Ever wondered how to get members of the public inside our chapels? Do you have a desire to serve your community? Relief Society sisters throughout the Birmingham Stake gave of their time and talents to raise money for a national charity by hosting a fundraiser in their chapels. They participated in the Macmillan World's Biggest Coffee Morning (the running joke being that there was no coffee!) and served delicious cakes and drinks to their communities, inviting them to make donations to the charity in return. The Woodsetton, Sheldon, and Harborne wards collectively raised £456.03 for the charity which provides invaluable support for cancer patients, their families and carers.
It was a great way to involve many people in a service project: we had sisters baking cakes beforehand, decorating the room, greeting and hosting on the day, serving cakes and making drinks, and the sisters who couldn't be there still donated generously to the total. We were amazed by the response. In Harborne there were more non-members than members at the event and all our guests were interested in looking at the inside of our buildings. It was a fantastic missionary effort as well as a successful charity event.
Sue Arnold, Birmingham Stake Relief Society President, commented, 'We are so pleased and humbled by the efforts of our sisters and impressed with the figure they were able to give to Macmillan - what a fantastic way to serve others. As we serve others, we serve God.'
There are many other charities and ways to serve but perhaps you could consider a local charity you could support by hosting an event in your chapel and publicising it widely in your community.