Monthly RS Presidency Message

Dear Sisters,

I have spent a great deal of time thinking and praying about what I should share with our Arlington 1st Ward sisters for the first Monthly Notes. What I felt would be appropriate is a little bit about my background, which might explain why the Lord has strongly impressed upon my heart that certain things are of the upmost importance.

From 1-16 years of age, my father was a Captain in the Air Force. My family moved every 1-3 years to a different location within the United States and Europe, which meant my sister and I attended a new school, it seemed, all the time. We were always the new kids in the classroom. We had ‘gaps’ in our learning which put us behind academically; not a good feeling. It was hard to be so transient. Those personal experiences of being the new girl in school played a crucial role in my future.

Fortunately, I chose to focus on the positive aspects of those experiences and made a decision to try my best to make others feel comfortable and accepted when they are in new circumstances. I don't think I was aware of my decision until much later in life when I had the opportunity to make a difference in those types of situations. Unknown to me at that time because I was not a member of the church, was that my feelings were the Holy Spirit guiding and directing my actions.

When people come into our church building for the first time, whether they are investigators, members of the church, or a member returning from inactivity, they are feeling timid, shy, scared, and not confident. It is our responsibility to create an atmosphere of love and acceptance for those individuals so they feel they are in the right place to worship. Something as simple as a smile, or a “Hi, welcome to 1st ward!” can make all the difference to those individuals. If you are able, sit next to someone you don’t know, introduce yourself and your family, and make a concerted effort to find out who they are. Look around the chapel in Sacrament to determine if there are individuals sitting by themselves by choice. You will truly make a difference in someone’s life by doing these simple things.

Gordon B. Hinckley stated in the May, 1997 Ensign, “All new members need a friend, a responsibility, and nurturing with ‘the good word of God,’ (Moroni 6:4). It is our duty and opportunity to provide this for them...I plead with you people that you will put your arms around those who come into the Church and be friends to them and make them feel welcome and comfort them and we will see wonderful results. The Lord will bless you to aid in this great process of retention of converts...Unless there are warm and strong hands to greet the convert, unless there is an outreach of love and concern, he/she will begin to wonder about the step he/she has taken. Unless there are friendly hands and welcome hearts to greet him/her and lead them along the way, he/she may drop by the side.” President Hinckley’s counsel extends to all of our sisters in the Gospel. I love each of you dearly.

Sister Lisa Williams (Relief Society President)