Sewing Night with Young Women...

I thought this idea had great possibilities...  One of our responsibilities in the Relief Society is to provide opportunities for the Young Women to feel comfortable being with us in a Relief Society meeting setting.   In many wards, the Young Women are invited in monthly for opening exercises.

Mother/Daughter nights aren't uncommon, but it can be awkward with the young women whose mothers aren't available, or not very willing to come with their daughters.

If you have "transition" in your radar as a ward RS presidency, you might consider combining a Young Women activity with a Relief Society meeting one evening.  It may require you to change your night to THEIR night - but good things can result.

Young women would be encircled into Relief Society for just one evening - participating in an activity that all women (not just their mothers) are there to enjoy with them.

Aprons - especially "retro" aprons - are everywhere right now.  There are many free patterns available online, and you may have sisters in your ward who have patterns they would be willing to share.

What about the fabric you ask?  Think of how many of us have fabric stashed away from years ago - probably a lot of it would fit into the "retro" category!  Instead of donating it to charity, it would save on the cost of a project for yourself or one of these young women.

Here is a link that has just a few of the free online patterns out there.

free online pattern link

Click on the links at the bottom of their site for even more ideas.  Aprons can be made from a myriad of inexpensive items - dish towels, dinner napkins, old tablecloths, pillowcases - you won't believe the possibilities.

This is from Joyce Loftus - 4th Ward Enrichment counselor... She has a valid point - probably something you have all found lacking in your own wards. Please add your comments - and any ideas you have found helpful in your own ward.

"A suggestion, perhaps ... I would like to know what other wards are doing that could bring in the newly married's or younger women of the ward to the Enrichment evenings or activities. I feel that is where I am lacking and I am not sure what to do about it. When I was their age, Relief Society activities were not a priority. I can understand where they are coming from but I would sure like to see them more involved. The younger ones are great to help if asked but I can't keep asking them just to get them to come. Plus, some I have asked and they have agreed - and then not shown up. It is an interesting age group that has so much to offer."