Stake Relief Society celebration of Worldwide Circle of Sisterhood

The Stake Relief Society celebrated its Worldwide Circle of Sisterhood on May 6, with an exciting showcase of culinary and cultural delights, representing ten countries.  Each sister, armed with a Relief Society passport, could visit any booth, taste the food, learn about that country’s culture and get an ‘immigration’ stamp.  The pages of the passport also contained milestone information about the Church in each country.

Learning from the preparation

“Preparing the display materials was a learning experience in itself,” said Sister Christine Garces of the Clementi Ward, who put up the Greater China booth. The other sisters from the other nine booths shared her feelings: First Ward (France), Second Ward (Singapore), Third Ward (Philippines), Fourth Ward (USA), Ang Mo Kio (Japan), Bedok Ward (Thailand), Choa Chu Kang Ward (Indonesia), Toa Payoh Ward (South Korea) and Woodlands Ward (India).

Unforgettable experience

Besides tasting a smorgasbord of delectable native food, the sisters enjoyed Henna drawings, learning how to wear the kimono and 101ways to put on a sarong.  The Filipino sisters’ popular cultural dance was a hit.

Sense of unity

Sister Anita Lynch of the Fourth Ward could not hold back her admiration, “I was amazed by the efforts the sisters put into preparing their booths. Their sense of unity was incredible.  The turnout was amazing. For me, hopping from one country to the next was exciting. The costumes, information and variety of food helped me appreciate and embrace the different cultures.”

Fascinating ideas

Sister Kareen Sham, 2nd Counselor in the Stake Relief Presidency, said, “It was an eye-opener for me to see how the sisters came up with fascinating ideas for sprucing up their booths.  Their tireless efforts are like an unbroken chain of faith and love in the gospel of light.  I am so grateful for these devoted sisters, and for their bright spirit that they bring wherever they go.”

The Theme of the Celebration

“We are part of a grand whole. We need each other to make our sisterhood complete. When we reach out to clasp the hands of our sisters, we reach to every continent for we are of every nation. We are bonded as we try to understand what the Lord has to say to us, what He will make of us. We speak in different tongues, yet we are a family who can still be of one heart.” (Ensign, May 1992, Daughters in My Kingdom)