"Relief of poverty, relief of illness; relief of doubt, relief of ignorance--relief of all that hinders the joy and progress of a woman."
--John A Widtsoe

Friday, June 27, 2014

Sacrament Prelude Music - Relief Society's Turn

Prelude Music

On Sun 6 July, the Relief Society will be presenting our prelude music for Sacrament Meeting.

We have chosen "I Know that My Redeemer Lives" for its beautiful message of Christ, and because it is a loved and well-known hymn.

We wish to hold a brief (10 minutes) rehearsal on Sunday 29 June, after Relief Society, just to make sure we're comfortable with this hymn.

On Sunday Morning 6 July, we invite all our RS sisters, even if you don't feel you sing well, to join us on the Stand at 8:50am for the prelude.

After the prelude, you are welcome to rejoin your families in the congregation.

RS Lesson Plan - July - Dec 2014

January-March 2014 Quarter 1

We encourage you to read through the lessons before each Sunday to enrich your Sabbath experience. See links below to individual lessons. Alternatively download the magazines and manuals to your smartphone or data tablet device through the Gospel Library app. Subscriptions to hardcopies of the Ensign and copies of "The Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Fielding Smith" manual are available as well.

1st Sundays - Inspired Topics from the RS Presidency
2nd & 3rd Sundays - Teachings of the Presidents of the Church - Joseph Fielding Smith
4th Sundays - Teachings for Our Time - Taken from Conference Talks April 2014 General Conference.
5th Sundays - Bishopric's Messages

Accurate as of 27 June 2014. This information is subject to change, especially as TfoT subjects become available.
________________

6 July - Inspired Topic
13 July - Ch 13 "Baptism"

3 Aug - Inspired Topic
31 Aug - Stake Conference

7 Sept - Inspired Topic

5 Oct - Inspired Topic
12 Oct - General Conference Videos
26 Oct - TfOT From Oct 2014 General Conference

2 Nov - Inspired Topic
23 Nov - TfOT From Oct 2014 General Conference
20 Nov - Combined Priesthood/RS - Bishopric's lesson

7 Dec - Inspired Topic
28 Dec - TfOT From Oct 2014 General Conference

Stake Relief Society Service Project

Your invitation to join with us in preparing a Giftbox to donate, on behalf of the Rockingham Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Return Date:  The completed Giftbox is to be returned to your Relief Society Presidency by Sun 27th July, or earlier, for collection.  Thank you for your assistance and contributions.

We have boxes for the packing of these items. Several sisters have chosen to pack boxes on their own. Others have chosen to contribute some items to many boxes. If you'd like to join in, I recommend contributing items such as socks, beanies, gloves, etc. as we have plenty of soap and shampoo.

A basket will be available on Sundays for the contribution of items. We'll post lists of needed items as contributions come in so we don't get too much of one thing and not enough of another.

All boxes to contain the following:

  • Soap and container
  • Shampoo & conditioner or 2in1
  • Deodorant
  • Toothbrush & Toothpaste
  • Shaver
  • Washcloth/face washer
  • Hand towel
  • Socks
  • Beanie
  • Gloves
  • Scarf (optional)
  • Small packet tissues
  • Paper pad & pen/pencil
  • Baby/wet wipes
  • Hand Sanitiser
  • Brush/comb
  • Bandaids
  • Nail clippers
  • Small torch & batteries
  • Rain poncho
  • Small packet lollies/candy bar
  • 50c for a phone call.

Also a hand-written note/message or photo - maybe preparing the pack.

For a Women's Box, also include

  • hygiene/sanitary items, 
  • Hair ties/scrunchie
  • Something to treasure: body lotion/spray, hand cream, quote/poem, brooch/jewelry, testimony, etc.

For a Men's Box, include

  • Something to treasure like aftershave/spray, quote/poem, testimony, etc.


Important Note:  Please ensure ALL items are new and removed from packaging.

We have boxes for packing these items. Several sisters have chosen to pack boxes on their own.  Others have chosen to contribute some items to many boxes. If you'd like to join in, I recommend contributing items such as socks, beanies, gloves, as we have plenty of soap and shampoo.

A basket will be available on Sundays for the contribution of items. Please be thoughtful in what you'd like to include so that we may fulfill as many of the items as possible.

Sunday, June 8, 2014

Inspired Topic: Are You Prepared?

"Those who are wise and faithful will be prepared when the Lord comes again."  --Joseph Smith

Sisters, perilous times are coming again. We know this is the Last Harvest and Christ is returning soon.

Are you prepared?

In D&C 106:4–5 we are warned, "...the coming of the Lord draweth nigh, and it overtaketh the world as a thief in the night— Therefore, gird up your loins, that you may be the children of light, and that day shall not overtake you as a thief."

How are you prepared?

Prepare yourselves spiritually.  Prepare yourselves temporally.

I often speak of how my life is governed by Plans.  Fr'example, I've got a 5-year plan (education), a 20-year plan (raising Their Ladyships), and a Thousand-Year Plan (my eternal salvation).

Everyone should have a Thousand-Year Plan. After all, aren't we sharing the same goal?

I encourage you all to prepare yourselves now, while there is time and room.  When the disasters and destruction which has been foretold falls upon us, we are not going to escape unscathed. Bad stuff is going to happen to many of us. But if we are prepared, the Lord will be with us during that time. (D&C 63:34)  This will be an advantage for the righteous.

But only if they are prepared. (I am in favour of gaining as many advantages I can to help me in those last days. How about you?)

To start your preparations, here is a list of ways you can prepare now. Please add to this list as you see fit; this is only a beginning.

Spiritual PreparationTemporal Preparation
Personal PrayersKeep your body physically healthy
Scripture studyKeep your mind mentally healthy
Attend meetingsBe financially stable
Give serviceBuild up your food storage
Serve cheerfully in your callingsLaugh often
Attend the TemplePlant a garden
Treat your family wellSpent time with your family
Gain an educationGain an education
Practice Christ-like attributesLive within your means
Pay your tithingLearn new skills
Family HistoryRead more
Lead by exampleLead by example
Share the Gospel with othersBe reliable
Desire to increase spirituallyDesire to grow as a person


Do not think that where you at is adequate and you can be complacent. Many people make that mistake. Acknowledge the good you have already accomplished, but also seek to improve on that. There is always something you can do better, something you can improve on. Increase the quality of your actions, your deeds, and your preparation.

Those who are inadequately prepared are going to get caught short.  They will regret their lack of preparation. You have the power Right Now to not be one of those. I encourage you to exercise it.

RS Newsletter June 2014

 Beloved daughters of our Heavenly Father,

         As members of the Church these should not be perilous times for us. If we are following the counsel of the prophets and church leaders, obeying all Heavenly Fathers commandments, living the gospel everyday and sharing the gospel with others, we will fare well.
         To help us further during these perilous times is the principle of “Self-Reliance. “Self-reliance is an important area we must achieve for us to be happy in this mortal life. The first law of self-reliance is “pay your tithing.” Followed by: get out of debt, put some money away for a rainy day, live within your means (budget brands vs labels), don’t go into debt for unnecessary things (eg, a small house made beautiful is easier to pay off), etc. Education is an acceptable debt also as it will offer individuals and families greater opportunities for employment. There may be other areas that you might consider a necessary part of self-reliance.
          If we are not doing these things, then now is a good time to start. Sit down with your spouse or your family and discuss how you can accomplish these things. I bear testimony to you that if you can master these particular areas of life you will have joy, happiness and peace.
          In the name of our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen

Dawn Hirama
Relief Society President

The Divine Mission of Jesus Christ: Minister

        As we minister to others, we become true followers of Jesus Christ, who set the example for us. President Thomas S. Monson said: “We are surrounded by those in need. … We are the Lord’s hands here upon the earth, with the mandate to serve and to lift His children.”

        Linda K. Burton, Relief Society general president, taught: “With practice, each of us can become more like the Savior as we serve God’s children. To help us better [minister to] one another, I would like to suggest four words to remember: ‘First observe, then serve.’ … As we do so, we are keeping covenants, and our service, like President Monson’s, will be evidence of our discipleship.”

We can pray each morning to recognize opportunities to serve others. “Heavenly Father will guide you, and angels will assist you,” said David L. Beck, Young Men general president. “You will be given power to bless lives and rescue souls.”

Consider This

1. How can prayer lead us to be instruments in the Lord’s hands?
2. How can ministering to others help us keep our covenants?

From the Scriptures

Matthew 20:25–28;
1 Nephi 11:27–28;
3 Nephi 28:18

 From Our History

               At the October 1856 general conference, President Brigham Young (1801–77) announced that handcart pioneers were still crossing the plains and that everyone was to help gather supplies for them immediately.
               Lucy Meserve Smith wrote that women “stripped off their petticoats [large underskirts], stockings, and every thing they could spare, right there in the Tabernacle, and piled [them] into the wagons.”
               As the rescued pioneers began to arrive in Salt Lake City, Lucy wrote, “I never took more … pleasure in any labor I ever performed in my life, such a unanimity of feeling prevailed. I only had to go into a store and make my wants known; if it was cloth, it was measured off without charge.”
President George Albert Smith (1870–1951) said of ministering to others: “Our eternal happiness will be in proportion to the way that we devote ourselves to helping others.”

How have you helped someone today?

 We recommend sisters read the lesson prior to coming to Relief Society so they can better participate and get more out of the teachings.
1 June—Inspired Topic: “Those who are wise and faithful will be prepared when the Lord comes again.”
29 June—Teaching for our Times: “Protection from Pornography—A Christ-focused Home” Linda S Reeves (General Conference April 2014 Saturday AM session)

Mon 2 June—Public Holiday
Sat 7 June, 2-4pm Mandurah Chapel—Stake Relief Society Activity
Thurs 19 June, 10am Chapel—Managing a Budget with Excel Spreadsheets
Thurs 26 June, 10am Chapel—RS Temple Trip carpool

 Angel Food Cake

Note: ALL utensils (bowl, beaters, spatulas, pans etc) MUST be grease-free, or the egg whites won’t beat up to stiff peaks.

Preheat oven to 160C (150C fan forced).

In a grease-free mixing bowl beat:

· 10-12 egg whites (about 270ml)
· 1 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
· 1/4 tsp salt

Beat until stiff peaks form.

Beat in, bit by bit:
· 1 1/2 cup powdered sugar (confectioner’s sugar)
Until well-blended.

Add while beating:
· 1 tsp vanilla extract

Fold in:
· 1 cup corn flour

With a spatula, scoop batter (batter will be stiff) into an ungreased pan.  Recommend either bread tin or bundt pan, if you do not have an Angel Food tin.

Bake in oven at 160C for 40-50 minutes. Top will brown and crack.

Allow cake to cool completely before loosening and unmoulding.

Best served with whipped cream and fruit.


Influential Latter-Day Saint Women
You Might Not Know
You know about Emma Smith and Eliza R Snow.  Do you know these influential women from Church history?

· Sarah Melissa Granger Kimball
Student of Joseph Smith’s School of the Prophets and Suffragette

· Dr. Martha Hughes Cannon
Physician and First female US State Senator

· Jane Manning James
Early African American Saint who crossed the Great Plains with the pioneers.

· Dr Emma Liljenquist
Obstetrician and Midwife

· Amelia Telle Cannon
Early champion of education

· Grace Vlam
First missionary to preach the gospel in Indonesia.