Belong

Come and belong, and bring a friend

The Savior told a parable about a man who planned a party and invited everyone to come. But his friends didn’t accept the invitation, so he sent his servant into the streets to invite more people.

No one was to be left out, not the poor or the blind or the ones who couldn’t walk.

Do you wonder how the servant got the person who was blind to the party?
What about the person who couldn’t walk?

The servant must have done more than just invite these people. Somehow, he brought them to the gathering.

He might have guided some of them. Perhaps he carried some. When everyone was seated at the table, there was still room for more. The man who planned the party told the servant to go out and invite even more people.

He sent his servant to the edges of the city to find people who wouldn’t expect an invitation like this. He wanted the servant to tell everyone that there was a place for them at his party, that they were saving a seat for them. You can read this story in Luke 14:15–24.

You can be a friend like that!

In fact, prophets have declared that you are unusually gifted in reaching out to others. You are gifted in gathering. You understand why the Savior wants everyone to come. It’s love.

Adventure awaits

You are gathering the family of God. You are part of something bigger than just you.

You now belong to a Young Women class or Aaronic Priesthood quorum, and you are going to do some amazing things together!

Part of creating belonging is making sure everyone feels welcome.

You will have regular opportunities to brainstorm activities, put them into action, and invite your friends and others to join you.

Everyone should have an opportunity to be a part of creating meaningful and fun events!

Disciples belong

How do we create belonging?

This pattern can be used to plan activities or to counsel together with your quorum, class, or age-group presidency.

Pray together to seek guidance and revelation.
A youth leader introduces the topic.
Identify the need. How can we help?
Gather everyone’s ideas. Listen and speak with respect.
Discuss the best options, and agree on one or two.
Make a plan with support from leaders.
Give assignments, and set a time to follow up.
Youth leader expresses appreciation to all.
Counsel together.

Activity Planner

Our plan for activities, camps, and conferences

Our focus. What does God want to happen in our lives because of this activity?
Our theme. If our event needs a theme, will it come from scripture, the annual youth theme, the FSY guide, or another spiritual source?
Location
Date
Transportation
Who we will invite. Is this for our quorum or class? Are we joining with other young women or young men? With both? Who needs a personal invitation?
Activities and service. Will we learn something new or do something hard that challenges us? Are we creating a fun gathering that others will want to attend? Who will be blessed by what we’re doing?
Our safety. How will we keep everyone spiritually, emotionally, and physically safe? (see safety.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
- Are parents aware of our plans?
- Are release forms needed? (see page T12).
- Are there allergies or abilities we need to consider?
Assignments. Who will conduct, give prayers, teach, or lead the activity? How can others help?
Our budget. What is our budget for this event?
Evaluate the event.
- Did we accomplish our goal? Why or why not?
- Did our group feel the Spirit? When?
- What did we learn?
- How was our faith in Jesus Christ strengthened?
- Did we increase belonging? How could we improve?