What did you learn at home this week?
The church has announced an updated schedule of general conference sessions. “Beginning in April 2018, the general women’s session will no longer be held on the Saturday preceding the other sessions of general conference. Rather, the general priesthood and general women’s sessions will each be held annually, with the general priesthood session being in April and the general women’s session being in October.”
I love that the reason cited is “the spirit of reducing and simplifying the work of the Church and the demands made upon leaders and members.” In my stewardship opportunities, I’ve aimed for the same goal.
Now more than ever it falls to families and parents to be sure the Gospel is taught in the home. The church handbook teaches the following:
God has revealed a pattern of spiritual progress for individuals and families through ordinances, teaching, programs, and activities that are home centered and Church supported. Church organizations and programs exist to bless individuals and families and are not ends in themselves. Priesthood and auxiliary leaders and teachers seek to assist parents, not to supersede or replace them. (italics added)
This organization requires both parents and church leaders to know their roles. “Let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence.”
In a meeting I attended with Elder Holland, he taught that if we are participating in the Gospel the right way, we’ll stop asking “what did you learn at church today?” over the family dinner and instead, primary teachers will start their Sunday class with “What did you learn at home this week?” and then support those teachings.
I’ll miss the extra priesthood session each year. It’s always uplifting and informative. I’m happy to have the women’s session in the heart of conference weekend. It can be the start of some beautiful new traditions. But mostly this is a reminder of what I already believe: “Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.” (The Family: A proclamation to the world)