- This topic is empty.
-
Posts
-
Quote:
I would kneel with a humble man, in his Levi’s and worn boots, and bless the Sacrament any day.
Amen. Some of my fondest memories of Sacrament Meeting are from my days as a Seminary teacher in an Asian branch in the greater Boston area, watching the young men dressed in their “best” clothes – which sometimes included jeans and shirts with gang symbols.
When I was in DC a couple of years back, I saw a little black kid with dread locks passing the sacrament in a Kobe Bryant jersey, shorts, and white high top sneakers. It was awesome. I wanted to take a picture and send it to the Ensign. Here’s another thread about white shirts. Thanks for finding this, Ray. I read through this and the “Consider the Suit” thread. I think the issue with white shirts is that it is taught to the young men. Ray mentioned Elder Holland’s talk about it. Here’s what Elder Holland said:
Quote:Live your best and look your best when you participate in the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.
May I suggest that wherever possible a white shirt be worn by the deacons, teachers, and priests who handle the sacrament. For sacred ordinances in the Church we often use ceremonial clothing, and a white shirt could be seen as a gentle reminder of the white clothing you wore in the baptismal font and an anticipation of the white shirt you will soon wear into the temple and onto your missions.
That simple suggestion is not intended to be pharisaic or formalistic. We do not want deacons or priests in uniforms or unduly concerned about anything but the purity of their lives. But how our young people dress can teach a holy principle to us all, and it certainly can convey sanctity. As President David O. McKay taught, a white shirt contributes to the sacredness of the holy sacrament (see Conference Report, Oct. 1956, p. 89).
http://www.lds.org/ensign/1995/11/this-do-in-remembrance-of-me?lang=eng
I like that he included the words “wherever possible”. In some places and for some people, it is not feasible. For most, especially in the United States, it is quite easy and I reckon a white shirt doesn’t cost any more than a colored one. What is interesting is that he doesn’t mention TIES. I hate ties! However, I wore a bow tie last week and I liked it more because it doesn’t get in my way. Maybe when this topic was discussed here, the new Handbook had not yet been published. It says:
Quote:Every priesthood holder who participates in this ordinance should understand that he is acting on behalf of the Lord. The bishopric encourages priesthood holders to ponder the Savior’s Atonement as they prepare, bless, and pass the sacrament. The bishopric also ensures that priesthood holders have a reverent, dignified manner as they participate in this ordinance.
Those who bless and pass the sacrament should dress modestly and be well groomed and clean. Clothing or jewelry should not call attention to itself or distract members during the sacrament.
Ties and white shirts are recommended because they add to the dignity of the ordinance. However, they should not be required as a mandatory prerequisite for a priesthood holder to participate. Nor should it be required that all be alike in dress and appearance. Bishops should use discretion when giving such guidance to young men, taking into account their financial circumstances and maturity in the Church.http://www.lds.org/handbook/handbook-2-administering-the-church/priesthood-ordinances-and-blessings?lang=eng#204
I like the wording there.I saw it written somewhere in this or the other thread that a benefit of wearing a colored shirt is that he will be less likely to get a leadership calling. It made me chuckle. I just want to report that it doesn’t work in my ward. One guy in particular was in a bishopric of a BYU ward and is now our ward clerk.
I am not a fan of suit coats! They make me too hot. A couple years ago I attended a training meeting in the High Council room because I had recently become a counselor to the EQP. A member of the stake presidency, 5 or 6 high councilors, and several other trainees were there. I was the only one not wearing a suit coat or jacket. When it was my turn to introduce myself, I confessed that I felt a little uncomfortable and directly asked the member of the stake presidency if a suit coat is required whatsoever. He replied that I shouldn’t be uncomfortable and that there is nothing in Handbook 1 about suit coats. Awesome.
cwald wrote:When I was in DC a couple of years back, I saw a little black kid with dread locks passing the sacrament in a Kobe Bryant jersey, shorts, and white high top sneakers. It was awesome. I wanted to take a picture and send it to the Ensign.
I’d have paid admission for a ticket to see that, cwald!
I had a regular rotation of white, blue, grey and yellow shirts I wore to church … as insurance against high-level callings. Didn’t work.
These are all interesting experiences. My experience with wearing white shirts during sacrament with the ward I’m in that it only a suggestion. I do see a deacon in my ward who wears a white shirt and a bow-tie. DW hassled me one too many times about the white shirt. Now, as a form of malicious compliance that only I would recognize, I wear a white short sleeve shirt and khaki pants every week. The only thing that varies is the tie. I have given up caring.
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.