September 2014 LDS Primary Sharing Time Helps & Ideas

I know this is going to sound odd, but I really couldn't find a picture for this month's post. So, I decided to post this random good looking man's picture and tell him how grateful I am that he goes into Nursery every single Sunday to help out. How he gives the most wonderful father's blessings. How I'm grateful that he is the only LDS volunteer who makes gyros at Greek Fest... 9 years now? He is pretty awesome and his only flaw is that he is not an organ donor. He is desperately attached to his organs for some reason. ??  However, he lives the gospel and it definitely blesses our family!!

Monthly Theme: Living the Gospel Blesses My Family

Monthly Scripture: "We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is
anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things” Articles of Faith 1:13 

Week 1 I show my gratitude by offering thanks for all my blessings.

*  "But those who set aside the bottle of bitterness and lift instead the goblet of gratitude can find a purifying drink of healing, peace, and understanding. As disciples of Christ, we are commanded to “thank the Lord [our] God in all things,” to “sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving,” and to “let [our] heart be full of thanks unto God.”
Grateful in Any Circumstances President Uchtdorf April 2014 General Conference
   Have a fancy decorated goblet. Pass around the "gratitude goblet" and have children say things they are thankful for. You could even make paper (I'd use cardstock) goblets and have children color/decorate with sequins. The children could be encouraged to pass them around at dinner time with their families and share things they are thankful for.

* HERE is a wonderful sharing time idea from The Friend. I really love
" Draw large palette on piece of poster board. Divide children into six groups, and assign a different color to each group. Have each group draw pictures of blessings associated with assigned color; cut out and attach to poster."
     as well as-
" Play (a) game using poster. While childrens’ eyes are closed, remove one blessing, then have children open eyes and guess what’s missing. Discuss what it would be like without that blessing. Continue removing and guessing blessings as time permits."

* You really just can't beat The Friend. They are so inspired!
HERE is another great sharing time idea. I really like the one idea where children play a game of saying what they are thankful for, then the next child repeats what the previous friend said and adds what they are thankful for. By the last child, they will have to remember a lot!!

* Have the children act out the story of the 10 lepers. According to the handbook children do not portray deity, so just have one child hold a picture of Jesus and answer questions about what The Savior did.
Luke 17:11-18 Afterwards, you can have the children make thank you notes for someone who has done something they are thankful for!

 

Week 2 By giving service to others, I give service to God.

* Make some notes for older friends in a Senior Citizen Home!!

* Have the primary children make coupon booklets for their family of things they are willing to do this week to serve them!

* Have the children write thank you notes to local fireman!

* Make a candy bar card for The Bishop.

* I made a game entitled Primary Service Bingo. A child will come up and choose a square, do the service act, then get to X it out. See how many bingos you can get!! If you'd like the PDF file, feel free to email me. You could also divide the room in half and put up two sheets if you like a little competition!

Week 3 We believe in being honest.

* I love President Hinckley. I just love love love him!!!! His words are always so straight forward. HERE is a talk he gave that really drives home the point of what it means to be honest. It would be a good read to prepare for your lesson.

* “A man … went one evening to steal corn from a neighbor’s field. He took his little boy with him to sit on the fence and keep a look-out, so as to give warning in case any one should come along. The man jumped over the fence with a large bag on his arm, and before commencing to take the corn he looked all around, first one way and then the other, and not seeing any person, he was just about to fill his bag. … [The boy then called out]:
     “‘Father, there is one way you haven’t looked yet! … You forgot to look up.’” (I Believe in Being Honest and True by Ann Dibb April 2011 General Conference)
    

Cornhole is basically the same as a bean bag toss! Have some questions, scriptures and songs about honesty on pictures of corn all over the room. Once they choose one and answer, let them toss a few bean bags into the corn hole (you could use an upside down box with a  hole) that you've brought in. 1 point if they can land it on the board, 3 points for in the hole. How many points can you earn as a primary??

 

* "I have observed three common characteristics of the priesthood holders who are my heroes. One is a pattern of prayer, the second is a habit of service, and the third is a rock-hard decision to be honest." (The Priesthood Man Elder Eyring April 2014 General Conference)

   Bring in a rock collection!! Let the children observe the rocks and pass them around. What does it mean to have "a rock hard decision to be honest"? Have 3-4 cups. Place a rock under one cup and shuffle around. Let the child choose a cup and see if the rock is under that cup!! Have different case scenarios about honesty for the child to answer after!

For example:

    Brenda went to the movies with friends. After they wanted to see another movie and sneak into the next theater. How can Brenda be honest?

    Marty broke his mom's favorite lamp after she told him not to play soccer in the house. No one saw what he did. How can Marty be honest?

    Sally studied hard for her spelling test, but it was the wrong list! She didn't know any words, but it looked like the person sitting next to her did. How could Sally be honest?

    End by talking about what it would be like to be an apostle's hero! We can do that if we make the firm, rock hard decision, to be honest!!

 

*All aboard!!!  HERE is a really cool honesty train the children can make from The Friend. I can choo-choo-choose to be honest!!!

Week 4 By living the gospel I set a good example for others to follow.

* A good read HERE to prepare for the week's lesson. I especially like picturing the grandma bent in a V shape!! Sweet patient woman!

* 1 Timothy 4:12 "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."
    Divide the primary into 6(ish- depending on how many children you have in primary) groups. Prepare in ADVANCE!!! Call parents and get some stories of children from your primary who have set good examples. Give a story to each group and have them try to guess who it might be from your primary.

* "We best serve our Father in Heaven by righteously influencing others and serving them. The greatest example who ever walked the earth is our Savior, Jesus Christ. His mortal ministry was filled with teaching, serving, and loving others. He sat down with individuals who were judged to be unworthy of His companionship. He loved each of them. He discerned their needs and taught them His gospel. He invites us to follow His perfect example." ("I Have Given You an Example" Elder Richard G. Scott April 2014 General Conference... great read!!)
     Invite 5 children up front. Have them share a way they can be a good example. Then have each child choose a motion to do. Have the primary watch carefully, then when all the 5 children have spoken and done their motion, the primary tries to remember all 5 motions and follow/do them.

* "I am inspired by the examples being set by the righteous members of the Church, including the noble youth. You courageously look to the Savior. You are faithful, obedient, and pure. The blessings you receive because of your goodness affect not only your lives but also my life and the lives of countless others in profound but often unknown ways.
     A few years ago, I was in line to make a purchase at my local grocery store. Ahead of me stood a young woman, about 15 years old. She appeared confident and happy. I noticed her T-shirt and couldn’t resist talking to her. I began, “You’re from out of state, aren’t you?”

She was surprised by my question and replied, “Yes, I am. I’m from Colorado. How did you know?”

I explained, “Because of your T-shirt.” I made my accurate supposition after reading the words on her shirt, “I’m a Mormon. Are you?”

I continued, “I must tell you that I’m impressed by your confidence to stand out and wear such a bold declaration. I see a difference in you, and I wish every young woman and every member of the Church could have your same conviction and confidence.” Our purchases completed, we said good-bye and parted.

       Yet for days and weeks after this random everyday moment, I found myself seriously reflecting upon this encounter. I wondered how this young girl from Colorado came to possess such confidence in her identity as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I couldn’t help but wonder what meaningful phrase I would figuratively choose to have printed on my T-shirt reflecting my belief and testimony. In my mind, I considered many possible sayings. Eventually, I came upon an ideal statement I would proudly wear: “I’m a Mormon. I know it. I live it. I love it.” (Sister Ann Dibb October 2013 General Conference I know it. I live it. I love it.)

     Make copies of a blank T-shirt on a piece of paper for the primary children. After reading the above mentioned story, invite the children to design their own T-shirt. What would they put on it to show that they can be a good example?? Maybe you could even make a real t-shirt and give it to the Bishop to wear with a slogan the primary children come up with!!

April 2014 LDS Primary Sharing Time Helps and Ideas

Our newest family member!! Sweet Ella. Almost 1 month old!!

Photo by my good friend Alicia Lyman.

 

Monthly Theme: The Family is Central to God's Plan
Monthly Scripture: "Marriage between a man and woman is ordained of God and... the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children." The Family: A Proclamation to the World

Week 1 The family is central to God's plan.

* Play a game of PLASTIC darts! (Or some type of game where there is a bull's-eye! You could even have a taped circle on the ground with the word family in the middle... and have children throw a bean bag to see how close they can get to the central point!) Divide the primary into groups and give them different examples of families from the scriptures. Have them discuss the stories of these families, what they did to be happy or unhappy families, and what we can do to make sure our families are eternal! After a few minutes, invite 3 members of the group to share what they talked about and throw the dart!

* “The family unit is fundamental … to our hope for eternal life. We begin to practice in the family, the smaller unit, what will spread to the Church and to the society in which we live in this world"
President Eyring "The Family" Ensign, Feb. 1998, 18
     Have a bowl of water and a small stone. What is a ripple effect? Have a child drop the pebble in and show that at the start of the pebble dropping, waves and ripples spread out to the end of the bowl.
    What we do in our family is like that pebble and spreads out into the world as President Eyring said! In fact, it even spreads into eternity if we work hard enough!!
     Have a bucket full of pebbles, have some painted a different color with a number on it. Invite a child to pick a pebble. Have questions, songs, or scriptures having to do with family that correspond with the number. 10 should be about right. After they answer the question or you sing the song as a primary, have them drop it in the bowl of water to see the ripple effect!!

* "Carefully observing and.... living in accordance with righteous family patterns on earth is at the core of our quest to know the Father. Heavenly Father and family are inseparably connected."
Elder Quentin L Cook The Doctrine of The Father Ensign Feb. 2012 Such a great talk! Highly recommend reading it!
     Bring in a stuffed animal and about 10 paper apple cores. We have a little friend today who wants to know all about families! Hasselhoff the horse! What is the central part of an apple? Or it's middle part? The core!! Like Elder Cook said, the core to knowing the father is understanding families!! Families are central to Heavenly Father's plan!!
     Hide the cores throughout the room and invite a primary friend to take Hasselhoff (or whoever your stuffed animal friend is) to find a core. Have scriptures, songs, and questions having to do with families on the cores! Make your questions GOOD questions!! Too simple of questions like- are families important? or Should we be good in our family? are a waste. These sweet children are smart!! Yes or No answers can sometimes be too easy and create boredom.
     What are 3 things you should do in your family to make sure you can be an eternal family?
     Name 4 different places you can go to start an eternal family. (They'll have to name 4 different   
     temple sites)
     Was there family in the premortal world? How do we know? (Yes, because we have a Heavenly
     Father and a Heavenly Mother and the scriptures say we are His children.)
If children get stuck, have them call on another primary friend to help them!
    
* "The family is the primary support structure in God’s plan to help us resist evil, overcome weakness, and work out our salvation. For this reason we should do all we can to strengthen the family..." From the Dec. 2004 Liahona Article "Strengthening the Family: The Family is Central to the Creator's Plan found HERE
     Bring in some legos!! If you have quite a few legos , divide into bags for groups. Can we build things if we don't have a good base? A good base is what gives the tower good support so it doesn't fall over!! Have the children brainstorm in their groups experiences when they have felt the importance of family. When have they had happy family memories? What can they do to make sure their family is eternal? Have them build something with their legos in their group as they share. Make sure there is a strong base!! After a few minutes, have a couple children from the group come up front and share something they discussed as well as the thing they built!!

Week 2 Parents have important responsibilities in the family.

* Mothers! Fathers! LIVE!! Welcome the Primary children to our live taping of the TV Show Mothers! Fathers! LIVE!! Today we will be having future successful mothers and fathers sharing with us what we need to know about the important responsibilities parents have in the family!!! (You could even have a little fancy hat and shawl for the mother and a suit jacket for the dad if they'd like) Delegate a child to be the camera man (a box made to look like a video camera) and have a microphone (toilet paper tube with foil on the end in the shape of a ball). Have 3 chairs up front.
Have a bag of topics for the children to draw out and talk about. For example, some topics could include education, family home evening, work, chores, church, bed time, etc. What are some ways you as a future dad can help at bed time if they are home? Read a book and tell everyone to gather for family prayer! Great answer! What about you as a future mom? Tuck us in and sing a primary song! Good thinking! Remember there is no set in stone answer because every family is different!!
     This idea focuses on the children drawing from their own experiences at home but ultimately putting the answer of what they will personally do when they are parents! Thus, if their home life isn't the traditional mother/father, they don't have to feel bad.

* HERE is a lesson from Teachings of Brigham Young. In it, he says, "Parents should never drive their children, but lead them along, giving them knowledge as their minds are prepared to receive it."
     Have a simple path drawn on the chalk board with spaces. Have a picture of a family holding hands with their child. Add a magnet to the back of the family so it can move easily on the chalk board. Parents don't push their children around!! We hold hands and parents lead us along, just like in the song I am a Child of God. (Which you could then sing!)
     Let children roll a dice. Whatever number they roll they can move, but they also have to name that many responsibilities parents have in the family!! Make sure you make your own list so you can help "prompt" answers.
     For example, a child gets stuck... you respond, What about school? How can parents help you when you are at school all day? (Possible answers, they give us rides or walk us to school, they help with homework, they read to us and teach us the importance of reading and math, maybe parents are students themselves and set a good example with the education they have received)
    For the end, have a picture of Jesus. Parents have important things they need to do to help families be eternal!!!

* Do you need some specific examples of what moms and dads are supposed to do? HERE is the Gospel Principles Chapter: Family Responsibilities with plenty of those specifics. I really like the quote "....Fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners” The Family: A Proclamation to the World
    A good demonstration would be to have a couple heavy books. Is it fair to have one person carry all the books all the time? Give one book to one child and another book to another child. It's easier when we share the load!!

* Have a few guests come in (with the bishop's approval)!! You can divide into groups and rotate through the guests (2 moms, 2 dads... each separate). At each "station" that adult talks about some of the important responsibilities they have and maybe a funny story (with a visual) having to do with responsibility. Have each adult share a favorite scripture about parenting with the children. If you have 4 adults, you'll need to rotate every 2-3 minutes.
     At the end, thank the guests and bear testimony.

Week 3 Children have the responsibility to obey their parents.

* HERE is an interview for children to ask their parents from The Friend. (It would be a good handout to take home) The article also says, "In 1974, the First Presidency stated: “Honoring your parents by living a good life and by showing them that you love and appreciate them are gifts that last forever. To your earthly mother and father and to your Heavenly Parents, you are their most valuable treasure. Their love and concern for you never ends” (Friend, Dec. 1974, 3).
      Have the children make "YES!! I will!!!" bags. (Brown paper bags are just fine!) The  children take squares of paper and draw or write things that they can do this week to be obedient to parents! Have them add a bow as a gift they can give to parents!!  

* "The commandment to honor our parents has strands that run through the entire fabric of the gospel." Elder Dallin H. Oaks "Honor They Father and Thy Mother" April 1991 Ensign HERE
     Make a simple paper weaving together!! Cut the paper and then have a child come up front to weave a strand in. (Younger children will have to have another adult or older child help them while you continue with the lesson)

On the single strands of paper that you weave in together, have questions, scriptures, and songs having to do with obedience to parents on them! When you finish, bear testimony that the gospel is a beautiful pattern and design in our life! Obedience is an important and very necessary strand in the gospel!

* HERE is a story about a little boy who decides NOT to be obedient to his mom. There really is no point in me sharing this other than the fact that I would be the mom who laughs (instead of having tears in her eyes, unless they are tears from laughing)... then tells my kid to suck it up because you never know where you'll serve your mission.

* Demonstrate the importance of following a recipe. For example, if you have some lemonade mix you need to add sugar... not salt. If you decide not to follow the recipe what happens? Is there a brave soul who would like to try the salt lemonade?
     Obedience, following the Savior, will bring sweet happy results. Not obeying will bring bitterness and unhappiness. We have been commanded to obey our parents. Christ showed us the way as He obeyed Heavenly Father. Sometimes obeying our parents is hard, even Christ said, "Let this bitter cup pass" but He knew the importance of following Father and said, "Not my will, but thine be done." Sometimes things are hard, but Heavenly Father will make it all worth it if we are obedient because He loves us very much.
     Invite the children to make a recipe for obedience and share!! Here is an example I made on power point. You can take a blank paper and have them draw a picture of something they can do to be obedient at home. Please be aware of your children. If they don't have a mother or father at home, parents means whoever is taking care of them and loving them.

Week 4 I can show love to each member of my family.

* Secret Service Spies!!! Bring in a spy kit: magnifying glass, binoculars, trench coat, hat, flashlight, watch, sunglasses, compass, feather duster, envelopes with paper....
     Times are tough and there are many who want families to be unhappy! It was the same in the Book of Mormon, Zeniff and his people were not safe from the hatred of the Lamanites "But I had sent my spies out round about the land of Shemlon, that I might discover their preparations, that I might guard against them, that they might not come upon my people and destroy them." Mosiah 10:7
      We need modern day spies too!! Boys and girls who are brave and willing to spy out opportunities to serve within the family!! In doing so, families will be strong and eternal!!
     Let children come up front and choose spy gear and discuss:
     Magnifying glass- We need to look really closely at family members. We need to do small things to help each other. What are some small things we can do for others?
     Binoculars- We need to constantly/always be looking for opportunities to make each other happy!! Am I looking carefully to see the needs of others before my own, or am I too busy playing video games? What is something I can do less of this week to make more time for service to my family?
     Trench Coat- We put on our coat and hide in the shadows. Does service always have to go noticed? Do we need to make a big fuss about it, or can we be sneaky? Matthew 6:4 says, "That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly."
      Hat- A spy hat always helps our minds think!! Sometimes service can be something that happens or sometimes we can think about and plan out a service idea! What would be a BIG service for your family that you might have to plan out?
      Flashlight- John 5:35 "He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light." Who is the ultimate light? Jesus! What were some things He did in His family to show love?
     Watch- No matter what time of the day or night, we can show love and service. Aha! You say! What if we're sleeping? Well what if a little brother needs a hug and is scared of the dark. What if you are tired and annoyed that he is crying and you can't sleep? How could you show love! What about at breakfast time or family home evening time?
     Sunglasses- Be prepared. Once service has started in a home, the happiness can become very bright and you'll need sunglasses to see through all the brightness to keep on finding ways to serve.
     Compass- Do you need directions to find your way? The scriptures are our compass. One of the greatest ways to show love in a family, is to sit down together and read our scriptures! Can the children find a way to fit in an extra 10 verses of scriptures this week with families?
     Feather Duster- Dusting for fingerprints and finding clues is important to spy work. A big way to show love is to help clean up. You might find a clue that your sister dumped out the box of barbies... it would be easy to ignore or make your sister feel bad... however, a secret service spy would do what?
      Envelopes with Paper- If there is time, have children draw or write out a secret service mission plan for the week! Have them come up with ideas for ways to show love at home and then of course do it!


* Write or draw thank you notes to members of our family!

* Have children cut out hearts and write nice things about family members on them. Have them hide the hearts throughout the week where family members can find!

* One of my favorite singing times is when I had a garage sale for good singing. I just went through junk in my house and brought it to primary and the children could choose 1 thing to take home. We have allergies in our primary, so we don't do treats. Teachers had a great time and said to let them know so they could clear out some things in their homes too! I know that you can never have too much singing! If you sings some songs about families, love, and service... after each song you can reverently invite a couple children to come up and get something to GIVE to a family member!! Have another adult help with paper bags to wrap/stuff the item in. I always tell the children that they have to choose quickly, because at a garage sale if you take your time, someone else will swipe up the bargain! If someone chooses something you were looking at, remember it's not a big deal! There are other fun things to give! Have them raise their hands if they can agree that it's not a big deal if someone else chooses something you were looking at. OK! All hands are raised and we're ready to show some love for our family!

September 2013 LDS Primary Sharing Time Ideas and Helps

Mormon Helping Hands Alabama from LDS.org Image Gallery

Monthly Theme: I will serve God with all my heart, might, mind, and strength.
Monthly Scripture: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy might, mind, and strength; and in the name of Jesus Christ thou shalt serve him” D&C 59:5

Week 1 Jesus Christ taught us how to serve others.

* "Jesus Christ taught His followers to give meat to the hungry and drink to those who thirst. His is a gospel that includes taking in the stranger, loving neighbors as self, and visiting those who are sick or imprisoned. He taught that we are to love and care for each other, visit the fatherless and widows in their afflictions, and lift up those whose hands hang down and whose knees are feeble."

This quote is taken from The Humanitarian webpage of lds.org. found HERE. There are quite a few good videos about the service The Church gives throughout the world. It is very humbling to be a part of this great organization. You could easily share a video (watch beforehand!!) and ask the children why we do so much to help others? Because Jesus Christ taught us how to serve others. Read the previous quote to the children, have plenty of pictures, and pause between sentences. What stories do they think of when they hear that sentence? When they mention a story that you have a picture of, have a child come up front and hold it. How does that story make the child feel?

* Matthew 20:27 "And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant."
     The words of Jesus, Himself, say that even the greatest must be a servant. The greatest person to ever live was Jesus Christ. Show a picture of Him washing His apostles feet. How was He a servant? How did He serve? Write down short descriptions of stories of Christ serving on post-it notes. Have 3 post-its (or more depending on your primary size) with the same description (for example Jesus heals a blind man or Jesus feeds 5,000) so primary friends can be in small groups. After you pass out the post its, have them find their groups and discuss what happens in the story. You can definitely include scripture references!! After a few minutes, invite the groups up to share how Jesus Christ taught us to serve others. Have pictures children can hold while retelling the story.

* BIBLE VIDEOS!! The Church made them for a reason, so let's use them!! There are many videos about the service Christ gave. Ask the children- How do these events make you feel? Why do you think Christ served others? Can we perform miracles too? Challenge the children to go home and make a list with their families of 20 different ways Jesus served others. If they bring that list next week to primary they can get a surprise!!

* Have the children make paper bag puppets of different people who Jesus served. Brainstorm and list ideas on the chalk board for the children! They could even make a puppet of themselves! Jesus served us by living a perfect life and then sacrificing it for us. Have the children come up front and share as time permits!

* HERE is a link to The Friend of a seek and find picture all about service. I found about 9. Have 9 different scriptures, songs, or questions about Jesus serving others for the children to do after they find a service opportunity in the picture.

Week 2 Prophets and Apostles show us how to serve.

* Invite a special guest, who's dressed for the part, to come in and read Mosiah 2:17-19. Thank King Benjamin for teaching us how to serve!! Next have King Benjamin's garden! It could be a basket of produce or paper pictures of things in a garden. Pass out a couple different garden items to groups of children. Have scriptures or stories about prophets and apostles that served. Have them make a group drawing to illustrate the story, then come up front and share!

* Have a panel of prophets! Moses, Joseph Smith, Peter, and President Monson. Invite 4 men to dress the part and come into primary to share a story or stories of how they served others. Each man will have 2-3 minutes to share! Afterwards, invite the children to ask them any questions they'd like to... the men will have to respond in character! Challenge the children to find at least 10 opportunities to serve others this week.

* Share a few stories of service from the life of President Monson. Then have the children make him a card to brighten his day. We who have been baptized covenant to mourn with those who mourn. Even though it's been a while since his dear wife has died, his heart and life will always be a little sadder until they are together again.
      Here's the address:
President Thomas S. Monson
The Office of the First Presidency
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
50 East North Temple Street
Salt Lake City, Utah 84150

* In the last general conference, April 2013, Elder Christofferson said, "The greatest service we can provide to others in this life, beginning with those of our own family, is to bring them to Christ."
HERE is the complete talk.
     Have the children write down their testimony to give to a family member who perhaps doesn't know about Christ. If all their family members believe in Christ, then expand to our friends or neighbors. For smaller children, they can draw a picture and an adult or older child can write for them. Have a special envelope the children can decorate and then write the person's name on they want to give it to.

* In the last general conference- priesthood session, April 213, Elder Uchtdorf said, "As priesthood leaders, we are healers. As fathers, sons, brothers, and husbands, we should be committed and dedicated healers. We carry in one hand a vial of consecrated oil for blessing the sick; in the other we carry a loaf of bread to feed the hungry; and in our hearts we carry the peaceable word of God, “which healeth the wounded soul.” HERE is the complete talk.
   While this quote talks about Priesthood, it can also apply to women. The prophets and apostles show us how to serve! Especially in their talks during general conference! What is a committed and dedicated healer? Someone who serves! Have the children trace both their hands on a piece of paper. Elder Uchtdorf talked about carrying in one hand consecrated oil and in the other a loaf of bread. Have the children draw or write on each hand something they can hold to heal, help, and serve others.

Week 3 and 4 When I serve others, I serve God.

*In the October 2011 general conference, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf said, “Too often we notice the needs around us, hoping that someone from far away will magically appear to meet those needs. … When we do this, we deprive our neighbor of the service we could render, and we deprive ourselves of the opportunity to serve.” HERE is the complete talk.
     Have a black hat with a bunny rabbit. Sometimes people can wave a wand and make the rabbit disappear. But something more magical and more amazing is service!!! In the black hat, have little acts of service that the children can perform right then and there! Have them come up and choose a paper from the black hat.
     Examples could be smile at someone, say thank to a teacher, tell the primary pianist your favorite song they play so well, give the Bishop a hug, compliment a Primary friend... you could intersperse with scriptures, songs, stories and/or questions about service in the hat too!

* “We are surrounded by those in need of our attention, our encouragement, our support, our comfort, our kindness. … We are the Lord’s hands here upon the earth, with the mandate to serve and to lift His children. He is dependent upon each of us.” President Monson “What Have I Done for Someone Today?” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2009, 86
     Bring in a picture of The Savior with His arms outstretched. We are the Lord's hands here upon the earth! Have cut out construction paper hands. Invite the children to draw or write ways that they can serve others, and thus serve God! Invite them to glue in the shape of a wreath and hang somewhere to remind them this week of all they can do!

* "While driving to the office one morning, I passed a dry-cleaning establishment which had a sign by the side of the front door. It read, “It’s the Service That Counts.” I suppose in a highly competitive field such as the dry-cleaning business and many others, the differentiating factor which distinguishes one store from another is, in actual fact, service.

     The message from the small sign simply would not leave my mind. Suddenly I realized why. In actual fact it is the service that counts—the Lord’s service." President Monson Oct. 2009 The Joy of Service

     Have 2 chairs with a string hanging between each. Have wooden clips and some laundry hanging from the line. What is a dry cleaners? Somewhere they make clothes clean. Invite the children to name ways to serve someone who those clothes on the laundry line would fit... you could have a little sweater for Fido the dog, a baby sleeper, a granny dress, a man's tie, a woman's blouse...etc! Reread the quote at the close of your lesson. It's the service that counts! When we serve others we serve God!

Maybe someone could even help mom with the laundry this week!!

 

* Are you a BYU alumni? Whip out the old college photos and cougar t-shirts. Briefly tell the children about why you loved going to BYU and some of the blessings of a church education. Share the motto of BYU with the children, "Enter to learn, go forth to serve." What do the children think that means?

    Have pictures of certain jobs. Invite a child to come up front and close their eyes. Invite primary members to give them hints about that job so they can guess. Talk about ways a person in that job would serve. The last one would be a mirror that you reflect on all the children. Their job is to be a special friend and happy soul. We enter school, home, church and many other places to learn... what do we do today to go forth and serve?

* The Apostle Paul admonished, “By love serve one another.” Galatians 5:13

Have hidden hearts throughout the room. On the hearts have questions, scriptures and songs about service. Do we serve others with happy hearts or with a sour attitude? Have hearts for children to write or draw messages on for someone who needs a little love. Invite them to hide the hearts where that person can find them!! You could even heart attack the bishop's door quietly if you had time!

 

* “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Matthew 25:21

     There is so much going on in the world right now! There are plenty of ideas for service.

      Have the children make thank you cards for all the brave fire fighters who are trying to put out the rim fire.

Tuolume County Fire Department

18440 Striker Ct  Sonora, CA 95370

     Send a letter to a soldier!! For more info click HERE

A Million Thanks
17853 Santiago Blvd. #107-355
Villa Park, CA 92861

     Send a note to ward missionaries who are out serving!!

     Are there widows in your ward? Put together a beautiful art portfolio from the kids!

     Is there someone sick in your ward? Have the children write down their favorite jokes or happy thoughts to send to the person!

Remember to be careful, children don't need to sign their full names EVER on notes!!

November 2010 LDS Primary Sharing Time Ideas and Helps

Good Samaritan Image from Gospel Art Book

Monthly Theme: When we serve others, we serve God.
Monthly Scripture: "When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God." Mosiah 2:17

Week 1 and 2: Jesus Christ taught us how to serve others.

* Get a spray bottle and lightly spray a couple children (Like misting the air above them) Who loves rain? What are some of the things you can do in the rain? How does the rain help the earth? Does anyone have a favorite story of themselves in rain they'd like to share? Invite a primary friend to the front and tell them you have a very hard question you're going to ask them, if they need help they can call on someone else too. The question is Christ taught us how to serve others, but what about people that make bad choices and are mean and cruel. Do we need to serve them?

Matthew 5:43-45 "Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust."

Play spin the umbrella. (Have a child hold an umbrella pointing down and spin around with their eyes closed. On the ground have word strips with the categories) Different categories for the umbrella to point to could include- tell a story about how Jesus Christ served, Sing a song about Service, Share a way you can serve others, Give service right now! (have the child compliment someone in the room or give a high five to someone they think is an awesome helper and primary friend)

* Service in a snap! Divide into partners. Each person will have 2 minutes (Snap! Snap! Quickly think!) to come up with as many ideas on how to serve possible, the partner will count and keep track. After 4 minutes invite the children to get pony beads for each service idea given. They can string on a pipe cleaner and fashion into a bracelet or do-hinky of sorts as reverent music is playing. Our Savior has said, "I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works;" (Revelations 2:19) He know every little thing that we do to help and love others. Do we know all He has done to teach us about serving others? Take a pipe cleaner and invite the children to share ideas on how Christ has taught us about service. Let them come up to the front and add a bead for each idea.

* Bring in the story of the 3 little pigs. Is this a good story? Why does it teach us? Let's take a vote, would you rather hear the story of the 3 little pigs or have someone tell you stop being lazy! Work! Brainstorm some different ideas on how Jesus taught us. (Sermons, by example, at the temple, through miracles and healings, overturning tables at the temple, parables)

Divide into groups and give each group a different parable Christ taught. Give them a large sheet of paper to draw pictures from the parable and share with the primary how that parable taught us to serve others. (Different parables could include The Lost Sheep (Luke 15), the Lost Coin (Luke 15), the Prodigal Son (Luke 15), the Good Samaritan (Luke 10), The Parable of the laborers in the Vineyard (Matt.20:1-16- we are all equal and do each other service when we don't judge each other), the talents (Matt. 25), the sheep and the goats (End of Matt. 25, focus on especially what the King says!)

* Sing Our Primary Colors (CS pg. 258) What does each color stand for? Bring in a clear plastic container with scraps of red, yellow and blue paper. (Have the yellow paper in pieces of a puzzle of a heart) Invite volunteers to come to the front and share a way to serve others or a favorite story of how Jesus served. Have them close their eyes and draw a paper from the container. If it's yellow, they can put it on the board. After every 3 or 4 different children, sing a song about service- there are 20 listed in the topical guide of the Children's Songbook!

*Here is a great idea by Elizabeth Ricks, “The Master Served,” Friend, Sep 2007, 12–14

Week 3: When I serve my family, I serve God.

* Here are a bunch of fantastic ideas by Cheryl Esplin, “When We’re Helping, We’re Happy,” Friend, Nov 2009, 12–14 (Especially liked this one- "Memorize “By love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13). Teach that when we serve our family members, it shows we love them and are thankful for them. Have the children listen for another word that means the same thing as serving while they sing the first verse of “When We’re Helping” (p. 198). Tell the children you want them to try smiling with their lips closed, then with their teeth showing, and then with their mouth open. Have them try smiling with only their eyes. Explain that smiling is one of the easiest ways we can serve our family. Help the children suggest other ways they can serve family members. (Examples: help cook, help mow the lawn, help a younger brother pick up toys, write a letter to grandparents, etc.) Write responses on the board. Ask a child to choose an idea from the board and act it out. Let the other children guess what it is. Choose children to act out some of the other ideas."

* Here is a great puzzle for Jr. Primary to make.

*Here are more great ideas from Karen Ashton, “Sharing Time: Love at Home,” Friend, Jun 1996, 44 (Especially liked this one "Ask an adult member of the ward to share with the children a note or letter they have received from a loved one and tell the children why it was important to them. Explain to the children how nice it is to receive a note of love and appreciation. Have the children create a card from construction paper to take home to someone in their family." This would also fulfill a Faith in God requirement under service)

* Joshua 24:15 "But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Make an outline of a home and let the children draw pictures of things they can do in their home to serve their family and the Lord. Make sure to let them share with the Primary when finished.

* President Uchtdorf said in our last general conference, "It wasn’t long after astronauts and cosmonauts orbited the earth that they realized ballpoint pens would not work in space. And so some very smart people went to work solving the problem. It took thousands of hours and millions of dollars, but in the end, they developed a pen that could write anywhere, in any temperature, and on nearly any surface. But how did the astronauts and cosmonauts get along until the problem was solved? They simply used a pencil."

We don't have to do complicated acts of service for our families. What are simple things we can do to make family members happy? Make an Arty the Astronaut and a huge star that says "When I serve my family, I serve the Lord." Have little paper pencils and as the children brainstorm ideas, make a path of pencils to the star. Invite children to find scriptures having to do with service to get 2 pencils. Sing a song about service and get 2 more pencils!! (Etc.)

Week 4: When I serve my neighbors, I serve God.

* Have a neighborhood of paper homes. About 10 with flap doors that open to show a number (1-10) on the inside. Ask who is our neighbor? Have a volunteer read Matthew 22:36-40 "Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."

Have questions, songs, and scriptures that have to do with how Jesus taught us how to serve others. Invite students to come to the front and choose a home and open the door. A couple examples could include-

Jesus healed the blind (show GAK picture 213). How can I help other people "see" truth?
Share some feelings or thoughts you have when you think about the greatest act of service ever given- the Atonement of Christ? What is something you know about the story of the Atonement
Please Read Leviticus 19:18

* Briefly summarize the following for the children. You can have a map to show them where Alaska is and Seattle. You can have a toy airplane for a child to hold.

 "The Savior’s entire ministry exemplified love of neighbor, the second part of that lesson given to the inquiring lawyer—spoken of as the “royal law.” A blind man healed, the daughter of Jairus raised, and the lepers cleansed—all were neighbors of Jesus. Neighbor also was the woman at the well. He, the perfect man, standing before a confessed sinner, extended a hand. She was the traveler; He was the good Samaritan. And so the caravan of His kindness continued.What about our time and place? Do neighbors await our love, our kindness, our help? A few years ago I read a Reuters news service account of an Alaska Airlines nonstop flight from Anchorage to Seattle, carrying 150 passengers, which was diverted to a remote town on a mercy mission to rescue a badly injured boy. Two-year-old Elton Williams III had severed an artery in his arm when he fell on a piece of glass while playing near his home in Yakutat, 450 miles (725 kilometers) south of Anchorage. Medics at the scene asked the airline to evacuate the boy. As a result, the Anchorage-to-Seattle flight was diverted to Yakutat. The medics said the boy was bleeding badly and probably would not live through the flight to Seattle, so the plane flew 200 miles (320 kilometers) to Juneau, the nearest city with a hospital. The flight then went on to Seattle, with the passengers arriving two hours late, most missing their connections. But none complained. In fact, they dug into their pocketbooks and took up a collection for the boy and his family. Later, as the flight was about to land in Seattle, the passengers broke into a cheer when the pilot said he had received word by radio that Elton was going to be all right. Surely love of neighbor was in evidence." From Thomas S. Monson, “The Way of the Master,” Ensign, Jan 2003, 2–7

Have the children make paper airplanes and write (or draw) ways to help serve neighbors, and thus serve God. (Beware, and just be prepared, children will want to fly their paper airplanes!)

* "Most of us profess to love God. The challenge, I have observed, is loving our neighbor. The term neighbor includes family, people with whom we work, those whom we see in geographical proximity to our home and at church, and even the enemy, though we do not condone what the latter does. If we do not love all of these, our brothers and sisters, can we truly say that we love God? The Apostle John declared “that he who loveth God love his brother also,” and added, “If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar” (1 Jn. 4:21, 20). Love of God and neighbor must therefore be inseparably connected." Robert F. Orton, “‘The First and Great Commandment’,” Liahona, Jan 2002, 94–95 Have 3 large ropes. Give one end to 3 different children while you hold the other ends. Have them twist over and under each other to braid the ropes, as they do so have them give a way to serve their neighbors.  Sing Where Love Is (CS pg. 138)
Elder Orton then says, "I conclude that, given the purpose of our existence, if we do not love God and neighbor, whatever else we do will be of little eternal consequence.

* Have a large map. Have pictures from the church news of different areas where the church has given humanitarian aide to our neighboring countries. Do we know the names of our neighbors? Challenge primary friends to go with their parents and find out who lives by them and what they can do to help!

November 2009 LDS Primary Sharing Time Helps and Ideas

The young man in the white shirt made my baby a blanket- blue with yellow ducks on it. He spent a lot of time making it. It was crafted with hard work and love. I, as a mother, was beyond grateful to be able to bury my child's body wrapped in the warmth of the Christ-like service of that young man. It wasn't just a blanket... it was safety, it was everything good in this world wrapped around my sweetheart Joe. This young man exemplified walking after the Messiah in true service. You never know how much the things you do will mean to another. And then, as if that wasn't enough, he came with the entire young men's and young women's to clean our backyard even though we weren't in that ward anymore. I would be remiss if I didn't take the opportunity to again thank all my brothers and sisters who have taken the time to serve my family by offering good deeds, words of sincerity, prayers and fasting. I pray every night that God will bless you for the loving kindness you've offered me in my hour of need.

Monthly Theme: My family and I can serve others.

Monthly Scripture: "By love serve one another" Galatians 5:13

Week 1 I am thankful for my family. I will serve them.

* The ward is our family too! Go to the Young Women or Young Men (or whatever auxillary you choose) and as a primary serenade them with beautiful songs. Singing and uplifting the soul is service. Designate one child to ask the young women if there is anything the primary can do to help serve them. If not, then tell them you love them and be on your way to spread more good cheer! Is that someone sitting on the couch in the hallway? Sing on Primary friends! When you get back, ask the children to describe how they felt singing and serving others.

*Teach the children "Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel" (Hymns 252). Verse 2 says, "The Church has need of helping hands, And hearts that know and feel. The work to do is here for you;
Put your shoulder to the wheel." Have a string stretching tight across the primary room. Have 10 clothes pins attached to it with pictures of different wheels. Have questions, scriptures and songs pertaining to service on the backs. Let the children come up and pick the wheels.

If possible demonstrate the difference of something on wheels verses something without. For example a toy car with wheels will roll farther than a toy car that is missing wheels. Service is like a wheel because it makes the world go round! Service makes living easier and happier for people and just like the car with no wheels, without service you won't get anywhere in life!

* "We all enjoy giving and receiving presents. But there is a difference between presents and gifts. The true gifts may be part of ourselves--giving of the riches of the heart and mind--and therefore more enduring and of far greater worth than presents bought at the store." (President James E. Faust, "A Christmas with No Presents," Ensign, Dec.2001, 4) Bring in the wrapping paper, after Christmas clearance bows, tape and scissors. Have children write down some things they can do for their family to serve them. Put the ideas down in an envelope and LET THE CHILDREN wrap the envelope... be sure to have plenty of tape.

* Project WAVE. If you have a smaller primary take a walk outside and every person you see smile and WAVE to! (Set your expectations clearly before you leave- walking slowly, soft voices... etc) Mahtma Gandi said, "You must BE the change you wish to see in the world." (A personal all time favorite quote) Really the whole world is our family, we are all brothers and sisters. What are the small and simple things we can do to make a difference and serve them? Challenge the children when they are in the car running errands with mom or whoever... to try to smile and wave to other people driving! Thich Nhat Hanh once said, "Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile and sometimes your smile is the source of your joy."

Week 2 My family will serve others.

* Bring in a small lunch size milk carton, frosting, graham crackers, small candies to decorate... etc. Have little strips of paper with questions, scriptures and songs on service. As the children choose and do the things on the paper invite them to help build a home! Service makes life a little sweeter and my family will serve others!! Joshua 24:15 "Choose you this day whom ye will serve... but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

* You be the Judge! Have a black sheet and little gavel for a primary child to dress up as a judge. Give different scenarios for the child to judge if that family (scripture or church history) did a good job serving. For example Nephi had to build a boat... what did his brothers do? Was that a good example of service? Why or Why not? Another example could include the people in the city of Enoch were so righteous they were taken to heaven. How were they a family and what do you think they did to serve each other? You'll need to prepare plenty of questions for the judge and the judge of course can get as much help as he needs from the jury (his primary friends!).

3 Nephi 27:13-15 "I have given unto you my gospel, and this is the gospel which I have given you- that I came into the world to do the will of my Gather, because my Father sent me. And my Father sent me that I might be lifted up upon the cross; and after that I had been lifted up upon the cross, that I might draw all men unto me, that as I have been lifted up by men even so should men be lifted up by the Father, to stand before me, to be JUDGED OF THEIR WORKS, whether they be food or whether they be evil- And for this cause have I been lifted up; therefore, according to the power of the Father I will draw all men unto me, that they may be JUDGED ACCORDING TO THEIR WORKS." Judged of what? Our works! So my family WILL serve others!!

* You are loved! Help the children color and cut out a bunch of hearts and write the words, "You are loved" on them. Have them put into envelopes to give out to random people WITH their family throughout the next week.

* Elder Russel M. Nelson said, "Joy is a journey, not a destination...Today while we are able, we may turn our hearts to parents and predecessors and bless them with our love- AND LABOR."
(The Gateway We Call Death,1995, pg. 106)

Temple work is extremely important and while we as primary children aren't old enough to go inside we can help our parents or older siblings to prepare to attend. We serve our family and our family will serve others! Make little booklets for the children to draw spiritual pictures on. Type out some scriptures for them to cut and paste (or for the senior primary, encourage them to look up and copy scriptures that are meaningful to them) These booklets are for their family members to take to the temple and look at before they enter to help them feel the spirit

Week 3 I can be a good example for my family.

* "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (from Matthew 5:14-16) I was somewhere (of course I can't remember where) but I saw little tea light candles that were flameless. You could turn these little candles on and then hide them throughout the room with questions, songs or scriptures attatched about being good examples. Turn off the lights and let a child go find a candle.

* "Be thou an example of the believers" (1 Tim. 4:12) Have a piece of paper for the children to make poems (this fills a Faith in God requirement) Have them write the letters BELIEVER and incorporate the letters into phrases of HOW or WHY we should be good examples to our family. For example

Baking cookies for my father
Reading scripturEs every night
A good example Loves others
In Every day of their life
Obedience and Virtue
I will always try to show
To my family I love dearly
EteRnally we will grow.
(Sofia Lykes October 2009 Feel free to use this example ONLY after you've tried writing your own poem! :) Who knows, maybe you're the next Frost!! )

* Who are some great super heroes and what makes them great? I've always thought Superman was pretty fly for a guy wearing blue spandex and red underwear over it. I mean really, I wish my thighs looked that good. Super Heroes do good, setting an example for all to follow. Some Super Heroes are fake, but there are some that are very very real! Bring in a "Good Example" cape and gloves for children to wear during a role play situation. Make up different family situations where you can help "save the day" by being a good example. For example, you are at the store with your mother and little brother. You are bored and really want some gum but mother is saying no. What do you do good example you! (Have them pretend like they are pushing a shopping cart and invite another child to play the silent mother who will listen to what the good example has to say)

The greatest Hero of all times and the greatest example of all times is Jesus Christ. Invite a special guest to come to primary and sing "Never a Better Hero" (by Kenneth Cope)

* Make 3 dioramas out of shoe boxes. (Teaching No Greater Call pg. 165) Choose 3 stories from the life of Christ where He showed us His divine example. For example, you could depict the story of when Satan tempted Him after fasting for 40 days. However, leave little things out of the diorama for the children to find and put in and complete the story.

Unless you have a primary with 5 children, you can't bring in shoe boxes for every child to make dioramas of how they can be good examples to their family. However, the primary can make 3-d pop up scenes. Here is a link on how to make the pop-up paper, then just let them create an artwork of how they could be a good example to their family! Just as Jesus is an example to us, we can be examples to our family!

Week 4 I will prepare now to become a mother or father.

* Invite 3 mothers and fathers in from the ward. Divide up into groups and have the children be news reporters! They will interview those people on how and what it takes to be a good mother or father. Have paper microphones (toilet paper roll with a scrunched up paper balled taped on top) for each group to conduct the interview. Have them report their findings with the primary on what they learned. Then switch the tables, have the guest mothers and fathers ask the children on how they will prepare to become great mothers and fathers!

* Make a fake time capsule box. On the box have the quote by President Monson, "Parents, live your lives in such a way that your children will find you an example worthy of emulation."
( Constant Truths for Changing Times, Liahona, May 2005, 21) Talk about the quote and what it means. I'd be sure to bring up the point not everyone has the greatest parents "worthy of emulation", but YOU CAN BE!!! That's what really matters! What are things the children would put in the time capsule to help them be great parents in the future? Have a large pile of stuff for them to choose from.

With time capsules, you seal it up and bury it, then open in the future. But we're not going to do that today, we'll use the things we put in the capsule NOW to help us prepare to be great mothers and fathers!

* Prepare means to "plan in advance" according to Merriam-Websters Dictionary. Make a giant road map on the blackboard together as a primary. Start with a primary child stick figure at the beginning and have a "great" mother/father stick figure at the end. Have the children come up and draw simple things along the path they need to do to become that in the end.

Alma 7:19 "For I perceive that ye are in the paths of righteousness; I perceive that ye are in the path which leads to the kingdom of God; yea, I perceive that ye are making his paths straight."

* Have a bowl with all of the children's names folded on pieces of small paper. Tell them in the bowl are some of the names of the greatest mothers and fathers that will ever be!! Sing The Dearest Names (Children's Songbook pg. 208) Invite the children to come to the bowl and draw a name. Then have those 2 children play Name that mother! Name that Father! For example: What were the names of Nephi's parents? What can you learn from Lehi/Sariah to help you prepare to be a mother/father? And of course, have plenty of GAK pictures. I also think it would be appropriate to have the children name other primary friends who'd be good parents and why. Let's build each other up!!

Just as a side note, don't be afraid to ask children hard questions. For example, some parents can't have children... how can they be good mothers/fathers? Some people don't end up married, is that OK? Let them answer and think about these things.