submitted by Brother Greg Von Forell
Starting at the end of summer through the end of the year, the Canton Ward wanted to focus on one of the twelve points that the Stake has asked us to keep in mind when doing missionary work. It specifically mentions that “we can invite non-members, (as well as less active members) to activities such as family home evenings and Church socials, conferences, and other meetings. Help encourage and organize activities during the year that can be used to invite friends, neighbors, and relatives.”
We wanted to make sure that there would be many chances to invite, so we set a goal to have a special activity to invite others to about once a month. The first of these opportunities was a picnic and kickball game at Whitwer Park, held before the beginning of the school year. The park had tables for socializing and eating ice cream, alongside a playground for the smaller kids. There were no injuries during the kickball game, and many were able to get to know each other better. (We’re pretty sure this is where Bishop Oettli met our new Second Counselor, Brother Griffis, after just moving into the ward.)
Our second opportunity to invite others was an actual fireside. The Elder’s Quorum supplied the fire, and the primary provided the s’mores. President and Sister Dayton shared some of their wisdom with us.
We are currently preparing for two of our most well-attended activities: the ward trunk-or-treat and the ward Christmas party. The Young Men and Young Women are planning the trunk-or-treat, and the Relief Society is in charge of the Christmas party. With each auxiliary being in charge of a different activity, we found that it isn’t too difficult to create many different opportunities.
As we create more occasions to invite others, and as we have more people accept our offers, we know it will increase our faith and become easier. We hope this increased focus on invitations will also spill over into invitations that aren’t just for social activities. We have two wonderful opportunities to participate in, General Conference and our Primary Program, that will bring joy to anyone who accepts our invitations. There are also ongoing opportunities to attend Sacrament Meeting, visit with the full-time missionaries, or read the Book of Mormon. We pray that by the end of the year, some of these invitations become first steps towards coming unto Christ.
Akron Ohio Stake News 