Family Weekend Article: "Relief Society: Every Woman Welcome " - by Sunny Jane Morton

Have you ever seen “one size fits most” clothing labels? That’s a great idea, except for customers who are too tall, short, large or small. Unfortunately, women can sometimes feel like Relief Society is “one size fits most”—and that some women don’t “fit.”

By definition, Relief Society is “one size fits all.” Its membership is every Latter-day Saint woman over eighteen and mothers under eighteen. But differences among us abound: ages, cultures, occupational status, ethnicity, education, incomes, church involvement, social skills, political beliefs, hobbies and interests . . . and the list goes on! Creating an inclusive, nurturing environment for everyone can be a challenge. But solutions can be found when we apply President Gordon B. Hinckley’s formula for involving new Church members: give each sister “a friend, a responsibility, and nurturing with ‘the good word of God.’”

A Friend

Renee Harding was new to Raleigh, North Carolina and feeling alone and sad, says her friend Michal Thompson. Then a Relief Society sister invited her to play tennis. “She was tempted to decline because of her lack of tennis skill,” says Michal. “However, this sister insisted that neither skill nor tennis fashion applied!”

Renee started playing. Later, when Michal moved into her ward, Renee invited Michal to play, too. “She seeks me out to make sure I can come,” says Michal. “I feel like she thinks I’m important.”

The Relief Society president of a newly-organized ward used a similar idea to help sisters get acquainted. Her Enrichment committee organized hobby groups. Sisters signed themselves up and planned their own get-togethers. Some groups eventually fizzled out, but they served their purpose: to introduce like-minded sisters in casual settings.

A Responsibility

Jennifer Smith, a divorced mother with two grown daughters, had been a member of the Church for less than two months when she was called to be a member of the Enrichment committee. “I was real excited about it. I need[ed] something to do other than come to sacrament on Sunday!” exclaims Jennifer. “I didn’t know what the Enrichment committee even was. But [the Enrichment leader] said, ‘I’m new to this job, too. We’re going to learn this together.’ She was very helpful.”

Jennifer Smith’s Enrichment leader knew that Relief Society terminology and traditions are often unfamiliar to new converts. She gave plenty of instructions, encouragement, and support. But she also gave Jennifer sufficient responsibility that Jennifer knew she was a valued part of a team.

When sisters serve together, cultural differences can lead to friction—or unique opportunities to celebrate multiple heritages. An African-American sister moved from the southern United States to a predominantly white northern-U.S. ward, where she joined the Enrichment committee. While planning a Thanksgiving dinner, the new sister offered to bring sweet potato pies. Another sister suggested pumpkin pies. A third sister, discerning that different traditions were being expressed, quickly suggested that dessert include both types of pies. The southern sister came with her delicious sweet potato pies—and brought several other sisters (who previously had not attended Relief Society functions) with their sweet-potato pies.

Spiritual Nourishment

Carrie Boeman is a stay-at-home mother in Ohio who works in the Nursery on Sundays. Though the children can be engaging, she misses the spiritual camaraderie of Relief Society. She represents another category of women who may feel Relief Society doesn’t “fit” her: sisters who do not attend class. These sisters need friends and responsibilities (though they often have plenty of responsibilities!), but they particularly need nurturing with the good word of God.

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Weekend Fare: "Cleaning and Organizing Tips: Conquering Garage Chaos" 

Is your car parked outside, covered in snow because your garage has been declared a disaster area? Here are some tips for organizing your garage so you can enjoy the rest of the winter without have to scrape the ice off your windshield.

1. Sort items. Place everything into one of four piles: keep it, sell it, donate it, or throw it out.

2. Create separate stations. Keep the workbench in one area, the gardening tools in another. This will make items easier to find. It will also maximize productivity since you’ll spend less time wading through piles of junk to find what you need.

3. Utilize wall and ceiling space. Bulky items like bicycles, sports equipment, folding patio chairs, and snow shovels can be stored on wall hooks or overhead storage racks.

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