One reason why I am trying to stay

[church0333]

This weekend we had a snow and ice storm here in my part of Oregon and in the process lost power and a bunch of trees and tree limbs. They were popping and snapping all day and night in our neighborhood. Our Bishop put the word out that we would only have sacrament meeting for those that wanted to attend but it was only if they were comfortable traveling. We had a mess in the yard and no hot water to shower so we did not go but after our 9:00 meeting a handful of guys from our ward came by ready to help with the clean up and one sister brought over a big bowl of hot stew. I was ready to call one friend to ask him to bring a chainsaw and was pleasantly surprised by the many that did show up. It is at times like this that I really find value in being a member of a community like the church. I also try hard to be the guy that shows up too with out being asked. I know that lately many of my post have been hard on the church but when something positive happens I hope I can point that out also.

[hawkgrrrl]

This is definitely one thing Mormons usually do right!

[Old-Timer]

Thanks, church0333. There are excellent aspects of the culture.

[DarkJedi]

I’m glad you live in a ward like that, and I think most of us do. People in the church often do the right thing when unrestricted.

[SilentDawning]

Agreed — and I notice the length of the responding posts is inversely proportional to the amount of love shown by the members.

I had an experience where the Ward pulled together to help me get on a mission. And one other time, someone called me and helped me clean up my yard — unasked. Those things make me want to go to church because they make it easier to believe the church is true…

[GodisLove]

Thanks for reminding me of one of the things I do love about our church!

[AgnesMarie]

That’s lovely to hear. Thanks for sharing. 🙂

[mercyngrace]

Love that you had that experience Church 0333!

I feel the same way about my community of church members. I really love the members of my ward and care for them even if my crazy life keeps me too busy to be as involved as I would like with some of the service our ward performs.

When it comes right down to it, I believe this is the reason we were always to gather in communities or as churches. We are supposed to be helping, loving, and supporting one another. I can practice my religion fully without a community of like-minded believers but why would I want to? This is a gospel of reconciliation – coming together in spite of those things that separate us. It’s all about community.

It’s the joy in my community that allows me to keep my frustrations with the institution separate from my involvement with my ward and stake.

[Author]

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