Wards and branches (congregations) of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are encouraged to have activities that involve all of its members. Their purpose is to help members become friends with one another, care for each other and share each other’s burdens.
Those who plan the activities for the ward are encouraged to plan activities that will involve all of the members from young children to the elderly. They are reminded that they should not always employ the youth to provide childcare or serve or clean up. They are also supposed to keep the activity within a reasonable time limit so that those cleaning up afterward do not have to stay up too late.
Many LDS ward activities include an abundance of food and the often joked about LDS food Jell-o, but Church leaders encourage wards not to make refreshments too big of a deal so that everyone can enjoy the activity, instead of half the ward being in the kitchen.
Creating ward traditions is one way to create togetherness within the ward. Annual chili cook-offs, ice cream parties, Valentine’s dances, talent shows, game nights, service projects and picnics are great ideas for ward traditions.
President James E. Faust, in the First Presidency of the Church has said, “We should bear in mind that the success of a given activity cannot always be judged by its size. Rather, it must be judged by its effect on the lives of those participating.” Ward activities do not have to be elaborate or expensive. Some times some of the best activities are the most simple.