In 2018 FamilySearch introduced a wonderful feature called, “Ordinances Ready.”
“Ordinances Ready is a FamilySearch tool that simplifies finding names for the temple, allowing you more time to serve your family and enjoy the blessings of the temple…
“Ordinances Ready is super simple to use! From the Ordinances Ready web page, all you have to do is select an ordinance, and the feature will search for available family names. On the app, you simply tap the green button and select an ordinance to start searching…
“Ordinances Ready will search the Family Tree, shared lists, and the temple inventory for available family names. If none are available, Ordinances Ready will find temple names that have been submitted to the temple by any patron.” February 6, 2020 Blog – by FamilySearch
For individuals and consultants this has been a powerful tool to become involved with temple and family history work. Going to the temple with an ordinance is very satisfying but going to the temple ready for your ancestor’s ordinance on that paper is even more thrilling!
I would like to encourage you once your ancestor’s ordinance is reserved through the Ordinance Ready feature or other programs, take ten additional minutes, go to their Family Tree person page and follow four simple steps so that YOU are ready for your ancestor’s ordinances.
One: Standardize their vital information. “When you enter a date or place into Family Tree, the system shows you how the date or place should be formatted. That is called the standard format. When you use the standard format, it improves people’s search results.” – FamilySearch. To learn about standardizing, see thefhguide.com, FamilySearch, Project 1, Goal 6.
Two: Make sure that your ancestor has two sources attached. A source could be, among others, a birth, marriage, or death record or a census. These sources give evidence of the individual’s identity. By taking this step, I had the experience of finding other family members that were not yet added to Family Tree! It was so worth taking the time to find the rest of my ancestor’s family and adding them! See thefhguide.com, FamilySearch, Project 1, Goal 8.
Three: Check for duplicates. A duplicate in Family Tree is any record that represents the same person as another record in Family Tree. By resolving duplicate records, we create one accurate record for each person in Family Tree and we eliminate duplicating ordinances so our time can be better spent doing ordinances for those who still need them. See thefhguide.com, FamilySearch, Project 1, Goal 11.
Four: View your relationship by clicking on the link in the upper right-hand corner of a person’s page and spend a little time getting acquainted with your ancestor. Who were their parents? Were they married? Did they have children? When and where did they live? Find the answers by spending a few minutes with your ancestor on their Family Tree person page.
Taking the time to follow these four simple steps will help YOU be ready for your ancestor’s ordinances. I promise it will enrich your experience and be a blessing for you both!
Janet Helland – Patron Services and Training, GFHC