July 2004 Ensign - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

PHOTOGRAPH BY JERRY GARNS, MAY NOT BE COPIED
the following
ideas may help
limit the time a
ward activity
takes: Start
the activity
promptly. Have
the structured,
quiet, or spiritual
part of the activity
either first or
last—right after
the opening prayer or just before the closing prayer. Keep
the activity flowing without long waiting periods between the
program, games, speakers, or refreshments. Have a specific
ending time and stick to it so that those involved in the
cleanup can get home at a reasonable hour.
Myth 5: The only activities that bring people to Christ
are firesides, spiritual programs, and temple trips. An
activity that nourishes the spirit, strengthens the body,
or enlightens the mind can be an appropriate activity.
Appreciating cultural arts, developing talents,
celebrating holidays and seasons, and
learning to work together, serve one
another, and enjoy your ward family can
help bring people to Christ.
Kathryn Taylor Quist, Fort McMurray Ward,
Edmonton Alberta North
Stake
Ward Traditions
As ward activities
chair, one thing I found
to be particularly beneficial
in keeping a ward
close was to have traditional
activities. Just as
traditions bind families
together, traditional
activities can do the
same for wards.
Well-planned activities
can increase unity and
strengthen relationships
among families and
ward members.
In our ward,
traditional activities
include our
annual chili cookoff
(a tasty competition
between
the high priests
and elders quorums),
a pioneer
picnic on the 24th
of July, the annual
“ice cream dip”
(an ice cream party held at the neighborhood swimming
pool), and regular service projects.
One tradition that has been particularly successful in
strengthening ward bonds has been the organizing of ward
dinner groups. Two to three times a year, the ward is
divided into eight to ten groups. Hosts are assigned and
given a list of members to invite. The activities committee
usually chooses a theme such as “soup and salad night,”
“international cuisine,” or “anything goes.” Food assignments
are given to the guests so the load is not too heavy
on the host families. Mixers are also planned that allow
those attending the dinner to become better acquainted
with one another. These dinner groups allow ward members
to associate with those they might not otherwise know
and to mingle on a smaller scale.
Thelissa Y. Zollinger, Willow Creek Ward, Denver Colorado Stake
Fellowshipping through Activities
While serving as senior missionary companions, we
have been involved in planning activities to help our
small branch grow and become more unified. We have
found it doesn’t cost much money to have fun. We often
have potluck suppers, which save on cost and cleanup
time. Our activities have included a talent show, a
Valentine’s dance, and a game night. We have been able to
fellowship those who are less active or are not members,
and we have seen the attendance in our little branch grow.
Mary Hall Walker and Gayle Robinson, Barnsley Branch, Sheffield
England Stake
ENSIGN JULY 2004 31