MONETT, Mo. — Tamaren Ummel, Granby, Monett Missouri Stake Relief Society President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints organized this years’ Women’s Conference with the theme “Finding Peace in Christ.” It was held August 29th at the Monett Stake Center. There were about 120 women in attendance from the Monett Stake. A Stake in the Church of Jesus Christ is similar to a Catholic diocese, covering a large area and overseeing smaller units where members regularly worship and hold activities. The smaller units are called Wards or Branches, depending on their size. The Monett Missouri Stake has nine such units.
The Relief Society is a global women’s organization with more than eight million members with chapters throughout the world that focus on relieving those in need, building faith in Jesus Christ, and helping families. Among Relief Society’s efforts are providing emotional and mental health resources for emotional resilience and positive thinking patterns.
The “Finding Peace in Christ” program was divided up into five time periods. During the opening time period, all gathered in the chapel to hear a beautiful song, “Every Breath” written by Jenny Phillips, whose lyrics spoke of how dependent everyone is on God. Then Paul Fields, Carthage, Monett Missouri Stake President, addressed the women, reminding them that no matter what trials they go through there is always peace in Christ.
The next three time periods were 30 minutes each- 25 minutes for class and 5 minutes to get to class. Two of the presenters were Marriage and Family Therapists (“Finding Calm in the Tempest” and “How to Be a Peacemaker”) one couple presented who had successfully raised 15 children (“Christ-like Pace”) and Bruce and Debra Bowen, Carthage, who had taken their 10 children to a secluded place and survived for one week with only what they had brought (“Peace Through Preparedness”). The women chose three of the four classes to attend.
Finally, all the women enjoyed a meal prepared under the supervision of Sam Bennion, Granby, and his helpers. The meal consisted of barbecued chicken, mixed vegetables, salad, three choices of rice, grapes and oranges, making it a healthy ending to a good mental health day.
