My dear sisters, how blessed we are! Not only are we members of the Church, but we are also members of Relief Society—"the Lord's organization for women."1 Relief Society is evidence of God's love for His daughters.
Doesn't your heart thrill as you recall the exciting beginnings of this society? On March 17, 1842, the Prophet Joseph Smith organized the sisters "under the priesthood after the pattern of the priesthood."2
To be organized "under the priesthood" gave sisters authority and direction. Eliza R. Snow, second Relief Society general president, taught that Relief Society "cannot exist without the Priesthood, from the fact that it derives all its authority and influence from that source."3 Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained, "The authority to be exercised by the officers and teachers of the Relief Society . . . was the authority that would flow to them through their organizational connection with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and through their individual setting apart under the hands of the priesthood leaders by whom they were called."4
To be organized "after the pattern of the priesthood" gave sisters sacred responsibilities. Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president, explained: "We operate in the manner of the priesthood—which means that we seek, receive, and act on revelation; make decisions in councils; and concern ourselves with caring for individuals one by one. Ours is the priesthood purpose to prepare ourselves for the blessings of eternal life by making and keeping covenants. Therefore, like our brethren who hold the priesthood, ours is a work of salvation, service, and becoming a holy people."5
Barbara Thompson, second counselor in the Relief Society general presidency.
From the Scriptures
1 Corinthians 11:11; Doctrine and Covenants 25:3; 121:36–46
From Our History
During the construction of the Nauvoo Temple, a group of sisters desired to organize to support the building effort. Eliza R. Snow drafted bylaws for this new group. When she showed them to the Prophet Joseph, he responded: "Tell the sisters their offering is accepted of the Lord, and he has something better for them. . . . I will organize the women under the priesthood after the pattern of the priesthood."6 A short time later, the Prophet told the newly organized Relief Society: "I now turn the key to you in the name of God, and this Society shall rejoice, and knowledge and intelligence shall flow down from this time."7 The sisters were expected to rise to a new level of holiness and to prepare for the priesthood ordinances soon to be administered in the temple.
What Can I Do?
How can I help the sisters I visit enjoy the blessings of Relief Society's sacred work?
What will I do this month to increase my ability to receive personal revelation?
For more information, go to www.reliefsociety.lds.org.
Notes
1. Spencer W. Kimball, "Relief Society—Its Promise and Potential," Ensign, Mar. 1976, 4.
2. Joseph Smith, quoted in Sarah Granger Kimball, "Auto-biography," Woman's Exponent, Sept. 1, 1883, 51.
3. Eliza R. Snow, "Female Relief Society," Deseret News, Apr. 22, 1868, 81.
4. Dallin H. Oaks, "The Relief Society and the Church," Ensign, May 1992, 36.
5. Julie B. Beck, "Relief Society: A Sacred Work," Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2009, 111.
6. Joseph Smith, quoted in Kimball, "Auto-biography," 51.
7. Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (2007), 451.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Announcements
Basketball every Thursday at 6pm at the stake center.
5th - 9am Breakfast Bunch IHOP on 12th.
9th - YW/YM Multi-Stake Fireside, 7:00 pm, Mound Fort Stake Center (15th & Washington Boulevard). Modest school dress is appropriate.
10th - 6:00PM Monthly Activity. Come learn how to use the church's new family search; if you have a laptop, please bring it as you can use the ward's free wi-fi to search. Make a family tree to hang in you house-- there will be a couple of options to choose from. Make a dry soup mix to take home and feed your family-- a few opions of soup flavor will be available. Child Care Provided!
12th - World Wide Training, Lorin Farr Stake Center.
15th - Book Club 6:30 (note new time) We are reading “Snow flower and the Secret Fan” by Lisa See. For Mar we will be reading “Boy Who Dared” by Susan Bartoletti & “The Wave” by Todd Strasser.
19th - Stake Relief Society Temple Session, Ogden Temple. Meet in the chapel at 8AM for the next available session. A light brunch will be served following the session at 824 Washington Boulevard. Please RSVP to Alaina Thomson if you are able to attend the brunch.
19th - Stake Temple Session. We will meet at 2:00PM in the study and will attend the next available session.
26th - Ward Temple Session for Ward Conference - 4:00 for 4:20 session. Followed by Ward Chili Cook off
26th - Single Adult Symposium, 9AM to 12PM, Lorin Farr Stake Center
27th - Lorin Farr 5th Ward Conference
5th - 9am Breakfast Bunch IHOP on 12th.
9th - YW/YM Multi-Stake Fireside, 7:00 pm, Mound Fort Stake Center (15th & Washington Boulevard). Modest school dress is appropriate.
10th - 6:00PM Monthly Activity. Come learn how to use the church's new family search; if you have a laptop, please bring it as you can use the ward's free wi-fi to search. Make a family tree to hang in you house-- there will be a couple of options to choose from. Make a dry soup mix to take home and feed your family-- a few opions of soup flavor will be available. Child Care Provided!
12th - World Wide Training, Lorin Farr Stake Center.
15th - Book Club 6:30 (note new time) We are reading “Snow flower and the Secret Fan” by Lisa See. For Mar we will be reading “Boy Who Dared” by Susan Bartoletti & “The Wave” by Todd Strasser.
19th - Stake Relief Society Temple Session, Ogden Temple. Meet in the chapel at 8AM for the next available session. A light brunch will be served following the session at 824 Washington Boulevard. Please RSVP to Alaina Thomson if you are able to attend the brunch.
19th - Stake Temple Session. We will meet at 2:00PM in the study and will attend the next available session.
26th - Ward Temple Session for Ward Conference - 4:00 for 4:20 session. Followed by Ward Chili Cook off
26th - Single Adult Symposium, 9AM to 12PM, Lorin Farr Stake Center
27th - Lorin Farr 5th Ward Conference
A Restoration of All Things
The Prophet Joseph Smith organized Relief Society as an essential part of the Church. As a presidency, we hope we can help you understand why Relief Society is essential in your life. We know that New Testament women showed faith in Jesus Christ and participated in His work. Luke 10:39 tells of Mary, who "sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word." In John 11:27 Martha bears witness of Christ: "She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world." Acts 9:36, 39 speaks of "a certain disciple named Tabitha, . . full of good works. . . And all the widows stood by. . . shewing the coats and garments which [she] made." Phebe, in Romans 16:1–2, was "a servant of the church" and "a succourer of many." These patterns of faith, testimony, and service continued in the latter-day Church and were formalized with the organization of Relief Society. Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president, taught: "Just as the Savior invited Mary and Martha of New Testament times to participate in His work, women of this dispensation have an official commission to participate in the Lord's work. . . The organization of Relief Society in 1842 mobilized the collective power of the women and their specific assignments to build the Lord's kingdom." We accomplish our work as we focus on Relief Society's purposes: to increase faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes, and seek out and help those in need. I testify that Relief Society was divinely organized to assist in the work of salvation. Each Relief Society sister has an essential role to play in accomplishing this sacred work.
~ Silvia H. Allred, first counselor in the
Relief Society general presidency.
From the ScripturesJoel 2:28–29; Luke 10:38–42; Ephesians 1:10
From Our HistorySister Julie B. Beck has taught that "we know through the Prophet Joseph Smith that Relief Society was a formal part of the Restoration." The process of restoration began with the First Vision in 1820 and continued "line upon line, precept upon precept" (D&C 98:12). When the Relief Society was formally organized on March 17, 1842, the Prophet taught the women about their essential place in the restored Church. He said, "The Church was never perfectly organized until the women were thus organized."
~ Silvia H. Allred, first counselor in the
Relief Society general presidency.
From the ScripturesJoel 2:28–29; Luke 10:38–42; Ephesians 1:10
From Our HistorySister Julie B. Beck has taught that "we know through the Prophet Joseph Smith that Relief Society was a formal part of the Restoration." The process of restoration began with the First Vision in 1820 and continued "line upon line, precept upon precept" (D&C 98:12). When the Relief Society was formally organized on March 17, 1842, the Prophet taught the women about their essential place in the restored Church. He said, "The Church was never perfectly organized until the women were thus organized."
Happy Birthday!
1 - Mary Ann Peterson
2 - Melody Stuart
4 - Cynthia Ford, Carol Fuhriman
6 - Shannon Jeffords, Jann Keefer
8 - Jeanette Sandstrom, Rykki Neale
9 - Kit Garcia
10 - Jenifer Argyle, Monica Sparrow, Sharon Rosinski
11 - Marla Hamilton, Julie Fisher
12 - Erin Jeffords, Dawn Workman, Logan Stringfellow
14 - Ruth Fishburn
15 - Clela Madson, JamieWaite
19 - Elaine Barton, Leslie Owen
20 - Linsey Kunzler, Mellissa Kuns
24 - Pam Thompson, Gloria Mansfield
Mar.
2 - Victoria Fritz
3 - Jo Dee Keyes
4 - Lorraine Vause, Dandice Kunz
5 - Charlene Christensen, Kim Thorpe
7 - Jeanette Stoens, Jennifer Keener
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Announcements
* No Brunch Bunch in January. The next one will be Saturday, Feb 5th at 9am at the IHOP on 12th Street.
13 - All Focus Groups are at 6pm at the church. Child care will be provided.
** Learn how to watercolor paint
** Learn how to make bread in an hour
** Tie fleese blankets to donate to the women's shelter
** Hooks 'n Needles group will be working on individual projects.
Want to learn how to crochet or knit?? Come and learn. Needles and yarn can be provided.
19 - Book Club at 6pm at the church. We will be reading "Crocodile on the Sandbank" by Elizabeth Peters.
*Upcoming Relief Society Birthday Quarterly Activity: Thursday, February 10th at 6pm at the church. Program, dinner and child care provided. A trash-to-treasures table will also be set up.
*We are looking for the sheet music for "Women of the Well" by Kenneth Cope. If someone has a copy that we can borrow for our RS birthday celebration, please let Jenny Venegas know.
*Women's Basketball every Thursday at 6pm at the stake center (480 7th St.).
13 - All Focus Groups are at 6pm at the church. Child care will be provided.
** Learn how to watercolor paint
** Learn how to make bread in an hour
** Tie fleese blankets to donate to the women's shelter
** Hooks 'n Needles group will be working on individual projects.
Want to learn how to crochet or knit?? Come and learn. Needles and yarn can be provided.
19 - Book Club at 6pm at the church. We will be reading "Crocodile on the Sandbank" by Elizabeth Peters.
*Upcoming Relief Society Birthday Quarterly Activity: Thursday, February 10th at 6pm at the church. Program, dinner and child care provided. A trash-to-treasures table will also be set up.
*We are looking for the sheet music for "Women of the Well" by Kenneth Cope. If someone has a copy that we can borrow for our RS birthday celebration, please let Jenny Venegas know.
*Women's Basketball every Thursday at 6pm at the stake center (480 7th St.).
Happy Birthday!
1 - Nadine Durfee
5 - Myrna Benson
6 - Megan Jeppsen, Narlene Mathie
8 - Karla Strebel
10 - Sandra Mirza, Jackie Kirby
21 - Danielle Hodges
23 - Shirley Porter
26 - Betty Jeffs
27 - Julie Dortzbach, Jeanette Barnes
28 - Chelsea Bauer
29 - Heather Bowen, Ashley Olsen
30 - Sandy Stuart
31 - Elaine Maltby, Nikki Tonks
The History and Heritage of Relief Society
Eliza R. Snow recalled the Prophet Joseph Smith teaching that "although the name [Relief Society] may be of modern date, the institution is of ancient origin."
Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, visited Joseph Smith and, through him, restored the fulness of the gospel to the earth. Relief Society was part of that restoration. The organization of the Church was not complete until the sisters were organized.
In the coming months, each Visiting Teaching Message will give us the opportunity to learn more about the history of Relief Society and its part in the restored gospel. For many reasons, understanding our history is not only important but essential.
First, an understanding of our history inspires us to be the women of God we need to be. By following the examples of noble Latter-day Saint women, we can learn from the past how to face the future.
Second, our history teaches that the same principles that existed in the early Church are our foundational principles today. This knowledge and our purposes—to increase faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes, and help those in need—draw a connection between our past and our present.
Third, as we value our history, we can better share our spiritual heritage. President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency, said: "You pass the heritage along as you help others receive the gift of charity. … The history of Relief Society is recorded in words and numbers, but the heritage is passed heart to heart."
Finally, understanding our history helps make us an effective part of the future of Relief Society. President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985) explained, "We know that women who have deep appreciation for the past will be concerned about shaping a righteous future." ~ Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president.
From the Scriptures
Esther 9:28–29; Romans 16:1–2; Alma 37:8; Moroni 7:45–47
From Our History
"Relief Society is the Lord's organization for women." In his capacity as a prophet, Joseph Smith organized the Relief Society on March 17, 1842. The small, diverse group at that first meeting were dedicated women, similar to Relief Society sisters today. "The youngest were three teenagers, and the oldest, a woman in her fifties. Eleven of the women were married, two were widows, six were unmarried, and the marital status of one is unknown. Their education and backgrounds varied greatly, as did their economic circumstances. Their diversity would be magnified many times as the organization's membership continued to grow, but they were and would continue to be one."
What Can I Do?
What can I do to help the sisters I visit receive the gift of charity?
What can I begin to do this month to help shape a righteous future for myself? for my family? for others?
For more information, go to www.reliefsociety.lds.org.
Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, visited Joseph Smith and, through him, restored the fulness of the gospel to the earth. Relief Society was part of that restoration. The organization of the Church was not complete until the sisters were organized.
In the coming months, each Visiting Teaching Message will give us the opportunity to learn more about the history of Relief Society and its part in the restored gospel. For many reasons, understanding our history is not only important but essential.
First, an understanding of our history inspires us to be the women of God we need to be. By following the examples of noble Latter-day Saint women, we can learn from the past how to face the future.
Second, our history teaches that the same principles that existed in the early Church are our foundational principles today. This knowledge and our purposes—to increase faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes, and help those in need—draw a connection between our past and our present.
Third, as we value our history, we can better share our spiritual heritage. President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency, said: "You pass the heritage along as you help others receive the gift of charity. … The history of Relief Society is recorded in words and numbers, but the heritage is passed heart to heart."
Finally, understanding our history helps make us an effective part of the future of Relief Society. President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985) explained, "We know that women who have deep appreciation for the past will be concerned about shaping a righteous future." ~ Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president.
From the Scriptures
Esther 9:28–29; Romans 16:1–2; Alma 37:8; Moroni 7:45–47
From Our History
"Relief Society is the Lord's organization for women." In his capacity as a prophet, Joseph Smith organized the Relief Society on March 17, 1842. The small, diverse group at that first meeting were dedicated women, similar to Relief Society sisters today. "The youngest were three teenagers, and the oldest, a woman in her fifties. Eleven of the women were married, two were widows, six were unmarried, and the marital status of one is unknown. Their education and backgrounds varied greatly, as did their economic circumstances. Their diversity would be magnified many times as the organization's membership continued to grow, but they were and would continue to be one."
What Can I Do?
What can I do to help the sisters I visit receive the gift of charity?
What can I begin to do this month to help shape a righteous future for myself? for my family? for others?
For more information, go to www.reliefsociety.lds.org.
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