Today in Relief Society

Today, the RS was combined with the Priesthood because it was the 5th Sunday of the month. The Young Women and Young Men presented the programs and explained what the youth do in their respective programs.

Young Women:
Girls aged 12-13 are called Beehives. The Beehive is a symbol of harmony and cooperation. Girls this age are taught to work together to accomplish goals.
Girls aged 14-15 are called Mia Maids. The word "Mia" comes from the original title of the program, the "Mutual Improvement Association." The symbol of the Mia Maid is a rose, symbolizing love, faith, and purity.
Girls aged 16-17 are called Laurels. For centuries the laurel wreath has been a crown woven from the leaves of the laurel tree. It is given to someone who finishes a significant achievement as a symbol of honor and accomplishment. Laurels today are finishing their preparation to make and keep sacred covenants and receive the ordinances of the temple.

The Personal Progress program has changed with the new year. The most exciting news is that the new medallion that is given when the Young Womanhood achievement is earned is available to ALL women in the church who would like to earn it . To do so, you have to fulfill similar requirements as the girls, and assist a Young Woman in earning her award. Any of you ladies interested in pursing that should talk to the Young Women's president.

Finally, the YW presented a song which focuses on the newest Young Women value, virtue. The chorus of the song goes;
"I won't flirt with the darkness that I came here to fight, you'll find me on the Father's side. No matter what the world may do, I'm a daughter of God, and I'm holding onto virtue."

Young Men:
Young men between the ages of 12 and 17 are in a time of preparation and personal growth. Accordingly, the purposes of the Aaronic Priesthood are to help each person who is ordained to:
Become converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ and live its teachings.
Serve faithfully in priesthood callings and fulfill the responsibilities of priesthood offices.
Give meaningful service.
Prepare and live worthily to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood and temple ordinances.
Prepare to serve an honorable full-time mission.
Obtain as much education as possible.
Prepare to become a worthy husband and father.
Give proper respect to women, girls, and children.

Each young man is assigned as a Home Teaching companion, as serves the ward in that capacity.

Boys aged 12-13 are called Deacons.
Boys aged 14-15 are called Teachers.
Boys aged 16-17 are called Priests.

Young men at this age work within their quorums and families to earn their "Duty to God" award. This is a scouting award that is earned by LDS boys.

The Youth actually stood up and presented this information to the adults of the ward. It must have taken courage and preparation, and we are grateful to the Young Men and Young Women for helping us understand (or remember) what they do each week. Dede B.

How it works

I wanted to make sure everyone understood how this blog works...No one can view the blog unless they have been invited, or they email me and ask for permission. (I apologize some of you got invited twice, I accidentally hit the button twice!) Which means, it will only be viewable to ladies in our ward. I am the only one who can publish anything on here, except, you ladies can comment on posts and pictures if you want to by clicking "comment" under the entry. I will not publish any personal information such as addresses and phone numbers, and if you don't want something that has been posted to remain, just let me know and I can remove anything I put on here. I planned to put a list of monthly birthdays, unless someone has an objection. (I won't put years!) Any other questions, comments, concerns? Please leave a comment or email me! Dede B.

January 2010

I hope the new year has been wonderful for you sisters so far. I am the new Relief Society Secretary, and I set up this blog as another way to communicate with you all. I will try to keep this updated with upcoming events, birthdays, pictures, etc. I am so happy to serve each of you, and I hope to get to know you all! Dede Bessey