Moment: Creating a Ward Family
Contributed By Kathryn Ipson, Cedar City 16th Ward, Cedar City Utah Cross Hollows Stake
Article Highlights
- The Websters made a ward a family for two children by bringing them to church every Sunday.
“It doesn’t matter who you are, member or nonmember; if you live in our ward boundaries, someone will be at your doorstep and by your side to help strengthen and love you.” —Kathryn Ipson, Cedar City 16th Ward, Cedar City Utah Cross Hollows Stake
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Whether it is in a family, a ward family, or the community, service to others is one way Church members are able to follow the example of the Savior.
On Mormon.org it says, “Church members have many opportunities to serve. We can do small acts of kindness for our neighbors, take part in community service, fulfill responsibilities within our local congregations, or contribute to the Church’s large-scale humanitarian efforts. These actions, whether great or small, let us feel the happiness of connecting with our brothers and sisters and remind us that God often allows us to be the answer to someone else’s prayers.”
One woman shares a story of how the love and support of others in her ward family has helped her and another family in need.
“In sacrament meeting one Sunday, I saw a beautiful example of … love as a couple returned home from serving a mission in Salt Lake City.
“Prior to serving their mission, Brother JN Webster and Sister Sharon Webster would bring two children in their ward to church every Sunday. The children’s mother, whose husband worked away from home, did not always make it to church, so over the past years the Websters would bring her children to church. If the Websters had to be out of town, they would call someone in the ward to pick up the children so they wouldn’t miss their meetings.
“On that Sunday, the youngest boy, Michael, a deacon, passed the sacrament, and his younger sister, Michelle, was in attendance. They were sitting with the James and Tiffany Matthews family. The Matthews family now brings them to church each week and has them over for family home evening.
“As the services ended, many people wanted to say hello and welcome the Websters back home. … I watched as Michael and Michelle came and stood quietly next to me, waiting to say hello to the Websters.
“When Sister Webster saw them, a big smile came to her face, and I saw the faces of all of them just glowing with love as she put an arm around each one—hugging them several times. The children are quite shy, but they could not hide the love they feel for the Websters.
“It doesn’t matter who you are, member or nonmember; if you live in our ward boundaries, someone will be at your doorstep and by your side to help strengthen and love you.
“After 60 years of marriage, my husband recently passed away, and I too have felt the sincere love of so many neighbors and wonderful ward members.”
