posted
I don't know about your Wards, but here the topic comes about once in a while: how can we increase unity in the Ward. We acknowledge that there really is a need for that in the Ward. We also understand that a lot of it comes from individuals and unity cannot be forced by outward commands for unity. We also know that people feel differently about things, so in a same situation one may feel unity and one not.
So I'm asking you, in what kind of situations in your Ward you have felt unity and only "good will" towards the fellow members by your side? If it is a constant feeling, can you point what kind of things contribute to it? Any other good advice how to increase unity in the ward?
For example I know that a service tends to be something to create unity. The trouble is you never get all or nearly enough people for service projects. Someone in the ward beinng very seriously ill can help people feeling unity, praying for the person, but we're not going to make someone seriously injured for the purpose.
Accepting others as they are improves unity, but how can you help a ward towards that attitude...
We have a ward culture that needs some breaking up and a lot of changes has happened. That culture is a great block for unity. I'm just not patient enough to wait for 10 more years to see more of a change. I'd like to try do things that somehow might speed the proses...
Posts: 799 | Registered: Aug 2007
| IP: Logged |
posted
In my experience, increases in unity have come from doing useful things together. Service is the first thing that comes to mind, yes. But service can take many forms. One of the best ones is the little ice cream social at the Bishop's house after the ward temple session. Or the youth baptism.
One ward we were in had a block party, and the highlight was a lawn tractor race. The bishop had re-geared and souped up his riding lawn mower, and he eventually won, but he burned out the "clutch" in the process. It was something I won't forget soon.
Another thing that helped was the ward slide show at the end of the year. The historian took pictures all year, and at the Christmas party, showed the slide show. Everyone loves to watch for themselves and their family. Be prepared to show it more than once, or provide DVDs afterwards.
Posts: 460 | Registered: Oct 2010
| IP: Logged |
posted
Our ward did dinner groups and then dessert groups for a couple of years after we were divided. I think that really helped.
Posts: 4324 | Registered: Jul 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
The Bishopric set the tone for unity in a ward.
I was in a ward once where the Bishop was concerned with reverence and he practically BEGGED everyone to be at church 10 minutes beforehand to sit reverently during the prelude music.
It worked. New members quickly knew that they needed to be there a full 10 minutes early. It made sacrament meeting more meaningful and it brought a unity to our ward that I haven't seen since.
Posts: 501 | Registered: Jan 2007
| IP: Logged |
posted
I've heard unity preached, but what's the big deal about unity?
Every member of my ward is an individual, and I am more than most. I have very little in common with them. To the point that it is difficult to even talk with them. In what way am I supposed to be unified with them?
I already have a testimony. What else?
Posts: 3369 | Registered: Aug 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
For what it's worth I echo Randy's question. Unity is talked about, but what exactly is meant by unity? Some things I think I can figure out, no gossiping or back biting, sustaining the leadership, willingness to provide service regardless of the particular person it is supposed to be for, but beyond such... what?
posted
In many ways unity is just another way of stating the golden rule. Look out for each other's interests as if they were your own. Love your fellow man as if he were yourself.
Posts: 3493 | Registered: Feb 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
Looking after each other's interests was part of what I was getting as far as being willing to serve regardless of whom is being served. So that one doesn't only help friends move. Is this what you mean by looking out for their interests or do you mean something more?
Posts: 105 | Registered: Mar 2010
| IP: Logged |
posted
Ok, I did some thinking as well how I would define unity. For me it means that in the Ward everyone can feel included and belonging. If one chooses not to feel it, it doesn't take away from unity. I know though that often we have people claim there is no unity and other people saying we've done this and that and they should feel unity, thus they must have chosen to not feel unity, but often I think we've done things that for example would be meaningful for me but isn't for them - not really looking at things from their perspective - I feel if someone is claiming a lack of unity it means the person would like to feel it, thus haven't chosen to not feel it.
To me unity means that in the Ward no one has ill will towards anyone. Everyone tries to look at the good in everyone, but be realistic at the same time. To me unity means there is no competetion, open or "secret" between Ward members. It means people have a desire to get to know and understand each other better, but no pressure to be good friends or to have everyone visit everyone etc...
I think in our Ward one of the biggest obstacle is the competition. Topics are such a wealth, weight, looks/appearance/branding, parenting, personal achievements... Most of the competition "run" by women, but some men participating as well, and some happening as families. It's not something discussed openly about, something "everyone" would deny, but it's there, affecting so many things...
Anyway. Thanks for thoughts, keep them coming.
Posts: 799 | Registered: Aug 2007
| IP: Logged |
posted
I really really struggle with unity. I have no problem trying to be united when I am well and things are going great for me. But when I am sick or struggling, I just find other people exhausting.
I have spent the majority of the last 5 months in bed. One thing I have noticed is that I greatly enjoy chances to work (write, doing first reader work, editing). Without meaningful work the last 5 months would have been unbearable. But at the same time, I have no ability to listen to other people complain or get emotional. It just exhausts me beyond my ability to recover.
So in theory I should be helping my friend who is going through a hard time because her kid is a nightmare and everyone sees it but her. In practice, I don't answer the phone when it rings.
I feel a lot of guilt about this. But right now, I just can't do it.
Posts: 7922 | Registered: Jun 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
EDG, Don't feel guilty. That only diminishes what you have.
quote: And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. (Mosiah 4:27)
I feel unity would be that even though you have good friends in the Ward or among fellowsaints, it wouldn't matter so much if one's burdens are carried by a good friend - I don't know if I can explain it, but in a way carrying the burdens, helping out would be a collective effort. Like in your case you wouldn't even need to worry about your friend because you'd know that others are taking very good care of listening her and helping her out so that you can focus on those things that you need to focus on and you'd also have people carrying your burdens... That everyone would know each other well enough to do that.
Posts: 799 | Registered: Aug 2007
| IP: Logged |
I hate people. Given the emphasis the Lord places on charity, I realize that I have to change that attitude, but [insert rationalization of the day here].
I used to think that a Zion society is one in which no one does anything that annoys me. I eventually figured out that a Zion society is one in which everyone is perfectly forgiving, not perfect. But that's a choice we can only make for ourselves.
My own experiences tell me that if I look for the good in others then that's what I find.
Posts: 304 | Registered: Apr 2009
| IP: Logged |
posted
There's that lovely story "The Touch of the Master's Hand" about an old violin in an auction played by a master violinist. It's about how we as individuals are valued and valuable, and we "sing" when we submit to the Lord.
I've always taken that analogy one step further, and think of the Saints as an orchestra. Each has something to offer, the piccolos, the french horns, the percussion section, and although the violins may be more front and center, the string bass is essential as well. All doing their part to move the kingdom forward.
This relates to EDG as well. Sometimes the music asks a section to sit out for a bit. But if you've ever played in a band or orchestra, you know that you're still a part of the music even when you're not playing. You're counting your beats, and watching the conductor, waiting to come in again.
Intention, or saying, "I would if I could" is a part of unity. So is recognizing that not everyone needs to have the same strengths or talents to be used by the Lord.
Posts: 1898 | Registered: Mar 2007
| IP: Logged |
posted
I agree with Jim Clay, very nice Dianoia! It opened my eyes to some things that I've been wondering/thinking hard about.
Posts: 2712 | Registered: Feb 2000
| IP: Logged |
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
Printer-friendly view of this topic
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
![[Dont Know]](graemlins/dontknow.gif)
