I must preface this post by saying I live in a fabulous neighborhood, made of a lot of fabulous people. Even though I don't attend the LDS church like most of my neighbors, they generally are fairly kind to me and my family. Most of the neighbors will talk to me on the street, know Miss Lily, and will let JB hang out with their kids. I say most, because not all are so friendly, but this post is not about them. It isn't even really about my LDS ward, though they are the example I am using...see we apparently are on the LDS ward roster because we are often invited to attend church functions and receive invitations like this one taped to our mailbox frequently. We have lived in our home 5 years, and we are invited to events about once a month, or at least once every other month, so we have received a lot of invitations. While I am glad they are making an effort to let me know of what is going on, am I the only one who sees a problem with the invitation? Granted, I probably shouldn't even post this as I am probably going to irritate someone, and that is NOT my intention, but rather, I'd like to inform, educate, inspire. I like that the invitation clearly states what it is I'm being invited to (Relief Society Christmas Social.) I like the bright Christmas colors, and that if I come I should bring something to share, there will be time to visit, and a short program. I'm OK with that. Thanks for letting me know what to expect. Now for the part that bugs me. Lets pretend I actually DID want to go... I am not an active participant in your congregation. I have NO IDEA who the person XXXX is so have no idea where her home is. There is no address on the invitation. There is no phone number for me to contact for more information (like an address...) So, it makes me wonder if I was really being invited, or was I just given an invitation with no information so that I really couldn't show up even if I wanted too. For the record, I do not think that was the case, as like I said I have lived here 5 years, and have always received an invitation, but 95% of the time there is no address or information. It will usually say "at the ward house" or at the "Stake Center" and I think putting the address on the invitation is something that is honestly not thought about...I mean everyone knows where the ward house is, right? From my deck, I can see 3 steeples. I have no idea which one is my ward house. I don't know if any of them are designated as stake centers. I can honestly say that I didn't even know what ward I was in until LAST NIGHT when someone from the ward left a cute little Christmas tree ornament on our door with an invitation to the 15th ward Christmas Service...at the ward house, but this time there was actually an ADDRESS attached! I know I certainly have not done my part to learn what ward I am in, I am very happy with my attendance to the Episcopal Church, and truly have no intention of attending my LDS ward services, so I shouldn't be bothered by no address because I don't plan on going anyway, but the truth is, it bugs me. A lot! I guess I am posting this as a public service announcement to anyone who wants to invite someone to an event, for any reason. Please just put the address on the invitation, or include a contact number so someone could find the address if needed. Who knows, maybe you'll even get someone like me to show up.
1 comment:
Super good point. I'm in the process now of calling a bunch of new families and letting them know exactly where the cookie exchange is for this evening. The lady in church just said at so and so's house. Most of the new families don't even know 6' blonde with 4" hills so and so. Our culture, just assumes and I for one have been made an ass more than once. ha
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