Tuesday, July 1, 2008

2008 Primary Sacrament Meeting Presentation/ Program

Just to be clear.... I post this for my own records and also for people to look at and use bits and pieces. I feel very strongly that you as a primary worker should pray to Heavenly Father for exactly what you should write for your primary (EVERY PRIMARY IS DIFFERENT!! KNOW YOUR CHILDREN!!)! Our sacrament program is at the end of September... but what can I say... I like to be prepared, AND open for further inspiration and insight. I prayed a lot about this, including the words and placement of our little friends. I put in experiences that were personal to the kids, things they had said from talks or comments from sharing times- as well as heavily adhered to the main points of the 2008 outline.

*'d (starred parts) are for less active children who may or may not come. Will not be read if the children are not there.
I also wanted to mention why every child says I am a child of God (to which they will pause and continue with their part) I had a friend whose brother was in and out of jail. Many years later, he went to church for Christmas. As a hardened criminal he sat emotionless and lifeless during the entire meeting, until the end when they sang I am a child of God... to which he knew every single word. In every branch or ward there are members who are strong and solid, others who are barely hanging on.... Knowing we are children of the Most High is a powerful phrase.
Teachers and Bishopric Member will be keeping testimonies brief so as to keep the focus on our children.



Primary Sacrament Presentation
September 21, 2008


Song: I am a child of God (CS p.2)
1.C: I am a child of God. “All human beings- male and female- are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny.” This is from the family proclamation.

2.E: I am a child of God. I lived with Him before I came to my dad, mom, and sister on earth. This is where I got my body. I am grateful for every part from my head to my toes!

3.Cr: I am a child of God. I know that I can follow His plan and be happy!

4.J: I am a child of God. Heavenly Father has given me a very special gift. This gift lets me choose what I want to do. This gift is called agency.

* E: I am a child of God. While I’m on earth I need to prepare for eternal life.
5.C: I am a child of God. Jesus created our beautiful world for all of God’s children. I love everything he created! Especially dogs!

6.C: I am a child of God. I read the scriptures everyday with my family. Because I do this, I learn about the life of Jesus and His many stories. I learn about His love for me and for you too!

Song: Tell Me the Stories of Jesus (CS p.57)

7.A: I am a child of God. 2 Nephi 4:15 says, “For my soul delighteth in the scriptures, and my heart pondereth them, and writeth them for the learning and the profit of my children.”

8.M: I am a child of God. The scriptures teach me about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and how to return to them.

9.K: I am a child of God. The Bible and Book of Mormon testify of Jesus Christ and the stories in them teach me how to live the gospel.

* W: I am a child of God. Joseph Smith received important commandments that help us to be better. The book of Doctrine and Covenants is very important.

Sister L: I am a child of God. Testimony of scripture study.

Song: We thank Thee of God for a Prophet (Hymns p.19)
10.C: I am a child of God. I know the prophet holds all priesthood keys and leads the church the right way.

11.K: I am a child of God. President Hinckley died this year. It made me sad, but I am glad that President Thomas S. Monson is our prophet now. He teaches me what I must do to live with Heavenly Father again and how to have a happy family and home.

*C: I am a child of God. I can and will follow the prophet. “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.” (Amos 3:7)

*K: I am a child of God. The prophet tells me what I need to be doing by revelation from God. Whether it is reading and praying about the Book of Mormon or loving and forgiving others, I am grateful his words can strengthen my life and my family’s.

Song: Home (CS p.92)
Sister C: I am a child of God. Testimony of family.

12. C: I am a child of God. The proclamation says, “The family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.” I know that I have a divine destiny. That means I know I’m going to do a lot of good in this world!

13. J: I am a child of God. Some things that make our home strong are scripture study, family prayer and family home evening. Is your home strong? Do you do these things?

14. H: I am a child of God. In the Old Testament, in the book of 1 Samuel is my name! Hannah could not have children but prayed in faith and made a vow that if Lord would help her she’d give her son to him as a servant of the Lord all the days of his life. My mom helped prepare my brother David to be a missionary. She helps all of our family to be servants of the Lord. I know I can be a great mom just like her!

15. R: I am a child of God. I am grateful for a father who holds the priesthood. I can get blessings from him whenever I need one. I love my dad.

16. N: I am a child of God. I am grateful for families and that they can be together forever. The temple is a holy place where we can be sealed for eternity.

Sister B: I am a child of God. Testimony of temples.
Song: I love to see the temple (CS p.95)
17. L: I am a child of God. The temple is a blessing for me and my family. D&C 124:40 says, “And verily I say unto you, let this house be built unto my name, that I may reveal mine ordinances therein unto my people.”

18. M: I am a child of God. I know that I have to be kind to my mother and a good listener to my father. I know that I have to be loving to my sister and share with my brothers. When I do these things, I do my part to have an eternal family.

19. A: I am a child of God. Paying our tithing is very important. Tithing helps to build temples. It is a commandment and if we don’t do it, we can’t go inside the house of the Lord. Heavenly father has given us everything, we need to give back to Him!
20. I: I am a child of God. I am not quite 12 yet, so I can’t go into the house of the Lord. But I can still do many things to prepare to go inside. One important thing I can do is my family history work.

21. R: I am a child of God. When I learn about my ancestors, I learn their stories and learn to love them. Love and service go hand in hand. Just like temples and missionary work!

Sister B: I am a child of God. Testimony of Missionary work.

Song: Called to Serve (Hymns p. 249)
22. B: I am a child of God. And I love to do missionary work! This year I gave my school teacher a Book of Mormon and invited her to a ward activity. When we share the gospel, we share happiness. One day I will serve an honorable full time mission, I may have lots of success, I may not. But I know D&C 18:15 is true, “And if it so be that you should… bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy.”

23. C: I am a child of God. I can prepare to be a missionary by praying and reading the scriptures daily. There are strict expectations of what an emissary of the Lord should be like. Obedience, faithfulness and diligence are all part of the armor of righteousness. As Captain Moroni fought many battles, raising the title of liberty, so do I hope to be able to fight the battle of good verses evil. I know that, “If God be for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31.

24. B: I am a child of God. D&C 59:7 says, “Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things.” I am thankful to know that we are ALL children of God! We are all different, yet we are all the same. We all have bodies and should treat them like the temples they are. Heavenly Father loves us and I can show respect and kindness to all of God’s children.

Sister T: I am a child of God. Testimony of Baptism.

Song: When Jesus Christ Was Baptized (CS p.102)
25. R: I am a child of God. (Still getting info on her personal experience of when she was baptized)

26. B: I am a child of God. The 4th article of faith says, “We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.” I have received these ordinances and continue to strengthen my testimony of these principles.

27. S: I am a child of God. When my dad laid his hands upon me to confirm me a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and for me to receive the Holy Ghost, I was very happy. The Holy Ghost will prompt me to repent and live righteously. When I do these things I am closer to the Saviour.

28. M: I am a child of God. I make many mistakes and so do you! But I am very grateful that Heavenly Father forgives all who truly repent. Alma the Elder was a wicked follower and priest of King Noah. But when he heard the words of the prophet Abinadi, he changed and became a great strength in the Lord’s kingdom. Changing is a good thing. You could even do it today- starting with a little bit of sincere prayer!

Sister L: I am a child of God. Testimony of Prayer.

29. J: I am a child of God. I can pray to Heavenly Father, and He will hear and answer my prayers. Mark 11:24 says, “Therefore I say unto you, what things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” I learn so much from the scriptures about prayer. My loving Heavenly Father wants me to pray to Him often- anytime, anywhere. He knows me and will answer my prayers in ways that are best for me, whether it be through the Holy Ghost, scriptures or others.

30. M: I am a child of God. Because I am His child, I will serve God with all my heart, might, mind and strength. The prophet Elijah was filled with the spirit of God. With that spirit and power of the priesthood he called down fire from heaven to engulf a water drenched alter, he commanded the rains to cease and as he was hidden in the cavity of a rock learned one of the greatest lessons of life. 1 Kings 19:11-12, “And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.” Have you felt this still small voice today? Jesus Christ is my Savior and the Savior of all mankind. He lives and it is my testimony that He does stand by us.

Song: If the Savior Stood Beside Me
Close with possible remarks from a member of Bishopric

11 comments :

jaacs said...

Wow. You are awesome. That is so great. I love the use of 'I Am A Child of God' for each child. I'm not sure what we are doing as of yet. I love that you have made this personal for each child. It is great. :)

jaacs said...

Oh, and when I say I'm not sure...I should clarify that the other counselor is over this. I'm not slackin. lol. :)

Sofia's Primary Ideas said...

You are so kind. Honestly, none of it is me. It's all Heavenly Father. I'm a lame brain, but I'm open to the spirit and I feel like all of this... the ideas, the wording is pure inspiration from up on high.

:) As for slacking... I know you. Slacking StiVen is a total oxymoron. I'm so grateful to be your friend and to share testimonies together of our Savior. Perhaps one day you could grace my blog with a guest blog of your conversion and testimony of primary?? :) Love you!!

julie said...

Hi Sofia, I found this post on google. I was REALLY REALLY REALLY struggling to write our sacrament presentation (it is my first time) and it has been such a heavy burden for me. I just wanted you to know that I appreciate your insight and you sharing your outline. Although I was tempted just to copy and paste your outline and some others I did not. Mine is an original. It was just good to read other outlines either when I hit a brick wall or after I wrote to see if I could improve mine. We too are doing ours on September 21st. Best of luck on yours! Julie

Thank you!

Sofia's Primary Ideas said...

Sister Julie- I'm glad you did it! You are amazing for this is no small feat my friend! May the spirit be with your primary and ward as well during this special time of year.

Lanell said...

I also found your post on google. I love how your presentation is put together and worded. I love the use of "I am a child of God" each time and may use that in our presentation (which isn't until the end of Nov). Thank you so much for posting this!

Sofia's Primary Ideas said...

Sister Lanell, what a pretty name. I don't think I've ever heard it before. Thank you so much for your throughtful words. All I know is that God will direct us when we pray to Him humbly. My hope is that we can all be edified, especially the children.

germanjules said...

thanks for posting...are you using all the children in the Primary...how big is your Primary? If we use everyone that's about 80 kids (that's not including those who come on a sporadic basis)

Sofia's Primary Ideas said...

Sister Jules-

We have about 30 kids. A perfect number for 1 hour and 15 minutes.

80 is a different story.

Personally, if I had that many kids I would combine some little ones and have them do small group recitations. (Like 6 groups of 4??) Also, for older children I would see if some could do singing solos or duets as opposed to speaking parts. The first guideline in the handout says to meet with the bishop. Pray together, perhaps it's important to extend the meeting a little. Perhaps it's not. The key is that each child has something special to share and add to the meeting. Pray to know what needs to be written, pray earnestly and you will be guided. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to grow in the spirit and fine tune your listening skills to the whisperings of the Holy Ghost.

Unknown said...

it is the best aricle i read ever in my life it is the best complement

Amie said...

This is such a wonderful idea! You are such an idea machine for me. Thank you for always being so thoughtful and kind in all that you do! I also love your reflection at the beginning of the post.