Priesthood presence at church building during Activity Days

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gregwanderson
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#11

Post by gregwanderson »

We issue building keys to women. If they weren't supposed to be there without a man around then... (I don't even want to finish that thought.)
russellhltn
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#12

Post by russellhltn »

mrrad wrote:We issue building keys to women. If they weren't supposed to be there without a man around then... (I don't even want to finish that thought.)

If the key could only open the outside door, that might be a valid point. Particularly if there's been a problem with compliance.

However, it the directive can be complied with if the sister brings her husband - who may not hold a calling that would call for him to have a key.
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aaronrp
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Re: Priesthood presence at church building during Activity D

#13

Post by aaronrp »

I feel like adding onto the instructions in the Handbook of Instructions is counter-productive. One of the reasons we are efficient as an organization is that we accept the instructions we're given because of the trust we have of Priesthood leadership and auxiliaries through the Holy Ghost. I feel like our time is better spent taking care of the people we home teach, studying our scriptures, and of course with our families than playing security guard. Previous posters make a good point that where there are security concerns, accommodations should be made and protocols explained that are consistent with instruction in the Handbook, and principles very clearly found in the scriptures.

On the discussion of doctrinal principle, it is understood from the Doctrine and Covenants (20:38-67) that where we gather to do things that are related to ordinances of salvation or anything explicitly within the blessings and responsibilities of the Priesthood (in other words, official, general "meetings"), there should be one or more holders of the Priesthood present. Where there is no clear need for the Priesthood holder to be there, Women in the Relief Society can certainly manage on their own. Heaven knows they certainly take care of their Visiting Teaching more consistently than we do.
danny_sch
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Re: Priesthood presence at church building during Activity Days

#14

Post by danny_sch »

So yeah, no official rule ANYWHERE. Seems like some local leaders may require it. I was just the volunteer priesthood holder last night at an activity. A highly depressed and unpredictable male member of the ward randomly showed up at 7 too. I talked with him for 2 hours. Could be a handy policy. The gals in my YSA ward are super tough and capable of anyhting, but I was glad to handle an emotional burden so they could enjoy their activity.
kisaac
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Re: Priesthood presence at church building during Activity Days

#15

Post by kisaac »

danny_sch wrote:So yeah, no official rule ANYWHERE. Seems like some local leaders may require it.
If it seems to be an issue, talk to your local leaders
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Re: Priesthood presence at church building during Activity Days

#16

Post by russellhltn »

kisaac wrote:
danny_sch wrote:So yeah, no official rule ANYWHERE. Seems like some local leaders may require it.
If it seems to be an issue, talk to your local leaders
Not all church buildings are in the best of areas. I don't think local leaders would be exceeding their authority by adding this restriction.
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heidiawbrey
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Re: Priesthood presence at church building during Activity Days

#17

Post by heidiawbrey »

We usually meet in a room that has an outside door or keep the interior doors open so we can hear the doorbell. All doors stay locked the whole time and we let people in. I agree that if you implement an awareness position you can avoid a lot of trouble. We did have an incident one morning for seminary when a bum slept in the bathroom, but the police were called. If you do have any worries, call the police. In this day of cell phones we are all more prepared to deal with emergencies. I always felt Activity Days was something you could do in homes. In areas where travel is an issue, it's good to have options. Drive around the parking lot before going in. Make sure parking lots are well lit. (Trunk or Treats are a potential hazard with low light.) Lock the door after yourself. I will say that we have recently been informed that one key should be shared among each presidency - EQ, RS, Primary, YW. I am trying to comply but with ward boundaries over 4000 square miles, this policy is a hardship. If we get to an activity and the one with the key is ill, we have to send someone to the sick person's house to get the key. Sometimes we are lucky and this is only 30 minutes from the church, which means our activity is set back an hour. So there are some other things that can be helpful with security that vary from area to area, and hopefully there will be no "one size fits all" for a church that must be adaptable for local needs.
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Re: Priesthood presence at church building during Activity Days

#18

Post by sbradshaw »

heidiawbrey wrote: Thu Oct 27, 2022 7:34 amI will say that we have recently been informed that one key should be shared among each presidency - EQ, RS, Primary, YW. I am trying to comply but with ward boundaries over 4000 square miles, this policy is a hardship. If we get to an activity and the one with the key is ill, we have to send someone to the sick person's house to get the key. Sometimes we are lucky and this is only 30 minutes from the church, which means our activity is set back an hour.
If you frequently have issues with ward leaders not having a key and traveling long distances, you might consider having a trustworthy member who lives close to the meetinghouse called as a building specialist, who can keep a backup key handy for authorized ward members to use.
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Re: Priesthood presence at church building during Activity Days

#19

Post by garystroble »

sbradshaw wrote: Thu Oct 27, 2022 5:08 pm
heidiawbrey wrote: Thu Oct 27, 2022 7:34 amI will say that we have recently been informed that one key should be shared among each presidency - EQ, RS, Primary, YW. I am trying to comply but with ward boundaries over 4000 square miles, this policy is a hardship. If we get to an activity and the one with the key is ill, we have to send someone to the sick person's house to get the key. Sometimes we are lucky and this is only 30 minutes from the church, which means our activity is set back an hour.
If you frequently have issues with ward leaders not having a key and traveling long distances, you might consider having a trustworthy member who lives close to the meetinghouse called as a building specialist, who can keep a backup key handy for authorized ward members to use.
Am wondering if the bishopric is also only allowed one key. Seems like a draconian policy, but perhaps there were issues in the past. If it were me, I would call, text and/or email the bishop every time this is an issue. Is he aware of the hardship this policy is causing?
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Re: Priesthood presence at church building during Activity Days

#20

Post by russellhltn »

heidiawbrey wrote: Thu Oct 27, 2022 7:34 am I will say that we have recently been informed that one key should be shared among each presidency - EQ, RS, Primary, YW. I am trying to comply but with ward boundaries over 4000 square miles, this policy is a hardship.
This is likely a local policy, perhaps created due to past problems. It's not unusual for keys to get out of control over time and it's expensive to rekey the whole building.

Some discussion may be needed with local leaders to find a workable middle ground.
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