'Ye shall meet together oft.' (3 Nephi 18:22)

'Ye shall meet together oft.' (3 Nephi 18:22)

The Lord commanded that His followers should meet together often to strengthen one another. This applies not only to church congregations but also to families and communities.

When was the last time you attended a church service?

Come worship with us (visit Canada.lds.org/Church Resources/meetinghouse locator) for locations.

Has it been awhile since you’ve been together as a family?

Schedule a time this week to spend real quality time together (without electronic devices).

What can you do to bring your neighbourhood together?

Organize a social gathering to bring everyone a little closer this holiday season.

Virgina H. Pearce October 1993 “Ward and Branch Families: Part of Heavenly Father’s Plan for Us”

A ward is “something you somehow haven’t to deserve.” Membership in the Church of Jesus Christ gives us that home. In a ward, as in a family, every person is different and valuable. Paul said:

“For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; …

“For the body is not one member, but many”  1 Corinthians 12:13–14 The Savior instructed that we should meet together often and forbid no one (see  3 Nephi 18:22

Several months ago while visiting our children in another state, I walked with our 2 1/2-year-old grandson from the chapel to the nursery. As he moved rather energetically down the hall, at least five people called him by name—teenagers, children, adults. “Hi, Benjamin,” “Hey, Benjamin,” “Morning, Benjamin.” My heart overflowed with gratitude that Benjamin is learning that he, as an individual, belongs to a ward family. Over a lifetime, ward families will do for him what his family alone cannot do.

In April 1992 conference, Young Women General President Janette C. Hales asked adult members to “learn the names of the young people in [their] ward or branch and call them by name” (Ensign, May 1992, p. 80). Now, I would enlarge her invitation, inviting you young men and young women to learn the names of the adults and the children. Overcome your natural timidity and greet as many people as you can by name each week. Our wards will be better places if, like Benjamin, everyone hears his own name four or five times between the chapel and the classroom. We can each help that to happen.