2/5 RS Lesson: "Why We Are Organized into Quorums and Relief Societies" - Julie B. Beck

The lesson for this Sunday was presented by Sister Jentzsch and the topic of her lesson was taken from a BYU devotional talk given by general RS president Julie B. Beck.  The complete talk can be accessed online through the byu.edu link: "Why We Are Organized into Quorums and Relief Societies," where you can read, print out, share, and listen to Sister Beck's message.


Sister Jentzsch began her discussion with an emphasis on the fact that the Relief Society is organized under the pattern of the Priesthood.  (The word society holds a similar meaning to the word quorum.)  Sister Beck observed that some people have mistakenly believed that Relief Society is just another class that meets during the third hour of church, but the truth is that the RS is a holy and choice grouping of women.  President Joseph F. Smith taught that Relief Society has its own unique identity and that it was "divinely made, divinely authorized, divinely instituted, divinely ordained of God to minister for the salvation of the souls of women and men."  


Sister Beck lists the main purposes of RS as a bridge to, "increase faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes, and seek out and provide relief for those who are in need."  From this Sister Jentzsch reminded us that being a member of the Relief Society is a lifetime membership.  


In her talk, Sister Beck outlines five specific purposes for being organized into Relief Societies (and quorums):

1. To organize us under the priesthood and after the pattern of the priesthood.
2. To focus Heavenly Father's sons and daughters on the work of salvation and to engage them in it.
3. To help bishops wisely manage the Lord's storehouse.
4. To provide a defense and refuge for Heavenly Father's children and their families in the latter days.
5. To strengthen and support us in our family roles and responsibilities as sons and daughters of God.

By understanding the purpose of Relief Society, we can work together and support each other to accomplish the goals of this organization.  Relief Society is not only a support group for sisters in need, but it is also an educational tool for sisters to learn how to fulfill our responsibilities as children of God.

Thank you to Sister Jentzsch for presenting this discussion.  There is so much to learn from RS President Julie B. Beck's message!