Caring for Saints in the Lord's Way

This spiritual program focuses on bringing people to Christ, emphasizing the gift of discernment at all levels. Under the bishop's guidance, Relief Society and Elders Quorum help members with welfare concerns to become self-reliant. The approach aligns with Doctrine and Covenants principles, emphasizing caring for temporal needs as part of salvation and exaltation in the church community.

• Saints
• Caring
• Christ
• Welfare
• Program

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1. Caring for Saints in the Lord s Way Salt Lake Butler West Stake January 27, 2021

2. Training for Elders Quorum, Relief Society Presidencies, Bishoprics Why? What? How?

3. Caring for the Saints in the Lords Way Summary This is a spiritual program carried out temporally This program is designed to bring people to Christ The gift of discernment is a critical part of the process at every level. Learning to see people as the Savior sees them is a important aspect of the program. Under the direction of the bishop, RS and EQ help members become self-reliant and find solutions to short- term and long-term welfare concerns. The bishop retains the responsibility of critical decisions using his sacred mantle of judgment to assist him.

4. Caring for the Saints in the Lords Way General Handbook 22.0 Caring for those who have temporal needs is part of the work of salvation and exaltation. This responsibility applies to all members of the church as they minister to one another.

5. Caring for the Saints in the Lords Way Doctrine and Covenants 104:14-17 14 I, the Lord, stretched out the heavens, and built the earth, my very handiwork; and all things therein are mine. 15 And it is my purpose to provide for my saints, for all things are mine. 16 But it must needs be done in mine own way; and behold this is the way that I, the Lord, have decreed to provide for my saints, that the poor shall be exalted, in that the rich are made low. 17 For the earth is full, and there is enough and to spare; yea, I prepared all things, and have given unto the children of men to be agents unto themselves.

6. Caring for the Saints in the Lords Way

7. Roles of Ward Leaders with Welfare Assistance, Handbook 22.6.1 The Bishop has the divine mandate to seek out and care for those with temporal needs. He delegates much of this work to the Relief Society and Elders Quorum presidencies. However, certain duties are performed only by the bishop Bishop-Key roles: Determines the type, amount and duration of any temporal assistance Approves fast offering assistance Ensures principles and policies for providing temporal assistance Personally reviews members Self reliance plans Review any assistance given during the previous 3 years on the finance section of the LCR. 22.5.1.1

8. Caring for the Saints in the Lords Way Short term- Handbook, 22.3.2 Church assistance might include help with short- term needs such as food, hygiene items, clothing, housing or other basics. Bishops have the primary responsibility in making decisions but may work with Relief Society and Elders Quorum Presidents to assess the need and follow through with meeting those needs. Bishops may also call Welfare Specialists to assist in this work.

9. Caring for the Saints in the Lords Way Handbook 22.3 Welfare is central to the work of the elders quorum and the Relief Society. In Elders Quorum and Relief Society presidency meetings, leaders plan ways to teach principles of self-reliance and service and to address welfare needs. Under the direction of the bishop, these leaders help members become self-reliant and find solutions to short-term and long-term welfare concerns.

10. Caring for the Saints in the Lords Way Principles of Success The order of inviting assistance. Handbook 22.4 1. Individuals themselves- savings, sacrifices, other individual resources 2. Individual s family- including parents, siblings and others. 3. The Government and community resources 4. The Church ..through the Fast Offering Program.

11. Caring for the Saints in the Lords Way Principle of the Law of the Fast

12. Caring for the Saints in the Lords Way Principle of the Law of the Fast A picture containing text, outdoor, person Description automatically generated

13. Caring for the Saints in the Lords Way Long Term Handbook 22.3.3 Long Term Needs Many short-term problems are caused by long- term difficulties such as poor health, lack of skills, inadequate education or employment, lifestyle habits, and emotional challenges. Melchizedek Priesthood and Relief Society leaders have a special responsibility to help members address these concerns. Their goal is to address long-term concerns in ways that lead to lasting change.

14. Caring for the Saints in the Lords way Long Term As Melchizedek Priesthood and Relief Society leaders including ministering brothers and sisters become aware of long-term needs, they respond compassionately to help individuals and families. They use resources available in their organizations and in the ward. They pray for guidance to know how to provide assistance. General Handbook 22.3.3 Long Term Needs

16. Principles of Providing Church Assistance Encourage personal and family responsibility Provide temporary assistance for essential needs. Provide resources or services rather than cash. Offer work or service opportunities. Keep information about church assistance confidential

17. Caring for the Saints in the Lords Way Basic Needs First The Welfare Program of the Church is designed to care for the basic needs of life: 1. Food 2. Shelter 3. Health 4. Clothing 5. Facilitate employment (bus pass, car repair, etc.) It is not to maintain a certain lifestyle, i.e. cable, Netflix account, fast food, etc.

18. Caring for the Saints in the Lords Way Order of Services Order of services provided by the church 1. Commodities Bishop s storehouse(food order)-, Deseret Industries(Clothing order) 2. Assistance for rent, utilities, or basic needs. 3. No assistance for bankruptcy or consumer debt. 4. No assistance for education (through fast offering program). Education and training provided through Deseret Industries, Pathways.

19. Caring for the Saints in the Lords Way Receiving assistance = Providing Service Receiving assistance from the church requires the individual to provide service to maintain the dignity of the assistance that is received. Service ideas include Cleaning the church Serving at the bishop s storehouse, cannery, Sandy garden, etc. Serving another member of the ward/community Other service as determined by leader. Service is not in direct equivalence to the assistance provided, i.e. if individual receives $700 in rent assistance they would not work full equivalence with Bishop s discretion. Church attendance is strongly encouraged to allow the member to grow spiritually and feel the fellowship of the saints.

20. Important Misconceptions Members do not repay fast-offering assistance they receive from the church. Bishops are not required to limit fast offering assistance for ward members to the amount of donations collected within the ward. Fast offerings may not be used to pay for consumer debt, personal loans, or to pay for a failed business investment. Bishops authorized to spend up to $5,000 in total cumulative payments for a medical condition. More authorization available from the Stake president and Area Presidency. Bishops may call Ward Welfare or Self-Reliance Specialists. On rare occasions, as guided by the Spirit, the bishop may assist non- members with fast offerings or bishops orders. Assistance can be given regardless of whether the member regularly attends church meetings or follows church standards.

21. Caring for the Saints in the Lords Way Confidentiality As the bishop and other ward leaders learn of members welfare needs and assistance that has been provided, they maintain the confidentiality of that information. They carefully safeguard the privacy and dignity of members who receive assistance. They are careful not to embarrass members who need assistance.

22. Caring for the Saints in the Lords Way Confidentiality There may be times when it would be helpful for the entire ward council, and perhaps other ward members, to know about the welfare needs of an individual or family. For example, when a member is unemployed or looking for a better job, others may be able to help the member find a job more quickly. In such cases, the bishop and other leaders generally seek the needy members permission to share information about their situations.

23. Caring for the Saints in the Lords Way Summary This is a spiritual program carried out temporally This program is designed to bring people to Christ The gift of discernment is a critical part of the process at every level. Learning to see people as the Savior sees them is a important aspect of the program. Under the direction of the bishop, RS and EQ help members become self-reliant and find solutions to short- term and long-term welfare concerns. The bishop retains the responsibility of critical decisions using his sacred mantle of judgment to assist him.