The Macarthur Australia Stake Self-Reliance Committee (SSRC) is helping local members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints navigate their way during the turbulent times in which we currently live.
As a Self-Reliance specialist, Sandra Wellington has served on the committee, which is chaired by Faiva Ai’i of the Macarthur Stake (diocese) presidency, since its inception in September 2014. “There have been a lot of changes in the program since then,” commented Sandra.
Facing the current pandemic, the SSRC sought resources and personnel to provide useful online support.
The SSRC recently organised webinars on relevant issues regarding mental health and financial management. In the first webinar, Michelle Jackson, Clinical Psychologist, of the Mittagong Ward (congregation), presented tips and techniques to help children and adults cope with anxiety about COVID-19.
The second webinar, "Smart Money," covered aspects of finance such as learning from past mistakes, present spending, and looking to the future. It was conducted by Todd Conklin and Shane Anderson, Bishops of the Wollongong and Camden Wards respectively, who each have expertise in finance.
Following that was a panel led by Fern Havea* of the Liverpool Stake and Fabian Quesada of the Campbelltown Ward. This session became the platform to invite people to a Personal Finances course which began in early May.
Damien Standring and his family.
Daimen Standring, his wife Ella, and their children. Daimen serves on the Macarthur Stake High Council where he is assigned to support Self-Reliance. He also serves as Stake Sunday School President. © 2020 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.Staying connected online when restrictions on socialisation are required has been a vital factor for well-being. “A big part for me is the mental and spiritual health of our members,” said Daimen Standring, High Council Representative to SSRC. Daimen, who works for NSW Trains as Shift Manager, is accustomed to handling Human Resource issues. “I love being there for people on their worst day as well as their best.”
The SSRC and other organisations within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have conducted meetings, lessons and courses through ZOOM which “have helped (us) reach a larger audience and people are responding,” stated Daimen.
By Church Communications Specialist, Gayle Ryan, Macarthur Stake
*Fern Havea teaches the PathwayConnect Course. Completion of this course enables people to enter tertiary education and be upskilled for future employment.