Our dear sisters,
This month we have the opportunity to listen to general conference and receive instructions from the prophet and other church leaders. We encourage you to review what will be taught during conference and strive to encorporate it into your daily lives.
At the most recent general Relief Society broadcast Sister Beck shared with us the importance and blessing of belonging to a women's organization with as much purpose and potential to do good as Relief Society. Relief Society was restored as the priesthood was restored and we have the priviledge and responsibility to assist the brethren in their efforts to uplift and bless the lives of individuals and families.
"When our purpose is clear, it naturally follows that there is an appropriate way to carry out our responsibilities. Let us review how the faith-based work of Relief Society is to be administered. One of the most precious commodities we all have is time. Most women have many responsibilities and never have sufficient time to do everything their hearts and minds want to do. We show respect for the Lord and the sisters when we use Relief Society time in an inspired way.
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf taught: “A wise man once distinguished between ‘the noble art of getting things done’ and ‘a nobler art of leaving things undone.’ True ‘wisdom in life,’ he taught, consists of ‘the elimination of non-essentials.’ ” President Uchtdorf then asked: “What are the nonessential things that clutter your days and steal your time? What are the habits you may have developed that do not serve a useful purpose? What are the unfinished or unstarted things that could add vigor, meaning, and joy to your life?”5 We can apply his questions to all Relief Society meetings and work." Julie B. Beck
Our hope is that you will cherish your membership in the Relief Society and appreciate the opportunities that it gives you to find fellowship, service and spiritual strength in a world of increasing uncertainty and struggle.
With love,
The Relief Society Presidency
Monday, October 5, 2009
Genealogy Seminar
Chino Valley Family History and Genealogy Seminar
Saturday October 10th, Chino Hills, California
classes starting at 8:30am until 4:20pm Classes are Free
To register on line go to chino-valley-family-history.org
Class sillabus is available for $13.oo
lunch is available for $7.oo to those pre-registered
Saturday October 10th, Chino Hills, California
classes starting at 8:30am until 4:20pm Classes are Free
To register on line go to chino-valley-family-history.org
Class sillabus is available for $13.oo
lunch is available for $7.oo to those pre-registered
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Super Saturday!
Super Saturday is coming up on November 7th from 9:00am to 1:00pm!
If you haven't had a chance to order yet we have posted pictures and costs for the crafts we will be working on on the side bar.
If you would like to order anything (or you have a friend who wants to) you can e-mail either Megan Stapley at meganstapley@hotmail.com or Wanda May at onecrazygrandma@hotmail.com.
Money is due on October 14th.
If you haven't had a chance to order yet we have posted pictures and costs for the crafts we will be working on on the side bar.
If you would like to order anything (or you have a friend who wants to) you can e-mail either Megan Stapley at meganstapley@hotmail.com or Wanda May at onecrazygrandma@hotmail.com.
Money is due on October 14th.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Temple Sealing
Congratulations to the Cardon Family:
Jayson and Yvonne Cardon were sealed for all Time and Eternity Saturday, September 5,2009 at a beautiful evening session at the Redlands Temple.
What a beautiful bride Yvonne made and they were happy to have their Family and Ward Family filling the sealing room.
What a Special Day for all those who could attend.
Congratulations to you both!
Jayson and Yvonne Cardon were sealed for all Time and Eternity Saturday, September 5,2009 at a beautiful evening session at the Redlands Temple.
What a beautiful bride Yvonne made and they were happy to have their Family and Ward Family filling the sealing room.
What a Special Day for all those who could attend.
Congratulations to you both!
september Presidency Message
Dear Sisters,
This month my first presidency message and lesson is inspired from the November 2008 General Conference talk entitled “Returning Home” given by Elder Eduardo Gavaret of the Seventy. He tells of his fond memories of his home growing up and the comfort and peace that he felt there. These feelings of belonging and comfort that we find with our families can also be found with our church families. He talks of their missionary efforts in Peru reaching out to over 1,700 names of members have returned home to wards and branches. “They accepted the invitation made by priesthood leaders, full-time missionaries, and others who took upon themselves the responsibility to help them return to Church and come unto Christ. To each one of them, we say, “Welcome. Welcome home!”
We have recently had the wonderful and exciting opportunity in our ward of “welcoming home” both families that have moved into the ward, new members of the church and members who are returning with us again. We are so glad to have you with us! I urge those of you who see new faces to introduce yourselves and get to know these new members of our ward family. To those of you who haven’t joined us lately we invite you to join us. I know that the Lord knows each of us by name. He loves us and wants us all to return to him. At times in our lives we might feel like we are far from him but he will always reach out to us, always love us and always invite us home back to him.
With love,
Christine Beaulieu
This month my first presidency message and lesson is inspired from the November 2008 General Conference talk entitled “Returning Home” given by Elder Eduardo Gavaret of the Seventy. He tells of his fond memories of his home growing up and the comfort and peace that he felt there. These feelings of belonging and comfort that we find with our families can also be found with our church families. He talks of their missionary efforts in Peru reaching out to over 1,700 names of members have returned home to wards and branches. “They accepted the invitation made by priesthood leaders, full-time missionaries, and others who took upon themselves the responsibility to help them return to Church and come unto Christ. To each one of them, we say, “Welcome. Welcome home!”
We have recently had the wonderful and exciting opportunity in our ward of “welcoming home” both families that have moved into the ward, new members of the church and members who are returning with us again. We are so glad to have you with us! I urge those of you who see new faces to introduce yourselves and get to know these new members of our ward family. To those of you who haven’t joined us lately we invite you to join us. I know that the Lord knows each of us by name. He loves us and wants us all to return to him. At times in our lives we might feel like we are far from him but he will always reach out to us, always love us and always invite us home back to him.
With love,
Christine Beaulieu
Monday, August 17, 2009
Price is Right
Just a note to let everyone know we had a BIG winner on the Price is Right today. Breanna a friend of Lisa Vega, Adele's Granddaughter won a Mini Cooper convertable car!! She also won a device to put into your car to protect you from hitting things??? She is a starving student and this will really make things easier for her! What a sweetheart she is. I am so glad she was able to take the LAST available ticket! Then she overslept this morning and Lisa actually roused her out of bed. She wasn't the only one we got out of bed this morning. I want to thank Erin Ellsworth for being such a trooper when I showed up at her house this morning (unannounced) to make her go with us. We had a sister get sick and couldn't go. So Erin joined us at the spur of the moment. That girl was ready in 10 minutes looking beautiful I might add!! Thanks to her hubby for fixing her breakfast too! We had Adele and Bruce Lingenfelter, Bryan and Becky Burton, Myself and my son Shaun, Lisa and Breanna, Trisha McAbee, Christina Hales, Erin Ellsworth, Margarita Pierson, and Kristen, Jamie, and Bettie Thompson. What a fun group. I think we smiled all the way home! We are planning another trip soon.
Love to all Wanda May
Love to all Wanda May
Friday, August 14, 2009
August Presidency Message
R.S. Presidency Message
Sisters,
Our lives are full of routines. As we continue to take care of our family, work or volunteer in the community, it is important that we take care of ourselves spiritually. Each of us have been given the gift of the Holy ghost after baptism. This new companion stays with us as we walk down a righteous path on our journey to return back to Heavenly Father. Our goal is to fill our lamps with the light of Christ to illuminate the way. Countess sources in the church allow us to put drops of this precious oil in our lamps. It is our desire as a presidency that the choices you make every day help you walk in the light.
Love to you all,
Catherine Burke
Sisters,
Our lives are full of routines. As we continue to take care of our family, work or volunteer in the community, it is important that we take care of ourselves spiritually. Each of us have been given the gift of the Holy ghost after baptism. This new companion stays with us as we walk down a righteous path on our journey to return back to Heavenly Father. Our goal is to fill our lamps with the light of Christ to illuminate the way. Countess sources in the church allow us to put drops of this precious oil in our lamps. It is our desire as a presidency that the choices you make every day help you walk in the light.
Love to you all,
Catherine Burke
July Presidency Message
R.S. Presidency Message
With the end of another school year and the beginning of summer, there comes transition... Young Women who transition to Relief Society, college graduates moving on to new employment, some moving from single life to marriage. My oldest son is moving on from elementary school and Primary, to middle school and going to Mutual. It feels like opening a door to a new chapter in the life of our family.
Some changes like these are welcome. As Relief Society Sisters, it seems that many of the transitions we face are not the type we anticipate or would likely choose.
Former Relief Society General President Barbara B. Smith once explained, "We should constantly prepare ourselves to meet new challenges and to helpfully, willingly, and happily reach out to others in their time of need. The Relief Society should be a light for sisters in times of transition." (Ensign, Nov.1981)
I have a firm testimony that the Lord chastens those he loves. He gives us new opportunites to grow and learn, often including adversity and situations out of our comfort-zone. I encourage each of us to find the lesson in the challenges and we face. May we all exhibit faith that the Lord loves us, and that new opportunities we face are for our good.
With Much Love,
Sharla Allen
With the end of another school year and the beginning of summer, there comes transition... Young Women who transition to Relief Society, college graduates moving on to new employment, some moving from single life to marriage. My oldest son is moving on from elementary school and Primary, to middle school and going to Mutual. It feels like opening a door to a new chapter in the life of our family.
Some changes like these are welcome. As Relief Society Sisters, it seems that many of the transitions we face are not the type we anticipate or would likely choose.
Former Relief Society General President Barbara B. Smith once explained, "We should constantly prepare ourselves to meet new challenges and to helpfully, willingly, and happily reach out to others in their time of need. The Relief Society should be a light for sisters in times of transition." (Ensign, Nov.1981)
I have a firm testimony that the Lord chastens those he loves. He gives us new opportunites to grow and learn, often including adversity and situations out of our comfort-zone. I encourage each of us to find the lesson in the challenges and we face. May we all exhibit faith that the Lord loves us, and that new opportunities we face are for our good.
With Much Love,
Sharla Allen
Monday, August 10, 2009
Relief Society Pool Party 2009!
If you didn't make it this year we missed you! Hope to see you next year!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
June Presidency Message
This month our first presidency message is given to us by Dieter F. Uchtdorf. He describes the ability of an airplane to rise above the worst weather and enter into blue skies and bright sunshine. Like an airplane how can we to lift ourselves above the turmoil and storms of life to break through to a place of peace and calm?
An airplane needs lift to rise of the ground, or the air pressure under the wings needs to be greater than the pull of gravity. Likewise we need lift. When the force that is pushing us heavenward is greater than the temptations and distress that drag us downward, we can ascend above our earthly distresses.
We gain lift when we look towards the God of heaven by cultivating our own personal spirituality. We do this by living in harmony with God’s commandments, being humble, meek and patient. Prayer is a heavenly gift designed to help us achieve spiritual lift, and it enhances and cultivates our relationship with God. Through heartfelt, sincere prayer we are endowed with increased inspiration, revelation and righteousness transcending our vision from our earthly vantage point to one which reveals a glorious spiritual horizon filled with hope and an assurance of the bright blessings the Lord has promised to those who love and follow him.
This month we’ll discuss some of the gospel principles that help us achieve lift. Even in the dreariest weather we can feel sunshine if we can lift ourselves high enough. Ponder on the things that help you rise above your earthly vantage point and see things in a more spiritual and eternal perspective. I encourage you to then go to the next step by helping to lift others by sharing your insights either in class, with your visiting teacher or with a friend.
With love,
Christine Beaulieu
An airplane needs lift to rise of the ground, or the air pressure under the wings needs to be greater than the pull of gravity. Likewise we need lift. When the force that is pushing us heavenward is greater than the temptations and distress that drag us downward, we can ascend above our earthly distresses.
We gain lift when we look towards the God of heaven by cultivating our own personal spirituality. We do this by living in harmony with God’s commandments, being humble, meek and patient. Prayer is a heavenly gift designed to help us achieve spiritual lift, and it enhances and cultivates our relationship with God. Through heartfelt, sincere prayer we are endowed with increased inspiration, revelation and righteousness transcending our vision from our earthly vantage point to one which reveals a glorious spiritual horizon filled with hope and an assurance of the bright blessings the Lord has promised to those who love and follow him.
This month we’ll discuss some of the gospel principles that help us achieve lift. Even in the dreariest weather we can feel sunshine if we can lift ourselves high enough. Ponder on the things that help you rise above your earthly vantage point and see things in a more spiritual and eternal perspective. I encourage you to then go to the next step by helping to lift others by sharing your insights either in class, with your visiting teacher or with a friend.
With love,
Christine Beaulieu
Thursday, May 21, 2009
BYU Women's Conference 2009
The BYU Women's Conference 2009 broadcasts are now available to watch online:
http://www.byub.org/talks/EventSearch.aspx?event=wc
Enjoy!
http://www.byub.org/talks/EventSearch.aspx?event=wc
Enjoy!
Monday, May 4, 2009
May Presidency Message
Dear Sisters,
I am continuously grateful and appreciative of the endless support and service that each of you have given on behalf of Relief Society. I know that it is the ultimate goal of each of you to become a disciple of Christ and walk in His way.
We live in challenging times where many of us are confronted with personal misfortune, sadness, worry about livelihood and even a struggle for survival. At times, these challenges and trials engulf us in a tight embrace where we often wonder if the way of discipleship is really attainable. Our “natural man” usually seeks worldly options including technology and new innovative ideas to bring us comfort and resolve our problems. President Dieter Uchtdorf reminds us in the past April 2009 General Conference that the worldly options that we have a tendency of resorting to contain elements of truth…nevertheless, they all fall short of the lasting change we seek in our lives…THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST…He reassures us that THE GOSPEL is a divine gift, the ultimate formula for happiness and success. We are all entitled to it if we are willing to humble ourselves to follow Christ.
Is it a quick fix or an overnight cure to be a Follower of Christ? Absolutely not! Discipleship is a journey. President Uchtdorf emphasizes that luckily, the first step starts where we stand today! There are no pre-qualifications!
In Matthew 7:7 we are each given a personal invitation and promise to seek, knock and ask and the floodgates of heaven will open and direct each of us in the pathway of discipleship.
My dear sisters, whatever our struggles may be, my sincere hope and prayer is that we can find the humility to seek guidance from our Heavenly Father to continually walk in the way of the Lord.
May we always remember to be kind, loving and supportive of each other, always ensuring that our actions and words exemplify the PURE LOVE OF CHRIST.
Love,
Wendy Gataloai
I am continuously grateful and appreciative of the endless support and service that each of you have given on behalf of Relief Society. I know that it is the ultimate goal of each of you to become a disciple of Christ and walk in His way.
We live in challenging times where many of us are confronted with personal misfortune, sadness, worry about livelihood and even a struggle for survival. At times, these challenges and trials engulf us in a tight embrace where we often wonder if the way of discipleship is really attainable. Our “natural man” usually seeks worldly options including technology and new innovative ideas to bring us comfort and resolve our problems. President Dieter Uchtdorf reminds us in the past April 2009 General Conference that the worldly options that we have a tendency of resorting to contain elements of truth…nevertheless, they all fall short of the lasting change we seek in our lives…THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST…He reassures us that THE GOSPEL is a divine gift, the ultimate formula for happiness and success. We are all entitled to it if we are willing to humble ourselves to follow Christ.
Is it a quick fix or an overnight cure to be a Follower of Christ? Absolutely not! Discipleship is a journey. President Uchtdorf emphasizes that luckily, the first step starts where we stand today! There are no pre-qualifications!
In Matthew 7:7 we are each given a personal invitation and promise to seek, knock and ask and the floodgates of heaven will open and direct each of us in the pathway of discipleship.
My dear sisters, whatever our struggles may be, my sincere hope and prayer is that we can find the humility to seek guidance from our Heavenly Father to continually walk in the way of the Lord.
May we always remember to be kind, loving and supportive of each other, always ensuring that our actions and words exemplify the PURE LOVE OF CHRIST.
Love,
Wendy Gataloai
Friday, April 3, 2009
General Conference
General Conference will be broadcast fromthe local Stake Centers, on lds.org, and BYUTV
9am and 1pm
both Saturday, April 4 and Sunday, April 5th
(all 4 times are different sessions, not repeats)
Priesthood session-broadcast at the Stake Center
for young men and men age 12 and up
at 5pm on Saturday, April 4th
No regular church services will be held
No regular church services will be held
at the chapel this weekend.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Cooking, cooking cooking...
Photo by Molly WizenbergThe jam-making demonstration will be this
Saturday 3/28 from 10-11am
at the home of Brenda Goddard.
No supplies are needed.
Contact Margarita Pierson with any questions.
The first cooking class will be at the home of Kristen Thompson
on Wednesday the 4/15 @ 7:00 PM.
It's a tasters table with the theme
Dinnertime...Simplified.
Those who would like can bring
a recipe to share with 5 ingredients or less.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Stake Conference
Stake Conference:
Sat. 3/14 3pm Priesthood Leadership Session
Sat. 3/14 7pm Adult Session
Sun. 3/15 10am General Session
All three meetings will be at the Riverside Stake Center.
4375 Jackson Street, Riverside, CA 92503
Sat. 3/14 3pm Priesthood Leadership Session
Sat. 3/14 7pm Adult Session
Sun. 3/15 10am General Session
All three meetings will be at the Riverside Stake Center.
4375 Jackson Street, Riverside, CA 92503
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
March Presidency Message
This month, our Relief Society presidency lesson will be about modesty. It is important to keep in mind that modesty is not just about the way we dress, but also about how we act. Elder Robert D. Hales wrote an important reminder to us all in the article entitled “Modesty” in the August 2008 Ensign Magazine. Here is some of his guidance for us to ponder:
“To be modest is to be humble, and being humble invites the Spirit to be with us.”
“Modesty is at the center of being pure and chaste, both in thought and deed. Thus, because it guides and influences our thoughts, behavior, and decisions, modesty is at the core of our character. Our clothing is more than just covering for our bodies; it reflects who we are and what we want to be, both here in mortality and in the eternities that will follow.”
“Clothing ourselves with modest dress and modest actions—mercy, kindness, humility, patience, and charity—will invite the companionship of the Spirit and will positively affect those around us (see Colossians 3:12, 14).”
“Ultimately, how we dress will greatly influence our obedience to commandments and devotion to covenants. Dressing modestly will guide our attitudes and behavior as we conduct our daily lives.”
I hope his words will inspire each of us to do our personal best each day to be modest in our actions and our physical appearance.
Sincerely,
Sharla Allen
“To be modest is to be humble, and being humble invites the Spirit to be with us.”
“Modesty is at the center of being pure and chaste, both in thought and deed. Thus, because it guides and influences our thoughts, behavior, and decisions, modesty is at the core of our character. Our clothing is more than just covering for our bodies; it reflects who we are and what we want to be, both here in mortality and in the eternities that will follow.”
“Clothing ourselves with modest dress and modest actions—mercy, kindness, humility, patience, and charity—will invite the companionship of the Spirit and will positively affect those around us (see Colossians 3:12, 14).”
“Ultimately, how we dress will greatly influence our obedience to commandments and devotion to covenants. Dressing modestly will guide our attitudes and behavior as we conduct our daily lives.”
I hope his words will inspire each of us to do our personal best each day to be modest in our actions and our physical appearance.
Sincerely,
Sharla Allen
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Book Club Update
The book club's first book choice is Illuminating the Sermon at the Temple & the Sermon on the Mount by John W. Welch. The discussion covering the overview and chapter 1 will be tomorrow, 2/26 at 10am at the home of Sister Goddard. It's not too late to participate, if you need a copy of the book, please contact a member of the Relief Society Presidency.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Geneology Field Trips
It would appear that it would be better to meet at the Woodcrest Building for ride sharing if Nadine Fletcher is contacted first, otherwise we should meet at the Stake Family History Center at 10:00 a.m. on the 2nd Thursday of the month only. The rest of the time I will just plan to see everyone at the Stake Family Center.
Thursday, Feb 19 - 10:00 A.M. "New Family Search " discussion and help available at Stake Family History Center. Bring your confirmation date and membership number.
Thursday, February 26- 10:00 A.M. "Beginning Family History" class and help. Bring your records to the Family History Center.
Thursday, March 5- 10:00 A.M. "What Is Your Problem?" discussion and help at the Stake Family History Center. Bring your records.
Thursday, Mar. 12- 10:00 A.M. "New Family Search" discussion and help at the Stake Family History Center, Bring your confirmation date and membership number.
Thursday, Mar. 19- 10:00 A.M. "Internet Solutions to Agrivating Problems" class and help available at the Stake Family History Center. Bring your records..
Thursday, Mar. 26- 10:00 A.M. "Getting Organized 1,2,3." class and help available at the Stake Family History Center
Thursday, Feb 19 - 10:00 A.M. "New Family Search " discussion and help available at Stake Family History Center. Bring your confirmation date and membership number.
Thursday, February 26- 10:00 A.M. "Beginning Family History" class and help. Bring your records to the Family History Center.
Thursday, March 5- 10:00 A.M. "What Is Your Problem?" discussion and help at the Stake Family History Center. Bring your records.
Thursday, Mar. 12- 10:00 A.M. "New Family Search" discussion and help at the Stake Family History Center, Bring your confirmation date and membership number.
Thursday, Mar. 19- 10:00 A.M. "Internet Solutions to Agrivating Problems" class and help available at the Stake Family History Center. Bring your records..
Thursday, Mar. 26- 10:00 A.M. "Getting Organized 1,2,3." class and help available at the Stake Family History Center
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
New HFPE Interest Groups
Our HFPE commitee is starting a handful of new interest groups.
Come together to walk or ride on the first and third Wednesdays of the month.
The adult activity will be about an hour of healthy time of fellowship together.
Activities and locations for riding/walking are currently in the makings with a calendar coming soon!
The new Equine Walk Group will be headed by Sue Steffin, and the Craft Group will be headed by Wanda May.
Come together to walk or ride on the first and third Wednesdays of the month.The adult activity will be about an hour of healthy time of fellowship together.
Activities and locations for riding/walking are currently in the makings with a calendar coming soon!
The first Craft Group gathering will be on March 4th. We will be making beaded jewlery. A flier will be out soon. Save the date. No experience needed. Just come to watch or join in and create.
Please continue to check the sidebar for updates on all HFPE interest groups.
Monday, February 2, 2009
February Presidency Message
Dear Sisters,
This month we are having our annual visiting teaching conference. You might ask what is the purpose of visiting teaching? The handbook states that “The purposes of visiting teaching are to build caring relationships with each sister and to offer support, comfort, and friendship. In visiting teaching, both the giver and the receiver are blessed and strengthened in their Church activity by their caring concern for one another.”
I see it as loving sisters. We are bringing the gospel of Jesus Christ to them personally, in their home. We are helping the Savior minister to his sisters and their families because he can’t be there himself. We have the potential to be ministering angels, of connecting with these sisters on a level that they need, that speaks to them and will help them. There are a lot of sisters on our roles that don’t join with us here at church, or not very often. For whatever reason if they can’t come to the gospel we have the opportunity to bring a little bit of the gospel to them. We come in and accept them as they are, love them as they are and maybe help encourage them to be a little better. Your prayer that you offer in their home might be the only prayer that they have all month. Your spiritual message might spark in them a desire to do a little better in their own life on their own level. We don’t judge the sisters that we visit regardless of their lifestyle choices or church activity. Our goal is to administer to them as the Savior would if he was here.
So how do we become a good visiting teacher?
Let them know you will be there – Don’t let anyone on your list wonder who their visiting teacher is. Contact them any way you can, introduce yourselves in the hall, call them or write them a letter.
Get to know them - Establish a relationship with your sisters. Get to know them and their situation. Don’t pry but let them know you’re there as a friend and a support as they go through tough times in their lives.
Pray for them - As you pray for the sisters you visit they will be on your mind. The Lord knows them and their needs and he will guide you on how best to serve them. Listen for the spirit and remember that the Lord often answers prayers through the actions of others.
Serve them –Being a great visiting teacher is seeing a need and filling it even without being asked.
Consistency – Have some form of contact every month, face to face visits are the best. Let your sisters know that you’ll be there if they need you.
Don’t give up – On them or yourself. Think of every month as a new start. Do the best you can, adapt to the needs and desires of your sisters, be creative in your scheduling and do what works for you, but don’t give up.
Contact your visiting teaching supervisor each month – It makes her life so much easier. Feel free to share any thoughts, concerns or feedback from your visits.
And a note for those of us being visited… let your visiting teacher visit you and serve you – Please let your visiting teacher come visit you! Don’t deny her the opportunity to visit you and if she offers don’t deny her the opportunity to serve you.
As visiting teachers we have the opportunity of being vital part of the Lord’s program set up to serve the needs of the Lord’s children. We can create Zion in our ward as we mutually strengthen each other, help each other and bless each other’s lives. Ma y the Lord guide you and bless you in your efforts to become a great visiting teacher!
With Love,
Christine Beaulieu
This month we are having our annual visiting teaching conference. You might ask what is the purpose of visiting teaching? The handbook states that “The purposes of visiting teaching are to build caring relationships with each sister and to offer support, comfort, and friendship. In visiting teaching, both the giver and the receiver are blessed and strengthened in their Church activity by their caring concern for one another.”
I see it as loving sisters. We are bringing the gospel of Jesus Christ to them personally, in their home. We are helping the Savior minister to his sisters and their families because he can’t be there himself. We have the potential to be ministering angels, of connecting with these sisters on a level that they need, that speaks to them and will help them. There are a lot of sisters on our roles that don’t join with us here at church, or not very often. For whatever reason if they can’t come to the gospel we have the opportunity to bring a little bit of the gospel to them. We come in and accept them as they are, love them as they are and maybe help encourage them to be a little better. Your prayer that you offer in their home might be the only prayer that they have all month. Your spiritual message might spark in them a desire to do a little better in their own life on their own level. We don’t judge the sisters that we visit regardless of their lifestyle choices or church activity. Our goal is to administer to them as the Savior would if he was here.
So how do we become a good visiting teacher?
Let them know you will be there – Don’t let anyone on your list wonder who their visiting teacher is. Contact them any way you can, introduce yourselves in the hall, call them or write them a letter.
Get to know them - Establish a relationship with your sisters. Get to know them and their situation. Don’t pry but let them know you’re there as a friend and a support as they go through tough times in their lives.
Pray for them - As you pray for the sisters you visit they will be on your mind. The Lord knows them and their needs and he will guide you on how best to serve them. Listen for the spirit and remember that the Lord often answers prayers through the actions of others.
Serve them –Being a great visiting teacher is seeing a need and filling it even without being asked.
Consistency – Have some form of contact every month, face to face visits are the best. Let your sisters know that you’ll be there if they need you.
Don’t give up – On them or yourself. Think of every month as a new start. Do the best you can, adapt to the needs and desires of your sisters, be creative in your scheduling and do what works for you, but don’t give up.
Contact your visiting teaching supervisor each month – It makes her life so much easier. Feel free to share any thoughts, concerns or feedback from your visits.
And a note for those of us being visited… let your visiting teacher visit you and serve you – Please let your visiting teacher come visit you! Don’t deny her the opportunity to visit you and if she offers don’t deny her the opportunity to serve you.
As visiting teachers we have the opportunity of being vital part of the Lord’s program set up to serve the needs of the Lord’s children. We can create Zion in our ward as we mutually strengthen each other, help each other and bless each other’s lives. Ma y the Lord guide you and bless you in your efforts to become a great visiting teacher!
With Love,
Christine Beaulieu
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