Stumped! Any idea . . .?

[mfbukowski]

2 hours ago, rongo said:

Maybe I can wave the letter around as justification for not doing the Blue & Gold banquet every year in February (Scouting's birthday). 

Local discretion, and all that . . .  

Aha!

Scouting has just changed their policy about allowing transgendered scouts into the program.  I am sure that news was not met with enthusiasm

[Rain]

 

1 hour ago, bluebell said:

I think my ward would be good with it. We're not much of a scouting ward. 

Only some of my ward is and they would want it.  I like scouting in general, but I don't like how complicated people make it so I could do without the banquet.  

[Rain]

1 hour ago, CMZ said:

I do think there's a dual thing going on here where the GAs do not want to seem distant, so if there's an actual reason to write one of them then it should be fine. But I also think they don't like getting flooded with letters that could actually be handled by someone's bishop or stake president (or someone else) instead.

I had a Seminary teacher who spoke at my farewell, who is now a seventy. I haven't seen him in about 25 or so years.  I did something in 9th grade that went along with the class and I would love to see the instructions again to see if it were something I would want to do again.  I've wondered what would happen if I wrote to him,  asking if he still has them.  

[Kenngo1969]

5 minutes ago, Rain said:

I had a Seminary teacher who spoke at my farewell, who is now a seventy. I haven't seen him in about 25 or so years.  I did something in 9th grade that went along with the class and I would love to see the instructions again to see if it were something I would want to do again.  I've wondered what would happen if I wrote to him,  asking if he still has them.  

I doubt there would be any problem with that.  You're a former student writing a former instructor, not someone wanting to dig up dirt on some obscure point of doctrine which you then could smear on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  

[Rain]

12 minutes ago, Kenngo1969 said:

I doubt there would be any problem with that.  You're a former student writing a former instructor, not someone wanting to dig up dirt on some obscure point of doctrine which you then could smear on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  

I've heard that sometimes letters don't even get opened,  just sent straight to the SP. After 25 years I don't know if he would remember my name.  That's why I wonder what would happen. 

[CMZ]

I've heard they have a Seventy assigned to screen letters and either direct them to the appropriate general authority or back to the stake president. I do know of a case where a general authority (possibly someone from the First Presidency) answered a letter sent to the FP by telling the SP what to tell the person.

[strappinglad]

Now, if we could just get rid of those silly Christmas celebrations! Doesn't even line up with the proper date and all that . On the other hand, that big party and parade they have for me in SLC every year in July is gratifying . Birthdays wouldn't be the same without it.

[Calm]

1 hour ago, Rain said:

I've heard that sometimes letters don't even get opened,  just sent straight to the SP. After 25 years I don't know if he would remember my name.  That's why I wonder what would happen. 

Well, if it did go to the SP, he should see it is a personal, not a GA letter and send it back.  Or you could write a note in the return address on the outside "from a former seminary student about a class you taught".  They have to read that to know where to send it back to.  Send a postcard with the request perhaps....if you have a picture of the class or something else, maybe you could create you own postcard to really catch attention.

I would actually be surprised if they didn't open them and just forwarded them to someone not addressed orginally.  Wouldn't that be interfering with the mail?  Once opened, then the letter is the property of the receiver and they can do what they want, including having an agent acting on their behalf forward it.  I am really curious about the legal aspects.  Could they be held liable if information was delayed by the forwarding resulting in harm...such as a letter containing threat to kill someone if they weren't contacted by the GA before a certain date?  

[Johnnie Cake]

Could it be due to a lack of funds?

[MorningStar]

When was lime Jell-O invented?

[Scott Lloyd]

On 2/11/2017 at 2:04 PM, Calm said:

Rain is a faithful member.  Why in the world would you jump to "contempt" when her expression is of amusement?  She may be wrong about whether such are "notable", but that seems a subjective measure.

Nothing in my post shed doubt on or called into question Rain's faithfulness as a member of the Church, and my post should not be interpreted as doing that.

I've had a feeling for sometime now that, as the Church grows in size, we may be losing touch with our legacy and heritage, the historical memory that helps to define us as a people at a time when our unity as the covenant people of God ought to be increasing rather than diminishing.

The founding of the Relief Society is an important event worthy to be observed and commemorated. But so are discovery of the gold plates, milestones pertaining to missionary work and temple construction, the settlement of the Intermountain West by the Mormon Pioneers, publication of the Articles of Faith, and the establishment, development and growth of family history stemming from the prophecy about turning the hearts of the children to their fathers. Some, maybe all, of the foregoing are at least as important as the founding of Relief Society.

And yes, marginalizing of such things as "a stretch" does strike me as an expression of contempt.

 

Edited February 16, 2017 by Scott Lloyd

[Scott Lloyd]

This is as good a place as any to do this, I suppose. Starting a new thread for it would give it more prominence than I desire (and perhaps more than it deserves), and I don’t intend to enter into protracted conversations about it.

 

Some days ago, I mentioned in passing on a post on this board, that I was nearing the 12,000 mark in rep points, and that I was considering using that as an arbitrary milepost for cutting back or curtailing altogether my posting here.

 

So I passed that point a couple of days ago in a solid -- albeit distant -- second place behind Calm, although bluebell, who overtook Nehor a while ago, is fast closing in on me (and may have already passed me up; I haven’t checked in a day or so).

 

So I’m thinking this is as good a time as any to call it a day.

 

I’ve been posting here – and on the predecessor board operated by FairMormon – for a good many years now. I have been impressed and at times inspired, even thrilled, by the eloquent defense of the faith of the Saints given by many people, some of whom are still posting here today. There are too many to start naming names.

 

But a gradual shift in the dynamics and dramatis personae over time, the types of topics presented for discussion and the nature of the discussions that have ensued, etc., have caused me to question whether the board is still a good fit for me.

 

Some of my favorite participants, notably Dr. Peterson and now, Pahoran, no longer post here. (Some may recall that I threatened to summarily resign some time ago when Pahoran was banned, and that I only relented after he was allowed to sign back on as Russell McGregor).

 

Add to this the fact that the posting on the board does take a lot of my time and energy when considered in a cumulative sense. And as other before me have observed, it is addicting – very addicting – probably not a good thing, especially when it concerns anything having to do with the cyber world. To make it less difficult to wean myself away, be advised I likely won’t be checking back in to read responses to this post

 

 So, to use some people’s favorite Book of Mormon expression, I bid everyone here adieu. It has been a long and interesting ride and, to say the least, an absorbing one.

[Calm]

2 hours ago, Scott Lloyd said:

Noting in my post shed doubt on or called into question Rain's faithfulness as a member of the Church, and my post should not be interpreted as doing that.

I wasn't suggesting you were.  I was suggesting you give a faithful member (and therefore likely someone who sees the church in positive ways), who in her posting has never demonstrated any contempt for anything church related that I recall, some benefit of the doubt and consider other interpretations more in accord with her past behaviour as well as what she said in that post.  There is a wide range of judgment to choose from before something requires labeling as contempt.

[MorningStar]

19 hours ago, Johnnie Cake said:

Could it be due to a lack of funds?

I would imagine some wards are more overwhelmed than other wards or feel inspired to do certain activities more than other activities. 

[HappyJackWagon]

On ‎2‎/‎11‎/‎2017 at 3:17 PM, rongo said:

2) I don't think this has anything to do with the Church being ashamed of the First Vision, wanting to divest itself of the "narrative" (boy, am I tired of that buzzword, lately. Thanks, Richard Bushman!  ), wanting to keep a low public profile and not draw attention, etc.  

I think the use of "narrative" is often used in an attempt to be more respectful. "Story" can come across as a bit negative.

BTW- no letter was read in our ward.

[rongo]

It wasn't a "to be read over the pulpit" letter.

I tack up all letters I get on the bulletin board. People out in the halls during church from multiple wards enjoy reading them, and getting information they wouldn't otherwise have . . .  

[Jeanne]

7 hours ago, Scott Lloyd said:

This is as good a place as any to do this, I suppose. Starting a new thread for it would give it more prominence than I desire (and perhaps more than it deserves), and I don’t intend to enter into protracted conversations about it.

 

Some days ago, I mentioned in passing on a post on this board, that I was nearing the 12,000 mark in rep points, and that I was considering using that as an arbitrary milepost for cutting back or curtailing altogether my posting here.

 

So I passed that point a couple of days ago in a solid -- albeit distant -- second place behind Calm, although bluebell, who overtook Nehor a while ago, is fast closing in on me (and may have already passed me up; I haven’t checked in a day or so).

 

So I’m thinking this is as good a time as any to call it a day.

 

I’ve been posting here – and on the predecessor board operated by FairMormon – for a good many years now. I have been impressed and at times inspired, even thrilled, by the eloquent defense of the faith of the Saints given by many people, some of whom are still posting here today. There are too many to start naming names.

 

But a gradual shift in the dynamics and dramatis personae over time, the types of topics presented for discussion and the nature of the discussions that have ensued, etc., have caused me to question whether the board is still a good fit for me.

 

Some of my favorite participants, notably Dr. Peterson and now, Pahoran, no longer post here. (Some may recall that I threatened to summarily resign some time ago when Pahoran was banned, and that I only relented after he was allowed to sign back on as Russell McGregor).

 

Add to this the fact that the posting on the board does take a lot of my time and energy when considered in a cumulative sense. And as other before me have observed, it is addicting – very addicting – probably not a good thing, especially when it concerns anything having to do with the cyber world. To make it less difficult to wean myself away, be advised I likely won’t be checking back in to read responses to this post

 

 So, to use some people’s favorite Book of Mormon expression, I bid everyone here adieu. It has been a long and interesting ride and, to say the least, an absorbing one.

Best to you Scott...we may not have agreed on so many things..but I will miss our Captain Crunch and Beatles...let alone our sometimes agreeable political ideas.  Check in once in awhile.  Now...don't take this wrong..but like a football team that I am so against...I love them..because it gives me something to route against.  I will miss you simply because not only did you make me think..but you made me discover so many things about myself.  I am my own team...as you are yours..we win and lose..but never without respect.

[Tacenda]

7 hours ago, Scott Lloyd said:

This is as good a place as any to do this, I suppose. Starting a new thread for it would give it more prominence than I desire (and perhaps more than it deserves), and I don’t intend to enter into protracted conversations about it.

 

Some days ago, I mentioned in passing on a post on this board, that I was nearing the 12,000 mark in rep points, and that I was considering using that as an arbitrary milepost for cutting back or curtailing altogether my posting here.

 

So I passed that point a couple of days ago in a solid -- albeit distant -- second place behind Calm, although bluebell, who overtook Nehor a while ago, is fast closing in on me (and may have already passed me up; I haven’t checked in a day or so).

 

So I’m thinking this is as good a time as any to call it a day.

 

I’ve been posting here – and on the predecessor board operated by FairMormon – for a good many years now. I have been impressed and at times inspired, even thrilled, by the eloquent defense of the faith of the Saints given by many people, some of whom are still posting here today. There are too many to start naming names.

 

But a gradual shift in the dynamics and dramatis personae over time, the types of topics presented for discussion and the nature of the discussions that have ensued, etc., have caused me to question whether the board is still a good fit for me.

 

Some of my favorite participants, notably Dr. Peterson and now, Pahoran, no longer post here. (Some may recall that I threatened to summarily resign some time ago when Pahoran was banned, and that I only relented after he was allowed to sign back on as Russell McGregor).

 

Add to this the fact that the posting on the board does take a lot of my time and energy when considered in a cumulative sense. And as other before me have observed, it is addicting – very addicting – probably not a good thing, especially when it concerns anything having to do with the cyber world. To make it less difficult to wean myself away, be advised I likely won’t be checking back in to read responses to this post

 

 So, to use some people’s favorite Book of Mormon expression, I bid everyone here adieu. It has been a long and interesting ride and, to say the least, an absorbing one.

I've thought of doing this time and time again, to give you and others a break. But I can't, I need an outlet. I hope you are happy either way, hope you come back soon, but if not I will miss the great conversations and insights you gave.

[Benjamin Seeker]

On 2/13/2017 at 3:23 AM, Scott Lloyd said:

This is as good a place as any to do this, I suppose. Starting a new thread for it would give it more prominence than I desire (and perhaps more than it deserves), and I don’t intend to enter into protracted conversations about it.

 

Some days ago, I mentioned in passing on a post on this board, that I was nearing the 12,000 mark in rep points, and that I was considering using that as an arbitrary milepost for cutting back or curtailing altogether my posting here.

 

So I passed that point a couple of days ago in a solid -- albeit distant -- second place behind Calm, although bluebell, who overtook Nehor a while ago, is fast closing in on me (and may have already passed me up; I haven’t checked in a day or so).

 

So I’m thinking this is as good a time as any to call it a day.

 

I’ve been posting here – and on the predecessor board operated by FairMormon – for a good many years now. I have been impressed and at times inspired, even thrilled, by the eloquent defense of the faith of the Saints given by many people, some of whom are still posting here today. There are too many to start naming names.

 

But a gradual shift in the dynamics and dramatis personae over time, the types of topics presented for discussion and the nature of the discussions that have ensued, etc., have caused me to question whether the board is still a good fit for me.

 

Some of my favorite participants, notably Dr. Peterson and now, Pahoran, no longer post here. (Some may recall that I threatened to summarily resign some time ago when Pahoran was banned, and that I only relented after he was allowed to sign back on as Russell McGregor).

 

Add to this the fact that the posting on the board does take a lot of my time and energy when considered in a cumulative sense. And as other before me have observed, it is addicting – very addicting – probably not a good thing, especially when it concerns anything having to do with the cyber world. To make it less difficult to wean myself away, be advised I likely won’t be checking back in to read responses to this post

 

 So, to use some people’s favorite Book of Mormon expression, I bid everyone here adieu. It has been a long and interesting ride and, to say the least, an absorbing one.

I'm not sure how many people saw this, so I'm bumping Scott's farewell. A conversation isn't a real conversation without more than one point of view. Best of luck!

[juliann]

On 2/13/2017 at 0:23 AM, Scott Lloyd said:

 

 

 So, to use some people’s favorite Book of Mormon expression, I bid everyone here adieu. It has been a long and interesting ride and, to say the least, an absorbing one.

Nooooooooooooo!  You are the life blood of this board. Take a break and then just come back for a stab or two at topics of special interest. See you later!

[Thinking]

On 2/11/2017 at 10:24 AM, HappyJackWagon said:

2022- 100th Anniversary of removing the Lectures on faith from the D&C? 

On 2/11/2017 at 10:24 AM, HappyJackWagon said:

It's pretty hard to imagine the church NOT doing some kind of major celebration for the first vision. 

Perhaps Elder Bednar will reveal the exact date.

On 2/11/2017 at 10:24 AM, HappyJackWagon said:

This may also indicate that the church (at the general level) can't keep up with celebrating every event people feel is historic for their locale.

Like the 20-year anniversary of the proclamation about earrings in October 2020.

 

 

 

[Ahab]

I think the most significant part of the request is that the commemorations not place "undue" burdens on local leaders or members.

Kinda like how meetings, in general, should not be an undue burden on those who are invited to attend, I think.

[Buckeye]

On 2/13/2017 at 3:23 AM, Scott Lloyd said:

This is as good a place as any to do this, I suppose. Starting a new thread for it would give it more prominence than I desire (and perhaps more than it deserves), and I don’t intend to enter into protracted conversations about it.

Some days ago, I mentioned in passing on a post on this board, that I was nearing the 12,000 mark in rep points, and that I was considering using that as an arbitrary milepost for cutting back or curtailing altogether my posting here.

So I passed that point a couple of days ago in a solid -- albeit distant -- second place behind Calm, although bluebell, who overtook Nehor a while ago, is fast closing in on me (and may have already passed me up; I haven’t checked in a day or so).

So I’m thinking this is as good a time as any to call it a day.

I’ve been posting here – and on the predecessor board operated by FairMormon – for a good many years now. I have been impressed and at times inspired, even thrilled, by the eloquent defense of the faith of the Saints given by many people, some of whom are still posting here today. There are too many to start naming names.

But a gradual shift in the dynamics and dramatis personae over time, the types of topics presented for discussion and the nature of the discussions that have ensued, etc., have caused me to question whether the board is still a good fit for me.

Some of my favorite participants, notably Dr. Peterson and now, Pahoran, no longer post here. (Some may recall that I threatened to summarily resign some time ago when Pahoran was banned, and that I only relented after he was allowed to sign back on as Russell McGregor).

Add to this the fact that the posting on the board does take a lot of my time and energy when considered in a cumulative sense. And as other before me have observed, it is addicting – very addicting – probably not a good thing, especially when it concerns anything having to do with the cyber world. To make it less difficult to wean myself away, be advised I likely won’t be checking back in to read responses to this post

 So, to use some people’s favorite Book of Mormon expression, I bid everyone here adieu. It has been a long and interesting ride and, to say the least, an absorbing one.

We've disagreed often on this board Scott. Unfortunately, we'll have to do so one last time. Your prominence here more than justifies a new thread for something of this magnitude. 

Best wishes, especially to your son on his mission. For myself, I can say I benefited greatly from your voice in the discussions.