HappyJackWagon Posted October 30, 2020 Posted October 30, 2020 10 hours ago, Islander said: As far as I am concerned, the Church folded and went away 9 months ago. For nearly 3 months we saw no one, spoke to no one and nothing happened. We just abandoned our calling and mission and the work of the Lord came to a standstill. Now, we are meeting once a month for an hour. The elderly (especially widows) have been completely isolated and abandoned. Missionary work stopped and no service is being performed. There is no fellowship, there is no support for those that need it and the local leadership all but ran away. My question is rather obvious: why the fear? We claim to be followers of Christ; those that have promise to follow Him and take up our crosses (die if necessary) to move His work forward. We say we believe that we trust in Him for everything. We claim that we have given our commitment, time, energy, resources and our very lives for the sake of the Gospel. Are not our lives in His hands? Are not our days counted already? Is it not true that we say (like the Apostle Paul) that "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain..." This life is but a vapor. Our hope, our future, our reward and treasure is in Heaven. We don't belong here! Then why the fear? The fact is that this a flu-like virus and EVERYBODY is going to get it; today, tomorrow, next week or next years, regardless of whether a vaccine is available or not. I believe there will be a reckoning on account of our negligence. We have abandoned the work of God, the things of God and people of God on account of fear. Nephi went to do according to the commandments of God, knowing that it could (and nearly so) cost him his life. Abinadai stood boldly to speak the truth, knowing that it was the last thing he would do. Ammon and the sons of Mosiah went to preach the Gospel in the heart of the land of their mortal enemies. The examples are many. We have a solemn duty. Abdicating that duty, regardless, has consequences. While I think you go too far with your criticism, I can also understand your point of view. For months there was ZERO contact from the church. Church was cancelled, online services were banned, ministering assignments were released. There has been no Sunday School. Temples were closed. Missionaries stay in their apartments and minister via facebook. Youth activities are non-existent except for an occasional zoom get-together. I haven't heard from anyone at church. The bishopric never even returned phone calls, emails or texts. I think they took most of the year off except for an occasional mass email they would send out telling everyone that if they want to do the sacrament at home they need to get permission every single week. Pretty heavy-handed in my opinion. So I agree that the church has changed in a lot of negative ways as far as performing it's overriding mission. Where I think you go too far is condemning the safety measures put in place as if being irresponsible with the pandemic and putting people at risk is the right answer. God won't protect people if they can't be bothered to take the necessary precautions and it's foolish to think otherwise. IMO the church did well in taking precautions but it fell down in the way it adapted slowly. I don't feel that it has had a meaningful impact in the lives of many people, and it could have. At such an important moment of need I feel the church (and particularly local leadership) abandoned many of the people who relied on it. As a result I think they will be slow to recover. 1
Rain Posted October 30, 2020 Posted October 30, 2020 (edited) 9 hours ago, Calm said: Yeah....risking our own lives is acceptable to me, risking lives of others not so much. If we can go to war to protect our neighbours and family, not seeing it inappropriate to pull back on church meetings while the Church finds new ways to do missionary work and is helping fill food banks in this country and sending food and other supplies throughout the world. https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/food-donations-increase-during-pandemic-recent-harvest https://news-ca.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/record-breaking-food-drive-cheers-calgarians https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/missionaries-at-mexico-city-visitors-center-thrive-despite-covid-19-disruptions https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/indexing-and-family-history-efforts-have-increased-with-president-nelson-s-invitation-amid-covid-19 https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/12-lessons-from-church-leaders-for-facing-covid-19-other-trials-and-turmoil https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/service-missionaries-continue-to-serve-despite-the-challenges-of-covid-19 https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/https-wwwthechurchnews-com-global-2020-08-30-byu-pathway-worldwide-growth-enrollment-returned-missionaries-valuable-education-191472 You may want to consider you think the Church has disappeared because you see it only in a limited number of ways, while there are many more. I do think the shutdown of meetings have demonstrated some local weaknesses, areas where care and contact of fellow ward members has drastically dropped, including reports of bishops not appearing to make an effort to keep those connections open. Other wards have reported very supportive programs. Hopefully area and general authorities and officers will continue to learn how to inspire local members to step up and keep the ties of the gospel going even when it isn’t dropped in their lap by attending church weekly. I think this is a good test of those who live the gospel because of others leading them or because it has become part of their heart and soul. I agree. It's been interesting to me to see the differences. HappyJack got so little contact. In my ward we have received a lot from leadership. Not so much from ministering people, but that hasn't been abnormal for us. We still have the same ministering assignments and actually in some ways are doing more because one is a single sister who we take the sacrament some weeks. It will be Interesting to see what the church learns from it all. Edited October 30, 2020 by Rain 2
Bill “Papa” Lee Posted October 30, 2020 Author Posted October 30, 2020 20 hours ago, california boy said: I think I misunderstood your post. I apologize. Now worries, it happens. 1
Bill “Papa” Lee Posted October 31, 2020 Author Posted October 31, 2020 On 10/29/2020 at 8:08 AM, Bill “Papa” Lee said: Our Ward here in my home State of Georgia, has returned to worship together; well not really. Many of us are in the same building, where up to 150 can attend, however it is so “hands off”, approach that many have many discouraged. All members of leadership wear masks unless they are speaking, as do all of the Aaronic Priesthood, who administer the Sacrament. In addition, each of the, Deacons, Teachers and Priest, also wear gloves the entire time. Yet with all of these individuals setting examples, by employing such safety measures, members are not required to wear masks. Social distancing keeps almost anyone of speaking with one another, in addition those in my age bracket and above, are not only given “wide births”, but reminded, “we don’t have to be there”. As a result, after the first week, and the very large part of the members who don’t wear masks, have caused friends of mine, to not return. I ask these questions here in the General Discussion Forum, in order to gage our actions here, with other parts of the world, or country? I must admit, after our very long absence, I feel very “disconnected”, to my Ward and Church. It is very much an odd feeling, and is leaving me quite sad, and lacking the Spirit, that I once had or felt. 😪 ETA: It is worth noting, that because of other health problems, my warns everyone that she know to, “give me a wide birth”. Because I insist on trying to be there, those who don’t know us as well, it they get too close, she steps in between. I must freely admit, this makes for a more pronounced sense of disconnect.
cherryTreez Posted October 31, 2020 Posted October 31, 2020 I don't know that anything has changed for me. I have no connections to the ward here. I get more news about my last ward that I moved from 4 years ago. I have loved not having church. I hated when I heard they were started back up. It means my husband and son are gone for a good part of Sunday. I loved being home with my kids and going where they lead and seeing what they learn. I hope since Utah is back in red, church will be canceled again.
Bernard Gui Posted October 31, 2020 Posted October 31, 2020 (edited) The Church has been through much harder times than these, and if we believe the prophets there will be worse times. Let’s bear the burdens of our times with hope and faith. No one is burning our homes, imprisoning our leaders, stealing our food, or forbidding us to worship. We can endure this for a season. It would be sad if it were so much a burden that we would stay at home and refuse to come back. Edited October 31, 2020 by Bernard Gui 4
alter idem Posted October 31, 2020 Posted October 31, 2020 13 hours ago, cherryTreez said: I don't know that anything has changed for me. I have no connections to the ward here. I get more news about my last ward that I moved from 4 years ago. I have loved not having church. I hated when I heard they were started back up. It means my husband and son are gone for a good part of Sunday. I loved being home with my kids and going where they lead and seeing what they learn. I hope since Utah is back in red, church will be canceled again. I'm so sorry that church attendance is a burden for you in your family. It should be better though, as right now we are only meeting for about 45 minutes for a sacrament meeting on Sunday. That ought to leave more time for family at home. While I personally was fine with staying home (I even enjoyed home church), I know that for many others it was lonely and depressing, isolating to not have weekly church meetings with others. The examples of that are right here on this thread and it's disturbing to read that some are not doing well with the upheaval to our normal interactions with friends and neighbors. If I don't want to go to church, I can stay home and watch it on Zoom, and others who miss church at least have the option to attend, and that to me is a good thing, so I'm not wishing for any more shutdowns! It's really hard on a lot of people. 3
cherryTreez Posted October 31, 2020 Posted October 31, 2020 2 hours ago, alter idem said: I'm so sorry that church attendance is a burden for you in your family. It should be better though, as right now we are only meeting for about 45 minutes for a sacrament meeting on Sunday. That ought to leave more time for family at home. While I personally was fine with staying home (I even enjoyed home church), I know that for many others it was lonely and depressing, isolating to not have weekly church meetings with others. The examples of that are right here on this thread and it's disturbing to read that some are not doing well with the upheaval to our normal interactions with friends and neighbors. If I don't want to go to church, I can stay home and watch it on Zoom, and others who miss church at least have the option to attend, and that to me is a good thing, so I'm not wishing for any more shutdowns! It's really hard on a lot of people. Our ward is old. I get dirty looks from people because my little kids make noise. I was glared at because my newborn made noise. It hard being alone with my 2 smallest kids and trying to keep them completely quiet so we don't get looks. I think all the old people forgot what kids are like. There are a few other kids and their parents feel like I do in this ward. I wish they would let people pick and choose wards so stuff like this doesn't happen to more. It's hard when we, as a church should love kids and many older members don't. 2
Calm Posted October 31, 2020 Posted October 31, 2020 I love kids...they provide entertainment. And there are years I make a habit of bringing my purse stuffed with finger puppets in case there is a kid bored nearby. But my brain is also to the point of “better you then me” to their parents. If I were to have a baby around, I would demand the body I had when I was raising them. 3
Bill “Papa” Lee Posted November 1, 2020 Author Posted November 1, 2020 6 hours ago, cherryTreez said: Our ward is old. I get dirty looks from people because my little kids make noise. I was glared at because my newborn made noise. It hard being alone with my 2 smallest kids and trying to keep them completely quiet so we don't get looks. I think all the old people forgot what kids are like. There are a few other kids and their parents feel like I do in this ward. I wish they would let people pick and choose wards so stuff like this doesn't happen to more. It's hard when we, as a church should love kids and many older members don't. As a grandfather, an speaking on behalf of all grandparents, it is odd for the old not to love the young and have more patience with those who are young. Simply because we “do” remember what is was like, and we usually have our own grandchildren, that remind us of how wonderful they are, and keep us grounded. The problem with choosing one’s own Ward, is that it makes it difficult to assign and fulfill ministering assignments, and could lead to the collapse of some Wards. Or create Wards so large, that many people would just fall through the cracks and become lost. 2
Rain Posted November 1, 2020 Posted November 1, 2020 7 hours ago, cherryTreez said: Our ward is old. I get dirty looks from people because my little kids make noise. I was glared at because my newborn made noise. It hard being alone with my 2 smallest kids and trying to keep them completely quiet so we don't get looks. I think all the old people forgot what kids are like. There are a few other kids and their parents feel like I do in this ward. I wish they would let people pick and choose wards so stuff like this doesn't happen to more. It's hard when we, as a church should love kids and many older members don't. Is there any chance that you misinterpret the looks? On more than one occasion I have been told someone was hurt by one one of my negative looks, but I did not at all feel the way they were thinking. In fact, for one of these people I was feeling love for them and hoping they were ok. My husband is 6'6" and very gentle. His boss told him in one review that he needs to smile when he was walking down the hall. His resting face came across very grumpy to several and with that and his size he was scaring people. I'm sure there are some in your ward that are grumpy over kids - I've heard comments on occasion. But I wonder if some actually really live or enjoy your kids and they miscommunicate that to you in their looks? 2
cherryTreez Posted November 1, 2020 Posted November 1, 2020 1 hour ago, Rain said: Is there any chance that you misinterpret the looks? On more than one occasion I have been told someone was hurt by one one of my negative looks, but I did not at all feel the way they were thinking. In fact, for one of these people I was feeling love for them and hoping they were ok. My husband is 6'6" and very gentle. His boss told him in one review that he needs to smile when he was walking down the hall. His resting face came across very grumpy to several and with that and his size he was scaring people. I'm sure there are some in your ward that are grumpy over kids - I've heard comments on occasion. But I wonder if some actually really live or enjoy your kids and they miscommunicate that to you in their looks? No. I have heard comments as well. People talking about how loud sacrament is now that there are kids. I was told that they were glad that I took my kids to the hall. I miss wards with lots of youth and small kids. I even went to church to check out the ward before we made an offer on the house. They swapped wards around the day before we moved in. The other ward has tons of kids and youth. I never would have loved here if I had known this would be my ward. 2
Calm Posted November 1, 2020 Posted November 1, 2020 3 hours ago, Rain said: My husband is 6'6" and very gentle. His boss told him in one review that he needs to smile when he was walking down the hall. His resting face came across very grumpy to several and with that and his size he was scaring people. My dad had a gangster face when resting. Boy could he scare the kids. But once they knew him, his was their best friend. 1
Calm Posted November 1, 2020 Posted November 1, 2020 (edited) 2 hours ago, cherryTreez said: No. I have heard comments as well. People talking about how loud sacrament is now that there are kids. I was told that they were glad that I took my kids to the hall. I miss wards with lots of youth and small kids. I even went to church to check out the ward before we made an offer on the house. They swapped wards around the day before we moved in. The other ward has tons of kids and youth. I never would have loved here if I had known this would be my ward. That has to be so disappointing and frustrating. I think I would be even angry. I got angry about a ward division the first time when they took it down the middle of the road, my sister in law and our best friends are on the other side down the road. I am hoping that now Mom’s health is not part of my plans, I can sleep better and maybe even heal my tailbone finally or invest time in finding a doctor who can make it possible to sit again without overextending meds. And then I can get back to church on a regular basis. And it helps to have reasons to go and one of them was seeing these friends. Edited November 1, 2020 by Calm
RevTestament Posted November 1, 2020 Posted November 1, 2020 On 10/29/2020 at 6:08 AM, Bill “Papa” Lee said: Our Ward here in my home State of Georgia, has returned to worship together; well not really. Many of us are in the same building, where up to 150 can attend, however it is so “hands off”, approach that many have many discouraged. All members of leadership wear masks unless they are speaking, as do all of the Aaronic Priesthood, who administer the Sacrament. In addition, each of the, Deacons, Teachers and Priest, also wear gloves the entire time. Yet with all of these individuals setting examples, by employing such safety measures, members are not required to wear masks. Social distancing keeps almost anyone of speaking with one another, in addition those in my age bracket and above, are not only given “wide births”, but reminded, “we don’t have to be there”. As a result, after the first week, and the very large part of the members who don’t wear masks, have caused friends of mine, to not return. I ask these questions here in the General Discussion Forum, in order to gage our actions here, with other parts of the world, or country? I must admit, after our very long absence, I feel very “disconnected”, to my Ward and Church. It is very much an odd feeling, and is leaving me quite sad, and lacking the Spirit, that I once had or felt. 😪 I am sorry for your situation. Here in Utah, my ward is required to wear masks for attendance, and everyone has been. I understand the reluctance of the more elderly (I am 57) not wanting to go otherwise. A lot of our elderly are choosing not to attend, although a few do. As of this week our priests are visibly using hand sanitizer just before uncovering the sacrament. So, I feel our ward is being very careful, yet covid continues to spread here in Utah. It was on a slightly downward path though before school and cool weather returned. Now, our hospital ICUs are getting full, so I definitely feel the trepidation of the elderly in being around those not wearing masks, and I believe the Church should require it for attendance. I have two elderly parents both with health complications, and they just don't go to any church right now. Covid is definitely a real threat for either of them. I think one thing you are feeling is a real fear on the part of many right now. They go, but they don't really want to mingle for fear of getting this virus. For me personally, I have to say the feeling is not terribly new. It is how I have mostly felt since returning to the Church. It has not been the same warmth I felt towards the Church as a child/teenager, but I have learned to deal with it, because I expect it. 2
Islander Posted November 1, 2020 Posted November 1, 2020 On 10/29/2020 at 11:12 PM, Calm said: Yeah....risking our own lives is acceptable to me, risking lives of others not so much. If we can go to war to protect our neighbours and family, not seeing it inappropriate to pull back on church meetings while the Church finds new ways to do missionary work and is helping fill food banks in this country and sending food and other supplies throughout the world. https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/food-donations-increase-during-pandemic-recent-harvest https://news-ca.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/record-breaking-food-drive-cheers-calgarians https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/missionaries-at-mexico-city-visitors-center-thrive-despite-covid-19-disruptions https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/indexing-and-family-history-efforts-have-increased-with-president-nelson-s-invitation-amid-covid-19 https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/12-lessons-from-church-leaders-for-facing-covid-19-other-trials-and-turmoil https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/service-missionaries-continue-to-serve-despite-the-challenges-of-covid-19 https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/https-wwwthechurchnews-com-global-2020-08-30-byu-pathway-worldwide-growth-enrollment-returned-missionaries-valuable-education-191472 You may want to consider you think the Church has disappeared because you see it only in a limited number of ways, while there are many more. I do think the shutdown of meetings have demonstrated some local weaknesses, areas where care and contact of fellow ward members has drastically dropped, including reports of bishops not appearing to make an effort to keep those connections open. Other wards have reported very supportive programs. Hopefully area and general authorities and officers will continue to learn how to inspire local members to step up and keep the ties of the gospel going even when it isn’t dropped in their lap by attending church weekly. I think this is a good test of those who live the gospel because of others leading them or because it has become part of their heart and soul. I have found that there are always a myriad of ways to justify one's actions. It is called rationalization. But the fact speak for themselves, regardless of what we may believe or say. I saw with sadness how other churches continued to meet and remained active in the midst of the ordeal while ours just went away.
Islander Posted November 1, 2020 Posted November 1, 2020 On 10/30/2020 at 8:33 AM, HappyJackWagon said: While I think you go too far with your criticism, I can also understand your point of view. For months there was ZERO contact from the church. Church was cancelled, online services were banned, ministering assignments were released. There has been no Sunday School. Temples were closed. Missionaries stay in their apartments and minister via facebook. Youth activities are non-existent except for an occasional zoom get-together. I haven't heard from anyone at church. The bishopric never even returned phone calls, emails or texts. I think they took most of the year off except for an occasional mass email they would send out telling everyone that if they want to do the sacrament at home they need to get permission every single week. Pretty heavy-handed in my opinion. So I agree that the church has changed in a lot of negative ways as far as performing it's overriding mission. Where I think you go too far is condemning the safety measures put in place as if being irresponsible with the pandemic and putting people at risk is the right answer. God won't protect people if they can't be bothered to take the necessary precautions and it's foolish to think otherwise. IMO the church did well in taking precautions but it fell down in the way it adapted slowly. I don't feel that it has had a meaningful impact in the lives of many people, and it could have. At such an important moment of need I feel the church (and particularly local leadership) abandoned many of the people who relied on it. As a result I think they will be slow to recover. Again, these are just observations. This is a flu-like virus. The flue kills 50-80,000 people EVERY year in this country and nobody was panicking about it before. Those in the high risk group should take added precautions. But the rest of us should go on the business of living and serving. My issue is that if we serve God ONLY when it is safe and convenient we are not true disciples. There is NO added risk if you are not in the high risk group. Rationalizing is rather convenient and "precaution" and "safety" are just basic examples of it. I have found that there are always a myriad of ways to justify one's actions. But the facts speak for themselves, regardless of what we may believe or say. I saw with sadness how other churches continued to meet and remained active in the midst of the ordeal while ours just went away.
Garden Girl Posted November 1, 2020 Posted November 1, 2020 (edited) On 10/29/2020 at 9:20 PM, Islander said: As far as I am concerned, the Church folded and went away 9 months ago. For nearly 3 months we saw no one, spoke to no one and nothing happened. We just abandoned our calling and mission and the work of the Lord came to a standstill. Now, we are meeting once a month for an hour. The elderly (especially widows) have been completely isolated and abandoned. Missionary work stopped and no service is being performed. There is no fellowship, there is no support for those that need it and the local leadership all but ran away. This is so sad... and wrong... I'm in the Lincoln City, OR ward, am 80 yrs old... widowed... live alone with my cat... and yet every week I have people call me at least a couple of times to check on me and be sure I'm alright (in addition to my ministering brother)... I signed up to have the sacrament brought into my home every other week... Last time I was brought the sacrament I asked the two brothers for, and received, a priesthood blessing of comfort... Our bishop sends out a weekly sabbath message by email giving us ward news, and instruction if any... I watch BYU-TV (go Cougs), read the Church website online, participate here, study the gospel and pray daily... No, I don't feel a disconnect though I'll be glad to get back to normal. We are opening for in-Church attendance but I will not attend because at my age I'm taking no chances in even small groups, masks or no masks... GG Edited November 1, 2020 by Garden Girl 4
Islander Posted November 1, 2020 Posted November 1, 2020 32 minutes ago, Garden Girl said: This is so sad... and wrong... I'm in the Lincoln City, OR ward, am 80 yrs old... widowed... live alone with my cat... and yet every week I have people call me at least a couple of times to check on me and be sure I'm alright (in addition to my ministering brother)... I signed up to have the sacrament brought into my home every other week... Last time I was brought the sacrament I asked the two brothers for, and received, a priesthood blessing of comfort... Our bishop sends out a weekly sabbath message by email giving us ward news, and instruction if any... I watch BYU-TV (go Cougs), read the Church website online, participate here, study the gospel and pray daily... No, I don't feel a disconnect though I'll be glad to get back to normal. We are opening for in-Church attendance but I will not attend because at my age I'm taking no chances in even small groups, masks or no masks... GG I am glad that the priesthood in your ward has been faithful and true to their calling. It is encouraging to see that there are some that remain faithful to the promises and covenant we have made with our Heavenly Father. Stay strong sister. 2
CV75 Posted November 2, 2020 Posted November 2, 2020 5 hours ago, Garden Girl said: This is so sad... and wrong... I'm in the Lincoln City, OR ward, am 80 yrs old... widowed... live alone with my cat... and yet every week I have people call me at least a couple of times to check on me and be sure I'm alright (in addition to my ministering brother)... I signed up to have the sacrament brought into my home every other week... Last time I was brought the sacrament I asked the two brothers for, and received, a priesthood blessing of comfort... Our bishop sends out a weekly sabbath message by email giving us ward news, and instruction if any... I watch BYU-TV (go Cougs), read the Church website online, participate here, study the gospel and pray daily... No, I don't feel a disconnect though I'll be glad to get back to normal. We are opening for in-Church attendance but I will not attend because at my age I'm taking no chances in even small groups, masks or no masks... GG So now I know that GG means "Go Girl!" 1
CV75 Posted November 2, 2020 Posted November 2, 2020 On 10/29/2020 at 8:08 AM, Bill “Papa” Lee said: Our Ward here in my home State of Georgia, has returned to worship together; well not really. Many of us are in the same building, where up to 150 can attend, however it is so “hands off”, approach that many have many discouraged. All members of leadership wear masks unless they are speaking, as do all of the Aaronic Priesthood, who administer the Sacrament. In addition, each of the, Deacons, Teachers and Priest, also wear gloves the entire time. Yet with all of these individuals setting examples, by employing such safety measures, members are not required to wear masks. Social distancing keeps almost anyone of speaking with one another, in addition those in my age bracket and above, are not only given “wide births”, but reminded, “we don’t have to be there”. As a result, after the first week, and the very large part of the members who don’t wear masks, have caused friends of mine, to not return. I ask these questions here in the General Discussion Forum, in order to gage our actions here, with other parts of the world, or country? I must admit, after our very long absence, I feel very “disconnected”, to my Ward and Church. It is very much an odd feeling, and is leaving me quite sad, and lacking the Spirit, that I once had or felt. 😪 Our instructions are to offer masks to those arriving without one, and then kindly ask people refusing to wear a masks to leave. We have never had to ask someone to leave, and never had to offer someone a mask, either. We have a very compliant bunch ! I am aware of an individual who will not come because they don't believe in wearing masks... 🤔 I hope you are able tor reach out to your friends who do not come, through other means and that your sense of disconnection can be relieved that way. Hang in there and stay well!
smac97 Posted November 2, 2020 Posted November 2, 2020 On 10/29/2020 at 10:18 AM, Raingirl said: I would have hoped that Covid would have inspired people to reach out more, not less. I just found out that my ward is now moving towards restarting in-person meetings. I find the timing baffling as cases are at an all-time high, and gatherings such as this have been shown to spread Covid. We have been asked to pray over the matter and inform leadership whether or not we choose to attend in-person. I have had two initial reactions to this - I am very high risk, so going to church would endanger my already compromised health, and since I’ve only been provided sacrament twice in eight months, the leadership apparently thinks it’s not important for single women to receive it. Our ward has been having in-person meetings for the last 4 weeks. Sacrament Meeting only. Also broadcast via Zoom. 30 minutes. At the end of the meeting the Sacrament is passed for those in the chapel, while those at home can administer it (or have it administered to them). The second hour is done entirely via Zoom. I am sorry that you have not been receiving the Sacrament. Have you asked your bishop to make arrangements for that? Thanks, -Smac
Rain Posted November 2, 2020 Posted November 2, 2020 20 minutes ago, smac97 said: Our ward has been having in-person meetings for the last 4 weeks. Sacrament Meeting only. Also broadcast via Zoom. 30 minutes. At the end of the meeting the Sacrament is passed for those in the chapel, while those at home can administer it (or have it administered to them). The second hour is done entirely via Zoom. I am sorry that you have not been receiving the Sacrament. Have you asked your bishop to make arrangements for that? Thanks, -Smac I wish our ward was doing it this way. Our ward just turns off the meeting somehow during the sacrament and then turns it on for the talks. I don't mind it taking quite awhile longer than the 3 of us at home do. I just don't feel...calm? because there are no cues to when everything will be over.
smac97 Posted November 2, 2020 Posted November 2, 2020 34 minutes ago, Rain said: I wish our ward was doing it this way. Our ward just turns off the meeting somehow during the sacrament and then turns it on for the talks. I don't mind it taking quite awhile longer than the 3 of us at home do. I just don't feel...calm? because there are no cues to when everything will be over. Maybe you could make that recommendation to your bishop. Couldn't hurt. Our program is 1) opening hymn (listening to a recording, not singing), 2) opening prayer, 3) two brief talks, 4) closing hymn (listening), 5) closing prayer, 6) broadcast is turned off and Sacrament is administered, 7) everyone goes home and logs in remotely for second hour. I still very much miss the socialization, but that's coming back a bit too. People linger for a few minutes in the parking lot (still wearing masks and staying 6 feet apart). Things will get better. Thanks, -Smac
poptart Posted November 2, 2020 Posted November 2, 2020 On 10/29/2020 at 11:12 PM, Calm said: Yeah....risking our own lives is acceptable to me, risking lives of others not so much. If we can go to war to protect our neighbours and family, not seeing it inappropriate to pull back on church meetings while the Church finds new ways to do missionary work and is helping fill food banks in this country and sending food and other supplies throughout the world. https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/food-donations-increase-during-pandemic-recent-harvest https://news-ca.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/record-breaking-food-drive-cheers-calgarians https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/missionaries-at-mexico-city-visitors-center-thrive-despite-covid-19-disruptions https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/indexing-and-family-history-efforts-have-increased-with-president-nelson-s-invitation-amid-covid-19 https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/12-lessons-from-church-leaders-for-facing-covid-19-other-trials-and-turmoil https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/service-missionaries-continue-to-serve-despite-the-challenges-of-covid-19 https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/https-wwwthechurchnews-com-global-2020-08-30-byu-pathway-worldwide-growth-enrollment-returned-missionaries-valuable-education-191472 You may want to consider you think the Church has disappeared because you see it only in a limited number of ways, while there are many more. I do think the shutdown of meetings have demonstrated some local weaknesses, areas where care and contact of fellow ward members has drastically dropped, including reports of bishops not appearing to make an effort to keep those connections open. Other wards have reported very supportive programs. Hopefully area and general authorities and officers will continue to learn how to inspire local members to step up and keep the ties of the gospel going even when it isn’t dropped in their lap by attending church weekly. I think this is a good test of those who live the gospel because of others leading them or because it has become part of their heart and soul. Wow that's impressive.
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