What happens when a female investigator comes to church?  Are the Relief Society sisters there to greet her?  Does she understand Mormon terminology enough to get around?  Does she feel comfortable enough to return?

We get caught up in what we know and forget what other’s might see.  We forget that Mormons are very unique and different from the outside world of church going folks.  I assumed everyone still went to church in dresses, and was shocked when I attended a Catholic service and saw everything BUT a dress.  Most people struggle sitting through an hour long service, but we have three hours of church, and just the thought of that makes people sweat.

What in the world is Primary, Mutual, D & C, sustaining, releasing, Enrichment, FHE…you get the idea.  These are terms totally foreign to most people.  Someone needs to stand by investigators to fill them in, help them adapt, hold their hand during the transition period.
There are many things Relief Society can do to help new sisters join, and be incorporated, into the organization.  Investigators should be able to see the Relief Society actively doing what they were meant to do.  Our priority is compassionate and humanitarian service.  There should be on-going projects going on, being announced or discussed every Sunday and carried out during the week.  It’s nice if there can be a report of how some sisters are doing as their health struggles and improves; encouraging sisters to call, pray for, or visit these sisters.  We need to be a caring, compassionate, collaborative Relief Society; and visitors need to see us in action.

Enrichment Activities can be geared to assist in the teaching and training of women who need “basic training” in church functions.  Sisters can be assigned to mentor the new sister so she is not alone, and can feel free to ask any questions she may have.  We can all reach out and extend a welcoming hand.

I was visiting another ward the other day and the only Relief Society announcement was a reminder to get money in for the upcoming craft activity.  That just is not representative of us, nor is it very impressive of our capabilities.

With little additional effort, we can welcome investigators into the fold with a more warm, loving, aware heart.  After all, we are happy to have them join us, and only hope more will come.