Our December Enrichment Night

On Thursday night, as the enrichment counselor in our ward, together with our enrichment leader, Conni, we planned and executed our quarterly Home, Family, and Personal Enrichment meeting for the women in our church, our Relief Society organization. Conni is an amazing, committed, compassionate enrichment leader, which makes my job more easy. We had a wonderful event with approximately 40 or 50 women present.

We planned a progressive dinner that started at Conni's house, where we had Potato Cheese Soup and Caesar Salad, and a reading by Monica, who told the story, "Santa, Teach the Children." At the end of the reading, everyone could open their little gift bag, which was a memento from the story with a little card, talking about certain symbols of Christmas that have a deeper meaning than just the fun aspect.

Here's the summary. If you want the full story, email me and I'll be happy to send it your way.

• The Star: A heavenly sign of prophecy fulfilled long ago—the shining hope of mankind.

• Red: The first color of Christmas symbolizing the Savior’s sacrifice for all.

• Tree: Evergreen—The second color of Christmas shows everlasting life. The needles point Heavenward.

• The Bell: Rings out to guide lost sheep back to the fold—signifying all are precious in the eyes of the Lord.

• The Candle: A mirror of starlight reflecting our thanks for the star of Bethlehem.

• Bow: Tied as we should all be tied together in bonds of goodwill forever.

• Candy Cane: The shepherd’s crook used to bring lambs back into the fold—A reminder that we are all our brother’s keeper.
  

• Wreath: A symbol of the never ending eternal nature of love, having no beginning and no end.

Inside the cinched bags for everyone, Lonna and I wrapped a little package of Christmas note cards that had a small wreath on them, which I found at Michael's, and was the main gift. Then it was wrapped with a silver cord bow, with a small bell attached, then finished off with a candy cane on each package. There was also a little candle included along with a note card that had a little stamped tree with a star on top. Caroline Williams helped do those. The favors were meaningful, elegant and tastefully presented in silky polka dotted cloth bags from Hobby Lobby.

Following the story, which was passionately read by Monica, filled with emotion to convey the special sentiment of the season, everyone went across the street to Jenny's lovely home for dessert and the remaining program.

A variety of desserts were prepared, then we were treated to the most wonderful part of the evening. Desiree sang a beautiful rendition of "Mary Did You Know," accompanied by Yvette. As much as I try to avoid getting choked up, that song pierces my soul and brings me to tears every time. Desiree sang it like an angel and the Spirit was so strong in the room. A number of scriptures recounting the birth of our Savior were read by Jill, Sierra, and Becky, and a variety of related Christmas carols were mixed in between the verses. It was a wonderful night and I was so happy to be there with such a sweet crowd.

I invited a friend from the neighborhood, Carol Ann, to join RuthAnn and me to go with us to the enrichment activity. She really had a wonderful night and I think her first impression of being in a room full of Mormon women was a good one. Carol Ann, when you read this, be sure to correct me if I'm wrong! Ü

Here is RuthAnn, our brand new Primary president, as of today, and Carol Ann, whom I wrote about in a recent post.