The Call

Disclaimer: This post is probably going to use a lot of Mormon jargon.  I’ll try to put a little glossary at the end for those of you who aren’t familiar with all the terminology.

I knew before I married Joe that I was going to have to share him with a lot of people.  The fact is that the man just has a lot to offer.  He’s smart, funny and incredibly at ease in talking to pretty much anyone about pretty much anything.  I was sure that his skills would be put to good use within his job, our community and most of all our church.

Shortly after we moved to this ward Joe was called to be the Young Men’s President.  He’s been doing that for about 4 years now.  It’s a pretty big time commitment.  He has meetings on Sundays, activities one night a week and often on the weekend plus camping trips a few times a year.  He’s been REALLY good at it.  I think all the young men in our ward have really come to love him and to see through his example why it’s important to stay close to the gospel and to work hard and do what’s right.  Of course, any time you’ve gotten really good at something and really comfortable, it’s time to move on.

A few weeks ago our Stake President stood up in sacrament meeting and announced that the next week they would be reorganizing our bishopric.  The current bishop had been serving for over 6 years, which is a pretty long time for a bishop around here.  I immediately thought that this reorganization would probably include Joe in some way, but I think he thought he was home free because no one had asked to speak to him yet. 

We were on our way out the car after church when the Stake Secretary literally chased us into the parking lot and said that the Stake President wanted to see us Wednesday night.  3 days was a long time to wait and speculate, however when we finally got there they asked Joe to be the 2nd Counselor in the Bishopric.  Of course he said yes.  That’s what he does.

So the big change happened the week before last, but I still don’t think we have much of a concept of what it really means.  I know it means more meetings, more assignments  and most of all more responsibility.  I have total faith that he’s going to do an amazing job.  That’s who he is.

Oh – I should probably add that while we were talking to the Stake President he literally said, “By the way, since you’re here…” and asked me to be the Stake Primary Secretary.  I’m going to be doing that in addition to the Primary Music in my ward each week.  I’m looking forward to getting to know more people outside the ward and to learning some new things.

We have always said that we choose to live in this area because we feel like we are where we’re needed.  I know the Lord will bless us as we take on these new responsibilities and I’m grateful for all the support we’ve already received.  It’s going to be a new and exciting chapter in our lives.

Ward - A group of Church members who attend church at the same time in the same building, similar to a congregation.

Young Men’s President – the Ward leader who is specifically responsible the young men ages 12 – 18.

Call/Calling – In the Church of Jesus Christ of Later-day Saints we have a Lay Ministry, meaning basically that the members are called to lead the church and volunteer to do so without professional training or pay.

Stake - A collection of wards (the actual number varies widely depending on the area) that represents a distinctive geographical area.

Stake President – The man with the primary responsibility of leading and organizing the Stake.

Sacrament Meeting – Sunday worship service

Bishopric – The leadership of the Ward consisting of a Bishop and 2 Counselors.

Primary – church organization for children under 12

If you have more questions check out mormon.org