Merry Christmas!

(The Navity by Ted Henniger)

Remembering the true reason for the season.

“There is no better time than now, this very Christmas season, for all of us to rededicate ourselves to the principles taught by Jesus Christ,” President Monson said. He spoke of witnessing the annual commercialization of Christmas, of seeing Christmas become less about Christ and more about sales, parties, and presents.

And yet, President Monson said, “Christmas is what we make of it. Despite all the distractions, we can see to it that Christ is at the center of our celebration. If we have not already done so, we can establish Christmas traditions for ourselves and for our families which will help us capture and keep the spirit of Christ.” (First Presidency Christmas Devotional on December 4, 2011)

VT Moment: Way of Life

Most women in the Church understand the teaching part. Visiting a sister with a lesson each month "is the teaching, but it is not always ministering." Sometimes, instead of a visit, a sister needs an extra meal or someone to take her children for an hour. Sometimes a sister needs a flower, a note or a phone call or an invitation to go to a social event. Sometimes a sister needs "somebody just knowing her family has the flu." (Sister Julie B. Beck)

This month's VT Moment was taken from an article by Sarah Jane Weaver in Church News.  A story about a bishop's concern with low visiting teaching status so he had asked Sister Julie B. Beck to look into it.  This article thus accounts Sister Becks findings and thoughts on visiting teaching.  Read it HERE.

Here are the highlights:

• She wondered if they understood that they have no other responsibility outside of their families that has the potential to do as much good as visiting teaching.
• Two major responsibilities are to teach and to minister, both Christlike skills.
• The best work you do no one knows about. You get points only in heaven.  This is between you and the Lord.
• It is more a way of life than a task.
• One may email or mail the lesson but there is no substitute for a hug or for personal contact.
• The women don't always get to choose with whom they serve and to whom they make visits. If you don't love your sister, then pray to love her. This is one of those things we do with our faith. We show that we believe in Christ and His gospel and in His way by doing this one thing that gives us the chance to behave as He behaved and do as He did.
• Many times companions have a hard time working together because their schedules don't mesh, so visiting teachers need to work together to find inspired ways to watch over their sisters. Maybe it is one of them visiting and another one doing something else. The important thing is that they work as a companionship to tend the sisters.

**Visiting Teaching Moment is done every 2nd Sunday of the month in Relief Society.  This month's VT Moment was addressed by Jinky S.

Old Man George

A friend of mine shared the following Christmas story with me and thought to share it with you as well.  It had no title so I'm calling it, "Old Man George".  Author unknown.  Enjoy! :)

The old man sat in his gas station on a cold Christmas Eve. He hadn't been anywhere in years since his wife had passed away. It was just another day to him. He didn't hate Christmas, just couldn't find a reason to celebrate. He was sitting there looking at the snow that had been falling for the last hour and wondering what it was all about when the door opened and a homeless man stepped through.

Instead of throwing the man out, Old George as he was known by his customers, told the man to come and sit by the heater and warm up. "Thank you, but I don't mean to intrude," said the stranger. "I see you're busy, I'll just go."

"Not without something hot in your belly." George said.

He turned and opened a wide mouth Thermos and handed it to the stranger. "It ain't much, but it's hot and tasty. Stew ... Made it myself. When you're done, there's coffee and it's fresh."

Just at that moment he heard the "ding" of the driveway bell. "Excuse me, be right back," George said. There in the driveway was an old '53 Chevy. Steam was rolling out of the front.. The driver was panicked. "Mister can you help me!" said the driver, with a deep Spanish accent. "My wife is with child and my car is broken." George opened the hood. It was bad. The block looked cracked from the cold, the car was dead.

"You ain't going in this thing," George said as he turned away.

"But Mister, please help ..." The door of the office closed behind George as he went inside. He went to the office wall and got the keys to his old truck, and went back outside. He walked around the building, opened the garage, started the truck and drove it around to where the couple was waiting. "Here, take my truck," he said. "She ain't the best thing you ever looked at, but she runs real good."

George helped put the woman in the truck and watched as it sped off into the night. He turned and walked back inside the office. "Glad I gave 'em the truck, their tires were shot too. That 'ol truck has brand new ." George thought he was talking to the stranger, but the man had gone. The Thermos was on the desk, empty, with a used coffee cup beside it. "Well, at least he got something in his belly," George thought.

George went back outside to see if the old Chevy would start. It cranked slowly, but it started. He pulled it into the garage where the truck had been. He thought he would tinker with it for something to do. Christmas Eve meant no customers. He discovered the the block hadn't cracked, it was just the bottom hose on the radiator. "Well, shoot, I can fix this," he said to himself. So he put a new one on.

"Those tires ain't gonna get 'em through the winter either." He took the snow treads off of his wife's old Lincoln. They were like new and he wasn't going to drive the car anyway.

As he was working, he heard shots being fired. He ran outside and beside a police car an officer lay on the cold ground. Bleeding from the left shoulder, the officer moaned, "Please help me."

George helped the officer inside as he remembered the training he had received in the Army as a medic. He knew the wound needed attention. "Pressure to stop the bleeding," he thought. The uniform company had been there that morning and had left clean shop towels. He used those and duct tape to bind the wound. "Hey, they say duct tape can fix anythin'," he said, trying to make the policeman feel at ease.

"Something for pain," George thought. All he had was the pills he used for his back. "These ought to work." He put some water in a cup and gave the policeman the pills. "You hang in there, I'm going to get you an ambulance."

The phone was dead. "Maybe I can get one of your buddies on that there talk box out in your car." He went out only to find that a bullet had gone into the dashboard destroying the two way radio.

He went back in to find the policeman sitting up. "Thanks," said the officer. "You could have left me there. The guy that shot me is still in the area."

George sat down beside him, "I would never leave an injured man in the Army and I ain't gonna leave you." George pulled back the bandage to check for bleeding. "Looks worse than what it is. Bullet passed right through 'ya. Good thing it missed the important stuff though. I think with time your gonna be right as rain."

George got up and poured a cup of coffee. "How do you take it?" he asked.

"None for me," said the officer..

"Oh, yer gonna drink this. Best in the city. Too bad I ain't got no donuts." The officer laughed and winced at the same time.

The front door of the office flew open. In burst a young man with a gun. "Give me all your cash! Do it now!" the young man yelled. His hand was shaking and George could tell that he had never done anything like this before.

"That's the guy that shot me!" exclaimed the officer.

"Son, why are you doing this?" asked George, "You need to put the cannon away. Somebody else might get hurt."

The young man was confused. "Shut up old man, or I'll shoot you, too. Now give me the cash!"

The cop was reaching for his gun. "Put that thing away," George said to the cop, "we got one too many in here now."

He turned his attention to the young man. "Son, it's Christmas Eve. If you need money, well then, here. It ain't much but it's all I got. Now put that pea shooter away."

George pulled $150 out of his pocket and handed it to the young man, reaching for the barrel of the gun at the same time. The young man released his grip on the gun, fell to his knees and began to cry. "I'm not very good at this am I? All I wanted was to buy something for my wife and son," he went on. "I've lost my job, my rent is due, my car got repossessed last week."

George handed the gun to the cop. "Son, we all get in a bit of squeeze now and then. The road gets hard sometimes, but we make it through the best we can."

He got the young man to his feet, and sat him down on a chair across from the cop. "Sometimes we do stupid things." George handed the young man a cup of coffee. "Bein' stupid is one of the things that makes us human. Comin' in here with a gun ain't the answer. Now sit there and get warm and we'll sort this thing out."

The young man had stopped crying. He looked over to the cop. "Sorry I shot you. It just went off. I'm sorry officer."

"Shut up and drink your coffee " the cop said.

George could hear the sounds of sirens outside. A police car and an ambulance skidded to a halt. Two cops came through the door, guns drawn. "Chuck! You ok?" one of the cops asked the wounded officer.

"Not bad for a guy who took a bullet. How did you find me?"

"GPS locator in the car. Best thing since sliced bread. Who did this?" the other cop asked as he approached the young man.

Chuck answered him, "I don't know. The guy ran off into the dark. Just dropped his gun and ran."

George and the young man both looked puzzled at each other.

"That guy work here?" the wounded cop continued.

"Yep," George said, "just hired him this morning. Boy lost his job."

The paramedics came in and loaded Chuck onto the stretcher. The young man leaned over the wounded cop and whispered, "Why?"

Chuck just said, "Merry Christmas boy ... and you too, George, and thanks for everything."

"Well, looks like you got one doozy of a break there. That ought to solve some of your problems."

George went into the back room and came out with a box. He pulled out a ring box. "Here you go, something for the little woman. I don't think Martha would mind. She said it would come in handy some day."

The young man looked inside to see the biggest diamond ring he ever saw. "I can't take this," said the young man. "It means something to you."

"And now it means something to you," replied George. "I got my memories. That's all I need."

George reached into the box again. An airplane, a car and a truck appeared next. They were toys that the oil company had left for him to sell. "Here's something for that little man of yours."

The young man began to cry again as he handed back the $150 that the old man had handed him earlier.

"And what are you supposed to buy Christmas dinner with? You keep that too," George said. "Now git home to your family."

The young man turned with tears streaming down his face. "I'll be here in the morning for work, if that job offer is still good."

"Nope. I'm closed Christmas day," George said. "See ya the day after."

George turned around to find that the stranger had returned. "Where'd you come from? I thought you left?"

"I have been here. I have always been here," said the stranger. "You say you don't celebrate Christmas. Why?"

"Well, after my wife passed away, I just couldn't see what all the bother was. Puttin' up a tree and all seemed a waste of a good pine tree. Bakin' cookies like I used to with Martha just wasn't the same by myself and besides I was gettin' a little chubby."

The stranger put his hand on George's shoulder. "But you do celebrate the holiday, George. You gave me food and drink and warmed me when I was cold and hungry. The woman with child will bear a son and he will become a great doctor.

The policeman you helped will go on to save 19 people from being killed by terrorists. The young man who tried to rob you will make you a rich man and not take any for himself. "That is the spirit of the season and you keep it as good as any man."

George was taken aback by all this stranger had said. "And how do you know all this?" asked the old man.

"Trust me, George. I have the inside track on this sort of thing. And when your days are done you will be with Martha again."

The stranger moved toward the door. "If you will excuse me, George, I have to go now. I have to go home where there is a big celebration planned."

George watched as the old leather jacket and the torn pants that the stranger was wearing turned into a white robe. A golden light began to fill the room.

"You see, George ... it's My birthday. Merry Christmas."

George fell to his knees and replied, "Happy Birthday, Lord Jesus"

Visiting Teaching Message: December 2011

This month's visiting teaching message is titled, "An Extensive Sphere of Action" and can be found HERE.  It calls upon recognizing and acting upon our ability to be a righteous influence, hence using our gifts/talents to bless others.

Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught that “every sister in this Church who has made covenants with the Lord has a divine mandate to help save souls, to lead the women of the world, to strengthen the homes of Zion, and to build the kingdom of God." (photo courtesy of lds.org)

Have a happy visiting teaching month!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Have a thankful, safe, and fun Thanksgiving everyone!

The Sisterhood of the Traveling VT Journal #4

Welcome to another issue of our traveling journal.  It's traveling slowly these days but let's remember that it's not the quantity that matters but the quality and this entry is no exception.  Enjoy!

11/19/11
I like to be a V.T.  I really enjoy when I can do my visiting teaching.  I have an excellent partner to do it.  I think that the hard part is when I have to do it in English, but my companion Sister Dulce C. always helps me to do it.  --All the sisters that we have to visit are very nice with me and I know that they try to understand me.

When we talk in the gospel language, everything is possible and easier.

I know that "Jesucristo" is my Savior.  I know he loves me and he gives me many opportunities to serve.  He helps me everyday to be a better person, to be patient with myself, and toward on my way to improve my English.

I would like to say many other things, but I think that is enough to know that I love Jesus Christ, and everyday in my life I want to serve Him.

Gabriela L.

The Sisterhood of the Traveling VT Journal #2 & #3

Partly due to General Conference and Stake Conference last month, the passing of our journal did not go as smoothly as planned.  It didn't help that I have awful memory and held the journal without passing it after it was returned to me.  So the entries have been scarce.  Yikes!  I'll work on it.  ;)

Anyway, without further ado, here are a couple entries:



#2:

October 22, 2011

Visiting Teaching is a great way to develop friendships of all ages.  Rosemarie T. was a long time member of our ward.  She struggled with health issues and became homebound.  I learned a lot from this ..New Yorker and enjoyed our visits.  When Sister T. passed away I had the privilege of dressing her for burial and then speaking at her funeral.

I have learned so much from my visiting teachers.  One in particular helped me as I was struggling with Spencer's autism and children's behavioral challenges.

I think the greatest joy of visiting teaching has been our friendship with Vicki P. and her son Adam being baptized.

Visiting Teaching brings joy to our life.

Love,
Rose P.

#3:

October 23, 2011

I have to say that visiting teaching is not always the easiest thing for me to do.  Not that I don't enjoy it.  I think it is more out of my comfort zone to call or contact someone whom I hardly know.  That being said, I have never had a bad experience when I do visit those sisters.  I find something I enjoy about them and find the message that is shared usually ends up helping me!  So I will continue to try harder to visit those I have said I would.  I know I always enjoy those who come visit me.

I love the comfort that comes knowing there are others willing to always help me if I am ever in need.

Jami G.

Assignment Location

Hi Sisters,

There will be a 'permanent' place to locate your visiting teaching assignment.  Please go to the Page section (see above header) and click on Assignments.  There you will find your vt companion, who you visit teach, and who visit teaches you.

If you do not see your name and would like to be a visiting teacher or be visit taught, please contact any of the RS Presidency or VT Team.

Thank you.

Your VT Team

Visiting Teaching Message: November 2011

                                                              Intellectual Reserve Inc.

Having had General Conference last month, this month's issue of Liahona and Ensign contain no specific visiting teaching message.  Visiting teachers are encourage to prayerfully select a message from the conference talks.  Go HERE for the October 2011 addresses.

I recently stumbled into a fabulous blog HERE that has downloadable general conference highlight cards that would make for a great enhancer. 

Happy Visiting Teaching!!  :) 

Visiting Teaching Message: October 2011

This month's visiting teaching message is titled "If We Do Not Doubt" by Julie Beck, Relief Society General President.  Sister Beck refers to the mothers of Helaman's warriors to remind us of our great influence for good, particularly to our children. It's a wonderful heed to honor our covenants  Find it HERE.

The Sisterhood of the Traveling VT Journal #1

A couple of Sundays ago, I finally introduce "The Sisterhood of the Traveling VT Journal" in Relief Society that I've mentioned here on the blog months ago.  Anyway, this is a fun way to be inspired to do visiting teaching.  The plan is for this journal to circulate to the sisters in our ward.  Hence, on Sunday a sister will have the opportunity to take the journal home and during the week will write an entry regarding her thoughts, experiences, testimonies, or such about visiting teaching.   It will then be returned to me by Saturday of that week.  The entry will then be transcribed and posted here on our blog for all to enjoy.  Thereupon, the following Sunday the journal will be passed to another sister and the cycle repeats ... the journal traveling from one sister to the next.  Cool, eh?

I am taking volunteers so please contact me to be put on the schedule, otherwise don't be surprise if I give you a call.  :)

For our first week, our very own R.S. Secretary, my predecessor, has graciously volunteered to be the first to write an entry.  The following is her inspiring words.  ~Thank you Kris! 

"9/21/11: 
I have not always had a testimony of visiting teaching, but since becoming a part of the R.S. Presidency, and being a former V.T. Coordinator, I have formed one.  I have seen how such a relatively simple idea and small calling, can be so profoundly effective in helping to "watch over the flock".

The Bishop, R.S. President and every other leader of all the other auxiliaries, not only have the busy job of taking care of their own families, but also have the stewardship over the "ward family".  This is a huge and sometimes, I'm sure, overwhelming and thankless responsibility.  Finding the time to visit and personally get to know all of those individuals is an enormous task.  That is where Visiting Teaching and Home Teaching come in.

As we take the opportunity monthly, to faithfully visit those sisters to which we have been assigned, we can be the eyes and ears of the R.S. President.  Think about it ... if each and every sister is assigned a V.T. and every sister is contacted each month, then the R.S. President can be assured that needs are being met.  As we meet and personally get to know and love our sisters, the best we can, we are helping to create a strong organization.  The R.S. Pres. can have up to 300 sisters to keep track of.  As V.T.s we only have 2-3.  By faithfully doing our V.T-ing each month, each and every sister is being taken care of.  We are following our Savior's example to "Love one another" and "Feed His sheep".  What an inspired program!

Kris H.

VT Moment: September 2011

For this month's VT Moment that was addressed in Relief Society (9/11/11), I brought to attention the easily misunderstood definition of charity.  According to our Bible Dictionary, charity is defined:  "The highest, noblest, strongest kind of love, not merely affection; the pure love of Christ.  It is never used to denote alms or deeds or benevolence, although it may be a prompting motive."  The latter statement especially struck me because I was one of many that would quickly define charity as alms or deeds.  Yet, as the Bible Dictionary stated, those actions are actually prompting motive to the true meaning of charity ... the highest, noblest, strongest kind of love.. the pure love of Christ.  So how does this tie in with visiting teaching?  Well, as visiting teachers we have been entrusted to help look after the sisters assigned to us.  In order to be most effective in this calling, having the true attribute of charity would be essential.  In this matter we are best to serve the sisters under our stewardship.

Also at this time, "The Sisterhood of the Traveling VT Journal" was announced and put into motion.  Kris H. was kind enough to volunteer to write the first entry.  See upcoming post for details on this fun project.

We also had a wonderful treat that Sunday.  It was ward conference and we were privileged to have the Stake Relief Society Presidency give the R.S. lesson.  And wouldn't you know it, it was about visiting teaching!!  I was thrilled beyond description!  The lesson was absolutely exquisite!  I wish every sister was at attendance.  Unfortunately, I don't recall in detail what was said (I have a memory of a thousand elephants) or eloquent enough to sum it up but here are the four points that they discussed that may give you an idea of the powerful words that followed them:

1. Come to know and love your sister.
2. Minister through regular contact.
3. Learn of needs and offer appropriate assistance.
4. Whatever you feel to say _??_, be sincere.  (??, haha, I can't read my own notes!)

To close this post, I want to share a video that I had wanted to show that day but failed to do so.  Unfortunately, I'm having trouble with the direct link to the video but go to this link, This is Visiting Teaching , .. the video I want to share is the first video on the list, titled "Visiting teaching is ...".  Enjoy!

We Remember

Our city did a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony this evening and it was simply beautiful!!  If you missed it, check our local TV channel.

New VT Supervisors

Yeay, two new visiting teaching supervisors were sustained by the congregation today!!  Please welcome Sisters Erika N. and Paulua M. to our VT team.  Erika will oversee District #1 and Paulua over District #3.  This is effective immediately so feel free to contact them to report your vt activities.  :)

Visiting Teaching Message: September 2011

This month's message is "Strengthening Families by Increasing Spirituality".  Go HERE to read the message or pick up a handout from Relief Society on Sunday.

VisitingTeaching.net has a postcard that you can print out to give to your sisters.  Find it HERE.

Okay, new month new resolutions.  Get those appointments early so you won't find yourself dropping by a treat to your sisters at the very last day of the month.  ;)

Be sure to contact your VT Supervisor to report your August activities if you haven't done so already.

Have a great September!!

(Late Entry) VT Moment: July 2011

It's finally here!  Sister Nancy S. (Visiting Teaching Supervisor) was so nice to recall her VT Moment talk from last month and wrote it up for us to enjoy again ... or if you missed her presentation, then here it is for you to read.

Visiting Teaching Moment, 7/10/11, given by Sister Nancy S.:

Because it's July and we celebrate our pioneers, I thought I'd use a story from my family history to spotlight the spirit of visiting teaching.

"On January 16, 1843, we set sail from Liverpool, and as we saw the land slowly disappear in the distance, we sang one of the songs of Zion and cheered each other with sympathizing words.  We were the first British emigrant company of the season and numbered two hundred and twelve souls.  We had a pleasant voyage across the Atlantic, during which time, just before reaching the American shore, Mary gave birth to a little son, whom we named William Matthews Layton.  After sailing for seven weeks and three days, we arrived at New Orleans and were transferred to the steamer Amaranth in which we sailed up the Mississippi River.  Our baby died before we reached St. Louis, being only about six weeks old.  He was buried on shore.  We arrived at St Louis March 29, 1843. 

We were now transferred from the steamer to a barge, and here we had to stay for two weeks waiting for the ice to break up on the river.  My wife was sick and delicate and the weather was raw and chilly, but we consoled ourselves with the Lord's promise and thanked Him that we were so near our journey's end.  My money having given out, I was obliged to borrow seven dollars of Prime Coleman.  About the seventh or eight of April a small steamer fastened a cable on our barge and tugged us up the river to Nauvoo, where we arrived one very cold morning, April 12.  How rejoiced we were when we were safely across!  And there stood our prophet to welcome us!  As he heartily grasped our hands, the fervently spoken words, "God Bless You" sank deep in our hearts, giving us a feeling of peace such as we had never known before.

The saints had congregated in front of the old post office building to gladly welcome us to this land and the beautiful city of Nauvoo, where the hospitalities of their homes were kindly offered us.  Brother Philemon C. Merrill took my wife and me home with him, his wife Cyrena gave me the first cup of milk I had in Nauvoo.  On the following day the Prophet Joseph called to see us and blessed us.  After staying with Brother and sister Merrill a few days, my wife who was still sick, and I went home with Brother and Sister Jacob Butterfield." (from the autobiography of Christopher Layton)

Though at that time there was no formal visiting teaching program, still "charity never faileth" prevailed in the homes of Sisters Merrill and Butterfield, who apparently didn't hesitate to take in the penniless, dirty, sick, Mary and Christopher Layton.  Christopher in later years said he would never forget their kindness as long as he lived. 

May we in our generation adapt the Relief Society theme to our circumstances and let it inform our visiting teaching is my prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Sister Nancy S.

Creative Caring

Hello Visiting Teachers!  It's been a while, our apologies ... Jinky had a rough July.  Anyway, the July and August VT Moments are running late in being posted, but it will come so look for that next week.  Also, running late is the announcements of our Monthly VT Prize Giveaway ... post coming soon.  In the meantime, the following is a list of ideas for things to do for the sisters you visit teach.  Note that some words are abbreviated (there was a lot to type) so please don't think that Sister Oyler is a bad writer.  :)

Perhaps some of these ideas work for you.  Enjoy!!

CREATIVE CARING BY THE MONTH FOR VISITING TEACHERS

Jan: Give your sisters a new calendar
Feb: Red carnation tied w/ ribbon, cloth heart filled w/ candy, a heart pin cushion or a valentine w/ a note expressing your appreciation for your sis
Mar: Basket of “Irish” potatoes or bowl of potato salad
Apr: Give an April Fool’s Day gift (something out of season) or an Easter basket
June: Yellow cake mix, strawberries & whipping cream to make their own short cake
July: Cake decorated like a flag
Aug: Pitcher full of whole lemons & recipe for lemonade
Sept: Corn husk doll dressed from scraps of material
Oct: A tootsie roll pop ghost
Nov: A pumpkin w/ recipe for a treat
Dec: Christmas ornament

The following is a list of more ideas for creative caring that should be helpful in communicating love as a visiting teacher & friend:

• Give each sis a folder w/ a ward directory in it. On the folder put the phone #s of the Bishop, visiting teachers & home teachers
• Take your inactive sis a RS lesson manual
• When traveling, bring your sisters something from the places you visit or send a picture postcard
• Take your sisters out to lunch, one at a time or all together
• Check w/ the husband first & then kidnap your sis & take her to your house for a special breakfast
• Have your sis & her family over to your home for a special FHE
• Send a card or thought to your sis or give them a phone call just to see how they are & say hello
• Do something to f/u on the visiting lesson for the month
• Find out info about your sis: fav flowers, color, music, books & foods. Find out where they were born & raised, places they have lived, etc. Use this info to help you get ideas for things to give & do for your sis
• Do something special for your sis’ b’day or anniversary
• If she gave a good lesson in church, talk or something else that was great, compliment them
• Invite your sis & their fam to your home for dinner or ice cream treat
• If you know of a good sale or something special, call & let your sis know about it also
• If a sis isn’t at church, call to see if everything is ok. Let them know what the announcements were & anything special that happened
• Have a big Un-Birthday party for your sis
• Teach a mini course, if you know a sis is interested in one of your talents
• If you have an ill or elderly sis to visit, tape record the RS lesson for her to listen to
• If you have a new mom or one that doesn’t get out often, offer to baby sit one afternoon while she does what she desires
• Help a mom have a b’day party for a child
• You could take some nice homemade bread or one of your fav goodies w/ you (be sure to include the recipe)
• If there is a sick child, take something for him/her to do
• Take an inexpensive craft to the mom to use when she needs something to entertain the kids when she is busy
• In the summer, take popsicles over for the children or take them to the park to play
• Loan an inspirational book that might uplift your sis in some way, then you can pick it up the next month
• Take a casserole or a dish that she can freeze for a day when your sis is too busy to cook take cookies (undecorated) & the frosting w/ goodies such as sprinkles for the kids to finish the job
• Give them plants w/ a note saying, “Let’s grow together”
• Share some of your best recipes
• Take her some chilled cookie dough w/ the recipe & baking instructions
• Make some special place mats or sew an apron
• Share some veges or fruit from your garden or some you have just canned
• Give your sis a pic of Jesus, a book mark, novelty pens or scrolls
• Share your testimony in written form w/ your sis or a note expressing your appreciation & love for them
• Give them the feeling that you do love them
• Help them set a goal & then print it nicely on a 3x5 card for them to keep on their mirror or fridge

Written by: Cathy Oyler
Kearns, UT

Farewell Adele

Adele, our District #1 Supervisor, has moved.  Bumming news!!  We wish you well in your new adventure Adele!  We'll miss you.  Come back and visit us some time.

This means District #1 VT teachers will have to report your visiting teaching activities to me until another supervisor is called.  Expect reminder emails from me.  :)

Visiting Teaching Message: August 2011

Lucy Mack Smith, the Prophet’s mother, shared the good Relief Society could accomplish: “We must cherish one another, watch over one another, comfort one another and gain instruction, that we may all sit down in heaven together."

The work of Relief Society is holy, and doing holy work creates holiness in us ... A Society of Holy Women is this month's message.

Viva Relief Society!!  Happy visiting teaching dear Sisters!!!

*I apologize for being MIA lately.

Happy Independence Day!!

"And that law of the land which is constitutional, supporting that principle of freedom in maintaining rights and privileges,belongs to all mankind , and is justifiable before me." (Doctrine & Covenants 98:5)

"Have mercy, O Lord, upon all the  nations of the earth; have mercy upon the rulers of our land; may those principles, which were so honorably and nobly defended, namely, the Constitution of our land, by our fathers, be established forever." (Doctrine & Covenants 109:54)

"And for this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I [the Lord] raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the shedding of blood." (Doctrine & Covenants 101:80)

"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty." 1 Timothy 2:1-2

Visiting Teaching Message: July 2011

July's visiting teaching message is titled, "Come to the Temple and Claim Your Blessings".  Sounds pretty awesome to me! 

Go HERE for the detailed message. 

Here's a postcard that you may want to make for your sisters.  Find out how, HERE.

Happy Visiting Teaching!!

Ramblings

Since this is going to be ramblings, it will possibly be long and not necessarily flow, but there is meaning to my madness.  Anyway, much has been on my mind lately.  Heartbreaking things unfortunately.  You might think evil of me to share it with you but if I can't share heartbreaking news to friends, who can I share it with?  So here it goes.

When I receive a new calling, I dive into it with gusto.  Initially out of shear panic then I mellow down.  Receiving this call as Visiting Teaching Coordinator was no different.  I was petrified then two months later I was finally set apart and I felt a bit more relaxed.  I was given a wonderful blessing.  A part of that prayer stated a blessing to know all the sisters in the ward.  Goodness gracious!  Did I hear ALL?  Oddly enough, I actually took that mostly positively.  How cool is that?  I'd have the opportunity to know all the sisters.  See, things depend on how you look at them.  I could have easily taken ALL and been overwhelmed at the challenge, sure it crossed my mind, but I remembered that I was being set apart.  A blessing especially for this calling so it was my tool of guidance.  Hooray!!

From day one of the calling my mind and heart was in full gear.  Many hours of my days since have been consumed with all things visiting teaching.  In my quest to motivate you to do your visiting teaching, I received a strong testimony of it.  Now, how is that heartbreaking?  Well, by George, you sisters have bad days just like me!  One by one I am getting to know you and I feel your pain.  There are times I want to give up too!  Honestly, I was just thinking about that today.  I'm tired.  I'm tired of trying to be good all of the time.  I'm tired of not having everything in order.  So today I broke the sabbath and didn't go to church ... I was emotionally tired.  But our Lord didn't give up on me.  He still wanted me to know each of you, so today He had one of you call me.  What a wake up call!  I got to know more of why fellowshipping is important.  I've always had it in mind that I chug along and go to church for God and what I am there to learn and not for social reasons.  There is some truth to that but how would you like it if you had to go to an environment where you felt rejected?  That's how this sister who called felt when she went to church and so I got a glimpse of understanding the nature of her slipping away.  Hence, the importance of fellowshipping in church.

I did pray when I revamped the vt assignments last month.  A few of you probably thought that I didn't know what I was doing and the changes were evidence.  You might be right, but in the meantime what have you learned?  Think about what you can learn ... don't like your companion or one of the sisters you visit teach, so what do you do?  What you do is telling.  That in itself is a blessing!!  You learn something about yourself.

Please, try out your assignments.  Allow the Holy Spirit to direct and bless you.  I'm trying and I'm finding out that we all have a heartache/struggle but having someone there to share it makes it easier to burden.  Please, lighten your sisters' burden, go fellowship them. 

Another heartbreaking news I'm coming across is that some Home Teachers aren't doing their calling.  They need to go out there and visit their families.  So please encourage and remind your husbands to do their home teaching.  :)

Thank you for taking the time to read my ramblings.

Thinking of you always,
Jinky

Happy Father's Day

Our loving Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ

"But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him."  1 Corinthians 2:9

Happy Father's Day to our priesthood.  We thank you for hearkening to Heavenly Father and for taking great care of us wives/children.  We love and sustain you!!

VT Moment: Fellowship and Relief

Today we kicked off our first Visiting Teaching Moment in Relief Society.  This is a < 5min presentation that will occur every second Sunday of the month devoted to promote visiting teaching.  The VT Team will rotate in this monthly program.  The idea is to keep VT in our minds and to impress the importance of your calling.

Today's topic was fellowship and relief.  Our RS president feels that it is important that contact is made with those we visit teach in a matter of getting to know them ... fellowship.  Do not make it a point to merely present the official monthly VT messages, but build a trust.  Help them be comfortable around you.  Be their loyal friend.  Moreover, this sentence in this month's VT message struck me, "This foundational work of relieving suffering has continued to be the work of Relief Society through the generations."  It was a Duh! moment for me ... Relief Society .. a group directed to relieve.  Hence, this relief doesn't just apply to people outside our sisterhood, but including it!  The more we get to know those under our care, the more we are able to provide relief when that circumstance should arise!  Yes, when because we're human so we will have rough moments.  Be there for them when it does (and for joyous moments as well).  Remember, visiting teachers are extended hands of our caring bishop (and our Lord) ...thus, feeding His sheep. 

I also implored for you to prayerfully try out your new assignments.  A surprise blessing might be in store for those you visiting teach and for you.  But of course, feel free to voice your concerns to your supervisor, me, or Bonnie.

Visiting Teaching status report thus far ... 9 sisters contacted over 143 ... equalling roughly 0.06%.  Incredibly low percentage, but we are not used to reporting as we get our contacts done.  Hence, Miss Red serves as a reminder to do so from now on.  Therefore, don't forget to report your contacts to your supervisor this week.  We sure would like to see more nourishing liquid in Miss Red's bottle next Sunday.  :)

Supervisor updates

Hooray, Sister Nancy S. is back from rehab and ready to work!  Welcome back Sister S.  We've missed you.  ~Be sure to send your regards and your vt activities to her.

Another hip hip hooray!!  We finally have a newly called Visiting Teaching Supervisor.  Sister Marie D. will now take over District #4 as of today!  So be sure to contact her with your vt activities. 

As a VT team, we would like to thank Karissa R. for taking the task of being District #4's acting supervisor.  She has been gracious and wonderful to continue to oversee this district (since a supervisor had not yet been called) after she had been released from this call many months ago.  Thank you Karissa for your generous service.  You are awesome!!

Bummer news ... we are losing one of our supervisors.  Abbie is moving *super sad face*.  However, she has kindly offered to see June through (how incredible is she? super super!!), so District #3, please continue to report your June vt activities to her.  ~We wish you and your family well in your new home and adventure Abbie.  We sure are going to miss you dearly!  Jinky is especially bummed since she thinks quite highly of you ... you're a remarkable supervisor is what she said!  Thank you for carrying out your calling superbly.  We love you.  Keep in touch.  :)

OK, that's all folks.  Just keep on rockin'.

Name our Mascot Survey

Here's the survey I mentioned on the previous post.  Feel free to suggest one or more names for a more proper handle for our Miss Red, our mascot.

Thank you for participating!  I look forward to what you come up with.  :)

Introducing: "Feed My Sheep" project

Let's welcome Miss Red our visiting teaching mascot.  She will be our visual aid in representing our visiting teaching status.  Her belly will be filled with raffle tickets with names of visiting teaching companionships who reported and/or completed their visiting teaching assignments.  The baby bottle will be filled with liquid representing the percentage of those who have been visit taught.  The goal is to nourish Miss Red 100% by month's end ... correlating to the call from the Lord to all (visiting teachers) to "feed my sheep".

The Details:
Just for fun, there will be a monthly giveaway drawing.  One winner a month will choose from the prize basket (see picture below).  To enter:  you get one ticket for reporting your visiting teaching activities (whether or not contacts were made) and another ticket for completing your assignment (made contacts.. visit, phone, letter/email .. to at least 50% of those you visit teach).  A winner will be drawn the first Sunday of the month for visiting activities of the previous month.

Miss Red will be debuting tomorrow and will show up in Relief Society every Sunday thereafter ready with an accumulative visiting teaching activity status ... how much she has been feed/portion of sisters that have been contacted.  Therefore, be sure to report your visiting teaching activities to your supervisor as you get your assignment completed so that on each Sunday, Miss Red's bottle will be filled with the proper percentage.

Since I'm the host of these giveaways, I will not be eligible to enter, but my companion will get the credit for our visits.  :)

Acknowledgments:
I want to thank my husband for getting me to this final end product of this project.  I came to him for help in developing a visual aid which initially lead to a heated argument (friendly heat).  Let's just say my husband's logical and I'm visionary.  I tried to explain what I wanted and he proposed several ideas that wasn't quite what I envisioned but he stumbled into a concept of "nourish" that gave me the light bulb to come up with Miss Red and her bottle.  So thank you Sweet Heart!  Then of course Miss Red started out as a clear bowl.  I thought I would be able to turn it into a sheep but I'm not exactly crafty so I solicited the help of the Relief Society sisters.  Yeay, Wanda W. came to the rescue!  Oh, and how darling did Miss Red turn out?!  Absolutely perfect!!  Thank you, thank you Wanda!!

P.S.  I think Miss Red needs a more proper name and since I like to get as much of us sisters involved, I will solicit your help again.  Up and coming post will be a survey that will ask you to submit a name suggestion, so be sure to look for that.

More P.S.  Also stay tune for another project on the works ... "The Sisterhood of the Traveling VT Journal".

KEEP ON ROCKIN' SISTERS!!

Visiting Teaching Message: June

This month's message is titled "Strengthening Families through Temporal Self-Reliance".  Go HERE for details.  You may also pick up a paper copy of the message in Relief Society ... monthly calendar handouts. 

You might want to check out the Church's provident living website at providentliving.org for information and inspiration as well.

Happy Visiting Teaching!

Thank you

I thank those of you who took the time to take the survey.  Your input will be considered in the process of making the assignment changes.

Your comments brought smiles to my face.  I appreciate your kinds words directed at me and most of all the comments you shared of your love for your companion and those sisters under your care.  You are awesome and the Lord is pleased with your work.

Here are few comment highlights:

• I will be happy to visit whomever you would like.
• I have been blessed to have sisters who can do the visiting teaching during the day and have very flexible schedule. I really enjoyed getting to know all the sisters we visit as well as a companion. I think it helps to visit sisters that have similar interests as well as closer in age just feels more comfortable for me. I know mine will be changing, but whoever Lord have for me and my new companion we'll make it work!!
• I love my partner. I hope that doesn't have to change.
• I LOVE all the 4 sisters I visit ...
• I have two inactive sisters & one active.  I enjoy S's sweet spirit and the fact that she has a strong testimony.  I love my two inactive sisters and try to maintain a close friendship with them. Enjoying luncheons and socializing. Seems to be working as they do contact me if they have a problem.

And there were several of you that acknowledged satisfaction with your current visiting teaching assignments.  Also, there were a few who voiced their concerns and I appreciate those just as well.  Oh, there was also one sister, fairly new to the ward, who offered to be a visiting teacher.  That's awesome!!

I have a meeting with Bonnie tomorrow to receive information and input from her, then I will pray for guidance and hash out what I've got and make the changes.  From there I will go to the temple this weekend and ask the Lord for approval.  Then I will inform the visiting teaching supervisors and they in turn will officially inform you of your assignment that will be effective in June.  I'm hoping this will occur sometime early next week so that you will have time this month to inform your sisters of any changes, say your proper regards, and have a smooth transition.  Newly changed visiting teachers may also take this time to introduce yourself to your new assigned sisters. 

I appreciate your support.  You rock Sisters!  Keep it up!!

Much love,

Jinky

P.S.  I will device a way for you to be informed of your assignment here in the blog, so be sure to return and look for that.  :)

This Week in Primary

Hello Parents and Teachers!

The following are the Primary activities this week & assignments for next Sunday…

Tuesday (May 17th):

Relief Society Night, “Bee Prepared,” 7pm at the church

Wednesday (May 18th):

FIG Girls: 4 pm, “Other Sense” Activity at the church
Cub Scouts: 4 pm at the church.
11 Yr. Old Scouts: 7 pm at the church.

Saturday (May 21st):

11 Yr. Old Scouts: Scout Day.

Sunday (May 22nd):

Opening Exercises: Junior/ Senior Primary

Prayer:
Natalie W. & Rebecca R.

Article of Faith: #8
Malia B. & Shannon S.

Scripture: Joseph Smith History 1:17
Luke B. & Kendall P.

Talk: The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ.
Sophia S. & Claire L.

Links to Lesson #18
Jr. Primary: Heavenly Father Helps Us Obey His Commandments
Sr. Primary: Jesus Christ Heals a Man Born Blind

We look forward to seeing you at the Primary activities this week!

From our Primary Team

Be a happy visiting teacher Survey

Our ward undergoes turnovers (sisters moving in or out of the ward) fairly often so changes in visiting teaching assignments becomes necessary.  Making these assignments is a daunting task so please help us help you be a happy visiting teacher by telling us your thoughts.  We will accommodate as much as possible but bear in mind that whatever your assignment turns out to be, please try it out first.  You might find a blessing that you would not have otherwise anticipated. 

We will be making changes very soon, so please fill out the form below by Monday, 5/16.

Thank you for your time.  ~Happy visiting teaching dear sisters!!  :)



**Only the VT team will be able to view this survey so privacy is maintained.

Visiting Teaching Message: May

Because the May Liahona and Ensign contain a report of the April general conference, there is not a specifically designated First Presidency Message or Visiting Teaching Message for May. Home and visiting teachers are encouraged to prayerfully select their message from the addresses given during general conference.

Visit the general conference website to read, watch, or listen to conference addresses.

**In the spirit of Mother's Day, here are some words of inspiration:

"If you are a mother, you participate with God in His work of creation—not only by providing physical bodies for your children but also by teaching and nurturing them. If you are not a mother now, the creative talents you develop will prepare you for that day, in this life or the next.

"You may think you don't have talents, but that is a false assumption, for we all have talents and gifts, every one of us (see D&C 46:11–12). The bounds of creativity extend far beyond the limits of a canvas or a sheet of paper and do not require a brush, a pen, or the keys of a piano. Creation means bringing into existence something that did not exist before—colorful gardens, harmonious homes, family memories, flowing laughter.

"What you create doesn't have to be perfect. . . . Don't let the voices of critics paralyze you—whether that voice comes from the outside or the inside.

"If you still feel incapable of creating, start small. Try to see how many smiles you can create, write a letter of appreciation, learn a new skill, identify a space and beautify it."

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Happiness, Your Heritage," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 119

Honoring Mothers

"A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie." ~Tenneva Jordan

Happy Easter!

President Thomas S. Monson shares the story of a mother who lost her son at war but learned he would live again because of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Prophet Words

Let us ponder the words of our late President Gordon B. Hinckley:

"'The teacher's duty is to watch over the church always, and be with and strengthen them' (D&C 20:53).  This is the mandate of the Lord.  I hope that home teachers and visiting teachers will experience two things:  first, the challenge of the responsibility that is in their great calling, and second, the sweetness of results from their work, particularly with those among us who are less active.  I hope that these teachers will get on their knees and pray for direction, and then go to work to bring these wandering prodigals back into the fold of the Church.  If home and visiting teachers respond to this challenge, I honestly believe that they will taste the sweet and wonderful feeling which comes of being an instrument in the hands of the Lord in leading someone back into activity in His church and kingdom."  (Instruments of the Lord, Ensign, March 1997)

Saving Ronan

Three year old Ronan has aplastic anemia caused by a rare genetic disorder called dyskeratosis congenita. With a successful bone marrow transplant, Ronan has a 50% chance of being cured. He has no family match so needs our help. Because of the nature of DKC, each time Ronan receives a blood transfusion, which he is receiving often, it makes it more likely that his body will reject the bone marrow transplant. So time is of the essence.

City of Hope will be conducting a bone marrow (cheek swabbing) drive as part of our Women of Faith Humanitarian Workday on Thursday, April 14th from 12:00 until 6:00 p.m. at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the Stake Center. The R. Interfaith Council and the R. Service Club Council are co-sponsors of the drive.

The registration process will take roughly 10 minutes during which you will be asked to fill out paperwork and give a cheek swab sample. You will be registered until you are 61 years old and will only be asked to donate marrow or stem cells if you are identified as a match for a particular patient in need.

To join the registry, you need only to be between the ages of 18 and 60, be willing to donate to any patient in need, and meet the health guidelines. If you are not able to participate, won’t you spread to word to someone who can!

**See WOF's blog for further details.

Mormon Helping Hands

Bring a friend and your family and join us at Mormon Helping Hands for a fun day of service on Saturday, April 30th from 8am to noon.  There will be a job for everyone and kids are encouraged.  Lunch will follow at 12pm at S. Park.

Our ward will be working on the ____ median.  The police department will have R. Blvd closed for our safety while we are working.  Please park in the R. High School parking lot.  Check-in at the corner of F. Ave. and R. Blvd. (Youth Conference has a different check-in site).

Prepare to wear gloves and bring a shovel or heavy metal rake.  We will be planting (holes will already be pre dug) and distributing mulch and river rock.  Please wear your Mormon Helping Hands shirts, if you have them.

Reporting Form

Speaking of works, the Reporting Form (see above, Pages column) works as well and I'm glad that a couple of you have tried it out. 

As the form title states, it is a form that you may fill out to report your visiting teaching activities.  This of course is just another way to communicate.  You may certainly continue to report directly to your supervisor.  Keep in mind that should you decide to fill out the form, your supervisor will be aware of your declarations.

Thank you and have a great weekend!

Follow by Email works!

Yeay, subscribing through "Follow by Email" (see sidebar) works!  It just took a long while to get the notice of recent posts.  I'm hoping it's just an initial thing.  It'd be nice to actually get an instant email once a new post has been published.  Oh well.

So, feel free to submit your email to get updates from VT Rocks in R5.  You can try it out and should it not be for you, then you may certainly unsubscribe.

Do come by here from time to time and see what we're up to.

Thank you!  :)

P.S.  If you're a Blogger, I think the better way to follow is through Google Friend Connect.

Follow by Email

Huh, I just found out about the new feature on Blogger, Follow by Email (which you will now find on the sidebar).  Perfect!  Now, you can plug in your email address, submit, and then you'll get alerted with new posts via email. Cool.

Just to let you know, this feature doesn't allow the blogger (me) to find out whose following by email.  It is strictly between you and Blogger's subscription feed.

Hmmm, my test post last night didn't go through my email.  I'll see if this one works and if not, then I'll let you know.  *crossing fingers*

This Week in Primary

Hello Parents and Teachers!

The following are the Primary activities this week & assignments for next Sunday…

Wednesday (April 6th):
11 Yr. Old Scouts: 7 pm at the church.
Cub Scouts: 4 pm at the church.
FIG Girls: 4 pm, “Grateful for the Grove”

Sunday: (April 10th):
*Opening Exercises:
Junior/ Senior Primary

*Prayer:
Sunbeam & Valiant 11 Teachers

*Article of Faith: #7
Sunbeam & Valiant 11 Teachers

*Scripture: A of F #3
Sunbeam & Valiant 11 Teachers

*Talk: Jesus was chosen to be our Savior and is the perfect example for me.
Bro. M.

*Links to Lesson #14
Jr. Primary: The Word of Wisdom
Sr. Primary: Jesus Christ and the Sabbath Day

and Happy Birthday to:
Sis. B. (4th), Eli (7th), and Sis. P. (9th)!

Relief Society News

Hello Sisters, 

Hope everyone had a nice relaxing weekend and enjoyed Conference.   We wanted to send out an email letting you know about some upcoming events since our time together in church is so limited this month. 

FYI the Temple is closed for the next two weeks, so those of you who were motivated by President Monson's talk, as I was, about attending the Temple regularly will have to wait:)  It is closed for maintenance from Apr. 4th- Apr. 18th.

This Sat. Apr. 9th, 11am @Brookside Park- Elder's Quorum Activity- BBQ, Kickball, & Ultimate Frisbee.  Hot Dogs and Hamburgers supplied.  Please bring your family and a side dish or desert.

Thur. Apr. 14th 10am-8pm - Women of Faith , Humanitarian Workday- @ the Stake Center

Sat & Sun Apr. 16th & 17th- Stake Conference-  Sat. is for adults @ 7pm.  Sun. is @10am-12pm.  Elder L. Tom Perry will be presiding and speaking.  A new Stake Presidency will be announced.  Our ward is attending at the Stake Center.

{Walk With Christ}

Tuesday, April 19th @ 7:00 p.m. at the church

Child Class will be provided.

We will introduce the 10 Day Walk With Christ Tuesday evening, which will finish before Easter Sunday. 

{The only way that we really know another person is to walk in their shoes: Think what they think, learn what they know, and what they would say, do what they would do.}

We will also learn how to make Cake Pops and Personalized Charms. Nickel key chains & charms will be provided and everyone can make one for free. If you would like to do an additional charm in Sterling Silver it will be $5. Reply to this email by Wednesday, April 6th so that we have a count and can order them.  (See following photos.) Contact Amber T.

Visiting Teaching Message: April

April's visiting teaching message is "The Purpose of Relief Society" by Julie Beck, Relief Society general president.  Go HERE for details.

**It's the end of the month.  Be sure to report your visiting teaching activities to your VT Supervisor if you haven't done so already.

From the handbook

Dear Visiting Teachers:

I thank you for accepting the call to be a Visiting Teacher and commend you for your hard work in fulfilling this call. It is a calling that asks you to be aware of each of your sister's temporal and spiritual needs in your stewardship. Help them in these needs as best you can. Report any concerns, questions, or such to your Supervisor first ...and certainly you may report to me or Bonnie if you feel it is appropriate (or not appropriate, we can discuss that individually).

So to get you started, the following is an excerpt from the Church handbook in regards to visiting teaching.  Please take the time to read it and be aware of what the Church expects of you.

Thank you and enjoy your calling!

Visiting Teaching
Visiting teaching gives women the opportunity to watch over, strengthen, and teach one another. Through visiting teaching, the Relief Society president helps the bishop identify and resolve short-term and long-term needs of sisters and their families.

Members of the Relief Society presidency instruct visiting teachers on ways to care for, watch over, remember, and strengthen one another. Presidency members can give this instruction in a lesson on the first Sunday of the month or in another Relief Society meeting.

Visiting teachers are not sustained or set apart.

Responsibilities of Visiting Teachers
Visiting teachers sincerely come to know and love each sister, help her strengthen her faith, and give service. They seek personal inspiration to know how to respond to the spiritual and temporal needs of each sister they are assigned to visit.

Taking into account each sister’s individual needs and circumstances, visiting teachers have regular contact (monthly if possible) with those they are assigned. When a personal visit is not possible, visiting teachers may use phone calls, letters, e-mail, or other means to watch over and strengthen sisters.

When appropriate, visiting teachers share a gospel message. These messages may be from the monthly visiting teaching message printed in the Ensign or Liahona magazine and the scriptures.

Visiting teachers give compassionate service during times of illness, death, and other special circumstances. They assist the Relief Society president in coordinating short-term and long-term assistance when invited.

Reporting Visiting Teaching
The Relief Society presidency or those who are called to assist them receive monthly reports from visiting teachers. The visiting teachers report any special needs of the sisters they visit and any service rendered. In addition, presidency members meet with visiting teachers regularly to discuss sisters’ spiritual and temporal welfare and to make plans to help those in need. Confidential information should be reported only to the Relief Society president, who reports it to the bishop.

The Relief Society president gives the bishop a monthly visiting teaching report. Each report includes a list of those who were not contacted. If a sister and her family have urgent needs, the Relief Society president reports this information to the bishop immediately.

Welcome to Our VT Blog

Hello R5 Sisters!  I have set up this blog as a resource for visiting teachers.  A place to find all things Visiting Teaching.  Please follow/subscribe to this site so that you will get updates (not on sidebar for privacy) ... or visit often and check out what we're up to. 

The following are some things that you will find here:

• Monthly Visiting Teaching messages
• Instructions
• Information
• Ideas
• Monthly Visiting Teaching Moments
• Useful links
• Fun stuff

Because this is in the world wide web, I will maintain as much privacy as possible.  No specific addresses, full names, or other highly sensitive personal information will be shared here.  Please comment in such matter as well.

This is a work in progress so please bear with me.  Also, this is interactive so feel free to make comments, suggestions, or inquiries.

Happy Visiting Teaching my dear sisters!

Much love,
Jinky
Your Visiting Teaching Coordinator  :)