Priesthood Quorums

PRIES All matters pertaining to the Aaronic Priesthood in this department are prepared under the direction of the Presiding Bishopric. Letters to Ward Bishoprics The following letters, sent to bishoprics of wards throughout the Church by the Presiding Bishopric, under date of Septem- ber 1 and September 13, respectively, are self-explanatory: Dear Brethren: It has been expected that the weekly meetings of the Aaronic Priesthood, at least, would be held regularly during the entire year. However, in view of the fact that in some of the wards and stakes such meetings have not been held regularly dur- ing the past summer, we desire to call your attention to the importance of the work to be done during the remainder of this year. As you are aware, the meetings of the Priesthood and the M. I. A. are now co- ordinated so as to be held on the same evening. The plans already outlined for the Aaronic Priesthood for this year are given in the booklet issued by the Presiding Bishopric at the beginning of the year, en- titled "Instructions Relative to Weekly Ward Meetings of Acting Ward Teachers and all members of the Aaronic Priest- hood," andjor the Melchizcdek Priesthood in the booklet issued by the Council of the Twelve, March 20, 1928, entitled "Sug- gestions for Quorums of Priesthood and M. I. A." If there has been any slackening of the work and activity of the Aaronic Priest- hood during the summer, it is very greatly desired that this work should now be taken up with renewed energy and system in order to carry forward vigorously during the fall and winter season. In order that there may be clear understanding on the part of everyone associated with the Aaronic Priesthood as to the plan of pro- cedure for the meetings, instructions and activities thereof, we are reiterating here the instructions previously given. Will you therefore kindly follow these instruc- tions and also transmit this information to the supervisors of the Aaronic Priesthood in your ward. If you do not have suf- ficient copies of the "Instructions" men- tioned, if you will kindly advise us, we shall be glad to furnish you with additional copies for the use of the Bishopric and the supervisors of your ward. We would sug- gest that you hold a meeting at once with your supervisors, for the thorough con- sideration of Aaronic Priesthood work. It is expected that the weekly meetings of the Priesthood and M. I. A. will be held on Tuesday evenings. They will consist of an officers' meeting to be held at 7 p. m., as given in the instructions, and the regular meeting of all the members of the Priesthood and Y. L. M. I. A. at 7:30 p. m. After the opening exercises of the regular Priesthood-M. I. A. meeting (7:30 to 7:45 p. m.) , the Priesthood will separate for class or quorum work. At that time the order of business for the Aaronic Priesthood quorums or classes should be carried out as indicated on page 8 of "Instructions." However, the time allowed for the quorum or class exercises will permit of more discussion than is in- dicated in those "Instructions." It is very desirable, therefore, that after the indi- vidual activities of the quorum members have been checked and the social and fraternal interest of the quorum considered, as there indicated, the time allowed for the discussion of the topic assigned for that particular meeting should be most effec- tively used. The topics to be covered during each month of this year are given in that same book of "Instructions." If these topics have not been discussed systematically thus far this year, we would urge that two or three topics in order be given each week during the remainder of the year, because

1058 IMPROVEMENT ERA we feel that every member of the Priest- hood should, if possible, be familiar with these matters. If, however, topics have al- ready been presented in their order thus far this year, then it will be necessary to ex- pand the remainder of the lessons in order to occupy effectively the time allowed. In a separate statement, therefore, which is hereto attached, we have indicated how a topic might be enlarged upon. Where, therefore, the remaining topics only are to be given from now until the end of this year, we would suggest either that the bishopric assign this matter of developing the lessons in advance to a committee, or else that the matter be referred to the Stake Presidency and Stake Aaronic Priest- hood Committee, with a request that they outline the lessons in more detail for all of the wards of your stake. In connection with the lesson work and the activities of the Priesthood, it is very important that the booklet of "Instruc- tions" before mentioned should be care- fully read and followed by the bishopric and the Aaronic Priesthood supervisors. The purpose of the plan and procedure therein outlined is to promote the training and activities of the Aaronic Priesthood most effectively in order that every mem- ber of the Aaronic Priesthood in your ward shall be thoroughly active in the duties of his important calling. Assuring you of our desire to cooperate in every way possible to secure the best re- sults, we are, with cordial wishes, Sincerely your brethren. The Presiding Bishopric, By Sylvester Q. Cannon. Dear Brethren: In about two weeks you will receive a special copy of the Improvement Era. Al- though we presume you are already a sub- scriber to this magazine, this copy is sent with the suggestion that you have the sec- ond article, entitled "Speed and the Spirit," read by all the members of your Lesser Priesthood. We believe that this story, true in every detail, if read by boys in the formative period of their lives, will bring results which will well repay the trouble of putting it before them. We join with the Y. M. M. I. A. officers in the hope that our young boys will be- come regular readers of the Era, and we take this opportunity of reminding you that this magazine is the organ of the Priesthood, as well as of the Mutual, and that through it our official messages re- garding the Lesser Priesthood are sent. It also contains the messages of the Mel- chizedek Priesthood, and should be avail- able to the members of every Latter-day Saint family. Sincerely your brethren, Sylvester Q. Cannon, David A. Smith, John Wells, Presiding Bishopric. Broadcast good thoughts and good words freely. Give them a chance to ride the ether, they have life in them. 'Tis not only how much you say, but the tone of utterance as well. There are two ways of looking at everything, the way of the broadcaster and the way of the listener-in. Be natural — try to be what you admire rather than an imitation of it. To the laborer honor is always due, for labor is always honorable. One does not need a battlefield on which to prove his heroism. There are masters of all conditions and they respond with equal cheerfulness to all demands of daily living. — Dorothy C. Retsloff.