Jeffmk Posted April 9, 2013 Report Posted April 9, 2013 I'm thinking of going this Sunday, but only for the first hour. It has been a long while since I have been to the ward, and I really feel a need to connect with God as I have been going through some tough times. I would like to get my kids involved as well, but just ease our way into it. I will not partake of the sacrament itself, as I am still using nicotine. (That is how it works right?) I would stay longer, but have really bad social anxiety and don't want to have an anxiety attack later. Quote
skippy740 Posted April 9, 2013 Report Posted April 9, 2013 Start where you are most comfortable. But don't be surprised if you find yourself in a padded Sunday School room right afterwards! :) Quote
brycematheson Posted April 9, 2013 Report Posted April 9, 2013 Absolutely! There's nothing wrong with that. The main reason that we go to Sacrament meeting, (obviously) is to partake of the Sacrament. But I think it's great that you respect the Savior's atonement enough to try and quit smoking first before partaking of it. Not to make you more anxious than you already are, but I wouldn't be surprised if you had a lot of people come up to you before or after the Sacrament meeting to say "Hey!" or to introduce themselves. They most likely will try and coax you into going to Gospel Principles or Doctrine classes afterwards, but I don't think there's anything wrong with that. Welcome back! Take your time, too. Do whatever makes you feel comfortable. Little by little is great. Quote
pam Posted April 9, 2013 Report Posted April 9, 2013 It's great that you are making any effort at all to attend. So if Sacrament meeting is all you can handle at first...then do just that. Quote
Suzie Posted April 9, 2013 Report Posted April 9, 2013 I'm thinking of going this Sunday, but only for the first hour. It has been a long while since I have been to the ward, and I really feel a need to connect with God as I have been going through some tough times. I would like to get my kids involved as well, but just ease our way into it.I will not partake of the sacrament itself, as I am still using nicotine. (That is how it works right?) I would stay longer, but have really bad social anxiety and don't want to have an anxiety attack later.Glad to read you want to come to Church. :) Quote
Anddenex Posted April 10, 2013 Report Posted April 10, 2013 I will not partake of the sacrament itself, as I am still using nicotine. (That is how it works right?) I would stay longer, but have really bad social anxiety and don't want to have an anxiety attack later.If you feel unworthy to partake of the sacrament, then don't partake, however using nicotine doesn't forbid, or disallow you from partaking the sacrament. The bishop and yourself are the only two persons in a ward which can tell you not to partake of the sacrament. Remember, Church is for all of us who are sick, and have the need to be made whole.I would encourage you to set schedule a time with your bishop, speak with him about your desires. Quote
pam Posted April 11, 2013 Report Posted April 11, 2013 Some days its all I can handle also. I think a lot feel that way at times. Quote
Jeffmk Posted April 14, 2013 Author Report Posted April 14, 2013 Well, tomorrow is the big day, unless I chicken out. It would be so much easier if my wife was able to go with me. I'm gonna feel a bit out of place, wearing cheap clothes, and trying to keep my five and seven year old patient for the hour. aaahhhrrg.. nervous like all heck right now. Wish me luck, if you're interested I'll post how it went tomorrow. Quote
pam Posted April 14, 2013 Report Posted April 14, 2013 Good luck. You'll be fine. Let us know how it went. Quote
Jeffmk Posted April 14, 2013 Author Report Posted April 14, 2013 (edited) Well I did it, despite several times thinking of not going. I couldn't get to sleep until around 6:30am, and got to the Church at 9:45am. I tell you, social anxiety is such a pain.. it makes you envision the worst happening in every social encounter, I know how crazy that sounds but that is what happens. What is trivial for most people, becomes a nightmare for people like me. The thing that kept me pushing, was my kids. I want them to grow up with guidance, a set of morals and beliefs to keep them out of trouble. So, I arrived and it went really well actually. My five year old was bored to tears, my seven year old loved it. Which is opposite of how it started, my five year old was excited and my seven year old didn't want to do it at all. We weren't met by much fanfare, a few people recognized us. Two awesome members sat next to us, they usually see my wife at her job so they have kept up with the family. I saw a few familiar faces, saw that our old Bishop has been replaced, a few new members, and the place was much more packed than I remember it being. I only stayed for the sacrament, as my five year old was getting a bit impatient. Unfortunately, trying to keep my kids entertained distracted me from most of the sacrament. But it was still nice. Thanks for all of the advice to everyone here. Just one question, I didn't partake of the Sacrament because I'm still hooked on nicotine. I did give my kids it though, is that acceptable? Edited April 14, 2013 by Jeffmk Quote
pam Posted April 14, 2013 Report Posted April 14, 2013 Just one question, I didn't partake of the Sacrament because I'm still hooked on nicotine. I did give my kids it though, is that acceptable? Absolutely, but I would follow it up with a teaching opportunity about the importance of the Sacrament and why we do it. Quote
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