How to opt-out?

[Optiscume]

Hello, I am agnostic male who often times has to work the 3rd shift. I keep odd hours and I am constantly awoken on Saturday's by several different Mormon's who are recruiting. I have no problems with Mormonism, I think it's a fine religion, but again I am agnostic. Can you please process my opt-out request and not visit, each time they ring my doorbell it wakes me up and it's difficult to go back to sleep.

I am always polite and will continue to be, and I've requested that they not re-visit, but they continue. This forum is my last resort, please opt me out. One of the guys draws an uncanny resemblance to Harry Potter (not trying to be insulting, giving as much as I can to identify them).

Sadly, my neighbor isn't as kind and has been caught throwing water balloons at them. I will NOT do this.

Thanks,

Tzciero Hyggins

Provo, UT

[Choseph]

So sorry to hear that this is happening to you. Of course the LDS Church is not trying to make enemies or turn people away from Mormonism.

The way our ward has dealt with situations like this is to keep a list of names and address of people who have requested that we not visit them. Kind of like a do not proselytize list. Your local ward may have something similar. I suggesting giving them a call or stopping by and talking with them. We strive to honor all requests and even send a free copy of the Book of Mormon to anyone added to the list.

Hope this helps and sorry again that you were inconvenienced! I am a light sleeper too and often have trouble falling asleep if I wake in the night so I understand your frustration.

[RipplecutBuddha]

Place a sign on your door stating that you are asleep and that you work nights. As a missionary I always passed on those doors posting such information.

There isn't an official opt-out situation as the tracting patterns are kept by the missionary companions themselves, and nowhere else. There isn't an official tracting map or list kept by the LDS Church, or the particular mission you are in.

Another option is to ask the missionaries, on their next visit, to please write down your address and keep it as a 'please do not knock on this door' situation, and explain why to them. Your kindness in doing so will be appreciated, and chances are the missionaries will be happy to keep your request in mind.

[Wingnut]

Hello, I am agnostic male who often times has to work the 3rd shift. I keep odd hours and I am constantly awoken on Saturday's by several different Mormon's who are recruiting. I have no problems with Mormonism, I think it's a fine religion, but again I am agnostic. Can you please process my opt-out request and not visit, each time they ring my doorbell it wakes me up and it's difficult to go back to sleep.

I am always polite and will continue to be, and I've requested that they not re-visit, but they continue. This forum is my last resort, please opt me out. One of the guys draws an uncanny resemblance to Harry Potter (not trying to be insulting, giving as much as I can to identify them).

Sadly, my neighbor isn't as kind and has been caught throwing water balloons at them. I will NOT do this.

Thanks,

Tzciero Hyggins

Provo, UT

There is no such thing as an "opt-out" process. This forum is not officially associated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In your case, it might be best to put a note near your doorbell along the lines of "No solicitors," but "No missionaries" instead.

[Wingnut]

Additionally, if you are receiving multiple visits on the same day, it's probably not all Mormons. Jehovah's Witnesses like to proselyte on Saturday mornings.

[Optiscume]

Thank you for the prompt replies, I have concerns with placing a sign on my door informing them I am asleep as it may also advertise my work/sleep habits and set me up as a victim for robbery.

They are conservatively well dressed and "Harry Potter" did carry the Book of Moremen with him and offered it to me. I'm not sure why they continue but it appears to be a bi-weekly basis.

What is a "Ward" and how can I get more information on contacting them directly? I appreciate all the replies and have much respect for your religion I just need to sleep is all!

Thanks,

Tzciero Hyggins

Provo, UT

[RipplecutBuddha]

I work nights too, so I know what you're talking about...of course, being a member already, they don't bother me much at all. Hey! that's it...join the church, and they'll let you sleep in peace...

[JudoMinja]

Putting the "No solicitors" sign on your door should work, as our missionaries are supposed to respect that, and it wouldn't be giving away any information that could lead to burglaries.

As far as contacting the ward so you can be put on their list- A ward is what we call the group of members that meet in a particular building at a particular time for Sunday services. Each ward has boundaries charted on a map, and all members living within those boundaries are assigned a building and time to meet. Next time you see the missionaries you can tell them and they will either write you down or give you the contact information themselves. Or, if you go to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints there is an option on there to find your local ward.

[Wingnut]

What is a "Ward" and how can I get more information on contacting them directly? I appreciate all the replies and have much respect for your religion I just need to sleep is all!

A ward is a congregation. You can locate one here. However, I'm not sure that would be your best course of action. (1) While Choseph has represented himself in this thread as a member of the LDS Church, his posting history suggests that he's not actually a member, and as such probably doesn't have a good understanding of the logistics of missionary work. (2) Missionaries are only in a ward/area for a temporary amount of time. They are not permanently assigned there, and they don't really work closely with the bishop (leader of the congregation) often enough for this method to be as effective as you want/need it to be.

I suggest (again) that you leave a note of some kind. Alternatively, if you answer the door with a shotgun in your hand, they will never return to your house again. Ever.

Edited February 22, 2010 by Wingnut

[Wingnut]

Putting the "No solicitors" sign on your door should work, as our missionaries are supposed to respect that, and it wouldn't be giving away any information that could lead to burglaries.

The problem is, many missionaries ignore a sign that specifically refers to solicitors. Technically, missionaries are not solicitors -- they are not selling anything.

[JudoMinja]

I just used their option to find my own ward and realized it can be a bit confusing so here's a step by step instruction for you.

Go to that webpage. Hover over the About the Church link. Go down to Stake and Ward websites (a stake is an area that includes several wards).

Skip over signing in and just go to the link that says "Search for a stake or ward website".

On the right hand side there will be an option to search by name or location. Select your location in the search by location spot.

This will bring up a list of stakes in your area. They are named according to the city that comprises the center of the area the stake covers. Find the city that is closest to where you live- you are most likely in this stake.

This will bring you to the stake webpage which should include a list of wards. Select the one that is where you live and an address and phone number should be provided.

Edit: Or just use the map option wingnut provided. I didn't know about that and it looks a lot easier.

[Optiscume]

Alternatively, if you answer the door with a shotgun in your hand, they will never return to your house again. Ever.

HA! I know you're joking (I hope), I wouldn't do that. I'm more of a pacifist. It really angers me when the guy next door tosses urine filled water balloons at them. I really feel sorry for them, especially "Harry" since he doesn't move as fast.

Thank you, I'll try to find information on the Ward and contact them. Again, I very much appreciate the replies.

Thanks,

Tzciero Hyggins

Provo, UT

[Wingnut]

HA! I know you're joking (I hope), I wouldn't do that. I'm more of a pacifist. It really angers me when the guy next door tosses urine filled water balloons at them. I really feel sorry for them, especially "Harry" since he doesn't move as fast.

Thank you, I'll try to find information on the Ward and contact them. Again, I very much appreciate the replies.

Thanks,

Tzciero Hyggins

Provo, UT

I am joking, but it would work. And it would probably be easier than trying to figure out exactly which ward your missionaries are assigned to (since there are so many wards in Provo).

[Wisc]

This is so EASY to solve brother. Just invite them in one day and join the Church. Easy peasy they'll stop knocking on the door. After that you just gotta cruise below the radar...but not too low cause then they'll try to re-activate you from the inactive lists..

Play your cards right and you'll be sleepin soundly

[RipplecutBuddha]

Didn't I say that on page one??

[WindRiver]

Simple....

Just put a sign on your door that says - Knocking allowed for Atheists / Agnostics Only Please

--- Also as noted previously, since they are coming by regularly to the same door and on a Saturday Morming, it probably isn't LDS Missionaries. The Witnesses hit every door in our town at least once a month. Rarely do missionaries knock on the same door more than once or twice a year.

If they don't have an LDS name tag, they aren't LDS missionaries. (Unless of course it is an ICE agent!)

Edited February 26, 2010 by WindRiver

[marts1]

I've seldom seen missionairies of any church come around. Could it really be Harry.:)

[miztrniceguy]

There is someone in Provo that doesn't KNOW what a ward is?????!!!!????

[john doe]

There is someone in Provo that doesn't KNOW what a ward is?????!!!!????

Well, his IP is from Sheridan,WY, so maybe he really doesn't know where he is. His profile also says he is 10 years old.

Edited February 27, 2010 by john doe

[Wingnut]

Well, his IP is from Sheridan,WY, so maybe he really doesn't know where he is. His profile also says he is 10 years old.

Oh, well that makes sense. He lives in East Utah.

[miztrniceguy]

i knew something was wrong....can you say faker?

[miztrniceguy]

On the other hand, he may be a LOST soul and really needs the elders to keep knocking!

[beefche]

Well, his IP is from Sheridan,WY, so maybe he really doesn't know where he is. His profile also says he is 10 years old.

Hey, jd...are you really 104 years old and living in Sao Tome? Cause you know I'm really a Smurfett and am 1 year old.

[miztrniceguy]

Quite a large tongue for a smurfette!!

[Dravin]

Hello, I am agnostic male who often times has to work the 3rd shift. I keep odd hours and I am constantly awoken on Saturday's by several different Mormon's who are recruiting. I have no problems with Mormonism, I think it's a fine religion, but again I am agnostic. Can you please process my opt-out request and not visit, each time they ring my doorbell it wakes me up and it's difficult to go back to sleep.

The most reliable method is to post a sign. Though as noted a generic no solicitors one isn't very reliable, so go for one that either says, "No Mormons" by name or a more broad, "No Proselyters" or, "No Missionaries". You don't even have to buy one, print one up and laminate it. Missionaries rotate out of an area fairly regularly and notes and verbal requests can be lost in that rotation. Additionally missionaries tract, so if they are just knocking every door on a street a note on a piece of paper back at their apartment is easy to forget.

If this is happening every few weeks though I'm disinclined to think them Mormons (have they actually identified themselves as being from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints?). Generally there are several months (but not always, I can think of some circumstances) between a revisit when someone opens the door (though I suppose constantly is relative), though if you live along a common route (for them) and the door isn't being answered they might knock on it fairly consistently (We still haven't talked to that person kinda thing).

I am always polite and will continue to be, and I've requested that they not re-visit, but they continue. This forum is my last resort, please opt me out. One of the guys draws an uncanny resemblance to Harry Potter (not trying to be insulting, giving as much as I can to identify them).

I appreciate your politeness, as you've observed people can be quite antagonistic. For the record though, there are 50,000 plus missionaries (though not all of them in your locale of course), so a physical description has very low odds of identifying anyone. :)