Having proper Church etiquette is one way we show our respect for God
1. Respect for the building. The Chapel is a dedicated structure for the Lord’s purposes. We should treat it with respect in the way we use the building and the language we use in it. We should always clean up after ourselves from every activity or meeting and leave the building better than we found it.
2. Food. We have been asked to avoid bringing food into the building except for group functions and then only in the kitchen and the cultural hall. When there are activities with food, we should be respectful of those behind us in line that have not reached the food yet. Take smaller portions and go back for more after everyone has had a chance to eat. We should allow the children and sisters to go first and we should try to not be wasteful. We should never take food from someone else’s event that wasn’t meant for us without an invitation.
3. Hats. The wearing of hats or hoods inside the building is inappropriate. We can show respect to the Church by taking off our hats inside the building.
4. Clothing. We should always wear modest clothing. Modest clothing not only covers our bodies properly, is clean and in good condition, it also does not have inappropriate or offensive messages, designs, or pictures.
5. Words of respect. The words we use can show respect to others, to the Church, and to the Lord. We should refer to our adults and leaders by using “Brother” and “Sister”. When we pray we should use words of respect toward our Heavenly Father – Thee, Thy, Thou, Thine. We should also be respectful to other meetings and classes that are happening at the same time we’re in the building.
6. Paying Attention. We show respect to speakers, teachers, our leaders, and the Lord by paying attention. Having side conversations during a talk or a lesson is disrespectful. If the Lord were speaking, how would we be acting? Speakers and teachers are representatives of the Lord and have been called and set apart to share a message as if He were there. A primary purpose of Church meetings and activities is not to entertain, but for us to learn. A wise man once said that one of the most important things we can do to benefit ourselves in this life is to simply pay attention.
7. Four legs. We should sit in the chairs with all four legs on the floor. Leaning back on them is not only potentially dangerous, it can damage the walls and ruin the chairs.
8. Use kindness. Open the doors for others; say ‘please’ and ‘I’m sorry’ and ‘excuse me’ and make sure to tell others ‘thank you’ for the things they are doing at the church. If you see a piece of paper or trash, pick it up. Being on time is another way we are kind and respectful to others. Look for opportunities to make the Church a place where people are welcome and want to come back and can feel our love and the love of our Heavenly Father.
9. Cell phones. What a marvelous blessing cell phone technology is to us. However, we can sometimes go overboard. It’s ok to turn off our phones for the times we’re in meetings and check for messages before, in between, and after meetings. Unless there’s an emergency of some sort, it is usually appropriate to turn off or silence our cell phones and put them away.
10. Scriptures. The Standard Works of the Church, the Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price are our holy scriptures. They represent the word of God through prophets. We can treat our scriptures with respect by how we mark them, how we take care of them, not putting them on the floor and by not forgetting them. They are the most important documents on earth and we will get more out of them if we have a deep and abiding respect for them.
11. Encourage others. We can always be encouraging to others to help them also be respectful of all people and of the Church. Do it in a nice way, not accusing or demanding, but with “gentleness, meekness, and love unfeigned.” This is a form of service and “when we are in the service of our other fellow beings we are only in the service of our God.”
Bishop Wm. Calvin Hughes
November 2, 2010
No comments:
Post a Comment