Don't forget! Ward Pool Party!

Saturday, July 24th

4:30pm-7:30pm

Oakdale Valley Clubhouse

Please remember to bring a salad and your family.

You might also want to bring a lawn chair or two (there are a few pool chairs there) and pool toys if you'd like.

Also, remember to keep an eye on your kids. There will be no lifegaurds. Please make sure nonswimmers are protected.

Service Activity

Thursday, July 22nd

10:00am to 11:30am and 7pm to 8:30pm

Please contact Carolyn or Tish if you need help with childcare

We will be having a give & take table, so if you have anything you'd like to pass on, feel free to bring it

Disability Resources

Sisters,



Here are some highlights of the recent lesson presented in Relief Society. Please check out the LDS disabilities web site when you have a moment. It is very informative.


We hope to see you soon.


RS Presidency

Disability Resources

http://disabilities.lds.org/disabilities/eng/

“Assisting those with disabilities usually means new attitudes rather than new programs, more caring rather than more time.” The more others understand, the more likely they will be to include individuals with a disability.”

First Presidency Statement

"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is working to provide easier access to its buildings and facilities for people with disabilities. We also are seeking more creative ways of providing religious training for those with physical, mental and emotional impairments. But there is an even greater need to reduce the barriers imposed by a lack of understanding and acceptance of those who have disabilities. "We urge leaders, teachers, neighbors, friends and families to:

· Help increase awareness and understanding of disabilities.
· Accept those with disabilities as children of God and help them to feel respected, loved and understood.
· Provide opportunities for members with disabilities to learn about the Savior and pattern their lives after Him.
· Assist in the successful Church participation of people with disabilities and the appreciation of their unique gifts.
· Provide meaningful opportunities for members with disabilities to serve, teach and lead others.

"It is our opportunity and our responsibility to follow the example of Jesus in loving our neighbors, and that includes those with disabilities" (Church News, Apr. 29, 1989, 7).

“Members who have a better understanding of disabilities, in general, will be better able to lift, instill hope, and provide comfort to those who seek support, and will find that they themselves will be blessed in the service.”

Ideas for assisting members who have special needs:

· Always see self and others as “A Child of God.”
· Follow the Spirit when serving
· Become a true friend and offer love, support, and assistance without expecting something in return.
· Help others find and build on personal strengths instead of focusing on limitations
· Respect individual’s Free Agency
· “Choose not to be Offended”
· “Develop Good Judgment and Not Judging Others”


Supporting Articles:

“And Nothing Shall Offend Them” by David A Bednar
Ensign November 2006

“And Upon My Handmaidens I will Pour Out My Spirit” by Julie B. Beck
Ensign May 2010

“Cultivating Sensitivity to Others” by Andrea Worthington Snarr
Ensign June 2008, 59-63

“Developing Good Judgment and Not Judging Others” by Elder Gregory A Schwitzer
Ensign May 2010
“You are My Hands” by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Ensign May 2010

Relief Society Service Activity

Thursday, July 22nd

10am-12pm and 7pm-8:30pm at the church

We will be finishing the school bags, blanets and neckties!

July 2010 Visiting Teaching Message

Strengthening Families and Homes

Study this material, and as appropriate, discuss it with the sisters you visit. Use the questions to help you strengthen your sisters and to make Relief Society an active part of your own life.


Strengthening at Every Opportunity

"Each of us is in a different family situation. Some families have a mother and father with children at home. Some couples no longer have children at home. Many members of the Church are single, and some are single parents. Others are widows or widowers living alone.

"No matter what our family looks like, each of us can work to strengthen our own families or help in strengthening others.

"[Once] I stayed in the home of my niece and her family. That evening before the children went to bed, we had a short family home evening and a scripture story. Their father told about the family of Lehi and how he taught his children that they must hold fast to the iron rod, which is the word of God. Holding fast to the iron rod would keep them safe and lead them to joy and happiness. If they should let go of the iron rod, there was danger of drowning in the river of dirty water.

"To demonstrate this to the children, their mother became the 'iron rod' that they must cling to, and their father played the role of the devil, trying to pull the children away from safety and happiness. The children loved the story and learned how important it is to hold fast to the iron rod. After the scripture story it was time for family prayer. . . .

"Scriptures, family home evening, and family prayer will strengthen families. We need to take every opportunity to strengthen families and support one another to stay on the right path."1


Barbara Thompson, second counselor in the Relief Society general presidency.





From the Scriptures
Genesis 18:19; Mosiah 4:15; D&C 93:40; Moses 6:55–58


From Our History
From the beginning Relief Society has had a charge to strengthen families and homes. The Prophet Joseph taught sisters at an early Relief Society meeting, "When you go home, never give a cross or unkind word to your husbands, but let kindness, charity and love crown your works henceforward."2

In 1914 President Joseph F. Smith told Relief Society sisters, "Wherever there is ignorance or at least a lack of understanding in regard to the family, . . . there this organization exists or is near at hand, and by the natural endowments and inspiration that belongs to the organization they are prepared and ready to impart instruction with reference to those important duties."3


What Can We Do?

What ideas for strengthening families and homes will you share with your sisters? As you ponder their individual circumstances, the Spirit can bring ideas to your mind.

What priorities can you change this month to better strengthen your own family and home?

For more information, go to www.reliefsociety.lds.org.



Notes

1. Barbara Thompson, "His Arm Is Sufficient," Liahona and Ensign, May 2009, 84.
2. Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (2007), 482.
3. Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith (1998), 186.

Relief Society Temple Trip

Meet at the church at 9:30am to carpool to the 10:20am session.
Tuesday, July 13th

Ward Temple Night

Just a reminder that ward temple night is tomorrow,

Wednesday, July 7th

7:20pm session