The book about the ancient and latter-day history of the Relief Society — the women’s organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — will be sent out soon. We’ll be sharing more about this shortly, but at least wanted to get the word out.
:(. I’d hoped we were going back to Teachings of the Presidents. In my stake, if you’re not multi-generation pioneer stock and a lifelong resident of the stake, you’re an intruder, and lessons that get into history become “my ancestor was/did/knew” bragfests that make it crystal-clear that those who don’t have such exalted lineage aren’t REALLY members and shouldn’t be pushing in on someone else’s territory.
If RS is going to be all about that, and nothing to offer those of us who aren’t descended from the earliest members, no point in resuming attendance.
Seanette,
It makes me sad to read that that is the way you are feeling at church. Did you get a chance to read the press release? I get the sense from the press release that the book is designed to have a broad reach, focusing on principles that unite us, rather than on just history alone. Also, each chapter includes stories from the past AND the present, so it’s not just about pioneers. We are all part of the Church’s story, and each of our stories matters to God.
Hang in there. Again, I’m sorry you’ve had some hard experiences. I’d be interested to hear what you think about the book when you get it.
My understanding is that this is not replacing the curriculum, but a new study opportunity. The RS curriculum will be another one of the presidents of the church. I think George Albert Smith in 2012
It sounds like a wonderful book which will enable us to learn about Relief Society sisters in other lands and how they apply the gospel in their lives. I don’t think it is to replace the “curriculum” but rather is meant to be a study guide and used for individual reference material. We all need to broaden our scope and see the gospel in action in other cultures! 🙂
Well I am very much interested in reading that book especially since I am a member of the R.S. I have no pioneer blood or such but I am sure the principles in it will teach me and make my testimony in the church even stronger and as a Relief Society sister my bonds with them would certainly grow. If you could spare a copy anyone
nuri,
Thank you for your comment! This book will definitely be applicable to you — it’s for all women in the Church, not just those with pioneer ancestry. (I feel all the more confident in saying that now that I’ve had a chance to read some of it.)
The plan, I believe, is for copies to be sent to all LDS women in the Church, through local wards and branches. I know this is still in the process, though, and some have obviously not received them yet.
And as of right now, they are not yet available for purchase, so we wouldn’t even be able to order one to send at this time. But I think they will be available for purchase soon.
Does your local ward or branch receive materials in English, or in another language?