The Purpose of Relief Society and Visiting Teaching

Taught by Terry S.

What are the purposes of Relief Society?

How would you say the Willow Wood Ward is doing in each of these areas?

Joseph Smith taught that the Relief Society was "not only to relieve the poor but to save souls," and Sister Beck said, "The larger part of the work of Relief Society today is to look after the spiritual welfare and salvation of all the female members of the church."

Please read Doctrine & Covenants 138:56 "Even before they were born, they, with many others, received their first lessons in the world of spirits and were prepared to come forth in the time of the Lord to labor in his vineyard for the salvation of the souls of men."

Sisters, we were prepared and taught, even before we were born on the earth, to love and care for one another.

When I hear of sisters who say they are not comfortable in Relief Society, it breaks my heart. If we can't feel comfortable among our sisters, friends and neighbors, what does that say about us?

We need each other - I need you. The Priesthood doesn't have activity night. The Lord knows that women need to gather together, teach each other and help each other through tough times I don't want to talk about menopause with my husband- he doesn't understand. I want to talk to other women.

Look at all the good that is done on an individual basis. So, when we get together, the possibilities of what can be accomplished are endless. We have great power alone and together we have even more power to do good. 

In the first Relief Society meeting, Sister Emma Smith said, "We are going to do something extraordinary." We are ordinary women doing extraordinary things.

Here in the Willow wood Ward we are so blessed. As a Relief Society we are going to start doing humanitarian and service projects on the months alternating with our acivities. There will be a special committee who will plan and put these projects into action. We are looking forward to serving those in need.

Next,

Ask yourself this question-

Do I need to change my attitude toward Visiting Teaching?

As I was preparing for this lesson, I wondered what I could say to change the attitudes about visiting teaching. I realized that there was nothing I could say that hasn't already been said a thousand different ways. What I realized is that change can only come through the Holy Ghost. If you ask and want a change in your attitude it can come.

Sister Beck also said in General Conference 2009, "Because we follow the example and teachings of Jesus Christ, we value this sacred assignment to love, know, serve, understand, teach, and minister in His behalf. A sister in this church has no other responsibility outside of her family that has the potential to do as much good as does visiting teaching."

She also said, "It is our blessing to pray for another sister and receive inspiration as to how the Lord would have us care for one of His daughters." And, "Faithfully serving as a visiting teacher is evidence of our discipleship."

                       

We have been asked by the General Relief Society of the church to change the way visiting teaching is reported. When you talk to your visiting teaching supervisor, she will now ask you how your sisters are doing. Not whether or not you got your visiting teaching done but what's going on with them. We want to know the good things and the bad things. Keep confidences and follow the promptings of the Spirit. You'll never go wrong by listening to the still small voice. It won't scream and yell or knock you on the side of your head. You have to live your life worthy to be able to hear it.

I know God lives and He wants us to take care of each other. We will find the greatest joy in our own lives by serving someone else. Thank you for serving one another.