Priesthood Power!

On March 7th, Johnny turned 12 years old. It's a huge deal for boys in our church, because that is when they first receive the priesthood. Boys from age 12 until age 14 are ordained as deacons. Deacons pass the sacrament in church and assist other priesthood holders and the Bishop as needed. In order to receive the priesthood, young men must be interviewed by the Bishop, who determines whether or not they are keeping the commandments, living righteously, and are otherwise eligible to receive the priesthood. They are then interviewed every six months by the Bishop, or as needed, to check how they are doing and receive guidance as deemed necessary.

There are two priesthoods in the church: the Aaronic (or lesser priesthood) named after Aaron from the Bible, and the Melchizedek priesthood, named after (you guessed it!) Melchizedek. Each priesthood has offices with differing responsibilities. In church on March 10th, it was announced that Johnny had graduated from primary and was worthy to be ordained as a deacon. On March 17th, during priesthood, Johnny was ordained by Brother Nick Musick, the young men's president in the ward.  In the circle of men who surrounded him during his ordination and blessing were the Bishop, Brother Scoffield (from the Bishop's Storehouse), Brother Peterson (our home teacher), and Nick Sanders (Johnny's brother-in-law). This past Sunday, he passed the sacrament for the first time. It was fun to see him dressed in his suit and carrying out his responsibilities with solemnity.

Now we have two priesthood holders in the house! Joe will be turning 16 this summer, after which he will be ordained to be a priest. Priests bless the sacrament, perform baptisms, and assist other priesthood holders with their responsibilities.

I feel very blessed to have the priesthood power here in our home. :)