by Charlotte Wilson | May 28, 2013 | About Mormons
I remember one time when my siblings and I were growing up that my mom asked my brother (who was probably ten or so at the time) to help with the dinner dishes. He responded with “No, that’s woman’s work!” My mom, however, wasn’t the one who set my brother straight—it was my dad. My dad was the first to step in and tell my brother 
that his comment was not only disrespectful, but it also didn’t reflect our values as a family. In our family, no one was exempt from dish duty, man, woman, or child.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often inadvertently referred to as the Mormon Church) shares these values. Husbands and wives are intended to work together and share the load, even when it means washing dishes.
Roles within the Family
God designed men and women with specific purpose and endowed men and women with specific talents and responsibilities. In an official statement issued by Church leaders in 1995, we learn that “by divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children” (The Family: A Proclamation to the World). (more…)
by Charlotte Wilson | May 23, 2013 | About Mormons
On Monday, May 20, a cluster of tornadoes hit several states, the most severe storms hitting Oklahoma. Reports say that at least twenty-four people have died, including several children. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often inadvertently referred to as the Mormon Church) sends its deepest condolences to the victims and has already 
started assisting in the relief effort.[1] These efforts are not unique to the Church of Jesus Christ and are characteristic of the faith’s emphasis on administering to those in need and serving those within the community.
The Church of Jesus Christ Is Already Involved in Helping the Tornado Victims
Within hours of the disaster, local leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ were in the process of coordinating with other local relief agencies to organize and execute relief efforts for the victims of the Oklahoma tornadoes. These volunteer efforts also include establishing a relief center that will help coordinate supplies, volunteers, and volunteer assignments. The relief force from The Church of Jesus Christ will consist primarily of local church members and full-time missionaries. (All of the Mormon missionaries—approximately 200—have been accounted for.) (more…)
by Charlotte Wilson | May 13, 2013 | Mormons in the News
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often inadvertently called the Mormon Church) was restored in the United States, but has since spread to the whole world. The Church of Jesus Christ has a presence on almost every continent and seeks to influence the world for good. Its leaders and members seek out opportunities to serve communities, reach out to those in need, and share its message of hope and faith. [1]
The Church of Jesus Christ Donates to the Community
Some humanitarian service is headed up by the official Humanitarian Services department of The Church of Jesus Christ. Recently the Humanitarian Services donated large kitchen equipment—including stoves, ovens, and freezers—to an orphanage in Snyatyn, a town in southern Ukraine. With this equipment the orphanage can better prepare healthy meals for the children.
Members of the Church of Jesus Christ don’t need the official Humanitarian Services department to give back to their communities, however. Church members in the Jinja district of Uganda recently rounded up footballs (what Americans call soccer balls) to donate to the Federation of Uganda Football Association. The giving of the donation was done in conjunction with the kickoff of the annual Presidential Under-16 Cup. The Church of Jesus Christ has offered loyal support to this organization, and this relationship is a great way for Ugandan Church members to involve themselves in their community. (more…)
by Charlotte Wilson | May 9, 2013 | Mormons in the News
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often inadvertently referred to as the Mormon Church) is known for its preference for more conservative media. The booklet issued to the youth in The Church of Jesus Christ says, “Do not attend, view, or participate in anything that is vulgar, immoral, violent, or pornographic in any way. Do not participate in anything that presents immorality or violence as acceptable” (For the Strength of Youth, “Entertainment and Media”). KSL, a Utah TV station owned by The Church of Jesus Christ and an NBC affiliate, has adopted these same standards and will often choose not to air shows that are accepted and available on other networks. [1]
KSL Pulls “Hannibal” Show from Lineup
The KSL executives thought that the pilot for “Hannibal,” a prequel series to the 1991 film Silence of the Lambs, was borderline on acceptable violence, but decided to chance it. As the show progressed, however, the episodes became more and more graphic, drawing many complaints from TV viewers. The network decided to pull the program, replacing it with a network-produced news special. (more…)
by Charlotte Wilson | May 8, 2013 | Mormons in the News
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often inadvertently referred to as the Mormon Church) have great programs in place to help them serve the community. One of the most noteworthy programs is Mormon Helping Hands. Mormon Helping Hands reaches out to poor and struggling communities and provides volunteers to help accomplish community projects. One of the most recent Mormon Helping Hands took place in Rancho Santa Margarita, California.
Working together as families and friends
On April 27, 2013, families from all over southern California came to volunteer with Mormon Helping Hands. Men, women, and children donned the yellow vests and went to work on a landscaping project and a food drive. Parents brought their children with them, which made this day of service a wonderful family opportunity. Adult volunteers worked on applying mulch to a dog park, planting decorative plants by a parking lot, and repainting park benches. Youth and children volunteers collected food and hygiene items from neighbors and brought them to a local LDS chapel as part of a food drive for Second Harvest Food Bank.
On this one Saturday family members of all sizes had the opportunity to connect with others in the community. Through this service, parents not only taught their children about the value of hard work, but they also taught them the value of reaching out to those in need and the importance of connecting to your community. (more…)
