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!