Meetings in the Church

18. Meetings in the Church

This chapter summarizes information about Church Leaders should ensure that Sunday meetings are not meetings. Meetings that are specific to an organiza- so numerous that there is little time for parents and tion, such as quorum, Relief Society, Young Men, children to be together on that day. Where possible, Young Women, Primary, and Sunday School meet- leaders should avoid scheduling Sunday meetings ings, are described in that organization’s chapter of other than those in the standard two-hour sched- this handbook. ule, leadership meetings in the early mornings, and occasional meetings in the evenings. In addition to the meetings outlined in the handbooks, presiding authorities occasionally may call other meetings and define their composition 18.2 and purpose. Ward Meetings

The bishop oversees ward meetings. He presides at 18.1 these meetings unless a member of the stake pres- Guidelines for Planning and idency, an Area Seventy, or a General Authority Conducting Meetings attends. His counselors may conduct ward meetings and may preside if he is absent. Presiding authori- Leaders plan and conduct meetings “as they are ties and visiting high councilors should be invited led by the Holy Ghost, according to the com- to sit on the stand. High councilors do not preside mandments and revelations of God” (Doctrine and when attending ward meetings. Covenants 20:45; see also Moroni 6:9; Doctrine and If the bishop and his counselors are all absent, the Covenants 46:2). stake president designates who presides at sacra- Leaders prepare an agenda for each meeting or ment meeting. Normally he designates the elders assign someone else to prepare it under their quorum president, but he could authorize another direction. An agenda helps participants focus on priesthood holder instead. the meeting’s purposes and use time effectively. It should be prioritized to ensure that the most important matters are discussed first. 18.2.1 Schedule for Sunday Meetings Leadership meetings should focus on strengthening individuals and families. Time spent on calendaring, Sunday meetings provide vitally important time for program planning, and other administrative busi- members to increase their faith in Heavenly Father ness should be minimal. and His Son, Jesus Christ, as they partake of the sacrament, worship, learn the gospel, learn their duties, For guidelines on counseling together in meetings, and give service. Those learning about the Church see 4.6.1. are invited to attend these meetings.

The presiding officer may conduct a meeting or ask Wards are to hold the following Sunday meetings a counselor or someone else to conduct it under his in one two-hour period, as outlined below. (For or her direction. meeting schedule options, see the “Sunday Meeting Schedule” chart, 18.9): Meetings should not be longer than needed.

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1. Sacrament meeting weekly partaking of the sacrament. Members renew their commitment to take upon them His name, always 2. Priesthood quorum meetings on the second remember Him, and keep His commandments. This and fourth Sundays (for all priesthood holders, ordinance is the center of members’ worship on prospective elders, and unordained young men the Sabbath. of Aaronic Priesthood age; young men typically join the deacons quorum in January of the year Each sacrament meeting should be focused on deep- they turn 12; see 18.2.4) ening conversion to Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Other purposes of sacrament meeting 3. Relief Society on the second and fourth Sundays are to worship, provide gospel instruction, perform (for women ages 18 and older and for younger ordinances, conduct ward business, and strengthen women who are married) faith and testimony. 4. Young Women on the second and fourth Sundays (for young women ages 11 to 18; 18.2.2.2 young women typically join the Young Women organization in January of the year they turn 12) Planning and Conducting Sacrament Meeting Members of the bishopric plan sacrament meet- 5. Primary weekly (for children ages 3 through 11; ings and conduct them in a reverent and dignified also for children ages 18 months through 2 years manner. They oversee the administration of the if a nursery is organized and parents want their sacrament, select subjects for talks and music, select children to attend) and orient participants, and invite members to give 6. Sunday School on the first and third Sundays opening and closing prayers. It is not necessary to (for those ages 11 and older; youth typically hold a prayer meeting before sacrament meeting. join Sunday School in January of the year The bishopric ensures that sacrament meetings they turn 12) begin and end on time. Meetings should not be During the week, leaders are encouraged to invite overprogrammed. A sample agenda follows: members to worship together on Sunday. They can 1. Prelude music (see 14.4.3 for guidelines) send invitations via email, text, social media, or other means. Invitations can remind members of the 2. Greeting and welcome meeting schedule for the next Sunday and include 3. Acknowledgment of presiding authorities or topics for discussion for quorum and class meetings. visiting high councilors who are attending A reminder might be as simple as “This week we will hold Sunday School. We will study Luke 2 and 4. Announcements (most announcements should Matthew 2.” be printed or electronically distributed so they do not take time in sacrament meeting; the bishopric may give essential announcements 18.2.2 briefly before the opening hymn) Sacrament Meeting 5. Opening hymn and prayer

18.2.2.1 6. Ward and stake business, such as: Purposes of Sacrament Meeting a. Sustaining and releasing officers and teach- The primary purpose of sacrament meeting is ers (see 19.3 and 19.5) for Church members to remember the Savior by

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b. Recognizing 8-year-old children who Members should be taught to make the time before have been baptized and confirmed (see sacrament meeting a period of prayerful meditation “Introducing New Members,” 18.2.8) as they prepare spiritually for the sacrament.

c. Presenting names of brethren to receive The bishopric encourages families to arrive on time or advance in the Aaronic Priesthood (see and to sit together. Handbook 1, 16.7.2)

d. Recognizing young women as they advance 18.2.2.4 in their classes Blessing and Passing the Sacrament e. Presenting names of new ward members The bishopric ensures that the sacrament is blessed (see “Introducing New Members,” 18.2.8) and passed in a reverent and orderly manner. The sacrament table should be prepared before the 7. Naming and blessing children (usually in meeting begins. For instructions on preparing, fast and testimony meeting) and confirming blessing, and passing the sacrament, see 20.4. and bestowing the gift of the Holy Ghost on new members 18.2.2.5 8. Sacrament hymn and administration of the sacrament Selecting Subjects for Talks and Music The bishopric selects subjects for talks and music in 9. Gospel messages and congregational singing or sacrament meetings. Talks and music should focus special musical selections on gospel subjects that help members build faith 10. Closing hymn and prayer and testimony.

11. Postlude music 18.2.2.6 Occasionally something unexpected may occur Selecting and Orienting Participants during the meeting that the presiding officer feels a need to clarify. In this situation, he should make Selecting Participants. The bishopric selects members any clarification that is needed, being careful not to to participate in sacrament meetings. Most oppor- cause embarrassment. tunities to participate are given to ward members. If the bishopric invites members from outside the ward to speak, the guidelines in 21.1.20 should be 18.2.2.3 followed. Time before Sacrament Meeting Members of the bishopric regularly invite youth Leaders set an example of reverence during the time to speak in sacrament meeting. Youth should before sacrament meeting. The bishopric and the speak briefly (about five minutes each) on assigned speakers should be in their seats at least five min- gospel subjects. They should prepare their own utes before the meeting begins. This is not a time talks, though the bishopric may encourage par- for conversation or transmitting messages. Setting ents to help. an example of reverence encourages the congregation to be spiritually prepared for a worshipful The bishopric usually invites missionaries to speak experience. in sacrament meeting just before they depart and when they return (see Handbook 1, 4.8.1 and 4.10.3). The bishopric makes it clear that this is a regular

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sacrament meeting and is not to be a missionary To maintain an atmosphere of reverent worship in farewell or homecoming. The bishopric plans and sacrament meetings, when speakers use scriptures as conducts these meetings. Family members and part of their talks, they should not ask the congre- friends of the missionary are not invited to speak. gation to open their own books to the scriptural However, other departing or returning missionaries references. or other members may be invited to speak. Members who participate in sacrament meeting The bishopric schedules high councilors to speak as should stay until the meeting ends. assigned by the stake president. The stake president determines the frequency of such assignments. It is 18.2.2.7 not necessary for high councilors to speak in sacrament meeting every month. Music See 14.4.3 and 14.4.4. The bishopric schedules one sacrament meeting each year for the Primary children to take part in a Primary program (see 11.5.4). 18.2.2.8 Occasionally the bishopric may invite the full-time Introducing New Members missionaries who are serving in the area to speak. When membership records are received in a ward The bishopric may not turn sacrament meetings and when converts are baptized and confirmed, a over to auxiliaries or outside musical groups. member of the bishopric introduces and welcomes However, auxiliaries may be invited to participate in the members in the next sacrament meeting. He the meeting under the bishopric’s direction. reads each person’s name, invites the person to stand, and asks members of the congregation to Members of the bishopric should extend invitations show by the uplifted hand that they accept the mem- to speak in sacrament meeting well in advance of bers in full fellowship in the ward. Records of family the meeting. members are read together. If a member knows any reason why a person may not be entitled to Orienting Participants. Members of the bishopric full fellowship, he or she should talk to the bishop orient sacrament meeting participants. They review privately. the purposes of sacrament meeting and explain that all talks and music should be in harmony with the After children who are members of record are sacred nature of the sacrament. baptized and confirmed, a member of the bishopric announces each child’s baptism and confirmation in When inviting members to speak, a member of sacrament meeting. These children are not presented the bishopric clearly explains the subject and the for acceptance into the ward because they are al- length of time the person should speak. He coun- ready members. sels speakers to teach the doctrines of the gospel, relate faith-promoting experiences, bear witness of divinely revealed truths, and use the scriptures 18.2.2.9 (see Doctrine and Covenants 42:12; 52:9). Speakers Visual Aids and Audiovisual Materials should teach in a spirit of love after prayerful prep- aration. They should not speak on subjects that are See 18.4 and 21.1.5. speculative, controversial, or out of harmony with Church doctrine.

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18.2.2.10 may be performed before the administration of the Sacrament Services in Unusual Situations sacrament.

Every member needs the spiritual blessings that After the sacrament, the bishopric member who is come from partaking of the sacrament. If members conducting the meeting bears a brief testimony. He are unable to attend sacrament meeting because then invites members to bear heartfelt testimonies they are confined to a home, nursing home, or and to relate faith-promoting experiences. The bish- hospital, the bishop may assign priesthood hold- opric encourages members to keep their testimonies ers to prepare, bless, and pass the sacrament to brief so more people may have the opportunity to these members. participate.

Occasionally members may be unable to attend It may be best to have young children learn to share sacrament meeting because of distance to the meet- their testimonies in settings such as gospel study inghouse. Under unusual circumstances, the bishop at home, home evening, or when giving talks in may occasionally give authorization for a sacrament Primary until they are old enough to do so in a fast service to be held away from the meetinghouse. He and testimony meeting without assistance from a may authorize such a service only within his ward parent, sibling, or other person. boundaries. The person whom the bishop authorizes to conduct the service must hold the Melchizedek 18.2.4 Priesthood or be a priest in the Aaronic Priesthood. He also must be worthy to bless and pass the Priesthood Quorum Meetings sacrament. The priesthood holder who directs the Priesthood quorum meetings are held on the second service reports to the bishop when the service has and fourth Sundays. In these meetings, priesthood been held. holders conduct business, learn priesthood duties, When members are traveling or temporarily re- strengthen individuals and families, study the gos- siding away from their home wards, they should pel of Jesus Christ, counsel together, and organize make an earnest effort to attend sacrament meeting to meet local needs. Bishopric members normally at- and other Sunday meetings in a ward or branch of tend Aaronic Priesthood quorum meetings, though the Church. occasionally they attend Young Women classes. On a fifth Sunday, the bishopric may direct the Aaronic Sacrament services should not be held in conjunc- Priesthood quorums or all priesthood holders to tion with family reunions or other outings. hold a combined meeting. The bishopric may also plan a fifth-Sunday meeting for all youth or all adults or for youth and adults together. 18.2.3 Fast and Testimony Meeting For more information about priesthood quorum meetings, see 7.8 and 8.11. Usually on the first Sunday of each month, sacrament meeting is a fast and testimony meeting. When general conference, stake conference, or New Year’s 18.2.5 Day (see 13.6.11) is on a Sunday, fast and testimony Ward Conference meeting may need to be on a different Sunday. The stake presidency schedules and directs a ward Under the bishop’s direction, in this meeting chil- conference once a year in each ward. A ward con- dren may be named and blessed and confirmations ference may be held on any Sunday of the month ex- cept fast Sunday. Members of the stake presidency,

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high council, and stake auxiliaries take part in ward During a bishopric meeting, members of the bish- conference sessions as the stake president directs. opric counsel together about ward matters. They The purposes of ward conference are to strengthen plan ways to strengthen individuals and families. faith and testimony, provide gospel instruction, They evaluate quorums, auxiliaries, programs, and conduct business, and evaluate activity. activities. They also make plans to implement instructions from the scriptures, Church leaders, and The main session of ward conference is held during handbooks. sacrament meeting. Normally the agenda is simi- lar to that of other sacrament meetings. The stake In this meeting, members of the bishopric identify president presides, and the stake presidency usu- members to call to serve in the ward. They also iden- ally plans the meeting. A member of the bishopric tify which members are coming of age to be eligible usually conducts. Before the sacrament, a member for ordinances, including priesthood ordinations, of the stake presidency or a high councilor uses and which brethren to recommend to the stake pres- the Officers Sustained form (prepared by a ward ident to be ordained elders and high priests and to clerk) to present the names of general, stake, ward, serve as missionaries. quorum, and class officers to ward members for Other agenda items for this meeting may include their sustaining vote. After the sacrament, speakers reporting on assignments, planning meetings, normally include the bishop and stake president. reviewing the ward calendar, and reviewing the The ward usually holds regular priesthood and ward budget. auxiliary meetings as part of ward conference. Stake leaders may give instruction and assistance. These 18.2.7 meetings no longer include the sustaining of quorum and class officers because all are sustained in Ward Priesthood Executive the sacrament meeting portion of ward conference. Committee Meeting

In connection with ward conference, the stake The ward priesthood executive committee (PEC) presidency meets with the bishopric to review the has been discontinued. Agenda items for PEC progress of individuals and organizations in the meetings are now included in ward council meet- ward. This meeting may be held on ward conference ings. A sensitive matter could also be addressed Sunday or at another time. in an expanded bishopric meeting that includes the elders quorum president, Relief Society president, or both.. 18.2.6 Bishopric Meeting 18.2.8 The bishopric usually meets at least weekly. The Ward Council Meeting ward clerk and ward executive secretary attend; the clerk keeps a record of assignments and decisions. See 4.6. The bishop may invite others to attend as needed.

For example, a sensitive matter could be addressed 18.2.9 in an expanded bishopric meeting that includes Bishopric Youth Committee Meeting the elders quorum president, Relief Society president, or both. The bishop presides over the bishopric youth committee. This committee is composed of the bishopric, one of the bishop’s priests quorum assistants,

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the teachers and deacons quorum presidents, the 18.2.10 Young Women class presidents, and the Young Men Ward Young Single Adult and Young Women presidents. Committee Meeting

The bishopric may invite others to attend the See 16.3.4. committee’s meetings as needed. These may include the other priests quorum assistant, counselors in 18.2.11 quorum and class presidencies, quorum and class secretaries, counselors in the Young Men and Young Missionary Coordination Meeting Women presidencies, and Young Men and Young See 5.1.5. Women secretaries.

The committee usually meets monthly. The bishop 18.3 may conduct this meeting, or he may assign one of his counselors, one of his priests quorum assistants, Stake Meetings or the Laurel class president to conduct it. Before The stake president oversees stake meetings. He each meeting, the bishop reviews and approves the presides at these meetings unless an Area Seventy or agenda with the person who will be conducting. The General Authority attends. His counselors may con- agenda may include the following items: duct stake meetings and may preside if he is absent. 1. Identify needs and interests of individual youth Stake meetings should not conflict with Sunday in the ward. Plan ways to help meet those needs. ward meetings. Plan ways to help youth live and promote

Church standards. 18.3.1 2. Plan ways to encourage individual youth to Stake Conference participate in Church meetings and activities, Each stake holds two stake conferences during the including seminary. Plan and report on year as scheduled by the President of the Quorum fellowshipping efforts for youth who are less of the Twelve. In most parts of the world, the stake active, youth who recently have been baptized, president presides at one stake conference and an and youth who are investigating the Church. assigned Area Seventy or General Authority pre- 3. Schedule and plan youth activities that are sides at the other. consistent with the needs that have been In some stake conferences, a satellite broadcast may identified. These activities include combined be incorporated into the Sunday general session. Aaronic Priesthood–Young Women activities and This broadcast will include instruction by General ward youth conferences. Adult leaders should Authorities. When a satellite broadcast is used, that include youth as much as possible in planning conference takes the place of the stake conference at and carrying out these activities. which an Area Seventy or General Authority would 4. Evaluate past activities to see if the intended have presided. purposes were fulfilled. When a new stake president must be called before a regularly scheduled stake conference, a special stake These committee meetings should provide leader- conference may be held. ship opportunities and instruction for youth.

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The primary purpose of stake conference is to and full-time mission presidents or their strengthen faith and testimony. All talks and music representatives who attend should sit on the should be planned with this purpose in mind. stand. Depending on local circumstances, this session may be held on Sunday if approved by Another purpose is to conduct stake business. In the presiding authority. one stake conference each year, a member of the stake presidency presents general, area, and stake 4. A general session held on Sunday for all officers to be sustained, using the Officers Sustained members and interested nonmembers. Temple form. He also presents the names of stake officers presidents, stake patriarchs, and full-time who have been released so the congregation can mission presidents or their representatives who give an expression of thanks for their service. This attend should sit on the stand. More than one business is normally conducted in the first stake Sunday general session may be held if facilities conference each year unless a satellite broadcast are not adequate to seat everyone in the same is incorporated into that conference. In that case, session. Primary children attend this session with the business is conducted in the second stake their families, not in a separate meeting. conference. Instruction in all stake conference sessions is under If stake officers are called or released between stake the direction of the presiding authority. When an conferences, they should be presented for a sus- Area Seventy or General Authority will preside, he taining vote or an expression of thanks in the next may invite the stake president to suggest subjects. stake conference unless this has been done in a stake When the stake president will preside, he and his general priesthood meeting (for callings indicated counselors select subjects for instruction. in the Chart of Callings, 19.7) or in ward sacrament meetings (as outlined in 19.3). If necessary, conference sessions may be broadcast to other locations in the stake. Brethren who have been recommended for ordination to the offices of elder and high priest are normally presented for a sustaining vote in a stake 18.3.1.1 conference or a stake general priesthood meeting. Planning and Conducting Stake Conference Instructions are provided in Handbook 1, 16.7.1. The presiding officer directs all conference planning. Each stake conference normally includes the follow- He approves all conference participants and all mu- ing meetings: sical selections well before the conference.

1. A meeting of the Area Seventy or General The stake president conducts the Sunday general Authority (if assigned), stake presidency, stake session. His counselors may conduct other confer- clerk, and stake executive secretary. ence meetings.

2. A priesthood leadership meeting attended by the The stake president speaks in the Sunday general Area Seventy or General Authority (if assigned) session of the conference. His counselors speak in and the brethren listed in 18.3.3. This meeting conference sessions as determined by the presiding may be held on either Saturday or Sunday as authority. determined by the presiding authority. Planning includes making arrangements for ade- 3. A Saturday evening session for all members quate seating, ushering, and parking. Stake leaders of the stake who are 18 years of age and may assign priesthood quorums, including prospec- older. Temple presidents, stake patriarchs, tive elders, to provide these services.

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18.3.1.2 Young Men presidency (and secretary as needed); Music for Stake Conference bishoprics; ward clerks (and assistant clerks as needed); ward executive secretaries; elders quo- See 14.6.1. rum presidencies and secretaries; and ward Young Men presidencies (and secretaries and advisers as 18.3.2 needed). The stake presidency may invite others to Stake General Priesthood Meeting attend, including ward mission leaders and ward temple and family history leaders (if called; see The stake presidency convenes one stake general 5.1.1; 5.4.1). priesthood meeting each year. All Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthood holders in the stake are The structure of this meeting is flexible to provide to attend. the most effective instruction possible. All brethren may remain together for the entire meeting. Or, The stake presidency uses these meetings to instruct after they have met together for stake business and and inspire priesthood holders. The presidency general instruction, the stake presidency may have prayerfully selects the subjects and the speakers for them separate into groups to counsel together and these meetings. receive specific instruction in their assignments. In these meetings the stake presidency also conducts For example: stake priesthood business, such as: Bishoprics and other Aaronic Priesthood leaders 1. Presenting the names of brethren who have been could meet together. recommended for ordination to the offices of Elders quorum leaders could meet together. elder and high priest and asking for a sustaining vote (see Handbook 1, 16.7.1). The high councilor assigned to missionary work or a member of the stake presidency could meet 2. Presenting the names of newly called stake with ward mission leaders (if called; see 5.1.1) and officers and asking for a sustaining vote (see the members of elders quorum presidencies who lead Chart of Callings in chapter 19 for guidelines missionary work. about who is to be presented for this vote). The high councilor(s) assigned to temple and family history work or a member of the stake presidency 18.3.3 could meet with ward temple and family history Stake Priesthood Leadership Meeting leaders (if called; see 5.4.1) and members of elders quorum presidencies who lead temple and family The stake presidency convenes a stake priesthood history work. leadership meeting in connection with each stake conference (see 18.3.1, item 2). The presidency also The stake executive secretary usually meets with convenes one other stake priesthood leadership ward executive secretaries. meeting during the year, for a total of three such The stake clerk usually meets with ward clerks. meetings annually. The purposes of these meetings are to teach priesthood leaders their duties, increase In these groups, the stake presidency may provide their abilities, and strengthen their faith. instruction or invite high councilors, the stake Young Men presidency, and others to assist. Brethren who attend this meeting include the stake presidency; high council; stake clerk (and assistant clerks as needed); stake executive secretary; stake

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18.3.4 high council, stake clerk, and stake executive sec- Stake High Priests Quorum Meeting retary. The stake presidency may invite others to attend as needed. The stake presidency convenes a high priests quorum meeting for all members of the high priests The high council meets twice monthly, where feasi- quorum in the stake at least once a year. During this ble. The agenda may include the following items: meeting, they teach quorum members the doctrine 1. Receive instruction from the stake presidency on of the gospel (see Alma 13:1–6), instruct them in doctrine and priesthood duties. their duties, and conduct quorum business. An annual meeting of all ordained high priests in the 2. Receive instruction pertaining to assignments stake is no longer held. with the Melchizedek Priesthood, Aaronic Priesthood, and wards.

18.3.5 3. Report on assignments to wards and elders Stake Presidency Meeting quorums. Report on stake auxiliaries as needed.

The stake presidency meets regularly. The stake 4. Ask high councilors to sustain the stake clerk and stake executive secretary attend; the presidency’s decisions to ordain brethren to clerk keeps a record of assignments and decisions. the offices of elder and high priest and to issue The stake president may invite others to attend callings. as needed. 5. Counsel together about how to strengthen During this meeting, members of the stake presi- individuals and families, solve problems in the dency counsel together about stake matters. They stake, and improve in areas such as leadership, plan ways to strengthen individuals and families. ministering, member missionary work, retention, They evaluate wards, elders quorums, auxiliaries, activation, temple and family history work, programs, and activities. They also make plans to welfare, and gospel instruction. implement instructions from the scriptures, Church 6. Report on other assignments. leaders, and handbooks. 7. Hear reports from returning missionaries. During this meeting, members of the stake presidency identify members to call to Church positions. 8. Plan stake priesthood leadership meetings. They also review bishops’ recommendations of members to serve missions and of brethren to be ordained elders or high priests. 18.3.7 Stake Council Meeting Other agenda items for this meeting may include reporting on assignments, planning meetings, The stake president presides over the stake council. reviewing the stake calendar, and reviewing the This council is composed of the stake presidency, stake budget. high council, stake clerk, stake executive secretary, and stake Relief Society, Young Men, Young Women, Primary, and Sunday School presidents. 18.3.6 The stake presidency may invite others to attend High Council Meeting as needed. The stake president presides over the high council meeting, which is attended by the stake presidency,

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The stake council meets two to four times a year 18.3.9 as needed. The agenda may include the follow- Stake Aaronic Priesthood–Young Women ing items: Committee Meeting

1. Receive instruction from the stake presidency on The stake president assigns a counselor to preside doctrine and duties. over the stake Aaronic Priesthood–Young Women committee. Other committee members are the high 2. Counsel together about how to strengthen councilors assigned to the stake Young Men and individuals and families, solve problems in the Young Women organizations, the stake Young stake, and improve in areas such as leadership, Men presidency and secretary, and the stake Young retention, activation, and gospel instruction. Women presidency and secretary. The stake presi- 3. Plan and report on the missionary efforts and dency may invite youth to attend the committee’s temple and family history efforts in the stake. meetings as needed. The high councilor who serves as the stake activities committee chairman and oth- 4. Counsel together about welfare matters. Plan ers may also be invited to attend. how to encourage members to be self-reliant. Ensure that welfare resources within the stake This committee meets as needed to plan stake- are made available to the wards as needed. sponsored combined activities for young men and Develop and maintain a simple written plan young women. Youth should be included as much for the stake to respond to emergencies. as possible in planning and carrying out activities Additional information is provided in “Preside such as youth conferences, dances, devotionals, and over the Welfare Work of the Stake Council” in multistake events. Youth may also participate in Handbook 1, 5.1.1. discussions about challenges that the youth in the stake are facing. 5. Report on stake auxiliaries and on stake activities and programs as needed. Stake activities should supplement ward activities, not compete with them. They are coordinated in 6. Coordinate the planning of stake programs and stake council meetings. Ward leaders should be activities. notified well in advance of the events. 7. Review the progress of the Perpetual Education Fund program where it is approved. 18.3.10 Stake Bishops’ Welfare Council Meeting

18.3.8 Information on the stake bishops’ welfare council is Meeting with Bishoprics provided in Handbook 1, 5.3.

The stake presidency meets with bishoprics to instruct them in their duties, review Church policies, 18.3.11 and counsel together. These meetings are held one Stake Auxiliary Leadership Meetings to four times a year as needed. The stake Relief Society, Young Women, Primary, The stake presidency, all bishoprics, the stake clerk, and Sunday School presidencies each plan and and the stake executive secretary attend this meet- conduct one stake auxiliary leadership meeting each ing. If desired, the stake president may limit the year. If local circumstances and travel time do not meeting to bishops only. place undue burdens on leaders, the stake presidency may authorize a second meeting each year.

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Each organization schedules its own meeting unless 18.4 the stake presidency decides to combine all meet- Visual Aids and Audiovisual ings into the same time and place. Materials in Church Meetings The high councilor assigned to the organization presides over the meeting unless a member of the stake Members should not use visual aids in sacrament presidency attends. All ward auxiliary presidencies meeting or stake conference. Such teaching meth- and secretaries are invited to attend. Other ward ods are more appropriate in classroom settings and auxiliary leaders, teachers, and advisers, as well as leadership meetings. bishopric members assigned to the auxiliary, may be For guidelines about using audiovisual materials in invited to attend as needed. Church meetings, see 21.1.5. The purposes of these meetings are to teach auxiliary leaders their duties, instruct them in teaching 18.5 and leadership skills, and strengthen their faith. These meetings can also be used to correlate activi- Prayers in Church Meetings ties, give reports, and share ideas. Men and women may offer both opening and clos- The structure of these meetings is flexible to provide ing prayers in Church meetings. the most effective instruction possible. Leaders from Prayers should be brief, simple, and spoken as di- an auxiliary organization may all meet together for rected by the Spirit. All members are encouraged to instruction and sharing, or they may meet in smaller respond with an audible amen at the end of a prayer. groups to consider specialized functions within their organization. If all auxiliary organizations meet at Members should express respect for Heavenly the same time, they may come together for general Father by using the special language of prayer that instruction and then meet in separate groups to is appropriate for the language they are speaking. receive instruction from their organization leaders. The language of prayer has different forms in different languages. In some languages, the intimate or The stake Young Men presidency does not hold a familiar words are used only in addressing family stake auxiliary leadership meeting. Instead, stake and very close friends. Other languages have forms and ward Young Men presidencies attend stake of address that express great respect. The principle, priesthood leadership meetings (see 18.3.3). however, is the same: members should pray in words that speakers of the language associate with love, 18.3.12 respect, reverence, and closeness. In English, for ex- Stake Young Single Adult ample, members should use the pronouns Thee, Thy, Committee Meeting Thine, and Thou when addressing Heavenly Father.

See 16.3.2. Members of the bishopric should avoid the pattern of having a husband and wife pray in the same meeting. Such a pattern might convey an unin- 18.3.13 tentional message of exclusion to those who are Stake Single Adult Committee Meeting single. Members who are not often called upon See 16.1.2. should be included among those who are invited to pray. As needed, a member of the bishopric may

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caution those who pray not to sermonize or pray at In many cultures, mortician services, viewings of the great length. body, and funerals are customary to help comfort the living and pay respectful tribute to the deceased. The person who offers a prayer should not be asked Where more appropriate culturally, most of these to read a scripture aloud before the prayer. purposes could be accomplished in a family gathering, a graveside service, or another dignified and 18.6 solemn setting. Funerals and Other Services at a Many religions and cultures have rituals, ordi- Time of Death nances, and customs associated with death and mourning for the dead. The restored gospel of Jesus Church leaders and members seek to make the Christ has no such rituals or ordinances. Church services associated with a person’s death a dignified, leaders should not incorporate rituals of other solemn, and spiritual experience for all who partic- religions or groups into Church services for de- ipate. These services are generally held under the ceased members. direction of the bishop. Church members should show respect for the rituals Services for people who die vary greatly around the and practices of other religions. However, mem- world according to religion, culture, tradition, and bers are counseled not to join in rituals, practices, legal requirements. Even services for Church mem- or traditions that compromise their ability to keep bers vary in different areas of the world. This section the commandments or to live the principles of the sets forth general principles that leaders should restored gospel. follow in funerals or other services for deceased In connection with mourning and services for members, regardless of tradition or culture. It also people who die, members are counseled to avoid provides guidelines for determining which local practices or traditions that are so expensive or pro- traditions associated with death and mourning are longed that they impose a hardship on the living or appropriate to participate in and which are not. impair them from proceeding with their lives. Such practices include expecting excessive travel, wearing 18.6.1 special clothing for mourning, making elaborate Death and Mourning public announcements, paying money to the family, holding elaborate and prolonged feasts at the Death is an essential part of Heavenly Father’s plan funeral, and holding excessive commemorative or of salvation (see 2 Nephi 9:6). Each person must ex- anniversary celebrations after the funeral. perience death in order to receive a perfected, resur- rected body. Teaching and testifying about the plan Most governments have legal requirements that of salvation, particularly the Savior’s Atonement regulate what occurs when a person dies. Church and Resurrection, is an essential purpose of the ser- leaders and members should be aware of these re- vices associated with a Church member’s death. quirements and follow them.

Death brings a need to comfort the living. As disci- ples of Jesus Christ, Church leaders and members 18.6.2 “mourn with those that mourn . . . and comfort Planning and Assistance those that stand in need of comfort” (Mosiah 18:9). When a member dies, the bishop visits the family to comfort them and offer assistance from the ward.

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He may ask his counselors to accompany him. The Leaders should open the meetinghouse for funeral bishop offers help in notifying relatives, friends, and directors at least one hour before the scheduled associates of the death. As appropriate, he also of- times for the viewing and funeral. fers help in planning the funeral service, preparing a suitable obituary, and notifying newspapers of the 18.6.4 death. If there will be a viewing of the body before the funeral service, the obituary should include the Funeral Services times it will begin and end. If a funeral for a member is held in a Church building, the bishop conducts it. If a funeral is held in a The bishop may offer to help make mortuary and home, at a mortuary, or at the graveside, the family cemetery arrangements according to local laws may ask the bishop to conduct it. A bishop’s coun- and customs. As needed, he may offer help from selor may conduct if the bishop is unable to attend. the ward in providing local transportation for the family. A funeral conducted by the bishop, whether in a Church building or another location, is a Church The bishop notifies the elders quorum president meeting and a religious service. It should be a spiri- so he and other brethren, including ministering tual occasion in addition to a family gathering. The brothers, can assist the bereaved family. Such assis- bishop urges members to maintain a spirit of rever- tance may include dressing the body of a deceased ence, dignity, and solemnity during a funeral service male for burial, safeguarding the home during the and at gatherings connected with the service. funeral, and providing other support (see 7.10.2). When a bishop conducts a funeral, he or one of his The bishop also notifies the Relief Society presi- counselors oversees the planning of the service. He dent so she and other sisters, including ministering considers the wishes of the family, but he ensures sisters, can assist the family. Such assistance may that the funeral is simple and dignified, with music include dressing the body of a deceased female for and brief addresses and sermons centered on the burial, helping with flowers, tending small children, gospel, including the comfort afforded by the safeguarding the home during the funeral, and pre- Savior’s Atonement and Resurrection. Members of paring meals (see 9.10.3). the family should not feel that they are required to speak or otherwise participate in the service. 18.6.3 A member of the stake presidency, an Area Seventy, Viewings (Where Customary) or a General Authority presides at funeral services If a viewing of the body of the deceased is held just he attends. The person who is conducting consults prior to the funeral, the bishop should conclude it him in advance and recognizes him during the ser- at least 20 minutes before the funeral begins. After vice. The presiding officer should be extended the the viewing, a family prayer may be offered if the opportunity to offer closing remarks if he desires. family desires. This prayer should conclude before Video recordings and computer or other electronic the funeral is scheduled to begin so it does not im- presentations should not be used as part of a funeral pose on the time of the congregation assembled in service. Nor should the service be broadcast on the the chapel. The casket should be closed before it is Internet or in any other way. However, with ap- moved to the chapel for the funeral service. proval from his or her mission president, a missionary may view the funeral services of an immediate family member via streaming.

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Funerals should start on time. As a matter of cour- and asks a Melchizedek Priesthood holder to do so tesy to those who attend, services should not be too according to the instructions in 20.9. If the family long. Funerals that last more than one and one-half prefers, a graveside prayer rather than a dedicatory hours place an undue burden on those attending prayer may be offered. and participating. The Church does not normally encourage crema- Funerals provide an important opportunity to teach tion. However, if the body of an endowed member the gospel and testify of the plan of salvation. They is being cremated, it should be dressed in temple also provide an opportunity to pay tribute to the de- clothing if possible. For information about dedicat- ceased. However, such tributes should not dominate ing the place where the ashes are kept, see 20.9. a funeral service. Having large numbers of people share tributes or memories can make a funeral 18.6.7 too long and may be inappropriate for a Church service. If family members want an extended time Financial Policies to share such memories, they may consider doing Church members who conduct or take part in so in a special family gathering, separate from the funeral services should not accept fees or contri- funeral service. butions, whether the service is for a member or a nonmember. Funeral services are not normally held on Sunday. In some cases, bishops can arrange with morticians to provide respectable burial services at cost when 18.6.5 expenses are paid from fast-offering funds. Music

Music for funerals might include prelude music, an 18.6.8 opening hymn, special musical selections, a closing hymn, and postlude music. Simple hymns and other Funeral Services for Nonmembers songs with gospel messages are most appropriate Bishops may offer the use of Church meetinghouses for these occasions. Opening and closing hymns are for the funeral services of nonmembers. Such usually sung by the congregation. services generally may be held in the manner pre- scribed by the deceased person’s church. However, rituals of other churches or of outside organizations 18.6.6 may not be performed in a Church meetinghouse. Burial or Cremation If the family desires, the service may be conducted Where possible, deceased members who were by a clergyman of the person’s church, provided it is endowed should be buried in temple clothing. dignified and appropriate. Where cultural traditions or burial practices make this inappropriate or difficult, the clothing may be folded and placed next to the body in the casket. Additional instructions on temple burial clothing and dressing the dead are provided in 7.10.2, 9.10.3, and Handbook 1, 3.5.9.

If possible, at least one member of the bishopric accompanies the cortege to the cemetery. If the grave will be dedicated, he consults with the family

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18.7 Chart of Ward Meetings Meeting Purpose Participants Frequency Sacrament meeting Partake of the sacrament, All ward members Each Sunday worship, provide gospel instruction, perform ordinances, conduct ward business, and strengthen faith and testimony. Fast and testimony meeting Partake of the sacrament, All ward members Usually the first Sunday of worship, perform ordi- each month nances, conduct ward business, and bear testimonies. Priesthood quorum meet- Conduct quorum business, All priesthood holders, Second and fourth Sundays ings learn priesthood duties, prospective elders, and strengthen individuals and unordained young men of families, and teach the Aaronic Priesthood age gospel. Sunday Relief Society meet- Teach the gospel, increase Women in the ward ages Second and fourth Sundays ing in faith and righteousness, 18 and older (and younger and strengthen individuals women who are married) and families. Additional Relief Society Learn and apply principles Women in the ward ages Usually monthly at a time meetings and activities and skills that will help Re- 18 and older (and younger other than on Sunday or on lief Society sisters increase women who are married) Monday evening; can also in faith and righteousness, be scheduled quarterly strengthen individuals and families, and seek out and help those in need. Young Women Teach the gospel with an Young women and Young Second and fourth Sundays emphasis on applying gos- Women leaders pel principles in daily life. Primary Teach the gospel and help Children ages 18 months Each Sunday children feel Heavenly through 11 years and Pri- Father’s love for them. mary leaders and teachers Sunday School Strengthen faith and help Youth and adults and First and third Sundays Church members teach one Sunday School leaders and another. teachers Ward conference Strengthen faith and tes- Stake presidency, stake aux- Once each year timony, provide gospel in- iliary leaders, assigned high struction, conduct business, councilors, bishopric, and and evaluate activity. ward members

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Chart of Ward Meetings (continued)

Meeting Purpose Participants Frequency Bishopric meeting Plan, review, and consider Bishopric, ward clerk, ward Usually at least weekly matters affecting the ward. executive secretary, and others as invited Ward council meeting Plan ways to strengthen Bishopric; ward clerk; ward Normally weekly (but may individuals and families. executive secretary; elders meet less frequently) Coordinate efforts in spiri- quorum, Relief Society, tual and temporal welfare, Young Men, Young Women, ministering, missionary Primary, and Sunday School work, retention, activation, presidents; and others as temple and family history needed (including counsel- work, and gospel teaching ors in the elders quorum and learning. Review and and Relief Society presiden- coordinate programs and cies and, if called, the ward activities. mission leader and ward temple and family history leader) Bishopric youth committee Identify needs of youth Bishopric, one of the Usually monthly meeting in the ward. Plan ways to bishop’s priests quorum meet needs, help youth assistants, teachers and live Church standards, and deacons quorum presi- encourage participation in dents, Young Women class Church meetings and activi- presidents, Young Men and ties. Plan youth activities. Young Women presidents, and others (such as counselors in quorum and class presidencies) as invited Ward young single adult Recommend ways to help A counselor in the bishop- As needed committee meeting young single adults partici- ric, the Relief Society and pate in service and leader- elders quorum counselors ship. Locate and befriend assigned to young single less-active young single adults, young single adult adults. leaders, and the couple called as young single adult advisers

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Chart of Ward Meetings (continued)

Meeting Purpose Participants Frequency Missionary coordination Coordinate missionary, Members of the elders Regularly meeting retention, and activation quorum and Relief Society efforts of full-time mission- presidencies who lead mis- aries and ward members. sionary work, ward mission leader (if called; see 5.1.1), ward missionaries, and full- time missionaries (where available)

18.8 Chart of Stake Meetings Meeting Purpose Participants Frequency Stake conference Strengthen faith and General Authority or Area Twice each year testimony, provide gospel Seventy (if assigned), stake instruction, and conduct presidency, and all mem- stake business. bers in the stake Stake general priesthood Instruct and inspire priest- All priesthood holders, Once each year meeting hood holders and conduct prospective elders, and stake priesthood business. unordained young men of Aaronic Priesthood age in the stake Stake priesthood leadership Teach priesthood leaders Stake presidency; high Three times a year (twice meeting their duties, increase their council; stake clerk (and in connection with stake abilities, and build their assistant clerks as needed); conference) faith. stake executive secretary; stake Young Men presidency (and secretary as needed); bishoprics; ward clerks (and assistant clerks as needed); ward executive secretaries; elders quorum presidencies and secretaries; ward mission leaders and ward temple and family history leaders (if called and as needed); ward Young Men presidencies (and secretaries and assistant advisers as needed); and others as invited

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Chart of Stake Meetings (continued)

Meeting Purpose Participants Frequency Stake high priests quorum Conduct quorum business High priests quorum (see At least once each year meeting and instruct quorum mem- 7.1.2; this meeting is not bers in their duties. held in districts) Stake presidency meeting Review, plan, and consider Stake presidency, stake Regularly matters affecting the stake. clerk, stake executive secretary, and others as invited High council meeting Receive instruction, give Stake presidency, high Twice monthly, where reports, conduct business, council, stake clerk, stake feasible and counsel together. executive secretary, and others as invited Stake council meeting Receive instruction, counsel Stake presidency; high Two to four times a year as together, give reports, council; stake clerk; stake needed and coordinate planning executive secretary; stake of stake programs and Relief Society, Young Men, activities. Young Women, Primary, and Sunday School presidents; and others as invited Meeting with bishoprics Instruct bishoprics, re- Stake presidency, bishop- One to four times a year as view policies, and counsel rics, stake clerk, and stake needed together. executive secretary Stake Aaronic Priesthood– Plan stake-sponsored com- A counselor in the stake As needed Young Women committee bined activities for young presidency, high councilors meeting men and young women. assigned to the Young Men and Young Women, stake Young Men presidency and secretary, stake Young Women presidency and secretary, and youth and others as invited Stake bishops’ welfare coun- Receive instruction in All bishops and branch At least quarterly cil meeting welfare matters. Exchange presidents in the stake (the ideas and experiences. stake president appoints Review trends in fast- one bishop to be chair- offering contributions, man); stake president welfare needs, and welfare (occasionally); welfare assistance. Identify work specialists as needed opportunities for those who receive assistance. Identify welfare resources in the community. Evaluate Church welfare operations. Coordinate welfare assignments.

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Chart of Stake Meetings (continued)

Meeting Purpose Participants Frequency Stake auxiliary leadership Teach ward auxiliary leaders Stake presidency member Once each year for each or- meeting (for Relief Society, their duties, instruct them (if desired); high councilor ganization, or twice with the Young Women, Primary, and in teaching and leadership assigned to the auxiliary stake president’s approval Sunday School) skills, strengthen their faith, organization; stake auxiliary (see 18.3.11) and share ideas. presidency and secretary; ward auxiliary presidencies and secretaries; other ward auxiliary leaders, teachers, and advisers (as needed); bishopric members assigned to the auxiliary (as needed) Stake young single adult Address the needs of young A counselor in the stake As needed committee meeting single adults in the stake. presidency, the high coun- Provide opportunities for cilor assigned to young young single adults to come single adults, a member together for service, gospel of the stake Relief Society learning, and sociality presidency, stake young beyond their wards. Ensure single adult advisers, and that ward young single ward young single adult adult committees are func- leaders (if they are called) tioning well in wards where or other young single adults they are established. in the stake Stake single adult committee Address the needs of single A counselor in the stake As needed meeting adults in the stake. As presidency, a high coun- needed, provide opportu- cilor, a member of the stake nities for single adults to Relief Society presidency, come together for service, and several single adults gospel learning, and sociality beyond their wards.

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18.9 Sunday Meeting Schedule Plan 1 (2 hours) 60 min. Sacrament meeting 10 min. Transition to classes or meetings 50 min. First and third Sundays: Sunday School Primary (including nursery)

Second and fourth Sundays: Priesthood quorum, Relief Society, See 11.4.1 for details. and Young Women meetings

Fifth Sundays: Youth meetings, adult meetings, or youth and adult meetings under the direction of the bishop. The bishopric determines the subject to be taught and the teacher or teachers (usually members of the ward or stake). They also determine whether youth and adults, men and women, and young men and young women meet separately or combined.

Plan 2 (2 hours) 50 min. First and third Sundays: Sunday School Primary (including nursery)

Second and fourth Sundays: Priesthood quorum, Relief Society, See 11.4.1 for details. and Young Women meetings

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18.10 Using this plan requires the approval of the stake Overlapping Meeting Schedule for president. After receiving his approval, the bishopric and the branch presidency meet with priesthood Units with Different Languages and auxiliary leaders in their own units to seek their counsel and cooperation in implementing the plan. When two units whose members speak different languages meet in the same building, it may be de- The bishopric and the branch presidency also meet sirable for the children and youth to attend classes together to determine which members from each together. For example, if an English-speaking ward unit should be called to serve in the organiza- and a Spanish-speaking branch meet in the same tions. Leaders also discuss the calling of Aaronic building, the Primary children of the Spanish Priesthood quorum and Young Women class branch could join with the Primary of the English leaders. After the plan has been implemented, ward. The youth of the Spanish branch could join priesthood leaders continue to meet regularly to with the Sunday School, Aaronic Priesthood, and coordinate their efforts and resolve any concerns. Young Women classes of the English ward. One representative from the bishopric and one from Youth from the Spanish branch could also join with the branch presidency attend bishopric youth com- the English ward for Mutual. Children could join mittee meetings. with the English ward for Cub Scouting and activ- To implement this plan, meeting schedules for ity days. the two units need to overlap as shown in the chart below.

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