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!
Monday, February 23, 2009
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
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.
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:)
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
&
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.
“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.
· 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.
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)
Closing Song: The Seventh Article of Faith (Children Songbook pg 126)
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