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How sad that such important events for women, such as the annual RS birthday celebration, have been discarded in your ward.  One of most enjoyable activites as a member of the stake RS presidency has been attending each ward's bday celebration.  The activities have been varied, but all were wonderful and very well attended.  Extra planning and communication helps to make these socials a success.  In March, the bday event can replace the homemaking meeting, so it's not an extra meeting.

Most of our wards have some type of light luncheon or dinner (soup, salad, etc).  Guest speakers sometimes provide the program.  In one ward, the guest speaker talked about the history of  our ward building (with all it's additions) and people who have played an important role in the growth of the church locally.  Then the sisters and young women (invited guests) proceded to do a service project to clean some parts of the building that were a little grubby (esp. the kitchen).

One ward had each sister contribute a favorite scripture and comment on how it affected her life.  She also submitted a favorite recipe.  The scriptures and recipes were compiled and copied for everyone and selected sisters spoke at the bday dinner about their submission.  It was wonderful!  (and i got one of the copies :) Similar things could be done with the sisters contributing personal stories (brief) of pivotal moments in their lives as it relates to the gospel, or RS, or VT, etc.

Multigenerational events are great BDay social activites.  Grandma, mom, daughter etc. sharing stories,etc.  Pres. Hinckley's daughter lives in our stake and her ward bday social one year was Sister Hinckley and her daughters telling experiences growing up and funny little things about Pres. Hinckley. Needless to say that was delightful, but the same concept could work in many areas...No VIP needed.

I really enjoyed one social where the general presidents of the RS were profiled.  I fell in love with Bathsheba Smith immediately!   The book "Elect Ladies" contains all the info you need and pictures are available through the distribution center.

Sorry, I'm rambling on here, but LDS women desperately need to have opportunities to meet and celebrate our sisterhood.  Sisters in Primary and YW often feel left out of RS....so these special events are important to help strengthen the bonds of sisterhood.  Some wards choose a weeknight, others a Saturday morning.  Whatever works best for your ward.

Remember the Lord has established His plan here on earth.  When you think about it, the things asked of us in the Gospel and in our callings aren't really that much, especially when one's priorities are in the proper perspective.  It's a new year and a new opportunity to look at change.  FRESH COURAGE TAKE  is what the hymn says....and I try to remember that when times seem hard.  We need each other!

{{{hugs and kisses}}} Kristina in SLC.