From SAINTS:The Story of the Church of Jesus Christ in the Latter Days, Volume 4, Sounded in Every Ear 1955–2020, Pages 587-588:

Relief Society, they understood, was originally established by priesthood authority. Its activities and endeavors had changed over the years, with some presidencies establishing hospitals or focusing on social work, literacy, or some other kind of service. Yet giving women opportunities to expound the gospel of Jesus Christ and provide relief to those in need had always been central to the organization’s work.

Still, the presidency worried that Relief Society had become just another class to attend on Sunday. Weekday Relief Society meetings and activities, especially where the Church and its members were well established, were often social events that had little to do with giving service or teaching the gospel. Many members did not know the organization’s inspired beginnings or its rich history. Younger women especially showed little enthusiasm for it. The presidency believed the women in the Church needed to find strength and value in their identity as Relief Society sisters.17

I’ve bemoaned the social and recreational emphasis that pervades Relief Society everywhere.

Apparently, I’m not the only one who noticed it. Back around 2007, the General Relief Society Presidency felt the same. This is one of the reasons that the book, Daughters in my Kingdom was compiled and published in 2011.

From SAINTS:The Story of the Church of Jesus Christ in the Latter Days, Volume 4, Sounded in Every Ear 1955–2020, Page 642:

Inspired by the history they had received from President Boyd K. Packer and at the assignment of the First Presidency, the Relief Society was preparing to publish a book, Daughters in My Kingdom: The History and Work of Relief Society. The book was fully illustrated and written in a simple style appropriate for readers of all abilities. It would also be translated into twenty-three languages and distributed to the women of the Church. The presidency hoped it would help the sisters learn from the past, better understand their spiritual heritage as disciples of Christ, and embrace the Relief Society’s divinely appointed mission.22

Not knowing any of this and before Volume 4 of SAINTS was published, I expressed the same sentiment. From my blog:

I think back to the book Daughters in My Kingdom which narrated the history and purpose of the Relief Society. I wonder where it all went. I see almost no emphasis on service and charity anymore. The emphasis is all on recreation and fun.

I feel vindicated and validated. However, I would prefer to be wrong. The situation then and now is dismal.

We are not living up to our heritage, our mission, or our potential.

There is still room and time to change!

Ladies?