Supportive Community: How The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Aids Its Congregation
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often mistakenly referred to as 'the Mormon Church,' offers a wide range of support and services to its members. From financial assistance to community service, the church plays a crucial role in helping members reach their full potential both in this life and the next.
Financial Assistance and Community Resources
The church finances numerous projects to support its congregation. Key areas include the building and maintenance of church buildings and facilities, such as temples and chapels, which are provided free of charge for events including weddings, funerals, and other family needs. Welfare services, such as bishop’s storehouses and Deseret Industries, are also established to assist the poor and needy.
Beyond financial contributions, the church helps when tithes and offerings in the ward are insufficient. When my father moved to a senior living facility, my brother had just a small SUV to transport his belongings. With no room for large items like a bed or recliner, I reached out to our ward members, and several responded with generous assistance. Similarly, when my father passed away, my mother's possessions were too much to manage, and within a day, ward members took most of the items, donating what they could and disposing of the rest.
When my mother passed away, she was living in Las Vegas, 400 miles away, and our bishop helped us transport some of the bigger things back to our place in Utah. These examples illustrate the church's comprehensive support network for its members.
Community Support and Social Services
The church's commitment to fostering tight-knit communities is evident in the way it supports members in times of need. When relatives pass away or when individuals are sick, the ward family pitches in to provide assistance with meals, funeral arrangements, and other necessary tasks. They bring over cookies, visit you when you are sick, invite you to parties, and even help with car repairs. The church ensures that its members have the support they need during challenging times.
For instance, when my father died, our ward members quickly came to our aid with their assistance and support. The church's website also serves as a valuable resource for coordinating needs and support. During these times, members can offer each other assistance, ensuring that no one faces challenges alone.
Educational and Empowerment Opportunities
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does more than just provide financial and social support. It offers educational and empowerment opportunities to its members. The church provides practical education and training through the CES Pathway and various other programs. Additionally, it offers an employment resource platform through Employment Services and local volunteer consultants.
This opportunity to network with like-minded individuals who are often in higher economic classes can open new economic opportunities. Unique to the church are the Mormon Correlation programs, which ensure that church members have access to similar resources and opportunities, fostering economic mobility and stability. For instance, Utah has some of the highest levels of economic mobility and the best economic outlook in the nation, partly due to the church's emphasis on providing these opportunities.
Basic Needs and Welfare Services
Beyond social and educational support, the church also plays a significant role in helping members with basic needs. For instance, the bishops' storehouses provide assistance with rent, utility expenses, and food. In my ward, serving as the clerk who issued these checks, I witnessed the significant financial outflow from these welfare services. Considerable resources are dedicated to ensuring that members do not face hardships due to unexpected expenses.
Another example of the church's welfare services is Deseret Industries, which provides job training and assistance to those in need. These services are not only beneficial for the immediate needs of members but also empower them to improve their lives and achieve greater economic stability.
Conclusion
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints offers a holistic approach to supporting its members. From financial aid to social services, the church ensures that its members have the resources they need to thrive. Its commitment to community and support is one of its core values, reflecting the teachings of Jesus Christ.