Friend September 2023 “Lots of Ways to Say “I Love You” “Trina’s brother had been struggling with anxiety and depression and had to come home early. She prayed about what she could do for him. She decided she would show him she cared for him and loved him. She used chalk to write a message for him on the sidewalk. She hid nice notes around the house. She helped her siblings make a sign. It said, “Welcome home, Elder Dawson! We love you!”
When Esther’s parents died, her cousin Mordecai took care of her. You can use their experience as an opportunity to talk about serving members of our families.
On the board, draw figures that represent Esther, her parents, and her cousin Mordecai. Explain that Esther’s parents died, so Esther needed someone to take care of her. Read Esther 2:7 to the children, and ask the children to listen for what Mordecai did. Help the children think of needs their family members might have that the children can help with.
What can we learn from Mordecai’s example about helping family members in times of trial? Who in our family needs our support? Make a plan to help them.
Invite some of the children to act out something kind they could do to serve someone in their families, and ask the other children to guess what they are doing. Invite them to talk about things they do to bless their families, and tell about some of the things you do.
Sing a song about helping our families, such as “When We’re Helping” (Children’s Songbook, 198). Share your testimony that helping our families makes us happy.
Friend March 2018 “Matt and Mandy” Matt makes a super hero costume and secretly helps his mom.
Friend July 2020 “Helping a Sleepy Sister” Berrett noticed his sister was tired from studying late and he decided to be like Jesus and help her. He made her breakfast and lunch and wrote her a note saying he loved her.
Friend March 2019 “Show and Tell” My sister has cerebral palsy and can’t talk or walk. I serve her each day by feeding her, playing with her, and making her laugh. I know when I serve her, I’m serving Heavenly Father. (Ensign T., age 10, Utah, USA)
Friend May 2019 “Kindness at the Carnival” A boy is looking forward to playing with his friends, but then his sister comes home upset because she doesn’t have any real friends and nobody will go with her to school carnival. The brother wants to help, so he volunteers to go with her, and tells her that she is his friend too.
Friend June 2018 “Showing Her Love” A girl named Love from Nigeria helps her family in many ways. (Link includes photos.)
Friend April 2018 “Prayer in the Checkout Line” Eli helps his mom with his fussy siblings at the store. He also says a prayer for her when he sees how their fussiness is making things hard for her
Friend January 2018 “Adam’s Big Green Cast” Matthew’s little brother broke his leg and has to wear a cast that doesn’t let him move. Matthew helps his brother feel better by playing with him and finding things Adam can do without moving.
Friend October 2017 “Helping Mrs. Brewster” Ryan helps his brother Jackson rake the neighbor’s leaves.
Friend October 2017 “I Like to Help” Poem – A boy helps his family members during the week.
Friend March 2022 Danial is helping his mom in the garden. Find the objects in the picture. How do you help at home?
Friend May 2017 “That’s My Brother” Eric doesn’t have any friends yet and doesn’t like going to recess, but his brother comes and helps him find a friend during recess.
Friend May 2017 “The Gecko Rescue” Andrea sews up a hole in her mom’s gecko beanbag so her mom wouldn’t be sad.
Story Activiy: Children can draw a line to a number on the gecko for every way they mention that they can help and serve family members.
Friend February 2017 “Double Happy” Lily helps her little brother, Sam, feel comfortable in Primary, but her parents want her to let Sam’s teacher do that now so Lily can go to her class. Lily obeys even though she’s worried about Sam, and they both have a great time in Primary.
Friend Novepmber 2016 “Big Sister Madelyn” Madelyn’s mother is sick, so Madelyn helps with the baby. Also an activity to find what toys are okay for the baby.
Friend October 2016 “Brave Enough” Christine asks her brother for help when she gets scared of a noise at her window.
Friend June 2015 “The Funny Face Fix” Ben helps his sister feel happy by making funny faces.
When the elders of the Church first saw the site of the city of Zion—Independence, Missouri—it was not what they expected. Some thought they would find a thriving, industrious community with a strong group of Saints. Instead they found a sparsely populated outpost, lacking the civilization they were used to and inhabited by rough frontier settlers rather than Saints. It turned out that the Lord wasn’t asking them just to come to Zion—He wanted them to build it.
When our expectations do not match reality, we can remember what the Lord told the Saints in 1831: “Ye cannot behold with your natural eyes, for the present time, the design of your God … and the glory which shall follow after much tribulation” (Doctrine and Covenants 58:3). Yes, life is full of tribulation, even wickedness, but we can “bring to pass much righteousness; for the power is in [us]” (verses 27–28).
Doctrine and Covenants 59, section headingWho was Polly Knight? Polly Knight and her husband, Joseph Knight Sr., were some of the first believers in Joseph Smith’s prophetic calling. Polly and Joseph gave vital support to the Prophet in the work of translating the Book of Mormon. The Knight family left Colesville, New York, to gather with the Saints in Ohio and were later commanded to move to Jackson County, Missouri. As they traveled, Polly’s health began to fade, but she was determined to see Zion before she died. She had been in Missouri only a few days when she passed away (see Saints,1:127–28, 132–33). Doctrine and Covenants 59 was received on the day of her passing, and verses 1 and 2 seem to refer specifically to her.
Doctrine and Covenants 58:1–5; 59:23. What messages in these verses strengthen your ability to bear tribulation more patiently? What blessings have you received after tribulation? Why do you think some blessings come only after tribulation?
Help the children know that Heavenly Father wants us to make good choices that bring happiness to our lives and to others.
Read phrases from Doctrine and Covenants 58:27–28 to help children understand that they can choose to do good. Put a happy face on one side of the room and a sad face on the other side. How do we feel when we choose to do good? Describe several situations along with a good or bad choice for each one. After describing each situation and choice, ask the children to stand by the happy face if the choice is good and by the sad face if it is bad.
Show the children a container of many different colors of crayons. Show them a second container with only one crayon. Ask the children which of these containers they would want to use. Why? Explain that being able to choose is a blessing from Heavenly Father. Testify that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love us and want us to make good choices.
Tell the children about a time when you made a good choice, and describe how you felt afterward. Invite the children to draw a picture of your story or a story of their own. Then let them share their pictures with the class and tell what they learned from the story.
God has given us the power to choose, and with that power we can “bring to pass much righteousness” (verse 27). How can you help the children you teach see that even though there is wickedness in the world, “the power is in them” to “do good”? (verse 28).
Show the children a piece of paper that has the word choice written on one side and the word consequence written on the other side. Explain that choices have consequences, or results that naturally follow actions. Invite a child to pick up the paper to show that when you pick up the paper, you get both the choice and the consequence of that choice. Ask a child to read Doctrine and Covenants 58:27–28. What choices can we make that will “bring to pass much righteousness” or good consequences? (verse 27). When have we made good choices that had consequences that blessed others?
Write phrases from Doctrine and Covenants 58:27–28 on strips of paper, and hand one to each child. Invite them to read the verses silently and ponder their phrase. Invite the children to sit in the order in which their phrases appear in verses 27–28 and share with each other what they learned. What is the Lord’s message to us in these verses?
Perhaps family members could make a list of some of the things they are “anxiously engaged” in. Are all of them “good cause[s]”? Why does the Lord want us to do “many things of [our] own free will”? Ask each family member to think of what they can do this week to “bring to pass much righteousness.” Later they can report on what they did. (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 58-59”)
Sing a song about choices, such as “Choose the Right” (Hymns, no. 239). Ask questions to help the children ponder the words of the song—for example, Who helps guide you to make the right choice? Who tries to get you to make the wrong choice? How does choosing the right make you feel?
Tell the children something that you are thankful for, and ask them to share things they are thankful for. Read Doctrine and Covenants 59:7, and help the children think of ways they can thank Heavenly Father for their blessings. What could they make to take home to remind them to thank Heavenly Father for their blessings?
Sing together a song about gratitude, such as “For Health and Strength” (Children’s Songbook, 21). Invite the children to replace words in the song with other things they are thankful for.
Let the children draw pictures of things they are thankful for.
Make thankful journals with your family! Fold pieces of paper together like a book and decorate the cover. Every night before you go to sleep, write or draw three things you are grateful for.
Bring pictures or objects that depict good things we can do on Sunday to worship the Lord and find joy. Some ideas are found in Doctrine and Covenants 59:9–12 and “Sabbath Day Observance” (For the Strength of Youth, 30–31). For example, to represent the sacrament, you could show picture 108 in the Gospel Art Book or a sacrament cup and a piece of bread. How does each of these things help us be closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ on the Sabbath?
Complete this week’s activity page with the children to give them ideas to make the Sabbath a holy day.
The Lord said that observing the Sabbath helps us “keep [ourselves] unspotted from the world” (Doctrine and Covenants 59:9). How can you help the children you teach honor the Sabbath and make it a sign of their love for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?
Invite the children to read Doctrine and Covenants 59:9–16 in pairs, and ask each pair to write down something they learn about the Sabbath day from each verse. After several minutes, ask each pair to share with the class what they wrote. What will we do differently on the Sabbath because of what we learned?
Prepare a simple matching game in which the children match phrases from Doctrine and Covenants 59:9–16 to the correct verse. Choose phrases that teach what the Lord wants us to do on the Sabbath. Discuss what these phrases teach us about the Lord’s day and how we can come closer to Him.
The Sabbath day is “the Lord’s day” (Doctrine and Covenants 59:12)—a day to show that we remember the many works of the Lord as we worship Him (see Bible Dictionary, “Sabbath”). Help the children ponder these works by inviting them to read the following scripture passages and showing them related pictures: Genesis 2:1–3(see Gospel Art Book, no. 3); John 20:1–19 (see Gospel Art Book, no. 59). What other mighty works of the Lord can we remember on the Sabbath? What else do we learn about the Sabbath from Doctrine and Covenants 59:9–16?
What might it mean to be “crowned … with commandments”? (verse 4). As you read the commandments in verses 5–19, discuss the blessings you have received by obeying each of these commandments.
You could also notice how words like “joy,” “rejoicing,” “cheerful,” and “glad” are used to describe the commandment to honor the Sabbath day. How can you make your Sabbath more joyful? Maybe your family could make a matching game with cards that depict things you can do to keep the Sabbath day holy.
In early 1831, almost a year after the Church was organized, many people were joining the Church and gathering in Ohio, as the Lord had commanded. As the Church grew, Joseph Smith needed additional leaders to help with the work of the Church. The Church was facing many financial (money-related) challenges. Many of the Saints who gathered to Kirtland were poor. They had no land or money and little food, clothing, or other things that were necessary for them to live. The Church also needed money to build a temple and to publish written materials such as revelations and missionary pamphlets. The Prophet himself did not have a home or a way to provide for his family, and other Church leaders who were serving in the Church full-time also needed help in supporting their families.
The Prophet asked the Lord what should be done to provide for all of these needs. In February 1831 the Prophet received a revelation calling Edward Partridge, who had only been a member of the Church for two months, to serve as the first bishop of the Church. The bishop’s first responsibility was to help the Prophet provide for the physical and financial needs of the members of the Church. Joseph Smith received other revelations in the next few months that helped Bishop Partridge know what else he was to do as bishop.
Bishop Partridge was asked to help provide the needy members of the Church with food, clothing, and shelter (see D&C 42:30–31, 34). Members who had extra food or other supplies were asked to share with those who did not have enough. Bishop Partridge received and distributed these donations, keeping them in a storehouse where members in need could come.
Another duty given to Bishop Partridge was to purchase and distribute land for individual homes and Church buildings (see D&C 42:35).
Ensign April 2021 “How can we be like Edward Partridge?” Edward Partridge was the first bishop of the restored Church of Jesus Christ. With his firm testimony, he was willing to sacrifice everything he had and endure hardship after hardship, for he knew the Church to be true.
A Disciple is Someone who Receives God’s Law and Obeys it.
Write Doctrine and Covenants 41:5 on a piece of paper, leaving blanks where the word “disciple” should be. Ask the children to fill in the blanks, looking in Doctrine and Covenants 41:5 if they need help. What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus Christ? A disciple is someone who receives God’s law and obeys it. Share how you are striving to be a better disciple of Christ.
After discussing Doctrine and Covenants 41:5, ask the children to think of laws we have received from the Lord. Invite them to take turns acting out obeying one of those laws while the rest of the class tries to guess what it is.
Give each class member a strip of paper, and ask them to write on it one way they can be a better disciple. Invite each child to share what they wrote, and then tape the strips together to create a paper chain.
As the Church grew and members gathered in Kirtland, Ohio, the Lord revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith what He called His “law” and commanded the Saints to “hearken and hear and obey” it. How can you help the children understand that we are blessed when we are obedient? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 41–44”)
Read Doctrine and Covenants 42:2, emphasizing the word “obey.” Give the children a few simple scenarios in which a child chooses to obey or disobey a law or rule. Ask the children to listen carefully and smile if the person in the story obeys and frown if the person disobeys. Share blessings you have received when you have obeyed God’s laws.
Play a game by giving the children a rule to follow. For instance, you could tell them that they must raise their hands and be called on to answer questions. Then let them practice obeying by asking them questions and calling on those who raise their hands. What laws has God given us?
Complete the activity page with the children, or sing a song about obeying God’s laws, such as “I Want to Live the Gospel” (Children’s Songbook, 148). Tell the children how obeying God’s laws has brought you happiness.
Friend January 2018 “What’s on Your Mind?” An explanation for why it matters that we keep the commandments. For example: How would it feel flying with a pilot who didn’t follow the rules of aviation? What about riding on a bus with a driver who didn’t stop at red lights? The commandments help keep us safe.
Explain that in the early days of the Church, the Saints were commanded to share with each other everything they had been blessed with. This commandment was called the law of consecration. Write the word consecration on the chalkboard. Explain that to consecrate means to dedicate or give for a sacred purpose.
When the Saints began gathering in Ohio in early 1831, the Prophet Joseph Smith was concerned because many of them were very poor and did not have the things they needed, such as food, clothing, and shelter. The Prophet began looking for a way to help these poor members of the Church.
When the Prophet first arrived in Kirtland, Ohio, he found that some members of the Church were living together on a farm owned by Isaac Morley. They had read in the Bible that the members of the Church in Jesus’ time shared everything they had (see Acts 2:44–45; 4:32), and they were trying to live the same way. This plan did not always work very well, however. For example, one man thought that if all things were shared, it was all right for him to sell a watch that actually belonged to another man. This made the owner of the watch very angry. The Prophet saw that although it was good that these people were trying to share with each other, their plan was not approved by the Lord. Joseph prayed to find out what the Lord wanted the members of the Church to do.
A few days after calling Edward Partridge to be the bishop of the Church, the Lord revealed to Joseph Smith the law of consecration (see D&C 42:30–39, 42). This law commanded the Saints to share with each other in an organized way. The Lord gave the following instructions:
The Saints were to consecrate, or give, all of their property and possessions to the Church. The bishop would be responsible for these consecrations.
The bishop would decide with the head of each family what property and possessions the family needed to work and live. The bishop would give these needed items to the family.
Families would work hard to provide for themselves using the things they were given. After they filled their own needs and wants, anything extra they had earned or created was to be given to the bishop to help the poor and strengthen the Church.
Play the game “I Don’t Need It—Would You Like It?” to help the children understand the concept of sharing their excess with others. Give each child a piece of paper and a pencil, and have the children list food, clothing, shelter, money, and books and games on their papers. The object of the game is for each child to obtain all the items on the list by either picking the items from the container or receiving them from another child.
Pass the container of papers to a child and have him or her choose a paper, read it, and put it back into the container. Have the child circle the named item on his or her paper. Then pass the container to the next child. When all the children have had a turn, begin again with the first child and have him or her pick another paper.
If on a subsequent turn a child picks an item that is already circled on his or her list, he or she turns to the child on the left and says, “I don’t need it—would you like it?” Then the child sitting to the left can circle that item on his or her list. If that child already has the item circled, he or she asks the question of the next child to the left. Continue until someone is able to circle the item.
Play the game until each child has circled every item on the list.
This law helped the Church grow and helped the members take care of each other while they lived in Ohio and Missouri. People donated their time and talents as well as their money and possessions so that missionary work could be done, a temple could be built, and newly arriving Saints would have a place to live and food to eat. Even though most of the people were poor, when they shared what they did have, everyone had enough.
Early members of the Church lived the law of consecration for only a short while. Someday the Church will practice the law of consecration again, but today we as members are asked to live only part of the law. We are not asked to give all we have to the Church, but we are asked to pay tithing and fast offerings. (You may need to explain that when we fast, we are asked to contribute to the Church at least the amount of money we would have spent on two meals that day. This is a fast offering.) Tithing and fast offerings are used to take care of the poor, build temples and meetinghouses, and provide other things such as lesson manuals. We are also asked to share our time and talents by doing things such as giving talks or teaching Primary classes. As we share, we are helping to build the kingdom of God on the earth.
Read Doctrine and Covenants 42:61, 68 with the children, emphasizing the phrase “revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge.” Explain that God does not reveal everything at once; instead, He gives us a little bit at a time. Show how a puzzle is built little by little, or use something similar to help the children understand this principle. Share an experience when you received revelation that blessed you. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 41–44”)
The Lord will give us revelation for our lives. “If thou shalt ask, thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge” (Doctrine and Covenants 42:61).
Sit in a circle as a family. Take turns answering the question, “In what ways can I seek personal revelation?”
Give examples from the scriptures.
How do we “hear Him”?
Discussion: What steps can we take as a family to help each other receive and recognize personal revelation?
Invite the children to imagine that someone stands up in testimony meeting and tells the ward that he has received a revelation for the Church (for example, that we should no longer drink milk or that we should start holding sacrament meetings on Tuesdays instead of Sundays). He says that we should listen to what he says instead of the prophet. What would be wrong with that? Help the children search Doctrine and Covenants 43:1–7 to find out how the Lord gives commandments to His Church. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 41–44”)
Ether Chapter 6 The Jaredite barges are driven by the winds to the promised land—The people praise the Lord for His goodness—Orihah is appointed king over them—Jared and his brother die.
Ether Chapter 7 Orihah reigns in righteousness—Amid usurpation and strife, the rival kingdoms of Shule and Cohor are set up—Prophets condemn the wickedness and idolatry of the people, who then repent.
Ether Chapter 8 There is strife and contention over the kingdom—Akish forms an oath-bound secret combination to slay the king—Secret combinations are of the devil and result in the destruction of nations—Modern Gentiles are warned against the secret combination that will seek to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations, and countries.
Ether Chapter 9 The kingdom passes from one to another by descent, intrigue, and murder—Emer saw the Son of Righteousness—Many prophets cry repentance—A famine and poisonous serpents plague the people.
Ether Chapter 10 One king succeeds another—Some of the kings are righteous; others are wicked—When righteousness prevails, the people are blessed and prospered by the Lord.
Ether Chapter 11 Wars, dissensions, and wickedness dominate Jaredite life—Prophets predict the utter destruction of the Jaredites unless they repent—The people reject the words of the prophets.
Jaredite’s Barges Travel to the Promised Land
I can trust Heavenly Father to comfort me when I am scared.
The families got into the barges to cross the sea. They trusted the Lord to take care of them. There were many storms and waves. At times, the water covered the barges completely. But they prayed, and the Lord brought them back on top of the water again. They sang many songs of thanks to the Lord.
It must have been frightening for the Jaredites to be “tossed upon the waves of the sea before the wind” (Ether 6:5). But the Lord kept them safe and helped them.
Using words and phrases from Ether 6:2–12, describe to the children the Jaredites’ journey across the sea. Invite the children to pretend to climb into the barges and pretend that their barge is being moved and covered by waves. How would it feel to be in a real barge in rough waters? What can we do when we are scared? Read together verses 7 and 9 to see what the Jaredites did when they were frightened..
Everyone has hard days—even little children. Perhaps you could help your children find words and phrases in Ether 6:1–12 that show how the Jaredites trusted God during some really tough and scary days. Consider sharing with each other some experiences when God helped you during difficult times in your life.
Friend November 2020 “Come, Follow Me for Little Ones” Sit on a bed with your children and cover yourselves with a blanket, or do something else to build a pretend barge. (You could use a dark room as a barge and flashlights to represent the shining stones.) Read Ether 6:5 together and act out being “tossed upon the waves” with a “furious wind.” Then read Ether 6:9 together and help your little ones say, “I can be thankful.” Pick a favorite Primary song to sing together before leaving the barge!
Maybe you could talk about how the Jaredites showed their faith in the Lord by getting in the barges, despite knowing that they would be “buried in the depths of the sea” (Ether 6:6). After reading verse 9, family members could share favorite hymns of praise and sing them together.
The account of the Jaredites’ voyage across the sea can be compared to our journey through mortality. Both journeys are sometimes dangerous and require faith that the Lord will guide and protect us. Read together Ether 6:2–12, pausing frequently so the children can draw pictures of what they are reading. How is the Jaredites’ journey like our lives? Help the children identify and label what different parts of their drawings might represent in our lives. For example, the Jaredites could represent us. The barges could represent our homes, the Church, or the gospel. What might the wind, the water, the shining stones, and the promised land represent?
Jaredites Arrive. They Set Up Kings
Remembering what the Lord has done brings gratitude and peace.
After arriving safely in the promised land, the Jaredites were so thankful that they “shed tears of joy” (Ether 6:12). You might inspire your children to feel thankful for God’s blessings by helping them find phrases from Ether 6:9, 12 that show how the Jaredites expressed their thanks to God.
They may enjoy singing, like the Jaredites did, a song that expresses gratitude, like “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” (Children’s Songbook, 195). Ask your children to tell you about some things they are thankful for. (“I Thank Thee, Dear Father” (Children’s Songbook, 7).
One thing that distinguished the righteous Jaredite kings from the wicked ones is that the righteous kings “remembered the great things that the Lord had done” for them (Ether 7:27).
Perhaps your children could read Ether 6:30; 7:27; and 10:2 and find what these righteous kings remembered. How did it affect the way they led their people? You and your children could discuss ways to remind yourselves of what God has done for you. For example, maybe they could write about it or draw pictures. You might suggest that they make a regular habit of writing down blessings they notice from God (see “O Remember, Remember” , Gospel Library).
The Lord brought the brother of Jared and his family to the promised land. They were humble and kept the commandments of God. Their group grew for many years, and they wanted a king to lead them. The brother of Jared warned them that having a king could lead to trouble, but he let them choose a king.
For hundreds of years, the Jaredites lived in the promised land. Sometimes their kings led them to do good, but other times they did not. The prophets of God would warn the people to repent. When they listened and kept the commandments of God, He blessed them.
Throughout this week, your family could watch for how the brother of Jared’s prophetic warning about captivity was fulfilled. What warnings have our Church leaders given us? In what ways could dismissing their counsel lead to captivity?
Perhaps you and your children would enjoy acting out some things the prophet has taught us to do. You could even turn it into a game in which you guess what the actions represent. This could prepare your children to discuss why it is important to follow God’s prophet. You could then read Ether 7:24–27 to find out what happened when the people obeyed God’s prophet. How are we blessed by following the prophet today?
Talk with the children about things the prophets have taught us to do (for example, reading our scriptures daily, keeping the Sabbath day holy, or serving others), and invite them to act out obeying that counsel when you say “Follow the prophet!”
The book of Ether clearly shows that when the Jaredites followed the prophets they were blessed, and when they rejected the prophets their lives were harder.
Show a picture of the living prophet, and ask the children what they know about him. What does a prophet do? Explain that the Jaredites had prophets too, and whenever they followed the prophet, they were blessed and happy (see Ether 7:24–27). How can we follow the prophet?
Looking for patterns is a useful scripture study skill. The book of Ether contains a repeated pattern that emphasizes the Lord’s mercy. To help your children find this pattern, invite them to read Ether 9:28–35 and Ether 11:5–8, looking for similarities between the two accounts. What do we learn from these stories? Perhaps they could look for pictures in the Gospel Art Book of other people in the scriptures who repented and were forgiven.
Friend December 2017 “How Can Repenting Make Me Feel Happy?” When Elder Renlund was young, he lit a firecracker in a church building and felt terrible about it. His bishop helped him repent and feel happy again.
When two or more people conspire to keep their wicked acts secret, they are involved in a secret combination. They are often motivated by the desire for power or riches.
Throughout this week, your family could watch for how the brother of Jared’s prophetic warning about captivity was fulfilled. What warnings have our Church leaders given us? In what ways could dismissing their counsel lead to captivity?
According to these verses, why was Moroni commanded to write “these things” about secret combinations? (Ether 8:23).
Ether Chapter 1 Moroni abridges the writings of Ether—Ether’s genealogy is set forth—The language of the Jaredites is not confounded at the Tower of Babel—The Lord promises to lead them to a choice land and make them a great nation.
Ether Chapter 2 The Jaredites prepare for their journey to a promised land—It is a choice land whereon men must serve Christ or be swept off—The Lord talks to the brother of Jared for three hours—The Jaredites build barges—The Lord asks the brother of Jared to propose how the barges will be lighted.
Ether Chapter 3 The brother of Jared sees the finger of the Lord as He touches sixteen stones—Christ shows His spirit body to the brother of Jared—Those who have a perfect knowledge cannot be kept from within the veil—Interpreters are provided to bring the Jaredite record to light.
Ether Chapter 4 Moroni is commanded to seal up the writings of the brother of Jared—They will not be revealed until men have faith even as the brother of Jared—Christ commands men to believe His words and those of His disciples—Men are commanded to repent, believe the gospel, and be saved.
Ether Chapter 5 Three witnesses and the work itself will stand as a testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon.
The book of Ether is the record of the Jaredites, who arrived in the promised land centuries before the Nephites. God inspired Moroni to include Ether’s record in the Book of Mormon because of its relevance to our day.
If you know a language that your children don’t, give them some simple directions in that language ( or play a recording of another language, or invite a ward member who knows another language to say a few sentences in that language). (Explain how the brother of Jared prayed that he and his friends and family would be able to understand one another (see Ether 1:34–37).) Emphasize how the Lord felt about this prayer and how He responded (see also “Chapter 50: The Jaredites Leave Babel,” Book of Mormon Stories, 143–44).
Give each child one of the papers with the phrase “Stand up, turn around, and sit quietly” written on it in one of the various languages. Ask the class members to follow the instructions on their papers.
Why are you all not able to follow the instructions? (Show the English version, and explain that each of their papers said the same thing but were in a different language.)
What would it be like if you were not able to understand the people around you? Explain that today the children will learn about a family who lived at the time of the Tower of Babel.
Your children could pretend to build a barge as you read Ether 2:16–17. Then you and your children could read about the problems the Jaredites had with their barges (see Ether 2:19) (Ask the children what they would do about these problems. Read Ether 2:18–19 to teach the children how the brother of Jared took his problems to the Lord in prayer.) Discuss the different ways the Lord answered the brother of Jared’s prayers (see Ether 2:19–25; 3:1–6). The picture and activity page at the end of this outline could help you and your children tell the story. What do we learn from the brother of Jared about prayer? Consider sharing an experience in which you prayed for help and Heavenly Father helped you. (Invite the children to think about problems they need help with. How can they follow the example of the brother of Jared to find solutions to their problems? Testify that we can always pray when we have questions or problems. Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Ether 1–5)
Place 16 stones throughout the classroom, and invite the children to count them as they find them.
Color the stones yellow to represent the light Jesus Christ gave them while reminding them that Heavenly Father and Jesus can make miracles happen when we have faith in them and pray!
It could also be fun to use decorative stones like these ones for this. I’m pretty sure that Dollar Tree sells these.
The brother of Jared asked the Lord to touch stones so his boats could have light (see Ether 3). Collect rocks from outside or cut circles from pieces of paper. On your rocks or paper, write, draw, or paint things that you can do to bring light and love to others.
Was the brother of Jared the first person to see the Lord?
God had shown Himself to other prophets before the brother of Jared (for example, see Moses 7:4, 59), so why did the Lord say to him, “Never have I showed myself unto man”? (Ether 3:15). Elder Jeffrey R. Holland offered this possible explanation: “Christ was saying to the brother of Jared, ‘Never have I showed myself unto man in this manner, without my volition, driven solely by the faith of the beholder’” (Christ and the New Covenant [1997], 23).Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Ether 1–5: “Rend That Veil of Unbelief””
As they grow, your children will encounter many false messages about God, themselves, and their physical bodies. You might ask them to help you find truths about these topics in Ether 3:6–16. To emphasize the truth taught in Ether 3:13, 15, you could look at a picture of the Savior together and invite your children to point to various parts of His body. They could then point to the same part of their own bodies. (Explain that when the brother of Jared saw Jesus Christ, he learned that we all look like Jesus. Testify that we were created to look like our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “)
You could also sing together a song related to our bodies, such as “The Lord Gave Me a Temple” (Children’s Songbook, 153). You and your children could talk about why you are grateful for your bodies.
Senior Primary Read with the children Ether 3:6–16, and help them make a list of things the brother of Jared learned about the Lord from this experience. Why is it important to know these things? For example, how does it affect the way we view our bodies to know that we are created in the Lord’s image?
Write physical body and spiritual body on the board. Invite the children to share characteristics of a physical body (we have skin, blood, and so on), and write their answers on the board. Read Ether 3:4–17 together, and invite the children to look for what they learn about our spiritual bodies. Testify that our bodies and spirits were “created after [Jesus’s] own image” (Ether 3:15).
Friend November 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities”For younger children: Read Ether 3:15 to your little ones and tell them we were made to look like God. Then make a healthy snack or go on a walk together to take care of the bodies God gave you.
Moroni prophesied that the Three Witnesses would help establish the truth of the Book of Mormon. To teach what a witness is, you could ask your children to describe something they have seen or experienced that others have not. Then as you read Ether 5 together, you could talk about why God uses witnesses in His work. You could also share with each other how you know the Book of Mormon is true and how you can share your witness with others.
The Red Crystal I brought out the box and excitedly told the kids (ages 3 and 4) that I had an elephant in the box. As I’d hoped, they didn’t believe that I had a great big elephant in this little box. So I let grandma look in the box. She bore her “witness” that there was, indeed, an elephant in the box. I asked them again if they believed that there was an elephant in the box now that two of us had seen it. This time they said yes!!
We explained how this was just like the golden plates. We haven’t seen them, but because of the testimonies of these men, we have greater trust that they are indeed real. That’s why we have these testimonies and why they are important. (This is a super cute idea from Katie Flaniken)
Friend November 2020 “The Brother of Jared” Read this rock art story about the Brother of Jared and then go outside and find 16 stones of different shapes and sizes. Use them to create a scene from this story!
Activity: Using the chalkboard or a poster, make a tic-tac-toe board. Divide the class into two groups, one using the x’s and the other the o’s. If the question you ask is answered correctly, that group gets to choose where to put the x or o. The object is to get three x’s or o’s in a row. When any question is missed, the opposing team gets a chance to answer the same question. (Refer to lesson 18 for directions.) The following are possible review questions about the Jaredites (you will need to add others.):
How many stones were placed in each barge? (Two.)
How long did it take for Jared, his brother, and their families and friends to cross the ocean? (Almost a year.)
What was the name of the high tower the wicked people were building? (Tower of Babel.)
Why did the brother of Jared prepare the sixteen small stones? (To make a source of light for their journey.)
How did Jesus Christ make each stone shine? (With his power by touching them with his finger.)
See the lesson for questions to ask while studying each scripture.
“Safe on the Sea” (October 2011 Friend) President Thomas S. Monson uses the story of the Jaredites to teach how to be safe on the seas of life. Includes a coloring page of a child in a boat.
“Brothers of Faith” (May 1971 Friend) Crossword puzzle Complete the blanks in the story (See story at link)
“Book of Mormon Timeline” (October 2011 Liahona and Ensign) A timeline that shows how the Jaredites fit chronologically in the Book of Mormon.
Mormon Chapter 7 Mormon invites the Lamanites of the latter days to believe in Christ, accept His gospel, and be saved—All who believe the Bible will also believe the Book of Mormon. About A.D. 385.
Mormon Chapter 8 The Lamanites seek out and destroy the Nephites—The Book of Mormon will come forth by the power of God—Woes pronounced upon those who breathe out wrath and strife against the work of the Lord—The Nephite record will come forth in a day of wickedness, degeneracy, and apostasy. About A.D. 400–421.
Mormon Chapter 9 Moroni calls upon those who do not believe in Christ to repent—He proclaims a God of miracles, who gives revelations and pours out gifts and signs upon the faithful—Miracles cease because of unbelief—Signs follow those who believe—Men are exhorted to be wise and keep the commandments. About A.D. 401–21.
Mormon 7
The Book of Mormon and the Bible both testify of Jesus Christ.
Show the children the title page of the Book of Mormon, and point to the words of the title as you read it, emphasizing the word another. Help the children think of other books of scripture that teach us about Jesus. Show them that the Bible has the Old Testament and the New Testament. Help the children say “Old Testament, New Testament” when you point to the Bible and “Another Testament” when you point to the Book of Mormon.
Gospel Language Symbols
Choose several events and truths that both the Bible and the Book of Mormon testify of, such as Jesus’s birth, death, and Resurrection. Show pictures from the Gospel Art Book that depict these events and truths. Ask the children to describe what they see in the pictures, and tell them that both the Bible and the Book of Mormon teach about these things. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mormon 7–9)
“Article of Faith 8” (August 2011 Friend) Read the statements and color the stars different colors if they apply to the Bible, the Book of Mormon, or both.
Display a world map or the activity page for this outline, along with a Bible and Book of Mormon. Use these items to teach the children that the Bible is a record of Jesus’s teachings in and around Jerusalem and the Book of Mormon is a record of His teachings in the Americas.
To help your children learn the eighth article of faith, you could write each word on separate pieces of paper. Invite your children to work together to put the words in the correct order and repeat it several times.
Write Mormon 7:9 on the board, but leave blanks in place of the words this and that. Also write on the board this= the Book of Mormon and that= the Bible. Invite the children to read Mormon 7:9 out loud and use the phrases on the board to fill in the blanks. What do we learn about the Bible and the Book of Mormon from this verse?
The below video has an object lesson that explains why we need both books.
Moroni’s example could inspire your children to obey God’s commandments even when they feel alone. After you read Mormon 8:1–7 with them, they could share how they would have felt if they had been Moroni. In verses 1, 3, and 4, what was Moroni commanded to do, and how did he obey? How can we be more like Moroni? (Read Mormon 8:3, emphasizing that Moroni was all alone, but he still kept the commandments, including the commandment to finish the Book of Mormon. Share a time when you were faithful even when you felt alone. Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mormon 7–9)
Friend April 2015 “Courage and Clubs” Kate chooses not to join her friend’s club because the requirement to join is to say a bad word.
Friend April 2021 “The CTR Reminder” Raish was afraid to say anything to her friends who were being mean to a new girl, but then she saw her CTR ring and remembered something her teacher had said. Remember who you are and what you stand for. So Raish stood for the right and asked her friends to stop being mean, and then she went and apologized to the new girl and asked to be her friend.
Maybe you and your children could talk about situations where they must choose between right and wrong when no one is watching. How does having faith in Jesus Christ help us in these situations? (After discussing Moroni’s example, share some scenarios in which a child must decide whether or not to choose the right, even though no one is looking. Or invite the children to each write down a situation in which they have to make a choice between right or wrong when no one is watching. Put their ideas in a container, and let the children take turns picking a situation and sharing what they would do to be like Moroni. What would Moroni have done? Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mormon 7–9)
Come Follow Me Kid Take turns choosing one slip and deciding whether or not to choose the right, even though no one is looking. What would Moroni have done?
A song like “Stand for the Right” (Children’s Songbook, 159) could add to this discussion. (Why is it important to choose the right all the time, even when you are alone?)
You might want to explain to your children that a miracle is something God does to show His power and bless our lives.(see Bible Dictionary, “Miracles”) Then you could read phrases from Mormon 9:11–13, 17 that describe some of God’s miracles, and your children could think of other miracles (pictures from the Gospel Art Book, such as nos. 26, 40, 41, and 83, can help). Talk about miracles that God has done in your life. (Testify that God worked miracles in ancient times and He still works miracles today.)
Divide the children into two teams. Invite each team to look for examples of miracles in some or all of these scriptures: Mormon 8:24; 9:11–13, 16–18, 21–25. What could we say to someone who thinks miracles don’t happen anymore? (see Mormon 9:9, 15–21).
Show your children a recipe, and talk about what would happen if you left out an essential ingredient. Read together Mormon 8:24 and 9:20–21 to find the “ingredients” that can lead to miracles from God.
Certain ingredients are needed to make a science experiment or recipe work successfully. Consider doing an experiment or making a favorite recipe as a family before reading Mormon 9:16–24. As you read the verses (especially verses 20–21), look for the necessary “ingredients” that make miracles possible. What miracles can we see in the world around us and in our family?
You could use the following experiment and use water instead of vinegar. Explain that water didn’t work because it wasn’t the right ingredient.
Friend November 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones” Read Mormon 9:19 together and help your little ones say, “God is a God of miracles.” Watch the sing-along video for the song “The Miracle.” If your children are old enough, you could learn to sing the chorus together. (For extra help, find the lyrics in the June 2018 Friend.)
Show the children a recipe. What would happen if you left out an essential ingredient? Invite the children to search Mormon 8:24 and 9:20–21 to find the necessary “ingredient” that we must have before God can work miracles. Share examples of miracles—big or small—that you have seen in the Church or in your life.
Mormon Chapter 1 Ammaron instructs Mormon concerning the sacred records—War commences between the Nephites and the Lamanites—The Three Nephites are taken away—Wickedness, unbelief, sorceries, and witchcraft prevail. About A.D. 321–26.
Mormon Chapter 2 Mormon leads the Nephite armies—Blood and carnage sweep the land—The Nephites lament and mourn with the sorrowing of the damned—Their day of grace is passed—Mormon obtains the plates of Nephi—Wars continue. About A.D. 327–50.
Mormon Chapter 3 Mormon cries repentance unto the Nephites—They gain a great victory and glory in their own strength—Mormon refuses to lead them, and his prayers for them are without faith—The Book of Mormon invites the twelve tribes of Israel to believe the gospel. About A.D. 360–62.
Mormon Chapter 4 War and carnage continue—The wicked punish the wicked—Greater wickedness prevails than ever before in all Israel—Women and children are sacrificed to idols—The Lamanites begin to sweep the Nephites before them. About A.D. 363–75.
Mormon Chapter 5 Mormon again leads the Nephite armies in battles of blood and carnage—The Book of Mormon will come forth to convince all Israel that Jesus is the Christ—Because of their unbelief, the Lamanites will be scattered, and the Spirit will cease to strive with them—They will receive the gospel from the Gentiles in the latter days. About A.D. 375–84.
Mormon Chapter 6 The Nephites gather to the land of Cumorah for the final battles—Mormon hides the sacred records in the hill Cumorah—The Lamanites are victorious, and the Nephite nation is destroyed—Hundreds of thousands are slain with the sword. About A.D. 385.
Mormon was a Nephite who believed in Jesus Christ. He grew up in a time when many people did not obey God’s commandments. The people robbed and killed each other for money and power. There were many wars.
When Mormon was 10, a man named Ammaron came to him. Ammaron took care of the records of the Nephite’s history. Ammaron trusted Mormon and told him the records were hidden in a hill. Ammaron said that when Mormon was 24, Mormon should write what he had seen about their people and add it to the records.
As Mormon grew up, he remembered what Ammaron asked him to do. When Mormon was 15 years old, he was visited of the Lord. Mormon learned about the goodness of Jesus.
Because Mormon was quite young when he developed his faith in Christ, he can be an inspiration to your children. Perhaps you could read Mormon 1:1–3 and your children could listen for how old Mormon was when Ammaron gave him a special mission. You could also help them find in these verses the qualities that Ammaron saw in Mormon. How do these qualities help us follow Jesus Christ?
Because Mormon followed Jesus Christ, he was given opportunities to serve and bless others. You could invite your children to read one or more of the following passages and help them share what they learn about Mormon: Mormon 1:1–3; 2:1, 23–24; and 3:1–3, 12, 20–22 (see also “Chapter 49: Mormon and His Teachings,” Book of Mormon Stories, 138–42). How did he follow Jesus Christ? How did his faith in Jesus Christ help or bless others? How can our faith help people we know?
Junior Primary: Before reading the story, invite the children to listen for how old Mormon was when Ammaron gave him a special mission. Then ask them to hold up that many fingers. To help the children imagine how young Mormon was, show them a picture of someone who is 10 years old. Help them understand the qualities that Ammaron saw in Mormon when he was young, and testify that the children can be like Mormon as they follow Jesus Christ.
Quick to Observe Elder Bednar said, “As used in the scriptures, the word observe has two primary uses. One use denotes “to look” or “to see” or “to notice”—as we learn in Isaiah 42:20: “Seeing many things, but thou observest not; opening the ears, but he heareth not” (emphasis added).
The second use of the word observe suggests “to obey” or “to keep”—as is evident in the Doctrine and Covenants: “But blessed are they who have kept the covenant and observed the commandment, for they shall obtain mercy” (D&C 54:6; emphasis added).
Thus when we are quick to observe, we promptly look or notice and obey.
Show a picture of Mormon (see the picture in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families). Help the children see that because Mormon was responsible and trustworthy enough to keep and preserve the Nephite records, we have the Book of Mormon today. Talk with the children about what it means to be responsible and trustworthy. Invite them to ponder ways they can be more responsible.
When Mormon saw his people’s sorrow, he hoped they would repent. But “their sorrowing was not unto repentance” (Mormon 2:13)—it was not the kind of godly sorrow that leads to real change (see 2 Corinthians 7:8–11). Instead, the Nephites felt worldly sorrow (see Mormon 2:10–11).
Perhaps you could make a chart like the one in “Ideas for Learning at Home and at Church” to help your children understand the difference between godly and worldly sorrow as they read Mormon 2:8, 10–15. Then they could also search Mormon 2:12 to find reasons why repentance should make our “heart[s] … rejoice.” How can we make sure that the sorrow we feel for our sins leads us to seek God’s help to change?:
How do you know if your sorrow is godly or worldly? If you are experiencing worldly sorrow, how can you change it into godly sorrow? Sorrow that leads to repentance and Sorrow that doesn’t lead to repentance.
Godly sorrow inspires change and hope through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. When we feel godly sorrow, we recognize our shortcomings and want to do better. We feel hope for the future—and feel the Savior’s love for us.
I can live righteously despite the wickedness around me.
What words did Mormon use to describe the world he lived in? How did he maintain hope despite the wickedness around him?
Beginning in the first chapter of Mormon, you will notice major differences between Mormon and the people around him. As you read Mormon 1, consider contrasting the qualities and desires of Mormon with those of his people. Note the consequences that came to him and them (you’ll find one example in verses 14–15). What do you learn that inspires you to live righteously in a wicked world?
Inviting your children to list (or draw pictures of) some things they are grateful for might be a good way to help them feel gratitude for God. After they have made a list, you could read Mormon 3:3, 9 and explain that Heavenly Father had blessed the Nephites too, but they had not recognized it. What can we do to show we are thankful to Heavenly Father for our blessings?
Find the things in the picture that show Heavenly Father and Jesus’s love for us.
Friend November 2004 “Blessings Tree” Cut out the leaves and place them in a sack. Have the children take turns picking a leaf from the sack, telling how the item written is a blessing, and gluing it to the tree. When they pick a blank leaf, have them share a blessing of their choice that they are thankful for. Then write the blessing on the leaf and glue it to the tree.
Invite them to hang their pictures somewhere at home where they can see them and remember that Heavenly Father blesses them in many ways. You could also invite them to identify blessings that come from Heavenly Father as they sing the first verse of “I Thank Thee, Dear Father” (Children’s Songbook, 7).
Even though the Nephites were wicked, Mormon never stopped loving them. Help your children find the words “loved” and “love” in Mormon 3:12. You could also sing a song together about loving others, such as “Jesus Said Love Everyone” (Children’s Songbook, 61), while showing pictures of children from around the world. Testify of God’s love for all His children.
Friend May 2022 Cut out the pieces, Glue to heavy paper or craft sticks, and put the puzzle together.
It’s often easy to love those who love us and are like us, but Mormon demonstrated that with help from Heavenly Father, we can love those who believe and act differently than we do.
Ask each child to draw a person on the board, and point out how each person they drew looks different from the others. Draw a large heart surrounding all the drawings. Help the children understand that Heavenly Father wants us to love all people. Read Mormon 3:12, emphasizing the words “love” and “loved.” What did Mormon do to show his love for others?.
Read Mormon 3:12 together, emphasizing the words “love” and “loved.” Help your little ones put their hands on their hearts and say, “I can share God’s love with others,” and then hold their hands outward, as if sharing something. You could listen to or sing “Love One Another” (Children’s Songbook,136) and put your hands on your hearts whenever you hear the word “love.”
Friend November 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Love One Another” Mormon loved the Nephites (see Mormon 3:12). Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have asked us to love others too. Stand in a circle and close your eyes. Count to three, then open your eyes and look at someone. If you are making eye contact with them, say something you love about each other and step out of the circle. Keep going until there is one person left! Then everyone says something they love about that person.
For younger children: Go on a “love” hunt through your home or outside. Invite your little ones to find things that remind them of the people they love.
Loving Others Around Us Role-Play – As Mormon grew older, people around him became more wicked, but hewas able to keep his faith really strong. Was Mormon mean to the people around him who were making wrong choices? (No). One thing that made Mormon so super was the love that he had for God and others around him.
Read Mormon 3:12 and talk about how Mormon felt about the people around him, even though they were wicked.
Role- play how to respond with faith and love to different scenarios of people being different from us or making not-so-good choices (Your friend wants to steal candy from the store, A friend is saying mean things about another person, your neighbor doesn’t believe in praying, someone you’re playing with starts swearing, etc.).
To help your family visualize what it means to be “driven about as chaff before the wind” (verse 16), tear a piece of paper into small pieces and let family members blow them around. Explain to them that chaff is a husk that comes off a seed, and it is light enough to be blown around. How is being “without Christ and God in the world” (verse 16) like being chaff in the wind?
Read Mormon 6:17 together. Talk about what it means that Jesus has “open arms to receive [us]” when He is not physically here with us.
Invite family members to draw a picture of themselves with Jesus. For younger children, use a coloring page from lessonhelps.ChurchofJesusChrist.org or the September Friend.
When the pictures are finished, fold them up and put them in a bowl. Take turns picking a picture at random.
When someone’s picture is chosen, have them talk about a time they have felt the Savior’s love or share something they can do to follow Jesus.
Discussion: Talk about what you can do as a family to help each other follow Jesus and feel closer to Him. How can we be His “arms” here on earth?
3 Nephi Chapter 27 Jesus commands that the Church be called in His name—His mission and atoning sacrifice constitute His gospel—Men are commanded to repent and be baptized that they may be sanctified by the Holy Ghost—They are to be even as Jesus is. About A.D. 34–35.
3 Nephi Chapter 28 Nine of the twelve disciples desire and are promised an inheritance in Christ’s kingdom when they die—The Three Nephites desire and are given power over death so as to remain on the earth until Jesus comes again—They are translated and see things not lawful to utter, and they are now ministering among men. About A.D. 34–35.
3 Nephi Chapter 29 The coming forth of the Book of Mormon is a sign that the Lord has commenced to gather Israel and fulfill His covenants—Those who reject His latter-day revelations and gifts will be cursed. About A.D. 34–35.
3 Nephi Chapter 30 The latter-day Gentiles are commanded to repent, come unto Christ, and be numbered with the house of Israel. About A.D. 34–35.
4 Nephi Chapter 1 The Nephites and the Lamanites are all converted unto the Lord—They have all things in common, work miracles, and prosper in the land—After two centuries, divisions, evils, false churches, and persecutions arise—After three hundred years, both the Nephites and the Lamanites are wicked—Ammaron hides up the sacred records. About A.D. 35–321.
To introduce the importance of the name of Jesus’s Church, talk with your children about their own names. Why are our names important? Then you could read 3 Nephi 27:3 together, looking for the question that Jesus’s disciples had. Help your children find the answer in 3 Nephi 27:5–8. Why is the name of the Church important?
You could also help your children think of different groups they belong to, such as a family or a Primary class. Ask them what they like about belonging to each group. Then you could sing “The Church of Jesus Christ” (Children’s Songbook, 77) together and talk about why you are thankful to belong to the Savior’s Church.
Ask the children to help you write each word of the name of the Church on a separate piece of paper. Then mix the papers up, and invite the children to arrange these words in order.
What blessings have we received because we are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
Blessings of the gospel Activity: Read the clues below (not the answer) and let the children pick which picture it is describing.
Prophet: Because of this blessing of the gospel we have the privilege to hear Gods words and direction about current issues and challenges we face. This gift is God’s living spokesman.
Book of Mormon: Because of this blessing of the gospel we know the purpose of life. We also know what we need to do to gain eternal salvation and how to live happy lives.
Temples: This blessing of the gospel allows us the opportunity to receive saving ordinances for ourselves and our dead. We can also be sealed to our family so that we can be with them forever.
Priesthood: Because of this blessing of the gospel we can receive healing blessings for the sick, blessings of comfort and guidance, and have authority to act in Gods name and perform saving ordinances, such as baptism.
Baptism Because this blessing of the gospel, when performed by proper priesthood authority, we can receive a remission of our sins and enter into the gate that leads to eternal life.
Holy Ghost Because of this blessing of the gospel we can receive personal revelation and guidance throughout our lives. We can also receive comfort during difficult times.
Friend November 2018 “The Correct Name of the Church” The prophet, Russell M. Nelson, directs church members to use the correct name of the church. Questions are answered to explain why. Also a book mark is included and an example cartoon of how to respond when people ask what church we belong to.
Friend July 2019 “It is His Church” When Taniela B. Wakolo of the Seventy was learning about the church, the missionaries asked him what he would name his grocery store if he had one. He said he would call after his name because it would be his store. They then ask who a church should be name after. He knew that the true Church would be named after Jesus because it’s His Church. (Activity: In any language, the Church is still named after Jesus Christ. Match each language with the Church’s name in that language.
Read 3 Nephi 27:8 together. Explain what each word in the name of the Church means: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Sing “The Church of Jesus Christ”(Children’s Songbook,77).
Come up with actions for the different words in the song. For example, you could stand up when you sing the word “I,” touch your head when you sing “know,” and march in place for “follow.”
Practice using these different actions as you sing the song together.
Discussion: Why is the full name of the Church important? How can you politely help people understand the full name of the Church when they refer to us as “Mormons”?
The Savior summarized His gospel in 3 Nephi 27. You might explain to your children that the word gospel means “good news.” What good news do we find in 3 Nephi 27:13–16? Use this week’s activity page to teach that the Savior’s Church is built upon His gospel. (see Bible Dictionary, “Gospels”)
Write on the board principles of the gospel like faith, repentance, baptism,the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. Invite the children to search 3 Nephi 27:19–21, looking for these words or similar words in Jesus’s description of His gospel. Why are we grateful to know the gospel of Jesus Christ?
Friend March 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities” Nephi taught that we follow Jesus Christ when we have faith in Him, repent, are baptized, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and endure to the end. Write each step on a different piece of paper, then spread them on the floor. One person closes their eyes and counts to 10 while everyone else stands on a paper. The person who counted then says one of the steps to follow Jesus. The person on that paper counts next.
For younger children: When we have faith in Jesus Christ, we follow what He says. Form a line and walk around. The person in front is the leader. Each person copies how the leader walks. Take turns being the leader!
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “2 Nephi 31-33” Explain that the doctrine of Christ includes the things Jesus Christ taught that we need to do to return to Heavenly Father. Write on different sheets of paper faith in Christ, repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end, and scatter them around the room. Read to the children 3 Nephi 27:13–22, and invite the children to take turns jumping from paper to paper as they hear these principles mentioned. Help them think of an experience they have had with each principle.
Heavenly Father rejoices when His children return to Him.
Consider playing a game in which someone hides and others try to find him or her. This could lead to a conversation about the joy we feel when someone who was lost is found. After reading 3 Nephi 27:30–31, you could talk about how to help each other stay close to Heavenly Father so that “none … are lost.”
Friend February 2017 “The Best Part of the Week” Jenny’s family doesn’t go to church very often, but Jenny decides to go by herself after her friend invites her to sit with her family. Friend November 2018 “Sharing Friendship” Elenoa’s parents buy extra copies of the Friend when they go to the temple. Elenoa and her siblings think of friends who haven’t been coming to Primary, and then they visit them and take them a Friend magazine and a treat. (Photos included in article.)
To help family members understand the joy the Savior described in these verses, you could play a game in which family members hide and another family member tries to find them. This could lead to a conversation about why it’s important to find every family member so that “none of them are lost.” How can we help our family members stay strong in the gospel or return if they have left?
Friend April 2017 “Be Consistent and Keep Trying” Elder Bednar persisted in having family prayer and scripture study and in trying to get his father to join the church, and his persistence paid off.
What would you say if the Savior asked you, as He asked His disciples, “What is it that ye desire of me?” (3 Nephi 28:1). Think about this as you read about the experience of the Savior’s disciples in 3 Nephi 28:1–11. What do you learn about the desires of the disciples’ hearts from their answers to His question?
Book of Mormon: Coloring Book “The Twelve Nephite Disciples” Nine of Jesus’s twelve disciples lived to age 72 because they wanted to speedily return to Jesus. The other three disciples wanted to live until Jesus comes again. Find the Three Nephites in the bottom half of the page who did not get old.
What can we learn from Mormon’s example when he did not understand everything about the change that happened to the three Nephite disciples? What can we do when we don’t understand everything about a gospel principle?
To help your children learn about the happiness of the people described in 4 Nephi, you could show them pictures of happy people. Then, as you read together verses 2–3 and 15–17 (or “Chapter 48: Peace in America,” Book of Mormon Stories, 136–37), they could point to the pictures when you get to something in the story that brings happiness.
To help your children practice what is taught in 4 Nephi 1:15–16, you could present them with situations where people are angry with each other. Invite them to role-play what the situation might be like if we have the “love of God” in our hearts.
Prepare strips of paper with phrases from 4 Nephi 1:2–3, 5, and 15–17 that describe the blessings the people received (such as “there was no contention in the land”). Put the papers in a container, and let each child pick one and read it. Encourage the children to find their phrase in these verses from 4 Nephi. What do we learn from these phrases? What similarities do we see between these verses and the definition of Zion in Moses 7:18?
In 4 Nephi, the Nephites were joyful because they followed Jesus Christ (see 4 Nephi 1:15–16). Take turns silently acting out things you do to follow the Savior that bring you joy. Have everyone else guess what the person is acting.
Come Follow Me Kid Smiley Faces – Print up the smiley faces on page 5 below. There are lots of ways these could be used, so do what you think will be best for your family. Some ideas:
Brainstorm ways your family could be more loving this week, write them on the back of the smiley faces, and string them onto yarn to make a banner.
For younger kids, have them color in a smiley face for each way they can think of for what we can do to make our home a happy and loving place this week.
For younger kids, have them color in a smiley face for each way they can think of for what we can do to make our home a happy and loving place this week.
Take turns saying something someone in the family does that makes you happy and give them a smiley face as you share.
Give each family member some smiley faces. Have them look for secret acts they can do throughout the week to help make the home a happy place and leave a smiley face behind whenever they do something (make someone’s bed, do their chores, make them a treat, etc.).
Write notes on the back of the smiley faces telling family members why they make you happy.
Use them to make a “Random Acts of Kindness Wall” as described here.
Read phrases from 4 Nephi 1:24–29, 34–35, and 43 that describe what happened when some of the Nephites stopped keeping the commandments. As you do, invite the children to make a sad face when they hear something that sounds unhappy. Testify that keeping the commandments leads to happiness.
Read with the children the following verses, and ask them to find reasons the Nephites and Lamanites no longer had peace and happiness: 4 Nephi 1:20, 24–29, 34–35, and 43. How can we avoid these dangers?
To reduce contention in your home, perhaps family members could set a goal to be more loving to each other this week. After the week is over, review your progress together and discuss how showing greater love has affected your family.
3 Nephi CHAPTER 20 Jesus provides bread and wine miraculously and again administers the sacrament unto the people—The remnant of Jacob will come to the knowledge of the Lord their God and will inherit the Americas—Jesus is the prophet like unto Moses, and the Nephites are children of the prophets—Others of the Lord’s people will be gathered to Jerusalem. About A.D. 34.
3 Nephi CHAPTER 21 Israel will be gathered when the Book of Mormon comes forth—The Gentiles will be established as a free people in America—They will be saved if they believe and obey; otherwise, they will be cut off and destroyed—Israel will build the New Jerusalem, and the lost tribes will return. About A.D. 34.
3 Nephi CHAPTER 22 In the last days, Zion and her stakes will be established, and Israel will be gathered in mercy and tenderness—They will triumph—Compare Isaiah 54. About A.D. 34.
3 Nephi CHAPTER 23 Jesus approves the words of Isaiah—He commands the people to search the prophets—The words of Samuel the Lamanite concerning the Resurrection are added to their records. About A.D. 34.
3 Nephi CHAPTER 24 The Lord’s messenger will prepare the way for the Second Coming—Christ will sit in judgment—Israel is commanded to pay tithes and offerings—A book of remembrance is kept—Compare Malachi 3. About A.D. 34.
3 Nephi CHAPTER 25 At the Second Coming, the proud and wicked will be burned as stubble—Elijah will return before that great and dreadful day—Compare Malachi 4. About A.D. 34.
3 Nephi CHAPTER 26 Jesus expounds all things from the beginning to the end—Babes and children utter marvelous things that cannot be written—Those in the Church of Christ have all things in common among them. About A.D. 34.
Ask the children to show you what they do when they pray. What do they do with their arms? their heads? their eyes? Explain that sometimes we want to talk to Heavenly Father, but we can’t kneel or close our eyes. What can we do? Read to the children from 3 Nephi 20:1: “[Jesus] commanded them that they should not cease to pray in their hearts.” Tell the children how you pray in your heart.
Draw a mouth and a heart on the board. Ask the children to point to the mouth and tell you some things they say when they pray. Then ask them to point to the heart, and explain that we can say those same things in our hearts. Testify that Heavenly Father knows our feelings and thoughts.
Friend October 2024 “Learning to Pray” You can pray anytime, anywhere, and Heavenly Father will always listen. Follow the prompts to draw and write about how praying helps you. Where do you like to pray? How do you feel when you pray?
To help family members understand that we can “pray always,” you could make a list of circumstances in which we could pray (or draw pictures to represent them). Then your family could sing a song that teaches about prayer, such as “Did You Think to Pray?” (Hymns, no. 140), replacing some of the words in the song with the words from their lists. How does the Lord bless us when we pray always? (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 )
Hey, you left your room this morning Did you think to pray? In the name of Christ our Savior Did you sooth for loving favor as a shield today?
When you’ve met with great temptation Did you think to pray? By his dying love and merit Did you claim the Holy Spirit as your guide today?
When your heart was filled with anger Did you think to pray? Did you plead for grace my brother That you might forgive another who had crossed your way
Oh, how praying rests the weary Prayer will change the night to day So when life seems dark and dreary Don’t forget to pray, don’t forget to pray
After reading this verse, maybe you could make a homemade tent and talk about how the Church is like a tent in a wilderness. What might it mean to “lengthen [its] cords” and “strengthen [its] stakes”? How do we invite others to find “shelter” in the Church? (see the video “Welcome”onComeuntoChrist.org)
The Savior told the multitude to search the scriptures, and He wanted to make sure they recorded the words of the prophets (see 3 Nephi 23:1, 5–13; 26:2).
The Savior’s instructions in 3 Nephi 23 show how important the scriptures are to Him. To help your children discover this, you could read 3 Nephi 23:1, 5 aloud and ask them to listen for a word that is repeated three times. How is searching different from just reading?
President Marion G. Romney taught that the word search “means to inquire into, study, and examine for the purpose of discovering the meaning of. How can we search the scriptures? Tell the children how you search the scriptures and what you find there.
Give each child a small card or piece of paper, and invite them to write the reference to a favorite scripture. (Give them suggestions if needed.) Let them take turns hiding their card in the room while the rest of the children cover their eyes. Ask the children to search for the scripture, and when they find it, read it together. What do we find in this scripture that is important to us (and meaningful)?
3 Nephi 23:6–13 If the Savior were to examine the records our family has kept, what questions might He ask us? Are there any important events or spiritual experiences that we should record? Now might be a good time to create or add to a family record and counsel together about what to include. Younger family members might enjoy decorating your record with photographs or drawings. Why is it important to record our family’s spiritual experiences?
The Savior told the Nephites to keep a record of what He taught them and the things that happened to them (see 3 Nephi 23:4, 7–13). Draw or write about something good that happened to you this week. How has Heavenly Father blessed you?
Help your children search 3 Nephi 24:8–12 to find ways to complete this sentence: If I pay tithing, the Lord will … . You could also share an experience in which you were blessed because you paid tithing. If it would be helpful, consider writing a few amounts of money and helping your children calculate how much tithing (10 percent) to give for each amount.
If your classroom has a window, invite the children to look at it. What can come into the room when the window is open? Read 3 Nephi 24:10, and explain that when we pay tithing, the “windows of heaven” open, and blessings can come into our lives.
This week’s activity page can help your children talk about some of the ways the Lord uses tithing to bless the members of His Church. Maybe they could draw pictures (or find pictures in Church magazines) of ways tithing blesses them.
Color the pictures, then cut out the circle and the spinner. Attach the spinner to the center of the circle, and rotate it to see some ways your tithing helps the Lord’s work.
Junior Primay: Show the children 10 coins (or other small objects). Invite them to count the coins with you. Testify that everything we have is a blessing from Heavenly Father. Separate one coin, and explain that when we pay tithing, we give back to Heavenly Father one-tenth of what we earn. Show pictures that represent how tithing is used to bless the Lord’s Church (such as building temples, spreading the gospel, and so on; see Gospel Art Book, nos. 109–10, 118–19).
Senior Primary: Write a few money amounts on the board, and help the children calculate how much tithing (10 percent) we should give for each amount. Show them how to fill out a tithing donation slip.
Friend September 2017 “Blessings of Tithing” Paying tithing means giving 10 percent of what we earn to the Lord. Move the decimal one spot to the left to find out how much these kids would pay for tithing.
Sing together a song about tithing, like “I Want to Give the Lord My Tenth” (Children’s Songbook, 150). Point out phrases that teach why we pay tithing.
More ideas for what tithing is used for can be found here
3 Nephi 25
Heavenly Father wants me to learn about my ancestors.
As prophesied in these verses, Elijah has restored the sealing keys that let us be with our families for eternity. How will you inspire your children to search for and learn about their ancestors? How can you encourage your children to perform (temple) ordinances for their ancestors when they are older?
(Tell the children that 3 Nephi 25:5–6 contains a prophecy about an event that would happen in the latter days. Invite them to read these verses to find out what it was. Testify that this prophecy has been fulfilled, and invite the children to read about it in Doctrine and Covenants 110:13–16(see also Gospel Art Book, no. 95). Explain that when we learn about our ancestors and do temple work for them, our hearts are turning to our fathers.)
Younger children could put their hand on their heart every time they hear the word “heart” as you read these verses. 3 Nephi 25:5–6 (Explain that Heavenly Father wants “the children”—all of us—to learn about and feel love for “the fathers”—our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.)
Help your children fill out a family tree with names of their parents and grandparents. (Encourage them to ask their parents to help them add more names.) What stories could you share about one of your ancestors? Show pictures if possible. You could also sing together “Families Can Be Together Forever” (Children’s Songbook, 188) and talk with your children about why families are important in Heavenly Father’s plan.
Tell the children about one of your ancestors who died without the opportunity to be baptized. Show a picture if possible. Bear your testimony that Heavenly Father loves this person, so He prepared a way for him or her to receive baptism through the work done in temples. Ask the children to find a phrase in 3 Nephi 25:6 that might describe how you feel about your ancestor.. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 20–26: “Ye Are the Children of the Covenant” )
Friend September 2019 “Family History, Step by Step” Mei finds a photo of her great-great grandmother and learns more about her. Then she and her mom put the information she had learned onto familysearch.org. Finally, Mei went to the temple as was baptized for her.
How will you help your family members turn their hearts to their fathers? Maybe you could assign family members to learn about one of your ancestors and share with the rest of the family what they learn (see FamilySearch.org). Or you could work together to find an ancestor who needs temple ordinances and plan a temple trip to perform those ordinances.
Ensign October 2022 “Turning Our Hearts Here are some fun ideas that can help even the youngest members of your family learn about your heritage—all from the comfort of your home.
3 Nephi CHAPTER 17 Jesus directs the people to ponder His words and pray for understanding—He heals their sick—He prays for the people, using language that cannot be written—Angels minister to and fire encircles their little ones. About A.D. 34.
3 Nephi CHAPTER 18 Jesus institutes the sacrament among the Nephites—They are commanded to pray always in His name—Those who eat His flesh and drink His blood unworthily are damned—The disciples are given power to confer the Holy Ghost. About A.D. 34.
3 Nephi CHAPTER 19 The twelve disciples minister unto the people and pray for the Holy Ghost—The disciples are baptized and receive the Holy Ghost and the ministering of angels—Jesus prays using words that cannot be written—He attests to the exceedingly great faith of these Nephites. About A.D. 34.
Jesus Heals the Sick and Blesses the Children
3 Nephi 17
Primary 4 Manual: Book of Mormon “Lesson 35: Jesus Christ Heals the Sick and Blesses the Children” Because the Nephite people who gathered at Bountiful were not sufficiently prepared, the Savior could not tell them everything that Heavenly Father wanted them to know. What did Jesus ask the people to do? (Have the children fill in the blanks from 3 Nephi 17:3.) Following a conference, sacrament meeting, or Primary, what should you do to help you understand what you have heard?
The Savior loves each of Heavenly Father’s children.
You could use a picture like those in this outline or the video “Jesus Christ Prays and Angels Minister to the Children” (Gospel Library) to help your children visualize the account in 3 Nephi 17. Consider reading phrases or verses from 3 Nephi 17 that emphasize the Savior’s love for the people (such as verses 7 and 20–25). Your children could then draw a picture of themselves with Jesus. As they do, help them think of ways that Jesus has shown His love for them.
Testify that Jesus loves children very much, and this is why He blessed them and prayed for them.
Invite the children to share how they might have felt if they were among the children whom the Savior blessed. If possible, show the video “My Joy Is Full” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org) to help them imagine this event. What did the Savior do to show His love? What can we do to prepare ourselves to be with Him when He comes again?
Read 3 Nephi 17:21–25 with your family, which describes the Savior ministering to people after His Resurrection. Talk about what it might have felt like to be there.
Draw or write these body parts on pieces of paper: hands, feet, knees, arms, eyes, and mouth. Pass them out to different family members.
1. Had I been a child when Jesus came Unto the Nephites that blessed day And showed them the wounds in his hands and his feet And knelt with them to pray.
2. Then he might have held me safe in his arms; He might have looked in my eyes and said A word, with his blessing of kindness and love, His hands placed upon my head.
3. Someday, when the Savior comes again, Oh, how I hope that my heart will be As pure as the hearts of the children that day Who gathered around his knee.
Discussion: Talk about how Jesus has a resurrected body and how one day we’ll have a resurrected body too. Jesus used His body to serve others. How can we serve others and show them love?
As you read this chapter as a family, consider pausing from time to time to invite your family to imagine experiencing these events firsthand. For example, you might ask questions like “What afflictions would you bring to the Savior to be healed?” “What would you want Him to pray for in your behalf?” or “What loved ones would you want Him to bless?” Reading this chapter may also inspire you to pray for your family members, one by one, as Jesus did.
Perhaps you could invite your children to tell you what happens during the sacrament. Then you could read 3 Nephi 18:1–12 and ask your children to raise a hand (or stand up) when they hear something that is similar to what we do today. What does Jesus Christ want us to remember or think about during the sacrament? (see 3 Nephi 18:7, 11).
Hum, sing, or play a hymn or Primary song while the children color pictures that can help them remember the Savior during the sacrament (see this week’s activity page). Encourage them to look at these pictures to help them remember Jesus when they partake of the sacrament.
Sing together a song about reverence, such as “Reverently, Quietly” (Children’s Songbook, 26). How can reverently taking the sacrament help us feel the Spirit? How does it help us make righteous choices?
Friend October 2024 “A Reminder to Remember” Make this craft to help you remember Jesus Christ! In the white box, write some things you can do during the week to think of the Savior. Then cut on the dotted lines. Hang your goals on a doorknob where you’ll see them often to help you remember Him.
Friend October 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities”For younger children: Read the scripture 3 Nephi 18:7 out loud to your little ones. Tell them to put their hand on their heart every time you hear the word “remember.” Talk about how you can remember Jesus Christ.
Friend October 2020 “Come, Follow Me for Little Ones” Read 3 Nephi 18:6 together and help your little ones say, “The sacrament helps me remember Jesus.” Then help them make a booklet to remember Jesus during church. Staple folded pieces of paper together and fill them with gospel pictures or drawings. You could cut out pictures from Church magazines or print coloring pages at lessonhelps.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
What does it mean to be “filled” by partaking of the sacrament, and how do we experience it? What do we learn from verses 5–7 about why Jesus gave us the ordinance of the sacrament?
Singing together a song about prayer, such as “A Child’s Prayer” (Children’s Songbook, 12–13), is a good way to help your children think about why we pray. (Invite the children to share what they learn about prayer from the song. Share your testimony of prayer.)
You and your children could then read 3 Nephi 18:18–21 and talk about what Jesus taught about prayer. (What do we learn from these verses about the purposes of prayer?) Inviting your children to tell you how they feel when they pray could help them share their testimony of prayer.
It may be fun for children to go on a hunt for some of the treasured blessings of prayer. You could write the following scripture references on pieces of paper and hide them: 3 Nephi 18:15; 3 Nephi 18:20; 3 Nephi 18:21; 3 Nephi 19:9; and 3 Nephi 19:23. Your children could then find the papers and read the verses, looking for things Jesus Christ or His disciples taught about prayer.
On the board, write I thank thee for _______. Give the children one minute to think of as many things as they can to fill in the blank. Why is it good for us to express gratitude to Heavenly Father? Then write I ask thee for on the board, and read together 3 Nephi 18:18–21 and 19:9, 23, looking for ideas about what we should pray for.
