Organized Inspiration

[lusciouschaos]

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?

[Moksha]

Originally Posted by lusciouschaos

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.

[applepansy]

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[Elphaba]

Originally Posted by lusciouschaos

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 Wards
http://www.lightplanet.com/mormons/basic/organization/ward_eom.htm
Other 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_Saints
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ward_(LDS_Church)

Sister Elphaba

[lusciouschaos]

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.

[Palerider]

Originally Posted by lusciouschaos

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.....

[Elphaba]

Originally Posted by Palerider

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.

[pam]

There sure are a lot of people living in your air conditioner. Is it a multi level or a rambler?

[Palerider]

Originally Posted by Elphaba

'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!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Elphaba]

Originally Posted by pam

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