Relief Society March 2016 Newsletter

March 2016

Happy Easter!

Take some time this month to reflect upon the Atonement of Jesus Christ and its significance in your life.

Presidency Message

Celebrating 174 years
of Relief Society

What are we celebrating? We are celebrating who we are and what our work is. We are celebrating those who have gone before. And celebrating our purpose.

As Latter-Day Saint women think about the history of Relief Society,  we appropriately celebrate being taught by Joseph Smith in our early meetings… but may we stop and celebrate the blessing of having the teachings of modern day prophets in our day. We have the opportunity to learn together their words in our meetings,  just as our sisters in Nauvoo were taught by the prophet Joseph,  the living prophet in their day.

The purpose of Relief Society is to prepare women for the blessings of eternal life. That is accomplished as sisters increase faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement and personal righteousness,  strengthen families and homes as they make and keep sacred covenants,  and offer relief to those in need,  working in unity with priesthood holders. Understanding the purpose of Relief Society will not only bless the lives of individual women,  but it will also help them bless the lives of others in their homes and families and also in their communities.

Celebrate who we are. Beloved daughters of a loving Father in Heaven. We are dedicated disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. And we are part of a great worldwide sisterhood. We are sisters.

Sister. Linda Burton
Relief Society general president
March 2015          

 Visiting Teaching Message

Created in the Image of God
(Click through for a full, printable message you can share with your sisters.)

Consider This
How does knowing that each person is created in God’s image help us in our association with others?

Calendar and Upcoming Events

Every Monday 6.30pm Fresh Brumby Bread can be collected from Sister Inley’s (84 Oakwood Drive, Waikiki)

Thurs 10th March, 10am Temple Trip for 11.30am session

Thurs 17th March 10am-12noon Homemaking Luncheon at Sister Marlene Percy’s (18a Vaux St, Rockingham). Bring a plate of food to share and ideas of crafts and arts to make and share.

Thurs 17th March, 6.30pm Relief Society 174th Birthday Celebration. Bring a friend, for a fun night at the Chapel

25-27 March—Easter! Remember the Atonement of Christ.

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YSA Activities

Sun 20th March, 6pm Stake YSA Devotional hosted by Rockingham YSA  Mandurah Chapel

Thurs 24th-Sat 26th (Easter Weekend) YSA Camp at HoneyMoon Pool 

Youth turning 17 this year (2016) are invited to participate in most YSA activities including Mission Prep & Institute classes(excludes overnight activities: i.e conventions, etc,).

Lessons

Relief Society (Auxiliary) Lessons

Mar 6  - Relief Society/Quorum Instruction
Mar 13 - Chap 5 "Joseph Smith, Prophet of the Restoration"
Mar 20 - Chap 6 "The Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ"
Mar 27 - Teaching For Our Times: Pres Thomas S Monson "Keep the Commandments"

Sunday School Gospel Doctrine Lessons

Lesson  9 - “My Soul Delighteth in the Words of Isaiah”
Lesson 10 - “He Inviteth All to Come unto Him”
Lesson 11 - “Press Forward with a Steadfastness in Christ”

Lesson 12 - “Seek Ye for the Kingdom of God”

Pacific Area Plan 2016

Vision

To strengthen families and individuals by increasing faith and trust in Heavenly Father and in Jesus Christ and His Atonement.

Consider what you can do to support this month’s objective for yourself and your family. Jot down your ideas.

Objective this month: Increase Spiritual and Temporal Self-Reliance

Goals:

à Pay a full tithe and give a generous fast offering

à Seek learning and education

à Complete the “My Path to Self-Reliance” Initiative (available on www.lds.org)

Relief Society Workshop

Our Thursday Night Workshop this month involved several sisters sharing simple and nutritious recipes. Here are some of the recipes from that evening: Most only feature a few ingredients and are so simple to make. We had a delicious time!

Nancy’s Bread and Butter Pudding

· 4 slices toasted bread, cut into triangles

· 2 Tbsp currants or sultantas

· 1/4 cup sugar

· 2 tsp grated lemon rind

· 3 eggs

· 2 cups milk

Layer toast triangles, currants, sugar and lemon rind in an ovenproof dish. Beat eggs and milk together. Pour egg mixture over layers. Leave to stand for 15 minutes. Bake at 180°C for 30 minutes until golden brown. Dust with icing sugar.

Maureen B’s Ricotta Dessert

· 500 grams ricotta cheese

· 200 grams finely chopped dates

· 2 Tbsp honey

· Few dashes of cinnamon

· Frozen berries for topping.

Blend ricotta, honey, dates and cinnamon until well mixed. Spoon into dessert dishes and top with berries. Tastes pleasantly like cheesecake.

Taania’s ABC and L Juice

Put through your juicer:

· 2 apples

· 4 carrots

· 2 fresh beetroots

· 1 lemon

Light, tangy, sweet and healthy. Makes 2-3 serves.

Taania’s Watermelon Smoothie

Blitz in your Bullet or blender:

· 1 apple

· 500 grams watermelon

· Few springs of fresh mint leaves

Refreshing and chock-full of vitamins and fibre.

 Heidi’s Basic Bread Recipe

· 1 tsp sugar

· 1 tsp salt

· 1 tsp active dry yeast

· 2-3 cups flour, as needed to make a smooth, non-sticky dough

· 1 c warm water (about 40-42°C)

Knead ingredients together for 10-15 minutes. Cover and let rise (30-60 minutes) until double in size. Punch down, knead for 5 minutes. Shape, place in bread pan and let rise a second time. Bake in 160°C oven for about 30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Variant for Pizza dough: Add 2 Tbsp Olive Oil with warm water. Knead, then roll out as pizza bases. Top as desired. Bake pizza in 220°C oven for about 5-10 minutes until crust is light brown.

Tastes best warm from the oven.

Garlic Butter to spread on freshly baked bread

Let a 500 gram container of butter soften. Blend  in 1 tsp dry garlic granules and 2 Tbsp mixed dry herbs (of your choice).  Can refrigerate if you wish or spread onto freshly baked bread. Can also be spread onto toast for a yummy treat.

Arahi’s Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding

Combine into a jar:

· 1 1/4 cup coconut milk

· 1 Tbsp maple syrup

· 1/4 tsp sea salt

· 3 Tbsp cocoa powder

· 1/4 cup chia seeds (available in health food aisles at Woolies and Coles.)

Give ingredients a quick stir, tighten lid on the jar and give it a good shake until everything is blended. Refridgerate at least four hours or overnight.

To serve: Arahi recommends topping pudding with coconut flakes and raspberries (fresh or frozen). Hits the spot for that chocolate craving.

Bread Recipes

For those of you who enjoyed our fun and delicious Bread Making Workshop last Thursday night, here are the recipes you've been asking for:

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Heidi's Basic Bread Recipe

This basic bread recipe will make a loaf of bread. However the dough can be used for rolls, pizza base and more.

• 1 c warm water
• 1 tsp sugar or honey
• 1 tsp active dry yeast
• 2-3 c flour
• 1/2 tsp salt

In a mixing bowl blend 2 c flour, active dry yeast and the salt. Add warm water and sugar or honey. 

Mix together with your hands until dough forms. If dough is too sticky, add more flour (but only enough to remove stickiness).

Knead bread by hand or machine until pliable (about ten minutes). The more you knead, the better your bread texture.

Let dough rest and rise in a covered mixing bowl until double in size. This may take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour depending on ambient temperature.

Preheat oven to 180°C.  Punch down dough and knead again for five minutes. Shape dough and place in bread pan. Allow to rise again.

Once bread has doubled in size, place in oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until golden.

Let bread cool on a wire rack before slicing.

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Renee's Fried Bread

• 5 cups Self Raising Flour
• 5 tsps Baking Powder
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups luke warm water or more if needed
• 1 litre oil (vegetable, olive, grapeseed, which one you prefer)

Mix all dry ingredients in large bowl together. Make well in middle of dry ingredients gradually add water and stir together with knife until well combined.

Once combined to a dough place onto to floured surface, kneaded mildly till smooth texture.

Roll out with rolling pin or press out with hands till dough is 2-4cm thick.Cut into slices, like scones, pricking each one with a fork.

Place each piece of dough into pot or frypan with very hot oil. Turn dough pieces over with tongs when golden brown.

Eat with butter,  jam,golden syurp. Yum.

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Phyllis' Rewena Bread

• 4 cups Flour
• 2 dessertspoons Sugar
• 2 cups of Bug agent (see recipe below)
• 2 cups of Tepid Water

Mix all ingredients well in large bowl.Once combined, place dough onto floured hard surface and knead until dough is very stiff.

Place in loaf tin and let it sit for 30-40 minutes till risen.

Place in oven for 1 or 1 1/2 hours at 260-300 degrees until brown.

Potato Bug (Raising agent for Bread)

• 1 cup flour
• 2 dessertspoons Sugar
• 1 cooked potato mashed in cool potato water
• 1 tsp baking powder

Mix all ingredients together and sit in warm area. It will rise, then use to make bread.

To keep it alive for frequent bread baking add:

• 1/2 cup Flour
• 1 tsp Sugar
• 1 cup of potato water

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Jo's Roti Bread (Indian Flatbread)

• 4 cups of Plain flour
• 2 cups Hot Water
• 1/2 cup oil

Make well in middle of flour, pour in hot water, combine with hands until you have smooth texture, slowly add oil as you knead into dough until evenly through.

Flatten with hand on clean hard surface, till thin and place on hot flat grill top or frypan. Cook till golden brown on each side.

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Debbie's Breadmaker

Breadmaker recipes vary from machine to machine. The order of ingredients, the ratios and more are specifically designed for each machine.

If you google "Recipe Bread [the name of your bread machine]" you can find plenty of good recipes.

RS Newsletter April 2014

Dearest Sisters,

              These are indeed the last days and the work of salvation is urgent. Why else would Heavenly Father ask for our sons (and daughters) from as young as 18 years of age to join His army?

              These Missionaries are our stripling warriors and they have been prepared for the battle these passed 18 years. They too will be valiant because of the teachings of their mothers.

              Through your example and teachings Sisters, you have prepared brave and valiant young men and women to join the mission field. Help and encourage them to serve. At home we can also fight the battle against the adversary. The battle is real and it is rampant all around us. There is much to do and we are enlisting ALL of your help, including your young children. Raise the banner (standard) sisters and answer the call from the Bishops, the Stake Presidents, the Area Presidents, the Prophet, and the Lord when you are called to serve.

In Jesus Christ’s Name, Amen.

Sister Dawn Hirama

Relief Society President

The Divine Mission of Jesus Christ:

Savior and Redeemer

Among the most significant of Jesus Christ’s descriptive titles is Redeemer,” said Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. “Redeem means to pay off an obligation or a debt. Redeemcan also mean to rescue or set free as by paying a ransom. … Each of these meanings suggests different facets of the great Redemption accomplished by Jesus Christ through His Atonement, which includes, in the words of the dictionary, ‘to deliver from sin and its penalties, as by a sacrifice made for the sinner.’”

Linda K. Burton, Relief Society general president, said: “Heavenly Father … sent His Only Begotten and perfect Son to suffer for our sins, our heartaches, and all that seems unfair in our own individual lives.

“…One woman who had been through years of trial and sorrow said through her tears, ‘I have come to realize that I am like an old 20-dollar bill—crumpled, torn, dirty, abused, and scarred. But … I am still worth the full 20 dollars.’ This woman knows that she … was worth enough to [God] to send His Son to atone for her, individually. Every sister in the Church should know what this woman knows.”

The New Testament includes accounts of women who exercised faith in Jesus Christ, learned and lived His teachings, and testified of His ministry, miracles, and majesty.

1. How can we show gratitude to the Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ?

2. How can we partake of the blessings of our Savior’s atoning sacrifice in our lives?

• Tues 8 April, 10am @ chapel—Parents workshop by Tiffany Stokes
• 12-13 April—General Conference broadcast
• Sat 10am-12pm Morning Session
• Sat 2-4pm Afternoon session
• Sat 5-7pm
• Priesthood session (men only)
• Sun 10am-12pm Morning Session
• Sun 2-4pm Afternoon Session


• 16-20 April Stake Temple Week
• Thursday 17 April, 7:00pm @ Chapel—Family History Workshop
• Fri 18 April, 10am –Ward Activity @ Fantasy Park on Rand Ave
• Sun 20 April 7-9pm Missionary Fireside
• Thursday 24 April - Relief Society Temple Trip.  Meet at the Chapel before 10am to carpool to the temple for the 11:30am session.
• Sat 26 April - General Women’s Broadcast combined with Baldivis Ward

6 April—Presidency Inspired Topic

13 April— General Conference

20 April— Ch 6: The Significance of the Sacrament

27 April—Teaching for our Times: TBA

Hot Cross Buns

Wet ingredients:

2 1/2 tsp dried yeast

1 1/2 cup warm water

1 egg

2 Tbsp margarine

Dry ingredients:

3 1/2 c plain flour

1/4 c brown sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/2 tsp cinnamon

3/4 cup sultanas

Crosses

1/2 c plain flour

1/3 c water

2 tsp sugar

Glaze

2 Tbsp Water

2 Tbsp sugar

1 tsp gelatine

Method:

Blend wet ingredients, let sit a few minutes.

Blend dry ingredients.

Add wet to dry, mix until a dough forms.  Knead until smooth (about 15 minutes by hand)

Divide dough into 12 pieces, roll into balls, set on baking tray. Allow to rise for 30 mins, or until double.

Mix Crosses paste. Pipe over risen rolls.

Bake at 180C for 30 minutes. Allow to cool.

Mix glaze and microwave 1 minute until melted. Glaze buns.

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 Highlights from the General Women's Meeting.

10 Things to Do with Pears

Because I know you're wondering.

1. Peel and dice. Cover with juice and store in the fridge. Let kids feast on it as if it were candy.
   
2. Peel and poach in grape juice with nutmeg and star anise. Serve with ice cream for dessert.
   
3. Cook up, puree, and serve as sauce over pork chops.
   
4. Simple Tarte au Tan:
   
   • Grease a pie plate with butter.
     
   • Bring to boil ³/₄ c sugar and ¹/₄ c water until it caramelises (turns light brown). Pour into base of buttered pie plate.
     
   • Slice up pears and layer these over caramel. Dot generously with butter.
     
   • Blend 1 ¹/₃ c plain flour and ¹/₂ tsp salt with ¹/₂ c butter until crumbly. Gently add 3 Tbsp of cold water until dough sticks together in a firm ball. Don't over-knead.
     
   • Roll out dough on floured board and place over pears. Bake in an 180°C oven for about 30 minutes.
     
   • Allow to fully cool. Once cool, invert onto plate. Cut into wedges and serve with sour cream and a cheesy grin.
   
   
5. Put through your juicer and make delicious and healthy pear juice. Give scraps to your worm farm or dig into your garden for compost.
   
6. Grab a kilo of Jam Sugar from the supermarket and make up some yummy pear jam.
   
7. Homemade pizza! Instead of doing ham & pineapple, try ham & pear. Really.
   
8. Forget banana bread or zucchini bread. Try this Pear Bread.
   
9. Channel your inner American and make Pear Butter.
   
10. Use in place of apples in a Waldorf Salad.

Relief Society Newsletter

January 2013

Presidency Message

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we are special and beloved daughters of God, cherished beyond our wildest dreams by a Father who gave His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins, and give us a way that we can always be forgiven our transgressions or sins if we have a broken heart and a contrite spirit, the key to repentance and forgiveness.

I thank Heavenly Father for sending the missionaries to my home. What a blessing it is to have been chosen to become a member of this Church and to have the fullness of the gospel, restored in these latter days, in our lives. To have a living prophet on the earth today who leads us and guides us, who loves us and prays for us. We are surely blessed!

I am grateful for the trials and tribulations in my life, which help me to witness my heavenly Father’s mercy and love. Trials are certainly sent to test us and help us grow. Lessons learned from making righteous choices help us to know and understand His will. How comforting it is to feel that all will be well because we listen to the ‘still small voice’ that guides us and we obey.

Dear Sisters, be of good cheer, be courageous and make those difficult decisions which you know to be right, for the Lord is on your side. Always be prayerful, always remember to thank your Father in heaven for the blessings you receive. Call on him as often as you need. Ask for His grace to be with you as the battle is long, endure it well and you will triumph. Along the way, enjoy your family and your friends – remember to tell them often that you love them because they need to hear it. “Find joy in the journey” (Pres. Thomas S, Monson).
Dawn Hirama, Second Counselor

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RS Lessons
6th Find Joy in the Journey
13th ch 1 - Learning by Faith
20th ch 2 - Baptism and the Gift of the Holy Ghost
27th Ensign: “Be Anxiously Engaged” - Russell M Ballard

Visiting Teaching Message for January: Missionary Work

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Recipe Corner
“Strawberry Lemonade”

Use Fresh Summer fruits that are in season

Ingredients

• Strawberries
  
• Lemonade

Method

Blend strawberries
Pour your favorite lemonade into blended strawberries.
Serve with blended ice

Quick , Easy, Simple

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Message Board

Our blog is found at rockinghamrs.blogspot.com with all calendar events please take a look as this is one of our new features.

Pick up Free Brumby Bread every Monday’s at Dawn Hirama's after 6:30.

Relief Society Table at front entrance has all RS newsletters, sign up sheets and hand outs.

Upcoming Events2013

Our first activity for the New Year Hawaiian Luau.. come have fun …Hula lessons and more!
Time...6:30
Date Thursday 21st Feb

December 2012 Newsletter

Celestial Sisters

Rockingham Ward Relief Society Newsletter
December 2012

Presidency Message:
Holiness and Happiness

"The more we devote ourselves to the pursuit of holiness and happiness, the less likely we will be on a path to regrets." --Elder Deiter F. Uchdorf

As daughters of God, we are encouraged to do mighty things. Indeed, at no other time in the world's history, has any woman been presented with so many choices. She can take virtually any path now.

So much choice can make one's head spin, especially at this time of year. How can a woman sort herself out?

I find when I am faced with a choice, big or little, I hold my decision up to a little ruler that says, "What Would Jesus Do?" Would my decision promote more holiness in my life? Will it make me more Christ-like or less?

This is most important to us now. The Season of Christ's Birth has been overwhelmed by things of the world. Buy! Buy! Buy! Rush here and there! Feel the pressure! Keep up appearances! Push to have the best party! Get angry at someone at the shops!

In all that, where is our quietude? Where is our lowly stable? Where are our hearts? Where is our holiness?

I encourage you to reflect upon your lives at this time, and make your conscious decisions with the aim of more holiness in your lives. More holiness will bring more happiness, and a calmer sense of self.

For me, the Season begins with Thanksgiving--a day of gratitude-- and ends with New Year's Day--resolutions to be a better me in the new year. And in the middle of it all, is my true reason for the season, remembering the Birth of Christ.

May you also find Christ at this time of year, and all year round.

With Love, Your RS Presidency

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December Lessons

• 2nd Making Our Sacrament More Christ-Centred
  
• 9th Chap 23 - Of you it is Required to Forgive
  
• 16th Chap 24 - Righteous Living in Perilous Times
  
• 23rd Ensign - Dieter F Uchdorf "Of Regrets and Resolutions"
  
• 30th Combined Priesthood & RS
  

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Activities

Relief Society Christmas Party
Time : 6:30
Place: Chapel
Date: 13 Dec 2012

The Parents' Workshop, Sisters Temple Trip and Friendship Luncheon will resume next year in February.

Upcoming Events in 2013!

Hawaiian Luau (Hula lessons and more!), Relief Society Birthday Party (bring your teacup), Easter Program (Women Who Knew Christ) and more!

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Message Board

Free Brumby's Bread every Monday at Dawn Hirama's home after 6:30pm and, every Thursday at the chapel from 6:30-7:30pm.

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Recipe Corner

Ingredients

• 500ml (2 cups) thickened cream
  
• 1 tsp caster sugar
  
• 1 tsp vanilla essence
  
• 250g pkt Arnott’s Choc Ripple biscuits
  
• Grated chocolate, to decorate

Method

Place cream, sugar and vanilla in a bowl and beat using an electric beater until stiff.

Spread a little cream onto the base of a serving plate. Spread one biscuit with 1 1/2 teaspoons of cream then sandwich with another biscuit. Top with another 1 1/2 teaspoons of cream then place biscuits on their side onto the serving plate. Repeat until all biscuits have been used and form a log.

Spread remaining cream over log to cover entirely. Cover loosely with foil. Place in the fridge for 6 hours to set.

Just before serving, sprinkle with grated chocolate