Episode Summary: Sacrament in Space • followHIM Favorites • March 24 - 30 • Come Follow Me

Release Date: March 20, 2025
Hosts: Hank Smith & John Glenn
Podcast: followHIM Favorites

Introduction to Sacrament in Space

In this episode of followHIM Favorites, hosts Hank Smith and John Glenn delve into an extraordinary story that intertwines faith with the vastness of space. Focusing on Sections 27 and 28 of the Come, Follow Me curriculum, the discussion centers around the sacrament and its profound significance, even in the most unconventional settings.

John Glenn’s Unique Sacramental Experience

John Glenn opens the conversation by expressing his fascination with repetitive prayers and the sacrament, highlighting their beauty and spiritual depth. He introduces an extraordinary account involving Don Lind, a fellow Latter-day Saint and space shuttle astronaut.

John Glenn [00:43]: "I just love to listen to the words of the prayer."
John Glenn [00:43]: "Another thing I love, Hank, is airplanes and astronauts and space."

John shares a personal and awe-inspiring experience of conducting the sacrament while aboard the International Space Station.

John Glenn [00:57]: "We were up there on a Sunday. Our bishop had given me permission to hold my own sacrament service."
John Glenn [01:14]: "I held my sacrament service in my sleep station, something like a Pullman berth... I will remember that sacrament service and the renewing of my baptismal covenants high above the earth."

Conducting the sacrament in a weightless environment presented unique challenges, such as floating during the service. John humorously recounts attempting to maintain composure amidst the microgravity.

John Glenn [00:57]: "You keep drifting off. That's funny. Literally, right? We all drift off in meetings, but not literally."
Hank Smith [03:00]: "I just picture a priest in the ward floating around. Right. You better brace yourself then."

Spiritual Reflections and Moral Alignment

The episode takes a contemplative turn as John shares insights from an Ensign article published in November 1985. He recounts a conversation with Sister Charlene Wells, Miss America, at the Space Center, which offers a metaphorical perspective on maintaining spiritual integrity.

John Glenn [02:49]: "Sister Wells made a comment... She said, the world thinks we are completely upside down. They think our moral values are foolish, our standards are restrictive, our beliefs are quaint but outdated."
John Glenn [02:59]: "The important thing is that we make sure that we keep ourselves right side up, aligned with the Lord, even if it makes the whole world look upside down."

This profound statement underscores the importance of steadfastness in faith, regardless of external perceptions or challenges. It draws a parallel between feeling physically "upside down" in space and the metaphorical "upside-down" view of society towards LDS values.

John Glenn [02:59]: "The Lord says in Section 27, he said, I'm not overly concerned about what you eat or what you drink. This is what it's important that you do it with an eye single to my glory."

Practical Applications and Encouragement

Hank Smith emphasizes the applicability of these insights to daily life, encouraging listeners to approach the sacrament with wholehearted intent.

Hank Smith [03:30]: "The Lord says in Section 27, he said, I'm not overly concerned about what you eat or what you drink. This is what it's important that you do it with an eye single to my glory. I think we could all do that this week for the sacrament."

John concurs, highlighting that the location of the sacrament is secondary to the sincerity and focus of the participants.

John Glenn [03:54]: "But it's about an eye single to the glory of God."

Concluding Thoughts and Upcoming Content

The hosts wrap up the episode by reflecting on the unique nature of conducting the sacrament in space and the timelessness of its sacred significance. They humorously imagine explaining this scenario to early church leaders like Joseph Smith.

Hank Smith [03:45]: "You can do it in space for all I care."
Hank Smith [03:57]: "Can't you imagine telling Joseph Smith and the early saints when they write the sacrament prayer, one day this is going to be done in space by a man who's floating away."

Hank also promotes the main followHIM Podcast, inviting listeners to engage with upcoming content featuring Dr. Matt Richardson, promising fresh and phenomenal insights.

Hank Smith [03:57]: "We hope you'll join us on our full podcast. It's called Follow Him. You can get it wherever you get your podcasts."
Hank Smith [03:57]: "We are going to be with Dr. Matt Richardson this week. Matt has a lot of experience in the church. He's going to show you some things that you've never seen before. It's pretty phenomenal."

Key Takeaways

• Sacrament’s Universality: The sacrament holds sacred importance regardless of location, even in space, emphasizing its eternal relevance.

• Maintaining Spiritual Alignment: Despite societal perceptions that may deem LDS values as "upside down," maintaining alignment with the Lord ensures spiritual integrity.

• Sincere Worship: The focus of the sacrament should always be on seeking God's glory with sincere intent, transcending external circumstances.

• Inspirational Leadership: Leaders like Don Lind and Sister Charlene Wells exemplify how faith can be lived out authentically, even in extraordinary settings.

Notable Quotes

• John Glenn [02:59]: "The important thing is that we make sure that we keep ourselves right side up, aligned with the Lord, even if it makes the whole world look upside down."

• Hank Smith [03:30]: "I'm not overly concerned about what you eat or what you drink... Do it with an eye single to my glory."

• John Glenn [03:54]: "It's about an eye single to the glory of God."

This episode of followHIM Favorites masterfully blends a unique narrative with profound spiritual insights, encouraging listeners to uphold their faith with unwavering dedication, no matter the circumstances.

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Disclaimer: The followHIM Podcast is not affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The opinions expressed on episodes represent the views of the guest and podcasters alone.