The Church announced some big changes for Melchizedek Priesthood and Relief Society Sunday meetings in 2018. The Church announced some big changes for Melchizedek Priesthood and Relief Society Sunday meetings in 2018. As we wrap up the last year using the "Teaching of the Prophets" manuals, Relief Society and Melchizedek Priesthood meetings moving forward will focus on counseling together about local needs in addition to teaching gospel-centered lessons.
The first Sunday of each month the Relief Society and Melchizedek Priesthood will hold a council instead of a lesson to better know and respond to the needs of those in the ward, the second and third Sundays will be on recent general conference addresses, the fourth Sunday will be on a specific topic chosen by general Church leader, and the fifth Sunday will be on a topic chosen by local bishoprics.
The Church has announced changes for Melchizedek Priesthood and Relief Society Sunday meetings in 2018 that affect not only what materials adults will study but also how they use the time they meet together to accomplish the Lord's work.
An August 25 letter from the First Presidency announced that the new 2018 materials—Come, Follow Me—For Melchizedek Priesthood and Relief Society Meetings—will emphasize learning from general conference messages and counseling together.
Similar to the “Come, Follow Me” youth curriculum implemented in 2013, the materials encourage Relief Society and Melchizedek Priesthood leaders to follow the teaching and learning approach of Teaching in the Savior’s Way (see teaching.lds.org). In addition, the new materials also emphasize:
- Learning from general conference messages.
- Studying special topics selected every six months by general leaders of the Church.
- Counseling together as priesthood quorums and groups and Relief Societies.