Farewells and homecomings and there dinners

[grapevine]

Are they still a big deal? Do Parents still speak, Do people still do musical numbers? I seen a few where that happens. More often than not scheduled High Council speaker speaks if it takes place then, Last, and Bishop asks other members to speak as well. Since Gordon said to tone open houses down I think they did. However they still have big dinners. Where people miss other block meetings to attend them. Past Sunday some girls skipped mutual to attend farewell dinner. Took whole class there. Some that had little to do with the family and just moved in.

I seen dinner invitations given out in farewell talk. Anyone can come. Ones before Gordon said to tone down where all it was a thank this person and that person you invited speakers. Some where long winded. Friends of missionary talked about the person going out. High school buds, college buds though that will be rare now since most go out of High School young men, Mission buds for homecoming seem to have no problem inviting themselves to free meal and often not bringing things.

Do people still have farewells and homecomings with family speakers and special musical numbers? And are there Wad Dinners after for the missionary coming and going. Many people don't mind inviting themselves to those things.

[statman]

Are they still a big deal? Do Parents still speak, Do people still do musical numbers? I seen a few where that happens. More often than not scheduled High Council speaker speaks if it takes place then, Last, and Bishop asks other members to speak as well. Since Gordon said to tone open houses down I think they did. However they still have big dinners. Where people miss other block meetings to attend them. Past Sunday some girls skipped mutual to attend farewell dinner. Took whole class there. Some that had little to do with the family and just moved in.

I seen dinner invitations given out in farewell talk. Anyone can come. Ones before Gordon said to tone down where all it was a thank this person and that person you invited speakers. Some where long winded. Friends of missionary talked about the person going out. High school buds, college buds though that will be rare now since most go out of High School young men, Mission buds for homecoming seem to have no problem inviting themselves to free meal and often not bringing things.

Do people still have farewells and homecomings with family speakers and special musical numbers? And are there Wad Dinners after for the missionary coming and going. Many people don't mind inviting themselves to those things.

They're not supposed to happen any more. No family program. No "In the Hollow of Thy Hand." Missionaries speak, but not necessarily even about missionary work - although it would be a little weird if they didn't tie missionary working there somehow.

Homecomings aren't supposed to be much different - missionaries are supposed to be assigned a topic to speak on just like everyone else - again with sometime to what the returned missionary had done during their mission fully anticipated. But it's not supposed to be a travelogue of his/her last two years.

[RC Vikings]

They're not supposed to happen any more. No family program. No "In the Hollow of Thy Hand." Missionaries speak, but not necessarily even about missionary work - although it would be a little weird if they didn't tie missionary working there somehow.

Homecomings aren't supposed to be much different - missionaries are supposed to be assigned a topic to speak on just like everyone else - again with sometime to what the returned missionary had done during their mission fully anticipated. But it's not supposed to be a travelogue of his/her last two years.

The old style farewell got out of hand and I was glad to see that change but I think some have taken it to far. I think the best farewells are when a kid stands up and talks about the reasons why he is going on a mission, how different people in the ward helped and influenced him to go and than a big thank you to his family. Fifteen minutes is plenty. For a homecoming I like to hear a little about their mission, talk about the church and the growth of the church in the area, talk about people you came in contact with and the change the gospel had in their life and if you learned a language then by all means share your testimony in that language. These RM's will have plenty of opportunities to give boring sacrament meeting talks the rest of their lives, the ward will have plenty of weeks to fill with boring sacrament meeting talks, these weeks are special to the kid and his family, let them be that way.

[cougjunkie]

The old style farewell got out of hand and I was glad to see that change but I think some have taken it to far. I think the best farewells are when a kid stands up and talks about the reasons why he is going on a mission, how different people in the ward helped and influenced him to go and than a big thank you to his family. Fifteen minutes is plenty. For a homecoming I like to hear a little about their mission, talk about the church and the growth of the church in the area, talk about people you came in contact with and the change the gospel had in their life and if you learned a language then by all means share your testimony in that language. These RM's will have plenty of opportunities to give boring sacrament meeting talks the rest of their lives, the ward will have plenty of weeks to fill with boring sacrament meeting talks, these weeks are special to the kid and his family, let them be that way.

I agree with this.

The old style did get out of hand with Mom, dad, little brother and sister all speaking. Grandpas from each side giving prayers, Mom picking the hymns. Asking the congregation to rise and sing "Called to Serve". Cousin Susie bringing in her harp and playing a song.

[FN Phat]

What do you have against the harp? I'm guessing that your issue had more to do with cousin Susie than the harp.