Refreshments

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, there are certain basic aspects of the Church culture that become second nature after one has been a member for some period of time. Here are some examples. 1. We open and close each meeting with a prayer. 2. In our prayers, we should express gratitude for our blessings. 3. In our prayers, we should avoid vain repetitions - - we should mean what we say, not just utter meaningless phrases. We don't always achieve this, but this is something for which we should strive. 4. At meetings that have a social component, it is generally expected that some sort of treat will be served at the end. The official word for such treats is "refreshments." 5. When we express gratitude in our prayers, one of the things for which we should express thanks is food. 6. Generally speaking, refreshments qualify as food. 7. It is generally understood that when "sisters" bring refreshments, the refreshments will be delicious. 8. It is generally understood that when "brethren" bring refreshments, one should not expect the refreshments to be delicious. 9. In our prayers we should also ask for blessings. 10. In asking a blessing on food, people often ask that the food will "nourish and strengthen us." 11. Even when refreshments are delicious, or perhaps even moreso when they are delicious, refreshments by their nature could not necessarily be expected to "nourish or strengthen" anyone. As one considers these particular points of LDS culture, one might see that from time to time they will naturally come into conflict with each other. Take for example, elements 3, 8, 10, and 11. On the evening of Wednesday, February 15, I attended a "Combined Activity" of young men and young women ranging in age from 12 to 17. The young men had been assigned to bring the refreshments. At the conclusion of the meeting a young man name Sam, who is about 16- or 17-years-old, was called on to give the closing prayer. He happens to be the Bishop's son, the Bishop being the head of the local ward or congregation, though the Bishop was not in attendance. Sam came to a point in his prayer in which he said "Please bless the refreshments . . . " He paused in thought for some time, and then continued " . . . that they will be good." The youth were more than a little amused by Sam's predicament. We went out into the hall to "enjoy" refreshments comprised primarily of a single large plastic container of Red Vines licorice. NOTE: This entry relates to experiences that took place on February 15, but was posted on March 7.