Fully Participate in the Ward to Which You Belong

Every time I move into a new ward, I schedule an appointment with the bishop. In that appointment, I introduce myself, telling him what I am doing in my life, explaining how I feel about the gospel, and placing myself at the Lord's service. This usually leads to my receiving some responsibility in the ward, at which I try to do my best.

I have occasionally heard some single men complain about not being able to hold certain callings because of their marital status. Although it's true that there are some callings that a single brother cannot hold—he cannot be a bishop, for example—I have found that there are many more ways I can serve than ways I cannot. The way I see it is that this is Christ's church, not mine. I want to do everything I can to help His work succeed.

I also try to get to know the other members of the ward, married and single. For instance, when I have been new to a ward, I obtain a copy of the ward list. Then, either before or after church, I call someone I do not yet know and ask if I can deliver some bread or other treats I have made. When I deliver them, I usually have an opportunity to talk with the ward members I'm visiting and get to know them a little bit. Later, after getting to know most members of the ward, I pay attention to new families who attend the ward, writing down their address and delivering treats to them during the upcoming week. Many have appreciated that someone noticed them and welcomed them into the ward. Doing this has helped me to get to know people in the ward and feel as though I can talk to and do things with them.