FHE Book of Mormon Stories: Alma 16 Victory by Following the Prophet

 Image courtesy Mormon Newsroom

This is a small story in the Book of Mormon, but it has a big lesson!

Introduction Activity:
Use your hands to handcuff your hyper "active" 6 year old son who is obsessed with handcuffs and all things cops.

What does it mean to be in physical bondage or captured?
How do you feel when you aren't free?

Today we are going to learn about some people in the Book of Mormon.

Zoram was a common name. There was Zoram, the servant of Laban who came to the promised land. There was Zoram the apostate who led people to worship idols and his people trampled Korihor. But today we are going to talk about ANOTHER lesser known Zoram. Was he a good guy or a weirdo? Let's find out!!



Who was captured in the story?
How were they set free?

What is the difference between spiritual bondage and physical bondage? (Hold up the handcuffs from earlier in the lesson) Can you name any examples of spiritual bondage?

What can we do to be like Zoram and his sons?
Are we in a battle like them?

Why do you think this story was mentioned in The Book of Mormon?

End with Testimonies

I know that if we follow the prophets, they will help us to find those who are captive and lost. I know that if we have a love of our brothers and sisters that is pure, we will have help from Heavenly Father to know what to do to make sure they feel of His love. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

FHE Book of Mormon Stories: Coriantumr & Shiz

Shiz by James H. Fullmer

Opening Activity: Have some hard play dough and some soft play dough. Which one is better to play with, mold, and create?

For Family Home Evening we are going to take a look at 2 Jaredite Kings in the Book of Ether, from The Book of Mormon. At the end of our lesson we need to figure out whether they were like hard play dough or soft play dough.

For smaller kids, please use the play dough to create the warriors Coriatumr & Shiz or their swords while we read. Also if you notice attention levels dropping, you can take a break and arm wrestle like the mighty warrior Jaredite kings. Now back to the scriptures!

Read the following scriptures and quotes as a family, taking turns:

(There is a small box in the right hand corner which if you mouse over will take you to google docs to print for free)

Final Questions:
What is pride?
What can we learn from this story?
Has there ever been a time in your life where you have battled for something? Was it worth it and why?

How were Coriantumr and Shiz like the hard play dough? Did they have hard hearts?

What should we do in our lives to make sure our hearts are soft and full of love, not hard and hateful?
(Hold up the play dough figures and admire!)

End Lesson with Testimonies

Follow up for the week: Do something selfless this week for another person. Take one day to focus on yourself and if your choices are hard hearted or soft and loving.

May 2016 LDS Primary Sharing Time Helps & Ideas

The Eight Witnesses, by Olinda Reynolds

 

Monthly Theme: The Church of Jesus Christ Has Been Restored.
Monthly Scripture: “I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!” Joseph Smith—History 1:17

Week 1 The Church of Jesus Christ has been restored.

* HERE is an excellent resource from The Friend. It talks about a mom and child restoring a piece of furniture. There is a puzzle activity included that you could attach questions, scriptures, and songs to about The Restoration. You could put pieces under primary friends' chairs. Have primary friends try to put the puzzle together one piece at a time as they come to the front and answer the question on back. (Or scripture...etc.)

* HERE is a ready to use sharing time!! It is called "Partial Pictures". Have the children look up the scripture and match it to the picture. You can always show them the complete picture after!
Some questions to go along with the #'d pictures:
1.What priesthood did Peter, James, and John restore?
How does the Melchizedek priesthood bless our lives?
2. Sing An Angel Came to Joseph Smith (CS #86 )
Why do you think Heavenly Father sent the angel Moroni to Joseph?
What would you do if an angel came to you? Can you think of any scripture stories where an angel came to deliver a message from Heavenly Father?
3. How does it make you feel to know that God appeared to a young boy?
Why do you think Joseph Smith was chosen to help restore the church?
(Look carefully at that question, why do "you"- this isn't about being right or wrong, encourage the children to really think about things and value their answers!)
What did Heavenly Father say to Joseph?
4. What temple did Elijah appear to Joseph?
What did Elijah restore to Joseph and Oliver?
Sing The Hearts of The Children ( CS #92)
5. Read James 1:5
What are things we can do to gain wisdom?
Can anyone give ideas or tips on how to make scripture study meaningful?
6. What are some of your favorite stories from The Book of Mormon?
Why do you read The Book of Mormon?
What knowledge did The Book of Mormon restore?

* Invite a primary friend to the front. Ask them if you are standing in front of them. Are they sure? Well, that isn't the only thing we can be sure of!! Elder Holland in General Conference said, "I bear witness of that gospel and that Church, with a particular witness of restored priesthood keys which unlock the power and efficacy of saving ordinances. I am more certain that those keys have been restored and that those ordinances are once again available through The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints than I am certain I stand before you at this pulpit and you sit before me in this conference." (The Cost & Blessings of Discipleship, April 2014, such a great talk!!)
     Time to play... Are you sure?? Have about 20 statements, either fact or fiction/true or false, in regards to The Church being restored!! Make sure to have plenty of visuals to go along with statements. Have a child come up front and draw a statement from a bag. Then have the primary stand up if they are sure the statement is right!
Some sample statements:
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was organized April 6, 1830. (true)
Joseph Smith had a vision of only an angel. (FALSE!!! He saw God the Father and Jesus)
Why is this so important to know??
The Aaronic Priesthood was restored by John the Baptist. (True)
Could you be baptized if this hadn't have happened?? Read D&C 22:2
     It's OK if we aren't sure about some things in life. But if we seek, we will find. Bear testimony!

 * What does the dictionary define restored as? Ask a child to come and help you demonstrate. Give them a book or a toy. Now have them give it back and return it to you. Key words: "Give back and Return". Now have the child hold a picture of the earth. Have a sign that says "TRUTH". Have the child with the earth picture hold the truth sign, then you take it away. (Apostasy!!) Return the truth or restore it back.

* Have a large basket of rocks. On the rocks attach questions, songs, and scriptures having to do with Joseph Smith, the 6th Article of Faith and the Restoration. Try to have the children come up and choose rocks that get bigger in size.
      "The restored gospel is the kingdom of God on earth, the stone cut out of the mountain without hands that would become a great mountain and fill the whole earth, as seen by Daniel (Daniel 2:34-35, 44-45). It is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, which was organized 6 April 1830 in preparation for the Second Coming of the Savior." (Doctrines of the Gospel Student Manuel pg. 61)

Week 2 Joseph Smith is the prophet of the Restoration.

* Joseph Smith and Restoration Jeopardy!!
Categories and ?'s :
He was  a child too!!
100 When Joseph was small (7 years old) he had to have surgery on this part of his body. He wouldn't drink alcohol to ease the pain and held his father's hand while enduring the hurt. His leg
200 What month was Joseph Smith born? December (right before Christmas, the 23rd!)
300 How many brothers and sisters did Joseph have? 10
400 What was the name of Joseph's mother? Lucy
500 True or False: Joseph had to work hard as a child on the family farm. True!

The Early Church
100 Sing the 6th Article of Faith Song
200 After the church was organized on April 6, a miracle happened! The Prophet Joseph met a man named Newel who was possessed of a devil. Acting on Newel's faith as well as his own, Joseph cast out the devil in this name? Jesus Christ
300 At the first conference of the church, the sustained leaders by doing what we do today. What do we do? We raise our right hand to the square in support.
400 Emma Smith, Joseph's wife was called "An Elect Lady" of the Lord. She was commanded to do something special and put together this book. A hint: It's often green! The first hymn book.
500 True or False: When Brigham Young was introduced to the church he immediately joined. False!! He studied and pondered the church for 2 years before joining.

Truth Restored!100 Read 2 Nephi 3:24
200 True or False: The church started in 1830. False!! The church started with Adam and was restored many times, including the last dispensation with Joseph Smith.
300 Sing the Priesthood is Restored (CS pg. 89)
400 Name a witness of the Book of Mormon. Answers can include the 8 witnesses from the beginning of the Book of Mormon, to prophets to even children who have a testimony it's true.
500 True or False: All truth has been revealed!! False: Much truth has been revealed, but there is a lot more that is yet to come!

Final Jeopardy Question: What is something you've learned about Joseph Smith or the Restoration?

* A good talk to read and personally study in preparation for this week's sharing time is Joseph Smith- Prophet of the Restoration by Tad Callister.

* Who was the greatest prophet sent to earth?  
"The scriptures record that throughout history, on occasions of exceptional importance, God the Father’s voice has been heard. On repeated occasions Jesus Christ has personally appeared to select individuals. Yet there is only one supernal, singular instance of which we have knowledge that God the Father Himself appeared in person. This was done with His precious Holy Son, Jesus Christ, to an audience of one. That one was young Joseph Smith Jr., an extraordinary spirit prepared before the foundation of the earth. He would become the greatest prophet sent to earth." Truth Restored, Richard G. Scott, October 2005 General Conference

* Divide into small groups. Give each group a story about Joseph Smith (a teacher can read it to them) and have them draw a picture to share with the primary along with a brief summary of the story.

* Here is an idea from the Friend with an early church for the children to make.

 

Week 3 The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ.

* "He who reads it oftenest will like it best." Joseph Smith
           Divide the primary into groups. Have about 4 stations for them to rotate. Each station they will have 3 minutes. Some might not finish in 3, but that's OK... they can finish their things at home!! You will need an adult or 2 at each station to help the children.
Station 1- Build King Benjamin's tower- have a bunch of blocks for them to build with, a picture of King Benjamin from the Gospel Art Book, & a teacher to read a couple scriptures from that story
Station 2- I will go, I will do- have a piece of paper for each child, have each child write & draw 5 things they can do today to go and serve someone- little children will need help writing down their ideas and if they don't get 5, that's OK!!, have a picture of Nephi and paper headbands for the children to decorate and wear
Station 3- Hidden Golden Plates- use a picture of the golden plates or small Hershey golden nuggets, go outside and have the children find them! Gather together and sing "The Golden Plates" (CS 86) Have each child share a favorite story from The Book of Mormon
Station 4- Ammon's Sheep- have spoons for each child and cotton balls, let the children pass a sheep/cotton ball around in a circle but don't let it drop!, have a cotton ball for each child and see how many times they can bounce it on their spoon without dropping it, see if they can toss it with their hand and catch it with their spoon, have them toss the cotton balls into a basket with their spoon at the end. Have a picture of Ammon from the Gospel Art Book, and have the teacher read a scripture about the story.
     When you gather together, bear testimony that The Book of Mormon is full of great stories. All the stories are a witness to Jesus Christ. Invite the children to go home and think of an activity they can do with their family based on one of the stories from The Book of Mormon.

* "Those who have read the scriptures, and who have drunk of the stream of knowledge which they convey, know how to appreciate them." Joseph Smith
     Have a blue blanket or blue plastic table cloth. Lie it on the ground like a stream with a few fake plants from your house. Have pictures from the Gospel Art Book, from The Book of Mormon section, and scatter them throughout your river with paper clips attached to them. Invite a primary friend to come up and fish out some knowledge. You'll need a fishing pole with a magnet on the end.
       Have the child tell a little bit about the picture. How did this prophet testify of Christ or what does this story have to do with Jesus?
      Send the children home with a white paper cup that they can decorate/color at home (or if you have time at Primary) with their favorite story from The Book of Mormon.... repeat the quote emphasizing, "Who have drunk.... know how to appreciate".

* Invite about 10 people in who speak a different language. See if they can bring in a Book of Mormon written in another language. Ask them beforehand to say "The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ". If children would like they can try to repeat! What did all these wonderful people say? The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ! Pass around the Book of Mormons very carefully!! Take a look at the different languages and ways people write.

     Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon by the power of God!!

HERE is an EXCELLENT video to show!! If you still have time have a couple Book of Mormon facts written in code (first letter switched with last). See if the primary can figure them out!

Here are a few facts:

 The Book of Mormon was first published in English in New York in 1830

Eht kooB fo NormoM saw tirsf dublishep ni Hnglise ni WeN KorY ni 0831

     In 1851 the Book of Mormon was translated into Danish, its first translation to a non-English language.

    Ni 1851 eht KooB fo NormoM saw dranslateT onti HanisD sti tirsf nranslatiot ot a hon-englisn eanguagl 

     3 men saw and 8 men handled the plates... they give their witness at the beginning of the Book of Mormon

     3 nem was dna 8 nem dandleh eht slatep.... yhet eivg rheit sitnesw ta eht geginninb fo eht Koob fo NormoM

* THIS is always a fun visual on how we need to hold to the rod!!

Week 4 The priesthood has been restored.

* Here is an awesome sharing time from the Friend. You could easily attach questions, scriptures and songs about the priesthood to the puzzle pictures and have the children come to the front to answer and put together.

* Here is an awesome diorama idea from the Friend. You'd need lots of shoe boxes!! But it would be fun and memorable for the children!

 

* Here is a crossword puzzle about the priesthood. (Scroll past the bug search and find)

* Here is a sharing time on how the priesthood blesses our lives with a flannel board story.

 * A lot of children don't understand what the priesthood is. Let every child draw a short fact about the priesthood from a brown paper bag. Have the room set up with 2 lines of chairs facing each other. Have younger children sit on one side and older children on the other. Each child may tell his/her fact to his/her partner and talk about it for 30 seconds. Then the younger children get up and move one chair to the right while the older ones stay seated. Repeat! Have pictures to go along with some of the facts. For senior sharing time, see if they can come up with their own facts to share about the priesthood! A good reference is HERE, Doctrines of the Gospel Student Manual Chapter 25.

* Play musical chairs reverently. Have them in a circle with #'s taped to the back. It's actually more like a cake walk where you draw numbers and whoever is sitting on that number gets to answer a question or read a scripture about the priesthood.... don't take away chairs! Have them sing songs about the priesthood as they walk around the circle

April 2015 LDS Primary Sharing Time Helps & Ideas

The First Vision, by Kenneth Riley found on lds.org media library

Monthly Theme: Jesus Christ Restored the Fulness of the Gospel Through Joseph Smith.
Monthly Scripture: “We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church” Articles of Faith 1:6

 

Week 1 Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith.

* HERE is a Joseph Smith shoe-box panorama children can make. You'll need shoe boxes! (From The Friend Jan. 2001)

* HERE is an activity where children can make paper puppets of the First Vision. You'll need to print on heavy paper and have brass fasteners. (From The Friend March 2008)

* HERE is a WONDERFUL read aloud of The First Vision. You be the narrator, assign a child the part of Joseph. Give him the words ahead of time so maybe he can memorize!!! Have a simple costume and a few props. You could even assign someone to read the scripture James 1:5. You could print off the papers for children to read at night 2 times this upcoming week. Challenge them to pray to gain the knowledge that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and really did see Heavenly Father and Jesus.

*HERE is The Restoration video. It is such a beautiful video!! However, keep in mind it is 19 minutes long. At the 10 min. 30ish second mark we start with Joseph reading James 1:5, FYI.

* "Joseph Smith’s testimony of seeing the Father and Son towers like the arching trees of that sacred setting." Elder Richard L. Anderson April 1996 Ensign
    How many of us have been camping in an area with lots of trees? Is it pretty peaceful? Who has a favorite tree they like to climb in? Trees are beautiful. In one grove of trees, a sacred experience happened. Brainstorm some ideas of all the truth that came from The First Vision... have a couple children write down the ideas from primary friends on the chalkboard.
     Heavenly Father and Jesus are 2 separate individuals. God still speaks to man. Jesus Christ lives. Heavenly Father knows us by name. We need to listen to Jesus. Heavenly Father will protect us from evil and He is the most powerful. Heavenly Father answers prayers.
    We have a few kids who really love origami in Senior Primary! Bring in some paper and have them write down something about the first vision that is sacred or important to them. Then teach them how to make a simple origami tree. Directions HERE.

* How many of us have done Elder Anderson's challenge from last general conference?
1. "Find scriptures in the Book of Mormon that you feel and know are absolutely true. Then share them with family and friends in family home evening."
2. "Read the testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith...(HERE).... Read it often. Consider recording the testimony of Joseph Smith in your own voice, listening to it regularly, and sharing it with friends. Listening to the Prophet’s testimony in your own voice will help bring the witness you seek."
     I really love his visual of how if something happens in an airplane, we have to put the oxygen mask on ourselves before we help the person next to us. Similarly, we must be firm in our knowledge and testimony of Joseph Smith! Elder Anderson says, "There will be family members and friends who will need your help. Now is the time to adjust your own spiritual oxygen mask so that you are prepared to help others who are seeking the truth." HERE is the full talk! It's excellent!

Week 2 Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon by the power of God.

* THIS is a must read to prepare for this week!! Did you know that Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon in 63 working days?

* Have a blow dryer unplugged and invite a child to press the on button. What happens? Now plug it in and get the power going. What happens? And so it is by the power of God that Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon.

* Elder Boyd K. Packer shared this story, "A 15-year-old son of a mission president attended high school with very few members of the Church.

     One day the class was given a true-or-false test. Matthew was confident that he knew the answers to all except for question 15. It read, “Joseph Smith, the alleged Mormon prophet, wrote the Book of Mormon. True or false?”

     He could not answer it either way, so being a clever teenager, he rewrote the question. He crossed out the word alleged (definition of alleged: said, without proof, to have taken place) and replaced the word wrote with translated. It then read, “Joseph Smith, the Mormon prophet, translated the Book of Mormon.” He marked it true and handed it in.

     The next day the teacher sternly asked why he had changed the question. He smiled and said, “Because Joseph Smith did not write the Book of Mormon, he translated it, and he was not an alleged prophet, he was a prophet.” He was then invited to tell the class how he knew that." (From The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, General Conference Oct. 2001)

      Do we know that Joseph Smith TRANSLATED the Book of Mormon, not wrote it?? The Book of Mormon is a miracle and we love to read it! Have each primary class come up with 2 questions about the Book of Mormon. It can be questions about stories or teachings, whatever they like! Have the missionaries come in and invite the children to quiz the missionaries!!

     Thank the missionaries for being good sports! The most important knowledge we can have about the Book of Mormon is knowing that it is true. Invite the missionaries to briefly share their testimony.

 

* Invite about 10 people in who speak a different language. See if they can bring in a Book of Mormon written in another language. Ask them beforehand to say "The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ". If children would like they can try to repeat! What did all these wonderful people say? The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ! Pass around the Book of Mormons very carefully!! Take a look at the different languages and ways people write.

     Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon by the power of God!!

HERE is an EXCELLENT video to show!! If you still have time have a couple Book of Mormon facts written in code (first letter switched with last). See if the primary can figure them out!

Here are a few facts:

 The Book of Mormon was first published in English in New York in 1830

Eht kooB fo NormoM saw tirsf dublishep ni Hnglise ni WeN KorY ni 0831

     In 1851 the Book of Mormon was translated into Danish, its first translation to a non-English language.

    Ni 1851 eht KooB fo NormoM saw dranslateT onti HanisD sti tirsf nranslatiot ot a hon-englisn eanguagl 

     3 men saw and 8 men handled the plates... they give their witness at the beginning of the Book of Mormon

     3 nem was dna 8 nem dandleh eht slatep.... yhet eivg rheit sitnesw ta eht geginninb fo eht Koob fo NormoM

Weeks 3 & 4 Jesus Christ restored the gospel through Joseph Smith.

Recycled from Previous Posts:

* HERE is an excellent resource from The Friend. It talks about a mom and child restoring a piece of furniture. There is a puzzle activity included that you could attach questions, scriptures, and songs to about The Restoration. You could put pieces under primary friends' chairs. Have primary friends try to put the puzzle together one piece at a time as they come to the front and answer the question on back. (Or scripture...etc.)

* HERE is a ready to use sharing time!! It is called "Partial Pictures". Have the children look up the scripture and match it to the picture. You can always show them the complete picture after!
Some questions to go along with the #'d pictures:
1.What priesthood did Peter, James, and John restore?
How does the Melchizedek priesthood bless our lives?
2. Sing An Angel Came to Joseph Smith (CS #86 )
Why do you think Heavenly Father sent the angel Moroni to Joseph?
What would you do if an angel came to you? Can you think of any scripture stories where an angel came to deliver a message from Heavenly Father?
3. How does it make you feel to know that God appeared to a young boy?
Why do you think Joseph Smith was chosen to help restore the church?
(Look carefully at that question, why do "you"- this isn't about being right or wrong, encourage the children to really think about things and value their answers!)
What did Heavenly Father say to Joseph?
4. What temple did Elijah appear to Joseph?
What did Elijah restore to Joseph and Oliver?
Sing The Hearts of The Children ( CS #92)
5. Read James 1:5
What are things we can do to gain wisdom?
Can anyone give ideas or tips on how to make scripture study meaningful?
6. What are some of your favorite stories from The Book of Mormon?
Why do you read The Book of Mormon?
What knowledge did The Book of Mormon restore?

* Invite a primary friend to the front. Ask them if you are standing in front of them. Are they sure? Well, that isn't the only thing we can be sure of!! Elder Holland in our last conference said, "I bear witness of that gospel and that Church, with a particular witness of restored priesthood keys which unlock the power and efficacy of saving ordinances. I am more certain that those keys have been restored and that those ordinances are once again available through The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints than I am certain I stand before you at this pulpit and you sit before me in this conference." (The Cost & Blessings of Discipleship, April 2014, such a great talk!!)
     Time to play... Are you sure?? Have about 20 statements, either fact or fiction/true or false, in regards to The Church being restored!! Make sure to have plenty of visuals to go along with statements. Have a child come up front and draw a statement from a bag. Then have the primary stand up if they are sure the statement is right!
Some sample statements:
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was organized April 6, 1830. (true)
Joseph Smith had a vision of only an angel. (FALSE!!! He saw God the Father and Jesus)
Why is this so important to know??
The Aaronic Priesthood was restored by John the Baptist. (True)
Could you be baptized if this hadn't have happened?? Read D&C 22:2
     It's OK if we aren't sure about some things in life. But if we seek, we will find. Bear testimony! I am sure that God the Father lives and that He loves us. I am sure as the keyboard I type on that Christ is my best friend. The Gospel is restored!!

* What does the dictionary define restored as? Ask a child to come and help you demonstrate. Give them a book or a toy. Now have them give it back and return it to you. Key words: "Give back and Return". Now have the child hold a picture of the earth. Have a sign that says "TRUTH". Have the child with the earth picture hold the truth sign, then you take it away. (Apostasy!!) Return the truth or restore it back.
 * Joseph Smith and The Restoration Jeopardy!!
Categories and ?'s :
He was  a child too!!
100 When Joseph was small (7 years old) he had to have surgery on this part of his body. He wouldn't drink alcohol to ease the pain and held his father's hand while enduring the hurt. His leg
200 What month was Joseph Smith born? December (right before Christmas, the 23rd!)
300 How many brothers and sisters did Joseph have? 10
400 What was the name of Joseph's mother? Lucy
500 True or False: Joseph had to work hard as a child on the family farm. True!

The Early Church
100 Sing the 6th Article of Faith Song
200 After the church was organized on April 6, a miracle happened! The Prophet Joseph met a man named Newel who was possessed of a devil. Acting on Newel's faith as well as his own, Joseph cast out the devil in this name? Jesus Christ
300 At the first conference of the church, the sustained leaders by doing what we do today. What do we do? We raise our right hand to the square in support.
400 Emma Smith, Joseph's wife was called "An Elect Lady" of the Lord. She was commanded to do something special and put together this book. A hint: It's often green! The first hymn book.
500 True or False: When Brigham Young was introduced to the church he immediately joined. False!! He studied and pondered the church for 2 years before joining.

Truth Restored!100 Read 2 Nephi 3:24
200 True or False: The church started in 1830. False!! The church started with Adam and was restored many times, including the last dispensation with Joseph Smith.
300 Sing the Priesthood is Restored (CS pg. 89)
400 Name a witness of the Book of Mormon. Answers can include the 8 witnesses from the beginning of the Book of Mormon, to prophets to even children who have a testimony it's true.
500 True or False: All truth has been revealed!! False: Much truth has been revealed, but there is a lot more that is yet to come!

Final Jeopardy Question: What is something you've learned about Joseph Smith or the Restoration?

Book of Mormon Reader's Theater/ Mini-Musical

Image courtesy creative commons license flickr.com by Travis S. 2008

The Book of Mormon is Another Testament of Jesus Christ

By Sofia Lykes

(Feel free to use and distribute in church or private family setting. Please just don't sell to a publishing company as your own work because it's like big hair bangs of the 80's... Just. Plain. Wrong.)

Characters
Narrator 1                Narrator 2
Teacher                    Student 1, 2, 3 ( A couple more to sit around, even though they don’t talk)
Joseph Smith            Moroni

Props
Book of Mormon
Simple Costumes
Picture of Christ
Chair for the Teacher with children sitting around him/her - remember, no backs to the audience though!

****

(With piano playing softly in the background Book of Mormon Stories CS 118)

Narrator 1: In 82 different languages, the Book of Mormon can be understood. In 82 different languages, the Book of Mormon testifies that Jesus is the Christ.

Narrator 2: Over 150 million Books of Mormon have been printed since Joseph Smith translated it. 150 million chances have been given to others as a testimony that Jesus is the Christ.

(Piano stops)

Teacher: Hello class! I’m so glad you all could make it to church! Today we will be learning about the Book of Mormon. Can someone please read from the Introduction of the Book of Mormon! Thanks!

Student 1: “The Book of Mormon is a volume of holy scripture”

Student 2: “The book was written by many ancient prophets”

Student 3: “The crowning event recorded in the Book of Mormon is the personal ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ among the Nephites soon after his resurrection. It puts forth the doctrines of the gospel, outlines the plan of salvation, and tells men what they must do to gain peace in this life and eternal salvation in the life to come.”

Teacher: Thank you students! Let's all sing about Jesus coming to the Nephites in the song This is My Beloved Son.

(Primary Sings Verse 2 of This is My Beloved Son CS 76)

Narrator 1: Ancient Prophets were faithful in writing down the words of the Lord.

Narrator 2: Joseph Smith was faithful in translating the words of the Lord.

Joseph Smith: “I told the brethren that 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.”

Student 1: I am so grateful for all the work of Nephi, Jacob, Alma and many others who shared their life and knowledge with us.

Student 2: I know! Where would we be if we didn’t have the Book of Mormon?

Student 3: Joseph Smith was a true servant to Father in heaven. We are very blessed because he was a humble person willing to do whatever God asked him to do.

Teacher: Being obedient is a principle that is taught a lot in the Book of Mormon. Jesus Christ is the perfect example of doing everything Heavenly Father asks.

Student 1: I want to be obedient and do His will too! Teacher, can we please sing a song about following God’s plan because I sure do love to sing!!

Teacher: Of course!

(Primary Sings I Will Follow God’s Plan CS 164)

Narrator 1: There is so much to learn from the Book of Mormon. Family and teachers can tell us all about it!

Narrator 2: We need to read our scriptures every day! Others can tell us all about Christ, but we need to learn for ourselves who He is.

(Piano plays softly in the background while Moroni speaks Search Ponder and Pray CS 109)

Moroni: “ Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.

And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.”

(Piano stops)

Teacher: In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.


** All quotes are taken directly from the Book of Mormon Introduction and Moroni 10:3-5. Also, the beginning # facts are from HERE, a newsroom release from LDS.org.

TIPS

Choose your readers carefully!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Go over what a good reader does (before starting)- speaks clearly and loudly!! Especially because in this reader's theater the piano will be playing while you speak, and everyone needs to hear what you are saying!!!

Have the primary listen carefully because the teacher will be asking for help and singing!!

You can invite children from the audience to hold up props or pictures for the songs you sing in the reader's theater. Then they can sit back down.

Have fun!!

Are you thinking what I'm thinking? The Iron Rod!!

I love FamilyFun Magazine!! At the end of the magazine is the Try This Now Section and this month's feature is "Pour Water Sideways".

Quote,

"You can defy gravity with this aqua-batic stunt. What to do:

Wet a length of yarn (ours measures about 3 feet) and tie it to the handle of a liquid measuring cup. Fill the cup approximately two-thirds full of water. Position the yarn over the spout, then place the loose end in a drinking glass. Hold the measuring cup about 1 1/2 feet from the glass and use your free hand to pull the yarn taut over the center of the glass, as shown. Beginning slowly (you may spill a little), pour the water along the yarn. When the water begins "stikcing", you can pout it more quickly. Make this trick even more drip defying by using a longer piece of yarn to see how far you can pour with no spills.

Why it Works: Water molecules like to stick together. In physics, this is called cohesion. By soaking the yarn first, you create a liquid surface for the stream of water to cling to."

I think this is a fantastic visual of how we need to cling and hold to the iron rod. First, take the measuring cup and pour it (without the string, up in the air like in the picture), the water goes all over. Then do this trick and we see how we can reach the cup or the tree of life by the word of God!! Love it!!!

1 Nephi 8: 19-20, 24, 30

19 And I beheld a rod of iron, and it extended along the bank of the river, and led to the tree by which I stood.
20 And I also beheld a strait and narrow path, which came along by the rod of iron, even to the tree by which I stood; and it also led by the head of the fountain, unto a large and spacious field, as if it had been a world.
24 And it came to pass that I beheld others pressing forward, and they came forth and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press forward through the mist of darkness, clinging to the rod of iron, even until they did come forth and partake of the fruit of the tree.
30 But, to be short in writing, behold, he saw other multitudes pressing forward; and they came and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press their way forward, continually holding fast to the rod of iron, until they came forth and fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree.

1 Ne. 11: 25
25 And it came to pass that I beheld that the rod of iron, which my father had seen, was the word of God, which led to the fountain of living waters, or to the tree of life; which waters are a representation of the love of God; and I also beheld that the tree of life was a representation of the love of God.

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