Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
SALT LAKE CITY — A worldwide Relief Society devotional this month is designed to combine messages from leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with testimonies from local women.
The Relief Society general presidency will speak along with church President Russell M. Nelson in a 35-minute video recorded and made available before the event, according to an announcement from the church.
Stakes and ward Relief Societies were directed to gather to watch the devotional and hold a testimony meeting afterward on the evening of March 17, or at another time that is more convenient for church members in their area.
Relief Society President Camille N. Johnson said the testimony meeting is an important element of the devotional.
"I know for myself, each time I have the opportunity to declare my witness that Jesus Christ lives, my own testimony is strengthened; and so there's something about standing on your feet and saying it out loud," she said.
She said there is a tangible feeling when sisters meet together and are invited to reflect on the blessing of being a woman, a daughter of God and a disciple of Christ.
The pre-recorded video will be available to stream on YouTube, the church's app and other locations. The announcement said local leaders are also encouraged to livestream the devotional and local testimony meetings to women who are unable to attend in person.
This devotional commemorates the purpose and founding of the Relief Society, which began 182 years ago.
In the article announcing the devotional, local leaders are encouraged to provide child care to allow all members of the Relief Society to attend. All women who are turning 18 this year are also invited to the devotional.
The church announcement suggests local leaders encourage women to record impressions during the event and connect on social media using the hashtag #JesusChristIsRelief. That phrase was the title of President Johnson's talk in the April 2023 general conference.
"I testify that Jesus Christ is relief. Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we may be relieved of the burden and consequences of sin and be succored in our infirmities," she said at the time.
Although this format is new to the Relief Society, youth in the church had a similar event in October 2023 where they listened to a message from President Nelson before sharing testimonies in local groups.
