I accepted a new calling at church today. I get to serve in the women's organization, called the Relief Society. I am happy. Because of other callings I've had, I haven't been able to attend the Sunday Relief Society meeting since we moved to Arizona, and I have missed it!
As I told the ladies at church today, I like to joke that the tragedy of my life is not living near my mother and sisters. Being far from them is hard, but not really quite so tragic because I am a member of the Relief Society. The women in my Relief Society can teach me the things my mom would if she were near, and can love me and associate with me just as my sisters would if they could.
My testimony of the purpose of Relief Society is unbreakable. I know that as a group we can strengthen each other, increase our testimonies, and look after one another. I feel blessed to be part of such a wonderful organization, and very grateful to be able to serve there for the next little bit.
Here is a great article on fulfilling the purpose of the Relief Society, by Julie B. Beck, former General Relief Society President.
Guess what! You don't have to be a member of our church to join the Relief Society. Go here to find a Relief Society near you.
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Are you the Prez?!?
ReplyDeleteoh,no! second counselor :)
DeleteI had the same question. You will be awesome, Steph!
DeleteHi there. I read your blog regularly, but I am not of Mormon faith. I read (and reread) the articles you suggested..but I'm still not sure what the Relief Society actually does. I guess I'm confused because everything it outlined to be "done" by the Relief Society seems to be things women in the Mormon faith already do?? Is this correct? I love learning about other religions and was just wondering what exactly this calling would entail? What would you do?
ReplyDeleteAgain, I love your blog and love hearing all about your children, your faith and life in general. Your pictures are fabulous and writing is beautiful!
Kelly
hi kelly
Deletei'm so glad you enjoy my blog. thank you for your nice comment!
the relief society has three main purposes: increasing faith and personal righteousness, strengthening homes and families, and helping those in need.
those purposes are accomplished through our sunday meetings where we are taught by other women in our group about gospel topics (sort of like a sunday school but just for the women), visiting teaching where we visit, serve, and teach each other in our homes (everyone is assigned a companion and a few women to visit and look after), and other meetings (usually once a month in the evening) where we do service for those in need or learn new skills or are generally uplifted, etc.
i was called to be the second counselor in the relief society presidency. that means that i will help plan and conduct the meetings, or help oversee our visiting teaching program, or organize service projects, basically just help the relief society president with whatever she needs help with.
you are right, these are things that our faith already requires of us. the relief society just sort of organizes it for us and helps us succeed.
it really is a wonderful program, and i feel honored to be a part of it. if you have any other questions i'd love to help!
Awesome summation, Steph! Sounds like you were meant/prepared for this! Kelly, my favorite part of being in the Relief Society (here in Texas) is that it is a place where I can seek advice from women who have gone ahead of me. I have a lot of respect for gray hair, so to speak, and love to learn wisdom from women who have raised their children successfully and have found happiness in their next phases of life. Most of them seem to be constantly serving others, and that may be the best lesson of all.
DeleteThis sounds wonderful. Good luck to you in your new ministry.
ReplyDeleteI'm excited for you! You'll be so great! I can't wait to start enjoying Relief Society after this baby! I've missed it.
ReplyDeleteYay steph! You'll do awesome. I can't believe you have been in callings outside of RS this whole time! It's usually my favourite hour of Church :)
ReplyDeletei believe the RS 2nd Counselor is the best calling in the church. i loved it. through that calling i gained such a strong love and testimony of RS. i don't know you, but i'm sure you'll do great! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the explanation!!! Sounds wonderful!
ReplyDeleteSo excited for you. I serve in my Relief Society, too. I always tell the ladies that I really need to make t-shirts that say "Relief Society" so that I can wear it all over the place and tell people about this little known part of the Church's goodness. I really believe Relief Society makes it more possible for us to change the world.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your calling, though "congrats" doesn't seem like the right word. I would agree with Meg that is is the best calling... so fun, and although I don't know you personally, reading your blog I can feel your spirit and your strength. You'll do wonderful!
ReplyDelete