Sister Julie Beck, Relief Society general president, told LDS women it is time for the Relief Society "to fulfill its purpose as never before. To move forward and achieve what the Lord desires we must clearly understand the purpose of Relief Society."

The organization was established in 1842, as part of the formal restoration of the LDS Church by founder Joseph Smith, who said that "a similar organization for women existed in (Christ's) church anciently."

God has commissioned each member of the organization to increase in faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and to serve the Lord and his children, she said. Noting that early LDS women suffered persecution, loss of their homes, a trek across the Great Plains and the death of many family members, she said it was "the fire of their faith" and testimony, along with a conviction that they were helping build God's kingdom that kept them going.

Strengthening families is a responsibility of all LDS women, not just those who have children of their own. "We have a duty to defend and practice the truths found in 'The Family: a Proclamation to the World."'

The activities, lessons and teachings of the Relief Society are to strengthen women and their families, and the organization can become akin to a "mother" for women and their families through the service and strength it provides to members.

Service is part of the organization's foundation for all women, many thousands of whom don't currently have a husband or children, she said. Such women "have an incredible reservoir of faith, talent and dedication ... No one is better positioned than you to work in temples serve missions, teach the rising generation and help those who are downtrodden. Relief Society needs you," as it does young women who are just entering the organization.

Personal revelation through the Holy Ghost is a key to learning how to succeed in building God's kingdom. "This will happen as we allow ourselves to be still enough and quiet enough to listen to the voice of the spirit."

Each woman is needed to prepare for Christ's Second Coming. "In fact, the Lord cannot accomplish his work without the help of his daughters. Because of that, the Lord expects us to increase our offering. He expects us to fulfill the purpose of Relief Society as never before."

Sister Silvia Allred, first counselor in the presidency, recalled the sacrifices made by many in past decades to attend the temple, and urged LDS women to prepare themselves to make and keep temple covenants.