Relief Society Enrichment (Should I Go)

[JessicaHarper]

I have found out that the ward close to us has a RS Enrichment once monthly. My husband will not allow me to attend an LDS church service and I think he may be receptive to my attending a RS meeting.

My question is if it is "weird" if I go? I don't think there is any teaching at the meetings. It would really be just to build relationships. I have to wonder what the women will think of a Southern Baptist-Christian coming to "crash" their party?

Thanks, y'all!

[WmLee]

Go and enjoy! My mother and sisters all take non-members to enrichment night! It's a great social and learning time.

[NeuroTypical]

Someone wise taught me something, I think it applies here. When people see something they don't understand, their brains will automatically try to explain it. Often, the explanation is wrong. So yeah, if a Southern-Baptist Christian started coming to RS enrichment, but declined invitations to come to church, a lot of brains could think up some pretty strange stories when trying to explain it.

I've found that an ounce of truth is best. "Hi there - my hubby is really against me coming to services, but I talked him into Enrichment. Is that ok with you if I come here?"

I can pretty much guarantee they'll be ok with it. After all, most of them probably have husbands to deal with also.

LM

[applepansy]

Go!!! you'll enjoy it. You will be associating with your neighbors and might make some good friends.

[JessicaHarper]

Thanks, y'all.

I am going to try, somehow, to speak with the Relief Society leader before the Enrichment night and see if I would be welcome.

[Baycitygirl]

You should go. I think you may be surprised at the welcome you get and how comfortable they will make you feel. Go and enjoy, I love enrichment night!

[yorkiebeebs]

Thanks, y'all.

I am going to try, somehow, to speak with the Relief Society leader before the Enrichment night and see if I would be welcome.

I was wondering the same things when I first started attending the meetings and activities. I was very nervous. I talked to the leader and she made me feel so welcome. She told me that I was welcome at any of their meetings and that I didn't need to be a member to attend.

They are such a wonderful group of women and I feel like I belong. I will be going to a retreat at the end of the month with them and I'm excited. I went with them to the cannery and everyone made me feel like part of the group. It was the first time I've ever seen the dry canning process.

At this point my husband doesn't seem receptive to attending a church service but I'm trusting Heavenly Father to take care of that in time. I believe that if it's God's will for me to be there then he will speak to my husbands heart. I'm going to be very patient about it because I do believe it's home and that I do belong there. So in God's timing it will happen.

So it seems like we are both in similiar places in our journey.

[jayanna]

Did you go Jess? What did you think?

[johnfaust]

I was once a regular participant of other sectoral organization and I always experience nice welcome from this group of people. Although I remain loyal to this organization, I participate in their community because they more active.

[Nursemom]

I just realized this was an old thread, and I hope Jessica went and had a ball. I, too was Southern Baptist when I started attended "Homemaking" meetings as they were called then. I loved them. I learned to make crafts, plant a garden, cook with beans, etc. I attended those meetings with a LDS neighbor whose husband eventually baptized me, and she went to the Temple with me for my first trip. I treasured those meetings, the lack of pressure, the love and acceptance.

I would suggest talking to the RS president, not to see if you would be welcome, but so you can be introduced to the group. You may find you already know some of the ladies there from the neighborhood, the ball park, etc. I did.

Our meetings are not only open to visitors, we frequently send out flyers to invite our friends and neighbors. My kids started going to parties, playing basketball etc while I was investigating too. We loved the family atmosphere and I am so glad for those first invitations from a caring neighbor, someone who cared for more than my friendship, she cared for my eternal soul. Good luck and have fun.

[JessicaHarper]

Thank you all for the responses.

I have not been to RS...yet. I do hope to attend the September meeting.

I am in contact, via email, with a member of the RS presidency at the local ward.

I hope that I am received well. I do not intend to join the LDS church, I have not received a testimony of truthfulness. My intent is to learn about the LDS faith, building relationships and understand the LDS beliefs more fully.