This Welfare session gave specific directions in instituting better councils for stronger families and offering training. Over the years, councils have been created, modified, shaken up, and beefed up all with the purpose of building the kingdom of God and strengthening the family. Our councils are different today because the church seems to always be willing to promote a better way.

 

It’s been a few months now since the new 3rd-hour format has started. How does everyone think it’s going?

 

Back in 1979, the church was organizing councils with the purpose of “setting priorities, control planning, regulating within policy, and training.” Correlation was becoming a big issue because formerly the Relief Society basically governed themselves and moved at their own speed. And frankly, the entire church had a hard time keeping up with them. So, in order to move in tandem and in a more organized fashion, correlation in council was necessary, so the various organizations could help one another with the purpose of strengthening the family. So too, our 3rd-hour councils can allow a spiritual sharing of experienced members relating what works to overcome challenges, and what doesn’t.

 

So, as I read what was being announced back in 1979, I am inspired to reread our new outline and direction for our 3rd-hour meetings.

 

If the purpose of these councils is to bring an added dimension of the spirit into our lives—

• Is there a clear item brought up for discussion that is a present concern for the ward, community, or home? Examples: How to spiritually feast on conference addresses, how true doctrine can stop bullying, spiritual blessings that come from family scripture reading.
• Is the circle really helping people feel invited to speak up? What other ways will open the lines of communication and discussion, allowing revelation to flow?
• What doctrinal principles are being emphasized so the spirit is invited in? Are scriptures being used to find solutions to today’s problems?
• How are members being inspired to take the discussion further by setting personal goals and practices, making little changes at home, or offering an activity where the discussion can continue?
• And in defense of the sisters who sacrifice their time by serving in our Young Women and Primary, please find ways to include them in the sisterhood.

 

Probably the most important question is—

 

Are members feeling a spiritual urge to act and better their lives more than before?

 

The way to gauge this would be by the spiritual upgrade in comments during class. It will take time, but there likely will be a tangible mood change in the room as you gather together, and a feeling of satisfaction will permeate that only the spirit can bring.

 

The 2^nd and 3^rd Sunday meetings are not council meetings, but they are meant to be just as spiritual, just as focused on doctrine, and just as edifying to motivate change as the 1^st Sunday. Our leaders have expressed that every meeting results in “revelation, service, and unity.”

 

A good reminder, made by Ezra Taft Benson back in the 1979 Welfare talks, is this:

 

“The Twelve continue to be vitally interested in temporal matters; the Presiding Bishopric continue to be vitally concerned with ecclesiastical matters (Note that typically these roles are reversed). To us, it is one great program. ‘Wherefore, verily I say unto you that all things unto me are spiritual, and not at any time have I given unto you a law which was temporal’ (D&C 29: 34).”