On October 2nd, the Doniphan Ward Relief Society hosted a deeply meaningful evening centered on the Parable of the Ten Virgins and the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). The North Brook Park Ward Relief Society and the Young Women were also invited to participate, creating a wonderful spirit of unity and shared faith.

The evening began with a narration explaining the significance of the Feast of Tabernacles—a sacred time when ancient Israel remembered the forty years their ancestors spent in the wilderness dwelling in temporary shelters, completely reliant on the Lord for protection and guidance. As participants learned, this celebration also looks forward to Christ’s millennial reign, when He will once again “tabernacle” with His people.

The presentation then turned to the Parable of the Ten Virgins, drawing symbolic connections between the temporary shelters of Israel and our own spiritual preparation for the Bridegroom’s coming. Each of the Ten Virgins was portrayed by a sister who shared a message and symbolic “gift,” representing both the virtues and distractions that fill or empty our spiritual lamps. Their messages highlighted contrasts such as pride versus humility, distraction versus devotion, and worldliness versus covenant peace. Through these heartfelt portrayals, participants were invited to reflect on what fills their own lamps with the oil of faith, repentance, peace, knowledge, and charity.

The parallels between the ancient sukkah—a place of protection and divine presence—and the temple as our modern “tabernacle” of covenant were powerfully expressed. The evening reminded all in attendance that just as the Israelites built shelters to remember God’s presence among them, we too are called to build spiritual tabernacles in our hearts and homes where the Spirit can dwell.

The event concluded with a message of hope and anticipation for the Savior’s return, encouraging everyone to keep their lamps trimmed and burning brightly, ready to enter the wedding feast with the Bridegroom.

It was a night filled with reverence, insight, and sisterhood—a beautiful blend of scriptural teaching, symbolism, and heartfelt testimony that left all who attended feeling renewed in their desire to walk with Christ and prepare for His coming.