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.

Linking Presidency Lessons & RS Monthly Meetings - idea from the 7th Ward...

We had a wonderful ward conference with the 7th Ward a few weeks ago, and were delighted to visit with their presidency about a new idea they are implementing this year.  Their President (Jolynne Ward) reminded us of the statement by Sister Beck that is so timely...

"If meetings are not strengthening the faith of the sisters - why are they being held?"

Their ward purpose this coming year is "To Strengthen Faith & Families"

Every presidency lesson focuses on one way they can accomplish this.

Their monthly RS meetings (mid-week) support what was taught on that first Sunday Presidency lesson.

They agreed to share their year's outline with us...

2010 Relief Society 7^th Presidency Messages and Activities

(Fast Sundays)

7^th ward Purpose: To strengthen faith and families.

1. Strengthen Marriage, Families and homes (importance of FHE, personal and family prayers, praying with our spouse) Taught by presidency member or sister.

Activity – Reading the book “The Peacegiver” Story of the Atonement healing a marriage. Meeting at the end of the month to discuss book and refreshments.

2. Increase in Faith and Personal righteousness (personal revelation)

      Taught by presidency member or sister.

Activity – Temple Day and Luncheon.

3. Serve the Lord and his children  (charitable service/welfare).

         Taught by presidency member or sister.

Activity- RS Birthday dinner night combined with Humanitarian Project.

4. Increase in sisterhood and unity (connecting through visiting teaching and serving together) Taught by presidency member or sister.

Activity – Visiting Teaching Night - interviews, message & refreshments

5. Sharing the Gospel. Taught by Missionary Moms or Women who have served missions (sharing a personal spiritual experience and testimonies from the missionaries serving in our ward)

Activity - Missionary Mom Luncheon

6. Provident Living and Spiritual and Temporal self-reliance (Emergency Preparedness, Food Storage) Taught by Jennifer Robinson (January visiting teaching message in Ensign)

Activity – Ward Family night, centered around ideas that are fun and in-expensive. (Games, Pizza)

7. Temple and Family history  Taught by presidency member or sister.

Activity – Temple day and luncheon or desserts.

8. Magnifying our callings (in the church and as wives and mothers)

Taught by presidency member or sister.

Activity – Picnic at the Park (Bring your own picnic Mom’s and kids)

9. Strengthening the Priesthood (support and understanding our roll)

Taught by presidency member or sister.

Activity – An evening with husbands… games, hot chocolate bar, sweet rolls.

10. Increasing our understanding of the Atonement Taught by presidency member or sister.

Activity – Testament Movie and popcorn.  Moms with Young Women/ to be held in a sister’s basement.

11. Increasing our knowledge (Personal scripture study, negative media and television shows) Taught by presidency member or sister.

Activity – book club month read a good uplifting book at the beginning of month meet to discuss the book at the end of month, book to be decided.

12. Christmas Program  (Testimonies how basics have strengthened families and brought them closer to Christ.)

Activity – RS dinner and program