What would you do

[cwald]

What would you do? As a Priesthood holder? As a Sister?

Absolutely nothing, except for welcoming her with open arms.

This is Jesus Christ's church. Not mine, not yours, not the Branch Presidents. She has every right, just as much right, as anyone else to be there, IMO.

[Iggy]

Okay, I'll address these ones.

Iggy, take a deep breath. I'm going to say things here that can EASILY be taken wrongly if you read the post in a negative mood.

Anatess,

THANK YOU - I could feel the spirit in which you were responding with. I am humbled by it.

I feel that negative feelings and thoughts are brought and encouraged by the adversary. Once I recognize that, then, in prayer I banish them.

You are correct that the anger must be turned around by me with charitable thoughts and actions. I must let it go- she is not my stewardship. Those whose stewardship it is are aware of my thoughts and feelings and of the situation.

Generally when I being something to the attention of the Bishop &/or RS Pres. I don't hanker for more information. To know what was done. For instance, one of the inactive sisters has a ramp that is very dangerous- I related this to the RS Pres. and to my hubby (who is her HT) and he related it to the HP Leader.

Once I did that, I was done with it. Now, I like this sister, and I am concerned for her safety, but I don't have a pressing need to know how the 'Powers-To-Be' reacted &/or going to do.

According to hubby, her entire house is a death trap, and the Branch Presidency are well aware of it.

Again, Thank You Anatess.

[Guest tomk]

What would I do?????????

Laugh my butt off, that's what I'd DO. And that's what I did while reading the OP.

She's harmless. Crazy? Oh for sure...but harmless.

Like it says outside the meeting house: "Visitors Welcome" :)

Maybe they should change it to say "Normal, Respectful Visitors Welcome" :)

Edited February 18, 2012 by tomk

[LDSJewess]

I have a suggestion that may or may not help (not just regarding the old ;lady with the snacks and makeup) but for members as well. Legitimize a few guidelines in the weekly bulletin that one can refer to these "written" rules as need be in a respectful and loving manner of course.

Our Ward has a rotating clean up crew where each member is assigned to a week to clean up, rearrange chairs, take out trash, vacumn etc: And I know when it's my week I cringe at the grounded up sugar, candy and sdnacks that members bring to pacify their children. Often there are wrappers, spilled drinks from sippy cups and an overall mess. There are also parents that bring crayons and paper and do little to correct a child that is "coloring" on the pews, railings, carpeting and chairs.

Finally we actually have a brief paragraph in the bulletin that stages food, beverages and items that can take from the reverence of the sanctuary may only be used in designated areas like a nursery, kitchen, etc:

This does tend to cut down on the problem some and would give someone like Iggy a little leverage who could gently and kindly (important key words) say that these things are not allowed in this area. It is easier to be firm about a defined and written rule which in and of itself carrys a bit of authority.

Not sure what to d about that dog though. LOL

[Iggy]

I met with my Branch President today after the block and in his office.

I apologized to him for my angry outburst and for blowing up at him. For the things I said in anger.

He was astonished- he took no offense at what I had said, or how I had said it. He didn't think I had been rude, or out of line.He knew I was really upset- and I was only the fourth member who had come to him regarding the same bag lady.

He graciously accepted my most humble apology. He then said. ."We are totally flummoxed regarding her and Bro & Sis Bringhertochurch. They have been talked to regarding her bringing coffee, tea and sodas into the church building, not to mention the chapel. They shrug it off.

She has been talked to, counseled, explained to and she shrugs it off.

Granted, we don't want to discourage anyone from attending church, member of not. But, when it is flauntingly disrespecting our standards, well, we are at a loss at how to get it across to her." end quote.

I suggested that perhaps she would respond better if one of the brethren nearer her age would greet her at the outside door, IF she is carrying, then escort her to the kitchen. Once in the kitchen, explain that the drink and her food must remain in there. Tell her that she is more than welcome to visit it after each class, to partake of it, then leave it there and go attend the next class. BUT the drink and the food must remain in the kitchen until she leaves to go home.

Regarding Bro & Sis Bringhertochurch, they just might possibly need to be counseled by him and/or a member of the Stake Presidency or perhaps the Branch Mission Leader and/or Stake Mission Leader.

But if they don't get it- they just don't get it. I am confident that he will find a way. He has been gifted with the mantle of the Bishopric.

[Carl62]

I suggested that perhaps she would respond better if one of the brethren nearer her age would greet her at the outside door, IF she is carrying, then escort her to the kitchen. Once in the kitchen, explain that the drink and her food must remain in there. Tell her that she is more than welcome to visit it after each class, to partake of it, then leave it there and go attend the next class. BUT the drink and the food must remain in the kitchen until she leaves to go home.

Now would Jesus do something like this?! Think about it!

[Jezebel2011]

I met with my Branch President today after the block and in his office.

I apologized to him for my angry outburst and for blowing up at him. For the things I said in anger.

He was astonished- he took no offense at what I had said, or how I had said it. He didn't think I had been rude, or out of line.He knew I was really upset- and I was only the fourth member who had come to him regarding the same bag lady.

He graciously accepted my most humble apology. He then said. ."We are totally flummoxed regarding her and Bro & Sis Bringhertochurch. They have been talked to regarding her bringing coffee, tea and sodas into the church building, not to mention the chapel. They shrug it off.

She has been talked to, counseled, explained to and she shrugs it off.

Granted, we don't want to discourage anyone from attending church, member of not. But, when it is flauntingly disrespecting our standards, well, we are at a loss at how to get it across to her." end quote.

I suggested that perhaps she would respond better if one of the brethren nearer her age would greet her at the outside door, IF she is carrying, then escort her to the kitchen. Once in the kitchen, explain that the drink and her food must remain in there. Tell her that she is more than welcome to visit it after each class, to partake of it, then leave it there and go attend the next class. BUT the drink and the food must remain in the kitchen until she leaves to go home.

Regarding Bro & Sis Bringhertochurch, they just might possibly need to be counseled by him and/or a member of the Stake Presidency or perhaps the Branch Mission Leader and/or Stake Mission Leader.

But if they don't get it- they just don't get it. I am confident that he will find a way. He has been gifted with the mantle of the Bishopric.

Have a read of John 13: 34-35

All of our Wards in our Stake have folks who take sweeties into Chapel, drinks in bottles, children with anything from chocolate to biscuits/cookies/cakes plus colouring books, noise toys, etc.

They are all our brethren with all their foibles.

We have a cleaning rota with about 4-8 people each week whom clean our Ward. They tidy up the place, vacuum and wash windows, empty rubbish bins and clean up after our brethren - no less than you would do at home for your own family.

Allow an old lady some dignity to attend Church when she wants to do so, in her own way, without judging her for her every movement.

Where is the love of others in your Ward? As far as I can see it is very sadly lacking

.

[Carl62]

Have a read of John 13: 34-35

All of our Wards in our Stake have folks who take sweeties into Chapel, drinks in bottles, children with anything from chocolate to biscuits/cookies/cakes plus colouring books, noise toys, etc.

They are all our brethren with all their foibles.

We have a cleaning rota with about 4-8 people each week whom clean our Ward. They tidy up the place, vacuum and wash windows, empty rubbish bins and clean up after our brethren - no less than you would do at home for your own family.

Allow an old lady some dignity to attend Church when she wants to do so, in her own way, without judging her for her every movement.

Where is the love of others in your Ward? As far as I can see it is very sadly lacking

.

If I could give you a hundred thank you's for this post I would!

[RMGuy]

Now would Jesus do something like this?! Think about it!

Of course....Jesus was all about making as many rules as possible for others, and loved to throw around his authority......oh wait, nope that wasn't Jesus. That was somebody else I knew once..... [end sarcasm]

-RM