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Question:
Just curious here....how much input does the Relief Society President give to the Homemaking Counselor/Leader/Committee about the content of Homemaking Meeting? I am a RS Pres. and just finished a presidency meeting where the Homemaking Counselor went down the plans for 1999 (which she and the Homemaking Leader made). When I expressed opinions on some of them, I felt a little uncomfortable like I should just mind my own stewardship and let her run with the ball. She was not rude to me in any way at all, but just kind of looked at me a little surprised, maybe, that I would speak up. Maybe I read her wrong. ANYWAY, what is it like in your wards??? Would love to hear, please...
Answers:
The Relief Society organization is under the direction of the Relief Society President, who has stewardship and is accountable to the bishop for the entire RS organization. The RS counselors and all board members work under the direction of the RS Pres. and are accountable to you.
Joyce Terry
Salem Utah Stake
A balance must be made between "supporting somebody in their calling" and trying to do their calling for them. As a president, you have stewardship for the RS sisters in your ward. On the other hand, the Homemaking counselor has the responsibility for Homemaking. Hopefully your presidency has sat down together and set goals together so that when the HM counselor is working with the HM leader they know what direction you want them to go. If this hasn't happened then it should. If it has as she's just doing things differently than you would if you were in her calling then you should support her. If she's not planning things that 1) follow the handbook outline for a Homemaking, 2) accomplish the goals indicated in the handbook, and 3) support the goals you guys have set for your ward, then intervene. Ultimately, you have the final OK on what happens at Homemaking, however, if your running the program as indicated in the handbook sometimes the best thing to do is remind her of the goals you set as a presidency and pray for unity within your presidency. Share your ideas, but let her-- as you put it, run with the ball. She will feel your support and be more willing to make the changes you are looking for. DISCLAIMER-- These are MY feelings--things I learned as I've served. Hope I haven't upset anyone.-- Sheryl
In our ward, the Homemaking Counselor and Leader get together and plan, but get approval from the President. When I was homemaking counselor a few years ago, it was the same way. The homemaking leader and I brainstormed and came up with ideas, then ran them past the president for her input. We welcomed her insights and never had a problem. She was willing to let us take care of things, but I never felt we were a separate entity - it was ultimately her stewardship, too. I think it is your responsibility to speak up if you are concerned! Hope it all works out OK.
Nancy