Straw in the Manger

One activity my family discovered last year is "Prepearing the Manger for the Baby Jesus" Click here for the story. All you need is something to represent the manger, slips of paper with everyone's name on it, and a hat.

This is a great way to think more about Jesus this holiday season!

Thanksgiving

This FHE is really just a bunch of Thanksgiving stories and activities for you to choose from. So there some links, and you can choose what will be the best for your family!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Click HERE for Scholastic.com, First Thanksgiving activites

Click HERE for fun "First Thanksgiving" activities and ideas.

"Thanksgiving Surprise" Nov. 06 Friend

"The First Thanksgiving in Utah" Nov. 2004 Friend

Gratitude

My Cousin gave me this idea. In her preschool blog, she suggested that for the month of November you can make a family gratitude journal. We dubbed ours our "Thanksgiving Thankful Book".

The idea is that each night of the month...we started ours yesterday...everyone in the family adds something they are thankful for in the journal.

The catch is that there can be no repeats! This allows for the typical family, food and home entries, but also requires that you dig a bit deeper too in finding new things each day!

(Gideon is in a world of hurt, because he has already said he is thankful for trains!)

Our family has decided to keep the journal for a few years, (till the paper runs out) and make it a family tradition!

General Conference

I am really excited about this online book club my sister told me about.

It goes over one General Conference talk a week. Then in the comments section you can write what you felt about each talk. She posts a new talk each Sunday, and you have all week to read and listen to it. I am excited because I always start out after conference with the goal to read it all before the next one, and always run out of steam part way through.

I am going to try it. If you are interested click the button that says "General Conference Book Club" on the right of the screen!

Trying something a bit different...

So as many of you heard, we are trying something a bit different in our FHE's.


Sister Lifferth First Councellor in the Primary General Presidency said this about teaching our children reverence:

"Begin early and have reasonable expecations" (click quote for entire talk)

We are simplifying our FHE's to make our expectations more reasonable. Before we start we tell the kids that we are reading a story and ask them to try to sit still and listen because we will ask questions at the end.

Tonight we pulled out the friend and read the article "Making Friends, A Family in Tune" (scroll down to page 20)

It was a really cute article about how important the music of the church is for two children. It also talks about how they would play "Name That Tune" with their family. After we asked questions we also decided we would play "Name That Tune". I played the beginning notes for some of the primary songs that I knew the kids know. It was cute! Maddie won the game when she guessed "Feliz Cumpleaños" in two notes!

Spinning Plates

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I feel terrible I didn't get this published till today. My Husband wrote out this lesson on Sunday after I begged him to. (being called to primary I missed the combined meeting with the Stake Presidency.) Then life got crazy on Monday and I didn't sit down and finish it up.

BUT in the true spirit of this lesson, I am not going to spend time feeling guilty about it, I am simply going to do it now. I have a FEW less plates going on at the moment than I did on Monday.

Lesson:


(Show the video...by clicking on the above picture)


In church today (4/26/09) the stake presidency spoke about simplifying our lives. The analogy was given about plate spinners. Our lives are like the plate spinners and the activities that take up our time are the plates.


Go through the family and discuss what each individual's plates are. Talk about which ones are "urgent" and which ones are "the most important." Examples: (Urgent) the test coming up tomorrow, or the book report that was due yesterday that they gave you an extra day on, (The Most Important) reading your scriptures, attending the temple.


The Urgent things have to get done. But sometimes they crowd out the things that are the most important.


Now discuss the things that can be cut out with the proper planning. We also discussed how we can share our plates with others lightening our load. My daughter came up with the idea that if we all pick up a little bit around the house Mommy has one less plate that she has to keep spinning. (I thought that was pretty cool that she came up with that with only a little bit of "direction" from Daddy)

Testify that Heavenly Father wants us to find joy in our lives, and as we take steps to simplify our lives we will be able to find that joy.

Family Talent Show

This was a fun and simple FHE.

(We actually did it just as the activity portion of FHE.)

After the lesson (on emergencies and safety...more on that one later) everyone had the opportunity to present a talent to the family. The fun part of this was getting to help the kids prepare their talents. When I told my daughter we were going to do a talent show she said "But I don't have a talent!" We then brainstormed MANY talents that she had and could present to us. As the list grew she started to get excited and said "Hey! I can draw! Could I draw a picture for Talent Night?"

It was fun, we had singing, dancing, and artwork displayed. The best part was watching the kids feel good about themselves, and their many talents.

General Conference

I can't believe General Conference is only a week away! I love attempting to prepare my kids for this by doing a FHE lesson the week before conference. This year I used several resources. Sugardoodle, Deseret Book, and lds.org)

Opening Song: Follow the Prophet (pg. 110 Children's Songbook) We like to take a picture of President Monson and have the kids follow his picture around the room while they are singing.

Lesson: To begin the lesson I wrote the letters P-R-O-P-H-E-T on 7 different 3x5 cards. We laid them face down on the table and the kids were able to guess what letters were on the other sides of the papers. (My son only knows the letters T and G so he was excited to be able to guess one of the letters.)

As the letters were guessed I turned them over. When all the letters were over we discussed 1. What a prophet is, 2. Who the prophet is 3. What conference is.

Activity: We played "Prophet and Apostle Match" I printed the cards from this link. In previous years I have printed them twice, and just used the pictures.

Closing Song: Latter Day Prophets Pg. 134

Additional Ideas:

Conference Packets

2009 Sugardoodle

2009 Ultimate Conference Packet (also from sugardoodle)

Another Conference Packet

Conference Baskets

Baskets (check out the link on this blog for even more ideas)

Another Basket Idea

Conference Bingo

Make your own Bingo Cards with this clipart

Premade Bingo Cards

A Great Lesson on Manners!

When my daughter answered the phone with "What?" the red flag went up...we need to work on our manners in this household. So I have been looking for a good lesson on manners for my kids.

Yesterday I found one!

Here is a link to the lesson: The Family Home Evening Spot

I really love this blog, and hope that "FHE in the Valle" will someday be full of topics like this one. Hope you enjoy!

I have been getting together some lessons on The Articles of Faith. Since I have posted other lessons since I started putting these lessons together, they are not coming up as the most current post. Feel free to use the labels or scroll through the lessons to find and use them.

I will be putting them all up over the next few weeks.

Thanks! Jana

Book of Mormon Stories

Preparation: Gather pictures of favorite scripture stories. (Gospel Art Kit (GAK), or you could even use the GAK on lds.org)

Song: Book of Mormon Stories

Allow each family member to choose a picture. Then each person gets to tell the story in their own words. We even had my little 3 year old tell a story with the help of his Dad.

After each story is told, ask the question "What can we learn from this story?" We had a great time telling stories, and discussing how they apply to our lives today.

Song: Tell me the Stories of Jesus

Article of Faith #1

The Godhead.

Opening Song: I Know My Father Lives

Scripture: We believe in God the Eternal Father, and in His Son Jesus Christ and in the Holy Ghost. Article of Faith 1:1



Discussion: You are special! You know many things. Do you know someone who knows everything? Three glorious persons do know everything: God, the Eternal Father; His Son, Jesus Christ; and the Holy Ghost. They are the three members of the Godhead. When the Prophet Joseph Smith wrote the Articles of Faith, he knew that it was important for us to know about the Godhead and to understand how the members are alike and how they are different. “The Father has a body of flesh and bones . . . ; the Son also; but the Holy Ghost . . . is a personage of Spirit (D&C 130:22) God the Eternal Father is the father of everyone. He is kind, and he loves you and all his children. Because he loves you, he sent his Son Jesus Christ to be your Savior and to be an example for you to follow. Heavenly Father also wanted someone to always be near you to help you and to teach you, so he sent the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost helps you make right choices.



Scripture Activity: The scriptures help us learn about each member of the Godhead. After you read each characteristic and have read the scripture reference, color the spaces in the picture as listed. (Younger children may color while you read the scriptures to them; older children may take turns reading the scriptures.) You may color the title “The Godhead” any color you choose. When you finish you may outline the letters you see in black, and hang your beautiful mosaic in your room.



Activities: Have the children sit in a circle and pass a beanbag to each other while music is being played. When the music stops, the child holding the beanbag shares a characteristic of a member of the Godhead. Sing the following songs from the Children’s Songbook. After singing each song, have the children talk about the characteristics of the Godhead they discovered from the song. Songs & page numbers: I Know My Father Lives pp. 5, He Sent His Son pp. 34, The Holy Ghost pp. 105.



Closing Song: The First Article of Faith


This Lesson was created by Nicole Crawley ~ Thank you Nicole!

Article of Faith # 2

Preparation: GAK 101 & a stick
Opening Song: Follow the Prophet verse 1
Scripture: A of F 1:2
We believe that men will be punished for their own sins and not for Adam’s transgression.

Story: And Not for Adam’s Transgression

Discussion: (Use GAK 101 for visual aid)
Adam and his wife, Eve, were the first people Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, placed on the newly created earth. Adam and Eve were happy in their beautiful home in the Garden of Eden, for they had been given everything they could want for food and for pleasure. They knew nothing of evil, and their world was all good. Often they would talk with God. He told them that everything had been made for them to enjoy except one tree – the tree of knowledge of good and evil – and that they should neither touch nor eat the fruit of that tree, for it they did, they would be punished. Adam promised that they would not disobey this commandment. One day Satan tempted Eve and Adam, and they disobeyed the Lord and ate the fruit that had been forbidden. This act is known as “Adam’s transgression.” And when they had eaten, they were cast out of the Garden of Eden and became as mortals as we are. And the Lord told them that someday they would die. No longer did Adam and Eve have the blessing of talking with the Lord. Their life became very different in their new world outside the Garden of Eden. They had to work hard to plow the field and grow crops so that they could provide food for themselves and their children.

Everyday you have choices to make, just as Adam and Eve did, and each choice has a consequence or result. If you choose not to sleep, as a consequence you will be tired. If you choose not to eat, as a consequence you will be hungry. When you choose to read the scriptures, you can learn Heavenly Father’s words. When you draw near to Heavenly Father in prayer, He will hear you and will draw near to you and listen.

(Object lesson) Making a choice is like picking up a stick. When you pick up one end of the stick, the other end always comes with it. When you make a choice, a consequence always comes with it.

Some consequences come quickly after you make a choice. Sometimes you may not recognize a consequence until long after you make the choice. But eventually there is always a consequence.

The consequence of a right choice is a blessing from Heavenly Father. You have made important choices in the past and received blessings. When you liven in Heaven, you made a choice to follow Heavenly Father’s plan. The consequence of making that right choice was the blessing of coming to earth and obtaining a body. Now that you are on earth Heavenly Father wants you to continue to make right choices so that you can receive more blessings and be happy. Satan does not want you to be happy, and he knows that wrong choices will bring consequences of unhappiness. But Heavenly Father loves you and wants to help you make good choices. He sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to show you how to make right choices. The Savior came to live on the earth to set an example for you to follow. When you follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and obey Heavenly Father’s commandments there are happy consequences.

Closing Song: Choose the Right

Activities and Object Lessons


“Choice and Consequences News”
Tell the story of Noah (Gen. 6:5-7:24). Let the children prepare a TV news program called “Choice and Consequences” based on the story. Assign announcers, a weatherman, reporters, and people to be interviewed before and after the rain begins to fall. Younger children could draw pictures of Noah, the ark, the animals, and the storm.

Happy & Sad Faces
Explain that making good choices can make you feel good inside. It can make you smile. Making bad choices can make us feel bad and frown. Give the children art supplies such as paper or paper plates, old magazines, markers, crayons, yarn, string, glue, scissors, etc. to make a happy and a sad face. When the children are done give them simple situations in which a choice is make have them hold up their happy face if the choice was good, and their sad face if the choice was bad. Situations may include things such as “Your mothers asks you to clean up your toys and you do; you draw a picture of your grandmother and she hangs it on her fridge; you eat some of your brother’s candy without asking him.

Obstacle Course
Devise an obstacle course or maze in your house or yard. Blindfold one child and have two other people verbally guide him through the course. One child will always give the correct guidance and the other will always give incorrect guidance. Relate the child giving correct guidance to Jesus and the child giving incorrect guidance to Satan. Talk about the importance of always following Jesus and choosing the right.



This Lesson was created my Nicole Crawley ~ Thank you Nicole!

Article of Faith # 3

Preparation: GAK picture 239, print and cut apart the 3rd Article of Faith, and a beanbag
Opening Song: The Third Article of Faith
Scripture: A of F 1:3
“We believe that through the atonement of Christ all mankind may be saved through obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel.”

Story: “The Baseball Lesson” (Click on link for the story and pictures that go along with it.)

Activity: Place the Article of Faith word strips in the wrong order, leaving out the word “atonement.” Tell the children that something is wrong and you need their help to make it right. Have the children work together to place the words in the right order. When the article is complete (except for the “atonement” word strip), tell them something is still wrong. There is one more word strip to make it right. Add the “Atonement word strip. Repeat the Article of Faith together. Liken this experience to our life and how we can repent to correct something we have done wrong, but that we need the Atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Discussion: As part of Heavenly Father’s plan, He provided a Savior to redeem us so we could live with Him again. There are two parts of the Atonement:
1- Jesus Christ overcame the Fall and physical death through the Resurrection. Everyone who has ever lived on the earth will be resurrected. Show picture of the Resurrected Christ (GAK 239). Sing “Did Jesus Really Live Again (CS pp. 64.)
2- Jesus Christ also overcame spiritual death for us by taking our sins upon Himself. To be saved from our sins, we must be obedient to the laws and ordinances of the gospel.


Closing Song: I Feel My Saviors Love

Activities

Have your family sit in a circle. Pass a beanbag around the circle while you sing “Quickly I’ll Obey” (CS p. 197). When the song ends, have the child with the beanbag name or pantomime one thing he or she can do to be obedient. Repeat until all children have had a turn.

Split your family into three groups. Have the first think of ways to keep the commandments at home. Have the second group think of ways to keep the commandments at school, and the third to think of ways to keep the commandments at church. Play Pictionary with each group having a person draw one of their ideas for everyone to see.

All of our prophets have given us commandments from the Lord to help guide our lives. When President Howard W. Hunter became the President of the Church, he talked to us about some of these commandments. He asked us to live more like our Lord Jesus Christ, to show more love, and to treat each other with more kindness, and to live worthy of temple blessings. Have your children draw picturesillustrating how they can follow the commandments of President Hunter.



This Lesson was created by Nicole Crawley ~ Thank you Nicole!

Article of Faith # 4

Preparation:

GAK 101
A pillowcase or other sack
Heavy items (books, rocks, cans, etc)
A bottle

Opening Song: The Fourth Article of Faith


Scripture: A of F 1:4
We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the gospel are first faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, second repentance, third baptism by immersion for the remission of sins, fourth, the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Discussion: What would happen if you went to college before you went to kindergarten? Could you learn to add numbers before you learned to count? Could you run before you learned to walk? When you learn something, you usually start with the simplest part of it, then move on to a more difficult part. Joseph Smith said that when you become a member or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the first things that you need to do are to have faith, to repent, to be baptized, and to have those with the proper authority lay their hands on you head so that you con receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. When we obey these first principles and ordinances, we can then learn other things that Heavenly Father wants us to learn and do.

The first principles and ordinances of the gospel are the same today as they were in ancient times. Tell the story on the back of GAK 101, Adam and Eve, in your own words. Recite the fourth article of faith, holding up one finger for each principle or ordinance mentioned. Read Moses 6:52 and have the children hold up their fingers, one at a time, as they hear you read the same four principles and ordinances in that scripture. (You can continue this activity, if you wish, by reading Moses 5:4-6, Moses 6:53, Moses 6:64, and Moses 6:65-66 to identify which principle or ordinance Adam followed.)

Activity: Each verse, picture and story (included) are examples of either faith, repentance, baptism, or the gift of the Holy Ghost. Read each example and have your children decide where each word strip belongs.

Faith in Jesus Christ: What does it mean to have faith? Alma says that “if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true” (Alma 32:21). We have faith when we believe and trust in something that is real and true even though we have not seen it for ourselves. What does it mean to have faith in Jesus Christ? To have faith in Jesus Christ means that although we have not seen Him, we believe that He lives and loves us and that we trust Him. When we read the scriptures, we can learn about Him. When we listen to the prophets, we can understand what we can do to follow Him. When we pray in faith for help to choose the right, we can know that our prayers will be answered. When we listen to the whisperings of the Holy Ghost, we can feel Him close to us and know that He loves us. We have faith in Jesus Christ when we believe Him, trust Him, obey Him, and follow Him.

Repentance: Repentance is turning from doing wrong to doing right. The Savior wants you to turn away from wrong and turn to Him. He gave his life to pay for your sins so that if you repent, you can be forgiven and be clean again. Repentance begins inside of you – in your thoughts and in your heart.

Activity: Put different size rocks, cans, books, or other heavy objects in a pillow case or other sack. Have each child take a turn lifting and carrying the sack around. Tell the children that weight of our sins can hold us back from living with Heavenly Father. We can rid ourselves of our sins by repenting. Take the contents out of the sack and say that when we repent, our sins are forgiven, and we can forget them. We no longer have to bear their heavy burden.

*If you wish to further teach the principle of repentance use the story of Alma the Younger, using Mosiah 27 and Alma 36.

Baptism: In the scriptures we learn about many people who were baptized. When the people of Alma gathered at the waters of Mormon, he invited them to be baptized. He taught them that being baptized was entering into a covenant with Heavenly Father. In that covenant we promise to do certain things and Heavenly Father promises to bless us. The people of Alma were so happy that they clapped their hands with joy. They wanted to show their love for Heavenly Father, and their desire to keep his commandments, by being baptized. Alma taught his people that to honor their baptismal covenants they must be willing to be called God’s people and to obey His commandments. He told them that they should help one another and comfort one another. They were to be witnesses of God, which means that they would tell other people about Heavenly Father and how much he loves each one of His children. When we are baptized today we promise to do the same things that the people of Alma promised. When Jesus was baptized, He made the same covenant that He would be obedient to Heavenly Father’s commandments.

Gift of the Holy Ghost: The Holy Ghost is a member of the God head. He has a body of spirit rather than of flesh and bones. Because he is spirit, you cannot see him. But you can feel him with you. After you are baptized, you are confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and you receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost will dwell within you as you live righteously. He will protect you by warning you of danger. He will help teach you right from wrong. He will help you remember important things. He will comfort you when you are lonely, sad, or frightened. He will bring you a happy warm feeling when you think about Jesus and Heavenly Father.

Activity: Have your family sit in a circle. Place a paper sack filled with word strips (printable below) in the middle. Also, place a bottle in the middle. Play spin the bottle: the child who the bottle points to gets to pull a situation out of the sack. Read the situation and as a group decide how the Holy Ghost can help you in that situation.

*If you wish to further teach about the Holy Ghost use the story of Simon in Acts 8:9-25.

Word Strips to print for spin the bottle game

You have studied hard for a test but are afraid you won’t remember what you have studied.

Someone in your family has died, and you are sad.

You have read and studied the Book of Mormon and want to know if it is true.

You have prepared a talk for church but are afraid that you will be nervous and forget what comes next.

You are in a store and wonder if you should take some candy without paying for it.

Your father lost his job, and you are worried and sad.

Your sister broke one of your toys, and you wonder what to do.

You are lost and afraid.

Closing Song: I Belong to the Church


Other Activities

Look up the following scriptures: Hebrews 12:2, Proverbs 28:13, D&C 35:6, John 3:5, Galatians 3:26, D&C 20:72-74. Have your children identify which principle or ordinance of the gospel is mentioned in each scripture.

Give each child a sheet of paper that you have divided into quarters. Have your children illustrate a principle or ordinance from the fourth article of faith in each of the four sections.

Sing a Story about how to become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Possible songs include: Faith (CS pp.96-96), Repentance (CS p.98), When Jesus Christ was Baptized (CS p. 102), The Still Small Voice (CS pp. 106-107).

Dramatize the four stories used in the lesson activity.

For older children: Hebrews 11 contains a recounting of many stories of faith. Write the following verse numbers on slips of paper: 5, 7, 8, 11, 17, 22, 23, 24–25, 29, 30, 32–34. Have the children sit in a circle with their scriptures open to Hebrews 11. Pass a beanbag around while the children sing “Faith” (CS, p. 96–97). When the music stops, the child with the beanbag selects a slip of paper and reads the verse it refers to. Point out that all these people had their faith centered in Jesus Christ.

This Lesson was created by Nicole Crawley ~ Thank you Nicole!

Article of Faith # 5

Opening Song: The Fifth Article of Faith

Scripture: A of F 1:5 We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophesy and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority to preach the gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.



Attention Activity: Ask the children to take turns doing actions such as the following with their hands: Tie a knot in a piece of string. Stack and un-stack several objects. Snap your fingers. Shake hands with someone.
Point out that every day we do many things with our hands. Explain that men and boys who hold the priesthood do additional important things with their hands.



Discussion: The fifth article of Faith speaks of men who teach the gospel of Jesus Christ and administer the ordinances in our church. Anyone who wished to do this must have approval or permission of our Heavenly Father and his Son Jesus Christ. The approval or permission is being called of God. It is not enough to have a desire to represent the Church of Jesus Christ, any more than it is possible to be a policeman or a nurse just because you want to. If a person wishes to become a policeman, he must prepare himself and then be given the authority to do this work by someone who has this authority. If we wish to become a nurse we must prepare ourselves and then receive permission to do this work by someone who has that authority. Desire to do the work is not enough; neither is it enough when we wish to teach the truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ. In order to do this for the Church one must be called and appointed to serve by someone who has the power and authority to call people to this work. This power and authority is called the priesthood. It is given from one person to another through the laying on of hands. We may all prepare ourselves in many ways to be called to serve in the Church of Jesus Christ. Young men at the age of twelve become eligible to receive this priesthood, if worthy. Young men may advance in the Aaronic priesthood as they grow and mature. First they are ordained a deacon, then a teacher, and a priest. When it is time for them to advance to the Melchizedek Priesthood, this priesthood must be conferred upon him and then he is ordained to an office in that priesthood. (Elder, seventy, high priest, patriarch, or apostle. While only boys and men hold the priesthood, everyone can be blessed by it. Women may have hands laid upon their heads by priesthood holders when they are set apart to serve in different positions in the Church.


Closing Song: The Priesthood is Restored



Treat Idea: Sharing the Priesthood Cupcakes: Make cupcakes. Divide family into groups of two, giving each group two cupcakes (one each). Have them feed each other the other person’s cupcake. This signifies that a blessing of the priesthood has to be done by someone else: we can’t perform a priesthood blessing on ourselves.



This Lesson was created by Nicole Crawley ~ Thank you Nicole!


Additional Activities

1. Explain that from the earliest times the laying on of hands has been used in ordaining individuals to the priesthood, in conferring the Holy Ghost, and in giving priesthood blessings. Have the children look up some of the following scriptures, which talk about times when the laying on of hands is used: Numbers 27:18, Numbers 27:22–23; Mark 6:5; Acts 8:17; Alma 6:1; D&C 20:70; D&C 35:6; D&C 42:44; D&C 68:27; D&C 107:65–67



2. Let the children talk about times when they have experienced the laying on of hands by priesthood holders (such as when they were blessed as babies, when they were confirmed and given the gift of the Holy Ghost, or when they were given blessings because they were sick). Remind them of experiences they may have forgotten.



3. Create a word strip: Priesthood power __ __ for sale. Tell the story of Simon, found in Acts 8:9–22. Explain that Simon was a skillful magician, so the people believed he had the power of God. But when Simon became converted and was baptized into the Church, he realized he did not have the true power of God, the priesthood. Have a child read aloud Acts 8:18–19 to explain how Simon tried to get the priesthood. Have another child read aloud from verse 20 the answer Simon received from Peter, one of Jesus’ Apostles. Have one of the children write the words: is not in the blank spaces. Remind the children that the priesthood cannot be gained with money, but only through righteous living.



4. If possible have a priesthood bearer in the home share their line of authority with the family. Explain how every priesthood holder can trace their authority to act in God’s name back to Christ.

Article of Faith # 6

Opening Song: The Church of Jesus Christ

Scripture: Article of Faith 1:6
We believe in the same organization that existed in the primitive church, namely apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists and so forth.

Discussion: What would happen if you went to church on Sunday and no one was there to greet you? There was no one to conduct Primary and no one to help you song the songs. When you went to your class, no teacher was there to give you a lesson. In Sacrament meeting, there were no members of the bishopric on the stand, no one to bless the sacrament and to pass it, and no one to give a spiritual message. Without people to help, everything would be confused and disorganized, and few people would learn about Jesus and Heavenly Father.
Jesus organized his Church so that we could receive important ordinances and learn to live the gospel; He asks people to help him. Through the authority of priesthood leaders, members are called to serve in Church positions.
The primitive church, or the Church as Jesus organized it when He lived on the earth, had apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, and evangelists to lead and serve the people. Today the Church is organized in the same way. Some of the names for priesthood offices that we have today are different from the names that were used in Jesus’ time but the responsibilities are much the same. For example, a pastor can be compared to a bishop or a stake president, an evangelist to a patriarch. One way to tell the true Church of Jesus Christ is to compare it to the primitive Church that Jesus organized.

Activity: Have the children sit in a circle holding a string with a button. Have the children pass the button around and around the circle until the leader says “stop.” The person holding the button names a calling in the church. Continue as the children’s attention permits. Then let each child make a thank you card for someone who serve in your ward, such as the bishop, a teacher, a librarian, or an auxiliary leader.

Discussion: Joseph Smith received two important revelations in April 1830 concerning how the Church should be organized. These revelations, published now as Doctrine and Covenants 20 & 21, told Joseph to organize the Church as Jesus Christ had organized his church when he lived on the earth.

Activity: Split the family into two groups, giving one group the sign: “Jesus Christ’s church when he was on the earth” along with a Bible, and the other group the sign: “Jesus Christ’s restored church – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints” along with a Doctrine and Covenants. Also give each group their respective scripture references:
Matthew 3:13 & 16/ D&C 20:72-74
Ephesians 2:19-20/ D&C 21:1
Amos 3:7/D&C 21:5
Luke 22:19-20/D&C 20:75
Have the groups read aloud one of the scriptures assigned to their group. Discuss what these references say about the church of Jesus Christ. Point out that our church today is organized the same way that Jesus organized his church when he was on the earth.

Closing Song: The Sixth Article of Faith (pg 126 Childrens Songbook)

Additional Activities

1. Prophet Activity: Every group or organization needs someone to be a leader. In our church we have a living prophet. We also have twelve apostles. Heavenly Father chooses who these men should be. The man who has served as an Apostle the longest is the prophet and the President of the Church. This is how the Lord chooses the prophet. Joseph Smith was the first prophet in the Latter Days. Since the death of Joseph Smith, fourteen other prophets have served as president of the Church. Sing the Latter-Day Prophets (CS 134) to learn the names of all these men.

2. Apostle Activity: We have twelve Apostles now, just as Jesus Christ had in the primitive Church. They are special witnesses of the Savior. (Before FHE hide the Apostles pictures around the house.) Have the children go on a treasure hunt to find them (give clues to help them). As you find each one, read the testimony on the back. When all the apostles have been found explain that as we listen to the testimonies of the Apostles, our own testimonies will be strengthened. There is no greater treasure than to know that Jesus Christ is our Savior.

3. Leader Says: Play “Leader Says.” The children are to do only things prefaced by “Leader Says” (e.g. “Leader says, Stand up.”) If they do what they are told to do without having been told “Leader Says, they must sit down. Play until nearly everyone is sitting. Explain that many people will try to tell us what to do. We can trust some of them but not others. Heavenly Father has promised that we can trust the prophet and the apostles to always tell us right things, things he wants us to know.

4. Apostle Match: Print apostle cards at the link and play a Matching game with the names and pictures of the Apostles. Put the pictures of the Apostles in the order in which they were ordained.


This Lesson was created by Nicole Crawley ~ Thank you Nicole!

Article of Faith # 7

Opening Song: Listen to the still small voice (children’s songbook pg 107)

Scripture: “We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues and so forth.” Article of Faith #7


Preparation: Obtain and place pictures (listed with links below) inside a box, or gift bag.


Discussion: Hold out the box for everyone to see ask: “What do you think is in my present? Heavenly Father has blessed us with many different gifts of the spirit. The Seventh Article of Faith describes some of the gifts with which we have been blessed.” Ask members of the family to draw out the different pictures. Use them to direct the discussion.

Pictures:
· Page from the Scriptures in another language: (Gift of tongues and interpretation of tongues.) Heavenly Father often blesses missionaries as they study different languages for their missions. He can help them teach the gospel to people that speak other languages.
· President Monson: (Prophecy.) Heavenly Father has blessed us with a prophet here on the earth. He can teach us the things Heavenly Father wants us to know.
· Girl receiving the Holy Ghost: (Revelation.) Heavenly Father blesses us with personal revelation when we need it, and when we are living righteously.
· The First Vision: (Visions.) There are times that Heavenly Father has blessed people with visions of the things they need to know.
· Blessing of the sick: (Healings.) When we are sick we can receive priesthood blessings and Heavenly Father can heal us


SCRIPTURE ACTIVITES:


Gift of tongues & interpretation of tongues: Use the worksheet below to help your kids understand the scriptures in another language.

Tongues
&
Interpretation of Tongues Activity
As a family fill in the blanks using the complete Spanish scripture

ENGLISH
“We believe in the ______ of tongues, prophecy, ____________ visions, healings, interpretation of _________ and so forth.”

SPANISH
“Creemos en el don de lenguas, profecía, revelación, visiones, sanidades, interpretación de lenguas, etc.

Prophecy: Put some soap, a small light bulb, and a sponge in lunch sacks with the prophets’ picture on the outside. One member of the family is chosen to look in the bags. The other family members ask questions to determine what is in the bags.
· Discussion Question: How could we have known what was in the bags without the one who had seen inside? How is this like the prophet?
· NOTE: each item corresponds with a talk given by President Hinckley in the friend.

Revelation: Read the story “Silent Warning” (See also Alma 17:3 to discuss ways we can prepare ourselves to receive revelation)

Visions: Read the story of the Brother of Jared in the Book of Mormon. (Ether 2: 22-23 and Ether 3:1, 4-6 depending on the age & attention spans of your children you can read through verse 15 of chapter 3) Have the family members draw out what they think of when they hear this story.

Healings: Read your choice of the stories provided of Alma Smith at the Hauns Mill Massacre (young children version:)

THE STORY OF ALMA SMITH AT HAUNS MILL

Alma Smith lived in Hauns Mill Missouri. He was seven years old. On October 30th a Mob of angry men came to the mill. The angry men shot at many of the men and boys living at the mill. Alma was shot in the hip. He lost all the bone in his hip.
Alma’s mother Amanda Smith knew that Heavenly Father had made Alma’s body and she knew that Heavenly Father could fix Alma’s hip. She prayed and asked Heavenly Father for help. Then she washed Alma’s wound and packed it with a mixture of water, ash from the fireplace, and crushed tree root. Alma had to lie in bed for five weeks waiting for his hip to get better.
After the five weeks was over he was able to walk and run and play. He even was able to serve a mission to the Sandwich Islands when he was older.

(or click here for older children version.)

Closing Song: The Seventh Article of Faith (Children Songbook pg 126)

Money and Family Resource Management

This past week we had such a GREAT ward activity on budgeting and wise spending!

I decided to post a lesson that went along with that topic! I found one that my sister created a few years ago, and TA DA! Here you have it, a fun lesson on Money and Family Resource Management

Purpose:

To learn why it's important to manage our money and our resources, and how to do it.

Lesson: Hold up a picture of a penny (You could print the one above) Ask the family what the penny is. Ask them what we use the penny (or money) for. Ask them if they think it matters to Heavenly Father how we spend our money. Testify to them that if does matter to Him because he wants us to progress and be happy spiritually and temporally. Tell them that there are three main things He would like us to do with our money.

1. Tithing


The Lord has asked that we pay tithes and offerings; by doing do, we show our love for him and help to build his kingdom.


Read the first line of Malachi 3:8. Ask what the question means to them. How could we possibly rob God? Discuss how our money is ultimately all from the Lord. Tell your family that just as in ancient times Heavenly Father has commanded us to pay tithing. (D&C 119:4)


Story: Sharing the Boot Money


Show the family 10 pennies. Discuss how much you'd pay and take out one penny.



End this section by bearing your testimony of the importance of tithing.


2. Save


Ask the family what else Heavenly Father wants us to use our money for. Why is it important to save? What do we save for? How much should we save? These are questions that really only you as parents should answer. I know some parents encourage their children to pay their 10% tithing and then save 50%. This high savings is due to the fact that children do not need to pay bills, etc. and will be accustomed to saving and not spending all their money when they grow up if they do so. You might want to discuss this as parents before the lesson.



Share an experience of when you saved up for something and how is made you feel towards that thing. Express to them that if they will contribute to their mission or college financially they will appreciate the experience more and enjoy it more.



Refer to the pennies again and take out the predetermined amount of savings.



3. Spend Wisely


Ask the family, aside form tithing and savings, why do we have money? (to buy things, to live on, to enjoy life, etc.) Express to them that we should use the financial resources with which we are blessed to perfect ourselves and build up the kingdom of God. Discuss that it is okay to buy fun things with our money, but we need to have balance. Ask the question, If we only spent our money on toys, what would we not have? (food, shelter, clothing, etc.) Spending wisely means that we put our wants behind our needs, but that we are frugal and we plan so we'll have some money for your wants too.

The following activity is a bit dramatic, but I think it can be adapted for merely discussed. To do this activity give the children play money and then have them "pay" the family expenses as described in the article in the link below.


They All Held The Money




Family Resource Management Scavenger Hunt

Print and hide the following clues.
Use them to teach the family about ways to save resources and money.

GIVE TO THE KIDS
You come to me when you are hungry.
Remember to close my door or you will waste energy!

PLACE ON OUTSIDE DOOR OF FRIDGE
You use me to get nice and clean,
but turn me off when you're done, don't be mean!

PLACE ON BATHROOM FAUCET KIDS USE MOST
You use me to light up your room,
Don't forget to turn me off for an energy boon.

PLACE ON LIGHT SWITCH IN ONE OF THE KID'S ROOMS
put me on if you cold in the house,
you don't need to shiver like a mouse!

PLACE WITH SOME COATS OR SWEATERS THE KIDS CAN GET TO
When you're done snacking on some treats,
put them away and close them up to save those eats!

PLACE ON A SNACK IN THE PANTRY
When you need something form the car,
(make sure I'm unlocked) and close me even if you're not going far.

PLACE ON DOOR LEADING TO GARAGE OR CARPORT
Don't turn up your nose when you see dinner a second time,
Eating these makes less work and more money for fun time!

PLACE ON A TUPPERWARE IN THE FHE TREATS IN THE FRIDGE
Congratulations! We are learning to use your resources and our money wisely. We are showing our family and our Heavenly Father that we are grateful for all the we are given!


For Older Kids:
Use the budget sheet below (click on the image and a larger copy will pop up to print)to help them learn about budgeting money. You could even make it into a game! This is to make them into little accountants! Hee hee!



This lesson was created by Robyn Hutchison

Article of Faith # 8

Purpose: To help the family understand that the commandments are found in the scriptures, and to increase their desire to learn them and follow them.

Opening Song: The Iron Rod (Hymn # 274)


Scripture: “We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly, we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God” Article of Faith #8

PREPARATION: Gather the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and several other books such as a cookbook, a story book, a school book, scrapbook, or others. Place them around the room before FHE starts with the scriptures in the center of the room.

LESSON: Point out the books around the room telling a little bit about each one as you do.
Ask the family members questions to help them identify what each book is about. (Note: You may need to alter the questions depending on your family needs)
1. Which of these books tells me how to make cookies?
2. Which of these books tells a pretend story?
3. Which of these books teaches me how to do a math problem?
4. In which of these books will I find pictures of our family?
5. Which of these books has teachings of the prophets that will help us keep the commandments?

Heavenly Father spoke to His prophets and had them write down his teachings in the scriptures. They teach us His commandments so we can learn what we need to do to return to live with Him someday.

Ask the family why the 8th Article of Faith states that “we believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly. . . …“
Explain that when the Bible was written a long time ago it was written in a different language. It has been copied and translated (re-written in another language) many times.

GAME
GOSSIP: To show how easily things can change when re-told many times play the gossip game. Choose a simple phrase such as “I will obey Heavenly Father’s commandments” and have the family sit in a circle. Have the family member that knows the phrase start by whispering it to the next. Have it go all the way around back to the person that started it and see if it changed as it went around the circle. If it does not change compliment the family on how well they did and choose a longer phrase.

Explain that the Bible was translated many times by people that were not prophets. The Book of Mormon was translated once by the Prophet Joseph Smith. Heavenly Father was able to talk to Joseph and help him make sure he translated it correctly.



SCRIPTURE ACTIVITES:
1. Read the following scriptures with your family and have them identify what commandment is being taught in each reference.
B of M- 3 Nephi 11: 33 (Baptism)
OT- Exodus 20: 8-11 (Sabbath day observance)
NT- John 13: 34 (Love one Another)
D & C- D&C 59: 23 (Good works)

2. Act out the story of The Good Samaritan


3. Read the story of Nephi getting the plates of Brass (1 Nephi Chapters 3 & 4)

Ask questions such as; Why was it important for Lehi’s family to have the scriptures? Could you remember all of Heavenly Fathers commandments if you didn’t have the scriptures?


Closing Song: The Eighth Article of Faith (Children Songbook pg 127)

Article of Faith #9

Purpose: To help the family gain an understanding of prophetic revelation.

Opening Song: Come Listen to a Prophet’s Voice (Hymn 21) or The Spirit of God (Hymn 2)


Scripture: “We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal great and important things pertaining to the kingdom of God.” Article of Faith #9

LESSON:
Ask the following questions to teach the lesson:
What is revelation?
“The making known of divine truth from the heavens”
-James E. Talmage (The Articles of Faith)
(Revelation is the way Heavenly Father tells us what we are supposed to know.)
Who receives revelation?
(The prophet, the Bishop, our parents, every one of us.)
How is revelation received?
(Visions, hearing the voice of the Lord, a visit from an Angel, and promptings.)

As a family look up AMOS 3:7 “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.”

Tonight we are going to talk about how Heavenly Father reveals things to His prophets.

Where can we find the things Heavenly Father HAS REVEALED?
(They are the words of His ancient prophets that are written in the scriptures.) NOTE; If you are teaching all the Article of Faith lessons in order, remind your family of last weeks lesson about the Scriptures.

Where can we find the things that HE DOES NOW REVEAL?
(They are the words of the modern day prophets.)
Have someone read the quote by President Ezra Taft Benson. He said this quote at the conclusion of General Conference April 1988:
“For the next six months, your conference edition of the Ensign should stand next to your Standard works and be referred to frequently.”

How will we find out the things HE WILL YET REVEAL?
(By listening to the things the prophets say in the future)
Why do we need more revelation?
Heavenly Father tells us what we need to know “Line upon line, precept upon precept...” (D&C 98:12)
The third Prophet in our day, President John Taylor said: “Adam’s revelation did not instruct Noah to build his ark...”
Heavenly Father teaches us what we need to know for our day in small pieces. and then “{[he] will try [us] and prove [us}].” (D&C 98:12) to see what we will do with what we have been given.
What are some of the things Heavenly Father has asked us to do that he did not require of His people long ago?
(Food Storage, the Word of Wisdom, Priesthood to all worthy male members...)

ACTIVITES:
1.Print a copy of THIS quiz from lds.org. As a family try to decide which prophet said what

2. One of the most important things we can learn from a prophet is that Heavenly Father lives and Jesus is the Christ. PrintUse the clues given to identify the prophets, then match them to their testimony.
3. To learn more about the modern day prophets play the game “Fishing for Prophets”


Closing Song: The Ninth Article of Faith (Children’s Songbook pg. 128)

Article of Faith #10

Purpose:

To help families gain an understanding of the gathering of Israel and Zion.

Opening Song: High on the Mountain Top (hymn 5)

Scripture: “We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth with me renewed and receive it’s paradisiacal glory.” Article of faith 10

LESSON:
Print the picture of the house. Cut out one small heart for each family member.

Give each family member a heart to represent them. Let’s put everyone in a different room in the house. Begin to place everyone’s heart in different rooms in the house picture. How do you think you would like it? It might not be so bad at first, we wouldn’t be able to annoy each other, or argue with each other, but it might get lonely fast. Who could you play with, and talk to? Could we learn from each other? Do you think we would be happy? Would we miss each other?

A long time ago Heavenly Father’s people were divided into 12 tribes, the twelve tribes of Israel. Each tribe represented a part of one family. Enemies of the family and of Heavenly Father came in and scattered ten of those tribes.

The ten tribes of Israel have been scattered all over the world, we are actually a part of that family. As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints we have been given the commandment to find scattered Israel, and gather them to a special place called Zion.

Zion will be a safe place where the pure in heart will gather. When Zion is established Heavenly Father has told us it will be a happy place a righteous place, a place we will feel good to be. The most special thing about Zion is that Jesus will be there to love us and lead us.

As a family, our home can be like Zion, a special place. Let’s think of a special place inside our home that we can come together, our own Zion. As you are saying this start gathering all of the hearts to one spot in the house picture. Let’s make it a place the spirit can always be with us, just like how Jesus will be in Zion when it is here.

Just like the ten tribes of Israel, outside forces can drive our family apart too, what are some enemies to our family? What can we do to keep our family together?

ACTIVITES:
1. Cut out hearts to play a “Gathering of Israel” game where someone hides the hearts all over the house and the other family members go and gather them to a pre-designated “Zion”
2. Make a puzzle out of a family picture. Before FHE starts hide the puzzle pieces around the room and have the family find the pieces and build the puzzle. Emphasize that wherever the family is can be Zion.
3. Play Pick up sticks to represent the gathering of Israel

Closing Song: The Tenth Article of Faith (Children’s Songbook pg. 129)

Prayer

Purpose:

To teach the 4 steps of prayer, and encourage Family members to use proper prayer language.

Scripture: D&C 68:25-28 "and they shall also teach their children to pray"

Song: I Pray in Faith (children’s songbook pg. 14)

Take your family on a walk outside your home. Ask them to point out things they see that are pleasing to them. Ask who made those things. Explain that Heavenly Father gives us everything. If you are in a quiet spot, have your family kneel in prayer.

Things needed: A chart of Prayer Steps (1. Dear Heavenly Father, 2. Thank thee for..., 3. We ask thee, 4. Name of Jesus Christ . Amen) Pictures from Gospel Art Kit of people praying. Hang the pictures where the children can clearly see them.

Ask what they are doing and why? Talk briefly about pictures.Show the chart that lists the parts of prayer. Tell them that Jesus taught us how to pray. Discuss how we should follow the pattern. Liken talking to Heavenly Father with talking on the phone. Let the kids practice the order using the phones. Explain that we can share feelings, thoughts and secrets with Heavenly Father. Explain that since we used to live with Heavenly Father, he misses us and likes to hear from us. (Matt. 6:9-15)

Story :It was Saturday morning and daddy was home but he had brought home some work to do. He went into a quiet room to be alone to work. Soon one of his children, a small boy, came in and asked his father for money to buy a boat to sail on a rain puddle. The father took time to explain that 2 days earlier, the boy had received his allowance with the understanding it was to take care of such wants. The boy went away. Then his little girl came in limping and crying. She had hurt her leg and needed her father to kiss the owies away. He did and she ran back to play. Then the little sister came in. She needed help with her homework. The father gave her some suggestions she needed but didn't do the work for her. A few minutes later, she came back and thanked him, because his idea worked. The next interruption was from a teenage boy who came to learn what work his dad had for him to do. He received his directions and went purposefully to his job. Finally the littlest child arrived. What do you need? asked the father. I don't need anything said the boy, I just want to be with you. Discuss how this can be compared with prayer.

Discussion:
Have you ever wondered what you might say or how you would address a very important person, such as a king, queen, or president of a country? You would want to show by your speech that you respected and honored this ruler. You might practice saying “Yes, sir” or “No, ma’am” and review the proper way to shake hands, bow, or curtsy.

There is someone, more important than anyone on earth, with whom you can talk anytime you choose. He is your Heavenly Father, and you speak with Him through prayer. Just as you would try to be polite and courteous to an important ruler, there are ways to show that you love and respect Heavenly Father. When you pray, you can show that you reverence Heavenly Father by using proper prayer language.

When Jesus was visiting the Nephites, He knelt and prayed to Heavenly Father. He showed His respect by addressing His Father with the proper words: “Father, I thank thee that thou hast given the Holy Ghost unto these whom I have chosen, …
“I pray thee that thou wilt give the Holy Ghost unto all them that shall believe.” (3 Ne. 19:20–21, italics added.)
You can follow Jesus’ example by using words that show Heavenly Father that you love and reverence Him. Use the words thee or thou instead of you, thy instead of your, and thine instead of yours or your.

We need to remember to show the proper respect when saying prayer, by using thee, thou and thy. We show respect by saying please and thank you also. Thee thou and thy replace words like you and your.

Practice changing the words! Talk with your children nightly about changing some of the general things they say. Discuss with them each night how well they succeeded in doing the things for which they prayed for help that morning.

Challenge for Week: Remember to say individual, family and meal prayers!

Article of Faith # 11

PREPARATON: Gather crayons and paper or some other art project for all family members to do.

Purpose: To develop understanding and tolerance for the various religions around the world.
Opening Song: “The Eleventh Article of Faith” csb pg. 130


Scripture: “We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.”

LESSON:

Ask each family member to draw a picture on a piece of paper. As they begin, walk around the room and start critiquing how each member of the family does the project.
Say things like: “We never do that”
“That’s wrong”
“Don’t do it that way”
When they are finished ask them how they felt about their project, and how they liked your help.
Ask them how they would feel if someone said things like that about their beliefs in the Gospel.
“Not only would it make you feel bad, but it isn’t something Heavenly Father wants us to do. Just like we want people to respect our beliefs, we should respect other’s beliefs as well.”
“Part of allowing other people to worship how, where, and what they may is understanding their basic beliefs. By understanding their beliefs, we can be more tolerant and accepting of them as people, and children of God.”


Quote:
“We must never forget that we live in a world of great diversity. The people of the earth are all our Father’s children and are of many and varied religious persuasions. We must cultivate tolerance and appreciation and respect one another. We have differences of doctrine. This need not bring about animosity or any kind of holier-than-thou attitude. “
Gordon B. Hinckley, “The Work Moves Forward,” Ensign, May 1999, 4





Closing Song “I’ll Walk with you” csb pg 140

Article of Faith # 12

Purpose: To help family members understand the importance of obeying the law.


Opening Song: Keep the Commandments
Scripture: We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, magistrates and in obeying honoring and sustaining the law. A of F 1:12

Attention Activity:
Give the children pieces of salt dough or playdough and have each one shape a farm animal. Display all the animals on the table or floor. Explain that farmers must take very good care of their animals and give them food, water, and protection. If the animals wander away, they might get lost or injured. Ask, “What could we do to keep these animals from wandering away?” (Build a fence.) Roll a piece of dough between the palms of your hands and the table to form a long rope. Encircle the animals with it to form a fence. Explain that fences are good because they help keep animals safe. Explain that we have things that keep us safe too. These things are called laws and rules. Laws and rules are like fences because they stop us from doing things that are dangerous or that might make us or other people unhappy. When we obey laws and rules, they help keep us safe and happy.

Discussion:
What are some rules in your home? Have each child tell a rule such as “Put the toys away when you are finished playing.” As each child mentions a rule, ask: How does this rule help you? When each child has told a family rule, point out that we have rules in other places besides our homes. What are some of the rules at school? in Primary? How do these rules help you?
Explain that just as we have rules at home, at school, and in Primary, we have rules for our town and country. These rules are called laws. Laws help and protect us just like our home, school, and Primary rules do.

Tell the following story:


Jerry had always wanted a dog of his own, so he was excited when he was given a beautiful puppy for his birthday. He named the dog Pal. Jerry and Pal had a lot of fun together. Jerry’s city had a law that said all dogs must be on leashes when they were not in a fenced yard. One day Jerry decided to take Pal with him to a friend’s house. He could not find Pal’s leash, and his friend only lived a few houses away, so Jerry decided to take Pal without the leash. As they walked down the street, Pal saw a cat on the other side of the road. Before Jerry realized what was happening, Pal ran into the road and was hit by a car. With tears in his eyes, Jerry picked up the dog and carried him home. Jerry’s mother took them to the veterinarian, who took care of Pal’s broken leg. When they got home, Jerry’s mother told him that Pal could have been killed. Jerry realized that if he had obeyed the law and kept his dog on a leash, Pal would not have been hurt. Jerry realized that the law was there to protect him and his dog, and he decided he would never disobey that law again.




Ask: Why do you think Jerry’s city had a law about keeping dogs on leashes? How could Pal’s accident have been prevented? Why do we have laws and rules that we must follow?




Game: Print out the game situations located below and place them and a bowl or basket of numbers 1-4 on a table or the floor. Tell the children that they can now play the “Obeying the Law” game. Then sit back and wait a moment or two. If no one responds, ask: “Why isn’t anyone playing the game?” (No one knows the rules.) If the children have tried to make sense of the situation, perhaps by putting the numbered papers in order, compliment them for trying, and then ask, “Are you playing the “Obeying the Law” game? Why not?” Point out that rules and laws help guide us and give us direction. Play the game, letting each child pick a number from the bowl or basket. Read to each child the situation that corresponds with his or her number.






Obeying the Law Game Situations
1. You are almost late for school. If you cross the street in the middle of the block instead of at the crosswalk, you will get there sooner. What will you do if you obey the law?

2. You are shopping with your father and ask for a candy bar. Your father says no, but while he is busy paying for the groceries; you see that you could slip the candy into your pocket without anyone noticing. What will you do if you obey the law?

3. You are taking your dog for a walk on a leash. You come to a park and want to stop and play, but there is a sign saying “No Dogs Allowed.” You don’t see any grown-ups around, and you could tie the dog’s leash to a tree while you play. What will you do if you obey the law?

4. You are crossing the street at a corner that has a traffic light. No cars are coming, and no one is around. But your light says to wait. What will you do if you obey the law?

5. You are at the library and have found a book you want to check out, but you left your library card at home. The librarian is not at the front desk and would not see you leave with the book. What will you do if you obey the law?


Alternate Situations for Teenagers
1. You are riding with some older teenagers. The driver is exceeding the speed limit or offers to let you drive the car even though you do not have a driver’s license.

2. A government official is addressing the student body of your school. A group of students who object to his presentation are disrupting the assembly by shouting and stomping their feet.

3. You are in a large department store. You notice one of your friends slipping a shirt under her coat.

4. A young man on the street hands you a brochure that criticizes the government of your country. You do not know if the criticism is valid.








Closing Song: The Star Spangled Banner (Hymn 340)




This Lesson was created by Nicole Crawley ~ Thank you Nicole!

The Articles of Faith - Overview

Purpose: To help children understand what the articles of faith are, where they came from and how they can help us in our lives.


Opening Song: Faith pg 96
Scripture: D&C 1:38

Discussion: Have you ever wondered what you would say if someone asked you what you believed in as a member of the church? The scriptures tell us about the beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The Articles of Faith are part of the scriptures. They are found in the Pearl of Great Price. Our prophets have told us how important it is that we read the scriptures and understand what they say.

President Thomas S Monson told a story about a man from the east who was traveling by bus to San Francisco. In Salt Lake City a Primary girl got on the bus and sat next to the man. As they started talking he asked her if she was a Mormon. She answered yes. He asked her what the Mormons believe. It was a big question for such a young girl. What would you have said? Imagine the look on the man’s face when she recited and explained the Articles of Faith. He couldn’t believe it!

After she got off the bus, the man thought about her courage and knowledge. As soon as he arrived in San Francisco, he looked in the telephone directory for the Church’s phone number, then called the local mission president and asked questions about the church. The mission president sent the missionaries to see him, and later the man’s entire family was baptized—all because a Primary girl knew and understood the Articles of Faith and had the courage to share them. (story taken from the Ensign, April 1994 pages 67-68)


Activities:

Poem
The Articles of Faith I’ll start learning today;
Key words will help me remember what to say.
If I just get started, I can memorize each one
Of these gospel truths. It will be a job well done.

First, the Godhead; second, men;
Third, the atonement- we’ll live again.
Four, first principles (note there are four);
Five, hands; six, organization as before.

Seven, gifts; eight, translate;
Nine, revelation, which means communicate.
Ten, ten tribes; eleven, we claim;
Twelve, law; thirteen, now only admonition does remain.

Article of Faith Book: Stack two pieces of paper evenly and fold in half. Punch two holes in the top or left side of them. Thread yarn or sting through them to make a book; tie with a bow. Color the picture of Joseph Smith writing the Articles of Faith and fill in your child’s name at the bottom. Cut out the picture and glue it on the front of your book. Color the other pictures and cut them out along with the corresponding questions. Glue one question and the picture that answers it on each page. Your child may fill each page with things they have learned about the articles of faith if desired.

Closing Song: I Belong to the Church pg 77

This lesson was created by Nicole Crawley. THANK YOU!

Jesus Said Love Everyone

Purpose:
To encourage our family members
to show greater love for each other and to others we associate with.

“A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another as I have loved you”

Lesson: When Jesus knew that He was about to be crucified, He gave His disciples a most important commandment—to love one another the same way He loved them. He told them that people would know that they were His disciples if they followed this commandment. People will know that we are followers of Jesus Christ when they see that we are trying to love everyone.


What are some ways that we can show love for others?


I can be kind. Jesus taught that we can share what we have with others. We can visit people who are sick. We can make someone who is new feel welcome. Jesus did these things, and we can, too. He said that when we do these things for others, we are doing it for Him (see Matt. 25:40). When we share with others, we are not just sharing with them—we are sharing with Him. When we visit others, it is as if we are also visiting Him. When we make others feel welcome, we are making Him feel welcome too. Surely that is why being kind helps us to have a good feeling and to feel close to our Savior.


I can serve others. Jesus spent His whole life serving others. He even gave His life for others—for us. He taught that the greatest among us would be those who serve others as He did (see Matt. 23:11). That is hard for some people to understand. They think that if everyone serves them, it means that they are very important. Jesus Christ taught a better way—to serve others by helping them, by comforting them, by treating them as He treated others.


Games and Activities: (click on the links below for more information)

Steal My Heart Game from Family Fun

Valentine Bags Cut two hearts out of paper or felt. Staple together to make a pocket. near top of hearts staple yarn, ribbon or string so you can hang them. We are hanging ours from our FHE chart, but my cousin hangs them on each family members door. We then can put slips of paper in them telling that person what we love about them. We get to read them all on Valentines day, or during FHE just after Valentines day.

Family Title of Liberty

Read Alma 46:12-16


Using muslin, felt, or even a bed sheet make a flag for your family. It can be as detailed as you like.

Incorporate a favorite family quote, motto, or mission statement on the flag.
Share the freedoms you hold most special and sacred. You could do this with permanent markers, or paint.

Have everyone's handprints on the flag.

Display the flag where it will be seen often by family members.



Taken from ldssplash.com

Pin-the-Tag-on-the-Missionary

Enlarge and print out the following pages on cardstock. Color the missionary, cut out the tags and put tape on the back of each one. Blindfold each person and see who gets closest to wear the tag should be.

Taken from ldssplash.com

The Salt Lake Temple

Purpose:

To teach about building our lives on the foundation of Jesus Christ and His gospel principles.

“And it shall come to pass in the last days, when the mountain on the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills, and all nations shall flow unto it.” 2 Nephi 12: 2 (Isaiah 2:2)

Lesson:
Read or tell the stories in “The foundation of the Temple is Laid, Stone Blocks are Prepared, and the Temple is Finished and Dedicated” (Taken from Primary 5 lesson 44)

Activities:

1. Give all family members gray cards representing foundation stones. Have everyone write or tell something they can do to build the kingdom as they tape their stone on the wall to form a foundation. Tape a picture of the temple to the wall above the foundation. Tell the family that just as the pioneers were the foundation for the church in their time, we are the foundation of the church here and now.

2. Create a Temple book about the Salt Lake Temple. You could include a photo of each child, have (or help) them fill out an “I want to be Married in the Temple some day” page, draw a picture of the Temple, and write down their feelings about the Temple.

3. Ask a family member to leave the room. Hide one of the pictures representing what we need to do to live worthy of the Temple. When they return sing “I love to see the Temple” louder as they get closer to the picture.

4. Chapel Tour: If you can spend time at the church for FHE discuss how a temple and a meeting house are different and how they are the same.
a. Chapel-a gathering place in both buildings
b. Classroom-similar to an ordinance room because it is where we are taught what Heavenly Father wants us to know and do.
c. Baptismal Font-(use a picture if there isn’t one in your building) in a meetinghouse baptisms are preformed for the living; in the temple baptisms are preformed for the dead.
d. Kitchen-in a meetinghouse a place to serve food for ward or stake activities; in some temples there are cafeterias where food is served.
e. Bishop’s office-the bishop is responsible for his ward; each temple has a temple president’s office. The temple president is responsible for the temple and the work done there. If you are there on a night the bishop is there and could discuss Temple Recommends with your family that would be appropriate.
f. Return home or to a designated spot in the church and explain that temples have some other special rooms, such as the celestial room and sealing rooms. (Taken from Sharing Time: A Place of Love and Beauty Friend Jan 2002)

5. Temple Square Scavenger Hunt (If you will be in Salt Lake City)

a. Before the Temple was ever here, the Pioneers lived in fear. From the mobs they had to go, traveling west handcarts in tow. (Pioneers Pulling the Handcart)

b. “Come unto me the Savior Said”, up the circular path you must tread. (Cristus)

c. Up up and away for a bird’s eye view, in memory of Joseph Smith too. Look out the west windows and you will see the place we are sealed for eternity. (Joseph Smith Memorial building view)

d. The top is round if you have found the building that you seek. Hear a pin drop at the top as soon as construction cease (Tabernacle)

e. Looks like glass, ripples like water it shows the place to seal parents to daughter. (Reflecting Pool)

f. Atop four points wings alight, it looks beautiful in the night. (Eagle’s Gate)

g. These blessed birds saved the pioneers, they ate the locust to ease their fears. (Seagull Monument Fountain)

h. Up up and away for a bird’s eye view, in memory of Joseph Smith too. Look out the west windows and you will see the place we are sealed for eternity If you need to wash your hands this is the best place in the land. (Rest Rooms)