SELF-RELIANCE CLASSES
nEW CLASSES ARE STARTING AT THE END OF JANUARY!
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR A SELF RELIANCE CLASS
The Lord has said, “It is my purpose to provide for my saints . . . but it must needs be done in mine own way” (Doctrine and Covenants 104:15, 16). This is a promise that Heavenly Father will help take care of His children as they follow Him. Self-reliance does not mean that we can accomplish or obtain anything we want. If we are self-reliant we believe that through the power of Christ, and through our own effort, we can work for the spiritual and practical needs of life. Many people can become more self-reliant and self-reliance classes are the tool to help.
Classes begin a few times a year with small groups of people from our stake meeting weekly. Groups usually meet in person, but you can discuss with your group what works best. Groups are focused on one of five areas: employment, education, emotional resilience, personal finances, or starting and growing a business.
The stake is excited to announce that Self Reliance classes are starting up again the last week in January. There are four classes that will be offered at the stake level in January:
Emotional Resilience Class A: Sundays from 3:00 - 5:00 (starts 1/28/24)
Emotional Resilience Class B: Wednesdays from 7:00 - 9:00 pm (starts 1/31/24)
Personal Finance: Wednesdays from 7:00 - 9:00 pm (starts 1/31/24)
Start and Grow Your Own Business: Sundays from 3:00 - 5:00 pm (starts 1/28/24)
All Classes will meet at the stake center unless directed otherwise. If you’d like to join a class, please click the link above.
Twelve Principles of Self-Reliance
Exercise Faith in Jesus Christ (D&C 104:15)
Use Time Wisely (Alma 34:32)
Be Obedient (D&C 130:20–21)
Manage Money (D&C 104:78)
Work: Take Responsibility (D&C 42:42; 2 Nephi 2:16, 26)
Solve Problems (Ether 2:18–19, 23; 3:1, 4)
Become One, Work Together (Moses 7:18; D&C 104:15–17)
Communicate: Petition and Listen (D&C 8:2)
Persevere (Hebrews 12:1; D&C 58:4)
Show Integrity (Mosiah 4:28; Job 27:5; Articles of Faith 1:13)
Seek Learning and Education (D&C 88:118–119)
Stay On Task, Receive Ordinances (D&C 84:20; D&C 136:4; 1 Nephi 18:2–3)
Read testimonials from members of our stake who have taken these classes:
My husband and I participated in the 12 week self reliance program. I was interested in attending the class because I had heard the spiritual side of the program was even more amazing than the finance side and I’d have to agree. Every week you focus first on a foundational principal like scripture study, Temple attendance, using your time wisely and living a balanced life. I loved these weekly reminders of putting what matters most first in our lives. Your given goals to accomplish each week and I really enjoyed it. I feel closer to My Savior after these lessons and I’m working on making small changes to increase my spirituality. The majority of the week’s lessons focused on a financial principal. Every week you’re encouraged to share what you’ve learned about financial stability in a family council. My husband and I have discussed more about our finances during this 12 weeks then we had in years, and we shared many of the principles we studied in class with our children. The 12 week self reliance program strengthens our family spiritually and focused us more on saving for the future. -Melissa Briggs
I wanted to be a wise steward over my family’s finances. I didn’t know where to start. I attempted a few conversations with my husband about creaitng a budget but it didn’t really go anywhere. I heard about the opportunity to take the Self-Reliance Personal Finance Class from my Relief Society President. I knew this was my answer. I liked that the class was in a council format. Each week I learned a spiritual and a financial principle to put into practice. I chose an action partner. We helped each other to be accountable for completing our weekly homework. I learned to create a budget by tracking my family’s finances for four weeks. This class gave me the language to have financial conversations. The homework gave my husband and I a framework to talk about budgets, establishing a one month emergency fund, and mortgages. I was blessed to learn ways that I can be a wise financial steward, my faith increased as I trusted in the Lord. Through many conversations my husband and I were able to create unity in financial decisions. -Laura Tate
I had the opportunity to participate in the self reliance class called starting and growing your business. Initially, I thought, what could I really learn because I’ve already been running a successful business for 9 years. As I participated in the class, I learned how to apply spiritual principles in my work. I focused on improving my company in areas I’d been complacent. During the year of this class, my annual revenues increased 35% where previous years were 2-10%. I attribute the success directly to the class, and the principles I learned. -Jeff Simmons
This class has been life changing for me! I’ve always known what I needed to do to be more self-reliant, but it seems I could always find an excuse not to ever really do it. But the support and love that I feel from my group each week has given me the courage to finally take action to make true self-reliance happen!! -Corinn Rommerswinkle
The self reliance course has been unexpectedly a very sweet and life changing experience for me. Every week I have gained valuable information, felt the spirit and as a bonus have developed wonderful and meaningful friendships within my group. Every adult and youth should take advantage of this great program. I testify that it is a truly inspired program. -Kim Clawson
This self reliance class for learning how to start & grow a small business has been the biggest gift I could ever imagine. It is way more than a class, it is a spiritual experience and direct link to personal growth with Our Heavenly Father holding our hand the whole way. The friendships built in the group are built for a lifetime I feel, we have developed a really awesome, unique bond on a completely different level than most & continue to talk weekly. Because of having alot of health issues that randomly flare up, I have had some difficulty working & being able to commit to specific hours at a regular job, so decided to try starting a little mobile notary business. This class has a rare ability to pair finance and business with the gospel, and in a way that keeps you motivated, inspired, uplifted, engaged & meeting your goals each week. It helps you not give up when you know you are making progress, and receiving priceless feedback & experience from others who have the same core values. I’ve been to many classes in my lifetime, but this one has been the most unique and rewarding by far. I’m so grateful for this church and the resources it offers those who are seeking. I would recommend this class as the only responsible way of starting a business, period. -Melanie Martin
When my husband first suggested we attend the Personal Finance class, I groaned a little. Spending so much time talking about budgets and financial planning did not sound like something I wanted to do. But after the first class with our group I was excited.
I think the biggest lesson I learned is how much Heavenly Father cares about our financial planning. Each lesson starts with a foundation principle that is based on gospel topics. It really put into perspective all the many things that I have been blessed with and how I can better use those resources for good.
In the Personal Finance manual it quotes Elder Oaks, “Whatever causes us to be dependent on someone else for decisions or resources we could provide for ourselves weakens us spiritually and retards our growth toward what the gospel plan intends us to be.” I’m so grateful we decided to take this class and for the way it’s changed me. -Carrie Hellewell
During this quarantine I have really missed my kids and grandkids who were all out of state. I wanted us to stay connected and have fun together so I decided to arrange lots of activities, contests, and challenges. We had a great time sending lots of videos and photos back and forth on our family group text. We invited extended family to join us and it really brought our extended family closer. A fun part for me personally was that as a direct result of the small changes I made during my Self Reliance group I had extra discretionary funds saved and ready to use to surprise family members with fun little gifts and prizes which was super fun for everyone. The Personal Finance group has helped people who are struggling get a handle on their finances and even helped those who feel like they have their finances under control have that extra cushion that can make life a little easier. There is peace knowing you are handling your finances the Lord’s way. I know he will give us answers we may not have thought of when we go to Him for answers. I know that many others have experienced the peace that comes when we look to the Lord for guidance in the temporal aspects of life. Join a self reliance group. It will be the spiritual high of your week! -Laura Del Rosario
Initially, I was excited to get to know the people in our class better. But as we kept meeting weekly, I became more excited about sharing what we had learned with my family. Taking the class with other families who have kids older than mine was great. I learned how they handled things like allowances, teaching teenagers how to earn money, and saving for missions and college. When our 12 weeks was up, we had learned some good strategies for our own family, and had made some great friends in the process. -Matt Hellewell
I loved the opportunity we had to come together in unity, as an intimate group, with diverse backgrounds and experiences and be able to share our personal commitments with one another each week. Sometimes we were successful with our commitments, and often times, not so successful, but I think everyone always went away feeling love, encouragement and support from each another.In our class I learned that having emotional-resilience is about learning how to better face our challenges and difficulties by centering our life on our Savior Jesus Christ and placing our faith more fully in Him, rather than just relying on our own abilities. If you follow through each day with the commitments you make for the week, and really put forth effort, you can’t help but draw closer to the Savior and feel of His love and have a greater sense of peace in your daily life. Each week at the end of class, we made commitments pertaining to the topic that had been discussed that day. One of the commitments each week included writing down at least one thing you are grateful for each day. While I always express gratitude in my prayers on a daily basis, this activity allowed me the opportunity to think even deeper and caused me to really take the time to recognize the hand of the Lord in the small and simple things in my life. It was a great blessing. -Cathy Andrasczcyk
Emotional resilience - we could all use some! New friends, new tools, new support - I gained all from attending the Emotional Resilience Self-Reliance class this past fall. Zoom allowed me to finally participate in the program - it was so convenient not having to schedule more time away from home! -Erica Hoopes
What is the self reliance course and why is it awesome? Prior to taking the course I had heard friends talk about how amazing it was and the unmatched experience of it. I would think “Really? Talking about finances? I’m confused.” I despise talking about things like that. After a 5th Sunday lesson about the class I felt a strong nudge from the Spirit that this was exactly what I needed. In the first class I knew I had made a great choice. The lessons on how to budget, save, prioritized spending, tithing, goals etc - coupled with the teachings from the scriptures, prophets and apostles is so powerful. The vulnerability, understanding and shared experiences from my group was so encouraging. The people I was able to meet and learn with in my group were the best!! There is no denying the Spirit I felt in each class. I felt energized and inspired and to say that about discussing finances is a miracle to me. Most of all, learning about and implementing these tools has been a great blessing in our family. Self Reliance strengthened my testimony of my loving Heavenly Father and of my Savior and His restored gospel. If you have any inkling to take this course please please take it! It’s truly wonderful. -Camille Bunker
My experience with Self Reliance course for Finding a Better Job was more than just about a job search. The weekly interaction and support from the group proved to be motivating in refining my career desires and interests. I was able to share ideas and receive feedback from others who also want to advance their professional options. -Sharla Marocchi
For more information about Self-Reliance, visit the Church website.