First-Sunday Council Meeting: January 7, 2018

"Unity"

"Revelation is Scattered Among Us" - Elder Neil L. Andersen

On the first Sunday of each month, Relief Society will no longer include a lesson "taught" by a teacher. Instead, presidencies or group leaders will lead a council meeting. We will council together about local responsibilities, opportunities, and challenges; learn from each other's insights and experiences; and plan ways to act on impressions received from the Spirit. 

Why Do We Need Unity Among Us Sisters?

"And he commanded them that there should be no contention one with another, but they should look forward with one eye, having one faith, and one baptism, having their hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another."

-Mosiah 18:21

"We are all in this together. We need each other. Oh, how we need each other. Those of us who are old need you who are young, and hopefully, you who are young need some of us who are old... We need deep and satisfying and loyal friendships with each other. These friendships are a necessary source of sustenance. We need to renew our faith everyday. We need to lock arms and help build the kingdom so that it will roll forth and fill the whole earth"

- Marjorie Pay Hinckley

As a Relief Society we need each other to lift us up, inspire us, and help carry heavy burdens. In order to help one another carry those burdens we have to know what each sister is going through. We have to make a concerted effort to get to know one another, so that we may better understand each other's needs. The more we get to know one another, and look upon one another with love like the Savior does, we can then begin to know how to minister to each sister, and become united through Christ's love.

Every sister is important to our organization, every voice is needed, and will be heard.

When we are united through Christ, we can begin to move forward with one eye, having one faith...having our hearts knit together in unity,  then we can accomplish amazing things together! Like Emma Smith said, "We are going to do something extraordinary!"

How Do We Make Sure Every Sister Feels Included?

Visiting Teaching can be an effective tool in growing closer to one another and connecting on a more personal level. 

Convening in small groups may be a good idea for sisters who share the same interests, have the same schedule or are in similar situations in life, i.e. mountain biking group, hiking group, morning devotional group, mother's with small children groups, book clubs...

We can use technology such as texting and using social media to reach out to one another and to get to know one another better. 

How We Could Use This Blog To Grow Closer and Unify Us?

We can continuously use this blog to ask questions of one another, whether it be spiritual or practical. We all have different talents, experiences, and expertise. We can ask one another questions in a safe, non-judgmental forum on the blog, unhindered by the time constraints and business that we sometimes feel on Sundays. 

We can share our "Salty and Sweet" experiences, both good and bad. We can mourn with each other during times of sadness and rejoice in each other's victories. 

We can ask our sisters to pray or fast for us or a close friend or family member who could use extra prayers.

We can try to connect and reach out those who are unable to attend Church on Sundays. 

 What are Topics That You Would Like To Discuss at Future First-Sunday Council Meetings?

The purpose of those surveys that were handed out two weeks ago, were to get feedback as to what you would like to discuss in future First-Sunday Councils. The Church has given a number of possible topics such as:

• How can we better prioritize all of our different responsibilities?
• How can we come closer to God and receive more guidance from the Spirit in our lives and in our homes?
• How will we share the gospel with our friends and neighbors?
• What will we do to help mentor and strengthen our children and youth in our ward?
• How can we increase unity in our Relief Society?
• How can we be more involved in family history and temple work?
• How do we invite the Lord's help as we seek answers to our questions, and a deeper understanding of the gospel?
• How can parents be better leaders in the home?
• How can we strengthen our testimonies of the Lord and His gospel and help our families be spiritually self-reliant?

These are just suggested topics. The whole purpose is to really address the needs of each other in the Woodland Hills Ward Relief Society, and the surrounding community. If there is a topic you would like to understand more about, or seek the "revelation" that is scattered among us, you can email Hailey, and we will work to address those topics and discussions during future First-Sunday Councils. 

We need your participation, inspiration and cooperation. Please comment with your idea's and impressions. We look forward to growing closer as sisters and coming closer to Christ through our unity as a Relief Society.