Visiting Teaching Interviews

One sister wrote me looking for something specific in my blog with regard to Visiting Teaching Questions to ask during interviews.  Because I spent a considerable amount of time hoping to find some help for her, I decided to share with you the ideas that I gave to her..

I must clarify that the following are only my ideas or the ideas of others and do not represent anything with regard to LDS Church Policy.  These are just some tips, and ideas to assist you in getting it done!

The first thing that came to my mind when you wrote me was the V.T. Conference in one of my Wards we did had the focus of "My Sisters Hands."  We made sugar cookies in the shape of hands, and glazed them.  We added a small heart that could be made of another tiny heart shaped cookie iced in pink or red, or you could get a heart candy and place on top of the hand cookie.  For the handout was the poem "My Sisters Hands" found at http://www.defordmusic.com/mysistershands.htm 

My Sisters Hands by Sally DeFord

My sister's hands are fair and white; my sister's hands are dark My sister's hands are touched with age, or by the years unmarked And often when I pray for strength to live as He commands The Father sends me sustenance in my sister's hands My sister's hands are lined and worn with burdens of their own And yet I know that should I mourn, I need not weep alone For often as I seek His grace to lighten life's demands The Father sends me solace borne in my sister's hands My sister's hands: compassion's tools that teach my own their art Witnesses of charity within the human heart Bearers of the Savior's love and mercy unto man I have felt the Master's touch in my sister's hands
Church Music Contest: Relief Society Division - Award of Distinction 1993

We didn't do this, but I found 2 very cute videos using the Sally Deford Song "My Sisters Hands." here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75l2oMat-O4  another one http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkvoVKtGPXM

Here is the link to a Visiting Teaching Conference that my own ward did, that I was not involved with it other than attending as a Visiting Teacher.  http://visitingteachingtips.blogspot.com/2009/06/my-wards-visiting-teaching-conference.html

When I have conducted interviews along with the Presidency in the past, we generally give a very brief message, and thank each sister for their service.  We ask how their Visiting Teaching is going and if there are any concerns they have.  We asked about their relationship with their Visiting Teaching partner and if they were able to accomodate each others busy schedules.  After the interview, we would invite them to have some refreshments. 

After all the interviews have been conducted, we as a Presidency will visit together and share important needs and concerns with the President.

One thing I do have on my site about interviews is the theme "My sisters hands"  You can find it at this link  Here is the link to a bookmark you can print out and laminate that would  really go well with the Hands theme http://visitingteachingsurprise.blogspot.com/2010/05/your-hands-are-his-hands.html

Another idea that you could develop and customize for your interviews could be found at this link.... "The hearts of Angels" http://visitingteachingsurprise.blogspot.com/2009/01/hearts-of-angels.html

and http://www.blogger.com/posts.g?blogID=8675029211561237058&searchType=ALL&page=4
You could also use "The Errand of Angels, or Earthly Ministering Angels" as Visiting Teaching interviewing or Conference themes.  The term, "Errand of Angels" is found in the song..."As Sisters In Zion."  Video found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNNoOuMKuKg

 Hymns, As Sisters in Zion, no. 309

1. As sisters in Zion, we’ll all work together;
The blessings of God on our labors we’ll seek.
We’ll build up his kingdom with earnest endeavor;
We’ll comfort the weary and strengthen the weak.

2. The errand of angels is given to women;
And this is a gift that, as sisters, we claim:
To do whatsoever is gentle and human,
To cheer and to bless in humanity’s name.

3. How vast is our purpose, how broad is our mission,
If we but fulfill it in spirit and deed.
Oh, naught but the Spirit’s divinest tuition
Can give us the wisdom to truly succeed.

Text: Emily H. Woodmansee, 1836–1906

Music: Janice Kapp Perry, b. 1938. © 1985 IRI
Galatians 6:2, 9–10
D&C 11:12–14

Another idea could be taken from this cute poem about priorities and how we look at life, and helping and giving encouragement to others during their times of need.  http://visitingteachingsurprise.blogspot.com/2008/12/three-hairs.html

This one was a New Years Resolve  with regard to Visiting Teaching, that could be developed into a good theme for interviewing.  http://visitingteachingtips.blogspot.com/2008/12/some-new-year-resolves-for-visiting.html

Here are some nicely done Visiting Teaching Videos that could be shown at a Conference, or even  playing while the sisters are waiting for their turn to interview. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acLcss9HSeE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqfCXBsXGfQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A14R1yrcBnE

I hope that these ideas will help you with your Visiting Teaching interviews and whatever else you can think of. 

Best regards,
Sister Katie G.