attending a small branch

[MikeWaters]

Attended a small branch yesterday with the scouts. It's always interesting to observe these branches, mainly because they hold up very favorably to normal wards. They are usually more friendly in my experience.

When the sacrament came around, I noticed that half the tray had white bread, and the other half had whole wheat bread. I looked around and I saw that every tray was the same. Half white, half whole wheat. I was kind of disappointed that they didn't have honey oat or italian herbs. Subway sacrament. The ultimate in "I don't want to distract the sacrament by having bread that someone is not comfortable with."

Interestingly there stake is having a fast next week with the hope that the branch and two other branches will grow. That a new family or two will move in, and help with the priesthood leadership. They also have two wards that were just combined and some of the members farmed out to other congregations.

I live in a stagnant stake, but we don't face half the staffing and membership issues they do.

Overall, a great experience just like the last time I attended. Priesthood lesson was especially good. Taught by a farmer with an insight or two.