Today I’m grateful for church. And I’m referring to the church organization, not the gospel itself. The church is the structure and the people who help me to learn about, and live, the gospel. In my twenty-odd years in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I’ve met some of the most amazing people and had some pretty amazing experiences.
One thing I love about the church is that it’s a volunteer organization. From top to bottom, everyone does their part and does it without pay or reward. It’s awesome to see how well-run our little ward is here in Bigfork: a few hundred people work together, often without formal training, and keep things humming along. Services happen every Sunday without fail. Classes are taught. Activities are organized. People in need are helped. Year after year, even as the leaders of organizations come and go, as people move in and out of the area, we continue to support one another. We embrace new members, and welcome back those who have left for a time.
In addition to the “lay ministry” we have, we offer opportunities for people to speak publicly, share their beliefs, and teach lessons. Since today is the first Sunday of the month, we had a “testimony meeting” where anyone could come up to the front of the chapel and share a brief experience or a story about their faith or how the gospel has impacted their life. It’s so cool to see random folks do that, and I’m always impressed by the courage it takes– not everyone enjoys speaking in front of a few hundred people!
Church is also a place where I can feel included in a community of like-minded people, all working hard to choose the right and live their best lives. We’re not perfect– not by a long shot– but we’re doing our best. And we’re supporting one another, especially through the hard times. My friend Glenn passed away a few days ago, and it’s been neat to see people flocking to help his widow as she enters this new stage of her life. In the past month I’ve visited people who are sick and can’t leave their homes; I’ve chopped and stacked firewood for a kind older couple who can’t do it themselves; I’ve announced the winners of our annual chili contest at the Halloween party; I’ve organized some upcoming lessons; I’ve given blessings to several people who have been struggling; I’ve helped to clean the building; I’ve worked on the planning for our upcoming Christmas activity; I’ve studied the scriptures and shared some insights with the class; I’ve led a discussion about charity and service; I’ve even had a long, thoughtful, respectful discussion with a preacher from another faith about some of our common beliefs. There’s much to be done, and we all do our share and somehow it all works. It’s magical.
Unfortunately I don’t have many pictures of church (because who walks around Sunday services snapping pictures?) but it just so happens that Pepper invited our friends Andy and Lisa to join us for a photo today. They’re moving down to Arizona for the winter, so we won’t see them for about six months.
And the best thing about the church is the people in it. That’s what makes a church, after all, and the community of friends I have there is incredible.