This last Sunday I attended a meeting with my fellow Family Home Evening Committee members. It is our calling to plan and prepare the singles ward family home evenings for those singles that are living away from home. In such cases, the ward becomes the family, and so the need and blessings of having this weekly gathering still apply.
Sometimes it is tricky to plan for an ever-changing group of individuals. What do they need? What will they be interested in attending? These questions are always asked at such planning meetings.
Usually we plan the activity, and then make assignments for the lesson, treat, and other last minute details. I was at first surprised at how much work goes into preparing for these weekly gatherings. I came to quickly respect my fellow committee members in all they did to make these family home evenings what they are.
In our meeting we decided to plan for the next three upcoming months. With summer just around the corner, which means longer/warmer days there were so many more activities available then we have in the fall and winter months. It is true that because of this, we planned some fun outdoor activities. Yet that was not our focus.
As a committee we have seen a great opportunity to plan great service. For as one sister in our group said,
“As a group of single adults we are in the unique position to be able to easily provide lots of needed service.”
Service can be lots of fun, while at the same time it unites those who serve together, builds love, respect, and appreciation. It is also a way to help each of our single brothers and sisters to find a place in the group, experience the joy of being an instrument in the hands of the Lord, and to serve our Father in Heaven (who is always so quick to serve us.).
I am so excited for this renewed focus on giving meaningful service for our family home evening activities. I know that they will be more meaningful and memorable than anything else. Some of the activities I am looking forward to including:
-Helping the members of our stake in doing yard work.
-Visiting and serving at the Seville (the retirement home in our stake)
-Visiting and helping out at a local autistic preschool.
“And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.” Mosiah 2:17
