Relief Society Birthday

This week we are celebrating the Relief Society Birthday. We are having a party on Tuesday the 22nd and we hope that everyone will be able to join us. The Relief Society is such a wonderful organization and we are so blessed to be a part of it. In the general Relief Society meeting on September 25, 2010, Sister Julie B. Beck taught, “Studying and applying the history of Relief Society gives definition and expression to who we are as disciples and followers of our Savior, Jesus Christ.” Here are some fabulous things about Relief Society.
- On Thursday, March 17, 1842, twenty women gathered together in the upper room of the Red Brick Store (Nauvoo, Illinois), and under the direction of the prophet Joseph Smith, were organized into "The Female Relief Society of Nauvoo".
- When the Prophet Joseph Smith organized the Relief Society he taught that this organization was part of the Restoration and was organized for “the relief of the poor, the destitute, the widow and the orphan” (History of the Church, 4:567). In addition he taught that the Relief Society was “not only to relieve the poor, but to save souls” (History of the Church, 5:25). This is our purpose.
- The motto of the Relief Society is "Charity Never Faileth," and today the organization includes more than 5.2 million women in over 170 countries.
- The Relief Society assists priesthood leaders in carrying out the mission of the Church by helping sisters and families come unto Christ. The Relief Society helps sisters and their families receive all essential priesthood ordinances, keep the associated covenants, and qualify for exaltation and eternal life.
- The Prophet Joseph Smith said, "The Church was never fully organized until the women were thus organized."
I am grateful for the sisters in Relief Society and am happy to be able to serve as the Relief Society secratary in the Gulfport Ward. I hope to see you all on Tuesday at 6:30 wearing your party hats.
Happy Birthday Relief Society!