Good News Minute
by Melanie Day


 

While on vacation, our family went to church with my brother.  During Relief Society, they took time for the "Good News Minute".  I had never heard of that before.  For one minute, everyone shares something "good" or "meaningful" to that happened to them (and their loved ones) that week.  One person shared, "My daughter was sealed in the temple this week" or "my son got straight A's", etc.  It gives everyone a chance to share, uplift and support each other on news they might not otherwise learn.  This would work in any organization really.  From Primary Children and Teachers, Young Men/Women, Activity Days or Family Home Evening.  Who doesn't want to hear about good news?  It helps make everyone closer.

Come to find out In the workshop section of the spring 2005 open house just before general conference in SLC Sis. Parkin general RS pres. gave us the Good News Minute !!  "A New Idea  President Hinckley says, “[All of us] need constant refreshing and exposure to new ideas to bring about a strengthening of the work.”

Here’s an idea for you; it’s called the “Good News Minute.” Here’s how it works:

After the opening prayer, whoever is conducting says, “Be thinking about good news you’d like to share with us.”  Then the visitors are introduced and announcements are given.  Then the sister conducting asks, “Who has good news?”  Sisters pop up and say, “I have a new grandbaby!” “My son’s graduating!” “My daughter’s engaged!” “I got an A on my finals.”  The sisters smile and exchange congratulations about each other’s news.  The whole refreshing activity is kept to about a minute, and then you move on.   This activity not only helps a presidency keep tabs on what is happening with the sisters in the ward, it’s also a wonderful way to help sisters know they belong to Relief Society and connect with each other."