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5th Sunday Bishopric Message: Unity

In our combined Relief Society/Elders Quorum meeting this past Sunday, we received counsel from Bishop Franklin about unity.

We're taught in the scriptures to be unified; below are a few examples. What else have you learned from the scriptures about the importance of unity and how to achieve it?

  • Acts 1:14 -- The people "continued with one accord". In April 2018 General Conference, Sis Aburto taught that "'with one accord' means in agreement, in unity, and all together."
  • 4 Ne 1:15 -- The people were unified and experienced no contention because the love of God was in their hearts.
  • Mosiah 18:8-9 -- The people became unified when they were willing to mourn with, comfort, and bear the burdens of their fellow saints.

Our ward faces several barriers to unity, such as those listed below. How are you affected by these barriers? What can you do to help us overcome the barriers and feel more unified as a ward?

  • People in many different stages of life, with extremely few in the middle-aged-with-teenagers category
  • Transient nature of the ward (the majority of the people attending the meeting had been in the ward less than 2 years)
  • Large geographic area
  • Long distance from the church building, which limits our building's use as a central gathering place

We had a fun opportunity to meet in smaller groups and get to know each other a bit better. What will you do to continue getting to know your fellow ward members? Below are a few ideas; how many more can you think of?

  • Each week at church, sit next to someone you don't know yet.
  • Attend a Relief Society, ward, or stake activity to interact with other people even if the nature of the activity doesn't perfectly match your current hobbies.
  • Find time to talk to someone who attends a different meeting than you during 3rd hour (Nursery, Primary, Young Women, Relief Society).
  • Carpool to the temple together (imagine how much you can learn about someone in a 4-hour car ride!).
  • Do service with or for someone.

Next Sunday, we will continue to discus unity in our council meeting. Before then, please do the following:

  • Pay attention to the sisters who are in sacrament meeting on Sunday.
  • Consider the following questions and either come to our meeting prepared to discuss or record your ideas on the agenda (or email Ashlee at ashes.taylor@gmail.com).
    • How can we involve sisters who can't attend Sunday meetings?
    • How can we make sisters feel more welcome and a part of Relief Society?

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