May 2017 LDS Primary Sharing Time Helps & Ideas

The Baptism by AC Williams

 

Monthly Theme: I Choose the Right When I Am Baptized and Confirmed a Member of the Church
Monthly Scripture: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” Acts 2:38

Week 1 As I repent, I can be forgiven.

* HERE is an interesting story of an apostle who did something naughty. It was actually pretty serious and before the lesson I'd do a brief review on why it is SO IMPORTANT not to play with fire or flammables!! Share the story with the children. Was he blessed that there was no serious damage?
     On the chalk board draw an image similar to this:

     There will be about 10 "sparks" (The yellow things on the fuse). The children will erase a spark before it's too late!!! To do so, they will need to answer a question or read a scripture about repentance.
     There are a few points Elder Renlund makes that we often don't talk about with repentance, but are important, that could easily be incorporated with your questions:
1. Do not blame others for our actions. Can you think of how Elder Renlund could have blamed the other boy? Why do you think he didn't?
2. Don't minimize a mistake- for example, "It's not that big." "No one was hurt."  Why is being "truly" sorry important?
3. Do not separate Heavenly Father from His commandments. It's not just something He's asked of us, certain things are sacred. When we do things that are not right, who can get hurt? Us, others, Heavenly Father and Jesus! They are hurt because They love us and want what's best for us.
      I really enjoy this quote from his talk, "Even as we feel godly sorrow for our actions,²¹ when we choose to repent, we immediately invite the Savior into our lives. As Amulek taught, “Come forth and harden not your hearts any longer; for behold, now is the time and the day of your salvation; and therefore, if ye will repent and harden not your hearts, immediately shall the great plan of redemption be brought about unto you.”²² We can feel godly sorrow for our actions and, at the same time, feel the joy of having the Savior’s help."
    Well, did we make it? Never play with fire!!! Steer clear of things that are wrong and choose the right!! If we do make mistakes though, we can repent and be forgiven!!!

* In the Primary Sharing Time Outline they have an excellent object lesson of rocks in shoes! Just to continue on, after for the lesson you could take 4 shoes and place them on a table up front. Have a primary friend come up to guess which shoe you put the rock in. (They might have to turn around while you put it in, or you can have a blanket to cover the shoes while you put the rock in) If they guess right on the first try, they get to keep the rock! In order to guess they need to answer a question or read a scripture having to do with repentance.

* HERE and HERE are good, simple reviews of what we need to do to repent and forgive.

* Have the a few children act out the story of the parable of the prodigal son. Why did Christ share this story? What does it mean for us? We can repent and be forgiven!! You can print out the following if you'd like to do a short reader's theater. Bring in some simple costumes!! (Mouse over the top right hand corner, a box with an arrow should appear. Click, then it will take you to a link where you can print)

Week 2 When I am baptized and confirmed, I am following Jesus’s example.

* HERE is a fun little activity from The Friend to do in small groups. Make sure they look up each scripture and read them!!

* HERE is the bible video from lds.org of Jesus getting baptized. HERE is a good article from The Friend with review questions already prepared.

* 7 times!!! Go over the story of Naaman with the children. HERE is a wonderful article to refresh your memory.

(Image from lds.org)

     Have little slips of paper in a hat with things for the entire primary to do 7 times. Blow a kiss, hop on one foot, push ups, high five a neighbor, say thank you to the primary pianist, click tongue, pat head and rub belly, move to the left 7 chairs, move to the right 7 chairs.... etc.
     Before a reverent primary friend is chosen to pick a paper for our game 7 times, have them answer a question on baptism. Here are some questions relating to the story of Naaman & baptism:
Naaman was considered unclean as a leper. How are people older than 8 unclean before baptism?
Naaman was angry that he had to go wash. He was not very humble. What is humility and why is it important for baptism?
Naaman finally washed in the river. What is obedience? How was Christ obedient?
Baptism by immersion is a symbol... of what?
How do you think Naaman felt after he was healed? How do you think people feel after they are baptized?
Can you tell us a little about the story of Jesus being baptized?
Have you been to a baptism before? Can you share your experience there briefly?
Why is baptism so important?
Can you have baptism without confirmation? Why not? ( “Baptism in water … must be followed by baptism of the Spirit in order to be complete” (see Bible Dictionary, “Baptism,” 618).
If you could meet Naaman what would you say to him or ask him?

Week 3 The Holy Ghost can help me.

* "Taking “the Holy Spirit for [our] guide” (D&C 45:57) is possible and is essential for our spiritual growth and survival in an increasingly wicked world. Sometimes as Latter-day Saints we talk and act as though recognizing the influence of the Holy Ghost in our lives is the rare or exceptional event. We should remember, however, that the covenant promise is that we may always have His Spirit to be with us. This supernal blessing applies to every single member of the Church who has been baptized, confirmed, and instructed to “receive the Holy Ghost.”
Elder Bednar That We May Always Have His Spirit to Be With Us April 2006
    Grab a backpack, hat, and a good walking stick. We are going on a guided hike today in primary!! Would you want to climb a really big mountain by yourself? Why or why not would it be a good idea? Is it helpful to have someone who knows the way? In the mountain of life, the Holy Ghost is our guide and he can help me!!
     Throughout the primary room have 10 pictures of things that might be dangerous on a hike with the following questions or scriptures:
     poison ivy - Isaiah 5:20 says, "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" How does the Holy Ghost help us tell the difference between good and evil?
     bear- When is a time you had a big challenge and the Holy Ghost helped you?
     falling rocks- We are "buried" in the water of what to enter the kingdom of heaven? (baptism) But it is not complete unless we do something else having to do with the Holy Ghost... what is that? (get confirmed, receive the Holy Ghost)
    stream crossing- JST John 1:31-33 " And John bare record, saying; When he was baptized of me, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him; for he who sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me; Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he who baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God."
     bees- In the book of Alma, a group of Lamanites starts to kill their brethren the anit-nephi-lehies and the scriptures say they were, "stung (in their hearts) for the murders which they had committed". We will never end up killing people, but the Holy Ghost can warn us! Is a warning helpful? How does the Holy Ghost warn us? What does He warn us about?
     hot sun- How do we feel on a sunny day? There are many different ways people feel the spirit!! "It is clear that each of us may hear and feel the communication of the Holy Ghost in a variety of ways. We should move beyond simply teaching children that they will have a warm feeling because they might not experience that feeling; they may receive inspiration in a different way....I was teaching a Sunday School lesson to relatively new converts, and I asked the question, “How do you feel the Spirit?” Their answers were very enlightening. One said, “I feel clarity in my thoughts.” Another said, “I have a warm feeling inside,” while another shared, “I feel a deep sense of peace.” A woman who had been a member for a few months said, “I feel prickles all over!” And several stated that they occasionally would “hear” a voice speaking to them or that new ideas would come to them."
Dec. 2013 Ensign Helping Children Recognize the Holy Ghost by Merrilee Browne Boyack
     log in the way- "Your testimony of Christ, born of the Holy Ghost, can help you look past the disappointing endings in mortality and see the bright future that the Redeemer of the world has prepared." President Uchtdorf Grateful in Any Circumstances April 2014 The Holy Ghost can help us by giving us this- something felt in our heart that makes us look forward to something better? (Hope!)
    storm clouds- Have the primary pianist play Master, the Tempest Is Raging (Hymns 105) and read or sing the words to the 1st verse and chorus. What feeling can the Holy Ghost give us when there are storms in life??
The following aren't dangers, but are needed on our hike!
     snack break - How do we feed our spirit and invite the Holy Ghost into our lives?
     water break- What does refresh mean?? Here is a story from lds.org, and when you hear the word refresh, touch your nose:
" I recall a testimony given by a young cadet attending the United States Air Force Academy.

He was experiencing great difficulty in passing his courses and was very discouraged. At this point, he met a Mormon cadet, and from him he learned that there were a number of Mormon boys attending the academy and that they met together at five o’clock each weekday morning in a religious study class. The cadet was invited to attend one of these classes. He did so and was deeply impressed by the wonderful spirit. He continued attending, met the missionaries, was given the discussions, and, through study, prayer, and attending church, received a testimony and was baptized. He bore witness that upon receiving the Holy Ghost he felt its influence quicken his mind and understanding and refresh his memory, and that thereafter he had no trouble in getting satisfactory grades. His feelings of discouragement left him, and a spirit of peace and comfort came over him. This was a most inspiring and impressive testimony of the great value of the Holy Ghost."

The Continuing Power of the Holy Ghost July 1973

Great job on the hike everyone!!! Bear testimony that no matter what we face on our path, the Holy Ghost can help us!!

 

Week 4 When I take the sacrament I renew my baptismal covenants.

* Makeover!! Transformation time!!  President David O. McKay said, “I feel impressed to emphasize what the Lord has designated as the most important meeting in the Church, and that is the sacrament meeting.” If we properly prepare for the sacrament, we can transform our lives."
     Prepare 10-12 questions on the sacrament and renewing our baptismal covenants. Enlist the help of your most wonderful primary pianist, or another willing teacher. Bring in some make up and hair styling products. Place them nicely on the table with maybe a couple necklaces or a shawl. Invite a primary child up front to answer a question and then TRANSFORM our primary pianist!!
     After the sharing time, WOW!!! What an amazing transformation or change!! Remember, like President McKay said, "If we properly prepare for the sacrament, we can transform our lives." We can change them for the better. Challenge the children to come up with 1 thing they can do next week to prepare for the sacrament and do it!!

* HERE is an awesome story about the sacrament!! After sharing it with the primary children, break out some paper and teach them how to make an easy origami project!! Have them bring it to sacrament next week to look at and remember to think of Jesus!

June 2015 LDS Primary Sharing Time Helps and Ideas

Celestial Fireworks Nasa.gov Hubble Space Telescope Image

Monthly Theme: The Holy Ghost Testifies of the Truth of All Things
Monthly Scripture: “By the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things” Moroni 10:5

Week 1 The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead.

* Make a memory match game, but with a twist. Make it all over the room instead of having everything up front. Have some papers on the backs of chairs, some on the floor, some on the walls, one on the piano, one on Sister Lovely's church bag....
     Some things that could go on your matches could be:
- a picture of Jesus & Heavenly Father appearing to Joseph Smith, Who is the third member of the Godhead? What did Joseph Smith's first vision teach us about the Godhead?
- a picture of the angel Moroni, "By the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things"
- a picture of a hand, What type of body does the Holy Ghost have? (Hint: D&C 130:22)
- a picture of Adam, How long has the Holy Ghost been on earth to help guide men? (Hint: 1 Nephi 19:10)
- a picture of a baptism, When does one receive the gift of the Holy Ghost?
(Remember, the power of the Holy Ghost anyone can experience, but the gift comes after baptism.)
- a picture of fire, "For those who receive this gift, the Holy Ghost acts as a cleansing agent to purify them and sanctify them from all sin. Thus it is often spoken of as “fire”." (From the Bible Dictionary)
- a picture from Jesus' mortal ministry, Was the Holy Ghost working among the Jews on earth when Jesus was on earth? This is a tricky one!
"For some reason not fully explained in the scriptures, the Holy Ghost did not operate in the fulness among the Jews during the years of Jesus’ mortal sojourn. Statements to the effect that the Holy Ghost did not come until after Jesus was resurrected must of necessity refer to that particular dispensation only, for it is abundantly clear that the Holy Ghost was operative in earlier dispensations.Furthermore, it has reference only to the gift of the Holy Ghost not being present, since the power of the Holy Ghost was operative during the ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus; otherwise no one would have received a testimony of the truths that these men   taught. " (Again Bible Dictionary)
- a picture of a brain, What does the Holy Ghost know? D&C 35:19 says, "All things."
- a picture of a number 5, What are some other names for the Holy Ghost?
Holy Spirit, Spirit of God, Spirit of the Lord, Comforter, and Spirit.
    You can make the matches just pictures, or a picture and then the question..... just go with what the spirit tells you!

* HERE is an excellent link to The Godhead, a sharing time from The Friend. I like the idea at the bottom of having 3 groups sing the 3 different songs (I Know My Father Lives, He Sent His Son, The Holy Ghost) and asking what they learned from those songs about that member of The Godhead. The mosaic would also be a great activity to take home!

* Invite 3 children up front who really love to play soccer. Have a soccer ball. Invite the 3 children to work together to score a goal (you can be the goalie). What are some of the different positions in soccer? Forward, goalie, defenders..... they are all separate people, but one in purpose! Just like the Godhead! The Godhead is unified/one in their purposes and goal of helping man achieve happiness and eternal life, but they are separate and distinct individuals. Break into 3 groups and sit in a circle. Have 3 soccer balls with 5-6 questions attached on them. Each ball's questions/scriptures should focus on a member of The Godhead.
   After a few minutes invite a child from each group up front to share something about that member of The Godhead.
   Bear testimony that The Godhead works as a team to help us. They love us very much!

* Good information about spirits to know:
"Remind the young men that a spirit looks like a body and is composed of matter....Explain that before Jesus Christ was born on earth, he had a spirit only. Before he was born, he appeared to the brother of Jared. The brother of Jared was surprised he could see the Savior. Jesus Christ showed his spirit, which looked like the physical body he would receive on earth. Ether 3:6–17" (From Aaronic Priesthood Manual 3 Lesson 1)

Week 2 The Holy Ghost speaks in a still, small voice.

* " I want to see men and women breathe the Holy Ghost in every breath of their lives, living constantly in the light of God’s countenance." President Brigham Young (Teachings of Brigham Young, Chapter 4)
    Take a minute to focus on our breathing. Have the children take a few deep breaths. Have them picture themselves under a giant oak tree, with sunlight coming through. Have them take their pointer finger and close off one nostril while they breath in, then switch their finger to their other nostril while they breath out.
     Does everyone feel peaceful right now? What do you think Brigham Young meant by that quote (there is no right or wrong answer!!)? Today in sharing time we are going to use still, small voices... which means we'll have to be extra reverent to be able to hear!!
     Have about 10 different pictures of things that are loud. A drum, a microphone, a lion, lightning/thunder.... on the back have questions, scriptures, or songs about the Holy Ghost. Once they have answered, have them put a large X over the picture.... because how does the Holy Ghost speak? In a still, small voice!
      Take a few more deep breaths. Repeat the Brigham Young quote. End the lesson by bearing testimony that we need to make sure we take the time to feel the Holy Ghost! Sometimes we really need to slow and down and listen... and breath!! He will speak to us in a still, small voice.

* 1 Kings 19:9-12 Have a few primary friends act out this story while you read. Have simple costumes: prophet robe and head covering, a few fans for the wind, a few rocks for the earthquake, a red & a yellow bandana to wave for fire. Have Elijah go under a table (his cave, you could even bring in a tablecloth to cover the back and sides) while you read.
     Sing Listen, Listen (CS 107). Have some small papers with questions or information about the Holy Ghost on them in a jar. Invite a reverent person to come to Elijah's cave and sit inside and read a paper from the jar. Or HERE is an easy fill in the blank activity from The Friend.

* HERE is a story about a little boy who listened to the still, small voice. You can read it or tell it in your own words to the children.
      Dig out a ball of white yarn. Create a primary spider web by having the children share something they know about the Holy Ghost, holding the yarn, then tossing the ball to another friend who can share something else about the Holy Ghost. The kids might need prompting, so have some questions or scripture stories in mind to help them move things along. Don't forget to have anyone share any personal experiences!!
    At the end, remind the boys and girls how the Holy Ghost can speak to us through a still, small voice... just like the boy in the story who didn't run into the spider's web!

* HERE is an excellent read for the week's lesson!! It has some great descriptions about how the Holy Ghost feels and EXCELLENT suggestions on how we can help our children hear the still, small voice!!! It's a MUST READ to prepare!!!

Week 3 The Holy Ghost can guide and protect us.

* To go along with the sharing time outline, my thoughts are the adults could dress SIMPLY as characters from The Book of Mormon who were guided or protected by the Holy Ghost. They would act in character, tell their story, and answer any questions from the children. Divide the children into groups. With 4-5 adults, you'd have about 2 minutes at each person. The adult would have to tell their story 4-5 times.
   Some ideas for people are Nephi (when he was able to get the brass plates 1 Nephi 4:6), Abish (the spirit guided her to tell the people what was going on with Ammon, the king, and queen Alma 19), Aminadab (he was in prison and saw Nephi & Lehi's face shine. He also witnessed the still, small voice Helaman 5:30), Aaron (son of Mosiah, guided by the spirit to the king of the Lamanites, the father of Lamoni. Helped to convert him Alma 22:1), Samuel the Lamanite (taught the word of The Lord and was protected from the stones and arrows, Helaman 16:2)
   
* HERE is a story (scroll down almost to the end) about personal protection from the life of Elder Oaks. I don't know if I'd share it in primary, but I would definitely share it in Family Home Evening. To quote him, "Just as I was about to make my move, I had a unique experience. I did not see anything or hear anything, but I knew something. I knew what would happen."

* If it is pouring rain outside, what will protect us from getting wet? An umbrella! Have an umbrella and choose a reverent child to come up front and choose a paper raindrop. HERE is a myriad of things President Woodruff went through as he was protected from death, put them on the paper raindrops.
     There are some excellent discussion questions at the end! He still had to endure many hardships, but his life was protected. The Holy Ghost can guide and protect us. Have a paper with an umbrella on it for the children to color and decorate. Have them write things they know to be true about The Holy Ghost.

* HERE is a story about a primary leader who was guided and protected by the Holy Ghost.
     Have about 10-12 paper fires. Bring in a toy fire truck. Sister Esplin says, "I know I had Heavenly Father’s help in knowing what I needed to do to put out the fire that day." The Holy Ghost can help us!! On the paper fires put questions, songs, scriptures having to do with the Holy Ghost. Let a child drive the truck to a fire and answer the question.
     When we are worthy, the Holy Ghost will help to put out our fires and problems. Make a goal to do something this week that will help invite the spirit to be felt!

Week 4 By the power of the Holy Ghost, we may know the truth of all things.

* HERE is an excellent poem from The Friend that would make a good handout.

* D&C 91:4 "Therefore, whoso readeth it, let him understand, for the Spirit manifesteth truth."
     Make bookmarks with this scripture on it!
   
* Break into groups and read the following. For younger children, teachers can read:
President Uchtdorf has said, "It was less than a century ago that most astronomers assumed that our Milky Way galaxy was the only galaxy in the universe.They supposed all that lay beyond our galaxy was an immense nothingness, an infinite void—empty, cold, and devoid of stars, light, and life. As telescopes became more sophisticated—including telescopes that could be launched into space—astronomers began to grasp a spectacular, almost incomprehensible truth: the universe is mind-bogglingly bigger than anyone had previously believed, and the heavens are filled with numberless galaxies, unimaginably far away from us, each containing hundreds of billions of stars.
     Scientists were struggling to understand the breadth of the universe until instruments became sophisticated enough to gather in greater light so they could understand a more complete truth.

     The Apostle Paul taught a parallel principle regarding spiritual knowledge. “The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God,” he wrote to the Corinthians, “for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” In other words, if you want to recognize spiritual truth, you have to use the right instruments...

     I offer you my personal witness that spiritual truth will fill your heart and bring light to your spirit. It will reveal to you pure intelligence with wonderful joy and heavenly peace. I have experienced this for myself by the power of the Holy Ghost.

     If you seek God’s truth, that which now may appear dim, out of focus, and distant will gradually be revealed and clarified and become close to your heart by the light of God’s grace. Glorious spiritual vistas, unimaginable to the human eye, will be revealed to you." (Oct. 2014 General Conference Receiving a Testimony of Light and Truth)

   The Holy Ghost is the telescope that helps us to see all the stars! It helps us to know the truth of all things! Bring in some pictures of other galaxies, nebulas.... how does it make you feel to know that God has given you a way to know truth?

    Bring in some yellow paper stars. Let the children write down some things they know to be true on them. Have them put in a box and share a few! Challenge the children to take 2-5 minutes on a warm night and look up into the stars. What truth will the Holy Ghost tell them as they look up??

 

* Jacob 4:13 "For the Spirit speaketh the truth and lieth not. Wherefore, it speaketh of things as they really are, and of things as they really will be; wherefore, these things are manifested unto us plainly, for the salvation of our souls..."

   Play a game called, TELL THE TRUTH! Invite each child to write down something TRUE about themselves, with their name on the back. Younger children will need help writing down their idea. Put all the TRUTHS in a small bag. Draw out a couple truths and have the primary children guess who that truth is about.

    In between each round of the game/drawing out truths, have questions and scriptures about the Holy Ghost for the children to answer or read. At the very end, share your truth. My truth is that I know the Holy Ghost will help us know the truth of all things. He is our special friend! He will help, guide, and comfort us!

May 2009 LDS Primary Sharing Time Helps and Ideas

River Jordan image courtesy creative commons license flickr.com by Cajie march 2006

May Theme: Baptism and confirmation are ordinances that bless my family.
May Scripture: “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” ( John 3:5).

Week 1 Baptism is the first ordinance of the gospel.

* Call up a couple families before hand and write down some interesting "birth" stories of some of the children in primary. (You can also get pictures from the parents of the primary children's first picture when they were a newborn) Have children hold the baby pictures while you tell the stories. Can we come into this world any other way than being born? Can we fly a spaceship from the pre-existence down to earth? "Just as we cannot have mortal life without physical birth, so we cannot enter the kingdom of God except by being born of the water and of the Spirit. John 3:5" (Doctrines of the Gospel Student Manual p.42 Introduction) Being born is the first thing we do in life as Baptism is the first ordinance of the Gospel.

* Gather a bunch (or make out of paper) 1st place ribbons. (Scratch out the word place so it will just be a large 1st on the ribbons) Hide the ribbons throughout the room and attach questions, scriptures and songs to them. When the child finds one they can come to the front and answer/read on a special podium (Sturdy box). The first ordinance is Baptism and all who follow God's commandments are winners!
- Another adaption to this idea is having them do something physical to earn a ribbon, like 10 push ups or 5 jumping jacks. Then answer the question on the ribbon. How many ribbons can you earn as a primary? Baptism is the first ordinance of the Gospel and starts us out "strong" on our path back to Heavenly Father and Jesus.

* Hold up a piece of paper. Will this paper stay the same always? Have a child come up and crumple it. It's not the same anymore, it's wrinkled and you can't draw on it. Hold up a flower. Will this flower stay the same always? How will it change? Hold up a piece of fruit. How will it change? Is there anything in life that doesn't change?

Read 2 Nephi 27: 23, "For behold, I am God; and I am a God of miracles; and I will show unto the world that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and I work not among the children of men save it be according to their faith."
Baptism is the first ordinance of the gospel and has been taught since the days of Adam. Divide into groups and have them draw pictures of the following people who taught/practiced baptism. Have them hold up their pictures and read the scriptures. Helpful scriptures for groups include Moses 6:64-66, Moses 7:11 (Enoch was also commanded), Noah preached Moses 8:23-24, Ancient Israelites 1 Nephi 20:1, Nephites/Lamanites Alma 19:35-36, Jesus Matthew 3:13-17, Philip Acts 8:37-39, Joseph Smith D&C 13.
Give their pictures to the missionaries to help new investigators learn about baptism.

* Definition of Ordinance: "In the Church, an ordinance is a sacred, formal act performed by the authority of the priesthood. Some ordinances are essential to our exaltation. These ordinances are called saving ordinances. They include baptism, confirmation, ordination to the Melchizedek Priesthood (for men), the temple endowment, and the marriage sealing. With each of these ordinances, we enter into solemn covenants with the Lord." (From Gospel Library- Gospel Topics)

Have a children see how well they can listen and follow directions. Give each child a piece of paper (Or just have one come up to the front to demonstrate) and pencil. You say slowly, giving them time for each step: Draw a vertical line from the top of the page down to the bottom. Draw another vertical line 4 finger spaces to the side of that from the top of the page down to the bottom. You will have 2 lines on your paper now. Add 6 small horizontal, side to side lines in between the two large lines. Have them hold up their papers in the air and look around. Does everyone have ladders? Have them do one more thing, circle the bottom line- the first step on the ladder.

" The first saving ordinance is baptism. Thus, with baptism, to use the Prophet Joseph Smith’s metaphor, we step onto the ladder. Once on the ladder, there are more steps to take. Climbing the ladder requires many things: the saving grace of our Savior, our own faith and repentance and good works, and the assistance of the priesthood... Of course, this journey up the ladder was not destined to be traveled alone: we have others to assist us. The righteous family unit is destined to last forever." David E. Sorensen Member of the 2nd Quorum of the 70, “Why Baptism Is Not Enough,” Ensign, Apr 1999, 16

Week 2 Jesus Christ was baptized.

* See HERE for a reader's theatre.

Week 3 I will be baptized and confirmed.

* Invite 2 or 3 new converts to BRIEFLY (As in 2-3 minutes each) share their conversion story when they were baptized and confirmed - to the primary children.

* Have a glass of water half full. Explain that this is like baptism. We also need to be confirmed!! Pour in more water until the glass is full. "Baptism by water is but half a baptism, and is good for nothing without the other half—that is, the baptism of the Holy Ghost” Joseph Smith (History of the Church, 5:499)

* Make Family Home Evening Kits to take home. Have them choose from a couple different 8 X 10 baptism pictures; GAK 108, 208, 309, 601. (You can make $0.35 color copies or print off your computer) Another possibility is these pictures (Scroll down to baptism and click) from the friend (They are black and white and the children could color them, then cut them into 12 pieces) On the bottom of each picture have "I will be baptized and confirmed."

Have the children cut the pictures into 12 pieces, then on the back write the numbers 1-12. The FHE is putting together the puzzle and answering the questions. This article from the friend has 12 questions/answers you will have to number and then make copies to put in the kits. While the children are putting things together, discuss the questions and possible songs they could sing for the FHE.

For the kits you could put the pieces in Ziploc bags and have a manila envelope or file folder for them to contain everything.

* Plain Words About Baptism An excellent felt board presentation from the friend!!

* Vicki F. Matsumori is brilliant and writes, "Sharing Time: Example of the Believers,” Friend, Aug 2003, 47 "Display GAK 208 (“John the Baptist Baptizing Jesus”) and have the children help retell the events of the Savior’s baptism. Sing “Baptism” (pp. 100–101).

On word strips, write categories about things related to baptism, such as THINGS FOUND AT A BAPTISM, PEOPLE FROM THE SCRIPTURES WHO WERE BAPTIZED, ORDINANCES OF THE CHURCH, THINGS I PROMISE WHEN I AM BAPTIZED, REASONS TO BE BAPTIZED, WAYS I CAN HONOR MY BAPTISMAL COVENANT.

Divide the children into groups. Display one of the category papers and have a child in the first group give one example that fits the category. For example, for THINGS FOUND AT A BAPTISM, items might be an eight-year-old child, the parents, the missionaries, white clothing, water, a font, the bishop or branch president, witnesses, speakers, and music. Have each group suggest one thing for the category. If a group is unable to give an answer, it drops out of the game until the next category. Have the remaining groups continue until there is one group left. Repeat the process with the remaining categories.

Sing “When I Am Baptized” (p. 103). Bear testimony of the blessings received at baptism, and express gratitude for your membership in the Church."

Week 4 My family is blessed as we follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost.

* Come up with different case scenarios. As the children answer the scenarios have them come up and build a home out of legos or lincoln logs. We build our homes and our families are blessed when we follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost. A couple examples of case scenarios could include Matt and his brother are going camping. They get a feeling they shouldn't go into the woods alone. What should they do? Where does that warning feeling come from? How is their family blessed? Or Linda is out shopping with her mother. There is a really cute skirt she'd like to buy but it comes above the knees and is a little tight. What would the Holy Ghost probably tell the girl or mother? How would they be stronger as a family by following the promptings of modesty?

* Draw a maze on the chalkboard. Have a family on one end and on the other a picture of the temple. Blindfold a child and give them a piece of chalk, ask another child to quietly help them get the family to the temple. The Holy Ghost leads and guides us and when we follow it's promptings our families are blessed.

* 2 Nephi 32: 2 "Do ye not remember that I said unto you that after ye had received the Holy Ghost ye could speak with the tongue of angels? And now, how could ye speak with the tongue of angels save it were by the Holy Ghost? "

Ask the children to come up with as many kind words they can say to family members. Make a list on the chalk board. All these words come by the Holy Ghost and bless our families. Have the children make thank-you notes using words from the board for different family members

* Have a stick that a child can come up to break. Have a bunch of sticks, can a child break this? When we follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost we add sticks to our family and make our family stronger.

"Nothing in this life is of greater worth than the supernal gift of the Holy Ghost. It is the source of joy, peace, knowledge, strength, love, and every other good thing. With the Atonement, it is the power by which we may be changed and made strong where we are weak. With the priesthood, it is the power by which marriages and families are sealed together eternally." Lawrence E. Corbridge, "The Way," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 35

* Ask the children how they are doing. Is today a special day or holiday? Do they have any reason to rejoice today?

"Through the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, every member of the Church can receive 'the words of Christ' directly (2 Nephi 32:3), at any time or place. This personal divine guidance helps us to remain valiant in the testimony of Jesus Christ and endure to the end of our days. Isn't this wonderful! "Have we not reason to rejoice?" Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Have We Not Reason to Rejoice?" Ensign, Nov. 2007, 20

So today is a special day! Everyday that we follow the promptings of the spirit is a special day and our family will be blessed!

You Are My Sunshine

Tomorrow is Sister C's baptism and I was asked to give a talk on the Holy Ghost. I post this for my own records but also because it can EASILY be adapted to a great Family Home Evening or possible sharing time. Should you write your own talks? Yes!! How else do you expect to get closer to Heavenly Father. But at the same time, these are some wonderful modern day revelations given that can greatly bless and enrich your life, so please enjoy.

What to do:

I made a posterboard of a giant sun with a picture of Christ and 2 little children in the middle. I then made 6 storm clouds to cover the sun and on the back of each cloud was a question (correspondingly found below). I started off with a quote from President Henry B. Eyring and also closed with a quote from him adding of course my own personal testimony. I was going to have Sister C (Who is 8 years old) take off the clouds and help answer the questions with me adding additional information from the prophets and scriptures.

Henry B. Eyring (Because He first Loved Us p.4), “The truth of most worth is to know God our Heavenly Father, His Son, Jesus Christ and Their plan for us to have eternal life with Them in families. When God communicates that priceless truth to us, He does it by the Spirit of Truth. We have to ask for it in prayer. Then He sends us a small part of that truth by the Spirit. It comes to our hearts and minds. It feels good, like the light from the sun shining through the clouds on a dark day.”

The Storm Delayed by Ms.Kathleen June 13, 2007

1. Who is the 3rd member of the Godhead?
"The holy ghost is the third member of the Godhead. He is a Spirit, in the form of a man… The Holy Ghost is a personage of Spirit, and has a spirit body ONLY. He mission is to bear witness of the Father and the Son and of all truth." Joseph Fielding Smith Doctrines of Salvation 1:38
2. What are some things the Holy Ghost does?
Comforter
Sanctifier- “He is also a cleansing agent… we can pray for the Holy Ghost to be our companion with assurance He will come. When we ask in faith, a change can come in our natures.” Henry B Eyring Because He first Loved Us p.149
Teacher
Revelator
3. Can you have the Holy Ghost with you any time and any place?
"This Comforter is, by his influence, to be a CONSTANT companion to every baptized person, and to administer unto the members of the Church by revelation and guidance, knowledge of the truth that they may walk in its light." Joseph Fielding Smith Answers to Gospel Questions 2:149-150
BUT “Sin in any form offends the Holy Ghost. You must not do anything or go anywhere that offends the Spirit. You cannot afford that risk.” Henry B. Eyring Because He first Loved Us p.177
4. What invites the Holy Ghost to be close to us?
Prayer, Scripture study, doing good!!
Henry B. Eyring Because He first Loved Us p.15 “Whatever invites the Holy Ghost to be your companion will bring you greater wisdom and greater ability to obey God.”
5. What does Moroni 10:5 say?
6. Who is the Holy Spirit of Promise?
“The Holy Spirit of Promise is the Holy Ghost who places the stamp of approval upon every ordinance: baptism, confirmation, ordination, marriage. The promise is that the blessings will be received through faithfulness… Every ordinances is sealed with a promise of a reward based on faithfulness. The Holy Spirit withdraws the stamp of approval where covenants are broken.” Smith Doctrines of Salvation 1:45

Henry B. Eyring Because He first Loved Us p.150 You, sweet Sister C and all of us, “Must choose to receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost. The words of confirmation into the Church are an invitation: “Receive the Holy Ghost.” And that choice must be made not once, but every day, every hour, every minute.”

The Holy Ghost will prompt me to repent and live righteously after I am baptized and confirmed. August Sharing Time Helps and Ideas for Week 2

The following are some reader’s theatres I wrote for Senior sharing time based HEAVILY off the following articles from the Ensign:

1.Born Again by Elder D. Todd Christofferson (May Ensign 2008)

2.Elder Quentin L. Cook A Willing Heart and Mind by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland (April Ensign 2008)

3.President Thomas S. Monson In the Footsteps of the Master by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland (A supplement to the Ensign June 2008)

All quotes are from the apostles and are directly from these articles or from scriptures.

*Reminder NO ONE READS ITALISIZED PARTS, they just do what it says.

*You will need a script for everyone one or two people.

*Simple costumes always a plus!

*With a reader’s theatre it’s more reading than acting out, so I always have the children sit in a circle and encourage energetic reading.

*Be aware of children who might not read as well. There are smaller parts incorporated for them.

*Our children really need to know who our current apostles are. They teach us this week's principle beautifully. Let's get to know them!

*The children could be divided in groups and then asked to read to the primary, or you could just read them through all together. Pray for guidance.

Reader’s Theatre #1

By Sofia Lykes

Parts Needed:

Narrator #1

Mystery Apostle #1

Elder Boyd K. Packer

President Joseph Fielding Smith

Alma

Nephi

Narrator 1: I have been baptized and was confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I look to the Savior and His servants the prophet to teach me. Which apostle is this?

Mystery Apostle #1: “My patriarchal blessing, received at age 13 from a beloved grandfather, includes this statement: “(Your Heavenly Father) sent you forth in this last and glorious dispensation that you might be born under the new and everlasting covenant by goodly, righteous parents.”

Narrator 1: Wait a second, I’m confused. What is the new and everlasting covenant?

Elder Boyd K. Packer: Hello. I’m Elder Boyd K. Packer and I think I can answer your question. But first, let’s see if anyone here can answer what is the new and everlasting covenant?(Let the primary children have a shot at this question)In the book I wrote, The Holy Temple, I quote President Joseph Fielding Smith, “The new and everlasting covenant is the sun total of all covenants and obligations… baptism is A new and everlasting covenant.”

President Joseph Fielding Smith: Well said. Well said.

Narrator: Thanks! I know now that baptism and all the covenants we make were very important to our mystery apostle.

Mystery Apostle #1: “Alma pled, “O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me, who am in the gall of bitterness, and am encircled about by the everlasting chains of death” Alma 36:18. Forgiveness came to him and he stood and publicly confessed: “I have repented of my sins, and have been redeemed of the Lord; behold I am born of the Spirit.”

Alma: Well said. Well said. My friend Nephi also has some wise words on the subject.

Nephi: Alma, you are too kind! All the words we speak are wise because they are given to us from Heavenly Father. I’d just like to add, “For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost.”

Narrator 1: By fire?

All: By fire AND by the Holy Ghost!

Mystery Apostle #1: “Let us not be content to retain some disposition to do evil. Let us worthily partake of the sacrament each week and continue to draw upon the Holy Spirit to root out… impurity within us.”

Narrator #1: That is so deep. The Holy Ghost will prompt me to repent and live righteously after I am baptized and confirmed. Thanks… but one more question. Who is our mystery apostle?

Mystery Apostle #1: (Holds up Picture) I’m one of the newest apostles, Elder D. Todd Christofferson!

Ask the children to think of 2 things they learned from this script. Call on a few to share their thoughts. If there is dead silence:How does the Holy Spirit root out impurities?Why are you grateful for the Holy Ghost?What was your baptism like?How has your baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost influenced your life?

Reader’s Theatre #2

By Sofia Lykes

Parts Needed:

Narrator #2

Joe

Mystery Apostle #2

Concerned Girl

Narrator #2: The Holy Ghost will prompt me to repent and live righteously after I am baptized and confirmed.

Joe: I sure do love my little brother! He has a big heart and is always thinking of others. Once when we were in elementary school in Logan UT we had a fire drill. I was the fire drill captain and I was in 6th grade.

Mystery Apostle #2: “I was in first grade.”

Joe: Everyone was out and I thought we were going to set a record and “Go down in history. Then just as fame seemed within…” my grasp someone said….

Concerned Girl: Oh no! This is terrible! Someone is still in the building! Hey, is that Joe’s little brother?? Boy, Joe, you sure do look mad.

Joe: Mad? Mad? “What on earth were you doing!!!”

Mystery Apostle #2: I “held up a pair of large worn boots and said, Joe you know that (I mentioned a friends name) sometimes has to wear hand me down shoes that are too big for him. When the fire drill rang, he took off running and ran right out of these. He didn’t want to ruin the drill, so he left them and ran outside barefoot. I went back to get his boots for him because I didn’t want his feet to be cold in the snow.”

Narrator #2: Our mystery apostle learned at a very young age how to be kind. When we listen to the Holy Ghost he encourages us to do things that are kind and charitable. The Holy Ghost helps us to make good choices.

Concerned Girl: In D&C 18:18 it says, “Ask the Father in my name, in faith believing that you shall receive, and you shall have the Holy Ghost, which manifesteth all things which are expedient unto the children of men.”

Joe: Later on in life, I had a difficult choice to make on whether to serve a mission or go to medical school.

Mystery Apostle #2: “I was 15 years old.”

Joe: I talked with my brother well into the night. My obligation was clear and I left for a mission soon after.

Concerned Girl: That conversation profoundly affected our young Mystery Apostle. He had always had a testimony of the Savior… but he had yet to receive a spiritual witness that confirmed their certain reality. After he and Joe parted that night, our mystery apostle knelt in prayer, a witness he desired with all his heart. And it came in a way so powerful that any doubts he had were swept away forever.

Mystery Apostle #2: I am Elder Quentin L. Cook.

Narrator #2: From these times in Elder Quentin L. Cook’s life, we can see the Holy Ghost can have a lot of good influence in our lives if we allow him in!

Ask the children to think of 2 things they learned from this script. Call on a few to share their thoughts. If there is dead silence:Can the Holy Ghost be with us even though we are not apostles?What would you have done if your little brother or sister ruined something important to you to show kindness to another person?Have you ever had a witness that came in a way so powerful that you don’t have any doubts? Would you like to share what that felt like?

Reader’s Theatre #3

By Sofia Lykes

Parts Needed:

Narrator #3
Narrator #4

Melissa Georgell

Tommy

YM Advisor

Narrator #3: Prepare yourselves. This is an awesome reader’s theatre. You will be amazed by the talented readers! By the good looks of our charming actors! And I even give an amazing fact about hawks!

Narrator #4: But more importantly, you will learn about the Holy Ghost. How it can help us repent and live righteously after we are baptized and confirmed.

Narrator #3: Right! Now on to the action.

Melissa Georgell: (crying into hands)" Oh Tommy! I am so sad because the boys in particular do not behave during primary."

Tommy: “I had a lot of energy and found it difficult to sit patiently in a class.” Narrator #4: But still, the young Tommy asked…

Tommy: “May I help, Sister Georgell?”

Melissa Georgell: “Would you??”

Narrator #3: she said with a smile on her face. "Young Tommy agreed and the Primary’s disciplinary problems ceased that moment.”

Narrator #4: He repented, stopped that behavior and was guided by the Holy Ghost to do great things the rest of his life. He helped many inactive young men come back to church because of a leader who knew of his love of birds.

YM Advisor: “How would you like me to give you a pair of purebred Birmingham Roller pigeons?”

Narrator #3: "The female of the pair was special and had one eye, the other damaged by a cat. Tommy kept the pigeons for 10 days and then let them free to see who would come back. The male pigeon came back but not the female, she went back to the advisor’s home. When Tom went to get the pigeon back the advisor told him…."

YM Advisor: "There’s a boy in our teacher’s quorum who isn’t active."

Tommy: “I’ll have him at quorum meeting this week.”

Narrator #4: The next time Tommy released his pigeons, the same thing happened. The male pigeon came home, but the female flew to the advisor’s home. This happened many times and each time Tommy went to get his bird the advisor would talk to him about a boy that was inactive.

Tommy: “I was a grown man before I fully realized that indeed, Harold, my advisor had given me a special pigeon, the only bird in his loft he knew would return every time she was releaed. It was his inspired way of having an ideal personal priesthood interview with the teachers quorum president every two weeks. Because of those interviews and that old one-eyed pigeon, every boy in that teacher’s quorum became active.”

Narrator #3: Wow! I never knew that about President Thomas S. Monson! That is way too cool! I personally prefer Hawks and Eagles to pigeons. Don't get me started. Did you know that the Hawk is the fastest creature on earth and has been clocked at speeds of 200 MPH during a dive?
Narrator #4: Ok. Focus Narrator #3. More importantly we learn about how the Holy Ghost helped the Young Men’s advisor in an inspired way. The Holy Ghost also helped President Monson to make good choices and help his inactive friends. I am so grateful for baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost!

All: We are too! The Holy Ghost will prompt me to repent and live righteously after I am baptized and confirmed.

Ask the children to think of 2 things they learned from this script. Call on a few to share their thoughts. If there is dead silence:How do you know President Monson is a true prophet?Can we read 1 Nephi 13:37, 2 Nephi 33:1, Article of Faith 1, Moses 5:58, Amos 3:7

Junior Sharing Time
You will need write the stories into your own words and have the kids act it out. Have them be animals, trees, the apostles... Have plenty of props! You can even have them say certain things, just be sure to PROMPT them.