lusciouschaos Posted February 13, 2009 Report Share Posted February 13, 2009 (edited) This might seem a little strange to bear testimony about the organizational structure of the church but hear me out...Yesterday I attended an advisory board meeting for our local foodbank. There were ten or so major church organizations represented by their pastors and charitable leaders. The representative from the local Catholic congregation asked how the pastors are identifying those with needs inside their own church. In this time of economic chaos, many are seriously hurting but perhaps too embarrassed to talk to their ecclesiastical leader. One indicated that they are listening for clues of need with the children in Sunday School.It struck me so powerfully. When the system works a visiting or home teacher would be aware of job loss or family tragedy. Not seeking to be intrusive but with real concern the VT or HT could make the member aware of the resources available and how to access them. Many have a problem with the geographic requirements to attend the ward where you live. I understand this because as wards change and split, it is hard to leave friends and start over. When my husband and I first married we lived in the ward where President Hinckley raised his family (east millcreek). When we moved it took us a couple of weeks to fully transition as we were sending off a son on a mission and he wanted to leave from the ward he knew. The bishop of the new ward called us in and read to us from the handbook about attending the ward you live in. We were annoyed at the time.Today, here in Californiz, I see the beauty in the plan. We are able to mobilize in a way that others dream of because we know where our members live and have the structure to support the needs.This seems sort of long winded but it put me to wondering when the ward concept introduced. So I look to you church scholars: I know Stakes of Zion were implemented quite early on but when was the whole ward structure put into effect?This is part of the church not necessarily part of the Gospel but I am grateful nonetheless and see the genius in this organized religion.Also be interested in hearing how you feel the organization of the church impacts the gospel? Edited February 13, 2009 by lusciouschaos added question Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moksha Posted February 13, 2009 Report Share Posted February 13, 2009 Also be interested in hearing how you feel the organization of the church impacts the gospel? I have found that it has helped me learn who my Mormon neighbors are. Before I started going to Church, I only knew my non-mormon neighbors. Being part of a ward in Utah allows you to bridge that great divide. Getting to know my Mormon neighbors has enriched my life and attending the ward has enriched my understanding of the Gospel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
applepansy Posted February 13, 2009 Report Share Posted February 13, 2009 <subscribe> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elphaba Posted February 13, 2009 Report Share Posted February 13, 2009 This seems sort of long winded but it put me to wondering when the ward concept introduced. So I look to you church scholars: I know Stakes of Zion were implemented quite early on but when was the whole ward structure put into effect? History of Wardshttp://www.lightplanet.com/mormons/basic/organization/ward_eom.htmOther interesting links:http://adventures-in-mormonism.com/2009/02/04/lds-history-and-organization-a-cautionary-tale-from-the-catholics/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stake_(Mormonism)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Organizational_subdivisions_of_The_Church_of_Jesus_Christ_of_Latter-day_Saintshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ward_(LDS_Church)Sister Elphaba Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lusciouschaos Posted February 13, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 13, 2009 Elphaba, thanks for the links. I knew you could find the info. Have you been called on a mission? Sister Elphaba--I do like the sound of that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Palerider Posted February 14, 2009 Report Share Posted February 14, 2009 Elphaba,thanks for the links. I knew you could find the info.Have you been called on a mission? Sister Elphaba--I do like the sound of that. she is serving in the mission of Liberals and Atheists in Liberal Kansas Mission.....:lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elphaba Posted February 14, 2009 Report Share Posted February 14, 2009 she is serving in the mission of Liberals and Atheists in Liberal Kansas Mission...'Tis true. What Pale neglected to disclose is he is my first golden investigator. So, are we still on for the next discussion? Are you cooking me dinner?Elphaba the Wicked Liberal Atheist of the West, formerly of Kansas, now residing in her air conditioner. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pam Posted February 14, 2009 Report Share Posted February 14, 2009 There sure are a lot of people living in your air conditioner. Is it a multi level or a rambler? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Palerider Posted February 14, 2009 Report Share Posted February 14, 2009 'Tis true. What Pale neglected to disclose is he is my first golden investigator. So, are we still on for the next discussion? Are you cooking me dinner?Elphaba the Wicked Liberal Atheist of the West, formerly of Kansas, now residing in her air conditioner. hhhhhmmmmmm.......NOPE!!!!!!!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elphaba Posted February 14, 2009 Report Share Posted February 14, 2009 There sure are a lot of people living in your air conditioner. Is it a multi level or a rambler? Well, now, that depends. If the levers have moved up, it is a multi-level. If they have moved down, it's a rambler. My air conditioner is the decider. Elphs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Palerider Posted February 14, 2009 Report Share Posted February 14, 2009 You need ac in Utah.....I thought it just snows there all the time....:D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lusciouschaos Posted February 14, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 14, 2009 This thread got way off topic. Either discuss the profundity of church organization in promoting God's work on the earth or start your own thread about air conditioning and it's possible link to the paranormal. lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Palerider Posted February 14, 2009 Report Share Posted February 14, 2009 This thread got way off topic. Either discuss the profundity of church organization in promoting God's work on the earth or start your own thread about air conditioning and it's possible link to the paranormal. lol yes.....my feelings exactly......:D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pam Posted February 14, 2009 Report Share Posted February 14, 2009 Hey your sister started it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elphaba Posted February 14, 2009 Report Share Posted February 14, 2009 Hey your sister started it.I'd do what she says, because she has the power of the profundus.(Don't tell her every single thread on here eventually devolves to non-profundity. I know, because I looked it up.)Shutting up because she scares me.Elphs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Palerider Posted February 14, 2009 Report Share Posted February 14, 2009 I'd do what she says, because she has the power of the profundus.(Don't tell her every single thread on here eventually devolves to non-profundity. I know, because I looked it up.)Shutting up because she scares me.Elphs I am trying to imagine a Liberal shutting up......wonder what that would be like....:lol::lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lusciouschaos Posted February 14, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 14, 2009 Y'awl just had to do it again. No I am not from the south. The beauty of church organization is this: One might be tempted to have a baby or break a leg just to get free meals for two weeks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Palerider Posted February 14, 2009 Report Share Posted February 14, 2009 :offtopic::threadhijacked: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lusciouschaos Posted February 14, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 14, 2009 Okay, I get it, I give up. It appears that being a junior member, I must pay my dues. You oldtimers must have buttons and emoticons not enjoyed by the newbies. Although, I would say I am somewhat reminded of the organization structure of the church. Think junior and senior companions, etc. Please discuss amongst yourselves (old SNL). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Palerider Posted February 14, 2009 Report Share Posted February 14, 2009 you have the same emoticans.....click on "more" below the smilies to the right as you make your post....can't miss it..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lusciouschaos Posted February 14, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 14, 2009 I just found them in ADVANCED mode (I usually use quick reply) which reminds me of priesthood advancement. How the gospel is organized to allow priesthood holders to take on increasingly complex levels of responsibility. Miraculous. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Palerider Posted February 14, 2009 Report Share Posted February 14, 2009 I just found them in ADVANCED mode (I usually use quick reply) which reminds me of priesthood advancement. How the gospel is organized to allow priesthood holders to take on increasingly complex levels of responsibility. Miraculous. now you can enjoy them.....:eek: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.