What A Ward Is For...
"The ward is organized to minister to the needs of those who face even the most difficult and heartbreaking trials. The bishop, often considered the 'father' of the ward, is there to provide counsel and resources. But also close at hand are Melchizedek and Aaronic Priesthood leaders, the Relief Society presidency, home teachers, visiting teachers, and the ward members--always the ward members. All are there to administer comfort and show compassion in times of need."
Ref. (Richard C. Edgley, "Enduring Together," Ensign, Nov. 2007, 10)
QUOTE (Joseph @ 3-Jun 08, 12:47 PM) |
What A Ward Is For... "The ward is organized to minister to the needs of those who face even the most difficult and heartbreaking trials." |
QUOTE (AlaskanLDS @ 8-Jun 08, 3:23 AM) |
Our ward has come together this night to fast and pray for a member of our ward. I am amazed at how fast "news" can be channelled through the Elders Quorum and Visiting Teachers when it is needed. We are not sure of all the details yet but we do know he is in a coma, fighting for his life. |
While searching through some past conference talks for a lesson I am preparing I came across this quote by Boyd K. Packer that speaks to what a ward is for. I think it fits in well with this topic:
QUOTE |
Actually the Church is no bigger than a ward. Each bishop has counselors. He wears a special mantle and is designated as the presiding high priest in the ward. There are other high priests, and there is a presidency of elders. There are auxiliary leaders and teachers sufficient for the need. When we serve obediently, ever willingly, our pay, like the bishop's, comes in blessings. No matter if the Church grows to be a hundred million (as it surely will!), it will still be no bigger than a ward. Everything needed for our redemption, save for the temple, is centered there-and temples now come ever closer to all of us. (Boyd K. Packer, "The Bishop and His Counselors," Ensign, May 1999, 57) |
"From bearing one another's burdens as ward members, we have learned several lessons:
"1. The Lord's organization is fully adequate to know and care for those with even the most dire emotional and spiritual needs.
"2. Adversity can bring us closer to God, with a renewed and enlightened appreciation for prayer and the Atonement, which covers pain and suffering in all their manifestations.
"3. Members who suffer tragedy firsthand often experience an increased capacity for love, compassion and understanding. They become the first, last, and often the most effective responders in giving comfort and showing compassion to others.
"4. A ward, as well as a family, draws closer together as it endures together--what happens to one happens to all.
"5. And perhaps most important, we can each be more compassionate and caring because we have each had our own personal trials and experiences to draw from. We can endure together."
Ref. (Richard C. Edgley, "Enduring Together," Ensign, Nov. 2007, 11)