If you aren't LDS you might not get it, but you can still read on...
Becca's dictionary defines Ward Hoppers as: LDS Church members who constantly move from ward to ward (church congregations) usually without any change of address.
There are two kinds of ward hopping: sanctioned, and unsanctioned.
*Sanctioned: membership records make it to the ward the member is attending.
*Unsanctioned: membership records never move while the members go wherever their feet/car/bus/bike/moped/friend's-car can take them.
I've done my share of unsanctioned ward hoping. I've done it to hang out with friends, make new ones, and sometimes just to see what everyone else is doing. However, generally I don't have the highest opinion of this "lifestyle". I think many people ward hop to avoid responsibility (callings), because the grass is always greener on the other side, or because they've been offended by a ward member.
Here comes the dilemma... I'm considering a hop. There are wards in other stakes (regional groups of wards) that cater to the "Mid-single" (non-married, non-young, sometimes with children). I have made friends in one of these groups, have taken my son to the great primary there, and the grass is looking VERY green. Sometimes feel like there isn't a good place for me to fit in within my current ward and Jonas doesn’t really connect in Primary. This may be just a stage, but it’s feeding my feeling to hop. I have been asked multiple times if I want to move my records and have made excuses of why I couldn’t.
It’s just a thought right now, but the thought comes often. Do you have an opinion on ward hopping?
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I'm not fond of ward hopping either. However, if I were in your shoes, I would give it a shot.
ReplyDeleteWe'd miss you terribly, so I don't think you should. I really don't know what the church directs on this point. I think that if it is asked by the leaders of the church to stay in the ward you are supposed to attend, it is for a reason, but I'm not sure about your situation. I'd ask bishop what he would suggest. He has the authority to council you by revelation and that might be what you need, even if it doesn't make sense at this time. When all else fails (and even when it doesn't) pray, pray, pray.
ReplyDeleteLove you!
I don't have an oppionion on this one since I am not LDS :-)
ReplyDeleteBut I do know what it feels like to be at a great church with lots of great friends for everyone in our family. It is our home away from home and I can't imagine attending a church that didn't feel like that.
If you are planning to "hop" why don't you just hop on over to Tennessee and come to church with me? See what your bishop has to say about that *wink*
Love you!
It sounds like it might be a great change! And you can always go back to your homeward if you don't feel like it is working out for you and Jonas. Good luck making your decision! :)
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