Church attendance and purpose

[Archaea]

Nowadays, I rarely hear a talk which really inspires, but I often meet people who are inspiring and good people.

I sit quietly, now that my children are also able to be quiet, and don't cause a commotion by asking pointed questions. I am an observer mostly, participating in enjoying the company of friends, but not in terms of affecting the flow of information. I watch us culturally.

Anybody else experience church in this manner?

[ute4ever]

The person blathering on at the pulpit is merely a springboard for the spirit to privately teach you, as you ponder personal things along the lines of the speaker's topic. There is a horizontal and vertical matrix to every talk. Horizontally is the text of the speaker's words, laid out from left to right, from start to finish. Vertically is, while the speaker spoke ___ from point A to point B, the spirit descended and taught you ___.

[Zulu451]

Ute - I have to agree wholly with you on this. After attending church for most of my life I find that there is rarely a doctrine taught that I haven't heard before. However, attending church first off is where I know I am supposed to be. I cannot be taught by the Spirit if I am not where I am supposed to be. Second, any gospel teacher worth their salt knows that true teaching is done by the spirit. It is their job to prepare accordingly and provide an environment where the Spirit can teach.

Here is Afghanistan, the serviceman's group meetings are only an hour long. They are quick and to the point, but they are some of the most spiritual meetings I have been to. The members are so humble and sincere in their faith and attendance. There is no pretense, no social hierarchy and I have felt some of the most humble and sincere prayers offered.

I honestly look forward every week to going to church and hanging out with my church friends. It is so refreshing and nice to be with people who aren't dropping "F" bombs every other word, or that their world revolves around the next movie which gives some good boob shots.

My experience with church here in Afghanistan has changed the way I worship.

[MikeWaters]

Originally Posted by Zulu451

or that their world revolves around the next movie which gives some good boob shots.

So, you've made me curious. What's the next boobie-friendly movie playing?

I got used to 1hr church on my mission. That's why 3hr church is still so difficult for me.

[Valentinus1]

Interesting.

Do many feel that attending Sacrament and the other 2 hrs to be more mechanical and somewhat, if not very, predictable?

Maybe instead of someone from the Bishopric assigning topics...members could be allowed to choose a topic that is conducive to the Spirit and enlightening.

This could make church more exciting. Maybe the congregation can get more involved during sacrament... but that probably won't happen.

[MikeWaters]

Originally Posted by Valentinus1

Interesting.

Do many feel that attending Sacrament and the other 2 hrs to be more mechanical and somewhat, if not very, predictable?

Maybe instead of someone from the Bishopric assigning topics...members could be allowed to choose a topic that is conducive to the Spirit and enlightening.

This could make church more exciting. Maybe the congregation can get more involved during sacrament... but that probably won't happen.

I like sacrament meeting fine. I like priesthood.

I've become disillusioned with Sunday School. I don't like the classroom lecture format, esp. when the teacher is not all that good. I'm not a big fan of the curriculum either. But that's just me. I've had times/teachers that I thought were excellent, and they made SS good. (I'm talking about Gospel Doctrine here).

But you can change things up by going to Gospel Principles (usually much smaller class), family relations, genealogy or whatever else is offered.

[Valentinus1]

Originally Posted by MikeWaters

I like sacrament meeting fine. I like priesthood.

I've become disillusioned with Sunday School. I don't like the classroom lecture format, esp. when the teacher is not all that good. I'm not a big fan of the curriculum either. But that's just me. I've had times/teachers that I thought were excellent, and they made SS good. (I'm talking about Gospel Doctrine here).

But you can change things up by going to Gospel Principles (usually much smaller class), family relations, genealogy or whatever else is offered.

Okay. I'm confused about something. What is the difference(s) between Gospel Doctrines, Gospel Principles and Gospel Essentials? I hadn't heard of Gospel Essentials until Sunday evening when my sister's brother-in-law talked about it in passing.

[ute4ever]

Originally Posted by Valentinus1

Okay. I'm confused about something. What is the difference(s) between Gospel Doctrines, Gospel Principles and Gospel Essentials? I hadn't heard of Gospel Essentials until Sunday evening when my sister's brother-in-law talked about it in passing.

Gospel Principles = Gospel Essentials. Some thing but people give it two names.

Similarly:
Enrichment = Homemaking
Young Mens Young Womens = Mutual
Stake Conference = Picnic Day

[Archaea]

Originally Posted by Valentinus1

Okay. I'm confused about something. What is the difference(s) between Gospel Doctrines, Gospel Principles and Gospel Essentials? I hadn't heard of Gospel Essentials until Sunday evening when my sister's brother-in-law talked about it in passing.

Gospel Essentials is for new members, and Gospel Doctrine is the general Sunday School class for seasoned members. I'm not certain what Gospel Principles is, as I think that's the same thing as Gospel Doctrine.

[Valentinus1]

Originally Posted by ute4ever

Stake Conference = Picnic Day

Thanks, Ute. This gives me something to look forward to.