Unity in our Relief Society Sisterhood

Today in Relief Society we discussed unity and how we need to treat each other like sisters, which would first mean we need to get to know each other. 

We took an anonymous survey with the 40 present sisters at the meeting. The results were that

8 have been in the ward over a year
22 have been in the ward less than a year
7 have been in the ward less than 6 months
16 knew the name of the sisters sitting on both sides of them
8 have 5 friends in the ward
24 feel welcome in the ward every week

There are a plethora of wonderful sisters in our group. Each is special, and we all have at least one thing in common. Only just over half of the sisters present feel welcome in the ward each week. How many other sisters do not come each week because they don't feel welcome?

We brainstormed ways we can build unity in our ward RS:
1. consistent visiting teaching
2. having Relief Society greeters (or be independent RS greeters!)
3. focus groups such as mothers' group (look for a time and date in ward email - not just for mothers!)
4. breaking into groups during lessons
5. getting together for out of church activities
6. talk to sisters sitting next to you/new sisters
7. join ward facebook page

8. invite your VT to go to activities

9. service activities performed with other ward members

10. fulfill your calling diligently and consistently

Sister Kate Livingstone, who gave the lesson, brought a wonderful spirit of charity to the room as she expressed that she felt the distinct impression that each member of the Relief Society truly is her sister.

We have a role to fulfill in helping our sisters around us. We felt inspired to do a little more to serve our fellow ward sisters and to form true friendships with those in the ward. 

The featured hymn of the lesson was "As Sisters in Zion."

Lyrics of As Sisters in Zion:

As sisters in Zion, we'll all work together;


The blessings of God on our labors we'll seek.


We'll build up his kingdom with earnest endeavor;


We'll comfort the weary and strengthen the weak.

2. The errand of angels is given to women;


And this is a gift that, as sisters, we claim:


To do whatsoever is gentle and human,


To cheer and to bless in humanity's name.

3. How vast is our purpose, how broad is our mission,


If we but fulfill it in spirit and deed.


Oh, naught but the Spirit's divinest tuition


Can give us the wisdom to truly succeed.

 

Spotlight! Jamie Bond was this Sunday's spotlight.

Jamie majored in elementary education and is a teacher.

She met her husband when she and a friend invited his apartment over to play games. They started a strong friendship, which blossomed into a romantic relationship.

A long term wish/goal Jamie has is to improve her Spanish and volunteer in a Spanish speaking country with her husband.

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