Reminding a bishop to avoid drawing attention from the ordinance of the sacrament to the young men

10 April 2018

Bishop,

Thank you for allowing me to participate in your sacrament meeting last Sunday. You and your bishopric are doing a wonderful job.

I did come away with one concern. It may not be a concern after all, and maybe just happened that one time. But I noticed the young men blessing and passing the sacrament seemed to stand at attention waiting to be “excused” by Brother Pierce.

Our preference is that the bishopric member conducting the meeting doesn’t say anything about the young Aaronic Priesthood holders, especially NOT thank them or excuse them to sit with their families. We ask that they complete their priesthood duty and then immediately and reverently excuse themselves—without any recognition or fanfare--to sit with their families. 

While we appreciate very much their service, going through the formality of thanking and excusing them uses precious sacrament meeting time and it becomes a formality that can draw attention to the young men and away from the ordinance itself. It’s the same reason we ask them not to place their left hand behind their back when passing the trays...or wear bright colored shirts or ties...or comb their hair in a wild way—it draws attention away from the sacrament and to the young man himself.

Thanks for helping to correct that, if needed, in your ward.

President Lewis