LS: "Come Join with Us" -Stacy Gurel (11/24/13)

There is no middle ground with the church. It's like the beach. Either you are on the sand, or you are getting wet in the ocean water. Either you are living the gospel principles, or you are not.

What are some of the benefits of being all in and swimming in the church?

• Strength and the Spirit
• Love, belonging, support
• Blessings: "you can't be active and not blessed"
• Priesthood
• Skills from callings
• Structure to children and youth
• Purpose and Family wherever we go

What stops us from inviting everyone around us to enjoy all of these blessings?

• We are not perfect, we may look like hypocrites. =But this only makes us relatable! And the church is not for perfect saints, it is for the perfecting of the saints.
• Questions and wrong information. =But we live by doctrine. We can find the answer with help from missionaries, ward members, etc.
• Afraid of interrupting someone's life. =But the Gospel is life! Jesus is the way of life eternal!
• Time commitment. =But time spent answering questions and serving others can only bless our life.
• Sometimes we need to be patient, we can't expect someone to join the church right after we meet them!

What are some opportunities we can take this time of year. Big or small. How can we stand up and let people know who we are?

• Invite others for family events! Baptisms, missionary farewells, etc.
• Start with our own small circle. Neighbors, co-workers, etc.
• Invite friends over when you have the missionaries over for dinner. Have a barbecue!
• Don't be afraid to mention what you are doing, going to church, having Family Home Evening, etc.
• Make an extra plate of treats to share with neighbors for Family Home Evening
• Invite families to the Mormon Choral and see the beautiful Nativities. 
• Help neighbors and friends with family history
• Have pizza parties with games before youth dances, then they can all go to the dance together
• Invite them to do something with you that you enjoy! Crafting! Photography! Gardening!
• Christmas Cards are a perfect time to share testimony of Christ! Include a scripture or a nice Christmas letter.
• Think of less actives as well as those who are not of our faith
• Make sure you visit teach this month and share some light with your sisters!

"Everyone doesn't need to do EVERYTHING. Everyone just needs to do SOMETHING." -Melisa Wells