"As Sisters in Zion"

RELIEF SOCIETY LESSON JUNE 17, 2012

Taught by Leila J.

What is a “sister in Zion”?

The hymn “As Sisters in Zion” has a beautiful message for us as women, especially the second verse:

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.

What do you think is the “errand of angels”?  Do we realize the great gift women have with which we were foreordained to come to this earth?

Pres. Boyd K. Packer said, “The tender hand of the sister gives a gentle touch of healing and encouragement which the hand of a man, however well intentioned, can never quite duplicate.”

Nurturing is a part of us as women.  When a tender hand or gentle touch is needed, we don’t stop to think about what to do; we just naturally do it.

Elaine L. Jack, former RS General President:

“ ‘By small and simple things are great things brought to pass.’  (Alma 37:6)  
Women’s lives are full of small and simple things--
discussions about how the day was, visits to schools, laughter at a homemade joke, work in its many forms, playing with children, trips to the doctor, tending the garden, cooking meals, teaching a lesson in church, helping a neighbor, serving a community group, sharing a lesson learned with a sister.”

Not only do we serve and nurture our families, but we also serve and nurture each other.  Remember Pres. Packer’s quote--no matter how well intentioned a man may be, he can never quite duplicate the tender hand of a woman.

We listen to each other, we help each other, we relate to each other, we understand each other.  This is a part of the “errand of angels.”

“We cannot change nor take away the burdens of others, but we can include and belong to each other in love.”  --Bonnie Parkin

Elaine Jack said, ”We are part of a grand whole.  We need each other to make our sisterhood complete....We work, play, give birth, nurture, dream dreams; we cry, pray, laugh, sometimes clap for joy, and find that mortality teaches us our need for our Savior, Jesus Christ.

“He is with all of us, and His spirit draws us closer as we link arms together in our 

gospel sisterhood.