Posted by rayww on August 18, 2003, at 16:02:21
In reply to Re: what's in it for me?, posted by Dena on August 18, 2003, at 12:18:51
I really liked the way you expressed why you go to church Dena. I go for similar reasons, but I, by my own nature, am more private and quiet in worship and sociality. If I have something to say in class, I will most often say it, and what I say usually gets heard. My bipolar affects my mood and sociality. some days I don't want to speak to anyone, while other days just the opposite. Fortunately, I can now recognize when I should shut up. But before I knew anything about bipolar, I think I probably said some far out and dumb things.
Your congregation is your family but my family is literally my ward. My 5 married children plus their 14 youngsters all live close by and attend the same ward as I do. (A ward is a congregation of about 300 members) Church for us is a 3 hour block, divided three ways, 1 hour for Worship service (Sacrament meeting), 1 hour for Sunday School study, and 1 hour for women's, men's, boys, girls, and children's classes. Everyone has a calling and we teach and edify one another from outlined curriculum centered on scripture. Same lessons in all our congregations throughout the world on any given Sabbath.
We are family-oriented, and because of the large numbers of small children, our worship services struggle with reverence. I've been to services of other faiths, and am always so impressed with their reverence. Not so in our meetings (unfortunately) but still glad for the large numbers of faithful youth.
Every member gets two organized personal visits a month by assignment. Any emergency needs are then reported back to the Bishop, who looks after them temporally and physically, mentally, etc.
We all help in the work and no one receives pay. We tithe at 10%, plus pay the equivilent of 2 skipped meals / month (fast sunday) to care for the emergency unforseen needs in our locality. We pay into the missionary fund when we have a missionary in the family, and may donate to it afterward too if we want. (My son is in Milwaukee)
All tithing and other donations go directly to building up the kingdom and caring for the needy throughout the world.
The Lord takes care of those who take care of others who take care of others, and so on (in any faith). It is exciting work and very rewarding in many ways.
I see now why Uncle Bob has put a caution on this subject. I have gotten carried away here, and could probably keep going because as I keep writing my battery keeps charging. Call me the energizer bunny, and Dena too. Dena, your turn.
I think in our attempt to identify our differences, we may discover many similarities.
poster:rayww
thread:251749
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faith/20030530/msgs/251890.html