Priesthood Quorums

PRIESTHOOD QUORUMS All Melchizedeh Priesthood material is prepared under the direction of the Council of the Twelve; and all Aaronic Priesthood material is prepared under the direction of the Presiding Bishopric. A FEW weeks ago a bishop of ■**■ one of the wards made the following statement: "What is the trouble with our Sacrament meetings, Just last night we had a slim attend- ance and the people there were mostly women and older men. Why is it we don't get the young men and young girls, and more of the men who are leaders in the auxiliaries?" The good bishop was concerned as all bishops are over the most impor- tant Sunday service. I am sure all of us desire to help make the problems connected with Sacrament meetings easier to solve. I took the questions asked by the bishop to a representative group of high school seniors in the Latter-day Saints High School. "What do you like and dislike about the Sacrament meetings as conducted in your wards." I asked seventy of them. "Will you be frank and honest in your written answers. Kindly write during this hour period. I desire to find out what you find in these meetings that is stimulating, and what you find in them that you do not like." VWJHILE the students were writing ™ their essays, I thought back over my youth and tried to see the prob- lems that presented themselves at that time. I do not think my own vivid pictures of Sacrament meetings will ever leave me. To me they were long and dry and nearly always the same. I seldom understood what was said, and^often grew tired and sleepy because the subjects discussed were either over my head, or far away from the life I knew. Very seldom were the talks short or concrete, or made interesting by examples found in my own life's experiences. In fact, the aim of the meetings that I was forced to attend was one of length: two hours. I do not remember with any degree of clearness any one year when the Sacrament meetings were for the year definitely planned. Of course, I appreciate the efforts made at that time. Once in a while some one would arrange a meeting that stimu- lated. And when this happened I Sacrament Meetings By JOSEPH JENKINS Of the L. D. S. High School remember that some leader had young folks take part. How happy they were! They sang and prayed and gave short religious talks. The boys and girls would draw from their own in- terests in the lives of the prophets and great leaders of the Church. Otherwise I sat with my feet dangling from the edge of a bench which was far too high for me until my legs cried out for activity, and I squirmed, much to the worry of my mother. THOUGHT over the speakers we had during most of the meetings. They were nearly always the same from Sunday to Sunday. Perhaps I wasn't attentive, for I could see the town team playing ball on the grounds some two blocks away. Why did I look out the window? Wasn't it be- cause there was a serious lack of pre- paration and careful^tudy on the part of the speakers? One speaker did, I remember, catch our interest. He wasn't scolding nor finding fault, but he told us stories that gripped, and we went away built up. Here is one of his stories: "A farmer took a sack one night to use in his visit to a neighbor's potato patch. He took with him his small son. When the two arrived at the potato field, the father placed his little son near a corner post to watch. After a short time, the little fellow said, 'Daddy, there is some one seeing us.' " 'Who is it?' asked the father. " 'God,' answered the son. The father emptied the sack, took his little son's hand, and went home. There was indeed someone watching." HP HIS little story was but one of -*■ the many used in driving home a lesson. Did we get the meaning? Every youngster listened with rapt attention. That day the ball team had live competition. My thoughts were indeed going back. I could see not only the same speakers but also the same singers. I know of certain families whose members did all the special singing, and some individuals who did all the special speaking. As I grew older, I often thought it would be a good practice to discover the talents of all the young men and women, and then develop those talents through some form of religious expression. Young missionaries were known to spend many months home before they were given responsibility. A friend of mine was home ten years before he was called to speak. By then he was rusty and had lost much of the en- thusiasm built up while on his mis- sion. If we keep green the abilities of all the young people and permit directed expression under wise guidance of mature men, then the problem of religious education will be started to- ward solution. T'HE devotionals held in the B. Y. U. were good examples of spirit- ual meetings. The music was beauti- ful and timely and the talks were full of vitality and interest. A friend who had attended the B. Y. U. and had caught the spirit of the youth of the Church asked the bishop of our ward for permission to furnish the program the next Sunday. The bishop was curious and gave permis- sion. The young man went to work. Four boys' choruses were prepared. Suitable music and short talks were se- lected and practiced. Parents became interested and helped. Quartettes and solos were included. In fact, the young man planned a program for oac hour and a half. The house was filled. During the passing of the Sacrament, one boy sang, "I know that my Redeemer Lives." ■ At the end of the meeting the bishop, quite happy and pleased, invited his peo- ple to keep up the interest shown that day. TJOW distinctly I remember rushing J--L home from Sunday School be- fore my parents and changing my "store" clothes, donning a pair of overalls and an old shirt, and up to the old swimming hole I would go. And I wasn't alone either. Many boys were on the old trail. Why weren't they at meeting? Boys will find something to do, something that

The Improvement Era for June, 1930 571 catches their interests even if it is not directed activity. What an op- portunity was lost! We learned to swim and dive and lie in the sand. We could have learned these just as well on Saturday and better had there been a leader of influence who really desired our attendance at Sacrament meeting. One man did take an in- terest in us and because of him many of us attended our meetings on the Sabbath day. We found him suggest- ing readings that were faith-promot- ing. We loved him because he helped to direct our interests. "Shall I place these essays on your desk?" I came back from the past and found the students leaving. And here are a few of the thoughts ex- pressed by them: . "I like a great many things about Sacrament meetings. First of all, I think ,nothing is so wonderful as being able to partake of the Sacra- ment. Secondly, I love the music. I love music of all kinds, from the funeral marches to the latest melody- less jazz. Thirdly, I would rather watch people than almost anything else and Sacrament meetings certainly furnish original individuals for obser- vation. The meetings give me a serene sense of peace and quiet. You relax and sit back and enjoy it. You may not hear anything that is said, but you have the spirit of contentment and rest that a church gives you." "The wonderful spirit that is shown in our ward at Sacrament meetings is very inspirational. Our ward was just divided and in doing this it has brought out to church many people who hadn't often come out before. Every one comes out and we have a wonderful time. Our Sacrament meetings are good; all go to church with the idea of worship of God and with prayerful hearts, which are hum- ble." "I like Sacrament meetings for the thing they symbolize. It seems to me that one cannot be reminded too frequently of the sacrifice Christ made to save the human race." "One of the most inspiring silences in church meetings is the wonderful stillness which pervades a building while the Sacrament is being passed. At this time the spirit of God. is obviously present. Even the smallest child seems awed into silence. No dress rustles, no foot falls, no mouth speaks; not even a cough disturbs the holy feeling inspired by God's spirit, which seems to muffle sounds like a heavy blanket. Such silence as this gives true joy." "By these meetings one hears the testimonies of others and his own is strengthened." "I think there are more likes than dislikes about Sacrament meetings. I think there are many things of in- terest: music, prayer, Sacrament, ser- mon. Meetings always bring you closer to your fellow-men and of course 'to God. You get out of church just what you put into church." "I like Sacrament meetings because they tend toward building character. They are inspiring and help to keep the attenders interested in truth and to a great extent away from folly. They who go to Sacrament meetings with a desire to learn will be bene- fited." There were forty-four positive criti- cisms named in ithe (essays of the students. The first one, good music, appeared thirty-one times. Good mu- sk plays a great part in the lives of the young people of the Church. Young people like the thing they call the Spiritual. This item appeared twenty-one times. The third item was that of partaking of the Sacra- ment. Our young people do like Sacrament meetings if they are care- fully planned. HTHE following quotations are rep- -- resentative of the dislikes ex- pressed by the students: "Most Sacrament meetings become dry and monotonous. The speakers are not interesting. The subjects are not interesting. People who cannot put over their ideas should not be asked to talk in Sacrament meetings." "At most Sacrament meetings I cannot help feeling there is a lack of sincerity, that the real purpose is for- gotten. Of course this is not true of all meetings, but the more I see of them the more I feel that they are getting to be a matter of form and the real spirit is neglected in order that things may come off right and there will be no mistake." "What I don't like about Sacra- ment meetings is the fact that often programs are not prepared and one is compelled to sit through dry speech- es. I think all meetings should be planned to the last detail with ap- propriate numbers, speakers and songs." "The bishop who engages the speakers should call men who are good at making talks and he should tell them to make their speeches especial- ly interesting to the younger genera- tion." "Most people now are restless. They can sit still for just so long and then they start getting tired of listening to one person talk. I think that if, at the Sacrament meeting, a small program could be arranged for each Sunday in addition to the speaker, more young people would attend." "I do not like to attend Sacrament meetings for several reasons: the length, too dry, non-impressive speech- es; the conversation that is carried on during the entire meeting." "More preparation should be made for the meetings." "Have the speakers talk on some- thing more interesting to young people and still keep religion fixed in their minds. Tell interesting incidents. Furnish plenty of music. Let every one take part at some time or other." "Have the young people of the wards give short talks on subjects that we know something about. Have a variety of beautiful music." "Give the young people a chance to prepare two or three short talks about things which are interesting to them. Every one will listen to one of his friends talk. Have a musical program and take good talent from the ward." "If they were interesting and the speakers talked so we could hear what was said, more people would attend. They should let out on time." "Why don't they call on some of the young folks to take charge and furnish the program?" "The speakers are usually old in spirit and poor in delivery and talk too long. There are too many seat gigglers. I would suggest good music, a few flowers, two or three snappy speakers who talk on the present needs and the outlook for the future." "I do not go very often because there is little to interest young people." '"THERE were twenty-five separate ■■ negative criticisms found in the essays written by the students. "Too long" appeared forty times; "Too dry" appeared thirty-seven times; "Sameness" appeared thirty-three times. There were seventy essays handed in. Young people's likes and dislikes are definite and marked and are a direct challenge to us as leaders in our wards. Happy indeed is the leader who plans his meetings and works out programs that are vital and full of meaning to the youth of the Church. The young people like Sacrament meetings if they are full of spiritual things made vital through music and well-prepared talks. Their likes and dislikes should help us with our prob- lems. Shall we solve them? The Sacrament In Sacrament Meeting, INFORMATION has come to us *• that in the wards of one of the stakes of Zion instructions have been given by the stake authorities to hold the Sacrament meeting immediately after Sunday School, and not to administer the Sacrament in the Sacrament meet- ing. After careful consideration of this matter with the First Presidency, it is felt that if is most important that the

572 The Improvement Era for June, 1930 Sacrament be administered in every Sacrament meeting. The Sacrament meeting is the one meeting that has been designated by (revelation from the Lord. The identity and purpose of this meeting should be strictly main- tained, and it should therefore be con- ducted as such. It should be held at the hour on Sunday that will prove most convenient for the largest number of ward members, These meetings should be as carefully planned as anj other gatherings held in the ward, in order to make them just as impressive and spiritual as possible. If proper care and attention is given to this matter, there is no doubt that the at- tendance at these meetings will ma- terially increase. The Presiding Bishopric. Aaronic Priestkood Items A S the result of several inquiries **■ that have been made recently, it appears that there is no uniform under- standing among the officers of the Church as to the proper form concern- ing the advancement of young men holding the Aaronic Priesthood. Some make advancements by groups and give very little consideration as to the qualifications and preparedness of the young man for advancement. An excellent course of study has been prepared for the members of the Aaronic Priesthood, and if the young men study the outlines, they will be prepared for advancement. Each boy before being transferred or advanced should pass a satisfactory examination for the purpose of demonstrating that he has become familiar with his duties in the present order of the Priesthood, that he has attended to all duties re- quired of him, has shown an interest in his work which would justify his advancement in the Priesthood. When he is found worthy, after serving the normal term of service and training, he should be invited to attend the next sacramental or fast meeting following his birthday, and there he should be ordained in the presence of the con- gregation. The usual term for each order of the Priesthood is as follows: In the office of deacon for three years, the office of teacher for two years, the office of priest for three years, and pro- motion should be based entirely on the faithful performance of his duties. The ordination to any office in the Priesthood carries with it the responsi- bility to lead an exemplary life. Prior to the date appointed for pro- motion, the parents of those selected for advancement should be notified. The officers of the Primary Associa- tion have expressed a desire to arrange the last year's training of the boy in the Primary Association so that it will prepare the boy in essential matters, especially to impress upon him the importance of the Aaronic Priesthood, its value to him in his life's training, and responsibility which comes to him when he accepts that Priesthood. We sincerely hope that the members of the Church and the parents of the boys particularly, as well as the bish- oprics and supervisors and others who may be appointed to train the boys will assist in every possible way to pre- pare them for the office and calling of the Aaronic Priesthood. The Aaronic Priesthood reports for the month ending February 28, show that less than one-tenth of those who hold the Aaronic Priesthood have up to this date secured the course of study required. It would appear from this, showing that many have not grasped the importance of Priesthood work and the need of taking up this course of preparation at the beginning of the year. May we urge all who are ap- pointed to supervise the work of the- Aaronic Priesthood to take steps im- mediately to have their quorum mem- bers supplied at an early date. The Presiding Bishopric. Field Notes Gathering of Aaronic Priesthood, Teton Stake r\URING the latter part of February ■^ the first annual Teton Stake Aaronic Priesthood gathering was held under the direction of the Stake Priest- hood Committee, John J. Durtschi, Chairman. The brethren all gathered at the Stake House at 11 a. m. for games. 12 o'clock luncheon, served by the Boy Scouts of Driggs. 1:30 Priest- hood Meeting. 2:30 all marched to the Orpheum Theater led by the Boy Scout band under the direction of Clarence Murdock, where they enjoyed a very fine picture show as guests of the stake presidency. A splendid time was enjoyed and all expressed themselves as hoping it should become an annual affair. The object of the day was to stim- ulate interest in the Aaronic Priesthood of the stake. Aaronic Priesthood Committee, Teton Stake. Liberty Stake Conference At the Stake Conference, held in the Assembly Hall at Salt Lake City, Sun- day morning, April 20th, as a result of special preparation there were over 900 members of the Aaronic Priesthood seated in the gallery and approximately a like number of other members of that stake in the main body of the hall, a total of 1800 in all. The Aaronic Priesthood members- performed practically all parts on the program for the morning session. Most of the singing was done by the young men. Three splendid talks were given by a Priest, a Teacher and' a Deacon, relative to various phases, of the Aaronic Priesthood work. Also one of the Eagle Scouts presented a brief explanation of the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. The Stake Aaronic Priesthood Committee were presented by President Bryant S. Hinckley and Bishop J. A. Rockwood, Chairman of that committee, made a few remarks, telling of the work being done. Altogether the results were very satisfactory. Attendance Contest — Aaronic Priesthood "DISHOP OSCAR J. HARLINE of ■"-J Hillcrest ward, Grant stake, re- ports an attendance contest with Cen- tral Park ward as follows: At our regular monthly leadership- meeting held September 22, 1929, Brother Joy Worthington, supervisor of Aaronic Priesthood of Central Park ward, challenged any ward in Grant stake to an Aaronic Priesthood at- tendance contest for a period of three- (Continued on page 574)