Linger longer is becoming Minister & Mingle

This message was sent via email to all ward members, 9 February 2024.

---

Dear brothers and sisters,

As regular church meetings and activities returned following the COVID-19 pandemic, the Jamaica 1st Ward instituted a monthly “linger longer”. While food and socializing are significant elements of linger longers, the primary purpose is to provide a space for members to fulfill their responsibilities as ministering brothers and sisters.

We have been concerned that this central focus has been lost. So, with the counsel and support of the ward council, we are implementing these changes, effective this Sunday, 11 February 2024:

• Linger longer will be renamed Minister & Mingle.
• A full meal will no longer be served, and ward members should not bring food. Rather, light refreshments will be provided by the ward.
  • The exceptions to this will be the gatherings for Mother’s Day (12 May), Father’s Day (16 June), and Thanksgiving (24 November).
• Tables will no longer be set up in the cultural hall for Minister & Mingle. Chairs for those who need them will be set up along the perimeter of the room.
• Elders quorum, Relief Society, Aaronic Priesthood quorum, and Young Women presidencies have been instructed to distribute ministering assignments and discuss ministering responsibilities in their second-hour meetings before Minister & Mingle.

Ministering is a basic responsibility shared by all church members ages 14 and older. In the Book of Mormon the prophet Alma explains that at baptism we covenant, among other things, to be “willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light; … mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort” (Mosiah 18:8–9). In the church’s General Handbook modern church leaders instruct, “Ministering means serving others as the Savior did (see Matthew 20:26–28). He loved, taught, prayed for, comforted, and blessed those around Him (see Acts 10:38). As disciples of Jesus Christ, we seek to minister to God’s children. The Lord wants all members of His Church to receive such care” (21.0).

We trust that, with your support, these changes will improve everyone’s experience with Minister & Mingle, lessen the burden on ward members to provide food and set up, and increase opportunities to fulfill covenant ministering responsibilities.

Sincerely,

Dustin Tyler Joyce
Bishop, Jamaica 1st Ward