The Church dropping something as simple as Priesthood Opening Exercises (where the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods met for 10 minutes before class) was a loss. It has harmed unity. It had allowed for announcements, time to recognize what the Young Men were doing, etc. It was fun. It shortened lesson time. Well, that was abandoned, and we all have to jump straight into a lesson. Honestly, the Church needs more fellowship and friendship, and less lesson time. The lessons start to feel like watching the same movie, or reading the same book, over and over and over. Its no wonder more people ditch out after Sacrament Meeting.

One of the apostles said we need MORE celebrations, songs etc at Easter time. The church has kept the Mesa Easter pageant (which is so awesome) and I think that is telling about where the priority is focused.

Loving these interviews from the MSSA, Rick!

Multi-generational member here. I’ve never been to any of the pageants and I’m not aware of any of our extended family ever going. I’ve just been apathetic towards them and considered them more of a cultural tradition rather than a religious one so, I was fine when the Church stopped supporting them. I actually do miss the 3rd hour - more because it’s just more opportunity for me to socialize and connect with others on Sunday. I’ve subtly advocated for our area to hold “linger-longer” events to sort of fill in the lost 3rd hour.

As a Single, I hate it. Miss SS every week plus families dont invest in you . The families come in and run right out

I have experienced a weakening of the social structure of the church over the last five years. I miss the third hour because it allowed for more opportunities to check in with friends or make new ones. I also miss learning more from the scriptures. I miss home teaching. Although people previously reached out more as a sense of duty than love - at least there was an attempt at monthly contact. Last year when in EQ Pres, contact was abysmal. Shutting down church during CVD also hurt - not to mention “safe and effective” statements splitting wards and friendships into two warring camps. I sometimes wonder if all these changes were engineered to help us turn to God for strength rather than trusting the arm of flesh.

@GospelTangents

6 ай бұрын

I totally agree with you! COVID changed way too many things.

The church has made a mistake by stopping the pageants. But, the real hurt will come in the future when the church admits that the BOM is not a historical record.

@johnrowley310

6 ай бұрын

Thanks for speaking truth. No evidence for the BoM.

@keith5459

6 ай бұрын

I can see that you're like Thomas and not Peter. First by faith, then by seeing. You need to see it to believe it. "And no one need say they shall not come, for they surely shall, for the Lord hath spoken it, for out of the earth shall they come, by the hand of the Lord, and none can stay it...." Mormon 8:26

@ericredd4544

6 ай бұрын

@@keith5459 Keith, JS is not clear on the method of translation of the BOM, there is no archeological evidence for the BOM, There is no DNA evidence for the Jewish migration. The church has a rock "Seer Stone" as the only artifact having to do with the BOM translation. You do not need to agree with me, I just think you should be aware leaders and scholars within the church are thinking about the need for the admission that the BOM is non-historical. Part of getting rid of the pagents is to not have a public presentation of the narratives of the BOM.

Members needs more religion, more activities, more service and more interaction. The church leadership is giving less when members need more. This is why the church is losing the youth. God would be giving more, not less. Especially in preparing His people for what is about to come. We can see that these changes weren't by revelation. Mormon 8:33 states.... "Why have ye transfigured the holy word of God, that ye might being damnation upon your souls?" Why does the church and it's members need and use all theses so called "experts" and outside sources with their interpretations if you have a true prophet of God?

@TheSandyStone

6 ай бұрын

I think it's a bit more complicated. More activities means more leadership involvement. I don't know many young adults in my age who want to take on more responsibilities with more liability with their own family responsibilities. Scouts was a big loss in that regard. Bottom line is no one wants to sacrifice for a church who lets them down. Younger people in a gradient from gen x down see the trade offs as less and less rewarding. I know I do.

@johnrowley310

6 ай бұрын

If the Bible is not translated correctly, why haven't the Prophets fixed it???