First Council Meetings Right on Target

    New this year is the Church mandate that Melchizedek Priesthood quorums and Relief Societies “sit in council” (D&C 107:89) on the first Sunday of each month.  Under the direction of Priesthood or Relief Society leaders, first-Sunday meetings will be used to identify local needs and counsel about how to meet those needs. This is an account of those meetings in the Mokelumne River Ward.

HIGH PRIESTS

   High Priest group leader Dan Sroufe contacted High Priests by email during the week prior to the council meeting, asking them to act on their assignment to visit less-actives and be prepared to participate in the council.
   During their meeting, Bryant Bogren led the discussion, and then gave the brethren a “call to act.”  Loren Perry added, “Do it!”

Bryant Bogren (inset) prepares to begin the discussion.  Helping out are (l to r standing) Neil Anderson, first assistant; Dan Sroufe, HP Group Leader; and Travis Leonard, secretary.

ELDERS QUORUM

    Becoming closer to the Lord by increasing the amount of time each member dedicated to Him was the topic of discussion led by first counselor James Radulovich.  One of the suggestions was to check in twice a week on home teaching--with a text, phone call, or email communication.  Each individual is to decide how much to increase his time in drawing closer to Heavenly Father.

Brother Radulovich used the chalkboard to record the main ideas gleaned from the discussion.

RELIEF SOCIETY

   The council discussion was titled “How we can be more unified as a ward and as a Relief Society?”  We are still blending as a new ward.  How can unity be achieved?  First Counselor Ruth Anderson led a great discussion defined by lots of participation and ideas. These are a few:

   Use visiting teaching as a method to reach out and get to know others.

   Have getting-to-know-you activities.

   Take time on Sundays for introductions—a few each week. Highlight a different sister each week. 

   Use name tags on Sunday in R.S. and weekly activities.

   Create a photo wall with picture of members and a short intro of them.

   Upload a picture of yourself to the Ward Directory.

   Form a group of sisters to go to the rest homes on Sundays to sing.

   Monthly “birthday party” luncheon for sisters who have birthdays that month.  Their stories could be better learned and lives appreciated.

   Classes with help in the basic skills sisters may need/enjoy/improve upon.

Ruth Anderson did a creative arrangement of the RS room to better facilitate discussion.