I'm considering lying to my bishop - cougarguard.com — unofficial BYU Cougars / LDS sports, football, basketball forum and message board

Sleeping in EQ · 01-17-2006, 03:29 PM

My ward needs real ushers. There's a surly-looking member of the Teacher's Quorum on each side of the chapel who shuts the door for the sacrament, but nobody welcomes anyone, nobody hands out programs (they sit on a side table), nobody helps late comers find a seat, and nobody bothers to open the door for parents taking an unruly child to the foyer.

I recently went to a Presbyterian church with a colleague (a friend who also participates in a media and religion interest group), and was stunned at how warmly I was welcomed. And they didn't overdo it and make it feel creepy. We came in 5 minutes after the service started and the usher shook our hands, smiled, handed us a program, and escorted us to some seats.

I would just mention what I see as a problem to my bishop, but he's the type that perceives such initiative as failing to respect inspired priesthood authority.

However, in typical LDS fashion he is hyper-sensitive to public relations issues, so I was considering sending him a letter as though I was a visitor who wished there had been an usher to help me etc.

It seems rather pathetic to me that pretending to be a visitor of another faith increases the chances of a priesthood leader actually listening, but I really think that is the case in my ward.

Do you think I should send the letter?

The_Tick · 01-17-2006, 03:54 PM

I think you should just talk to your Bishop, let him hear your observation....

Actually, follow the authority line and either talk with your EQP or HPGL. Let them take up the fight.

If the Bishop wants to do something about it he will. If you don't think that is right, wait until you get the phone call to come and visit with the Stake Pres.....

bluegoose · 01-17-2006, 08:03 PM

Its sad, but true. Sleeping in EQ is probably right in the majority of wards. You will likely get better results with gaining a warmer reception if the observation were perceived to have come from a visitor.

At the very least, the teachers quorum will get some specific training from a member of the bishopric.

Possibly even better may be to have a friendly non-teacher called as a ward greeter. I don't believe there is anything in the general handbook that says that you can't have a greeter, even if it is in addition to the teacher standing as a sentinel, guarding the door against unlikely intruders.

DirtyHippieUTE · 01-17-2006, 09:00 PM

You know where this is going don't you?

Next April we're going to hear your letter over the pulpit during Priesthood meeting.

I can just hear it now... "My bretheren of the Aaronic Priesthood, we must take play-zure in welcoming visitors to our meetings. They are a tray-zure to have in our midst."

FMCoug · 01-18-2006, 12:34 AM

I don't know your Bishop but I can't imagine a Bishop who would take such a suggestion as being critical of priesthood authority, IF it is presented correctly.

If presented in a critical manner, I could see that but as in all communications, it's 90% presentation, 10% content.

Bad Example:
Bishop, why can't the YM Presidency get the teachers quorum to behave themselves and greet people appropriately. It's embarassing when we bring non-member friends!

Good Example:
Bishop, I've noticed that we don't have anybody greeting visitors before church. I'd be happy volunteer to show up 15 minutes early once a month and I'm sure other ward members would as well.

Big difference isn't there?

realtall · 01-18-2006, 12:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sleeping in EQ

I would just mention what I see as a problem to my bishop, but he's the type that perceives such initiative as failing to respect inspired priesthood authority.

However, in typical LDS fashion he is hyper-sensitive to public relations issues, so I was considering sending him a letter as though I was a visitor who wished there had been an usher to help me etc.

It seems rather pathetic to me that pretending to be a visitor of another faith increases the chances of a priesthood leader actually listening, but I really think that is the case in my ward.

Do you think I should send the letter?

EQ, I think that the better approach would be to address your concern to a bishopric member who you feel more comfortable talking to. That way it will (hopefully) get brought up in bishopric meeting and/or PEC.

ute4ever · 01-18-2006, 01:24 AM

I would talk to the bishop directly and tell him the truth, tell him what is on your mind. However I wouldn't say anything negative. I would just tell him a few things I saw in another congregation that I feel would add to spirit of welcomeness here. With that said though, don't be surprised if he "calls" you to be the one to appoint ushers each week, the same way a sacrament coordinator finds people to bless and pass each week.

realtall · 01-18-2006, 01:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ute4ever

With that said though, don't be surprised if he "calls" you to be the one to appoint ushers each week, the same way a sacrament coordinator finds people to bless and pass each week.

I have often contemplated suggesting to my bishop that our ward needs a temple coordinator but I have a fair idea how that would turn out.

01-17-2006, 03:29 PM	#1
Sleeping in EQ Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: The People's Republic of Monsanto Posts: 3,085	I'm considering lying to my bishop My ward needs real ushers. There's a surly-looking member of the Teacher's Quorum on each side of the chapel who shuts the door for the sacrament, but nobody welcomes anyone, nobody hands out programs (they sit on a side table), nobody helps late comers find a seat, and nobody bothers to open the door for parents taking an unruly child to the foyer. I recently went to a Presbyterian church with a colleague (a friend who also participates in a media and religion interest group), and was stunned at how warmly I was welcomed. And they didn't overdo it and make it feel creepy. We came in 5 minutes after the service started and the usher shook our hands, smiled, handed us a program, and escorted us to some seats. I would just mention what I see as a problem to my bishop, but he's the type that perceives such initiative as failing to respect inspired priesthood authority. However, in typical LDS fashion he is hyper-sensitive to public relations issues, so I was considering sending him a letter as though I was a visitor who wished there had been an usher to help me etc. It seems rather pathetic to me that pretending to be a visitor of another faith increases the chances of a priesthood leader actually listening, but I really think that is the case in my ward. Do you think I should send the letter? __________________ "Do not despise the words of prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good; " 1 Thess. 5:21 (NRSV) We all trust our own unorthodoxies.

01-17-2006, 03:54 PM	#2
The_Tick Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 626	I think you should just talk to your Bishop, let him hear your observation.... Actually, follow the authority line and either talk with your EQP or HPGL. Let them take up the fight. If the Bishop wants to do something about it he will. If you don't think that is right, wait until you get the phone call to come and visit with the Stake Pres..... __________________ Spooooooon

01-17-2006, 08:03 PM	#3
bluegoose Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Northern California Posts: 2,919	Its sad, but true. Sleeping in EQ is probably right in the majority of wards. You will likely get better results with gaining a warmer reception if the observation were perceived to have come from a visitor. At the very least, the teachers quorum will get some specific training from a member of the bishopric. Possibly even better may be to have a friendly non-teacher called as a ward greeter. I don't believe there is anything in the general handbook that says that you can't have a greeter, even if it is in addition to the teacher standing as a sentinel, guarding the door against unlikely intruders.

01-17-2006, 09:00 PM	#4
DirtyHippieUTE Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Moscow, ID Posts: 1,151	You know where this is going don't you? Next April we're going to hear your letter over the pulpit during Priesthood meeting. I can just hear it now... "My bretheren of the Aaronic Priesthood, we must take play-zure in welcoming visitors to our meetings. They are a tray-zure to have in our midst."

01-18-2006, 12:34 AM	#5
FMCoug Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kaysville, UT Posts: 3,151	I don't know your Bishop but I can't imagine a Bishop who would take such a suggestion as being critical of priesthood authority, IF it is presented correctly. If presented in a critical manner, I could see that but as in all communications, it's 90% presentation, 10% content. Bad Example: Bishop, why can't the YM Presidency get the teachers quorum to behave themselves and greet people appropriately. It's embarassing when we bring non-member friends! Good Example: Bishop, I've noticed that we don't have anybody greeting visitors before church. I'd be happy volunteer to show up 15 minutes early once a month and I'm sure other ward members would as well. Big difference isn't there?

01-18-2006, 01:24 AM	#7
ute4ever I must not tell lies Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 5,103	I would talk to the bishop directly and tell him the truth, tell him what is on your mind. However I wouldn't say anything negative. I would just tell him a few things I saw in another congregation that I feel would add to spirit of welcomeness here. With that said though, don't be surprised if he "calls" you to be the one to appoint ushers each week, the same way a sacrament coordinator finds people to bless and pass each week.