I’m guessing M* was knocked out of service over the weekend by the huge debate over at T&S on, yes, you guessed it, Same Sex Marriage. The debate was so raucous that its effects rocked the entire Bloggernacle, temporarily disabling our server. But, we’re back.

In any case, the Church statement was supposed to be read over the pulpit on Sunday but was not in my ward. I imagine that was simply an oversight by our bishop, not a political statement of any kind. Our bishop supports the First Presidency’s position, as do I. People looking for more information on this issue should visit this website.

(In case anybody doesn’t get my sense of humor, the above was not the reason we were out of service over the weekend.)

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Regardless of whether you support the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, you should be able to support the idea of showing appreciation for our troops. I do this in very small ways: when I see troops in uniform (almost always returning from Iraq or Afghanistan), I thank them for their service in protecting me and my family.

So, with Memorial Day coming up on Monday, would you be willing to share appropriate ways to show appreciation? Perhaps it is something so small as writing a letter to a friend who is serving overseas, showing him or her you care. This article from the CSM talks about some ways communities are showing they are concerned about the troops. Check it out.

I attach a story that was sent to me in an e-mail today from the Washington Post. Sorry I have not been able to find the link. This story just filled me with a hopeful Spirit.

MORMON CHURCH
A Star Act Helps Unite The Faithful With Song
Gladys Knight Tells Of Church’s Release From Segregation

By Hamil R. Harris
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, May 23, 2006; Page B03

It almost looked like a Gladys Knight concert, except there was no “Midnight Train to Georgia.”

It could have been a Pentecostal revival, but it was a Mormon-sponsored event starring the R&B Grammy winner.

For two days, there they were: Blacks and whites rocking and clapping together in a church that was once segregated.

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We Latter-day Saints can sometimes be a pessimistic lot. Just think back to recent discussions in Gospel Doctrine — everything’s going to heck in a handbasket, right? I happen to think some societal trends are negative, but Michael Barone points out things are going quite well, thank you.

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The Wall Street Journal weekend edition reported that after-school Bible study clubs are soaring after two recent court rulings allowed them to take place. The total number of after school Good News clubs is up to about 2,500 nationally since 2001, when the first ruling took place. Many of the clubs are founded by evangelist Pat Robertson.

Parents have to give permission for their children to attend such clubs. I’m unsure whether I would give my kids permission or not.

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