Invitation Sunday

(part of letter written by Kurt to Nick on his mission)

Our mission did this thing this week that completely and totally knocked the socks off of all Sundays heretofore attended in the UC ward.

We called it "Invitation Sunday" and had everyone invite their friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers. The meeting schedule was the same with an extra class immediately after Sacrament for "Q&A Session". To begin the Sac Mtg, we had Ushers at every door to direct visitors to the chapel and some sat with unattended people (like the mayor of Union City. yes. the Mayor). Bishop Lee (you know, Wilson) spent extra time over-communicating what was to happen next and set up expectations about how long the meeting would last. He welcomed our guests, friends, and any local government representatives (meaning, I'm sure, the Mayor). Bishop Lee then explained the Sacrament and its sanctity and meaning to members. He invited anyone who wished to partake or decline as they felt appropriate. We had extra passing deacons and extra bread/water, just in case.

After the sacrament, Bishop Lee introduced the speakers and explained about volunteer speakers from the congregation. All three speakers had been prepped and prepared such that their talks over-communicated and explained any jargon or Mormonisms. The Bishopric chose specific people who they knew would do a great job with the task at hand: Prepare and deliver a talk directed specifically at a congregation who may or may not understand a thing about the Church but is curious enough to come to see what it's all about. The topic for all 3 speakers was Christ. It. Was. Amazing. The Spirit was blazing the whole time! Marlis Grow spoke of the Eternal Plan of Happiness and Christ-centered families. Rick Lincavage spoke of the Atonement and our gratitude for Christ as our Redeemer. I kept hoping they would explain certain blurbs and they always did. New members and investigators alike would have felt very comfortable. We need to do that more often - it was awesome.

After they spoke, the Bishop said a few words about the rest of the meetings planned and invited everyone who wanted to attend the Q/A session. We then closed and some of us went with the Bishop and the friends/family/dignitaries to the pre-determined room. Bishop Lee explained local and regional leadership as well as the relation to Salt Lake. He explained importance of being prepared for disasters (spiritual and physical) and how Temples fit in our family life. He had Sister Vaiaoga speak about the Relief Society and had me speak about the Young Men's organization and Scouting. He then opened the floor to questions.

The Mayor had the most questions and they were really great.

Q: How does the temple fit into the organizational layers?
Q: How do missionaries get called? Do women go too?
(side-note on this one: He coached the Price boys in baseball! He REALLY looked up to David and Landon's example that they set for the other boys on the team. It was awesome to hear his wonder and amazement at the process used in calling the boys. Alfred and I spoke a small bit about our own calls and the experiences. Bishop Lee talked about how much of a difference it made in the boys from leaving to returning and how much of a privilege it was to serve. Awesome.)
Q: What is the difference between a civil marriage and a temple marriage? Do Mormons marry outside of the temple too?

President Erickson said a few words at the very end. He pointed out that we do have a lot of programs in the Church but that the ultimate goal of all of the programs is the same: Bring souls unto Christ. If that were accomplished through the program, it is considered successful. If it doesn't, it's not. It is the center of everything we do in the Church. Christ is the reason behind everything we do.

And that was it. Some guests stayed for Relief Society/Priesthood meetings. Some left. The mayor asked to meet with Bishop Lee to discuss more after the Q/A session. I don't know how it went, but the spirit was so strong in there, I wouldn't doubt if he wanted to learn more! I tell you, I have never participated in a more spiritually uplifting Sacrament Meeting in my life. If more wards tried this out, I guarantee it would make a difference across the whole Church! And, now, in California, people are craving this type of experience both inside and outside the Church. People genuinely want to know what this is all about. Why do we care so much? Why are we so excited about something like this? Why do we get so passionate about marriage, families, and religious liberty?

It's late. I'm tired. But I had to write this down while it was all fresh and Noa and Tanya Tuituvuki just left for the night before I started writing. So there you have it. Pretty sweet Sunday, if I do say so.