Speculations for General Conference

[SouthernMo]

8 hours ago, Avatar4321 said:

Spending of money. Possibly

This could be another thread: How people treat their Sabbath and why.

For most of us, the melding of tradition, zeal, and lack of thought has led to some odd practices and rationale.

[Rain]

9 hours ago, clarkgoble said:

I actually am expecting a lot of changes this conference. There already were a ton but I think Nelson/Oaks really think a lot of reforms are needed with traditions not really tied to anything essential most apt to have change.

I've no idea what the changes will be. I'd like some big mission changes. I think the policy changes with the age change and related changes in finding investigators have been a disaster. However honestly I'm not expecting anything like a return to age 19 or going back to traditional finding methods. I would like to hear over the pulpit that age 18 is to allow people who are mature enough to go but that there's nothing wrong going at 19 or 20. But I doubt that'd happen. I'd love to have a rethinking and reform of the whole Stake Missionary program with closer ties to full time missionaries. I went on a full time Stake mission when I was 18 living with a regular full time missionary as a companion. It was a great experience both to get me ready for a mission but also to just extend the capabilities of the mission.

Since I'm not expecting big mission changes, what I'd like to see are greater roles for young women. Passing the sacrament is not an intrinsic Deacon duty and is largely a 20th century phenomena. Let young women pass the sacrament and act as ushers at the doors. It'd make them feel far more included and also mute the degree of feminist critique of the church. We've already let young women become home teachers (nee Ministers). 

But honestly, while I expect big changes, I couldn't tell you what they'd be. There's lots of possibilities ranging from ways to deal with apostles who lose cognitive function (thereby allowing new apostles to be called) to more mundane matters. I don't expect, contra some, any big announcements on sexuality issues or a move from the 3 hour block. I can see perhaps seriously rethinking how that 3 hour meeting functions though. However there are big practical limits on what can be done due to Utah wards having three or even four wards meeting in the same building. So my big wish of significantly shortening Sacrament service to have one or two talks isn't necessarily that workable.

One change I've not seen people discuss is having men in the primary presidency and women in the sunday school presidency. There's absolutely no reason for those restrictions.

President Monson: I am pleased to announce that effective immediately all worthy and able young men who have graduated from high school or its equivalent, regardless of where they live, will have the option of being recommended for missionary service beginning at the age of 18, instead of age 19. I am not suggesting that all young men will—or should—serve at this earlier age. Rather, based on individual circumstances as well as upon a determination by priesthood leaders, this option is now available."

It's not quite what you said, but I believe that was the intent for it. I think a lot of people missed it though so it would be nice to have the idea reiterated again. I remember it well, because my son was 18 at the time and was not ready mentally or spiritually.

Edited August 31, 2018 by Rain

[Rain]

13 hours ago, SouthernMo said:

What is wrong about using a vending machine on the Sabbath?

Nothing as long as they don't need to be stocked on Sunday, causing someone else to work. 

That might cause some problems in buildings where 3-6 wards meet and there is nothing left over.

Yes, years ago there was a building in the San Diego area where 6 wards meant. If church doesn't do an hour then some of you might want to go to one of these wards. They all dropped 15 minutes to get everyone in. 

Edited August 31, 2018 by Rain

[Jeanne]

15 hours ago, california boy said:

I think they would keep it plugged in, but no candy would drop out.  All money put into the vending machine would go towards fast offerings since it is money you would have spent on food.

Good one...now if we could do that with lotteries for the schools in this state at least.  Buy a ticket..buy a book.

[Nofear]

7 hours ago, nuclearfuels said:

- Women are given the priesthood in the Temple; been that way since the first Latter-day Temple was built; no one sees it becuase most of us, including me, don't really listen. Not sure why there woudl be an announcement, annoucning what's already been announced since the first LDS Temple.

Hence the word “offices” in the poll option.  (I did mispell it officies though.)

[The Nehor]

On further reflection here are my thoughts:

- Inviting an acquaintance from Church over for dinner when you are trying to get them to join your MLM distribution network is now an excommunicable offense.

- New mandatory garment styles that are basically high rise tank tops and thongs.

- Reinstituting the Priesthood Ban except this time on men with green eyes.

- People who show up early on Sunday to set up the chairs are only required to pay 8% tithing and still receive full blessings.

- The Second Counselor in all Church Presidencies is now required to bring cookies to Presidency meetings. Time to put those useless layabouts to work. If they bring anything with a picture of a Keebler elf on it they are required to eat them all themselves within the timeframe of the meeting. It is the only way they will learn.

- Polygamous marriages allowed for anyone of either gender willing to enter a random lottery and accept a random pick from Single Adult volunteers. No refunds or returns will be accepted.

- Anyone who asks that the Lord bless junk food to nourish and strengthen their body will be struck with leprosy for their hubris.

- Medical Marijuana may be legally smoked on Church grounds as long as it is done outside the building and as long as you brought enough to share with everyone.

- To facilitate their ability to enter classrooms unobtrusively and ask people if they are willing to meet with a member of the Bishopric all Ward Executive Secretaries are required to dress as Batman from here on out. They may choose which era Batman they wish to emulate (subject to the Bishop's approval).

- To bring a spirit of levity to Fast and Testimony meetings at the end of the proceedings all members of the congregation can electronically vote on who gave the worst testimony. Whoever wins this competition is granted the title of "Ward Idiot" for the month and they are to be ceremonially mocked for the next month in person and on social media.

Edited September 1, 2018 by The Nehor

[clarkgoble]

3 hours ago, Rain said:

President Monson: I am pleased to announce that effective immediately all worthy and able young men who have graduated from high school or its equivalent, regardless of where they live, will have the option of being recommended for missionary service beginning at the age of 18, instead of age 19. I am not suggesting that all young men will—or should—serve at this earlier age. Rather, based on individual circumstances as well as upon a determination by priesthood leaders, this option is now available."

It's not quite what you said, but I believe that was the intent for it. I think a lot of people missed it though so it would be nice to have the idea reiterated again. I remember it well, because my son was 18 and was not ready mentally or spiritually.

Yup I knew Monson said that. As you alluded everyone promptly forgot it. It needs to be reemphasized quite badly.

Edited August 31, 2018 by clarkgoble

[strappinglad]

26 minutes ago, clarkgoble said:

It needs to be reemphasized quite badly

It was. That's why it should be emphasized more thoroughly .

[Guest]

Many sermons about dropping of the term "Mormon", beyond that some new Temple sites and continuances and repeats of standard Church policies. Beyond that, I fear the fear of dropping of the name of "The Book of Mormon", of Mormon being dropped. I hope I am wrong about the changing about the name change. 

Edited August 31, 2018 by Bill "Papa" Lee

[ksfisher]

43 minutes ago, Bill "Papa" Lee said:

Many sermons about dropping of the term "Mormon", beyond that some new Temple sites and continuances and repeats of standard Church policies. Beyond that, I fear the fear of dropping of the name of "The Book of Mormon", of Mormon being dropped. I hope I am wrong about the changing about the name change. 

"Mormon" is correctly used in proper names such as the Book of Mormon or when used as an adjective in such historical expressions as "Mormon Trail."

https://www.mormonnewsroom.org/style-guide

[nuclearfuels]

13 hours ago, Nofear said:

Hence the word “offices” in the poll option.  (I did mispell it officies though.)

Ok.

No worries.

[nuclearfuels]

12 hours ago, The Nehor said:

On further reflection here are my thoughts:

- Inviting an acquaintance from Church over for dinner when you are trying to get them to join your MLM distribution network is now an excommunicable offense.

- New mandatory garment styles that are basically high rise tank tops and thongs.

- Reinstituting the Priesthood Ban except this time on men with green eyes.

- People who show up early on Sunday to set up the chairs are only required to pay 8% tithing and still receive full blessings.

- The Second Counselor in all Church Presidencies is now required to bring cookies to Presidency meetings. Time to put those useless layabouts to work. If they bring anything with a picture of a Keebler elf on it they are required to eat them all themselves within the timeframe of the meeting. It is the only way they will learn.

- Polygamous marriages allowed for anyone of either gender willing to enter a random lottery and accept a random pick from Single Adult volunteers. No refunds or returns will be accepted.

- Anyone who asks that the Lord bless junk food to nourish and strengthen their body will be struck with leprosy for their hubris.

- Medical Marijuana may be legally smoked on Church grounds as long as it is done outside the building and as long as you brought enough to share with everyone.

- To facilitate their ability to enter classrooms unobtrusively and ask people if they are willing to meet with a member of the Bishopric all Ward Executive Secretaries are required to dress as Batman from here on out. They may choose which era Batman they wish to emulate (subject to the Bishop's approval).

- To bring a spirit of levity to Fast and Testimony meetings at the end of the proceedings all members of the congregation can electronically vote on who gave the worst testimony. Whoever wins this competition is granted the title of "Ward Idiot" for the week and they are to be ceremonially mocked for the next week in person and on social media.

What, no punishment for those who interrupt every class, every Sunday to take attendance rolls?

[rockpond]

I am hopeful that they will use this coming gen con to announce the changes to Duty to God / Personal Progress that were alluded to when the Church announced its impending break from the Scouting program.  As a ward YM President I feel like we are caught in a bit of a limbo now... we are working hard with the YM who still want to advance through Scouting but for the rest (majority), it's been tough to get momentum around the existing Duty to God program when members believe that it will be changing soon.

Edited August 31, 2018 by rockpond

[rongo]

43 minutes ago, rockpond said:

I am hopeful that they will use this coming gen con to announce the changes to Duty to God / Personal Progress that were alluded to when the Church announced its impending break from the Scouting program.  As a ward YM President I feel like we are caught in a bit of a limbo now... we are working hard with the YM who still want to advance through Scouting but for the rest (majority), it's been tough to get momentum around the existing Duty to God program when members believe that it will be changing soon.

The current Duty to God program is little more than scripture reading and journaling, coupled with some service projects like the value projects for YW. And, they got rid of the medals. Like with Faith in God, you get a certificate and your booklets with initials back! We tried to order some, and the medals aren't an option to order anymore. 

[ksfisher]

1 hour ago, rockpond said:

I am hopeful that they will use this coming gen con to announce the changes to Duty to God / Personal Progress that were alluded to when the Church announced its impending break from the Scouting program.  As a ward YM President I feel like we are caught in a bit of a limbo now... we are working hard with the YM who still want to advance through Scouting but for the rest (majority), it's been tough to get momentum around the existing Duty to God program when members believe that it will be changing soon.

The new program is currently being piloted by several wards in the United States.  It is in the process of being translated into a limited number of non-English languages and will then be piloted outside the United States.  My feeling is that October would be too soon to make any sort of substantive announcements regarding the program.

I do know that the program will begin in primary and that My Path for Missionaries is the conclusion. 

I agree that the current programs are kind of lame ducks.

Edited August 31, 2018 by ksfisher

[ksfisher]

4 minutes ago, rongo said:

We tried to order some, and the medals aren't an option to order anymore. 

I imagine the church doesn't want to get stuck with outdated inventory.

[The Nehor]

2 hours ago, nuclearfuels said:

What, no punishment for those who interrupt every class, every Sunday to take attendance rolls?

Those still exist? You have my permission to kill them via slow torture.

[Avatar4321]

Perhaps we will be called to adam-ondi-Ahman 

[rockpond]

31 minutes ago, ksfisher said:

The new program is currently being piloted by several wards in the United States.  It is in the process of being translated into a limited number of non-English languages and will then be piloted outside the United States.  My feeling is that October would be too soon to make any sort of substantive announcements regarding the program.

I do know that the program will begin in primary and that My Path for Missionaries is the conclusion. 

I agree that the current programs are kind of lame ducks.

Thanks for the info (even though it isn't the answer I was hoping for). 

[e-eye]

I'm calling it now - BYU Football is finally put out of it's misery.

A bunch of new temples announced.

Changes to the YW/YM program already with a reduction in how often mutual is held

FHE Update to match up with church lessons

2 hour block - less church teaching more in home teaching

 

[rockpond]

38 minutes ago, rongo said:

The current Duty to God program is little more than scripture reading and journaling, coupled with some service projects like the value projects for YW. And, they got rid of the medals. Like with Faith in God, you get a certificate and your booklets with initials back! We tried to order some, and the medals aren't an option to order anymore. 

Yeah... I don't love the current Duty to God program but I've spent so many years working with YM that it feels weird for me not to have some kind of defined program to implement.  We're still doing purpose-based activities and campouts but I feel like I'm conditioned to have them working towards some kind of award or advancement.    

[rockpond]

3 minutes ago, e-eye said:

2 hour block - less church teaching more in home teaching

I know so many people who believe this is coming.  And I selected it on the survey question.

Among other reasons that have been cited, I also see the lack of building construction in my area as another indicator that perhaps they were planning on this.  In my city, we have an entire stake that has just ONE building within its stake boundaries.  10 wards.  One building.  And the one building is not even a stake center.  The church has owned land within the stake for many years but they aren't building on it.  So they've got the majority of stake members traveling outside the stake boundaries to attend church.  

[ksfisher]

12 minutes ago, e-eye said:

2 hour block - less church teaching more in home teaching

As I've mentioned before, I think this would not benefit children and youth who are not receiving gospel instruction in the home.

 

13 minutes ago, e-eye said:

FHE Update to match up with church lessons

Already in the works.

 

14 minutes ago, e-eye said:

Changes to the YW/YM program already with a reduction in how often mutual is held

Under the new program local units will be given greater control over youth programs.  But in units that are able to hold mutual every week I don't see a reduction in mutual as helpful.  The teenage years are for many the most difficult and having less interaction with other youth and leaders in church settings does not seem like it would help.

[rongo]

7 minutes ago, ksfisher said:

As I've mentioned before, I think [a 2 hour block; reductions in 2nd hour Sunday School and primary classes] would not benefit children and youth who are not receiving gospel instruction in the home.

To be honest, when there is no real gospel instruction taking place in the home (many more of our active LDS homes than you would think), what they get at church doesn't really stick much. I agree that it is better than nothing, but I don't think most are missing much in the long run without SS/Primary if their families aren't teaching them the gospel.

[FHE aligned with Come Follow Me is] already in the works.

Yuck. Our family has loved doing our own FHE lessons from the beginning. 

Under the new program local units will be given greater control over youth programs.  But in units that are able to hold mutual every week I don't see a reduction in mutual as helpful.  The teenage years are for many the most difficult and having less interaction with other youth and leaders in church settings does not seem like it would help.

I think the pendulum is swinging away from the 1990 "reduce and simplify" instructions (which stressed that active families shouldn't be overburdened to meet the needs of weak families) and back to overprogramming to try to provide instruction and activities for the weak. I think you are correct that this will be the new direction with the new youth programs in 2020. 

We discussed and looked at not having MIA every week and encouraging families to do more things together. I do not think this will be the direction with the new youth program; rather, I think it will be very time-intensive on the part of leaders and take youth from families more than has been in the past. 

[Calm]

Quote

To be honest, when there is no real gospel instruction taking place in the home (many more of our active LDS homes than you would think), what they get at church doesn't really stick much. I agree that it is better than nothing, but I don't think most are missing much in the long run without SS/Primary if their families aren't teaching them the gospel.

Perhaps the specifics don't stick, but an awareness that they belong to a faith community probably does and that can add to a foundation that gets built upon later, imo.  Being in a class for their age group rather than just coming along with Mom and/or Dad makes a difference in the sense of belonging in their own right.

And I think even if lessons don't stick much, the impact of singing Primary songs does from what I have observed over the years.

Edited August 31, 2018 by Calm