The Lesser Priesthood to Take Charge of Meetings

The.Lesser Priesthood to Take Charge of Meetings December 10 As announced in the November number of the Improvement Era, the First Presidency of the Church have approved a recommendation of the Presiding Bishopric to set apart the Sunday of December 10, as a day for the discussion of tithing, when the Sacrament meetings are to be con- ducted by the young men of each ward in the Church who hold the Aaronic Priesthood, under the direction of the bishop of the ward. Recently, the Presiding Bishopric sent a leter to each of the bish- ops throughout the Church, requesting them to prepare a suitable program, adapted to the local conditions and circumstances, and have such program announced in the various organizations and meetings between the time the letter was received and the 10th of December. The Presiding Bishop likewise in this letter, suggested the following items as appropriate for a program for this occasion: 1. The recitation in concert of the law of tithing, Sections 119, 120, Doctrine and Covenants. 2. A recitation of the third chapter of Malachi, commencing with the ninth verse. 3. The teachers and priests assigned to give five minute talks on: (a) The history of tithing among the Hebrews, (b) Purpose of tithing. (3) How to tithe, (d) Who should pay tithing? (e) When to pay tithing, and the blessings that are promised to those who faithfully observe this im- portant law of the gospel. Members of the Aaronic Priesthood should be elected to open and close the meeting with prayer, to act as ushers and to perform such other duties as may be required at the service on that day. If possible, musical exercises should also be given by the Aaronic Priesthood; and all the singing should be in harmony with the spirit of the restored gospel, such as: "And Angel from on High;" "Come, all Ye Sons of God;" "What was Witnessed in the Heavens?" and similar inspir- ing musical numbers. Undoubtedly the bishops can make this one of the big events of the wards, and it will aid in encouraging the congregation, as well as the young people, in obtaining a better understanding of the law of tithing, being an impetus to have them apply it in their daily lives. Annual Visit of the Bishop to the Peopled/of the Wards To enable the bishops to become better acquainted with the people and their home-life it has become the custom in the Church that they and their counselors shall make an annual house to house visit. The First Presidency have again expressed their desire that such annual visit be made again this year, and the Presiding Bishopric have notified bishops in the wards of the Church to this effect. If the membership of the ward is so large that it is not possible for each family to be visited by the bishop or his counselors, it is suggested that the ward be divided into districts, and brethren holding the Priesthood be called to assist in this important labor. During the visit it is especially required that an effort should be made to see that every member of the Church in each ward is enrolled upon the records of the ward. Where their membership is not recorded, such information should be given to the bishop, and inquiry made of the Presid-

206 IMPROVEMENT ERA iug Bishop's office for their certificates of membership. Their visits are very necessary, and are instituted to encourage and instruct the members of the Church concerning their religious duties. It is also an opportunity to give such counsel and advice as may be necessary, and to encourage the Saints to pay their tithes and offerings; to attend Sacramental meetings, and to remember their prayers and family duties. The bishops are enjoined to commence the work early, so that a complete visit may be made before the end of the year. Many Baptisms Performed Stanley J. Tingey, writing from Joplin, Missouri, reports that the work in Webb City and Joplin branches is progressing rapidly. "Many baptisms have been performed in these branches in tie past year. Mutual Improvement Association meetings are very successful. Mission- aries, left to right: Elder F. Pratt Hawks, Annie E. Cloverly, Almira Miller, E. Dean Orme; back row, Stanley J. Tingey, J. Conrad Wangsgaard, Harry A. Steinagel, Clyde F. Curtis, and George B. Lyon." What They Say "The Era is by far the most popular publication we have among the elders." — Elder Earl B. Snell, secretary of the Swiss-German Mission, Basel. "We deem the Improvement Era a most worthy companion in promul- gating the gospel and desire its continued advancement." — L. W. Doxey, Fort Worth, Texas. "We enjoy the Improvement Era much. It is a big help in our mis- sionary labors, giving the people opportunity to see some of our literature, and what the Latter-day Saints publish and read at home." — Elder WUliam C. Warner, Perth, West Australia.