July 2008 Sharing Time Living the gospel standards helps me be a missionary now.

July 20, 2008 Sharing Time

Living the gospel standards helps me be a missionary now.

Opening Activity: Invite a child up to the front of the room and ask them to show you what to do in an earthquake. (They need to get under a chair and cover their head) Ask another one to come up and tell us what to do if you catch on fire. (Stop, Drop and Roll) Ask one more child to come up and have them show you what to do if someone asks about the gospel. (Let them be creative, but in case someone is stumped… perhaps handing out a Book of Mormon, saying a prayer, motioning them to follow you as in coming to church)

Read D&C 88:80 “ That ye may be prepared in all things when I shall send you again to magnify the calling whereunto I have called you, and the mission with which I have commissioned you.”
POINT: It is extremely important to know what to do in an emergency AND it’s extremely important to know what to do to be a good missionary!

Sharing Time Lesson: On the board have the words, beginner, getting there/intermediate, expert. Have little markers in between. Explain to the kids that just like in an emergency, we’ve got to do some training to do today to make sure we know how to be good missionaries! Have 2 neon orange vests or some other simple training type gear for the kids to put on when they come to the front. They will pick a gospel standard strips from a cup and have to show us/demonstrate how to do this. (For senior primary, I’d let them be creative but for junior some actions are included) As they demonstrate and answer some questions, a star or missionary marker representing the primary will be moved slowly up the beginner/expert path. Make sure the primary does the actions of those demonstrating.

This is my format for the following: Gospel Standard (ACTION) Question

I will follow Heavenly Father's plan for me. (Point to eyes and then a picture of Jesus, walk in place…. We look to His example and follow Him!) How does knowing we are children of God make you feel? How do you think it’d make someone else feel?

I will remember my baptismal covenant and listen to the Holy Ghost. (Pinch your nose, pretend to hold breath then point to ears and heart) How can the Holy Ghost help me to be a good missionary?

I will choose the right. I know I can repent when I make a mistake. (Hold up hand and point to ring finger where we’d wear a CTR ring.) Do you think it’s OK to make a mistake? Why?

I will be honest with Heavenly Father, others, and myself. (Point to lips, point to heaven, point to others and point to self) What would happen if you told a lot of lies? Would a person believe you if you told them the church was true?

I will use the names of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ reverently. I will not swear or use crude words. (Fold arms, alternate touching mouth with each hand then putting them back into folded position) Tell them about a recent commercial I saw about Secret Deodorant! Deodorant! And the whole idea was that you should use that deodorant in moments when you’d sweat a lot. Only in the advertisement they use the Lord’s name in vain. (Not nicely, not with respect) How do you think that commercial makes Heavenly Father feel?

I will do those things on the Sabbath that will help me feel close to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. (Hold up 7 fingers and wave them up and down 7 times) How does keeping the Sabbath make us different from others? If you don’t play sports on Sunday and someone asked you why, how could you be a good missionary?

I will honor my parents and do my part to strengthen my family. ( Make muscles with your arms and a big hug motion) Can we be missionaries in our own families? Remember, even if our parents are members and brothers and sisters… we have cousins! We have neighbors and close friends that are a lot like family. We should always help everyone.

I will keep my mind and body sacred and pure, and I will not partake of things that are harmful to me. (Pretend like you are eating, rub tummy and smile) If someone offered you drugs or alcohol, what would you say? Why is this important?

I will dress modestly to show respect for Heavenly Father and myself. (Smooth out clothes along arms, tummy, legs) How does dress affect us being missionaries? **As a tidbit, remember though that you can’t judge a book by it’s cover. While WE need to dress properly, some investigators (People interested in the church) might not. We’re not to judge them, but love them. They’ll learn why it’s important, but no matter what we need to share.

I will only read and watch things that are pleasing to Heavenly Father. (Make a book with hands, point to eyes, point straight ahead and make a thumbs up) How could watching a good TV program or reading a good book help us as a missionary?

I will only listen to music that is pleasing to Heavenly Father. (Pretend to put on headphones, turn on the radio and groove to music… reverently :) ) Why do you think on a person’s mission generally they aren’t allowed to listen to any music other than church music and classical music? What are some of your favorite songs? How does music bring us closer to the Savior?

I will seek good friends and treat others kindly. (Pat neighbor on the back and shake their hand) Why would people want to join our church if they came and nobody was nice to them? They wouldn’t! What are other ways we can show visitors at church kindness? Is it possible to be kind to a person and have them wonder where we learned how to be so nice? Could we tell people where we learn how to be so nice? Home and church! Could we invite friends to FHE and church?

I will live now to be worthy to go to the temple and do my part to have an eternal family. ( Make a house with your hands, then draw a circle… because it goes on forever) What do you think the inside of the temple is like? If someone asked you about death, what would you say?

Closing: Congratulate the primary for becoming experts! Now they know what to do to become wonderful missionaries! Live the gospel standards! Since they are all so smart, they get a certificate of completion on their training and their own gospel standard poster. Invite 2 or 3 kids to demonstrate what we can do to be great missionaries (based on the actions we did). Bear testimony that Living the Gospel standards is knowledge that is just as important as knowledge in what to do in an earthquake or fire! Living the gospel standards helps me be a missionary now!

(pardon my crookedness... I'm still getting the hang of using a scanner)

** Along with the certificate of completion I’m also going to issue a challenge to see if anyone can memorize D&C 4 by the end of August for a special treat. (The special treat will be asking them where they want to serve their mission one day and getting them a Book of Mormon in that language)

Music Leaders - Ideas for teaching Called To Serve

Picture Courtesy The Friend July 2008

1. Have a missionary backpack. Put things inside that have to do with each line.

Called to serve him Heavenly King of Glory… an envelope to represent mission call,

Chosen Ere to witness for His name... missionary tag showing name of the church ,

Far and Wide… Book of Mormons in a couple different languages,

Far and Wide love proclaim.. a Heart,

Onward Ever Onward… a pair of shoes,

Forward as a triumph song we sing… a trophy,

God our Strength… small dumbbell.

2. Have some return missionaries come in to introduce the song to the kids in the language they served their mission. This will help the kids get familiar with the tune and get them excited about the song.

3. As the children are more comfortable with the song bring in some missionary attire to dress up a child as they sing each line correctly.

4. Have the ward missionaries come in to help lead the song.

5. Make a missionary on a bicycle picture. Have 2 kids hold a string and guide the missionary along as they sing. He rides his bike to success as they sing with the spirit!

6. Make a large posterboard picture of a missionary. Make the chest area large enough to fit a growing, burning bosom of sorts. Start with a small heart then add a larger layer heart behind, then another larger heart behind that as the children sing. Explain that as they sing sometimes you can feel the warmth of the spirit in your heart. When they learn the song, try singing without the visual, have them close their eyes and see if they can feel that warmth growing in their hearts.

7. Have different pictures of fun shoes, about 5. Post them on the board and have a child come pick one. Each one will have a different action involving feet to do while you sing. Ahhhhh repetition! That's how we learn! (The actions could include, marching, tapping toes, kicking lightly, jumping on certain words, walking slowly, drawing the letter M with your foot for Mission!, rolling your foot in a circular motion, standing on one foot...etc.) Remind the children that you don't have to have church shoes to spread the gospel. Any shoes will do! We are to be witnesses at all times and in all places!

And of course, throwing my two cents in, Music time should be a time when children are excited to sing! This should be a time where they learn to love the songs! I've OFTEN heard such expressions :
Nobody's singing!
Why aren't you singing?
That wasn't good enough.
If nobody is going to sing, then we're going to sing again till we do it right.
Oh, that wasn't very good.

BOOOOOO!!! Garbage!!! Keep it positive!!! First of all, they can't learn the songs in one sitting. They need lots of practice at home! Everyone forgets! Encourage the love of the song through your excitement and memorization and you'll have better results than using the above mentioned phrases that need to go straight to the can! The more positive words you use, the better the singing will be.

A couple common phrases I love to use with our primary friends are:

Wow! Am I at a Mormon Tabernacle Choir practice?

Thank you. Now I know what the angels in heaven sound like!

Do you guys have a CD out at Deseret books I could buy?



Also, Singing time doesn't have to be glitz, glamour and buzzers. Make it simple. Focus on the song and actually singing it. Does anyone ever notice how much we explain the song rather than singing it? Let us sing, the song will explain itself to the children by the spirit felt. (Except of course for defining hard to understand words...)

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

July 2008 Sharing Time Ideas

Hello! I read the article by President Packer and thought perhaps I should do some more work! While I can't commit to doing this every month (yes, I have fear of commitments... my husband was the only relationship I ever had that lasted over three months :) And here's to eternity!), I'll try to post more ideas on weeks that I don't teach. I still plan on only doing full out lesson plans for the third weekly idea. So here's to it!

As the theme this month is missionary work, here is a picture of the very good looking hubby when he served honorably in Dallas, TX English and Spanish Speaking

1. I will prepare to be a missionary by praying and reading the scriptures daily.

* Invite a couple of return missionaries (or even current missionaries in the ward/branch) in to talk about what life was like on their missions. Let the kids ask as many questions as they like and have the guests bear their testimonies (briefly) of prayer and reading the scriptures daily in another language.

* Have a world map and a bunch of missionary cut out people. For senior sharing time you could do a scripture hunt on references on prayer and scripture study. Each time they find a scripture, they can put up a missionary anywhere in the world they'd like to serve. For junior sharing time, have a list of questions based on prayer, scripture study, missionary work (E.G. 1. Who was the prophet in the Book of Mormon that prayed all the day and night until he received a testimony of Christ? Enos 2. Who was a wicked man who persecuted Christ's church and then miraculously became one of the best missionaries for Christ's church? Paul, Alma the Younger and the sons of Mosiah 3. Why do the prophets tell us so often to read our scriptures? It's important to do!
4. Why do you want to serve a mission? I'd make a list of about 15 questions.... better to be over prepared, but remember you don't have to squeeze everything in!!!)

* Make charts for the kids to decorate and put by their bed to encourage prayer and scripture reading.

* An opening activity could be to have a kid come up and dress up as a missionary (perhaps even just put on a missionary tag). Tell them that they are serving a mission in Greece (shout out to all my fellow greeks!) BUT THEY CAN'T EAT AT ALL OR DRINK on their mission. Ask the kid if that's OK? Does he think he'll be able to make it the two years doing that? No! That's silly! But if one doesn't pray or read his/her scriptures, missionary life would be as hard or harder than not eating or drinking! Then read John 6: 33, 35, 48, 51 (Bread of life scripture)

2. I will prepare to be a missionary by being faithful and obedient.

* Have a child dress up as a missionary, have them start somewhere where they can take ten or 15 steps to get to the door. Have the kids brainstorm 10 examples of faithful and obedient missionaries in the scriptures and in their own lives. Once they reach the door they can knock. Have someone open the door and on the other side is a picture of Christ. (make the point that when we are faithful and obedient, as friends in primary or as missionaries, it will lead us to Christ)

* I noticed in the friend magazine a little picture of a missionary they can make that expands. You could blow it up to a regular 8x10 size and have them write on his legs things they can do now to show their faith and obedience. For as we do those things, we grow in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

* Reader's Theatre!! Lights, camera, action... Find a fun and powerful story of a convert in the ward (Hopefully one of the kid's parents... if possible) Write a short play based on the story and end with I'm grateful for the missionary who taught me the gospel, because he/she was faithful and obedient I have happiness and joy! You can do this too!

* Have a string and a wagon picture that can move on the string. Talk about the mission of Parley P.Pratt and Oliver Cowdry to the American Indians. As you tell the story, there were times of obstacle like the terrible winter storm, Pratt was arrested on false charges, the wouldn't allow them to teach the indians because they didn't have the proper permit (have the a child come move the wagon back a little) but then because they were faithful and obedient they were 2 great missionaries and we have the gospel in our lives because of it! (have a kid move wagon forward when you talk about how Pratt ran free of the dog and warden so he wouldn't have to go to jail, how they braved the winter storm, how they taught the chiefs of the tribes anyways) For more info of the story see the Church History Religion Manuel chapter 8 or 9 ?? I think.

4. I help to bless others when I share the gospel.

* Brainstorm some really awesome gifts. If you could give anything in the world to anyone you liked, what would you give? Some answers might include a car, a pony, a dog, another sort of animal :) don't you love how they always bring up animals? a house, a watch or a diamond ring.... Then have a nicely wrapped box at the front. Have the kids come up and pull things out of the box that have to do with missionary work.( E.G. Book of Mormon, Bible, Picture of Christ, Pass along card, tithing slip-show the part with the missionary fund, a picture of the MTC, a mirror-when they live their lives righteously their good example helps to spread the gospel, a candle-read Luke 11: 33-No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light., etc.) Explain that while all the toys of life might be fun, the greatest gift we can give is the gospel and the blessings it brings. Also point out the greatest gift ever given was the atonement and that because of this ultimate sacrifice we can have eternal life.

* Sing If you Chance to Meet a frown... Have a child come up and hold a face that can be turned as either a smiley face or frowny face. Give them gospel sharing scenarios (E.g. Micah went to school and said a swear word. A friend overheard him and asked, are mormons supposed to swear?) and then have them decide whether that was a happy thought or sad thought. If it was a sad scenario, how could they make it happy. Give each kid a happy face sticker. (This geared more toward junior primary) Also, the story on "Benjamin's Name" in the July 2008 Friend would be good to include here.

* D&C 65: 2 - The keys of the kingdom of God are committed unto man on the earth, and from thence shall the gospel roll forth unto the ends of the earth, as the stone which is cut out of the mountain without hands shall roll forth, until it has filled the whole earth. Have the children decorate rocks to send to a ward/branch missionary. Write a letter to the missionary as a primary and have the kids share some thoughts on missionary work.

Friend Article: Do you want to go to Primary with me?

Do You Want to Go to Primary with Me? By Renee Harding (Based on a true story)

In the July 2008 Issue of the friend is a WONDERFUL!!! story and is as above mentioned!

For most members of primary, we want to fulfill our callings because we know of it's sacred nature. The Visiting Teaching message from June talked about the premortal life. There was a quote from Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president: “Women have distinct assignments given to them from before the foundation of the world. …" May I suggest that for many of us, some of those assignments meant making Primary a place where children could grow in knowledge and feel of the Savior's love and spirit.

So here's a personal experience. I like sugardoodle.net. I think it's an exceptional website and offers a forum for us to share ideas and insight. However, I have to limit myself there. Because often times I find posts that get me too excited or frustrated. For example, one post asked... I'm paraphrasing... how do we increase spirituality within the primary? Often times, teachers feel they aren't getting much out of primary and within our presidency we feel like we are running around too much to learn much either....

Seriously. Why doesn't Heavenly Father just send lightning from the sky and end it all now?

I commented on the post, but mildly. Here on my own blog, I feel I can give more scope and vent.

FIRST, Primary is spirituality defined. They are the ones who are perfect. They are the one's we need to become like to enter heaven. The concepts in the 2008 Sharing Time, when prayed carefully about and taught properly offer experiences as joyful and wonderful as those found in the temple.

SECOND, Primary needs positive attitudes. I hear soooooooo many women complain!!!! It's unnecessary. It does no good. Children are so perceptive and incredible. I've been in many a sharing time when you could just tell the teacher wasn't prepared or that into the lesson... and bam! The children were done too!

THIRD, Primary needs RESEARCH! Yes!! RESEARCH!! I got my degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis on Urban Education from BYU. I grew up with a mother as a school teacher, 3 aunts as school teachers... it's in my blood. May I be so bold as to suggest that everyone in primary should learn some basics of teaching children. (How to write a sharing time lesson plan, quick attention grabbers when kids drift off, proper vocabulary to use with children, etc.) Research what makes an effective learning environment!! Let teaching children become so natural to you that you never have to make comments like "our teachers aren't getting much out of sharing times."

FOURTH, AND MOST IMPORTANT!!! Primary needs workers who are willing to work and be close to the Lord. What good is any of it, if we aren't under the direction and promptings of our Heavenly Father. He is all wise. His plan is perfect. How will we be instruments in His hands? How will we make our own individual primaries places where little ones will invite friends, where friends will feel the spirit and where homes can be changed because of it.... as so beautifully written in this friend article!!!

I will be reverent, dress modestly, and speak kindly to be worthy to enter the temple.

June ~4th Sunday~ Primary Sharing Time

We have a new convert in the ward that was recently called to teach sunbeams. She has the class sharing time for this Sunday and called me because she wasn't sure what to do. I wrote her the following:

Hello Sister C!

I hope I don’t freak you out. I’m sorry I’m such a scattered person and hope these ideas can help.

First of all, let me reiterate the power of prayer. I often find myself very humbled to be able to teach our little ones. For though they are small, they are the great ones. They are what we must become like to enter into heaven. ( 3 Nephi Chapter 9 Verse 22) I never plan or prepare anything without first saying prayer, asking for guidance, for the words Heavenly Father wants presented to these precious souls. I am also careful to be aware of what I’m feeling while I plan and to be open to ideas that come into my head.
Second, I highly recommend going to the temple. (She has never been) This is the Lord’s house. This is where Christ can come, this is where the spirit can be felt very strongly. It is a place of service and nothing but selfless service! It is a place of knowledge, a place to take your problems to the Lord and find answers. Of course, God will hear the prayers of all, anywhere they call upon His name… but the temple is set apart and is very special. Of course you can teach all this to the children, but to have a personal testimony is of much value.
Third, you are extremely special. You are a gifted teacher, you are humble and obviously in tune with the spirit. The spirit ultimately is what teaches, you are the instrument. The love you radiate influences my child and I’m indebted to you for securing the truths we teach within our home. So!! Whatever you choose to do, WILL BE GREAT! If you use any of these ideas or not! You are fantastic!

Your theme/idea for the lesson is: I will be reverent, dress modestly and speak kindly to be worthy to enter the temple. However, if you feel prompted to choose another idea or theme… feel free to do so!! (Hello... we want her to feel good and grow in the gospel, the more positive experiences the better. Otherwise I would never recommend straying from the Primary outline unless strongly prompted by the spirit)

I didn't want to bombard her with the formalities of a lesson plan so I just gave some basic ideas.

Reno, NV Temple
1. Have a bag full of pictures (from magazines, the internet, you own personal drawings… whatever you can find) On the chalkboard, have a picture of the temple posted and a garbage posted. As the children draw pictures from the bag, they decide whether it’s something that would help them get to the temple or is just plain garbage.
* Pictures could include a couple people dressed modestly, a picture of a mini skirt or really holey type jeans. People with talking bubbles and then in the bubbles you can write scriptures, nice words, or like “I’m not going to be your friend anymore!”. You could also have word strips in the bag too with examples… Tommy is running in the halls at church. Is this reverent? Helen is thinking about Jesus during sacrament. Is this reverent? Since it is a little harder to draw reverence… but you’re probably really talented… so whatever you think. A variation could be they could actually throw the bad ideas out in the garbage. Place the good ideas on the chalkboard by the temple. (The sunbeams can help put the pictures and phrases where they go… me or Lorna can help them at the chalkboard while you continue the discussion) Emphasize how the temple is a special place and we need to prepare to go there by doing good things in life and throwing all the bad things away in the garbage!

Toyko, Japan Temple
2. Brainstorm some things that are important to prepare to go to the temple. Have a couple pictures so they can visualize and stimulate ideas, in case they are stumped. ( A girl praying, scripture study, someone taking the sacrament reverently, someone dressed nicely, someone serving a person) Then have a copy for each child of a basic body. (like a step up from a stick figure) Ask them to draw on the person some modest clothing. The body could have a speaking bubble coming out and you could ask them to write something that is kind for them to say. Then have all the children bring their person to the temple (again it could be posted on the chalkboard) Reiterate the theme when we are reverent, dress modestly and speak kindly we prepare to be worthy to go to the temple. (The sunbeams can hold pictures during the brainstorm)

Buenos Aries, Argentina Temple
3. You could invite a couple people who attend the temple regularly to speak to the children about how to prepare to go there and take any questions the children might have. Sister H, your mother in law, Sister S are all temple workers. Feel free to ask them any questions you might have too! (This idea of sorts was in the friend magazine this month)

Ghana Temple
4. “Grungy Greg”. On a large poster board, draw a person with removable features. He could be wearing short shorts, a tank top, a gameboy in his hand, a stereo on his shoulders, shoes with a hole that his toe is poking out of. Then have pieces that can be put on him that are more fitting for him to go to the temple. Make Grungy Greg, Giddy-Up Great Greg! A suit, scriptures for his hand, nice shoes, hearts with kind words he speaks, a picture of Jesus that he remembers during church to be reverent… does this make any sense? Have the kids choose something they don’t like about him, a sunbeam can take that off… then have the kid answer a question like, why can’t you wear short shorts to the temple? Once they answer, then put up the appropriate attire.

Oakland, California Temple
5. Have about 10 pictures of different temples covered or turned so the kids can’t see at the front of the room. Divide the primary into 3 groups. (mind you we only have about 12 kids in Jr. Primary) Give them each a large poster board and ask them to draw a picture(s) of reverence, modesty and speaking kindly. Put an adult with each group. They can add words to their picture too. Tell them that when they do these things they can go to a very special place! Ask a child if they will be reverent. If they say yes, invite them quietly to the front to choose a picture and turn it around. Ask another child will you dress modestly? Invite them quietly to the front, etc. If they aren’t being quiet then they aren’t being reverent... does that prepare them to go to the temple?

Possible scriptures to include: D&C 88: 119, Hel. 4:24, Acts 3: 1-3, 8, 10,

June 2008 Sharing Time Reflection

So... of course. I couldn't figure out my whole heart idea. Instead, I had the kids come up, choose a heart, answer the question or sing the song and then they got to choose a piece of the puzzle to turn over. We had had an activity day where we went to the Reno, NV temple, so I put a picture of all the kids that went too. Pardon my artwork. It is definitely not a talent of mine!

Also I've been reading more in depth President Boyd K. Packer's The Holy Temple. Highly recommend of course! And there was a very interesting quote from Wilford Woodruff, that Joseph Smith included in his history, "The Bible says, 'I will send you Elijah the Prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord; and he shall turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.' Now, the word turn here should be translated bind or seal. But what is the object of this important mission? or how is it to be fulfilled? The keys are delivered. The spirit of Elijah is to come, the Gospel to be established, the Saints of God fathered, Zion built up, and the Saints to come up as saviours on Mount Zion." (HC, 6:183-184)

I think I'd add a few more questions with info. gleaned from his wonderful book!

1. What is another word in reference to temple work for the word turn? Then incorporate the quote

2. What is the greatest responsibility we have, according to Joseph Smith?

"The greatest responsibility in this world that God has laid upon us is to seek after our dead." (HC 6:313)

3. What did the saints in church do when they first learned about baptism for the dead?

They performed baptisms in the Mississippi River. And they did so without a man to record a single act that they had performed. (The Holy Temple, Packer, p.198) Later, President Woodruff gave a manifesto in 1890 to clarify what should be done concerning this sacred ordinance. (The Holy Temple, Packer, p.196)

June 2008 Sharing Time

June 2008 Sharing Time
I will do family history work so my ancestors can receive temple blessings.
Malachi 4:5-6, D&C 138:47-48

(have a couple pictures of a primary child’s ancestor and a short story to tell about each picture)
Opening Activity: Ask a child to come to the front and have their backs to you. Tell the children not to shout out ANY answers to the question you will ask. Hold up the picture of the ancestor and ask them to tell you what you are holding. They can guess, but they probably won’t get the right answer. Ask the child to turn to you and show them the picture.

WHEN WE TURN AND LOOK, WE WILL FIND AND SEE!!!

Tell the story of the picture. Reiterate how they would have never known this unless they turned and looked!

Sharing Time: Have a giant heart puzzle. As the children answer questions about family history work, they can turn over a piece of the puzzle. One side of the heart should be red (or whatever color you choose) and the other side should be a picture of a child and his/her father or family. Be careful so that the picture is the right way as they turn. You don’t want a mixed up or backwards picture. Line each side carefully. Or the message is kind of defeated…:)

Questions:
1. What is an ancestor? (Your family generations gone before you)
2. The first ordinance of the gospel performed for both the living and the dead is what? (baptism)
3. How soon can temple work be done for a person after they have died? (1 year)
4. Please find and read D&C 138:47-48
5. Why can’t people be baptized in the spirit world or be sealed there? (It has to have been done on earth with a body)
6. The parents of your parent’s parents are your what? (Your great grandparents)
Find Malachi 4:5-6 and please read it.
7. Since you aren’t 12 yet, what can you do to help do family history work?
Ideas for answers to this question:

(In 1978, President Spencer W. Kimball told Church members: “All members should write a personal history.”,

Vickie Matsumori “When you do family history work or write in your journal, you are helping to “turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers” (Mal. 4:6). As you learn stories about your grandparents and other progenitors (ancestors, forefathers), you see into their hearts and you develop an appreciation for them as real people—as members of your family. As you write about your own life in your journal, you will remember the Lord’s blessings to you, and you will provide an opportunity for your future children and grandchildren to see into your heart.

You can begin doing family history today by talking to, phoning, writing to, or sending e-mails to family members. You can find out about the things that are important to them. You can begin writing your personal history today by starting a journal. Write down the things that are important to you and that will help you and your posterity.

You can live the commandments and be worthy to go to the temple when you are twelve so that you can be baptized for the dead. You can choose the right each day so that when you are older, you can go to the temple to receive your own endowment. You can continue to live a righteous life and be worthy to return to the temple and do work to help your entire family, including your progenitors, receive the “crowning blessings the Church has to offer.”

Songs to intersperse throughout lesson:
I love to see the temple p.95
Family History- I am doing it p.94
The Hearts of the Children p.92

Once they have turned the puzzle and see the picture, emphasize again how important it is to turn to see! Since I am teaching on Father’s Day, I am also integrating something they can take home for their dads.

Making a small journal for the kids with Malachi 4:5-6 as the front cover. Have their first entry be about their dad. Teachers will need to help the little ones.

The first page will look like similar to this:

Draw a picture of you and your dad.
1.My dad’s favorite food and color are…
2.I like to go… with my dad.
3.My dad is really fun because he…
4.My dad looks like…
5.I love my dad because…

PLEASE BE AWARE that not all children have fathers that are so grand or that are even in the picture! This is a perfect time to talk about Heavenly Father as our father who will NEVER fail us!!! The kids can still fill out the questions, but in reference to Heavenly Father!! Reassure them that Heavenly Father loves to hear what His children are thinking and that He’d love to see what they put in their journal about Him! After all, isn’t that what all the prophets did?!?! They wrote about their Heavenly Father all throughout the scriptures!!

Closing Activity: Bring up a child, have them turn away from you. This time hold up a picture of Christ along with their journal. Have them guess. Have them turn around. Bear testimony of how doing our family history will bring us closer to Christ and help us have happiness.

May 2008 Sharing Time Reflection

I wanted to mention that I used an actual dollhouse for our sharing time. I set up a little people family inside and had a car and swingset. I hid little pieces of paper with corresponding numbers to questions and songs and let the kids come up and find numbers. I also let them try to blow down the house and even brought a blow dryer. Nothing could knock it over. It was a pretty powerful, yet fun, demonstration. I really could feel the spirit and felt like the importance of the message was sent.

We also did this activity as a family home evening. It is just really hands on and a great way to visualize Helaman 5:12.

May 2008 Family Reinforcement Handout

May 25 2008 What did I learn today in Primary?
Scripture study, family prayer, and family home evening can strengthen my family!

Possible things to do with my family to reinforce what I’ve learned this week:

1. Start a sticker chart! Every night that your family reads their scriptures together, put a sticker on your chart. You can look at it often and remember you have an obedient family.

2. When we pray for other people we are serving them. Read James 5:16. What makes a prayer fervent? Before each family prayer this week, let each person suggest someone to pray for. Remind the person saying the prayer to pray for these people.

3. Come up with a list of things you’d like to do for family home evening and share with your parents.

4. For family scripture study, pick a scripture and see if your family can guess what scripture it is by only using yes or no questions.

5. Pick a scripture for the week and try to memorize it as a family. Say it each night, right before bed.

6. Our families can help us build shields of faith to protect us from “the fiery darts of the wicked” (Eph. 6:16). Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles learned this as a child: “We were dressed in our home each morning, not only with hats and raincoats and boots to protect us from physical storm, but even more carefully our parents dressed us each day in the armor of God. As we would kneel in family prayer and listen to our father, … one more layer was added to our shield of faith” (Ensign, May 1974, 98). Make a family shield and draw pictures of what you learn from your family.

7. Try to learn a fun family home evening song, Family Night on page 195 of the children’s songbook.

May 2008 Sharing Time

Objective: Scripture study, family prayer, and family home evening can strengthen my family.

Opening Activity: Have a large box house, filled with something very heavy. It has to be heavy enough so that the child CAN NOT MOVE IT !!! Invite a child to our happy home to see if they can move it. Read aloud the scripture Helaman 5:12,

“And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.”

Sharing Time: The large cardboard box should have removable cardstock features- windows, door, chimney, plants in the front… etc. Children will come up and choose features from the house and we’ll examine what makes a strong home and family life.

Questions for the removable features

1. What story from the scriptures do you know is true and why?
2. How often should you pray as a family? Have you felt the spirit in your home as you’ve prayed as a family?
3. What do you do as a family for family home evening? And if you don’t have family home evening regularly, what is something you could do together?
4. Please read 1 Nephi 19:22-23 (Encourage an older child to help if a younger child chooses a scripture reference) What does this scripture teach us?
5. Show me what we do with our bodies for prayer. What should we be thinking about during family prayers?
6. What are things I can do to encourage regular family home evening?
7. How can I help my family learn about the scriptures?
8. What are things I can pray for during family prayer?
9. Why is family home evening so important?

Possible songs to integrate:
Home CS 192
Search, Ponder and Pray CS 109
Family Night CS 195
Families Can be Together Forever CS 188
Scripture Power


Closing Activity: Have someone again try to move the home then you recite from memory D&C 88:118-119. Ask them to do the same motions as you as you recite, to help remember this scripture and what makes a happy home (steadfast and immovable) and strong family.

“And as all have not faith (touch heart), seek (point to eyes) ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom( motion hand from mouth down); yea, seek ye out of the best books (make hands a book) words of wisdom; seek (point to eyes) learning, even by study and also by faith. (touch heart)

Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house (make a roof with hands), even a house of prayer (praying hands), a house of fasting (touch belly), a house of faith (touch heart), a house of learning (touch head), a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God (point above)”

Bear testimony that family scripture study, family prayer and family home evening can make our homes happy and our families stronger.

NOTES
1. Memorizing Scriptures... how often do we quote scriptures from memory in front of the kids? What is that showing children when we do or do not do this?
2. Be sensitive to your children's needs. Many often do not have a happy home. Try to keep things positive and remind them how much Jesus loved the little children. Tell them how special they are and that they can be an influence for good in their own homes.
3. Pictures to be posted soon on my box home.
4. Always post your objective, which should be the assigned week topic from the Primary Sharing Time and Sacrament Meeting Presentation. (Of course, let prayer and the spirit be your guide! But in general... yada yada, stick to the outline) Having the objective posted reminds you and the children what the point is.

Stake Leadership Training Questions and Answers

Our Stake asked us for some ideas for leadership training. I thought I'd post my response.
Their questions are in blue and my ideas in black.

Any Sharing Time Thoughts? : I feel like if you are going to do a "game" you should not make it a competition between girls or boys, right verses left hand side... Try to use the whole primary! See how many points you can get as a single body and make sure to praise the children, "Wow. Look at what a great job everyone did working together!" I feel like we should do everything possible to encourage unity.

Any Quarterly Activity Ideas? : The Primary Sharing Time Outline for the year has monthly themes and the following ideas are based off each month's theme.

April
1. General Conference Review : Have different stations with activities based on talks from general conference.
2. Meet and Greet the Prophets: Have a luncheon where kids come dressed up as different prophets and share their knowledge of those prophets. Play getting to know you games as children have to do it as those prophets.

May
1. A Loving Home: Let the children role play and record them as they demonstrate what a loving home entails. Divide the kids into groups of 4 or 5 (depending on the # there) and give them costumes and situations. (E.G. It's FHE! show us how a loving home would do a FHE, or It's time to get ready in the morning. How does a loving home work in the morning?) Make sure to have plenty of situations. Encourage kids to be as creative as possible. Show the videos at the end.
2. Gingerbread homes: Help the children create and decorate gingerbread homes (graham crackers and cans of frosting work perfect!) Have a small lesson on what makes a happy home and have a paper for them to contract 3 things they will do to make their home a better place.

June
1. Go to visit the Reno temple.
2. Family History Day: Have the ward geneaology specialist come in and talk to the children. Have them make a family tree type craft, have the kids do interviews with some of the older members of the ward and scrapbook family pictures. Be creative.

July
1. Culture Day: Have different stations teaching about different children of the world. Have different food and fun facts prepared and an activity or game for them to play about that different culture.
2. I hope they call me on a mission: Do different games based on missionary lifestyle. (E.g. Scripture reference look up speed challenge, knock on door race- put a door a good ways away and then have them run and come back to tag their partner, 3 legged get to church race, find the investigator- hide and seek)

August
1. Make sacrament books to help remember baptismal convenants. Have some of the children who have been baptized share their experience.

October
Look for volunteer opportunities in the area! Schedule leaf rake ups for different members. Find a service project for the children to do!

What are we doing every week to teach scriptures to the kids? Recitation of the monthly scripture found in the sharing time outline. Using scriptures in sharing times as much possible.

What are ways to help the children develop testimonies? :
1. Make sure primary is a place where the spirit can be felt. Primary should have a loving atmosphere and be orderly.
2. Let them share. It's called sharing time for a reason. Adults tend to talk to much, remember you are a guide not a lecturer. Plan ample opportunity for them to share answers to questions or personal experiences. Repeating a little back what they have said validates that you are listening and that what they have said is important.

What are ways to involve children and encourage participation? :
1. Stop talking. Let them talk.
2. Be energetic and excited. You don't have to be irreverant or loud or boisterous. But when they see you are enthused, they will be enthused. You get what you give.
3. Don't put them down. If you are constantly telling them how irreverant they are or how disappointed you are that they can't listen they will believe you. You are the one who needs to learn how to get attention and keep it. Church is 3 hours, don't waste their time by being negative because they will then follow suit. Also, validate their answers to questions... it may not be the right answer, but so what... it's close! You can correct without being negative ( Where did Jesus atone for our sins? Child: Bethlehem! E.g. Wow! What a good memory. Jesus was born in bethlehem! Where did Jesus atone for our sins? Can anyone help? Child: Galilee! You are so smart! That is where Jesus taught during His ministry! He atoned for our sins in a place called the Garden of Gethsemane)

What are ways to prevent misunderstandings, especially for little children? :
1. Watch the words you use.
2. Explain simply.
3. Make things very visual for them. If you have a lesson about Joseph Smith, show them the picture of him, they might be thinking Joseph of Egypt. Always have the GAK (gospel art kit) handy.

April Sharing Time 2008

The prophet teaches me to read and pray about the Book of Mormon

(Moroni 10:3–4; Gordon B.Hinckley, “A Testimony Vibrant and True,”
Ensign, Aug. 2005, 2–6; GP, chapters 8, 10).

Have a large picture of the conference center (possible overhead projection?), make a list of questions based off of President Hinckley's talk and when the kids answer the questions correctly, they can move people into the conference center. See how many people can fit into the conference center.

Questions will of course be age appropriate and scriptures can be used to help.

Opening Activity: Pointing to the conference center, giving the following statistics.
The auditorium in the Conference Center seats 21,000, and a separate theater in the building seats an additional 850. The building is constructed of granite from the same quarry which provided the granite for the Salt Lake Temple.

Why does the conference center need to be so big? What is taught at the conference center and by who?

Today we are going to focus on how the prophet teaches me to read and pray about the Book of Mormon. (Make a sign to display your objective or write this on the board)

Senior Sharing Time questions (Tape a quote for the child to read under their chair) Tell the children that reverence, participation, thoughtfulness and helpfulness gets people to the conference center. Let's see how many people we can get there as a primary! Have one child designated as the person taper to the board. (A possible variation, they could draw stick figures around a picture of the pulpit and organ)

1. President Hinckley has said, "We often sing in our congregations a favorite hymn, “An Angel from on High,” whose words were written more than a century and a half ago by Parley P. Pratt They represent his declaration of the miraculous coming forth of a remarkable book. Exactly 176 years ago this fall that book was first being set in type and run on a press in Palmyra, New York."

So who wrote An Angel from on High and what was that book that inspired that song? (Parley P.Pratt and the Book of Mormon)

2. President Hinckley has said, "It is inspiring to learn how Parley Pratt came to know of the book about which he wrote the words of this hymn. In August of 1830, as a lay preacher, he was traveling from Ohio to eastern New York. At Newark, along the Erie Canal, he left the boat and walked 10 miles (16 km) into the country where he met a Baptist deacon by the name of Hamlin, who told him “of a book, a strange book, a VERY STRANGE BOOK! … This book, he said, purported to have been originally written on plates either of gold or brass, by a branch of the tribes of Israel; and to have been discovered and translated by a young man near Palmyra, in the State of New York, by the aid of visions, or the ministry of angels. I inquired of him how or where the book was to be obtained. He promised me the perusal of it, at his house the next day. … Next morning I called at his house, where, for the first time, my eyes beheld the ‘BOOK OF MORMON’—that book of books … which was the principal means, in the hands of God, of directing the entire course of my future life.
What material were the plates written on? How has the book changed the entire course of your future life?

3. Parley P. Pratt said, "I opened it with eagerness, and read its title page. I then read the testimony of several witnesses in relation to the manner of its being found and translated. After this I commenced its contents by course. I read all day; eating was a burden, I had no desire for food; sleep was a burden when the night came, for I preferred reading to sleep. As I read, the spirit of the Lord was upon me, and I knew and comprehended that the book was true, as plainly and manifestly as a man comprehends and knows that he exists.”

Have you ever had an experience like this with the scriptures? What about Harry Potter? What can we do to make our attitudes better, just like Brother Pratt?

4. President Hinckley has said, "Parley Pratt’s experience with the Book of Mormon was not unique. As the volumes of the first edition were circulated and read, strong men and women by the hundreds were so deeply touched that they gave up everything they owned, and in the years that followed not a few even gave their lives for the witness they carried in their hearts of the truth of this remarkable volume. Today, a century and three-quarters after its first publication, the Book of Mormon is more widely read than at any time in its history. Whereas there were 5,000 copies in that first edition, about 5,000,000 are currently distributed each year, and the book or selections from the book are available in 106 languages.

Can you name a language the Book of Mormon is written in? Have you ever handed out a Book of Mormon? What makes a good missionary?

5. President Hinckley has said, "Its appeal is as timeless as truth, as universal as mankind. It is the only book that contains within its covers a promise that by divine power the reader may know with certainty of its truth."

Where is this promise found in the Book of Mormon?

6. President Hinckley has said about the Book of Mormon, "Its origin is miraculous; when the story of that origin is first told to one unfamiliar with it, it is almost unbelievable. But the book is here to be felt and handled and read. No one can dispute its presence. All efforts to account for its origin, other than the account given by Joseph Smith, have been shown to lack substance. It is a record of ancient America. It is a scripture of the New World, as certainly as the Bible is the scripture of the Old. Each of these volumes of scripture speaks of the other. Each carries with it the spirit of inspiration, the power to convince and to convert. Together they become two witnesses, hand in hand, that Jesus is the Christ, the resurrected and living Son of the living God.
What was miraculous about the origin of the Book of Mormon? What experiences have you had to know that Joseph Smith is a true prophet?

7. President Hinckley has said, "The Book of Mormon narrative is a chronicle of nations long since gone. But in its descriptions of the problems of today’s society, it is as current as the morning newspaper and much more definitive, inspired, and inspiring concerning the solutions of those problems. I know of no other writing which sets forth with such clarity the tragic consequences to societies that follow courses contrary to the commandments of God. Its pages trace the stories of two distinct civilizations that flourished on the Western Hemisphere. Each began as a small nation, its people walking in the fear of the Lord. But with prosperity came growing evils. The people succumbed to the wiles of ambitious and scheming leaders who oppressed them with burdensome taxes, who lulled them with hollow promises, who countenanced and even encouraged loose and lascivious living. These evil schemers led the people into terrible wars that resulted in the death of millions and the final and total extinction of two great civilizations in two different eras."

Who were some evil schemers in the Book of Mormon?

8. President Hinckley has said, "No other written testament so clearly illustrates the fact that when men and nations walk in the fear of God and in obedience to His commandments, they prosper and grow, but when they disregard Him and His word, there comes a decay that, unless arrested by righteousness, leads to impotence and death. The Book of Mormon is an affirmation of the Old Testament proverb: “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Prov. 14:34)."

What else does the Book of Mormon reaffirm (or help prove true) in the bible?
Quote to help spark ideas:
"While the Book of Mormon speaks with power to the issues that affect our modern society, the great and stirring burden of its message is a testimony, vibrant and true, that Jesus is the Christ, the promised Messiah, He who walked the dusty roads of Palestine healing the sick and teaching the doctrines of salvation; who died upon the cross of Calvary; who on the third day came forth from the tomb, appearing to many. Prior to His final Ascension, He visited the people of this Western Hemisphere, concerning whom He earlier had said, “And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd” (John 10:16)."

9. President Hinckley has said, "I offer a challenge to members of the Church throughout the

world and to our friends everywhere to read or reread the Book of Mormon. If you will read a bit more than one and one-half chapters a day, you will be able to finish the book before the end of this year. Very near the end of its 239 chapters, you will find a challenge issued by the prophet Moroni as he completed his record nearly 16 centuries ago. Said he:
“And I exhort you to remember these things; for the time speedily cometh that ye shall know that I lie not, for ye shall see me at the bar of God; and the Lord God will say unto you: Did I not declare my words unto you, which were written by this man, like as one crying from the dead, yea, even as one speaking out of the dust? …
“And God shall show unto you, that that which I have written is true” (Moro. 10:27, 29).
Without reservation I promise you that if each of you will observe this simple program, regardless of how many times you previously may have read the Book of Mormon, there will come into your lives and into your homes an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord, a strengthened resolution to walk in obedience to His commandments, and a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God."

Will you accept this challenge? Will you dedicate yourselves to reading the Book of Mormon this year?

Closing Activity: See how many people you got to the conference center. Praise the children on their teamwork and just plain awesome spirits! As we listen to the words of the Prophet at conference and read our scriptures, may we be filled with the Holy Ghost and know that the Book of Mormon is true and that Jesus lives and is our Saviour. Bear Testimony.

Jr. Primary
Same Opening Activity
Prayerfully select quotes: I found the following sites to be extremely helpful.

http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=f318118dd536c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=f78b0e46d0bdb010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1
http://scriptures.lds.org/gs/b/35

Sharing Time:

Have Displayed 10 pictures of different Prophets and the Savior
Make 10 quotes of those prophets (in referencing the book of Mormon) and have them so they aren't showing. 1 quote is from the Savior Himself. See if the children can match the quote to the prophet. Make sure to explain a quote is something a person has said. On the quotes there can be hints to help them get to know that prophet better.

1. President Ezra Taft Benson, " How pleased I am to hear of your love for the Book of Mormon. I love it too, and Heavenly Father wants you to continue to learn from the Book of Mormon every day."

Hints: He was born on a farm in Idaho where he learned about hard work. He had a very important government job and helped the President of the United States, this job was Secretary of Agriculture. He helped missionary work expand in Eastern Europe.

2. President Gordon B.Hinkley, "I offer a challenge to members of the Church throughout the world and to our friends everywhere to read or reread the Book of Mormon...regardless of how many times you previously may have read the Book of Mormon, there will come into your lives and into your homes an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord, a strengthened resolution to walk in obedience to His commandments, and a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God."

Hints: He was the first Church President ever to travel to Spain, where in 1996 he broke ground for a temple in Madrid, and to Africa, where he met with thousands of Latter-day Saints in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. His wife's name was Marjorie and they had 5 children.

3. Joseph Smith: “ The Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.”

Hints: His first uttered prayer was answered by a visitation by Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in a grove of trees. He was tarred and feathered, even eventually murdered sealing his testimony with his blood.

4. Jesus Christ, "He [Joseph Smith] has translated the book, even that part which I have commanded him, and as your Lord and your God liveth it is true.” (D&C 17:6.)

Hint: He was God's only begotten. He atoned for our sins in Gethsemane. He was the first to be resurrected.

5. John Taylor, "“Do not trust in yourselves, but study the best books—the Bible and Book of Mormon—and get all the information you can, and then cleave to God and keep yourselves free from corruption and pollution of every kind, and the blessings of the Most High will be with you.”

Hint: Was born in England and late immigrated to Canada. Was wounded in Carthage, with Joseph Smith when he died. Was the third latter day prophet.

6. Joseph F.Smith, "“In relation to reading the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants, … no man can be an efficient missionary of this church unless he is familiar with these books. And the more familiar he is with them, the more capable will he be to discharge the duties of his ministry.”

Hint: His father was Hyrum Smith. Helped to build many church historical sites.

7. George Albert Smith, "“It fills my heart with joy to know that every man who will read it [the Book of Mormon] prayerfully, every man who will desire to know whether it be of God or not has the promise, not of Joseph Smith or any living being, but the promise of our Heavenly Father that they shall know of a surety that it is of God. … These two books [the Book of Mormon and the Bible] hand in hand teach us all where we came from, why we are here, where we may go, and they both contain the advice, the loving advice of our Heavenly Father intended to inspire us to do that which will enrich our lives here and prepare us for eternal happiness.”
Hint: Despite fragile health and impaired eyesight, he had a distinguished career as a Church leader. He organized the Church's massive welfare assistance to Europe following World War II. He also championed Scouting among Latter-day Saints

8. Spencer W. Kimball, "“May I tell you of a great adventure? As I traveled to a weekend assignment, I took with me an unusual book which was my constant companion. I could lay it down only to sleep, eat, and change trains. It fascinated me, captivated me, and held me spellbound with its irresistible charm and engaging interest. I have read it many times. As I finished it, I closed the book and sat back, absorbed as I relived its contents. Its pages held me, bound me, and my eyes were riveted to them. I knew the book was factual. … It is the word of God. It is a powerful second witness of Christ. … In the final chapter of the book is the never-failing promise that every person who will read the book with a sincere, prayerful desire to know of its divinity shall have the assurance. … My beloved friends, I give to you the Book of Mormon. May you read it prayerfully, study it carefully, and receive for yourselves the testimony of its divinity.”

Hint: He ran an insurance business.In the 12 years of his presidency, the number of operating temples doubled, the number of missionaries increased by 50 percent, and the priesthood was extended to all worthy male members.

9. Moroni, "And in the mouth of three witnesses shall these things be established; and the testimony of three, and this work, in the which shall be shown forth the power of God and also his word, of which the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost bear record—and all this shall stand as a testimony against the world at the last day. "

Hint: Ether 5:4

10. Isaiah, " And thou shalt be brought down, and shalt speak out of the ground, and thy speech shall be low out of the dust, and thy voice shall be, as of one that hath a familiar spirit, out of the ground, and thy speech shall whisper out of the dust. "

Hint: Isaiah 29:4

11. Mormon, "For behold, this is written for the intent that ye may believe that; and if ye believe that ye will believe this also; and if ye believe this ye will know concerning your fathers, and also the marvelous works which were wrought by the power of God among them. "

Hint: Mormon 7:9

March 16, 2008 Sharing Time... I changed my mind

Change of plans! I felt like the other sharing time wasn't focused enough on the actual theme of the week, which is: Jesus Christ showed me how to do the will of Heavenly Father.

Opening Activity: Read John 13:15 "For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done..." Introduce Forgetful Fred. He loves to go to Primary and learn about Jesus, but sometimes he has a hard time remembering things. We're going to help him answer 2 questions today. Do you think you can help him? The 2 questions are 1)What did Jesus do to show me the will of Heavenly Father? and 2) Can I do that?

Sharing Time: Using GAK pictures and scriptures, go over things that Jesus did in His life to show us how to do the will of the Father.

Matthew 4:2-4 Jesus fasted and endured temptations.

And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Matthew 3:13-17 Jesus was baptized.

Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Matthew 8: 1-4 Jesus Healed the sick.

When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him. And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

Matthew 12: 10-13 Jesus did well on the Sabbath Day.

And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him. And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out? How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days. Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other.

Matthew 12:36-37, 15:11 Jesus spoke kindness and perfection.

But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.

Matthew 14: 19-20 Jesus fed people.

And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full.

Matthew 18:11 Jesus came to save those who were lost.

For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost .

Matthew 21: 12-13 Jesus treated the temple as the House of God.

And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.

Matthew 22: 19-21 Jesus payed His taxes.

Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription?They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.

Matthew 26: 36-39 Jesus atoned for our sins.

Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

Matthew 27: 46, 50 Jesus was crucified and died to fufill all righteousness.

And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, saying father, it is finished, thy will is done, yielded up the ghost.

Closing Activity: Bear testimony of the life of Christ and that it was lived in perfection. Everything He did was to show us the will of the Father and how to return to them. Then ask the children what they think is the most important thing Forgetful Fred should remember from our sharing time.

March Sharing Time Reinforcement Handout

I did things a little differently this month. I felt prompted to search you tube and find church songs mixed with church artwork. The following videos are absolutely beautiful and bear powerful testimony of the Savior. With the Ensign this month and the new church website, I thought it appropriate to add a new source of media to our Primary family's attention. (I.E. the internet, youtube... of course, always using precaution!)

March 16th, 2008 Sharing Time : What did I learn today?
Jesus Christ is my Savior. “And we have seen and do
testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of
the world” (1 John 4:14).

Activities (to do with the family) to reinforce what was taught today.

1) Finger painting! Use your hands to create a work of art. Then brainstorm as a family all the things Jesus did with His hands. This is an online music video of "His Hands", showing beautiful artwork to go along with the song. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5EOtUEWIDo&feature=related After watching the short video, share family testimonies of the obedience of the Savior and how we should be like Him.

2) Define the following words: extraordinary, awesome, powerful, kind, meek and perfect. Talk about people who can be described by some of these words. Look at pictures of these people. Then name the one person who can be described by all of those words. This is an online music video of "Jesus Was No Ordinary Man", showing beautiful artwork to go along with the song. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOdatUaGen8&feature=related After watching the short video, share family testimonies of Jesus Christ as the Supreme Exemplar.

3) Read the following scriptures.
* Matthew 6: 5-7, 9
* Matthew 26: 36, 39, 41-42, 44, 53
* 3 Nephi 17: 15, 17-18, 21
* Luke 22: 32, 40-41, 44
Jesus Christ showed us the importance of prayer. This is an online music video of "A Child's Prayer", showing beautiful artwork to go along with the song. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIuphB7nyVg&feature=related After watching the short video, share family testimonies of prayer.

4) Put together an Easter basket with all the fixin's! Peeps, Candy, Colorful Eggs, stuffed Bunny, Jelly Beans... Then tape a letter (or word) of the following sentence to the back of each item (I know that my Redeemer Lives) Explain, that while Easter Egg hunts are fun and eating chocolate from our baskets is great... Easter is more. This is an online video of the hymn " I know that My Redeemer Lives", showing beautiful artwork to go along with the song. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAJYMK0dy8M&feature=related After watching the short video, share family testimonies of Jesus Christ, our Savior who is resurrected.