Attending Church

[jkwilliams]

19 minutes ago, Stargazer said:

I like it!  I was once in our stake's emergency communications section.  Which meant I had a ham radio license and we practiced talking on the radio once a week (and had a real emergency weather situation once).  Emergency prep isn't quite that, but it's nevertheless a calling you can accomplish something useful with!

It’s a good calling because I can do it in good conscience. 

[MorningStar]

On ‎8‎/‎2‎/‎2018 at 11:16 AM, jkwilliams said:

That's pretty much what I thought. No, I haven't had any church discipline, though I probably deserve it. Yes, my kids know where I stand, but that doesn't seem to be a problem as far as participating in a baby blessing.

I had a bishop who would check to see if everyone had a temple recommend involved in baby blessings and confirmations, but I was never sure if it was right of him to do that. 

[Stargazer]

2 minutes ago, MorningStar said:

I had a bishop who would check to see if everyone had a temple recommend involved in baby blessings and confirmations, but I was never sure if it was right of him to do that. 

He had a right to administer as he saw fit, as the handbook indicates, but the handbook says only one thing definitively about baby blessings regarding non-TR status -- and that is that a father blessing his own baby need not have a TR, as long as he has no serious unresolved sins.  As for confirmations, the handbook requires TR worthiness for a father to confirm his own child (i.e. to act as voice), but if he isn't TR worthy and had no serious sins to deal with, he could still stand in the circle.

[Tacenda]

18 hours ago, jkwilliams said:

Emergency preparedness leader. 

JK, I feel like we're having kind of the same journey, new wards and housing, and callings that work!

[jkwilliams]

1 hour ago, Tacenda said:

JK, I feel like we're having kind of the same journey, new wards and housing, and callings that work!

I was kind of dreading talking to the bishopric counselor, as I expected I was going to have to lay out where I am in detail, so it was a pleasant surprise that they are asking me to do something I can do with a clear conscience. 

Saturday night I hadn't slept well, so it was hard to stay awake through the meetings, especially the post-youth-conference parade of teenage testimonies. As I said, it was kind of fun to hear the last testimony bearer talk about the FairMormon conference (he also mentioned Book of Mormon Central and the Interpreter). Afterward, my wife said something about hoping I wouldn't talk to him about any of that, as she is convinced my participation in apologetics is what led to my spiritual downfall.

ETA: No offense, but please call me John. "JK" just sounds weird to me.

Edited August 6, 2018 by jkwilliams

[Guest]

On July 18, 2018 at 12:24 PM, jkwilliams said:

I want to be with my wife, so that's only possible the third hour. I like church members, but meetings are pretty terrible, generally speaking. I guess I just need to treat this as a favor I do for my wife, nothing more.

John, I think that going to Church is maybe least among all things we do for our spouses. All of life and all of marriage is much more demanding with the other 6 days and 21 hours of the week. Things that certainly do required us (as husbands) especially to "grin and bare it", but that is what safificing one's life for another is all about. When I look back on the decades of multiple jobs, lack of sleep, the "ups", the "downs"', even the military...whatever it took to ensure my family was feed and clothed, Church on Sunday, not even a blip, 

[jkwilliams]

4 hours ago, Bill "Papa" Lee said:

John, I think that going to Church is maybe least among all things we do for our spouses. All of life and all of marriage is much more demanding with the other 6 days and 21 hours of the week. Things that certainly do required us (as husbands) especially to "grin and bare it", but that is what safificing one's life for another is all about. When I look back on the decades of multiple jobs, lack of sleep, the "ups", the "downs"', even the military...whatever it took to ensure my family was feed and clothed, Church on Sunday, not even a blip, 

So far, that's the only good thing about it: being with my wife. 

[Stargazer]

5 hours ago, jkwilliams said:

Afterward, my wife said something about hoping I wouldn't talk to him about any of that, as she is convinced my participation in apologetics is what led to my spiritual downfall.

 

I wonder about that.  Do you think that it might have had a role?  In my case, it seems to have strengthened me beyond my expectations, but persons differ.

[jkwilliams]

Just now, Stargazer said:

I wonder about that.  Do you think that it might have had a role?  In my case, it seems to have strengthened me beyond my expectations, but persons differ.

No, I don't think it did, as my faith crisis happened during a 9-month or so break from social media and message boards. I think it's that she associates online apologetics with the threats made against her and me, and I can't say I blame her.

[Tacenda]

9 hours ago, jkwilliams said:

I was kind of dreading talking to the bishopric counselor, as I expected I was going to have to lay out where I am in detail, so it was a pleasant surprise that they are asking me to do something I can do with a clear conscience. 

Saturday night I hadn't slept well, so it was hard to stay awake through the meetings, especially the post-youth-conference parade of teenage testimonies. As I said, it was kind of fun to hear the last testimony bearer talk about the FairMormon conference (he also mentioned Book of Mormon Central and the Interpreter). Afterward, my wife said something about hoping I wouldn't talk to him about any of that, as she is convinced my participation in apologetics is what led to my spiritual downfall.

ETA: No offense, but please call me John. "JK" just sounds weird to me.

I will from now on call you John, thanks for letting me know. 😌 I tend to shorten people's names at times. Oh, and that is awesome that a ward member knows of these places, that probably means he knows of the controversial things in the church, lucky you. When I talked to my bishop in his office, I told him of my faith crisis because I wanted him to be aware for multiple reasons. And then asked if someone in the ward helps with people like me, and he didn't offer a soul, he must not know of anyone that is aware of the issues, or does and didn't want to bring it up. But you or this guy could be a great help to people like me, of course I think I'm too far gone. 

[bsjkki]

I had a mini faith crisis and have come out of it with my faith intact. But, some days church is emotionally exhausting and extremely painful. Today I was informed of a complaint from a parent because my autistic daughter teaches their child’s primary class, along with two other teachers. I don’t have details yet but really, sometimes being in a ward is painful. 

I’m not sure how to discuss this situation rationally. I’m the PP so it will need to be addressed somehow but it is so demoralizing on so many levels. If I tell my husband about this, he will flip...he has strong faith but the last few years have made him angry at the “people” in our ward. Sometimes I wish we could move but we are stuck for now. 

[Kenngo1969]

2 hours ago, bsjkki said:

I had a mini faith crisis and have come out of it with my faith intact. But, some days church is emotionally exhausting and extremely painful. Today I was informed of a complaint from a parent because my autistic daughter teaches their child’s primary class, along with two other teachers. I don’t have details yet but really, sometimes being in a ward is painful. 

I’m not sure how to discuss this situation rationally. I’m the PP so it will need to be addressed somehow but it is so demoralizing on so many levels. If I tell my husband about this, he will flip...he has strong faith but the last few years have made him angry at the “people” in our ward. Sometimes I wish we could move but we are stuck for now. 

Sorry to hear that.   I hope things turn out well for you and your family.  All best wishes.

[Kenngo1969]

20 hours ago, jkwilliams said:

... No offense, but please call me John. "JK" just sounds weird to me.

Sorry.    Couldn't resist.  

We now return you to your regularly-scheduled, on-topic programming.

  

Edited August 7, 2018 by Kenngo1969

[jkwilliams]

On 8/7/2018 at 2:23 AM, bsjkki said:

I had a mini faith crisis and have come out of it with my faith intact. But, some days church is emotionally exhausting and extremely painful. Today I was informed of a complaint from a parent because my autistic daughter teaches their child’s primary class, along with two other teachers. I don’t have details yet but really, sometimes being in a ward is painful. 

I’m not sure how to discuss this situation rationally. I’m the PP so it will need to be addressed somehow but it is so demoralizing on so many levels. If I tell my husband about this, he will flip...he has strong faith but the last few years have made him angry at the “people” in our ward. Sometimes I wish we could move but we are stuck for now. 

Just to be clear, my "faith crisis" had nothing to do with church members or meetings. It's nice getting to know some of the members here, and I hope I'm able to make some friends. I'm sorry your ward has been so frustrating to you and your husband, and I hope things get better.

[jkwilliams]

On 8/6/2018 at 6:30 PM, Tacenda said:

I will from now on call you John, thanks for letting me know. 😌 I tend to shorten people's names at times. Oh, and that is awesome that a ward member knows of these places, that probably means he knows of the controversial things in the church, lucky you. When I talked to my bishop in his office, I told him of my faith crisis because I wanted him to be aware for multiple reasons. And then asked if someone in the ward helps with people like me, and he didn't offer a soul, he must not know of anyone that is aware of the issues, or does and didn't want to bring it up. But you or this guy could be a great help to people like me, of course I think I'm too far gone. 

I'd offer to talk to you, since we live in the same town, but somehow I don't think I'd help you get back into a state of belief.

[jkwilliams]

On 8/7/2018 at 5:31 AM, Kenngo1969 said:

Sorry.    Couldn't resist.  

We now return you to your regularly-scheduled, on-topic programming.

  

For some reason, I'm reminded of seeing a production of "Saturday's Warrior" at Knott's Berry Farm sometime in the late 1970s. We went because a family friend's daughter had the lead female role. I don't think anyone in my family knew anything about the play beforehand, but when it was over, my father said, "I hope there were no investigators here tonight." 

[Kenngo1969]

I'm probably doomed in the Eternal Marriage department here on earth, anyway, but I'm definitely doomed (perhaps eternally ) if all of the "Todds" in the Universe have made premortal covenants with all of the "Julies" in the Universe (and vice-versa) that each will find the other.  

[jkwilliams]

19 hours ago, Kenngo1969 said:

I'm probably doomed in the Eternal Marriage department here on earth, anyway, but I'm definitely doomed (perhaps eternally ) if all of the "Todds" in the Universe have made premortal covenants with all of the "Julies" in the Universe (and vice-versa) that each will find the other.  

You never know. I've known a few people who did not find the right person until relatively late in life. You're not dead yet.

[Josh516]

Church attendance is very hard for me as well. I have true empathy for you, Brother lol. Though my reasons are different. I honestly just find Church to be an absolute bore lol. So why do I attend? Well partaking of the Sacrament is the most important reason I do. That alone is enough to compel me to attend no matter what. It's vital to the Mormon faith! Second, I believe its important to show people whose side your own. Going to Church and attending your meetings is a way to let everyone know you support them, and your seeking after the same things in life. Basically, not going to Church is bordering on being a fence sitter (for me at least). If anything though, just go for sacrament and let that be the focus.

[Kenngo1969]

On 7/20/2018 at 1:24 PM, SteveO said:

Anytime the instructor in Sunday School or Priesthood utters the phrase, “talk to your neighbor and discuss...” I immediately place the following formula into action:

 

(Tower Defense on iPhone) + (couch in foyer) = (Tolerable 3 hour block)

Personally, I don't consider conversing with my neighbor in Church to be all that odious, but, then, perhaps I'm simply an Odd Duck.  

[Guest]

On August 6, 2018 at 4:34 PM, jkwilliams said:

So far, that's the only good thing about it: being with my wife. 

Spending time with your wife, indeed a plus. But there must be something good than just being with her, you stated as much when you said you like hanging out with members. But even the biggest unbeliever can find common ground when hearing of the many positive aspects of Jesus Christ's message of peace, and love. BTW, now that you are back in Utah, you can attend Sacrament, and Sunday school with her. Then once separated from her in Preisthood, you could easily walk home. You are a good man with a good soul, John. So, the messages if love and kindness taught by Jesus Christ, are traits I know you live by, "ole friend". Love ya brother!   

[jkwilliams]

On 8/10/2018 at 2:01 PM, Josh516 said:

Church attendance is very hard for me as well. I have true empathy for you, Brother lol. Though my reasons are different. I honestly just find Church to be an absolute bore lol. So why do I attend? Well partaking of the Sacrament is the most important reason I do. That alone is enough to compel me to attend no matter what. It's vital to the Mormon faith! Second, I believe its important to show people whose side your own. Going to Church and attending your meetings is a way to let everyone know you support them, and your seeking after the same things in life. Basically, not going to Church is bordering on being a fence sitter (for me at least). If anything though, just go for sacrament and let that be the focus.

Do you attend fundamentalist church meetings, or LDS meetings?