Sunday, June 08, 2008

My Variety Hour

I sort of feel like I'm putting on my own variety show today. In our church, we have a lay ministry, which means that none of our church leaders get paid for their service. Every position, even the two year missions, are volunteer and self paid. My current "calling" is to teach the adult Sunday school class. This is how our meetings break down:

First Hour: Sacrament Meeting

During this hour, the Priesthood blesses the sacrament and administers it to the congregation. We then have speakers from the congregation give talks on gospel subjects. On the first Sunday of the month we have what is called "Testimony meeting". During the talk portion of the meeting, instead of assigned speakers, any members who desire are allowed to come to the pulpit and express their testimony about the Gospel. We also have hymns, or special musical numbers, all of which are asked to be ones that promote a reverent feeling.

Second Hour: Sunday School

This is the hour that I teach my class, and the youth and children go to their own classes. Each year we focus on a different book of scripture. This year we are studying the Book of Mormon.

Third Hour: Priesthood/ Relief Society

During this hour, the men and women split up. The men attend "Priesthood meeting" where they take care of any Priesthood business, and they also are taught a lesson.

The women attend Relief Society where we also talk about any Relief Society business and are taught a lesson. The lessons for men and women are the same, and currently we are studying the lives of the Prophets. This year we are studying about the life and teachings of Joseph Smith.

My husband is in charge of finding the speakers for Sacrament meeting. Amidst all that has been going on the past week or two, he neglected to ask someone to speak. He looked back in his records and saw that it has been about 3 years since he and I spoke, so he asked me to speak with him today. I have to speak for about 15 minutes, as does he. (is there an antonym for nepotism? lol) For the special musical number, the choir will be singing. My husband and I both sing in the choir. But I just found out this morning that the pianist is ill, so I will need to sub for her.

I sure hope they aren't sick of hearing from me by the end of the day!

5 comments:

Lindsay Logic said...

I hope it went well! You have many talents, so i'm sure it did! You're a good sport to speak at such short notice. lol

*L*

Looney said...

Ah, I see you are enjoying your sabbath rest tremendously. I had been doing a similar pattern of teaching followed by preaching sometimes. This meant a lot of prep time and left me feeling, looking and acting like a zombie after the service was done.

The bureaucrats on the other side of our church, however, saved me from my torment by ordering me not to serve. It seems that you aren't qualified unless you have a seminary degree and are on the church payroll. There are certainly some things about the Mormon arrangements that seem sensible to me.

Delirious said...

LOL yes Looney...one does wonder about the "day of rest". :) But I usually just tell mself, "There is no rest for the wicked". ;)

Looney said...

Yes, I have referred to the "no rest for the wicked" principal many times, but mostly with regard to the deacons meetings. It is amazing how many man-hours can be consumed talking about fire extinguishers.

Inklings said...

It sounds to me like they are VERY lucky to have you there!