Food Bank.... January Service Project

(Many thanks to Maricela Lorenzon for taking all the photographs)

A very special thank you to all the Sisters who were able to make it out for our January Service Project at the RGV Food Bank.  What a special way for our Relief Society Sisters to become involved with the community and help those families who are in need.

"There is one gift I would like to focus on—the gift of charity. Use charity, 'the pure love of Christ' (Moro. 7:47), and give service for the right reasons. Charity is the ability to make life more meaningful for others....


"There are times when we need to be lifted. There are times when we need to be strengthened. Be that kind of friend and that kind of person who lifts and strengthens others. Never make someone have to choose between your ways and the Lord's ways. And always make sure that you're making it easier to live God's commandments for those who are by your side and who are your friends. Then you will understand whether you have charity" (Ensign, Feb 2002, 12).

-Elder Robert D. Hales

Reminder...Food Bank Service Project this Saturday!!

Reminder for all Sisters who signed up to help out at our Service Project this Saturday, Jan. 15th at the Food Bank RGV....

Due to shortage of parking at the Food Bank, we will be meeting at the church at 9:15 a.m. and then carpooling over to the Food Bank. 

We will be volunteering from 10 a.m.-2 p.m..  If you have a yellow Relief Society t-shirt, please wear it...if not, no worries.

We hope you can join us for this fun event!

January 2011 Visiting Teaching Message

The History and Heritage of Relief Society

"The History and Heritage of Relief Society", Liahona, Jan. 2011, 7

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Study this material and, as appropriate, discuss it with the sisters you visit. Use the questions to help you strengthen your sisters and make Relief Society an active part of your own life.

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Eliza R. Snow recalled the Prophet Joseph Smith teaching that “although the name [Relief Society] may be of modern date, the institution is of ancient origin.”

Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, visited Joseph Smith and, through him, restored the fulness of the gospel to the earth. Relief Society was part of that restoration. The organization of the Church was not complete until the sisters were organized.

In the coming months, each Visiting Teaching Message will give us the opportunity to learn more about the history of Relief Society and its part in the restored gospel. For many reasons, understanding our history is not only important but essential.  First, an understanding of our history inspires us to be the women of God we need to be. By following the examples of noble Latter-day Saint women, we can learn from the past how to face the future.  Second, our history teaches that the same principles that existed in the early Church are our foundational principles today. This knowledge and our purposes—to increase faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes, and help those in need—draw a connection between our past and our present.  Third, as we value our history, we can better share our spiritual heritage. President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency, said: “You pass the heritage along as you help others receive the gift of charity. … The history of Relief Society is recorded in words and numbers, but the heritage is passed heart to heart.”  Finally, understanding our history helps make us an effective part of the future of Relief Society. President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985) explained, “We know that women who have deep appreciation for the past will be concerned about shaping a righteous future.”

From the Scriptures

Esther 9:28–29; Romans 16:1–2; Alma 37:8; Moroni 7:45–47

From Our History

“Relief Society is the Lord’s organization for women.” In his capacity as a prophet, Joseph Smith organized the Relief Society on March 17, 1842. The small, diverse group at that first meeting were dedicated women, similar to Relief Society sisters today. “The youngest were three teenagers, and the oldest, a woman in her fifties. Eleven of the women were married, two were widows, six were unmarried, and the marital status of one is unknown. Their education and backgrounds varied greatly, as did their economic circumstances. Their diversity would be magnified many times as the organization’s membership continued to grow, but they were and would continue to be one.”

What Can I Do?

1. What can I do to help the sisters I visit receive the gift of charity?
   
2. What can I begin to do this month to help shape a righteous future for myself? for my family? for others?
   

For more information, go to www.reliefsociety.lds.org.

The Purpose of Relief Society...Julie Beck, Silvia Allred and Barbara Thompson

The General Relief Society Presidency were recently interviewed and explained the purpose for the worldwide Relief Society organization.

Click here to listen to Julie Beck, Silvia Allred and Barbara Thompson share the Lord's vision and purpose for Relief Society and the blessings that can come into our lives by being involved in this sacred organization.

January 2011 Spiritual Message

"Through my scripture reading and the prayers that accompany my study, I have gained knowledge which brings me peace and helps me keep my energies focused on eternal priorities.  Because I started reading the scriptures daily, I have learned about my Heavenly Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and what I need to do to be like Them.  I have learned about the Holy Ghost and how to qualify for His companionship.  I have learned who I am, why I am here on earth, and what I should be doing with my life."

-  Julie Beck, Relief Society General President, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

Dear Sisters,

As a personal 2011 goal, may the Lord bless you with the desire to study and grow in your knowledge of the scriptures.  May you find guidance, peace, comfort and strength as you "feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do" (2 Ne. 32:3).

With all our Love,

McAllen 1st Relief Society Presidency

Additional Scripture Study Ideas/Resources:
1.)  Begin the Book of Mormon 100 Days Challenge...click here
2.)  Sign-up for a daily email reminder with readthescriptures.com...click here
3.)  Join or start a scripture study group
4.)  Invite your spouse and/or children to start scripture study with you on a regular basis
5.)  Read the talk by Julie Beck, "My Soul Delighted in the Scriptures"...click here.

January 2011 RS Lesson Schedule

Jan. 2nd-  RS Presidency Message: Scriptures: Teacher- Sister Rocha

Jan. 9th-  Ch. 25- "Fasting": Teacher- Sister Vela

Jan. 16th-  Ch. 26- "Sacrifice": Teacher- Sister Tyler

Jan. 23rd- Teaching for our Time: "Never Leave Him" Elder Neil L. Anderson (Oct2010 Conf.): Teacher- Sister Arnold

Jan. 30th- Combined Priesthood/ Relief Society Meeting- Topic selected by Bishop Mask

A New Year.

January Service Project

Food Bank RGV

McAllen 1^st Relief Society 
Service Project

“Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

-Mathew 25:40

Dear Sisters,

Come join us as we help the Food Bank sort, inspect and package non-perishable food items for hungry neighbors across the Rio Grande Valley.

When:  Saturday, January 15, 2011

Time:  10:00 A.M.- 2:00 P.M.

Where:  Food Bank RGV--2601 W. Zinnia McAllen