I'm moving out of state soon (see you in hell, Virginia) and so I've felt emboldened to attend church for the past two weeks. Why emboldened? Because church is often like a barracuda; once they have you in their jaws, it's not easy to escape.
I like moving around a lot because my records inevitably get lost. I don't mind showing up for the occasional hour of church, but I don't want them bothering me at home. My wife thinks it's absolutely bizarre to track people down and invite them to church; the whole concept is very alien to her, and I think, off-putting.
My records for a long time were in my parents' ward, but somehow they tracked me down here. I have my suspicions how they got my address (my father, most likely) but thank goodness they don't have my phone number. I once got a visit from a man who said he was my home-teaching companion. He was very nice, but I still don't understand how I'm supposed to go home-teaching when I don't even go to church. One of the biggest mistakes the Church makes is trying to reactivate people by giving them callings. Sure, it might guilt them into attending for a while, but it ensures that they won't come back after they miss a few weeks.
So I am attending now, safe in the knowledge that if anyone does corner me and find out my name (hasn't happened yet, thankfully), they can't bother me for too long before I move. I am storing church up for the winter, since I am moving to New England, and it is my impression that it will be a lot harder to fly under the radar in a small ward.
I am almost tempted to reactivate just for the Elders' quorum help in moving, but even I have my scruples.
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9 comments:
Where are you moving- not that I want to forward you records, but I grew up in New Hampshire.
"Good fences make good neighbors" comes from New England. Sounds like your kind of place, Ned. I wouldn't be surprised if even LDS folks there adopt a less intrusive style of "fellowship."
I must admit that "track people down and invite them to church" is a delicious phrase.
Sorry, Scott, but I will soon be a Nutmegger, not a New Hampshirite.
Maybe you are right, Dave. I might fit right in there.
Rusty-- It's interesting that the primary mode of reactivating men seems to be home-teaching assignments.
I was pretty surprised when my HT companion showed up out of the blue. It just didn't make any sense; what if one of our families wanted a priesthood blessing? Or here's the message from the First Presidency, that I may or may not actually believe.
I felt bad for him, too. I mean, who wants an inactive HT companion? He was nice, but he let it slip that he was moving to Russia in five weeks. I figured that let me off the hook.
We are moving because Maude finished school and got a job up north. I have only visited Connecticut for three days in my whole life, so I hope I like it.
Good man about the EQ move. But how will we find your blog?!?!?
Oh sure, I fianlly get you rhome address and you go moving on me.
aRJ- Ha! I knew there was a catch. It's just like calling the 1-800 Book of Mormon number.
Ann- Since I won't have a job after the move, I'm afraid I'll be spending rather too much time updating my blog.
Ned: Well, I'm not in your ward, nor am I your home teacher, but if you need help moving, I am your neighbor (give or take 20 miles). I could even bring Incrivel. He's buff (unlike me).
Anyway, good luck on the move.
Eddie--
I am touched by your generosity towards an anonymous, faceless blogger. You are too kind.
Maude and I thank you for your offer, but hopefully we will have both sets of parents and/or movers to help us out.
Thank you very much for the offer.
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