Fourth hour added to accommodate surge in testimonies

Source: Godda Eetsun

Members of DC 2nd will attend an extra hour of meetings each Fast & Testimony Sunday. The decision was made after complaints from Sunday School teachers prompted the bishopric to change the three hour block schedule.

“It’s just not fair that our [Sunday School] teachers only get like two minutes to teach their lessons on Fast Sunday,” remarked Brad G., current Sunday School president. “It’s like they’re afraid to shorten Elders Quorum and Relief Society or something.”

Recent months have witnessed a surge in the number of testimonies given during the hour-long meeting. The bishopric attempted to accommodate for the increase by adopting a policy to urge congregation members wishing to share their testimonies to “watch the clock” and be in the queue by “ten till the hour.” They also requested that testimonies after the 11:50 AM mark be “brief.”

Despite the policy, testimonies still lingered late into the second hour. Commentators suggested that the new fourth hour will allow greater flexibility when the first hour ends late. “Sunday School teachers will have ample time to share their messages, and there’ll be plenty of time for Relief Society and Elders Quorum too.”

The addition of a fourth hour has caused some tension among congregation members, however. Many cite the already problematic mid-day timing of DC 2nd meetings. “I can hardly make it through three hours without snapping at someone on Fast Sunday,” offered one anonymous dissenter. “By two o’clock I’m starving, and really should be home in isolation, taking a nap or something.”

Others suggested that other measures could be put in place to prevent spillover into Sunday School time. Some suggested using a signup sheet, while others thought congregation members could vote on line for testimonies they’d like to hear.

“Why do we sing all five verses of the closing hymn?” suggested another dissenter. “Couldn’t that save us from having to create a fourth hour?”

As an incentive to those opposed to the change, the bishopric promised extra special “break the fast” Munch-and-Mingles on the first Sunday of the month. Assistant Ward Clerk in charge of finance, Loren H., stated that extra funds will be diverted to the Munch-and-Mingle Committee. The extra funds will allow committee members to prepare buffet style events with gourmet meats and cheeses.