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Show Elder James E. Faust, Assistant to the Twelve, and managing director of the Melchizedek Priesthood MIA spoke to the General Priesthood session concerning the adult single members of the church over 18 years of age. Referring to these persons, who on occasion have been referred to as the forgotten ones, Elder Faust said, We have been deeply moved and sobered as we have heard a common thread running through the expressions of many of the single adults. Loneliness and discouragement are, for some, their most constant companions. "Most of the single adult members are well adjusted to life and its problems, but they still need the loving attention from the church and its members to reaffirm their usefulness and the love which God has for each of them. They are not problem people, but many have problems, often not of their own making. The proper and rightful focus of the church on the home and family frequently causes the single members, who have no companion and family, to feel left out. We must begin by trying to reach the one every single individual. We want all to feel that they belong to the church in the context of Pauls message to the Ephesians, Ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and of the household of God. (Eph. 2:19). In our minds we draw two circles: One for the Young Adults, who are of the age of 18 to 25, and including all, whether at home, away from home, on campus, on missions or in the military, within the circle. We draw another circle and include all of those age 26 and over in the Special Interests, whether never married, widow, widower or divorced. Everyone who is single belongs in one of these two circles. There are none who are outside the circles. We believe that every single member of the church may be reached through three fundamental principles: 1. Priesthood direction and correlation 2. Individual President Harold B. Lee referred to the organization of the priesthood-orienteMIAs as, potentially one of the most significant changes in the church in our lifetime. Bishop Victor L. Brown presented to the general priesthood the full scope of the Aaronic Priesthood MIA. d He said, 1 can testify to you that it came through inspiration from the Lord, and added that it fulfills in large measure, a prophesy of President Joseph F. Smith, who said the Lord made provision in the church whereby every need may be met and satisfied through the regular organizations of the priesthood. Bishop Brown emphasized that the basic responsibility for our young people rests first jointly with parents and the youth themselves. The church and its organizations exist to aid parents in their sacred callings, he said, and explained the changes in organization as follows : The Presiding Bishopric, as tne presof the Aaronic Priesthood, assisted by the Young Mens and Young Womens Aaronic Priesthood MIA and board, which constitute the General Aaronic Priesthood MIA Committee, become responsible on the general level for supporting the parents of youth ages 12 to 18. The MIA under this reorganization becomes part of the priesthood and is no longer an auxiliary. Until tonight, (April 7) this change idency pres-denci- involvement has been limited to the general level of the church, he said. Bishop Brown introduced the change as far as the Aaronic Priesthood MIA is concerned to the stakes, missions, wards, and branches of the church. Let us begin with the ward organization. The bishopric is the presidency of the Aaronic Priesthood. This now means the total priesthood responsibility for Aaronic Priesthood MIA in the ward. The bishopric is directly responsible for all young men and women between the ages of 12 and 18. The bishop is president of the Priest Quorum and responsible for all pnest-ag- e girls. One counselor boys and I.aurel-ag- e is responsible for all Teacher-ag- e boys and Mia Maid-ag- e girls; the coun- for the Deacon-ag- e boys and girls. The bishopric will call and set apart four adult male ieaders. One will be the president of the Aaronic Priesthoixl MIA Young Men. He will coordinate all activities of the youth leaders in the above three age groups under the direction of the bishopric. selor, Beehive-ag- e He will in large measure assume the responsibilities formerly held by the General Secretary-Aaroni- c Priesthood Youth. The other three will be advisers to these specific age groups and will be responsible for all their activities and functions. For instance, the deacon adviser will teach the deacons quorum in Priesthood meeting, be the scoutmaster, and be involved in the activities of all the 12 3. Flexibility All activities will function under the priesthood. Under the principle of individual involvement, priesthood leaders will advise and direct, but should encourage the growth and development of the single through boys. The other two advisers will have the same responsibility for their age groups. The bishopric will likewise call four adult women leaders. One will be set apart as the president of the Aaronic Priesthood MIA Young Women. The other three will be set apart as advisers to the three age groups, namely. Laurels, Mia Maids, and Beehives just as their counterparts are the advisers to the young men. The Aaronic Priesthood MIA Young Womens president will then coordinate all activities for the young women under the direct supervision of the bishopric as does her counterpart for the young men. A service and activity committee composed of not more than three men andor women will be called to function under the direction of both presidents to provide leadership in these areas with special emphasis on service. There is a great desire in the hearts of our young people to be of service to their fellowmen service such as helping a widow with her yard, taking a Family Home Evening program to an elderly shut-in- , helping the poor, the sick, the handicapped, or those who are in emotional distress. This limited committee will also be responsible for the activity projects such as dance, drama, sports, athletics, etc. These leaders will not be known as drama director, dance director, etc., but will function on a broad base. When the bishopric and Aaronic Priesthood MIA presidents and youth leaders request as adults by delegating to them all appropriate responsibility in conceiving, planning, preparing and executing their activities! This should be done within the context of the recent teaching of the General Authorities by President Lee, when he referred to the scripture, Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty. (D. & C. 107:99) President Lee placed the empha- - sistance in service and activity areas, this committee or its members individually will assume the responsibility. The committee will have available to them specialists in various areas of activity on a temporary basis. They may be adults or youth. For instance, a drama night will be directed by a member of the activity committee assisted by a specialist whom the bishop calls for that special project only. The two presidents of the Aaronic Priesthood MIA will each have a secretary to complete the ward organization. The Bishops Youth Committee composed of quorum and class officers will continue to function but with greater emphasis placed on leadership training for the youth. Young quorum and class presidencies have much to offer if helped to learn and allowed to perform in their callings. It is of the utmost urgency that every bishop in the church organize his Bishops Youth Committee and help them to function effectively in this new organization. Their involvement and contributions are of great importance to this realignment of responsibilities. The bishopric now has more direct priesthood responsibility for all youth of the ward between 12 and 18 than ever before, but in partnership with parents and utilizing the energy and talent of youth themselves as fully as possible. This modified organization is primarily ward-oriente- In many aspects the stake organia- - |