Beware! Rant coming!

11.1 Theme and Purposes of Primary

1. 1. 
   Feel Heavenly Father’s love for them.
2. 2. 
   Learn and understand the gospel of Jesus Christ.
3. 3. 
   Feel and recognize the influence of the Holy Ghost.
4. 4. 
   Prepare to make and keep sacred covenants.

"Music in Primary should invite reverence, teach the gospel, and help children feel the influence of the Holy Ghost and the joy that comes through singing. While the children sing some songs, music leaders give them opportunities to move physically and stretch appropriately."

I have to start with this.  This is from the handbook of the church regarding Primary. I have served in Primary as Stake Primary President, Stake Music Leader, teacher, chorister and pianist.  My first calling was at age 11 in 1964.  I have been in and seen many, many years of Primary.  Today I felt I was in a different religion!  Does anybody read or follow the handbook anymore?

I joined (briefly) a facebook page where Primary choristers could share ideas.  I was more than appalled at one post that shared how she took the children outdoors so they could capture Pokemon figures!!!!!! WHAT!!??!!  I made the mistake of commenting by sharing the quotes above from the handbook.  I got a rather nasty reply from her assuring me that the Bishop had given her permission. (So, that makes it okay because Bishops don't have to follow the handbook if they haven't read it.)  I quit the facebook site.

Today was not a good day.

What happened to reverence?  The children come running down the hall from Sacrament meeting shouting.  The teachers don't get to the room until after opening exercises has already started.  The Presidency seems unprepared so huddle by the closet preparing?  The adults in the room are outshouting the children.  Am I playing prelude?  You wouldn't think so.  Nobody can hear it.  One Sunday it was so bad that I stood up in front of the children and just started doing actions to nothing until they were all copying my actions until all was quiet (finally).  I tiptoed back to the piano bench and the presidency started Primary.  Really?!

Music should be fun AND REVERENT! Christmas Bingo with snow globes, poinsettias, presents, candy canes, etc. and Hershey Kiss markers brings the spirit?  The spirit of what?!?

It doesn't really help when we follow a Primary from the other ward who obviously loves to party.  They were still cheerfully laughing and talking when we arrived.  There was so much to clean up! The trash was filled with doughnut boxes and what looked like the remnants of chocolate milk.  I picked up many candy bar wrappers and chunks of chocolate that ended up on the ground as opposed to the mouths of those who received them. I recall a directive from the church asking everyone to stop bringing food to the church unless it is for a specific ward occasion and then should only be allowed in the serving area!  Last time I looked, candy and doughnuts are food.  Not only do they make a mess, many children have food allergies. 

The pictures are of the Primary room.  This other ward has spent all year rewarding the children by making a paper chain that goes all around the room.  It is held to the wall by packing tape and Duck tape!!  The church has asked that we not use tape on walls or chalkboards.  Someone is not listening! And why do children have to be constantly rewarded with paper chains, parties, and trinkets?  How will they ever learn the sweet feeling of the Holy Ghost that comes from doing what is right?  The world rewards them enough.  The church should not reward them with the world. (Remeber this is my rant.  You can think what you want in your own blog.) Rant over.