The Relief Society

I am the second counselor in the Relief Society. Like all of the callings or responsibilities in the church this is a volunteer position, inspired by God and sustained by all of the members of our congregation. It has been an honor and a joy to serve in this capacity. I wanted to share some of my experiences with my calling on my blog, but since several of you may not be familiar with what the Relief Society is, I thought I would share with you first some of the background and story of the Relief Society:

In the spring of 1842, Sarah M. Kimball and her seamstress, Miss Cook, discussed combining their efforts to assist the efforts of workers on the Nauvoo temple. They determined to invite their neighbors to combine efforts as well and assist in creating a Ladies' Society. Sarah M. Kimball asked Eliza R. Snow to write a constitution and by-laws for the organization for submission to the Prophet Joseph Smith for review. After reviewing the notes, Joseph Smith commented that although the constitution and bylaws were the best he had ever seen, he said "this is not what you want. Tell the sisters their offering is accepted of the Lord, and He has something better for them than a written constitution. Invite them all to meet me and a few of the brethren in the Masonic Hall over my store next Thursday afternoon, and I will organize the sisters under the priesthood after a pattern of the priesthood.”

On Thursday, March 17, 1842, the Prophet Joseph Smith organized 18 sisters into the Relief Society of the Church in the second-story meeting room over the Smith's Red Brick Store in Nauvoo. Joseph Smith, along with John Taylor, and Willard Richards of the quorum of the 12 apostles sat on the platform at the upper end of the room with the women facing them. The Spirit of God Like a Fire Is Burning was sung, and John Taylor opened the meeting with prayer. Joseph Smith stated "that the Society of Sisters might provoke the brethren to good works in looking to the wants of the poor—searching after objects of charity and in administering to their wants—to assist by correcting morals and strengthening the virtues of the community..."

It was proposed that the organization go by the name Benevolent Society, however, Emma Smith made a point of objection. She convinced the attendants that The Female Relief Society of Nauvoo would better reflect the purpose of the organization, for they were to do great acts of "relief," not merely be "benevolent." After discussion, it was unanimously agreed that the name of the organization be The Female Relief Society of Nauvoo.

Joseph Smith then offered five dollars in gold to commence the funds of the Society and the men left the room.

Emma Smith made some remarks such as that each member should be ambitious to do good and seek out and relieve the distressed. Several female members then made donations to the Society.

The men returned, and John Taylor and Willard Richards also made donations. After singing Come Let Us Rejoice, the meeting was adjourned. John Taylor then gave a closing prayer.

Today, 167 years later, this inspired and essential organization, now know as simply the Relief Society has more than 5.2 million members in over 170 countries and territories, and is one of the oldest and largest women's organizations in the world.

In a talk given by Julie B. Beck, our Relief Society General President, she stated:

"We have sought inspiration from the Lord to know how to assist the priesthood in building up the kingdom of God on the earth. It is time for Relief Society to fulfill its purpose as never before. To move forward and achieve what the Lord desires, we must clearly understand the purpose of the Relief Society."

She continues: "Just as the Savior invited Mary and Martha of the New Testament times to participate in His work, women of this dispensation have an official commission to participate in the Lord's work. We know through the Prophet Joseph Smith that Relief Society was a formal part of the Restoration and that a similar organization for women existed in the Church anciently. Through Relief Society, women have an official role in the church with great responsibilities."

So, what are some of these responsibilities? Or in other words, what is the mission or purpose of the Relief Society?

The official purpose of Relief Society is to "assist priesthood leaders in carrying out the mission of the Church by helping sisters [women] and families come unto Christ."

In support of that mission, I would like to mention five specific purposes:

· Build faith in the God, and our Lord Jesus Christ and His Atonement. To teach the doctrines of the kingdom of God, encouraging Sisters to live and share the restored gospel.
· Emphasize the divine worth of each sister.
· Exercise charity and nurture those in need; Our motto is "Charity Never Faileth" and through providing Relief, Sisters offer a support system to individuals and families in and out of the church.
· Sustain the priesthood; Sisters are taught to understand the purposes and blessings of the priesthood and to look to priesthood leaders for guidance in individual and Relief Society matters.
· Strengthen, uphold, nourish, and protect families; Sisters are taught the eternal nature of the family. They are encouraged to participate in temple and genealogy work. Training in home-making and nurturing skills is offered to strengthen the individual and the family.

In those early meetings of the Relief Society, Joseph Smith declared, "The Society is not only to relieve the poor, but to save souls."

I know that this true. I testify to you that the Relief Society is an inspired and necessary part of the Restored gospel of Jesus Christ and is a powerful force among the world providing relief and administering in the saving of souls. I would like to end by sharing with you the Relief Society Declaration which states:

We are beloved spirit daughters of God, and our lives have meaning, purpose, and direction. As a worldwide sisterhood, we are united in our devotion to Jesus Christ, our Savior and Exemplar. We are women of faith, virtue, vision, and charity who:

Increase our testimonies of Jesus Christ through prayer and scripture study.

Seek spiritual strength by following the promptings of the Holy Ghost.

Dedicate ourselves to strengthening marriages, families, and homes.

Find nobility in motherhood and joy in womanhood.

Delight in service and good works.

Love life and learning.

Stand for truth and righteousness.

Sustain the priesthood as the authority of God on earth.

Rejoice in the blessings of the temple, understand our divine destiny, and strive for exaltation.