Single Adults: Ministry Principle 2: Worshipping Together

[MaidservantX]

"They were assembled awaiting the advent of the Son of God . . ." (D&C 138:16)

As we make greater efforts to know individuals in our stake and ward (middle) singles groups, and enjoy that knowledge and association, the desire to worship together with our friends becomes natural.

Most (middle) single adults attend family wards for regular church services, as it should be. So how can we encourage and enjoy assembly of single adults in order to enjoy worship of our heavenly Father and his Son, Jesus Christ?

A traditional single adult activity is the "fireside". I think this is a fine tradition -- one that ought to be continued and strengthened. Firesides are most often held on Sunday evenings (although they can be held on any day or time); and depending on where you live, they may be held anywhere from once a week to once a month (hopefully not less than once a month); and may be held at a church or a home or some other appropriate place.

Another possible event could be the Family Home Evening in common. I know that Young Single Adults and also senior single adults most often have Family Home Evening groups. Middle single adults don't usually because a lot of times they are mothers and fathers of young children and are still actively raising their family and so it seems that it would be needful to have family home evenings taking place in individual families. I agree with this, but I still think that Family Home Evening groups or sharing can be considered by the middle single adults as well. It may be less frequent, but I think planning something for singles and their children/families in terms of a shared Family Home Evening from time to time is a great idea.

As we contemplate providing these events to our singles groups -- how do we see them through the lens of worship? What does worship mean? Perhaps we can ask ourselves -- what do we want people to experience during these gatherings, and in what condition do we want to send them away?

Here is what I think can be abundant in our firesides (and the Family Home Evenings).

We can testify of Jesus Christ. We can testify of the truths of the Restoration. We can testify of the basic principles of the gospel. We can provide sacred musical experiences. We can pray together. We can provide opportunities for the bearing of testimony. We can read and study the scriptures together. We can prepare with the idea in mind that we want the Holy Ghost present in our assemblies and that we want those who came, to leave full of the Holy Ghost and of joy.

As I mentioned in Principle 1: Knowing One Another, many individuals in our ward and stake who are single will still choose not to come to any gatherings. As we make the effort to know them and connect with them on an individual basis wherever they and we may be, we can still invest that connection with the lens of worship. There may be times, when led by the Spirit, that we can pray with an individual; bear testimony; share music; teach of Jesus Christ; and etc. Particularly if we are leaders of singles groups, we may want to seek out those we have stewardship for and provide worship opportunities for them on an individual basis, if that person is open to it.

Disclaimer: These principles are of my own creation and opinion. They are not taught nor endorsed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

[mattai]

Well, our 30-something Midsingles Conference here was a huuuge success. We had over 1,400 in attendance a couple of weeks ago. The number one reason why people from across the country attended was because we enforce our age range (ages 27-42) so that some grandpa or grandma won't be hittin' on anyone.

[MaidservantX]

Sounds cool. I'm glad you brought this up. Holding a (middle) Single Adult Conference can provide some great worship experiences (among other things).

[mattai]

Last year as far as I know, we have over 12 temple marriages and 100+ hook-ups that lasted longer the weekend from people who met at the 2007 Midsingles Conference. We'll see how the stats are this year.

[Moksha]

Originally Posted by mattai

The number one reason why people from across the country attended was because we enforce our age range (ages 27-42) so that some grandpa or grandma won't be hittin' on anyone.

I understand those grandmas will go after anything that moves.

[pushka]

LOL Moksha!! Many grandparents in the UK are only in their mid 30's these days, and love hitting on those a little younger than themselves!! I'm in my mid 40's and haven't yet become a grandparent, however I do find one or two fellas in their mid 30's appealing...eeek! get the age-police onto me, quick!!