Dear Sisters,
Within this Church there is a constant need for unity, for if we
are not one, we are not his. (See D&C 38:27.) We are truly dependent on each
other, “and the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again
the head to the feet, I have no need of you.” (1 Cor. 12:21.)
As leaders
in Relief Society, how do we create more unity in our wards?
1. Go beyond visiting teaching. Plan a time to let your
children play together so you can visit.
2.
Attend the Temple together. Going to the temple with girls from my ward was
something we all enjoyed and helped to cement our relationships.
3.
Perform service together. “Charity never faileth.” Doing service together is
another great way to cement relationships.
What can we do in our
Sunday meetings to promote unity?
1.
Encourage your sisters to sit by someone new each week.
2.
Greet and welcome new sisters. Make
sure your sisters are introduced at least 3 times. This helps you and your
sisters get to know them quicker.
3.
Some people want to fly under the radar, it is up to you to find them! When I was a relief society
president I pray to find those who were not coming to church, I found that one
of these girls was a neighbor of mine. She was inactive, worked a lot, but she
did tell me she cut hair. I immediately thought, what better way to get to know
her than to have her cut my hair. We became friends and she is active today. I
hope you will make it your mission to find each sister on your roll and make
sure she feels included.
A few other tips:
1.
Have sister spotlights. Each week, give a sister in your ward the responsibility to get
to know another sister. Include a picture and send the spotlight out in a ward
email or blog. It’s a great way to get to know the sisters better.
2.
Don’t go to activities alone. Invite a friend or someone new!
3.
Always refrain from gossip! Gossip is evil, divisive and will not promote unity.
Unity
is a great medicine for many of the struggles ailing your sisters. May you go
out of your way to unite your Relief Society sisters in love and righteousness.
“We
are surrounded by those in need of our attention, our encouragement, our support,
our comfort, our kindness…We are the Lord’s hands here upon the earth, with the
mandate to serve and to lift His children. He is dependent upon each of use.
–Thomas
S. Monson
Love,
Sister Warnick
