3rd Ward RS Birthday - Celebrating "Daughters In My Kingdom"

The 3rd Ward celebrated the Relief Society's Birthday by commemorating the events that led up to the gift of the First Presidency - "Daughters In My Kingdom"

Many sisters came to enjoy the evening - in spite of the cold temperatures and the high winds.

Kristy Belnap - (second from left) is the 3rd Ward RS Meeting Coordinator
in charge of this wonderful evening.

A buffet of (Cafe Rio-style) sweet pork salad & soft tacos was served.

The tables were decorated in beautiful blues - similar to the cover of Daughters In My Kingdom.  Did you know that blue was the only color that did not have any negative connotations in the 100+ countries that the book would be distributed to?

The 3rd Ward's own Barbara Bradshaw spoke about her experiences on the Relief Society General Board working with Sister Julie B. Beck & her presidency as this inspired book was produced.

Sister Bradshaw said that during the five years of Sister Beck's presidency - Sister Beck did not enjoy sleeping through the entire night even once.  She often woke up in the middle of the night with inspiration that she recorded on a legal pad kept at her bedside.

Sister Beck described the completion of the book as "A miracle, and a bounteous and divine spread".  One of it's (many) purposes was to define the purposes of Relief Society - which are:  Faith, Family, and Relief.  It was also written to be instrumental in dispelling common false myths that are often found in circulation in society about the Relief Society and the roles of women.

Sister Bradshaw described how the Relief Society was originally going to be called the "Benevolent Society" - at the request of John Taylor.  The sisters did not feel right about this title, as portions of it had been used in other societies that did not reflect the purposes of the Latter Day Saint Female Relief Society.  The sisters prevailed!

 A perfect ending to the evening was a special song titled "Daughters In My Kingdom" - written by Janice Kapp Perry.

"Do You Have Talent?" - 6th Ward RS Birthday

The 6th Ward had such a fun theme for their birthday celebration this year.  Tonya Steel (working with Heather Wilson and their RS Meeting Committee) came up with a great way to focus on talents of the special sisters in their ward.  Each table was decorated to represent a talent their sisters share with others. As you can see, there were many spotlighted - and in President Louise Evenson's talk, she pointed out many others that are not as visual (but equally as important and valued)

Knitting, Crocheting, Handwork

Sports

Music

Sewing & Dressmaking

Gardening

Mothering & Childcare

Grandmothering

Genealogy & Family History

After a "Make Your Own Cafe Rio Salad" dinner - everyone was invited to write down their name, phone number, and a talent they could share with someone on a card.  The cards were shuffled and redistributed.  Then everyone had 60 seconds to trade - but only if the one they received was not applicable in their own situation (such as childcare received by someone who has no children at home, etc...)  So many fun ideas!

Bishop Irving escorts a sweet 6th Ward sister.

Enjoying the fruits of "Cake Wars"

They also had a "Cake Wars" competition.  So MANY fun cakes... and awards received by everyone who participated.  They were sliced and served while Louise shared her talk.  What a wonderful way to celebrate sisterhood in the 6th Ward Relief Society.

The participants in the "Cake Wars" talent show

5th Ward RS Birthday - Step Back in Time

The Fifth Ward's RS Birthday social was a walk down memory lane... 

Tables were beautifully decorated with fresh flowers, old fashioned hankies, gloves, and those (delicious!) handmade cream cheese mints.

Throughout the room there were beautiful old-time special touches... doilies, hats, recipes with signatures of wives of past prophets, photo albums, yearbooks, books, and jewelry of yesteryear.

Following dinner, Diane Kenison spoke about the timelessness of Relief Society as the many birthday cakes were enjoyed.

The Young Women modeled their mothers', grandmothers' & aunts' clothing from years ago.  Many were heirlooms, some were old prom queen dresses, cheerleading outfits, wedding dresses, and dresses from the early 1900's.  

This fashion show was no easy undertaking... lining up the dresses in the hall with descriptions and who would model them.  

Lori Young and the many sisters on her committee put together the ultimate birthday social!  

Aren't these beautiful Young Women?
Soon to be our Relief Society Sisters!