4th Ward Service Auction

The 4th Ward had a fun Relief Society meeting the night of February 3rd.  Debbie Maynard had spoken to one of the other wards about theirs - which has become a tradition they look forward to.  She was glad they shared their ideas, and was happy with how it turned out.

The first thing everyone was expected to do was to fill out a card with information on the service they were willing to provide.  The cards were placed in a large clear jar.

After opening the meeting with prayer, Claire Chance (RS Meeting Coordinator) conducted a quiz that determined the number of points everyone could use to bid in the auction a little later.  The questions were really creative and fun - everyone was able to chalk up a bunch of points.  Here are a few sample questions they used (they were all in good fun...)

Did you marry off your youngest child this year?  (If so - give yourself 25 points)
Have you had chocolate in any form today?  (If so - give yourself 5 points)

The auction was then begun.  Using the points tallied up on each person's quiz, they were able to bid on each item as it was described.  A recorder wrote everyone's service and who purchased it.  The cards were then distributed to both the one who donated the service, as well as the person who won.

There were some fantastic services given.  Here are just a few...

One loaf of fresh, homebaked wheat bread delivered each week for ten weeks.
A weekend at a family's beautiful cabin for the purchaser's immediate family.
A lunch date.
Gift baskets (to keep or give away) for Valentine's, birthdays, anniversary, etc...
Sewing instruction for young children.
Tutoring in grades 1-6.
Cinnamon rolls.
Handmade accessories for clothing.

A yummy Hot Chocolate Bar was set up and the sisters were able to bring a cup of hot chocolate back to their tables to enjoy as the bidding went on.  (This is a photo found on the web - it was similar to the one that evening)

Debbie mentioned at the conclusion of the evening that it almost requires a "trial run" the first year so the sisters become familiar with it, and begin to look forward to it the next year.  It also gives them time to think of a service they can offer the next year.

Chicken Soup for River 8th Ward - terrific start for a New Year...

Thanks to Myrl Breinholt for sharing this idea for their January kick-off to the New Year.

Let us know how it went Myrl!

"Conversation Cafe" - fun idea from the 3rd Ward...

At the beginning of a new year - we are all looking for ideas to bring the sisters together to enjoy each other's company after the hectic holidays.   This was passed on to us by Jeanne Maw - 3rd Ward RS President.  

Thanks Jeanne!

We had a really great RS Meeting on the 13th.  As you know, we did a Conversation Cafe.  As you came in, you were seated at a table for four.  Each table was numbered.  Each place setting had a menu of things to talk about and a list of the dinner courses for the evening.

The first was the "Whine List" and we talked about things that are our pet peeves. Sparkling cranberry juice was served along with chips and salsa.   Each table also had a vase of brightly colored flowers in the middle and each flower had a number.   After about 10 or 15 minutes each person selected a flower which had on it a number and then moved to the table with that number - they didn't keep the flower, just checked the number on it)

The second course was soup and we talked about things that others did for us that touched our hearts and made us feel the warmth of the spirit.

The next course was the main course, chicken, beef or cheese enchiladas.  And the last course was dessert which was cookies.

I can't remember the topic of conversation for the last two courses!  I guess it can be whatever you want it to be!

Anyway, we moved from table to table for each course so we were able to mingle with a lot of different people.  We had two non-member neighbors in attendance, who also helped with the food!!

At the end, our cute leader talked about our connection with each other and left us with a cute quote,: "Let us remember thqt our earthly activities have a spiritual base and a celestial  conclusion."

We had a lot of really good comments and felt like it was very successful!  Hope others will enjoy it too!

Thanks,

Jeanne Maw