Articles of Faith Sharing time

Articles of Faith Sharing time

November 2012 Week 3

 

President Spencer W. Kimball told about a Primary boy who was a good missionary.  A man on a train asked the boy about the Mormon Church. The boy recited all of the Articles of Faith. The man was so impressed that this young boy knew what he believed that he went to Salt Lake City to learn more about the Church” (taken from http://www.lds.org/manual/2012-outline-for-sharing-time/november?lang=eng&query="articles+of+faith"  So today we are going to learn the meanings behind “these thirteen brief statements known as the Articles of Faith, which summarize some of the basic doctrines of the Church.” http://www.lds.org/friend/1996/10/honesty?lang=eng&query="articles+of+faith I have a bag filled with train cars that have numbers that match a train around the Primary wall. We will pull a picture or more from the cargo of the train that matches and learn about the Article of Faith. Let’s see how many trains we can get before time runs out!

 

This is the back of the train with the picture. I cut a slit in the train car the size of the picture and then taped a gallon bag on the back. Then I taped the end of the bag half way up so the bag wouldn't show and the picture would stick out of the train car.

First Article of Faith- Picture of the First Vision from Gospel Art Kit 403 inside the train car http://mormonchannel.org/sites/default/files/PI-02-first-vision-01_0.jpg "There are three separate persons in the Godhead: God, the Eternal Father; his Son, Jesus Christ; and the Holy Ghost. We believe in each of them (A of F 1:1). From latter-day revelation we learn that the Father and the Son have tangible bodies of flesh and bone and that the Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit, without flesh and bone (D&C 130:22–23). These three persons are one in perfect unity and harmony of purpose and doctrine" (taken from  John 17:21–23; 2 Ne. 31:21; 3 Ne. 11:27, 36). and http://www.lds.org/scriptures/gs/god-godhead?lang=eng&query="there+are+three+separate+persons+in+the+godhead%3a+god+the+eternal+father+his+son+jesus+christ+and+the+holy+ghost.+we+believe+in+each+of+them+(a+of"

Second Article of Faith- picture of Adam and Eve in the Garden. From Gospel Art Kit 101 inside the train car http://www.lds.org/images/Manuals/tchg-pix.nfo:o:10c.jpg "To transgress means to break a law or a rule. When we do something wrong, we transgress. When Adam and Eve lived in the Garden of Eden, Heavenly Father commanded them to not eat fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Adam and Eve were tempted by Satan and ate the fruit. Heavenly Father cast Adam and Eve out of the garden because they transgressed. All of Heavenly Father’s children are given the agency to choose right or wrong.” We should choose the right but are able to repent if we make a mistake. “But Heavenly Father does not make us repent for the bad choices that others make. We are responsible for our own actions.” http://www.lds.org/friend/2011/02/article-of-faith-2?lang=eng&query="adam+and+eve"

Third Article of Faith- picture of Christ’s Atonement from Primary picture packet 2-52 inside the train car http://mormonchannel.org/sites/default/files/QA-18-christ.jpg “Jesus Christ came to earth to live as a mortal man. He suffered and died for us. His suffering is called the Atonement. Jesus was resurrected and came to life again. Because of what Jesus did for us, we all can live forever with Heavenly Father.” http://www.lds.org/friend/2011/03/article-of-faith-3?lang=eng&query="article+of+faith+3"

Fourth Article of Faith- pictures of Jesus Christ http://www.whymormonism.org/files/2009/09/jesus-mormon.jpg , Praying child from Primary picture  packet 1-9, Baptism from Primary picture packet 3-13, Confirmation from Primary picture packet 1-12 (all inside train car) “Faith is hope for things that we cannot see but are true. We believe that Jesus Christ is our Savior, and we trust Him to help and guide us.” http://www.lds.org/friend/2011/04/article-of-faith-4?lang=eng&query="article+of+faith+4 “Repentance frees us of our mistakes and sins and lets us progress to return to Heavenly Father.” http://www.lds.org/friend/2009/06/foundation-for-happiness?lang=eng&query="repentance"  “Baptism is the first step in becoming a member of Jesus Christ’s Church. We can be baptized when we are eight years old. At age eight, we are old enough to know the difference between right and wrong” The gift of the Holy Ghost is given to us by a priesthood holder after we are baptized. The Holy Ghost prompts us to choose the right, comforts us, and helps us understand eternal truths.” http://www.lds.org/friend/2011/04/article-of-faith-4?lang=eng&query="article+of+faith+4"

Fifth Article of Faith- picture of Bishop and Young woman from Gospel Art Kit 119 inside the train car  “Heavenly Father has given men the authority to do His work on earth. This authority is called the priesthood…. Members of the Church can be called to serve in their ward or branch. When a bishop needs to fill a calling in his ward, he ponders and prays about who should be called. When he receives confirmation from Heavenly Father that the person is the right one for the calling, that person is called and set apart by priesthood authority.” http://www.lds.org/friend/2011/05/article-of-faith-5?lang=eng&query="article+of+faith+5"

Sixth Article of Faith- picture of meetinghouse inside the train car http://lifebeforelife.org/files/2011/05/chapel.jpg   “Apostles and prophets who lived long ago led the Church and taught people about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Today prophets and apostles also lead Jesus Christ’s Church. The Church today is organized the same way Jesus organized His Church when He was on the earth.” http://www.lds.org/friend/2011/06/article-of-faith-6?lang=eng&query="article+of+faith+6"

Seventh Article of Faith- Missionaries picture from Primary picture packet 3-69 inside the train car http://www.meetmormonmissionaries.org/files/2009/04/missionary-visit.jpg  “Some of the blessings we receive from Heavenly Father are spiritual gifts. These gifts are given to those who are obedient and worthy to receive them.” Missionaries have the gift to speak tongues or other languages and the prophet receive revelation for us to follow and we can even our own personal revelation or guidance. Taken from http://www.lds.org/friend/2011/07/article-of-faith-7?lang=eng&query="article+of+faith+7"

Eighth Article of Faith- picture of scriptures inside the train car. http://www.lds.org/topic/book-of-mormon/images/mormons-books.jpg  “The scriptures are a record of the teachings of the prophets.. We believe and follow the teachings in four books of scripture: the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price.” http://www.lds.org/friend/2011/08/article-of-faith-8?lang=eng&query="article+of+faith+8"

Ninth Article of Faith- picture of prophet President Monson inside the train car http://www.lds.org/images/Magazines/global/MonsonTS_96_rgb.jpg   “Reveal means to tell or show something. Heavenly Father reveals important truths to His prophets on the earth… Prophets who lived long ago wrote down the things that God revealed. These records are our scriptures. Today we have a living prophet—President Thomas S. Monson.” http://www.lds.org/friend/2011/09/article-of-faith-9?lang=eng&query="article+of+faith+9"
 

Tenth Article of Faith- picture of the earth Primary packet picture 1- inside the train car http://lifebeforelife.org/files/2011/05/chapel.jpg  inside the train car “A tribe is a big family of people. The Ten Tribes are families who descended from Jacob in the Old Testament, who was also called Israel. Missionaries go all over the world to help teach people about the gospel of Jesus Christ. When people accept the gospel, they are gathered into Jesus Christ’s Church. Jesus will come to live with us again and be our King. He will bring peace to the earth, and the earth will be more beautiful than it is now.” http://www.lds.org/friend/2011/09/article-of-faith-10?lang=eng&query="article+of+faith+10"

Eleventh Article of Faith- picture of children Primary packet 2-70  inside the train car
 “People worship God in many different ways. Not everyone is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. But we are all children of Heavenly Father and He loves each one of us. He wants us to love one another… and show respect for others’ beliefs.”  http://www.lds.org/friend/2011/10/article-of-faith-11?lang=eng&query="article+of+faith+11"

Twelfth Article of Faith- Small flag from home country(America!!!) and/or small paper crown inside train car
“We believe it is right to follow the leaders and obey the laws of the country and city where we live. It is important to Heavenly Father that we are good citizens.” http://www.lds.org/friend/2011/11/article-of-faith-12?lang=eng&query="article+of+faith+12"

Thirteenth Article of Faith- picture of Jesus Christ with children inside train car http://www.jollyjenn.com/IKnowMySaviorLives.jpg or http://mormonyouth.org/files/2008/07/jesus-christ-children-mormon.jpg  “Everything that is good in this world is part of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We should follow the teachings of Jesus and try to be better and more like Him. When we keep our promises, tell the truth, and help others, we are following the teachings of Jesus.” http://www.lds.org/friend/2011/12/article-of-faith-13?lang=eng&query="article+of+faith+13"

I hope we will learn the articles of Faith so we may have a similar experience as the boy in the story. In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

 Train cars from: http://www.qacps.k12.md.us/ces/clipart/Carson%20Dellosa%20Clipart/Carson%20Dellosa%20Learning%20Themes/Images/Color%20Images/Transportation/TRAIN_CABOOSE.jpg

Train engine from: http://www.clker.com/cliparts/V/p/U/k/3/Y/loco-train-md.png

You can find a copy of the file named "Sharing time- Articles of Faith train" at my Skydrive: https://skydrive.live.com/?cid=976904c8bfc9a79e&sc=documents&id=976904C8BFC9A79E%21105)

Priesthood Keys Sharing time

Priesthood Keys Bless Us All Sharing Time

October 2012 Week 3 theme

 

Show some keys. What are these? Keys, right?!

“With a set of keys, you can do a lot of things that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to do—enter buildings, drive cars, and open trunks, among other things.  Keys, basically, mean authority and access. The same is true of priesthood keys.  They control access to the blessings and ordinances of the priesthood.  These keys are mentioned frequently in the Church, but we may not always understand them…” https://www.lds.org/new-era/2012/05/priesthood-keys?lang=eng

I have some locks that need to be unlocked with the correct priesthood keys. Some locks look different, don’t they?  That is because …“There are, in the church, two priesthoods, namely, the Melchizedek and Aaronic… The Melchizedek Priesthood, which is “after the Order of the Son of God” [Jesus Christ], is the greater of these. It also holds “the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church”” http://www.lds.org/topics/melchizedek-priesthood?lang=eng  That is why there are special links on these locks because the Melchizedek Priesthood better links us to our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.  Let’s match the priesthood keys with the correct priesthood and unlock the “spiritual blessings of the church. Remember that “Although the authority of the priesthood is bestowed only on worthy male members of the Church, the blessings of the priesthood are available to all—men, women, and children.” http://www.lds.org/topics/priesthood?lang=eng&query="blessings+of+the+priesthood"

(Have a bag filled with keys that have various responsibilities of the priesthood on them.)

The keys are found on the skydrive link below. They are colored with markers

(Have a child choose a key and read the priesthood duty. Then have the children figure out if this is a key of the Aaronic Priesthood or Melchizedek Priesthood.)

Locks can be found on the skydrive at the end of the lesson. I have the top of the lock fastened with a brad so that it hinges open. I also cut a slit in the keyhole for the key to fit in.

Then try a lock to see if the duty matches the picture on the back. (I used the top of some banker boxes and put the lock one side and the picture on the other. The  Melchizedek links are tin foil.) If not a match, try another corresponding priesthood lock andlook at picture on the back. Have a child put the key in the matching hole, unlock the lock and discuss briefly the picture on the back.)

Melchizedek Priesthood keys and locks

Key - Confirm a member of the church and confer the Holy Ghost

Matching picture on back- Picture packet picture 1-12 (girl being confirmed a member of the church) could use http://www.skepticalthayne.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/gift-holy-ghost-mormon.jpg

“Worthy Melchizedek Priesthood holders place their hands upon the head of an individual and call him or her by name. Then, by the authority of the holy priesthood and in the name of the Savior, the individual is confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and this important phrase is uttered: “Receive the Holy Ghost.”” http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/receive-the-holy-ghost?lang=eng&query="melchizedek+priesthood The Holy Ghost is definitely a blessing in our lives.
 

Key - Bless the sick

Matching picture on back- Primary packet 1-40-(sick boy receiving blessing) could use http://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/images/thumb/8/8d/Priesthood_Blessing.jpg/300px-Priesthood_Blessing.jpg

“A blessing is given by a Melchizedek Priesthood holder, by the laying on of hands and by inspiration, to one who is sick or otherwise in need of special counsel, comfort, or healing.  If the blessing is for the sick, consecrated oil is used” http://www.lds.org/topics/priesthood-blessing?lang=eng  Many times, by the power of the priesthood, the person receives a blessing and is healed from his or her sickness.

Key – Eternal marriage and sealing families together

Matching picture on back- (sealing room and alter) could use http://www.moroni10.com/LDS/Temple_Tour/SLC_Temple_Sealing_Room.jpg

“Marriage, however, can be eternal only when authorized priesthood holders perform the sealing ordinance in sacred temples” http://www.lds.org/manual/preach-my-gospel-a-guide-to-missionary-service/what-do-i-study-and-teach/lesson-5-laws-and-ordinances?lang=eng&query="laws+and+ordinances “And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven… (Matt 16:19).  So with the Melchizedek Priesthood keys, we are able to have the blessing of being sealed or bound to our spouses and families now and forever.
 

Key - Bless babies

Matching picture on back- Primary packet 3-21 or  could use https://www.lds.org/bc/content/shared/content/images/gospel-library/manual/37108/37108_all_028_01-blessing.jpg

“The father, if he holds the Melchizedek Priesthood and is worthy, or another person who holds the Melchizedek Priesthood, holds the baby in his arms, assisted by others who must also hold the Melchizedek Priesthood, and says a prayer. In the prayer, he addresses our Father in Heaven,… and gives the baby a name that is chosen by the parents. He then blesses the baby as the Holy Ghost inspires him.” Chapter 21: Ordinances,” Gospel Fundamentals, 115 http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=11d4cb7a29c20110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=e1fa5f74db46c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD

Aaronic Priesthood keys and locks

Key - Baptize people into the church

Matching picture on back- Primary packet- 1-11 or http://www.mormonwiki.com/File:Bautismo2.jpg

“Only a person who has the [Aaronic or higher] priesthood can baptize others.  The person who is baptizing calls the one to be baptized by name and says a short prayer. He then puts the person being baptized completely under the water and brings him or her out of the water again.” Chapter 21: Ordinances,” Gospel Fundamentals, 115 http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=11d4cb7a29c20110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=e1fa5f74db46c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD Baptism is a sacred ordinance that can only performed by priesthood keys and it is a blessing to be a member of the true church.

Key - Be a home teacher

Matching picture- (Home teaching) Gospel art kit 614 or https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOiVOnjQcYs8wLAEHTLsdWR5cmSLB-36Nto1booo_bIqZyJkV23sYdN8sB5NQB_JxYILB6l6_4lh0FuzxMwQMbQkULNN6PUB1pv1OCIgSugFL2HPd57me8bkcvUkUnprLnA_CGL-yy-M/s1600/8.jpg

“The bishop of each ward in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints assigns priesthood holders as home teachers to visit the homes of members every month. They go in pairs; often a youth holding the Aaronic Priesthood accompanies an adult holding the Melchizedek Priesthood.” http://www.lds.org/general-conference/1997/10/home-teaching-a-divine-service?lang=eng  These home teachers visit members in the home, and teach, help, challenge, care for and comfort them. Both the person being visited and those teaching receive blessings.

Key - Prepare, bless and pass the sacrament

Matching picture- (Passing the sacrament) Primary packet- 1-8 or http://store.lds.org/images/estore/products/eng/993_62021000_p_600.jpg

The ordinance of the sacrament is administered by keys of the Aaronic Priesthood. “[The Deacon at 12 years of age] passes the sacrament… [The teacher at 14 years of age] prepares the sacrament.  The honor of administering the sacrament is given to the priests [at 16 years of age], who offer the sacramental prayers.” June 2012 Liahona “Your Aaronic Priesthood Duties” http://www.lds.org/liahona/2012/06/your-aaronic-priesthood-duties?lang=eng&query="home+teacher" We have the blessing every week to partake of the sacrament.

CONCLUSION

These same important priesthood keys that were on the earth when Jesus Christ lived and eventually given to Joseph Smith, are still on the earth today so we can have those special ordinances performed that lead us back to our Heavenly Father. I hope we will honor the priesthood and live worthy of its blessings. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

      (You can find a copy of the file named "Sharing time- The Keys of the Priesthood" at my Skydrive for the keys and locks: https://skydrive.live.com/?cid=976904c8bfc9a79e&sc=documents&id=976904C8BFC9A79E%21105)

            

 

 

 

 

Talents Sharing Time

Sharing time- Becoming an Instrument in the Hands of God and Sharing Talents
November Week 3 theme- "I Am Thankful for Spiritual Blessings"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ssHsUE-CTg (If internet available, show and listen to one minute of the orchestra playing, “I am a Child of God”. So the children know what a symphony looks and sounds like). Recently, I was able to visit a live orchestra and was amazed that all these different musical instruments with their own unique sounds could produce together something so harmonious, so beautifully blended. The scriptures in Alma say, “…that we have been made instruments in the hands of God to bring about this great work.” We are the Lord’s instruments or tools to help build up each other and the church. We use our talents or special gifts from God to create harmony and beauty in the world around us. This keyboard (show keyboard, or you could use a piano if needed) would like to play the last part of a primary song but needs some help finding the correct musical notes to play. I have placed some musical instruments around the room, like a symphony, that can help the piano find the musical notes it needs, its sheet music! We will discover what kind of talented instruments we can be and how we can create spiritual harmony. With each instrument, we will learn about talents and find a few musical notes to put on the board.

 

(Borrow some music instruments that may be found in a symphony and place around the room with labeled numbers 1-6 on small cards and place two or three music note sheets under or next to the instrument. You could also use instrument clipart from the internet, if instruments are not available.)

example:

Sorry I forgot to put a 3X5 card with the number order of the instrument. Use your imagination!

 

(Have Primary child find INSTRUMENT #1 in the room and show the children the instrument or even play it for a second.) clipart option: http://cdn.dailyclipart.net/wp-content/uploads/medium/clipart0162.jpg or http://www.clipartmojo.com/plugins/Clipart/ClipartStock1/piccolo%201.png

INSTRUMENT #1 - Piccolo or French horn

“Happily, we need not all be the same kind of instrument. Just as the instruments in an orchestra differ in size, shape, and sound, we too are different from one another. We have different talents and inclinations, but just as the Piccolo (or whatever instrument) cannot duplicate [or make the same] sound as a piano, neither is it necessary for us to all serve the Lord in exactly the same way.” http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2000/10/we-are-instruments-in-the-hands-of-god?lang=eng&query="piccolo"

(Have child help put the first three music notes, G(blue),A(orange),G(blue) on the chalkboard)

 (Have Primary child find INSTRUMENT # 2 in the room and show the instrument to the children or play it for a second.) clipart option: http://www.clipart.dk.co.uk/DKImages/arts/image_arts006.jpg

INSTRUMENT #2- Viola or Violin

“An orchestra composed of only violas (or Violins) lacks the depth, the variety, the power of a symphony complete with winds, brass, strings, and percussion. Together, all instruments make a wholeness.”  http://www.lds.org/ensign/1998/07/harmony-among-grown-children?lang=eng&query=symphony. I prefer the symphony more when there are many different instruments playing the song rather than having all violas (or violins). It is a blessing that we have all been given many different talents or spiritual gifts to help each other. It would be kind of boring if we all did the same thing always. We are all a different instrument playing an important part in strengthening each other.

(Have child help put the next two notes music notes, E(green),C(yellow) on the chalkboard)

(Have Primary child find INSTRUMENT # 3 in the room and show the instrument to the children or play it for a second.) clipart option: http://www.aperfectworld.org/clipart/Music/drum03.gif

INSTRUMENT #3- Drum or another instrument that can be passed around and played

So what are the different talents or gifts that we have? How are we different instruments? “Everyone has been blessed with special talents. They are gifts from Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Sometimes you may think of music, art, or sports as the only talents that a person may have, but there are other talents that aren’t so obvious.” http://www.lds.org/friend/1989/06/sharing-time-i-have-talents?lang=eng&query="sharing+time%3ai+have+talents Many talents are spiritual talents. Maybe you are good at listening to others and the spirit, being compassionate and kind, being honest with others, trusting in people and God, understanding people, being calm and slow to get angry, etc. “Spiritual gifts are endless in number and infinite in variety” (taken from http://www.lds.org/ensign/2002/02/gifts-of-the-spirit?lang=eng) So what are some of your talents? (pass around the drum and have a few children play as they share a talent)

(Have child help put the next two notes music notes, G(blue), G(blue) on the chalkboard.)

(Have Primary child find INSTRUMENT # 4 in the room and show the instrument to the children or play it for a second.) clipart option; http://musicalmart.net/shop/images/DCL-400_Clarinet.jpg

INSTRUMENT #4 - Clarinet or any instrument

Once we have discovered our talents, we need to develop them. Practice them. What would happen if I had a clarinet and then hid it in my closet and never got it out? Would I get better at playing it? No! I have to practice often and then I would start to see my progress. We have to practice our physical and spiritual talents. “Our talents may only be small at first. But with hard work they can grow. Improving one talent often helps us develop other talents” http://www.lds.org/manual/the-latter-day-saint-woman-basic-manual-for-women-part-a/personal-and-family-development/lesson-27-developing-our-talents?lang=eng&query="developing+our+talents"  After we have discovered and developed our talents, the Lord expects us to use them. If we do not use them, we will lose them” http://www.lds.org/manual/the-latter-day-saint-woman-basic-manual-for-women-part-a/personal-and-family-development/lesson-27-developing-our-talents?lang=eng&query="developing+our+talents"

(Have child help put the next two notes music notes, E(green), A(orange) on the chalkboard.)

(Have Primary child find INSTRUMENT # 5 in the room and show the instrument to the children or play it for a second.) clipart option: http://static.musiciansfriend.com/derivates/19/001/267/085/DV020_Jpg_Jumbo_491224.372_supernatural.jpg

INSTRUMENT #5- Tambourine (or other instrument)

“Symphony and orchestra members must listen to each other’s parts to blend their different instruments so that each part can be heard.” http://www.lds.org/ensign/1998/07/harmony-among-grown-children?lang=eng&query=symphony We, instruments in the hand of God, must listen and show respect other instruments of God, meaning our friends, peers, neighbors, etc. We must find ways to blend in harmony with each other, get along and let everyone be heard. We can also listen and help others discover talents or spiritual gifts, they didn’t know they had.

(Have child help put the next three notes music notes, G(blue), F(brown), E(green) on the chalkboard.)

(Have Primary child find INSTRUMENT # 6 in the room and show the instrument to the children or play it for a second.) clipart option: http://www.musicwithease.com/trumpet-2.gif

INSTRUMENT #6- Trumpet

“You can be powerful instruments in the hands of God to help bring about this great work. … You can do something for another person that no one else ever born can do”  President Faust taught  http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2006/10/becoming-instruments-in-the-hands-of-god?lang=eng&query="become+instruments Sound your trumpets, share your talents or gifts from God daily in the great symphony of life.

(Have child help put the last two notes music notes, D(purple), C(pink) on the chalkboard.)
 

CONCLUSION:

Now we have all the notes for the piano to finish playing the song. I need a friend to come share your talents with us and help us play the song. Wonder if you can guess what primary song it is? (The keyboard has the notes color coded to match the notes on the board. Quietly assist the child by calling out the colors for the child to play the last line of the song) The song is, “Fun to do” (I used a simplified version and color coded the notes to the best of my ability. Music is NOT my talent!) http://www.frontiernet.net/~vkbrown/fun_to_do.pdf

Sing, “Sharing our talents is fun to do, to do, to do, to do!!” Sharing our talents IS fun! I challenge you to become instruments in the hands of God and bless others with your spiritual gifts. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

   (You can find a copy of the file named "Sharing time- Talents" at my Skydrive: https://skydrive.live.com/?cid=976904c8bfc9a79e&sc=documents&id=976904C8BFC9A79E%21105)

 

 

The Family is of God Sharing time

 

The Family is of God Sharing Time
July 2013 Week 1

 

As you prepare and teach this lesson, be sensitive regarding children from single parent homes

In 1995, The prophet, President Hinckley issued “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” proclaiming “that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.” Mothers and fathers have divine roles [or special jobs] and responsibilities in the rearing “of their children in love and righteousness.” “Fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners.” Take this salad tool.

 

Imagine that this fork side (show fork side in one hand) represents a father and the spoon side (show spoon side in other hand) represents a mother. The fork side has its own special jobs that it is good at and the spoon, in turn, has jobs that it is better suited for. Each CAN certainly serve salad by themselves. But the fork and the spoon (assemble the fork and spoon side together) working together as equal partners can serve salad more successfully.  

So what are these special roles that mothers and fathers have and how does it help have happy homes and eternal families?  We are going to learn about the divine roles of parents and also how we can honor and help our parents.  I have a series of homes filled with love.

I used velcro dots to attach the hearts to the homes. You could use painter's tape. House taken from

http://www.freeldsart.com/images/clipart/love-at-home-c.gif

A Primary child will select a heart from a house and we will learn about a special responsibility that parents have based directly from the “The Family: A Proclamation to the World.” and leaders of the church. Then we will place the heart in this happy home and help create an eternal family. Later we will discover what responsibilities children have to honor parents.

house came from http://library.lds.org/nxt/gateway.dll/Magazines/Friend/img/
img01949.jpg?f=templates$fn=document-frame.htm$3.0
or try this link http://www.lds.org/friend/1996/06/sharing-time-love-at-home?lang=eng
It was more time consuming than anticipated to construct. There are many printable dollhouses out in internet land(see below for another) or use a toy doll house or create one?!

Additional information on the “Parent roles” hearts that are removed from the happy home-

1. “Parents have a sacred duty… to teach [children] to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live.” http://www.lds.org/topics/family-proclamation?lang=eng  

·         Parents teach love service and obedience to the country’s laws to their children. They keep the Ten Commandments and other commandments given by the prophets.  

2. “Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.” http://www.lds.org/topics/family-proclamation?lang=eng

·         “Families that regularly participate in wholesome activities together can feel greater love and harmony.” Wholesome activities include Family Home Evening, family service activities and one-on-one outings with mom or dad. Taken from http://www.lds.org/liahona/2011/09/small-and-simple-things/wholesome-family-activities?lang=eng&query="wholesome+activities" What is one of your favorite wholesome activities with a parent?

3. “By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families.” http://www.lds.org/topics/family-proclamation?lang=eng

·         Fathers preside, provide and protect their families. To preside righteously means the father knows the principles of the gospel, loves God, his wife and self, works together with his wife, exercises priesthood keys, and teaches his children. Taken from http://www.lds.org/liahona/2004/02/presiding-righteously-in-the-home?lang=eng&query="fathers+preside" Fathers provide needs like shelter, clothing and food for their families. Fathers protect their families from danger and the evils of the world.

4.  “Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children.” http://www.lds.org/topics/family-proclamation?lang=eng

·         “To nurture is to teach, to foster development, to promote growth, to feed, and to nourish.” Susan W. Tanner, "My Soul Delighteth in the Things of the Lord," Ensign, May 2008, 82 “Another word for nurturing is homemaking. Homemaking includes cooking, washing clothes and dishes, and keeping an orderly home.” Daughters in my Kingdom, Chapter 9, “Guardians of the Hearth” http://www.lds.org/relief-society/daughters-in-my-kingdom/manual/guardians-of-the-hearth-establishing-nurturing-and-defending-the-family?lang=eng&query="motherhood+is+near+to+divinity.+it+is+the+highest+holiest+service

 5. “In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.”

·         “Regardless of their family situation, all Church members are entitled to receive all the blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The structure and fellowship of the Church provide many people who are willing and ready to help parents and children and to strengthen them in the gospel.” http://www.lds.org/topics/single-parent-families?lang=eng&query="single+parents When needed, others can help fill the role of a father or mother (the salad fork or spoon) to help strengthen the family.

6. Listen to the second and third verse of “The Family is of God” and recall one role for each mother and father from the lyrics (MP3 found here or have Presidency/teachers sing the song to the children) http://www.lds.org/cm/display/0,17631,7206-1,00.html or have all the children sing the song using this flipchart http://c586449.r49.cf2.rackcdn.com/The%20Family%20Is%20of%20God.pdf

“Children share with their parents the responsibilities of building a happy home.” “The Lord has commanded children to honor their parents. He said, “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land” (Exodus 20:12). To honor parents means to love and respect them. http://www.lds.org/manual/gospel-principles/chapter-37-family-responsibilities?lang=eng&query="honor+parents"

Now we are going to add children to this happy, eternal home and discover some of your responsibilities in honoring parents. (Pick children “dolls” and read and discuss ways that the children can honor parents. After discussing, put child in the happy house.)

 

(On the back of the children clipart “dolls” or you could use small toy dolls. I don’t have dolls or dollhouses, I have three energetic boys!)
 

1.      Be obedient- The scriptures teach children “obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right” (Ephesians 6:1).

2.      Be loyal to them by not saying unkind things about them or to them 

3.      Be more cheerful with all family members-

“Most of all, you can put your arms around your mother often and tell her you love her.” M. Russell Ballard, "Daughters of God," Ensign, May 2008, 110

4.      Be a good person myself

5.      Be more helpful at home

“You can pick up your toys when you are finished playing with them, and when you get a little older, you can make your bed, help with the dishes, and do other chores—without being asked.” M. Russell Ballard, "Daughters of God," Ensign, May 2008, 110

6.      Express appreciation and thanks

“You can say thank you more often when you finish a nice meal, when a story is read to you at bedtime, or when clean clothes are put in your drawers.” M. Russell Ballard, "Daughters of God," Ensign, May 2008, 110 

“No gift purchased from a store can begin to match in value to parents some simple, sincere words of appreciation. Nothing we could give them would be more prized than righteous living for each youngster” Spencer W. Kimball http://www.lds.org/manual/preparing-for-exaltation-teachers-manual/lesson-42-honor-thy-father-and-thy-mother?lang=eng

7.      Discuss your problems, plans, and goals with them

“Your parents can help you greatly if you will confide in them and accept their advice and counsel. They want you to be happy. Your successes are their successes. Your failures are their failures. They are sad when you are sad, and glad when you are glad. If you want to be really happy and successful, you will honor your father and mother” N. Eldon Tanner, “These Things I have Learned”, http://www.lds.org/new-era/1971/03/these-things-i-have-learned?lang=eng&query="parents+can+help"\

(Source for ways to honor parents: Young Women’s manual 1 http://www.lds.org/manual/young-women-manual-1/lesson-9-honoring-parents?lang=eng&query="honor+parents")

Conclusion:

“When we honor our parents, we bring happiness to them and we become better, happier people ourselves.” “To love and honor our parents is to love and honor God.” Ensign, July 1986 http://www.lds.org/ensign/1986/07/honoring-parents-and-being-honorable-parents?lang=eng&query="honor+parents  I hope that we will honor our parents today and prepare for the responsibilities we will receive as future parents someday. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Sources for clipart used:

House http://library.lds.org/nxt/gateway.dll/Magazines/Friend/img/
img01949.jpg?f=templates$fn=document-frame.htm$3.0

or could use this printable that fits on a McDonalds happy meal box-

house box-  http://www.gretchenfleener.com/ShopPaperPatterns.html

father- http://www.ldsclipart.com/wp-content/uploads/bwbps/father4.jpg

mother- https://sites.google.com/site/ldsmhlibrarycutouts/home/Primary-Manual-1-Cutouts

girl with flowers-- https://sites.google.com/site/ldsmhlibrarycutouts/home/Set-1People

girl with church dress- https://sites.google.com/site/ldsmhlibrarycutouts/home/Primary-Manual-3-Cutouts

boy in suit- - https://sites.google.com/site/ldsmhlibrarycutouts/home/Primary-Manual-3-Cutouts

boy in white shirt- https://sites.google.com/site/ldsmhlibrarycutouts/home/Set-1People

baby- https://sites.google.com/site/ldsmhlibrarycutouts/home/Set-1People

sister with baby-  https://sites.google.com/site/ldsmhlibrarycutouts/home/Set-1People

boy in brown suit- https://sites.google.com/site/ldsmhlibrarycutouts/home/Primary-Manual-1-Cutouts

    You can find a copy of the file named "parents have sacred roles" at my Skydrive: https://skydrive.live.com/?cid=976904c8bfc9a79e&sc=documents&id=976904C8BFC9A79E%21105)