Dear Rocklin Stake,
During this time of uncertainties because of COVID-19, ministering and reaching out may not be “business as usual”. We have all had to adapt to these different circumstances we are experiencing. We as a stake Relief Society hope to provide you with some ideas you may not have already tried, that might help you and your family reach out, serve and minister in these challenging times.
Succeed at ministering quoteElder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke about how he prefers the term “physical distancing” rather than “social distancing” to refer to the practice of keeping a certain distance between ourselves and other people. He said that “physical distancing helps us to protect ourselves and others from the dangers of the pandemic, and we try to comply as best as we can. During this time, we have learned how important and vital it is to our well-being to stay socially close to family, friends, and our brothers and sisters in the Church of Jesus Christ. Fortunately, today there are many amazing tools and means available, some supported by technology, to reduce social, emotional and spiritual distancing.”
Focus On What You Can Do, Rather than On What You Cannot Do
You may not be able to go to someone’s home to sit down and visit, but maybe you can:
1 – Find ways to get to know others better:
There is a wonderful article written by Joni Hilton of Rocklin 5th Ward, entitled “Instead of “How are You?” published in Meridian Magazine, June 17,2020. Click on the link to read the entire article, but we have listed her 25 alternatives to “How are You” for easy reference.
25 alternatives to “How are you?”:
What’s the best thing that’s happened today/this week?
What always makes you smile?
Where would you be right now, if you could go anywhere?
Do you ever feel discouraged? What do you do that helps?
What’s your favorite childhood memory?
What advice would you give your 10-year-old self?
What are your strongest talents?
What are three words that describe you?
What’s your favorite book, movie, or TV show?
What’s the most pressing need in your life right now?
How did you gain your testimony?
What kinds of music do you like?
Tell me all about your children.
What was your first job, and how did you finally choose a career?
Have you ever had a fear that you’ve overcome? How did you do it?
What sports do you like?
What’s a wonderful compliment you got as a child?
What were your family traditions as you grew up?
What’s something on your bucket list that you’d love to do, but haven’t yet?
What hobbies do you enjoy?
Do you have a favorite food or meal?
What teacher had the most impact on you?
Do you have a favorite travel destination?
Who do you ask for advice from?
What can I do that would help you right now?
Sister Hilton says, “When we put forth the energy to truly get to know others, we find we can laugh and cry together, ‘mourn with those who mourn’ and share joys and triumphs as well. We truly can have hearts knit together and minister as Jesus wants us to. We are all so much more than ‘just fine.’”
2 – Just Serve!
Visit JustServe.org for service opportunities in our area that you are able to do with physical distancing. There are some great opportunities for you and your family!
3 – Write a card, letter or postcard.
We have become so accustomed to shooting off a quick text or email….but how delighted someone might be to get a handwritten note, where you took the time to put pen to paper, carefully fold it and place it in an envelope, put a stamp on it, and walk it out to the mailbox. Who knows….you may just get a letter back!
One family with young children mailed their art projects to the elderly in the Ward. (for example, a pipe cleaner rose)
4 – Have a conversation
Casseroles are a great service, but so is conversation! A phone call just to talk about what is going on in their life can be just what they need. One brother received such a call out of the blue, and really appreciated it!
A “drive by” to wave and talk through the window with a neighbor who lives alone is an idea one family came up with. Another idea is to video the children saying “Hi” to their teachers, performing a song or talent, and telling them, “I miss you.”
5 – Pray for them….and let them know it!
“We have the gift and power of prayer. “Through prayer, we can be spiritually and socially close to Heavenly Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and to our families and friends wherever we are and whatever the circumstances may be.” (Elder Uchtdorf)
When I kneel down to pray before bed, I try to take the time to picture in my mind each person in my family, oldest to youngest, individually. I wait until I can clearly see their face, their smile, and ask Heavenly Father what they need and how I can best serve them, and He always tells me. (Joanne Shields)
One sister shared, “Yesterday morning, I got up and I went for a walk and my headphones died. And I thought, you know what, I’m just going to pray while I walk. And so for a good half hour, I just talked to God. I went through every member of my family and why I was grateful for them, the things that I wanted for them. I get impressions, I know where I’m supposed to go and what I’m supposed to do. And I get perspective changes, where I start to be able to understand things through his eyes.”
We can do this for those we minister to, our friends, neighbors, ward members…..anyone!
When a survey was done in a ward Relief Society about what sisters preferred that their ministering sister(s) did for them, one of the most popular responses (just behind homemade cookies, I believe), was to pray for them.
“It is amazing to see how you help and uplift each other by word and deed. You are a miracle and a blessing to this world as you love and serve God and His children—our brothers and sisters.” (Elder Uchtdorf)
Look around, pray and listen to the spirit, and you will know how best to reach out, serve, and minister.
We love you!
Rocklin Stake Relief Society Presidency
(Joanne Shields, Karen Motley, Jennifer Flinders, & Jenn Lindsay)
Additional thought and additional resources:
How can I minister to an individual with a disability or a parent or caregiver of children with disabilities?
Elder Holland explained: “We may not be able to alter the journey, but we can make sure no one walks it alone. Surely that is what it means to bear one another’s burdens” (“Bearing One Another’s Burdens,” Ensign, June 2018).
One of the best ways to minister and help members with disabilities and their families and other caregivers is by being a friend. Often these individuals and families carry great physical, financial, and emotional burdens. Having a friend or someone they can rely on in the Ward is very important.The Lord can help you know what to do as you get to know the members to whom you minister, become familiar with their needs, and turn to the scriptures and pray. Remember that members with a disability and their families are generally the best resource on their disability. They know about the strengths and challenges that come with a specific disability and can often help you identify where help is needed.
Some great relevant talks to listen to:
- https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2019-05-3000-you-are-the-gift?lang=eng
- https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/everyday-ministering/be-with-and-strengthen-them?lang=eng
- https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/everyday-ministering/ministering-as-the-savior-does?lang=eng
- https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/everyday-ministering/shepherding-souls?lang=eng
- https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/everyday-ministering/becoming-a-shepherd?lang=eng
A video especially for the youth:
