Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or the Mormon church, have a tradition of gathering together as families or small groups on Monday nights to share a fun activity or a spiritual lesson. These "Family Home Evenings" can present a challenge for singles who want to follow the spirit of this tradition but do not have family members readily available. There are many ways, however, that singles can honor the sacredness and value of family and community, even when they live alone.
Self
Singles have a great opportunity to spend time in quiet contemplation and study. Family Home Evening can be a time to study specific topics in the scriptures, memorize hymns, read conference talks and prepare lessons for church. Monday nights can also be used to write in your journal, make goals and spend extra time in prayer and to seek spiritual guidance.
Family
Even though singles may live far away from any family members, they can still keep the spirit of Family Home Evening by dedicating one evening per week to connecting with family in some way. Singles can write letters to family members, research their family's genealogy, record memories of family life, research and write down the history of an ancestor, or send out special occasion cards or notes of encouragement to various relatives. Singles with a large family that is spread out over several states could offer to build and maintain a blog that allows individual members to submit pictures and news so everyone can keep up with important events in the lives of family members.
Church
Many LDS congregations, or wards, have a special group for singles. These singles groups often meet for Family Home Evenings ,and individuals take turns hosting, presenting gospel lessons and providing refreshments. If a singles' group is not available in your area, consider joining a family in your ward that you are friends with and offer to present a lesson or bring a special treat. Elderly couples might particularly enjoy having an extra member join them for Family Home Evening. Another idea is to set aside a weekly or monthly time to visit the temple in honor of Family Home Evening.
Community
Singles can use Family Home Evening to perform service in their communities. Volunteer to help with an adult literacy program, animal rescue group or to help out at a homeless shelter to improve your community and serve the people who live there. If you'd rather stay home, you can make a quilt for a humanitarian aid organization, volunteer to take calls for emergency helplines or write letters of encouragement to military personnel, missionaries or church leaders.
Tags: Family Home, Family Home Evening, Home Evening, family members, Family Home Evenings