FHE Monthly Ideas based on CSMP 2007 “I’ll Follow Him in Faith” “And lo, he cometh unto his own, that salvation might come unto the children of men even through faith on his name” (Mosiah 3:9). Here is my labor of love. I’m sure you’ll find little mistakes or inconsistencies. Feel free to e-mail me at [email protected]so that I can fix them. I tried to use activities that are public domain for anyone to download and use. When I didn’t I tried to provide an alternative. There are just a couple of things that don’t have references because I came up with them on my own or from my own past teaching experiences. In this document, I have provided the outlines and the references you should need to compile these lessons as you desire. What I am doing for my Primary families is to put the lesson outline, song copies (from lds.org), and black and white originals for activities as needed into a file folder. I put packing tape along the sides to help contain everything and label the filing tab with a label I print from MS word, then at the bottom front of the folder, I put a label with my name and date on it, so that if anyone has questions later on, they can call me. Feel free to use and adapt as works best for your situation, but make sure to give the proper credit. I never claim to be wonderfully original, just that I know how to find good information. Thanks for your patience and interest in the project! ~Heather Karr 1264 Lorne Loop Springfield, OR 97477
Transcript
FHE Monthly Ideasbased on CSMP 2007
“I’ll Follow Him in Faith”“And lo, he cometh unto his own, that salvation might come unto the children of men even through faith on his name”
(Mosiah 3:9).
Here is my labor of love. I’m sure you’ll find little mistakes or inconsistencies. Feel free to e-mail me at [email protected] so that I can fix them. I tried to use activities that are public domain for anyone to download and use. When I didn’t I tried to provide an alternative. There are just a couple of things that don’t have references because I came up with them on my own or from my own past teaching experiences.
In this document, I have provided the outlines and the references you should need to compile these lessons as you desire. What I am doing for my Primary families is to put the lesson outline, song copies (from lds.org), and black and white originals for activities as needed into a file folder. I put packing tape along the sides to help contain everything and label the filing tab with a label I print from MS word, then at the bottom front of the folder, I put a label with my name and date on it, so that if anyone has questions later on, they can call me.
Feel free to use and adapt as works best for your situation, but make sure to give the proper credit. I never claim to be wonderfully original, just that I know how to find good information.
Thanks for your patience and interest in the project!~Heather Karr1264 Lorne LoopSpringfield, OR 97477
Monthly Checklist Lesson Outline 1 Copy of each song Originals in B&W (as needed)
ADVANCED PREPARATION: Color in and assemble the “Strong and Wilting Plant Match Game” according to the directions given. Cut out all the leaves and put into a paper lunch bag. This can be mounted on poster board/cardstock and laminated if desired.
OPENING SONG: “I’ll Follow Him in Faith” (Friend, Jan 2003, 24) (This is the first song we will be learning for the Sacrament Meeting Program this year—we also learned it in 2005, so your child(ren) may vaguely remember it.)
OPENING PRAYER:
SCRIPTURE: “If ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true” (Alma 32:21).
OBJECTIVE OR THEME: To help each family member realize that they have faith to follow Jesus Christ.
LESSON/STORY: (adapted from Gospel Fun Activities by Mary H. Ross and Jennette Guymon-King, Lesson 4—Faith: My Faith Can Grow AND from Deseret Book FHE lesson on Faith 8/2/04)
Ask the following three questions of your family: What would happen if you sat in one of the chairs in the room? (It would hold
you up.)What would happen if you turned the light switch off? (The lights would go
out.)What would happen if you pressed a crayon around on a piece of paper? (It
would write.)
Now try all three of the “experiments” as a family. Afterwards ask the children how they could know the results of the experiments before they happened. They were able to know because they have experienced these things over and over again. They have begun to trust the results. Share an example: the first time a baby turns a light switch off and on, it surprises him. But as he does it again and again it doesn’t surprise him anymore. He has developed faith in that light switch. (Beth Lefgren and Jennifer Jackson, Sharing Time, Family Time, Anytime, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1992], p. 16.)
Ask the following questions and talk about FAITH as you discuss the answers as a family.
1. What does it mean to have faith? (Alma 32:21—To believe and trust that something is real and true, even though we have not seen it.)
2. What does it mean to have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ? (To trust that he lives and loves us, that he is Heavenly Father’s son.)
3. How can our faith in Jesus Christ grow? (By praying, reading the scriptures, hearing the word of God from his servants, and keeping the commandments.)
ACTIVITY/GAME: My Faith is Growing (Choices: Strong and Wilting Plant Match game.) Have family members take turns drawing leaves form the bag. The leaves are either choices that will help their faith grow OR stop it from growing. Have them put the leaf with the appropriate plant and talk about the choices as needed.
This activity will help everyone to understand that they not only have faith in Jesus Christ but that they can make conscious choices in their own lives to help their faith grow.
CLOSING SONG: “Faith” (CS, 96) OR other song of choice
CLOSING PRAYER:
REFRESHMENTS: Faith Grapes—as everyone eats their own bunch of grapes, have them take turns sharing one way that they can choose to build their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ over the next few days or weeks.
FURTHER RESOURCES:* 2007 CSMP Outline (available online for free at www.ldscatalog.com –search for item #
27002000)* http://www.deseretbookstore.com/mormon-life/curric/archive?area_id=7* The following is a link to another plant/seed activity to print out and use as an alternative. It is
from the February 1999 Friend:http://library.lds.org/nxt/gateway.dll?f=templates$fn=default.htm$xhitlist_q=My%20Faith
FebruaryMy faith in Jesus Christ grows when I know who He is.
SUPPLIES: Picture of Christ
ADVANCED PREPARATION: Prepare four word strips: Obeyed Parents, Served Others, Prayed, Forgave Others. [DO THIS FOR THE PACKET]
OPENING SONG: “This is My Beloved Son” (CS, 76) (This is another song we are learning for the Sacrament Meeting Program this year.)
OPENING PRAYER:
SCRIPTURE: “And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God” (John 6:69).
OBJECTIVE OR THEME: To review some things that we already know about Christ so that we can increase our faith in Him and His role in Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness for us.
LESSON/STORY: (adapted from Deseret Book FHE Lesson “Becoming Like Christ” 12/4/05) Play a guessing game of “Who am I?” Give clues that describe an individual in your group. Use physical characteristics such as hair length, eye color, age, and so on. This can be repeated two or three times. Following the game, point out that people are usually recognized by their physical characteristics.
People can also be recognized by their spiritual characteristics. Play the game of “Who am I?” again. Explain that this time group members will try to guess who the individual is by spiritual characteristics. Pass out the word strips and have the children display them. Invite your family to guess what individual is described by all four word strips. Show the picture of Christ.
Even though none of us has seen Christ, we can recognize Him through these and other spiritual characteristics. As we come to recognize and emulate Christ’s spiritual characteristics, we come to know him better and increase our faith and trust in Him. (Beth Lefgren and Jennifer Jackson, Sharing Time, Family Time, Anytime: Book Two, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1994], p. 18-19.)
ACTIVITY/GAME: Using the puzzle pieces provided, test your family’s knowledge of Christ’s life by answering and discussing the questions on the back of each puzzle piece. When each question has been answered correctly, put them in place.
1. What was the first miracle Christ performed? (John 2:1-11—Turning water to wine at a wedding in Cana.)
2. Who were Christ’s earthly parents? (Matthew 1:18—Mary and Joseph)3. Before the Crucifixion, where did the Atonement take place? (Luke 22:40-46—Garden of
Gethsemane)
4. What was one or two (or more) of the parables that Christ taught to his disciples? (Answers will vary: Good Samaritan, Parable of the Talents, Parable of the Sower, Ten Virgins, etc.)
5. What is the only story of Christ’s childhood recorded in the Bible? (Luke 2:41-52—Christ teaching the priests in the temple.)
6. What famous statement did Christ make as he prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane? (Matthew 26:39; Mark 14:36; Luke 22:42—“…not my will, but thine, be done.”)
7. What are two or three other names that refer to Jesus Christ in the scriptures? (answers will vary: Savior, Redeemer, Lord, Alpha and Omega, etc. See “Jesus Christ” in the topical guide for quite a list.)
8. Why do we refer to Christ as our Elder Brother? (See “Elder Brother” in Mormon Doctrine by Bruce R. McConkie—Because he is the oldest of Heavenly Father’s spirit children.)
9. Where did Christ appear to the Nephites after he was resurrected? (3 Nephi 11:1, 6-10—At the temple in the land of Bountiful.)
10. Based on the story of when Jesus Christ was baptized, how do we know there are 3 separate members of the Godhead? (Matthew 3:15-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:22-23; Christ was there in body, Heavenly Father’s voice was heard from heaven, and the Holy Ghost descended in the sign of the dove.)
11. How did Christ honor his mother while he was on the cross? (John 19:25-27—He asked John the Beloved to take care of her like he would his own mother after Jesus died.)
12. How did baby Jesus escape King Herod’s order to kill all baby boys? (Matthew 2:13-15—An angel came to Joseph and told him to flee to Egypt.)
Once the puzzle is complete, bear your testimony that we can work together as a family to build faith in Jesus Christ, just as we worked together to build His picture.
CLOSING SONG: “Tell Me the Stories of Jesus” (CS, 57) OR other song of choice
CLOSING PRAYER:
REFRESHMENTS: Unleavened bread is one of the staples at the Jewish Passover table and turns out sort of like saltine crackers. Eat with cheese, fresh fruit, honey and milk.
GOLDEN DISCS (UNLEAVENED BREAD)4 c. unbleached flour1 tsp. salt1 1/2 c. water (room temp.)
Combine the flour and salt. Add enough water to make a dough that will clean the sides of the bowl and can be gathered into a ball. Turn out onto a lightly floured board and knead 10 minutes. Shape into a ball and cut in half. Cut each half in 8 pieces and form into 16 balls. Roll out each ball to form about a 7" circle. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake in a preheated 500 degree oven for 5 minutes or until discs are lightly colored, blistered and crisp. Serve with cheese chips and soups. Makes 16 discs.
FURTHER RESOURCES: 2007 CSMP Outline (available online for free at www.ldscatalog.com search for item # 27002000). Also you can go to www.cooks.com for the unleavened bread recipe. There are several to choose from. This one looked like the kids could help and even work on their own.
MarchMy faith in Jesus Christ grows when I follow His example
and keep His commandments.
SUPPLIES: Collect the following pictures from the Gospel Art Kit for the Lesson/Story portion: 208, 322, 213, 217, 228, 230, 227, 212, 224; one 30” piece of yarn, string, or ribbon for each sandal template you make
ADVANCED PREPARATION: Make enough copies of the sandal template so each member of your family can make one. You may want to cut out and assemble for younger children ahead of time.
OPENING SONG: “I’m Trying to Be like Jesus” (CS 78-79) (This is another song we are learning for the Sacrament Meeting Program this year.)
OPENING PRAYER:
SCRIPTURE: “Follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do” (2 Nephi 31:12).
OBJECTIVE OR THEME: To help family members learn how to follow the example of Jesus Christ for their own everyday decisions.
LESSON/STORY: (adapted from the FHE Resource Guide, see below)
Jesus Gave Us His Example: What are some of the thing Jesus has given us as an example that we can apply to our own lives?
Direct your discussion according to the needs of your family. Use pictures (some are approximate likenesses) as needed to help focus their attention and draw out details that can apply to your own family situation:
1. He showed us the way to be baptized (GAK 208; Matthew 3:13–17).
2. He loved little children (GAK 322; Mark 10:13–16).
3. He helped the sick and the handicapped (GAK 213; Mark 6:53–56, Mark 7:31–35).
4. He was kind (GAK 217; John 4:6–10).
5. He did not get angry with those who offended him (GAK 228; Matthew 27:29–31).
6. He forgave those who were cruel to him (GAK 230; Luke 23:34).
7. He showed us how to pray (GAK 227; Matthew 6:5–13).
CLOSING SONG: “Jesus Said Love Everyone” (CS, 61) OR other song of choice
CLOSING PRAYER:
REFRESHMENTS: Trail Mix—to munch on as we follow Jesus along the path of life. Use your family’s favorite mix or assemble from items you have on hand like pretzels, chocolate chips, cereal, nuts, raisins, etc.
FURTHER RESOURCES:2007 CSMP Outline (available online for free at www.ldscatalog.com –search for item #
27002000)Family Home Evening Resource Book, “Jesus is My Example”, pages 48-51 (published by the
SUPPLIES: GAK 227 (Garden of Gethsemane) and GAK 230 (Crucifixion of Christ)
ADVANCED PREPARATION: Read through the attached story and activity and gather needed materials (basket, plastic eggs, paper, etc.)
OPENING SONG: “I Know That My Redeemer Lives” (Hymns, no. 136) (This is another song we are learning for the Sacrament Meeting Program this year.)
OPENING PRAYER:
SCRIPTURE: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
OBJECTIVE OR THEME: To help the family understand that we can live with Heavenly Father and Jesus again thanks to the Atonement.
LESSON/STORY:1. Discuss the meaning of the words “Savior” (one who saves from danger or destruction) and “Redeemer” (one who buys back or pays a ransom).2. Brainstorm words that describe Christ and his life that begin with each of the letters in “Savior” OR “Redeemer”. OR if your family is really ambitious, do it for both of these words. For Example:
S=Son of GodA=All-powerfulV=Virtuous, etc.
3. Explain that even though Jesus Christ spent his entire life creating the perfect example for us to follow, it wasn’t until his last days that he fulfilled his titles of Savior and Redeemer of Mankind.
a. Hold up GAK 227 (Garden of Gethsemane). See if anyone can tell the story of what is happening in the picture. Use the summary and scriptures on the back to refresh your memory. Emphasize that this is where the Atonement took place. Christ suffered here for our sins and paid the ransom for us to be able to repent and return to live with Heavenly Father again when we die. Because of the Atonement, Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer.b. Hold up GAK 230 (The Crucifixion). Again, use the summary and scriptures on the back to re-tell the story with your family. The sacrifice of the crucifixion sealed the work of the Atonement.
ACTIVITY/GAME: See the attached story (“No Candy for Easter”) and activity (“Testimony Easter Eggs”) from the Friend, April 2004. Read or summarize the story with your family, emphasizing the part where the blessings of Christ and his atonement are applied to our lives.
Make the Testimony Easter Eggs with your family and share with family and/or friends.
CLOSING SONG: “Did Jesus Really Live Again?” (CS,64) OR other song of choice
CLOSING PRAYER:
REFRESHMENTS: EITHER make the Spring Basket Cookies on the “Testimony Easter Eggs” page OR the Resurrection Rolls (below—I got the recipe from an e-mail group, no credit was given there):
R esurrection Rolls Crescent rollsMelted butterLarge marshmallows
CinnamonSugar
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Give each family member a triangle of crescent rolls.
Give each person a marshmallow. Have them dip the marshmallow in melted butter then dip the buttered marshmallow in the cinnamon and sugar.
Then wrap the coated marshmallow tightly in the crescent roll (not like a typical crescent roll up, but bring the sides up and seal the marshmallow inside.)
Place in a 350 degree oven for 10-12 minutes.
When the rolls have cooled slightly, the children can open their rolls and discover that it is empty, just as Jesus’ is no longer there, He is risen. (The marshmallow and the crescent roll is puffed up, but empty.)
(NOTE About Resurrection Rolls [from the e-mailer]: I had problems the first time I made them. I re-did them last night and they worked. What I did was I cut the large marshmallow in half. Then instead of baking them on a cookie sheet I put them into cupcake papers and baked them in the muffin tin. They worked MUCH better and they were hollow inside. When I did it the first way with the whole marshmallow and on a cookie sheet, they oozed marshmallow everywhere and were not hollow.)
FURTHER RESOURCES:2007 CSMP Outline (available online for free at www.ldscatalog.com –search for item #
27002000)The Children’s Friend, April, 2004, pages 4-6 and 31
SUPPLIES: The Restoration video (see below to obtain a copy.)
ADVANCED PREPARATION: Color and cut out the cards for the matching game (use the copy on cardstock, the regular paper copy can serve as an original to make additional copies if desired.)
OPENING SONG: “An Angel Came to Joseph Smith” (CS, 86) (This is another song we are learning for the Sacrament Meeting Program this year.)
OPENING PRAYER:
SCRIPTURE: “Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvelous wok among this people, even a marvelous work and a wonder” (Isaiah 29:14).
OBJECTIVE OR THEME: To remind family members that we need to strengthen our faith in Joseph Smith and the Restoration in order to strengthen our testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
LESSON/STORY: As a family watch The Restoration movie recently produced by the Church. You can order the video (item #53742000) or DVD (item #54742090) for $2.00 each from the Church Distribution Center OR check it out from the ward library. The video is almost 20 minutes long.
ACTIVITY/GAME: Then and Now Match Game. Lay cards face-down on the floor or table. Take turns turning two cards over for all to see, saying “then” or “now” as they look as the pictures and tell what they see. If you wish to make it more difficult for older children, make another set of the cards so that they are matching then to then and now to now; this creates 10 possible matches with 20 cards instead of the 5 possible matches with 10 cards that we provided.
CLOSING SONG: “The Golden Plates” (CS, 86) OR other song of choice
CLOSING PRAYER:
REFRESHMENTS: Munch on either popcorn or your family’s favorite snack mix while watching the movie.
FURTHER RESOURCES: 2007 CSMP Outline (available online for free at www.ldscatalog.com –search for item #
and keep my baptismal covenant.SUPPLIES: Scriptures
ADVANCED PREPARATION: Collect supplies for making the mobiles: scissors, hole punch, string or yarn, tape, etc.
OPENING SONG: “I Want to Live the Gospel” (CS, 148 OR …) (This is another song we are learning for the Sacrament Meeting Program this year.)
OPENING PRAYER:
SCRIPTURE: “I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5).
OBJECTIVE OR THEME: To remember what our baptismal covenants are and learn how to keep them every day.
LESSON/STORY:Read the sacrament prayers as a family (D&C 20:77, 79). Point out that we make 3 promises to
Heavenly Father and Jesus:1. Take upon us the name of the Son, Jesus Christ.2. Always remember Him (Jesus Christ).3. Keep his commandments.(You may want to make word strips or list these on a sheet of paper for everyone to see, if your
children are old enough.) Reiterate that when we make these promises to Heavenly Father we need to know how to keep them in order to receive His blessings and have the Holy Ghost with us.
(from Primary Manual 4, Lesson 12) Explain to the children that part of the covenant we made when we were baptized was to be willing to take the name of Jesus Christ upon us and become a true Christian, or follower of Christ. We must live worthy of his name. Ask the children to think about how well they are honoring the name of Jesus Christ as you share the following story from President George Albert Smith, the eighth President of the Church:
“A number of years ago I was seriously ill. … I became so weak as to scarcely be able to move.
“One day … I lost consciousness of my surroundings and I thought I had passed to the Other Side. …
“I began to explore … and after I had walked for some time … through the forest, I saw a man coming towards me. I became aware that he was a very large man, and I hurried my steps to reach him, because I recognized him as my grandfather. … I remember how glad I was to see him coming. I had been given his name and had always been proud of it.
“When Grandfather came within a few feet of me, he stopped. … He looked at me very earnestly and said:
“ ‘I would like to know what you have done with my name.’
“Everything I had ever done passed before me as though it were a flying picture on a screen. … My whole life had passed before me. I smiled and looked at my grandfather and said:
“ ‘I have never done anything with your name of which you need be ashamed.’
“He stepped forward and took me in his arms, and as he did so, I became conscious again of my earthly surroundings. My pillow was as wet as though water had been poured on it—wet with tears of gratitude that I could answer unashamed” (“Your Good Name,” Improvement Era, Mar. 1947, p. 139).
Ask everyone to share what they were thinking of as they listened to the story. Share the different ways that everyone feels they are honoring the name of Jesus Christ. Explain that as we willingly keep the commandments and give service to others, we are honoring the name of Jesus Christ.
ACTIVITY/GAME: Using the enclosed activity, make the Baptism Covenants Mobile. Hang in a common family area to remind everyone to keep their covenants every day. (For younger children, stress that they can practice choosing the right NOW so that it is easier later to keep their covenants.) Instructions are on the page. (Printed from the Friend, March 2000, p. 12, PDF version)
CLOSING SONG: “Baptism” (CS, 100 …) OR other song of choice
CLOSING PRAYER:
REFRESHMENT: Cookies & milk—have fun ‘immersing’ pieces of cookie into the milk. Don’t forget to keep the napkins handy!
FURTHER RESOURCES:2007 CSMP Outline (available online for free at www.ldscatalog.com –search for item #
27002000)Primary Manual #4, Lesson #12, Enrichment ActivityFriend, March 2000, p. 12
SUPPLIES: **Note to self: Include a copy of the Proclamation in each packet**
ADVANCED PREPARATION: Cut out the house and parts from the cardstock sheets provided. You may wish to laminate and attach pieces of Velcro to make the visual last longer.
OPENING SONG: “Love is Spoken Here” (CS, 190-91 OR …) (This is another song we are learning for the Sacrament Meeting Program this year.)
OPENING PRAYER:
SCRIPTURE: “Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ” (“Proclamation,” paragraph 7).
OBJECTIVE OR THEME: To strengthen family efforts for peace and unity by following the teachings of Jesus Christ.
LESSON/STORY: (most of this lesson is taken straight from the idea door website—see reference below) Introduction: Begin by telling the parable of the wise man and the foolish man (found in Matthew 7). Explain that the rock symbolizes the gospel of Jesus Christ. If we have the gospel as a foundation in our lives and our families, then we will be able to stand in times of adversity and not fall, just as the wise man's house withstood the rain and floods. This family home evening lesson will help us learn how to build a strong home.
Happiness In Family Is Found In The Teachings Of Jesus Christ* Scriptures: Mosiah2:41, Proverbs 29:18* Quotes: “The light of Jesus Christ is stronger than any darkness we face in this life, if we have faith in Him, seek after Him, and obey Him.” (Ensign, November 2000, Virginia U. Jensen, 1st Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency.)
“I bear testimony that the Lord fulfills his promises. If we will do our part, be patient, and keep the commandments, the Lord will answer our prayers concerning our families. He will bless us in our sacred duty to raise up our children unto him. “(RUFL, Gene R. Cook)
Successful … Families Are Based On These PrinciplesThe Proclamation tells us of seven ways to help us have happy homes. (Display the outline of the house. As you discuss each item, put up the appropriate piece of the home until it is complete.)A. Faith* Question: How Can We Have A House Of Faith? By Praying, Attending Church, And Studying The Scriptures.* Scripture: I Nephi 7:12* Quote: “… faith precedes the miracle. It has ever been so and shall ever be. It was not raining when Noah was commanded to build an ark. There was no visible ram in the thicket when Abraham prepared to sacrifice his son Isaac. Two heavenly personages were not yet seen when Joseph knelt and prayed. First came the test of faith—and then the miracle. Remember that faith and doubt cannot exist in the same mind at the same time, for one will dispel the other. Cast out doubt. Cultivate faith. “(Thomas B. Monson, Ensign, November, 2000, p. 48.)
B. Prayer* Question: How can we have a house of prayer? Family and personal prayers, carry a prayer in your heart continually.* Scripture: 3 Nephi 18:21* Quote: “I know of nothing that will work better to ease family tensions, to subtly bring about the respect for parents that leads to obedience, to invite the spirit of repentance that would largely erase the blight of broken homes, than praying together, confessing weaknesses together before the Lord, and invoking His blessings on the home and those who dwell there.” (SFS, p. 164)C. Repentance* Scripture: Moroni 8:25-26* Quote: “If any of you has stepped over the line, please do not think all is lost. The Lord reaches out to help you, and there are many willing hands in the Church also who will help you. Put evil behind you. Pray about the situation, talk with your parents if you can, and talk with your bishop. You will find that he will listen and do so with confidentiality. He will help you. We all stand ready to help you. This is the time, this is the very hour, to repent of any evil in the past, to ask for forgiveness, to stand a little taller and then to go forward with confidence and faith.” (TGBH p. 548)D. Forgiveness* Scripture: 3 Nephi 13:14-15* Quote: “Hatred always fails and bitterness always destroys … Let us be more merciful. Let us get the arrogance out of our lives, the conceit, the egotism. Let us be more compassionate, gentler, filled with more forbearance, patience, forgiveness, and a greater measure of respect one for another. In so doing, our very example will cause others with whom we associate to be more merciful, and we shall have greater claim upon the mercy of God who in His love will be generous toward us.” (SFS p. 69, 78)E. Respect* Scriptures: Ephesians 5:28,33, Ephesians 6:1-4* Quote: “Civility carries with it the essence of courtesy, politeness, and consideration of others. All of the education and accomplishments in the world will not count for much unless they are accompanied by marks of gentility, of respect for others, of going the extra mile. II (SFS p. 47)F. Love* Scriptures: Jacob 3:7, Mosiah 4:15* Quote: “Love is like the Polar Star. In a changing world, it is a constant. It is of the very essence of the gospel. It is the security of the home. It is the safeguard of community life. It is a beacon of hope in a world of distress.” (TGBH p. 319)G. Wholesome Activities* Scriptures: Alma 39:12, D&C 59: 23-24* Quote: “I am grateful that we as a Church have as a basic part of our program the practice of a weekly family home evening. It is a significant thing that in these busy days thousands of families across the world are making an earnest effort to consecrate one evening a week to sing together, to instruct one another in the ways of the Lord, to kneel together in prayer, there to thank the Lord for his mercies and to invoke his blessings upon our lives, our homes, our labors, our land I think we little estimate the vast good that will come of this program.” (TGBH p. 211)
ACTIVITY/GAME: Matching responsibility game. Match responsibilities with appropriate family member. The quotes below support how you might choose to categorize things. Don’t hesitate to tailor answers and discussion to fit the needs of your family.Father's Responsibilities“I repeat that plea to all fathers. Yours is the basic and inescapable responsibility to stand as head of the family. That does not carry with it any implication of dictatorship or unrighteous dominion. It carries with it a mandate that fathers provide for the needs of their families. Those needs are more than food, clothing and shelter. Those needs include righteous direction and the teaching, by example as well as precept, of basic principles of honesty, integrity, service, respect for the rights of others, and an understanding that
we are accountable for that which we do in this life, not only to one another, but also to the God of heaven, who is our Eternal Father. .. With the obligation to beget goes the responsibility to nurture, to protect, to teach, to guide in righteousness and truth. Yours is the power and the responsibility to preside in a home where there is peace and security, love and harmony.” (TGBH p. 219-220)Mother's Responsibilities“Let every mother realize that she has no greater blessing than the children which have come to her as a gift from the Almighty; that she has no greater mission than to rear them in light and truth, and understanding and love; that she will have no greater happiness than to see them grow into young men and women who respect principles of virtue, who walk free from the stain of immorality and from the shame of delinquency ...1 remind mothers everywhere of the sanctity of your calling. No other can adequately take your place. No responsibility is greater, no obligation more binding than that you rear in love and peace and integrity those whom you have brought into the world. “ (TGBH p. 390-91)Together Are Equal Partners“Under the gospel plan marriage is a companionship, with equality between the partners. We walk side by side with respect, appreciation, and love for another. There can be nothing of inferiority or superiority between the husband and wife in the plan of the Lord. I am satisfied that our Father in Heaven loves his daughters as much as he loves his sons, and any man who demeans or belittles his wife affronts her Father in Heaven. If husbands and wives would only give greater emphasis to the virtues that are to be found in one another and less to the faults, these would be fewer broken hearts, fewer tears, fewer divorces, and much more happiness in the homes of our people.“ (TGBH p. 322)
DiscussionTalk about specific things that your family would like to improve on. Plan ways to use these principles and practices to build a more successful family.Conclusion“Good homes are not easily created or maintained. They require discipline, not so much of children as of self. They require respect for others, that respect which comes best from acceptance of the revealed word of the Lord concerning the purpose of life, of the importance and sacred nature of the family, and recognition of each member of the family as a child of God...” (TGBH p. 416)
CLOSING SONG: Love is Spoken Here (CS, 190-191) OR other song of choice
CLOSING PRAYER:
REFRESHMENT: Prepare one of your family’s favorite treats or an heirloom recipe. Often we have traditions or memories that are closely associated with events or food. It can be a truly enjoyable experience to sit down and reminisce over a favorite treat. OR maybe introduce your family to a favorite of yours when you were growing up or a grandparent’s favorite and share them with a new generation.
FURTHER RESOURCES:2007 CSMP Outline (available online for free at www.ldscatalog.com –search for item #
27002000)www.theideadoor.com. 9 lessons on the Proclamation on the Family, Lesson 7 with adaptations• TGBH -Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley• SFS -Standing for Something, Gordon B. Hinckley• RUFL -Raising up a Family to the Lord, Gene R. Cook• Coleen K. Men love, “Living Happily Ever After,” Ensign, May 2000, 12• Richard G. Scott, “The Sanctity of Womanhood,” Ensign, May 2000,36• H. David Burton, “Honoring the Priesthood, “ Ensign, May 2000,38
Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting, February 11, 2006. The transcript of the leadership broadcast was in the Ensign, June 2006. Elder Bednar (in his talk “Marriage is Essential to His Eternal Plan”) used a visual of a husband and wife. It showed that as they put Christ first individually, it actually drew them closer together. This could also be adapted to included individuals within the family in a 3-D format if you feel that would be an effective illustration for a follow-up lesson in your family.
AugustMy faith in Jesus Christ grows when I listen to the Holy Ghost.
SUPPLIES: Scriptures, CD player OR Tape recorder, pennies, beans, M&Ms or whatever to use as markers for the Bingo game
ADVANCED PREPARATION: Cut out the enclosed treasure chest, fold along the dotted lines and glue the flaps together. Insert the jewels with scriptures.
OPENING SONG: “Listen, Listen” (CS, 107 OR … ) (This is the final song we are learning for the Sacrament Meeting Program this year.)
OPENING PRAYER:
SCRIPTURE: “For, behold, the Comforter knoweth all things, and beareth record of the Father and of the Son” (D&C 42:17).
OBJECTIVE OR THEME: To encourage family members to listen for the promptings of the Holy Ghost in their lives and learn from them.
LESSON/STORY: Read 1 Kings 19:11-12. The Holy Ghost works with us in many ways. We just need to learn to listen for it.
Pass out a bingo card to each family member. Play the tape/CD. As family members hear the sounds, they can put a marker over the picture representing the sound. Some of the sounds are loud, and they need to be loud for us to pay attention—like emergency vehicles or fire alarms. Other sounds are soft and bring us peace—like music or animal sounds. There is one segment of silence that is meant to represent the still, small voice of the Holy Ghost. You may wish to point out some of these differences and discuss how the different sounds make us feel and how we react to them.
ACTIVITY/GAME: If you want, use the enclosed treasure chest activity (from the Friend, June 2000, pp. 43-45) to reinforce to family members what we can learn when we listen to the Holy Ghost. The scriptures included with this activity focus on how the Holy Ghost can strengthen our faith and testimony.
CLOSING SONG: The Still Small Voice (CS, 106-107 OR … ) or other song of choice
CLOSING PRAYER:
REFRESHMENT: Choose items that are “soft” since the Holy Ghost speaks to us softly. You might choose soft boiled eggs, soft pretzels, soft drinks, soft-shelled crabs or whatever. You may want to play with the name of a family favorite to make it “soft”: soft chocolate chip cookies, soft pudding etc. Remind family members that we must also learn to be soft so that
we can hear the soft promptings of the Holy Ghost teaching us about Jesus Christ and his gospel.
FURTHER RESOURCES:2007 CSMP Outline (available online for free at www.ldscatalog.com –search for item #
27002000)I got the idea for the sound bingo from an old game I saw from Discover Toys. I no longer have
the game, but will approximate it using clip art pictures and sound clips that I either make myself or find online.
SeptemberMy faith in Jesus Christ grows when I serve others.
SUPPLIES: As needed on an individual family basis.
ADVANCED PREPARATION: As needed on an individual family basis.
OPENING SONG: “Give,” Said the Little Stream (CS, 236) OR other song of choice
OPENING PRAYER:
SCRIPTURE: “When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God” (Mosiah 2:17).
OBJECTIVE OR THEME: To have fun as a family while serving others.
LESSON/STORY: We have been commanded to love one another and to find way to show that love through service. We have many opportunities each day to practice service at home—we can help little sister make her bed, help mom make diner, help dad with yard work—the list can go on and on. Tonight we are going to plan a way to be of service to someone else. As a family, we need to decide upon and plan a way to provide a service to another person or family.
Some suggestions might be: help a neighbor with yard work put together a care package for a missionary or serviceman make cards for grandparents or home teachers ding-dong-drop treats “heart attack” another family’s yard prepare a meal together for another family invite another family over for a game night take old towels, empty prescription bottles or extra pet food to an animal shelter clean out your pantry and take non-perishables to a food bank or family in need volunteer to clean your church building on Saturday
ACTIVITY/GAME: Carry out the service project plans you make as a family.
CLOSING SONG: Kindness Begins with Me (CS, 145) OR other song of choice
CLOSING PRAYER:
REFRESHMENT: Service S’mores (since you can’t ever get enough service ) You can either make them “traditionally” using the microwave to cook the marshmallows OR you can use marshmallow ice cream topping spread on graham crackers with a layer of Hershey bar chocolate in the middle.
FURTHER RESOURCES:2007 CSMP Outline (available online for free at www.ldscatalog.com –search for item #
OctoberI show my faith in Jesus Christ when I share the gospel with others.
SUPPLIES:
ADVANCED PREPARATION: Prepare candle puzzle by folding it in half and gluing the backs together. When dry, cut along the heavy lines to make a double-sided puzzle. Put the pieces in a small container like a baggie or paper lunch bag.
OPENING SONG: The Things I Do (CS, 170-171) OR other song of choice
OPENING PRAYER:
SCRIPTURE: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16)
OBJECTIVE OR THEME: To learn that we can let our lights shine by setting an example of the gospel for our friends and family every day.
LESSON/STORY: (from the Friend, September 2004, p. 4) Read or retell “Emily Shares the Gospel” to your family. I have printed out the story from the .pdf version on lds.org.
ACTIVITY/GAME: After the story, present the candle puzzle (taken from the Friend, October 1999, p. 37). Have one person take a puzzle piece from the container and pantomime (act out without using words or noises) what is shown on the small-picture side of it that we can do to share the gospel. Let others guess what it is, then show the picture and post the puzzle piece, candle-side up. Repeat till the puzzle is finished. Remember, each good thing we do helps our light shine.
CLOSING SONG: We’ll Bring the World His Truth (CS, 172-173) OR other song of choice
CLOSING PRAYER:
REFRESHMENT: (idea from Alisha @ [email protected])Here's a recipe using M&M's (standing for Mormon Missionaries or Member Missionaries... whichever suits your lesson best).
M&M's BROWNIE TRIFLE1 large container whip cream1 box packaged fudge brownie mix2 cups "M&M's"® Chocolate Mini Baking Bits3 (regular size) Snickers® bars chopped up into 10 or 15 pieceschocolate syrup1 package (4 serving size) chocolate flavor instant pudding
Bake brownies according to package instructions. Let cool and cut into squares. Make instant pudding according to package instructions.
Note: For extra rich brownies, stir 1 cup (240 mL) of "M&M's"® Chocolate Mini Baking Bits into batter.
Assembly:Layer trifle accordingly in a deep glass bowl or trifle bowl. Drizzle brownies with chocolate syrup. Layer pudding. Layer whipped cream. Sprinkle with chopped Snickers® bars and "M&M's"® Chocolate Mini Baking Bits. Repeat, making at least three layers. Finish with a final sprinkling of "M&M's"® Chocolate Mini Baking Bits and Snickers®.
If you are doing an "Every Member a Missionary" type lesson, you can point out that as members, we are asked to do many things - represented by the layers - and being Member Missionaries (M&M's) is one of them!
Hope you enjoy.AlishaP.S. You can find other M&M recipes at http://www.mms.com/us/bw/baking/
FURTHER RESOURCES:2007 CSMP Outline (available online for free at www.ldscatalog.com –search for item #
27002000)Friend, October 1999, p. 37 Friend, October 2000, p. 42-45. This is another game that your family may be interested in that
talks about sharing our gospel light with our friends.Friend, September 2004, p. 4
SUPPLIES: GAK 221, crayons, colored pencils or markers
ADVANCED PREPARATION: If desired, make additional strips for the chain and copies of the game/coloring page titled “I Believe in Having a Happy Heart”.
OPENING SONG: I Thank Thee, Dear Father (CS, 7) OR other song of choice
OPENING PRAYER:
SCRIPTURE: “Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things” (D&C 59:7).
OBJECTIVE OR THEME: To take time to count our many blessings individually and as a family.
LESSON/STORY: Hold up (or have someone else hold up) GAK 221 while you read or re-tell the story of the 10 lepers. The story is also summarized on the back of this picture.
“But Where Are the Nine?” Friend, Nov. 1975, 38On His way to Jerusalem Jesus passed through the lands of Galilee and Samaria, teaching as He went. One day as He approached the outskirts of a certain village, He met ten men who were lepers (persons having leprosy, a disease that disfigures the skin and body) who had been sent away from their families and friends because they were thought to be “unclean.” The townspeople also mistakenly supposed that leprosy was a very contagious disease.
The men saw the Savior coming and they called to Him, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” It hurt Jesus to see that the men had been so poorly treated because of their affliction, and He wanted to help them.
“Go [show] yourselves unto the priests,” Jesus told them. “And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed [or cured].”
When one of the men, a Samaritan, saw how miraculously his body had been healed, he turned back toward Jesus and shouted his praises to Heavenly Father for his recovery. Then the man came to kneel down at the feet of the Savior, and, with a bowed head, thanked Him sincerely for this miracle.
Jesus asked the Samaritan, “Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?” Jesus was sad that only one out of the ten who were healed remembered to thank Heavenly Father for His mercy. However, Jesus was glad that the Samaritan understood the blessing and expressed his gratitude. He said to him kindly, “Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole [well].”
If you’d like, have copies of the puzzle/coloring page titled “I Believe in Having a Happy Heart” for members of the family. (Taken from the Friend, July 1995, p. 12)
ACTIVITY/GAME: Each evening for a week, the month, or until the Thanksgiving Holiday, have each family member write or draw something different that they are thankful for on one of the provided slips. Glue, tape or staple them into interlocking loops to create a chain. Display the chain somewhere in your home where you will see it each day and remember the many, many things we have to thank Heavenly Father for.
CLOSING SONG: Thanks to Our Father (CS, 20) OR other song of choice
CLOSING PRAYER:
REFRESHMENT: My son made this in his preschool class a couple of years ago. I’m not sure where they got the recipe from, but I couldn’t find it and this looks like the same thing. I have made a couple of additions to the one I downloaded below.
THE BEST PUMPKIN PUDDINGPrinted from COOKS.COM
1 cup pumpkin (canned—not pumpkin pie mix, just plain pumpkin)2/3 cup milk1 small package vanilla instant pudding1 teaspoon nutmeg1 tablespoon cinnamon2 cups Cool Whipgraham crackers or vanilla wafers (to crumble on top), optional
Combine pumpkin, milk, vanilla, and instant pudding together in a bowl. Add the nutmeg, cinnamon, and fold in the Cool Whip. Sprinkle the crumbled graham crackers on top. Serves 6.
Submitted by: Mark Ritchie
FURTHER RESOURCES:2007 CSMP Outline (available online for free at www.ldscatalog.com –search for item #
ADVANCED PREPARATION: Make additional copies of the dot-to-dot and/or code activities (enclosed) as needed.
OPENING SONG: When He Comes Again (CS, 82-83) OR other song of choice
OPENING PRAYER:
SCRIPTURE: “This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11).
OBJECTIVE OR THEME: To remind our family that we need to believe that Jesus will come again and live every day so that we can be ready when he does.
LESSON/STORY: This year we have learned many things about FAITH and how we can make our own faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ stronger. We know that faith is a “hope for things which are not seen, which are true (Alma 32:21.)” We know that when we keep our covenants and obey the commandments, our faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ grows. We know that we must share our faith with others through good works for it to grow, too. (Refer back to some of the activities that you have done as a family this year and help your family apply this principle to themselves.)
Heavenly Father has promised us both in the scriptures and also through our modern-day prophets that Jesus Christ will return to the earth again. No one knows exactly when this will be, but it will be a great and glorious day for anyone who is ready and waiting. (Show GAK 238, if desired.) We know many of the things we need to do in order to be ready and waiting. (Stop and talk about a few of them with your family—Choose The Right, keep the commandments, attend Church meetings, study our scriptures, say personal and family prayers, share the gospel, etc.)
Often it is hard to understand this prophecy since it has yet to come to pass. It is hard to live righteously and obey the commandments because we don’t know exactly when to expect Christ’s return. We do know that when he comes, he will come in power and glory with all the hosts of heaven [angels]. (see D&C 29:11 and refer again to GAK 238.) One way to remember this promise and have faith that it will happen is to think of it whenever we see the Angel Moroni on top of one of the temples. Whenever you see the Angel Moroni on top of a temple, remember that Heavenly Father has promised that Jesus Christ will come to the earth again. When Jesus comes again he will be coming with the angels from heaven.
ACTIVITY/GAME: Pass out the dot-to-dot activity (Friend, December 2002, p. 34) OR the coded message game (Friend, September 2001, p. 27) as appropriate for different family members.
CLOSING SONG: I’m Trying to Be Like Jesus (CS 78-79) OR other song of choice
CLOSING PRAYER:
REFRESHMENT: For this month, I chose Red Velvet Cake to remind us that Christ will come dressed in red robes, with the angels of heaven. Ice the cake with your choice of white icing to reflect the purity and power of his coming.
Easy Red Velvet Cake
Submitted by: AndreaRated: 4 out of 5 by 42 members
Prep Time: 15 MinutesCook Time: 25 Minutes
Ready In: 40 MinutesYields: 15 servings
"Intimidated by the idea of making a red velvet cake? This recipe will quell your fears! A white cake mix is combined with chocolate pudding mix, buttermilk and red food coloring; it's that simple!"INGREDIENTS:1 (18.25 ounce) package white cake mix1 (3.5 ounce) package non-
instant chocolate pudding mixred food coloring, as desired1/2 cup buttermilk
DIRECTIONS:1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).2. Prepare cake according to package directions, substituting half of the water called for with
buttermilk (approximately 1/2 cup). Stir in pudding mix and food coloring.3. Pour into cake pan(s) and bake according to package directions.
FURTHER RESOURCES: 2007 CSMP Outline (available online for free at www.ldscatalog.com –search for item #
27002000)“When Jesus Christ Comes Again,” Friend, Dec. 2002, 34—I ran across this story as I was
looking for ideas for this lesson. It helped me to make the connection between the Angel Moroni and the hosts of angels that will attend Christ at his second coming. I realized that children often need a tangible, visible reminder and this might be one way.
