses/steel/grain in the Americas in BofM times
Etc, Etc, Etc
Even after all this, there is still good in the church, and you found a little piece of that.
It is more to me than just finding a little good you can find in church. I have found that the typical church experience on sunday does not revolve around these things Sheldon brings up. Those things are real. But I rarely find them coming up in church or in classes, but are more personal things to study and work through, or whatever personal issues we each wrestle with the Lord on.Most of church, from what I see, is about how to have uplifting experiences with others about God.
Just my experience.
Thanks to all for being so supportive and interested in my story. I thought you may be interested in a followup. I am still attending church every week. My ward has been friendly, but not intrusive. On my 3rd Sunday there was no one to play piano for RS, so I volunteered. I told the RS pres that I would be happy to substitute when needed. The next week the bishop was inspired to call me to play piano for RS
I went to the Gospel Principles class a few times, but the previous bishop and his son made comments that annoyed me every time, so now I go to the Gospel Doctrine class which is fine. The teacher is well prepared and engages the class in interesting discussions.
Still on the fence about continuing, but feeling pretty happy so far.
Thanks Harriet for the update. I wish you months of continued joy in the ward. Hug the season like it is your favorite summer day. Thanks for the update. I’m glad it has been going well for you.
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