Posted by:
messygoop
(
)
Date: July 19, 2019 10:37AM
I was remembering a mormon memory that my ward always had a ward pool party that was hosted at a member's house. It just hit me about all the subtle rules and nuances that members were expected to observe! No wonder recent converts had a hard time understanding members and their inability to be accepted. So for non-members, here's a run down of the expectations.
1. Adult members are not encouraged to swim in a public setting.
2. Only the high priests can sit a table adjacent to pool. This is to monitor the endless parading and showboating of their grandchildren.
3. If an adult is walking near the pool and pushes a child-young adult into the pool, it is done in good fun. Any retaliation by the youth ie splashing, yelling or trying to push the offending adult into the pool will be swiftly dealt with. The YM-YW pres or counselor will drag the kid out of the pool to be encouraged to apologize.
4. If you're part of the elder's quorum, you had better be prepared to carry, move heavy items and spend hours grilling the bbq. You're supposed to bring an extra set of clothing to change into after you soil your first set of clothing.
5. The most pious uber-righteous high priest will be called upon to offer a 12 minute prayer sermon. He will not forget to bless the hands and machinery that prepared the canned cling peaches in heavy syrup.
6. Attire is semi-casual. High priests would show up in their button down cotton shirts (tucked in) and beige trousers. Occasionally, one of their own would show up with suit coat and necktie. That social "more" breaker would be chided for not knowing how to relax and being too uptight. Sisters would show up in long summer dresses and or capris. Any sisters displaying too much leg or other unsightly blemishes would "overhear" the latest treatment of cellulitis and psoriasis. Others might hear about why tights and hosiery are so wonderful during summer. Ouch!
7. Church leaders are served first! Food plates are delivered by the young women. Everyone else gets into a giant line.
8. Do not EVER wear a bathing suit to the pool party. You bring a suit and change your clothing when finishing your swimming activity. A priesthood leader might ask to have a word with you along the fence about proper Mormon modesty.
9. The ward swim party ends on a spiritual note. PH leaders call out various members to share their testimonies and favorite scriptures. A benediction ends the social. All swimming is done for the day.
And there you have it.