A Big Change

At the bi-annual General Conference of our church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a MAJOR announcement was made. Instead of the three hour block that we have used for the entirety of my life, starting in January we are going to a 2 hour schedule.

This is HUGE.

Why are they making the change? They are going to give us all a "homeschool" church guide. The idea is for parents to teach the gospel of Christ more in the home.

Here is a quote from the President of our church: "As Latter-day Saints we have become accustomed to thinking of 'church' as something that happens in our meetinghouses, supported by what happens at home. We need an adjustment to this pattern. It is time for a home-centered church, supported by what takes place inside our branch, ward and stake buildings."

When I read this, the Holy Ghost testified to me that this was true. Gospel learning should occur first and foremost in the home.

But, this means we as parents need to step up our game. The Church is going to provide a home study curriculum to each family for us to study the scriptures at home. We can join with other families to create a "small group" within each ward, or make it work for us however we see fit. Honestly, this is how most faiths work- they have the main church on Sunday, but then they have small groups for more in-depth study.

I am very excited for these changes! But, this is definitely a big deal. I told Audra she will one day be able to tell her kids that she had church for 3 hours as a kid. They won't believe that such a thing existed.

We live in very exciting times, indeed, as we prepare for the Second Coming of our Savior!