Quorum Meeting

Just a quick recap of the quorum meeting. For me it was inspiring to see so many of you sacrifice a couple of hours on a Saturday morning to meet together and discuss the work of the quorum. I, for one, was inspired by the truths that were taught and the testimonies that were shared.

Steve Harris reminded us of the importance of doing good for others. There is no better way to follow the example of the savior than to actively engage in caring for and serving others. As we do so our own burdens become lighter.

Dave Sundahl taught us about Glory and Holism. Joseph Smith defined Glory as the opposite of loneliness. Holism is the idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Our quorum can experience Glory and Holism as we work together to carry out the Lord's work. Our quorum initiative is aimed at helping us achieve this.

Jim Kelly spoke to us about serving in our community. He provided us with a demonstration of how with the right tools and the right technique the energy inside a simple block of wood can be brought to the surface as fire and bring light and warmth to those around it. We have light and warmth inside our quorum. We need only to apply the right tools and techniques in order to let our warmth and light shine in our community.

Dave Boyce got us thinking about the many, many ways that the gospel and the church bless our lives. He also got us thinking about the experiences we have had sharing the gospel and watching others come unto christ. It is sweet to watch others learn of and experience the blessings that we enjoy in the church. Dave presented several ideas that his group has brainstormed to help increase our invitations to others to come unto christ and enjoy the blessings of the gospel.

Ryan Murphy led a discussion about our homes and the things that invite the spirit to be there versus the things that distract from the spirit. One of the significant points made was that we should increase our interactions and discussions with our wives and our children. As we eliminate the things that distract us from the opportunity to interact within our families, the Lord will strengthen our relationships and the spirit will have a strong presence in our homes. Ryan presented a plan that his group has developed (and will test) to help strengthen quorum members and their families by having joint family home evenings on a rotating, monthly basis.

Finally, I briefly spoke about home teaching, which I have proposed to "reframe" as "home and family service". Home and family service (home teaching) is a relationship. It is a sacred responsibility that one prophet has described as the most pressing need in the church. It is our opportunity to help the Lord watch over His people.

The spirit was strong in the meeting. I felt the Lord's love and I felt the love that we have for each other. I am humbled to be called to lead this quorum. There are so many much more qualified than I. Nevertheless, I am grateful that Lord has given me the opportunity to see the work that you do and to learn from you.