How on earth do I write a Primary Sacrament Meeting Program/Presentation?

 

** UPDATE 10/14- It's been brought to my attention that possibly using the term "program" instead of "presentation" can cause contention and that there are some who want me to quote "be aware that some of us want to us terminology that reflects that." I'm assuming the 2nd us is a typo for use.
I'd like to apologize if I offended anyone. If you read through this article and find the word "program" offensive, please... just substitute. I'm in no way suggesting that the primary sacrament meeting presentation is an entertainment event.**

 

Hello beautiful friends.

I can't believe it's been 6 years of doing this blog. Time flies when you're having fun!! I wanted to thank you for reading. I'm just a random weirdo, but the fact that this blog has received over 3 million hits is impressive. It goes to show you that the Lord works in mysterious ways!!

And it's that time of year again....

I don't know why, but sisters need to chill out. Every year, around the time to write the Primary Sacrament Meeting program aspirin sales go through the roof and nervous ticks develop at an alarming rate. The primary program is not a production. It's not something that needs to be cutesy fartsy perfect.

But in all honesty, I don't think that's the main reason people stress out. I think/hope it's because we love Heavenly Father. We want the spirit to be felt. We want the children to have a good experience.

With that said... now what?

1. Well, you need to decide. Is one person going to write it or are you going to divide it up?

2. PRAY. Not a flimsy prayer either.

3. Base everything off what the children have learned.... Sharing Time Outline to the rescue!!! Use the scriptures, the themes!!

4. PRAY some more.

5. Depending on your numbers, have classes do monthly themes. For example, the Sunbeams can do January's theme, CTR 4 can do February's theme. Include parts of children's talks they gave throughout the year if you happened to write things down. Monthly songs can go before or after the monthly theme is presented by the children.

Older children can be given (ahead of time) their parts with fill in the blanks or topics.
For example:

I am a child of God who will be an author one day! I love to write. The scriptures are full of stories about families, written by Heavenly Father’s prophets. One of my favorite scripture stories about families is __________________________. I love that story because __________________
________________________________________________________________________________.  I know that families can be together forever through Jesus Christ.

Or:
Please prepare/write a 1-2 minute talk based on family prayer, family scripture study and family home evening can strengthen my family.

6. Did you stop praying? Tsk Tsk. Take a moment to say a PRAYER.

7. The length of what the children say is dependent on how many children you have in primary and also what they are capable of. Some sunbeams could preach sermons that would make you cry... however most would do best with 1-2 simple sentences. CTR 4, 1-2 simple sentences. CTR 5, CTR 6, CTR 7, depending on the child 2-6 sentences. With Senior Primary, just think about time.... and don't stress out. If there are 70+ in your primary, children can also have group recitations or group singing parts. Ask the Bishop or former primary president what's been done in the past and get some ideas!

The thing about the program is no matter what you do, the spirit will be felt. If you think you are not adequate or can't write, you're wrong. Humble prayer goes a long way.

I've written 3 programs and know that it wasn't the words necessarily. It's the spirit the children bring with their innocence and joy... it is tangibly felt. Their goodness radiates and all are uplifted. When we look at our children, we see heaven. We feel what the kingdom of heaven is like.

8. Make sure children have their parts 2 weeks before you do your practice. Have a copy up front and sit low by the pulpit to help out as needed.

9. But the children don't know the songs that well... they aren't singing very loud!!!!!!!!!

Woah. Slow ya' roll sista. 5 minutes every other Sunday on a song isn't necessarily going to make a child remember the words. They need to practice at home and sometimes they don't. It's Ok. Just have them SMILE or hum if they don't know the words!!! This is supposed to be a positive experience so be careful in your choices to judge the quality or volume of their singing. Of course we want to encourage children to do the best we can, but at the same time this isn't MoTab auditions.

10. PRAY. Look at what you've written. PRAY again. And PRAY one more time for good measure. If you feel happy, that's the spirit saying rock on with yo' bad self. If you feel unsure- re-read, PRAY, edit if needed/just go with it. The spirit might be waiting until after to give you that awesome feeling that all is well.

Check things with the bishopric like the outline says to and then FINALLY turn on that William Levy telanovela for a few minutes to enjoy. Only a few minutes, because as handsome as he is, your husband is way hotter. It's not actually William...maybe... it's more the language of love and how they can talk about love for episodes on end, while if you try talking to your husband about your endless love, staring in each other's eyes of course, you burst out laughing because you only made it 2 sentences. For the record, I do not speak Spanish but I really enjoy over acting and insane plot lines dictated by intense music.

With that not being the best way to end this post, I suppose I should mention that God is good. He loves us so much. This is an opportunity to really feel of His love for you and the primary children. Don't worry about what other people "might think"... this isn't about them. It's about having a spiritual experience and doing service. It's about guiding and helping children. it's about being close to our Savior. I know that Jesus is our best friend. He won't fail us ever. So trust in Him. You can do it with His help!!!

LDS Primary Sacrament Meeting Presentation 2010

Image courtesy imagingtheheavens.co.uk

With billions and billions of people on the earth, who am I?
How is it even remotely possible that God will answer my prayers and help me receive revelation? Where does He find the time to help everyone?
Why do I even matter?

Woah people... we're getting a bit deep and I wish I knew that answers, but I don't.

Time to step out on the porch, sip some Mug's and look at the stars.
Relax.
It doesn't matter that we don't know the "hows" or "huh's?".

All that matters is this:
Did you know there was a topical guide topic of God-Access to??
Now, in this section of the study helps, we find 44 different references to the fact that
God is there for us.
4. Bam. 4.

What does this mean? You don't need to worry, you don't need to stress! Take another swig of that root beer, wink at the stars and take it to the Big Man. Primary Program here we come!

For first time Primary Sacrament Meeting writers, here is my advice: Get ready for a treat!! Get ready for an experience of true happiness!! Get ready to be closer to your maker.

Tips:

1. First things first- Make sure your spirit is healthy. Read those scriptures, pray and attend the temple. Do the standards and the standard will be unfolded unto you. I really have no clue what I meant by the last sentence. It sounds like a Mountain Dew* commercial gone awry. Most important of all, pray, pray, pray, pray, pray for guidance and that the Holy Ghost will guide you.

2. Know your children! Who is shy, who is not? Who is a confident reader, who needs special attention? Who could write their own part? Plan parts that are appropriate for each child. Sunbeams (for the most part) do best with 1-3 sentences. Older children should be given a time frame on what they are expected to fill.

3. Give the children plenty of time to practice their parts at home. (At the very least 2 weeks) If they are able to memorize, fantastic!

4. See here for some more of my ramblings. Details of a practice run in the chapel.

5. Take the Sharing Time Outline and use the weekly topics as basis for your parts. Use parts of the children's talks they've given. Use the scriptures in the outline. Have the children tell stories from the scriptures. Group your program into different topics followed by a song that emphasizes that topic. And if that doesn't work for you, that's OK! Do your thang and just be open to what Heavenly Father has in mind for His primary and children.


Still nervous? See here for even more of my ramblings.

Best of wishes as you realize the truth of this scripture: "And that he manifesteth himself unto all those who believe in him, by the power of the Holy Ghost; yea, unto every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, working mighty miracles, signs, and wonders, among the children of men according to their faith." 2 Nephi 26:13

* Despite my 3 references to soda, I rarely drink it. I feel like you really just can't beat water.

Consider the Lilies

El Vendedor de Alcatraces By Diego Rivera
(Image courtesy creative commons license www.diego-rivera-foundation.org)

D&C 84: 81-84 "Therefore, take ye no thought for the morrow, for what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, or wherewithal ye shall be clothed. For, consider the lilies of the field, how they grow, they toil not, neither do they spin; and the kingdoms of the world, in all their glory, are not arrayed like one of these. For your Father, who is in heaven, knoweth that you have need of all these things. Therefore, let the morrow take thought for the things of itself."

I once was given a very special blessing that truly firmed my testimony in Divinity. I was studying this scripture and pondering it. The person giving me the blessing had no clue what I was reading in my personal scripture time, and yet Heavenly Father knew. The scripture was quoted and it's purpose expanded to me within the blessing.

I would like to pose 3 questions.
1. What can you do to increase your faith in Jesus Christ and our loving Father?
2. What can you do to make your attitude more Christ like?
3. Do you believe that we are indeed children of a loving Father?

This is a favorite piece of art that hangs in our home. Originally, Diego Rivera meant it as a more political piece symbolic of the burdens of the Mexican people. However, art is art. I appreciate it in a different sense. I see a woman with a tremendous load, yet it is a beautiful load. And she is not alone, she is never alone. Deity is behind her, helping her bear the load and lifting it. She has fallen to her knees and it is a good thing. I look at this picture everyday and am inspired. I hope you can be inspired by it also.

Often our callings can seem overwhelming. I didn't become a doctor for a reason, I don't do well with blood and guts. The same can be said about teaching yet here we are in an organization that asks us to do what we don't necessarily have confidence in. The burden however is beautiful and we need to recognize that. And we have support. If you feel overwhelmed about teaching Primary, take a step back. Did you have a lesson that just didn't go well? It's OK. Next week will be better! A person doesn't get to Carnegie Hall over night, it takes practice!

The time has come for preparing/writing Primary Sacrament Meeting Presentations. We are all entitled to revelation and help from above. Often I receive such nice and kind comments on how "my ideas" are wonderful. If only I could claim them as my own! The ideas are inspiration from above. Plain and simple. I find that if I pray sincerely, make sure my heart is in the right place and listen carefully... answers will come. The same can be true for you too! Don't get stressed out, you don't need to! Heavenly Father will help. Using the chocolate chip cookie analogy - A chocolate chip cookie is not a chocolate chip cookie with one chocolate chip. You need lots and lots and then another cup full. Pray often. The more the better.

If I had to boil down the message of this post into one thought, it'd be this: Have Hope!! Basically, if you were in the corner of the ring, I'm patting you on the back and chanting for you, you can do it! You can do it! You can do whatever you need to do in life because God is truly with us and mindful of our needs. Psalm 55:22 "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved."

Possible Sacrament Meeting Program "Finales"

At the end of a year's worth of hard work what can we do to conclude. What could be the finale?

I hesitate to use the word reward. I think it can have connotations like here's your cookie, good job. Because really, the reward for all the hard work, singing, practicing is knowing and feeling closer to Heavenly Father and Our Redeemer.

The last two weeks we have been practicing especially hard for our program. What I did was have a "fruit of the spirit" party... or an apple party if you will (during the 3rd hour of church). The things they will be teaching during the program will inspire people, their righteous examples will help others closer to Christ. This is part of what the "fruit of the spirit" is. A couple children were given scriptures from John 15 (Vs. 5 and 16) We BRIEFLY discussed the scriptures and that was that. We went outside, munched our apples and enjoyed fresh air for about 15 minutes. It was wonderful!! (Of course I had to preface my expectations before we went outside. Should we dogpile? Should we be making any loud pterodactyl type noises? Do we play by moving cars? Can we have fun though and get some energy out? Yes!)

Also, I always take the last 2 or 3 minutes of closing exercises or the sharing time to let them give each other compliments. They can compliment whoever in the primary for whatever. This is rewarding beyond words. It builds unity and love.We had a boy tell a sunbeam that he was really proud that the sunbeam memorized his talk. That sunbeam was so happy he could fly!

Other ideas (as in an appreciation gift)

* Crowns with a note "You are children of the Most High. Sons and Daughters of a King. A royally good job was done on our Sacrament Meeting Program, thank you!!"

* Wooden Rulers with a note " Matt 25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord." This ruler is to remind you of the hard work,diligence, and faithfulness you have put into our Sacrament Meeting Program. Thank you!!

*Bottle of Water (with a paper well note) "But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. John 4:14" You have given the best water one could possibly ask for during our Sacrament Meeting Program. You have borne testimony of our Savior. Thank you for the wonderful examples you are!

Primary Sacrament Meeting Program Practice Tips

It's that wonderful time of year again! Every ward and branch is different. For our Primary Sacrament Meeting Practices we take 2 hours to run through our program. Lessons and sharing times are not taught.

2 hours is a long time. The question is, will it be a wonderful 2 hours or a pull-your-hair out 2 hours? YOU have the choice! Isn't that wonderful! So here are some of my personal reflections, feel free to add any insight.

1. Pray. Sincerely. Pray for the spirit. Pray for patience. Pray for love and for Our Father's Help. And anything else you can think of that you need!!

2. Organize. If you are practicing in the chapel, have little signs where each class will sit. Give teachers a seating chart to seat kids. You can have signs to hold up to tell the children what songs are next. Have your program in large font for easy reading. Have copies for your teachers, music leader and pianist. If you are in the primary room, organize it like a mock chapel.

3. Make your expectations clear. Everyone should be

• Good listeners
• Happy singers
• NOT SOCCER STARS (No one needs to be kicking! It confuses people, they'd rather be looking at amazing faces and hearing your beautiful voices, not weird thumping noises.)

4. BE POSITIVE and keep the flow! If someone has done a really good job, tell them. Have the kids give each other thumbs up. Encourage good presentation (Smiles, Enthusiasm, Bold singing and Bold reading) Just keep on truckin'! Move it along!

5. Take breaks. Repeat. Take... A break... Have teachers stay with classes. Go outside. Go to the bathrooms, get water in shifts. Stretch. Wiggle. Breath.

**I have a confession. We are having apples during our break. Our Primary President gave us the go ahead, so here we crunch.**

And finally, what is the point of our Primary Program? (Ephesians 4:12, 16) Who can you invite that Sunday that would be benefited? Our Savior lives. We are children of God. Remember this when you possibly have one child snoring in the corner, another 2 girls sticking gum on their foreheads (please remember to have them throw out gum!!) and another little boy under a pew playing peek-a-boo. Honestly! It will be wonderful! You will do great, but most importantly, the children will share amazing testimony, beyond description!

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