August Visiting Teaching Lesson~Late

Taking Action in Time of Need

As visiting teachers, one of our purposes is to help strengthen families and homes. The sisters we visit should be able to say, “If I have problems, I know my visiting teachers will help without waiting to be asked.” In order to serve, we have a responsibility to be conscious of the needs of the sisters we visit. When we seek inspiration, we will know how to respond to the spiritual and temporal needs of each sister we are assigned to visit. Then, using our time, skills, talents, prayers of faith, and spiritual and emotional support, we can help give compassionate service during times of illness, death, and other special circumstances.¹

Through the help of reports from visiting teachers, the Relief Society presidency identifies those who have special needs because of physical or emotional illness, emergencies, births, deaths, disability, loneliness, or other challenges. The Relief Society president then reports her findings to the bishop. Under his direction, she coordinates assistance.²

As visiting teachers we can have “great reason … to rejoice” because of “the blessing which hath been bestowed upon us, that we have been made instruments in the hands of God to bring about this great work” (Alma 26:1, 3).

From the Scriptures

Matthew 22:37–40; Luke 10:29–37; Alma 26:1–4; Doctrine and Covenants 82:18–19

From Our History

In the early years of the Church, membership was small and centralized. Members could respond quickly when someone was in need. Today our membership is over 14 million and is spread throughout the world. Visiting teaching is part of the Lord’s plan to provide help for all His children.

“The only system which could provide succor and comfort across a church so large in a world so varied would be through individual servants near the people in need,” said President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency.

“… Every bishop and every branch president has a Relief Society president to depend upon,” he continued. “She has visiting teachers, who know the trials and the needs of every sister. She can, through them, know the hearts of individuals and families. She can meet needs and help the bishop in his call to nurture individuals and families.”³

FINAL COUNT PLEASE!!!

We're trying to get a final count for our Ward Temple Trip on Saturday, September 1, 2012.  Please leave a comment if you are able to attend.  Include number of family members, and ages of the children.  We are so excited for this trip.  We were able to get the Cultural Hall  at 3595 Monad, Billings Montana, where you'll be able to drop your children off for fun, activites, and snacks while you attend the temple.  The bishop has said that the youth will start Baptisms at 9:00 and the adult session will begin at 10:00.  Please feel free to drop your children off between 9:15 and 9:30.  We will then meet again at the meetinghouse for lunch as a ward.  Please look at your schedules, talk with your families, and decide soon if you're able to go.  We will have a sign up on Sunday as well if you'd prefer to have the extra time to consider.  Please contact one of the presidency or bishopric if you'd like to go and need a ride.  We'd love to have you come!  This will be such a great day. 

Hope To See You ALL There!!!

Happy Birthday!!!

Today is our Prophet, President Thomas Spencer Monson's Birthday!  Do something nice for someone today! August 21, 1927.  85, WOW!