The only thing sisters paid for last year was when we did our 72-hour kits, everything else has been covered. Here is a list of what we did last year and what we have planned for next year:
January:
Wheat Grass! The most complete protein in a green juice (samples and everything). We had a brief lesson on the nutrition of wheat grass juice and how to grow the wheat grass and how to juice it. We didn’t try to put it in anything, it is best when taken straight after juicing. (Try a wheat grass juice shot following by an orange wedge to cut the taste). Sister Short from our ward is our resident expert on the subject. She demonstrated all steps from soaking to sprouting to cutting and juicing. Class was well attended.
February:
Attended stake activity (special speaker).
March:
March was our Relief Society Birthday Party, we had the sisters fill out an Interest Survey so that we could better learn of the needs of our sisters.
We also had our White Elephant Service Exchange where each sister filled in what service or thing they were willing to provide for another sister, then we followed the typical white elephant exchange rules where a sister would draw a new slip or steal someone else’s that had already going (had things like Computer Lessons, Help moving, A pan of fresh homemade cinnamon rolls).
We also had a R.S. Birthday Quiz where the winner won fish/plant aquarium.
April:
Lesson on Temples. Sister Neally from the Stake R.S. Presidency came and gave us an inspirational lesson on what temples mean. We tied this in with the Stake Temple activity in Columbus later that month. We created a table centerpiece made from sugar cubes. A model of the Washington D.C. Temple made from sugar cubes and held together with Royal Icing. We also brought this with us to Columbus and played it for everyone at lunch.
May:
Feeling at Home on the Range!
Preparing creative lunches, freezer meals, lemons & berries, quick mixes, crock pot cooking. We had each teacher bring samples of their lesson. A wonderful source for all of these lessons is: http://www.homemaking-cottage.com
This month, we also started our HFPE Cookbook. In an effort to boost attendance, we created cookbooks. We used plain white Binders from Sam’s that we inserted our own printed covers. The recipes are coming from the sisters, they have been asked to turn in many of their tried and true recipes to share. Each month, 40 new recipes are added (but only if you attend HFPE that month). The sisters really seem to be enjoying this and it has taken a few months, but we are getting a great response especially when they find a recipe from a sister that they have wanted for awhile.
June:
72 hour kits. We prepared our 72 hour kits and canned them all that night, more than 200 in all! Attendance was outstanding, we set up an assembly line format and even the Bishop got in on the action by operating the canner for us. Because we bought the items in bulk, we were able to created them for $7 each. Many people bought many more than their own family required in anticipation of using them for Christmas presents.
July:
How to have a successful Family Home Evening. For this evening, we had three speakers. One spoke on FHE for small children, another spoke on FHE for teens, and the other spoke on FHE for singles and couples. Attendance was moderate, but that seems to always be the case during the summer months when families are on vacation.
August:
Self Defense interactive demonstration. Had a potluck meal at one of our Ward Sisters’ Homes and practiced self-defense techniques taught to us by a sister in our ward. We had this event outside and it turned out to be an exceptionally hot day, so attendance was low because many couldn’t bear the heat. Would have been better attended if the weather had cooperated.
September:
We had the Bishop from the Perrysburg Ward come and speak to us concentrating on keeping thoughts clean. We then split up into mini-classes on Safety on the Internet, Protecting your children, and Genealogy. These were taught by several brothers from our ward.
October:
Visiting Teaching Workshop (An Evening with Sister Dew) For this, we created our own Sister Dew. Made a life size doll and dressed very nicely and created a copy of Sister Dew’s face and placed it on the head, the for our lesson, we all watched her as we listened to her words on tape from a recent R.S. Conference. We took pictures with our “guest speaker” and everything. It was very popular.
November:
Basic Homemaking Skills Workshops
(Basic Interior Design, Basic Sewing, Working with dried flowers) Brother Olivares spoke on decorating your home. All classes were well attended. We had the lesson from Bro. Olivares first, then split up for the other classes. We actually had a lot of interest in these classes but several sister who could not attend, so we video taped each class so they could review them later.
December:
We are having a progressive dinner, white elephant gift exchange, and service project (Christmas gifts for family in another ward). I’ve sensed a lot of excitement about this one, I can’t wait to see how it goes.
Planned following year:
January:
We will be having a guest speaker from the Toledo Mosque (Former Mosque Leader) to speak with us about their culture. Plan to serve a meal of foods from the Muslim culture.
February:
A Lesson on Reverence. Mini classes on how to make quiet books (ideas, not actually making them), Preparing for sacrament, how to avoid distractions in sacrament).
March:
Nauvoo Script, Birthday cake & celebration.
April:
Finance, Budgeting, Investments, Real how-to examples. Possibly have a treasure cake for refreshments.
May:
Written Histories, Personal testimonies.
June:
Super Saturday Service Project. Baby quilts for hospitals, Teams.
July:
Opera in the Park. Wildwood Park, free admission on Wednesday nights.
August:
Canning/Preserving ideas and demonstrations.
September:
We’re Having a Talent Show! Still crafts (Such as quilting, painting, other forms of artwork that can be set up for display) as well as performing talents.
October:
Visiting Teaching Conference.
November:
Lessons on Parenting Skills.
December:
Progressive Dinner.
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These articles/comments reminded me of something. If you don’t know what to do with your kids’ extra backpacks (because they got a new one for this school year) and they are still in decent shape (no holes and function), then why not use them for your kids personal 72hr emergency kits. that would even be a fun family home evening project.