Relief Society Purpose

Relief Society Purpose: The Relief Society is an auxiliary to the priesthood. All auxiliary organizations exist to help Church members grow in their testimonies of Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the restored gospel. Through the work of the auxiliaries, members receive instruction, encouragement, and support as they strive to live according to gospel principles.

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Spiritual Thought - Dec 25

December 26
I loved living in cold climates and planting tulips.  It was the best to see those first signs of spring when the tulips would bloom.  I also remember the first year I cut all the ugly yellow leaves off not knowing that I was killing the bulbs and my future tulips.  At the close of this year, a talk from Virginia Hinckley Pearce comes to mind.   Below is an excerpt from her article, “Allowing Time For Change” where she shares a valuable lesson she learned from her tulips.

"I stepped out into the backyard last night just as evening began to settle.  Here they were en masse, stems pointing naked stamens into the air without their beautiful petal dresses.  And next thing you know, they will have all of those yellowing leaves!  What to do!

I was just considering this tedious solution to my in-between garden, when I was overwhelmed with nature’s metaphor.  Nature doesn’t work with on-off switches, or at continuously high RPMs.  Nature is organic.  It cycles, it flows. There is an ebb for every tide, a time or retreat and gathering of strength for every time of flowering.  This continuous ebb and flow is vital in order to renew the energy required for a continuing cycle of life.  And when it is interrupted, when leaves are cut before they can become unsightly, the process is short-circuited.  The bulb weakens and cannot produce the next season. 
I sat down on the grass. Here was something for me.  I have trouble with accepting the need  for downtime.  I want to be a continuous switch, a peak producer with no valleys.  I want relationships that get better continuously; I want to make continuous improvement myself with no temporary backsliding.  I want to be able to jump up the minute after I am kicked in the stomach.  I just don’t want to allow time to recover and take in strength.  I want to be a non-stop flowering wonder.

I looked at the tulips.  And then I looked at myself and this world.  It doesn’t make any sense.  What are we thinking?  Instant and relentless isn’t the way of eternity.  I’ve always wondered about the phrase “long-suffering.”  At first glance it seems to indicate that being miserable for a long period of time is some kind of virtue to seek after.  I don’t think so! Then what could it mean? Perhaps “suffering” in this phrase could be interpreted to mean “allowing,” as in “suffer the little children.”  Perhaps the Lord sees “allowing time, and allowing a long time” as a sorely needed virtue.
Could we allow ourselves time to recover from periods of difficulty – time to grieve, time to heal, time to gather strength?

I looked at the tulip leaves again, beginning to yellow and wilt, and saw them differently.  I can respectfully allow them some time.  In fact, I can celebrate while I wait with them.  My garden will gently call to those who walk by, “Pardon us, but good things are happening.  We are gathering nourishment and preparing quietly for more glory.”

At the close of this year, we should allow ourselves some time to renew, recharge and recover.  Great things are ahead of us; take some time to gather nourishment and prepare for more glory in the coming year.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Spiritual Thought - Dec 19

The Wise men/Magi

From the Bible Dictionary we learn that they were righteous men sent on an errand to witness the presence of the Son of God on the earth.  Their spiritual capacity is evident:  They were able to see the star when others could not; they knew its meaning, and brought gifts to the young child; and they were warned in a dream to return home by a safe route.  They journey home by another way to protect Christ from potential harm.

They were not ordinary men.  They were privileged to search out the Son of God and give him gifts.  They were spiritually sensitive and knowledgeable.  I love the quote, “wise men still seek Him.”  Like the wise men, in our own lives it is so important to be spiritually sensitive and knowledgeable.   Sometimes it is necessary for us to “journey another way” – a way that will protect our belief in Jesus Christ.  Like the Wise Men, the journey may not be what we had originally planned; rather it is what we feel inspired to do.

Read Matthew 2: 1 -12, the Bible Dictionary under Wise men of the east and Magi.  This week before Christmas study the wise men and the lesson they teach each of about being spiritually sensitive and what it means to journey another way.
By taking a different way home, they protected Christ.  What paths in our lives could we journey another way to protect our beliefs in Christ?  The Wise Men exemplify the journey each of us takes as we seek the Lord.  They help to remind us that we need to listen to the spirit to guide us in our lives so we can draw closer to Him.

Announcements - 12/19/11

Lesson Manuals:
Today we are handing out the lesson manuals for 2012, Teachings of the Presidents of the
Church, George Albert Smith. Books are being brought to the Primary, Nursery and Young
Women rooms as well the Relief Society Room, so look or ask for them. Your book is
labeled with your name on the back.

December 25 meeting schedule:
We will meet at the same time as usual, but there will only be sacrament meeting.





 
2012 Church Schedule
We will be starting our meetings at 8 a.m. starting January 1, 2012. Fast Sunday will be on January 8.

Visiting Teaching
Please remember to report to your supervisor. Hopefully you can share a spiritual message
each month, but whatever contact you have been able to make, report. Thank you for your
efforts.

Temple Groups
If you are interested in going to the temple with other sisters or want to trade babysitting
with sisters in order to go to the temple – or both, please sign up in the Relief Society
notebook.

Friday in the Park
Come to the park next to the McEuens at 11 a.m. on Fridays. We will be setting up service
projects to do while in the park from time to time. Whether you have children to bring or not,
there will be activities and fellowshipping. Invite your neighbors, too.

Gilbert Temple Picture
If you haven’t yet received a picture of the Gilbert Temple, ask Milena or one of the presidency.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Spiritual Thought For the Blog - Dec. 13

Our new Literacy Specialist, Kristen L. will be creating Spirit Thoughts for the Blog (on a recurrring basis).  Check back for updates.

Spiritual Thought
An excerpt from A Christ Centered Christmas by Emily Freeman.
As the season approaches there are so many meaningful details that must be taken care of and arrangements to be made.  Part of the holiday preparation includes pondering moments-every mother/woman wants every part of Christmas to be just right.  We agonize over the perfect gifts; we contemplate how to create lasting memories; and we long for meaningful celebrations.  These reflective moments are a familiar part of Christmas…..
At the very end of the account of the first Christmas night found in Luke 2 there is one scripture that tugs on my heartstrings.   After the events of the evening died down and the parade of visitors had left the stable “Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19).  Mary spent the first Christmas doing what every mother/woman does – she pondered.
I imagine Mary’s heart was full to almost bursting on that night.  Thoughts of wonder, contentment, and gratitude must have warmed her heart-celebration for the moment, anticipation for what lay ahead.  The blessing. The burden. The responsibility. The gift.”
This next week with Christmas approaching take a moment to read Luke 1:26-56 and Luke 2:5-7, 19.  Read about Mary.  Considered what she might have been pondering.  Learn about her character and what was important to her.  I know as I have done this, I have begun to pay closer attention to what I am thinking/pondering in my quiet moments.  Spending a little more time watching and listening and just taking things in.  Mary is an amazing figure of the Christmas season and a wonderful example of a righteous daughter of our Heavenly Father. This Christmas season Mary reminds us that we need to find a moment to ponder the events of that sacred night in Bethlehem and the place it hold in our hearts and lives.


 

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Announcements - 12/9/11

Relief Society Dinner
Thanks to all who helped and participated in our Relief Society Dinner. We especially appreciate the efforts of our chef, Chris Decker (http://www.dinners-by-me.com/).

December 25 meeting schedule:
We will meet at the same time as usual, but there will only be sacrament meeting.

Visiting Teaching
Visiting teachers are the hands of Relief Society and our Heavenly Father. Please visit and
look after the sisters you have been chosen to care for. Please remember to report to your
supervisor. Hopefully you can share a spiritual message each month, but whatever contact
you have been able to make, report. Thank you for your efforts. You never know when these
efforts will make the difference your sister needs in her life.

Temple Groups
If you are interested in going to the temple with other sisters or want to trade babysitting
with sisters in order to go to the temple – or both, please sign up in the Relief Society
notebook.

Friday in the Park
Come to the park next to the McEuens at 11 a.m. on Fridays. We will be setting up service
projects to do while in the park from time to time. Whether you have children to bring or not,
there will be activities and fellowshipping. Invite your neighbors, too.

Gilbert Temple Picture
If you haven’t yet received a picture of the Gilbert Temple, ask Milena or one of the presidency.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Announcements - 11/27/11

Stake Conference
Stake Conference is December 3rd and 4th.

Christmas Dinner
The Relief Society dinner is on Thursday, December 8 at 7pm in our ward building. Our own
resident chef, Chris Decker, will be preparing the meal for the sisters. We will have a wonderful
program, including hearing from Elder LeSueur, our former Stake President. Nursery will be
available.

We also need pine garlands for the decoration for the dinner. See the sign up in this
notebook.

Visiting Teaching
Visiting teachers are the hands of Relief Society and our Heavenly Father. Please visit and
look after the sisters you have been chosen to care for. Please remember to report to your
supervisor. Hopefully you can share a spiritual message each month, but whatever contact
you have been able to make, report. Thank you for your efforts. You never know when these
efforts will make the difference your sister needs in her life.

Friday in the Park
Come to the park next to the McEuens at 11 a.m. on Fridays. We will be setting up service
projects to do while in the park. Whether you have children to bring or not, there will be
activities and fellowshipping. Invite your neighbors, too.

Gilbert Temple Picture
If you haven’t yet received a picture of the Gilbert Temple, ask Milena or one of the presidency.

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Lesson Summary - 11/20/11

See the calendar item below for a summary of Sheila S.'s lesson.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Announcements - 11/19/11

Stake Conference is December 3rd and 4th.

Visiting Teaching
Visiting teachers are the hands of Relief Society and our Heavenly Father. Please visit and
look after the sisters you have been chosen to care for. Please remember to report to your
supervisor. Hopefully you can share a spiritual message each month, but whatever contact
you have been able to make, report. Thank you for your efforts. You never know when these
efforts will make the difference your sister needs in her life.

Christmas Dinner

Sign up today in the notebook if you can attend the dinner Thursday, December 8 at 7 pm (we
need tell the chef how many will be attending). Our own resident chef, Chris Decker, will be
preparing the meal for the sisters. We will have a wonderful program, including hearing from
Elder LeSueur, our former Stake President. Sunday dress. Nursery will be available.

We also need a few decorations for the dinner. See the sign up in the notebook.

Directory review
Today is the last day to make revisions to the Relief Society Directory in the notebook (or contact Becky S.). We are preparing a new directory and there are a number of mistakes that need to
be corrected. You can give your cell phone number in addition to your home number if you
want both to be available.

Friday in the Park
Come to the park next to the McEuens at 11 a.m. on Fridays. We will be setting up service
projects to do while in the park. Whether you have children to bring or not, there will be
activities and fellowshipping. Invite your neighbors, too.

Gilbert Temple Picture

If you haven’t yet received a picture of the Gilbert Temple, ask Milena or one of the presidency.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

November 13 Lesson Summary

Click on the calendar item below to see the summary of today's lesson on The Resurrection (Chapter 44).

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Announcements - 11/12/11

Toy Exchange:
November 19th from 9 am to 11 am there will be a multiple ward/community
toy exchange. Clothing is also welcome. Invite your neighbors to come. Drop
of articles at the Stake Center 6 pm to 7 pm on the evening of the 18th. The
next morning the items will be displayed for no – cost shopping. If you have
any questions on how this works, call Lisa N.

Stake Temple Days:
Come and join us at the temple on Thursday, November 17th or 18th for Stake
Temple Days. Everyone has been asked by our Stake presidency to attend one
of more sessions on these days.


Fridays at the Park:
Come to the park next to the McEuens at 11 a.m.
on Fridays. We will be setting up service projects to do while in the park.
Whether you have children to bring or not, there will be activities and
fellowshipping. Invite your neighbors, too.


Gilbert Temple Picture:
If you haven’t yet received a picture of the Gilbert Temple, ask Milena or one
of the presidency.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Announcements - 11/6/11

Fridays at the Park:
Back by popular demand; come to the park next to the McEuens at 11 a.m.
on Fridays. We will be setting up service projects to do while in the park.
Whether you have children to bring or not, there will be activities and
fellowshipping. Invite your neighbors, too.

Toy Exchange:
Saturday, November 19 there will be a multiple ward/community toy exchange starting at 9 a.m. You can drop off your used toys or clothes the night before (from 7 to 9 at the church) or just bring them the morning of the exchange.

Gilbert Temple Picture:
If you haven’t yet received a picture of the Gilbert Temple, ask Milena or one
of the presidency.

Friday, November 4, 2011

November Newsletter Updated

The November Newsletter has been posted. Please select the link above titled "RS Newsletter".

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Announcements - 10/30/11

Friday in the Park:
Back by popular demand; come to the park next to the McEuens at 11 a.m. on Fridays.   We will be setting up service projects to do while in the park.  Whether you have children to bring or not, there will be activities and fellowshipping.  Invite your neighbors, too.  On November 4, the service project will be cleaning toys for the Nursery and all materials will be provided.

Toy Exchange:
Start getting the toys ready!  In November there will be a multiple ward/community toy exchange.  Tell your neighbors.  More will be announced soon. 

Marriage Class:
Tonight at 7:00 p.m. in our ward building will be a class on marriage – open to all couples.

Visiting Teaching:
Please report to your supervisors and supervisors report to Bonnie. 

Gilbert Temple Picture:
If you haven’t yet received a picture of the Gilbert Temple, ask Milena or one of the presidency.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Announcements

-Sisters Fitness Walks - Signups will be going around on Sunday to see who will be interested in organizing walking groups for mornings and evenings.  You can also email the blog if you are interested and don't get a chance to signup.

-Super Saturday has moved to October 22 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Please see the crafts available below.  Money is due Sunday, October 16 to Cherri W (see the display table for envelopes to submit money in).  To help those organizing the event, materials will only be purchased for those who submit money on time.  Please make any checks payable to Page Ward.

There will be signups at the display table on October 16 or you can email your order to the blog at ladiesofpage@gmail.com (be sure to include the item name and how many you would like).  Thank you!

ITEM                                       PRICE      COMMENTS
1) Frame wreath                        $4.75      (bring your own frame)


2) Weekly Planner Frame         $16.00 ( provide your own paper)


3) House rules sign               12.00


4) 2-Sided Joy/Boo sign          $25.00


5) Birthday Reminder                 $8.00


6) Christmas Countdown Clipboard $3.50


7) 18x18 board w/ Initial ----     $6.00 (bring own 12x12 paper and embelishments)



8) Wrapping paper station       $18.00


9) Burlap wreath                     $7.00  (bring own fabric for the flower)




10) Magnet board                      $5.00   (this is in place of teachers craft) bring your own paper
(Image Not Shown)

11) Gumball Machine -  sm. $5.00;  med $6.50


12) Childrens church quite book $12.00
(Image Not Shown)







Friday, September 30, 2011

Super Saturday Crafts

Super Saturday is October 15 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please see the crafts available below.  Money is due October 9 to Tracy M. or Cherri W.  Please make checks payable to Page Ward.

There will be signups at the display table on October 9 or you can email your order to the blog at ladiesofpage@gmail.com (be sure to include the item name and how many you would like).  Thank you!

ITEM                                       PRICE      COMMENTS
1) Frame wreath                        $4.75      (bring your own frame)


2) Weekly Planner Frame         $16.00 ( provide your own paper)


3) House rules sign               12.00


4) 2-Sided Joy/Boo sign          $25.00


5) Birthday Reminder                 $8.00


6) Christmas Countdown Clipboard $3.50


7) 18x18 board w/ Initial ----     $6.00 (bring own 12x12 paper and embelishments)



8) Wrapping paper station       $18.00


9) Burlap wreath                     $7.00  (bring own fabric for the flower)




10) Magnet board                      $5.00   (this is in place of teachers craft) bring your own paper
(Image Not Shown)

11) Gumball Machine -  sm. $5.00;  med $6.50


12) Childrens church quite book $12.00
(Image Not Shown)







Sunday, September 18, 2011

Announcements

  • There's still time to complete your Mormon.org profile and please report back to Milena C. when completed.
  • Sunday, Sep. 18 Lesson Summary - see calendar item below for summary.
  • Saturday, Sept. 24 - Relief Society General Broadcast at the Stake Center at 4:45 p.m. and a fruit/snack bar will be provided afterwards.
  • Sunday, Sept 25 - The Relief Society lesson is from a talk by Elder Richard J Maynes at the last general conference, “Establishing a Christ Centered Home.”    You can read the lesson online:  http://lds.org/ensign/2011/05/establishing-a-christ-centered-home?lang=eng
  • - Sat/Sun Oct 1-2 - General Conference
  • - Saturday October 15 - Super Saturday - 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (see items and info below). Prices TBA net Sunday.  Bring your checkbooks next week and be ready to place your orders!  Only 2 weeks to sign up.  Check our blog for details.  Also included is a Childre's Book/Church Quiet Book and a Quick and Easy Enchilada class.  
These are not photos of the exact displays that will presented in the foyer at church next Sunday.
They may be slightly different.













Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Announcements - 09/14/11

- Remember to complete your Mormon.org profiles and report back to Milena C.

- See the calendar below for last week's lesson summary of Temple Work and Family History from “Gospel Principles” chapter 40 (taught by Michelle M.)

- For September 18 our lesson will be # 41 in Gospel Principles, Sheila S. will be leading the discussion.  You can find the lesson at:  http://lds.org/manual/gospel-principles/chapter-41-the-postmortal-spirit-world?lang=eng

- September 24 - General Relief Society Broadcast (see calendar item below for details)

- Check out the Canning Section on the right of the blog for this month's canning options

-Starting in October, please see the blog for the RS Newsletter  (paper copies will no longer be distributed).  

Monday, September 5, 2011

Announcements

- Sept. 4 Lesson taught by Sharon S. introducing our RS Scripture D&C 81:5 (see Calendar item for lesson summary).

- Be sure to update your Mormon.org profiles and report back to Milena.

- September 11 Lesson is # 40 in Gospel Principles.  Micelle Malcolm will be leading the discussion 

-See the canning assignments for September on the right side of the blog.

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Announcements

Relief Society University (RSU) - Thank you for all who attended and organized. See the slideshow at the bottom of the blog for pictures.

Mormon.org Profile - remember to have your profile updated by September 15 and report back to Milena when you have completed. If you need assistance with creating a profile or further information about this project, please contact a member of the RS Presidency.

Monday, August 22, 2011

Announcements

YMCA Ward Activity - see the slideshow at the bottom of the blog for pictures from the ward activity.

Relief Society Lesson Summary for August 21 - see the calendar item below for the summary details.

Relief Society University - Tuesday, Aug. 23 -  7 pm - Back on Track Spiritually (see calendar item below for more details).

Relief Society Lesson - August 28 -  the lesson is from a talk by Elder Lynn G. Robbins at the last general conference, “What Manner of Men and Women Ought Ye to Be.”    You can read the lesson online:




Tuesday, August 16, 2011

RS Lessons

Aug 14 - Sister Traci S. “Eternal Marriage”, page 219 from the Gospel Principles. Click on the Aug. 14 calendar item below to see the summary of the lesson.

 Aug 21 - The Relief Society lesson is Gospel Principles # 39, “The Law of Chastity.”   If you don’t have a manual, please ask us for one.  You can also read the lesson online: http://lds.org/manual/gospel-principles/chapter-39-the-law-of-chastity?lang=eng


Sunday, August 14, 2011

Announcements

  • YMCA Family Night Ward Activity - Friday, Aug. 19 - 6:00-8:00 pm (click on calendar below for details).
  • Relief Society University (RSU) - Tuesday, Aug. 23 - 7:00 pm (click on calendar below for details).

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Household Exchange

Thanks to all who participated. See the bottom of the blog for pictures.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Highland Stake Adult Religion

Highland Stake Adult Religion 2011-2012
Building Zion: A Continuation of Church History and Teachings of the Living Prophets
Taught by Sister Raylene B.
Thursdays at 9:30 a.m.
Stake Center
Co-Op Nursery Provided

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Welcome!

Welcome to the Ladies of Page Ward Relief Society Blog! Check back often for updates or upcoming activities.