How to Conduct a Mothers' Meeting by MRS. MARY H. MOORE

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 2, 1915

How to Conduct a Mothers' Meeting

By MRS. MARY H. MOORE

MRS. MARY H. MOORE

WHEN an interest has been aroused among the mothers, and an association formed, the question which naturally arises is how to conduct these meetings to make them profitable and interesting.

In some places it has been found advisable not to adopt a formal organization but to have the work carried on by one or two persons in leading positions, who choose speakers and arrange programs as they think best. Ordinarily, however, it is better to have a simple organization, the officers of which can act as a committee to arrange for the meetings.

If the meetings are held at the homes of the members, of course the hostess is responsible for all arrangements to receive those who attend. But it is often well for her to call to her assistance some other member.

When the meeting is held in the church or vestry, some one should see that the room is open and ready, and act as usher, providing seats, distributing books, and making things comfortable generally.

When the mothers bring small children, it is a very good thing to have a caretaker appointed, one who can take the little ones out, or to one side, and amuse them, so the mothers can give their undivided attention to the proceedings of the meetings. When it can be done safely, it is well for the mothers to leave small children at home; for the hour of relaxation from care is often a great benefit in itself.

But the children should be brought to the meeting rather than have the mother stay at home. There is, in every company, some one with a little kindergarten training or knack at interesting children, who can take care of them for an hour, and make the time so spent instructive, and happy too.

As to the general order of the meeting, no cut-and-dried rule can be given, since, to be useful, any suggestion must be adapted to the special circumstances. However, a sample program may be of use as a guide. This is an actual program, taken from the notebook of the president of a very successful mothers' association.

The meeting was opened with a selection from “Christ in Song,” followed by prayer. After the reading of the minutes of the preceding meeting, the members present responded to the roll call with a verse of Scripture. Unfinished business, such as reports of committees, was the next item. This was followed by new business. The topic for the day was then presented in original papers read by three mothers on the subject of “Money Allowances for Children.” A general discussion followed

in which many took part. Actual experiences were related, and various opinions, agreeing or disagreeing, were expressed. Some special music followed, and the meeting was closed with prayer.

To vary such a program there could be a Bible reading or study from the Testimonies on a subject previously announced, to take the place of the roll call. In place of original papers, good selections can be read, followed by a discussion. Recitations and instrumental and vocal music offer a pleasing variety. For these, talent outside of the regular attendants can be called on if necessary. In almost every company there are young people who are willing to use their gifts to entertain others.

Sometimes it is well to make the meeting wholly devotional, and spend the time of the regular program in prayer and testimonies, speaking of personal experiences and difficulties.

An occasional lecture from one qualified to speak on health and temperance, home hygiene and sanitation, and similar topics, will be found very profitable, and will often awaken an interest that will result in improvement in the homes.

Sometimes where the need is felt, a course of cooking lessons can be arranged for; and lectures on buying food, preparing wholesome dishes, and well-balanced bills of fare always fill an important place in the work of a mothers' association.

In short, anything that will give instruction in mothercraft, the management of a household or the maintenance of a home, is proper, and may profitably form part of a mothers' meeting.

When the meetings can be held weekly, it is a good plan to take up some book on some of these subjects, and read it aloud and discuss it at the meetings. Christian Education has in each issue something good that might form the basis of an hour's study. “Ministry of Healing,” “Education,” and “Counsels to Parents and Teachers” are books well adapted to such study. Let prayer and the study of the Scriptures and spirit of prophecy be the underlying elements of the meetings, and any mothers' meeting will be successful.

Every member should be willing to take some part, and add her share for the benefit of the whole. Do not sit back and say, “I cannot,” or you will never know what you can do, and that same spirit will lead you into failure and despair in your home work. Say, “I'll try; I'll do the best I can, with help from above,” and your handful of meal will be multiplied by the grace of God, until not only your own household but your neighbor as well will be fed.

Chicago, Ill.