Tag Archives: Activities

Sep 3 2020

Unity

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Table of Contents

Working together to accomplish the same goal.

Family Unity

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 16: The Saints Gather to Kirtland, Ohio,” 

Write on separate pieces of paper some activities, traditions, and actions that can help develop unity within a family, such as family home evening, family prayer, family scripture study, mealtime, holiday celebrations, birthday celebrations, being kind to each other, and being unselfish. Discuss with the children what unity means and how unity can be developed within a family. To help the children identify ways that their families can develop feelings of love and unity, let each child choose a piece of paper and give clues to the other children about the activity or action described on his or her paper. Have the other children guess the activity or action. Then invite the children to tell about how that activity or action has blessed and strengthened their families.

Read Doctrine and Covenants 38:24-25  Explain that when God says something twice in a row, it is probably something that we should pay extra attention to. What does it mean to esteem someone as yourself? We need to value others as much as we value ourselves. We need each other. We need each others strength, support, and gifts and talents. Have the children tell what different parts of the body does. Explain that each part of the body is important and needed. Just like our body parts are united and working together, we need to be united as people and learn to work together as one.

To teach children what it means to “be one,” you could help them count the members of your family and talk about why each person is important to your family. Emphasize that together you are one family. You could help your children draw a large 1 on a poster and decorate it with names and drawings or pictures of each family member. You could also write on the poster things you will do to be more united as a family. You might also watch the video “Love in Our Hearts” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org) or read Moses 7:18.

Friend April 2021 “Scripture Time Fun Working Together: Jesus taught us to “be one” (Doctrine and Covenants 38:27). That means working together with the people around us to accomplish the same goal.

  • Choose a partner and stand next to each other, shoulder to shoulder. Use a scarf or rope to gently tie your ankle to your partner’s. Work together to practice walking. How fast can you get safely from one place to another?
  • Sing “Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel” (Hymns, no. 252).

Church Unity

United as One

Share an object lesson that illustrates how things can be combined or united to become one, such as pieces of cloth that make one quilt or ingredients that make one loaf of bread. What do these examples teach us about becoming one as God’s people? Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 37–40”,

Sing “We Are Different” (Children’s Songbook,140–41, 263).

1. I know you, and you know me. We are as diff’rent as the sun and the sea I know you, and you know me, And that’s the way it’s supposed to be.

2. I help you, and you help me. We learn from problems, and we’re starting to see. I help you, and you help me, And that’s the way it’s supposed to be.

3. I love you, and you love me We reach together for the best we can be I love you, and you love me, And that’s the way it’s supposed to be.

Ensign April 2021“Family Study Fun” United as One

In Doctrine and Covenants 38:27, the Savior says, “I say unto you, be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine.” We are encouraged to be one that we “might escape the power of the enemy” (Doctrine and Covenants 38:31).

  1. Stand together in the center of the room.
  2. Choose one person to walk through the middle of the group.
  3. Repeat the exercise but this time as a group stand closer together, linking arms and hands if possible.

Discussion: How are we more protected from outside influences as we stand stronger and closer together? How does greater unity protect us?

Ensign August 2019 “Family Study Fun: Human Knot”  (best with four-plus people) Paul tells the Saints that there should be “no divisions among” them and that they should be “perfectly joined together” in mind and judgment (1 Corinthians 1:10). Stand everyone in a circle. Have everyone reach out their right hand and take someone else’s (not next to them). Do the same with the left hand, taking a different person’s hand. Work together to untangle the knot without letting go of any hands. End up in a circle again. Discussion: What can we do as a family to be more “joined together”? How can we work together to remove divisions?

Friend March 2018 “Funstuff” Have the family work together to put together the tangram puzzle of the house. Explain that when family members each help contribute to  building a strong, happy family then all the pieces of family life fit together properly and harmoniously.

Friend March 2018
Friend March 2018

Friend July 2017 “Busy Like a Bee” Elder Ballard tells how bees work together to strengthen the hive.

Unity

1 Corinthians 12:12–27.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “1 Corinthians 8-13” In Paul’s time, Corinth was a wealthy trade center with residents from all over the Roman Empire. With so many different cultures and religions in the city, Church members in Corinth struggled to maintain unity, so Paul sought to help them find unity in their belief in Christ. This unity was to be more than just peaceful coexistence; Paul wasn’t asking them merely to tolerate each other’s differences. Rather, he taught that when you join the Church of Jesus Christ, you are “baptized into one body,” and every body part is needed (1 Corinthians 12:13). When one member is lost, it’s like losing a limb, and the body is weaker as a result. When one member suffers, we should all feel it and do our part to relieve it. In this kind of unity, differences are not just acknowledged but cherished, because without members of diverse gifts and abilities, the body would be limited. So whether you feel like you’ve always been at home in the Church or find yourself wondering if you truly belong, Paul’s message to you is that unity is not sameness. You need your fellow Saints, and your fellow Saints need you.

Paul’s analogy of a body could be a memorable way to discuss family unity. For example, family members could try drawing a body made only of eyes or ears (see verse 17). What do these verses suggest about how we should treat each other as family members?

Friend September 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Move Your Body”

Friend September 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities for Little Ones” Point to some body parts and ask your little ones why each part is important. Explain that all the parts work together to help us do things. God loves all His children. He wants us to work together to help and serve others.

New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) “1 Corinthians 12” Paul wrote to the Saints in Corinth to help them recognize their need to be unified in Christ. He taught that if all members would recognize and use the spiritual gifts they had received from the Lord, they could be like the many parts of a body working together in unison.

Friend September 2023 Cover We are all needed

Friend September 2023 “Women of Faith”

Friend October 2024 “Working Together” President Henry B. Eyring’s address about how we are all different, but the Lord’s prophets have always asked us to have unity. When you have unity, you love each other and work together. (see more at link)

Aug 24 2020

Helaman 7-12

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Table of Contents

Helaman CHAPTER 7 Nephi is rejected in the north and returns to Zarahemla—He prays upon his garden tower and then calls upon the people to repent or perish. About 23–21 B.C.

Helaman CHAPTER 8 Corrupt judges seek to incite the people against Nephi—Abraham, Moses, Zenos, Zenock, Ezias, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lehi, and Nephi all testified of Christ—By inspiration Nephi announces the murder of the chief judge. About 23–21 B.C.

Helaman CHAPTER 9 Messengers find the chief judge dead at the judgment seat—They are imprisoned and later released—By inspiration Nephi identifies Seantum as the murderer—Nephi is accepted by some as a prophet. About 23–21 B.C.

Helaman CHAPTER 10 The Lord gives Nephi the sealing power—He is empowered to bind and loose on earth and in heaven—He commands the people to repent or perish—The Spirit carries him from multitude to multitude. About 21–20 B.C.

Helaman CHAPTER 11 Nephi persuades the Lord to replace their war with a famine—Many people perish—They repent, and Nephi importunes the Lord for rain—Nephi and Lehi receive many revelations—The Gadianton robbers entrench themselves in the land. About 20–6 B.C.

Helaman CHAPTER 12 Men are unstable and foolish and quick to do evil—The Lord chastens His people—The nothingness of men is compared with the power of God—In the day of judgment, men will gain everlasting life or everlasting damnation. About 6 B.C.

Helaman 7-9

Nephi Prophecies

Book of Mormon Stories “The Murder of the Chief Judge” Images and Video

The Lord wants me to remember Him.

Helaman 7:20–21

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Helaman 7-12”

  • To start a conversation about remembering the Lord, you could tell your children about a time when you forgot something. Let them share similar experiences of their own. Then you could read together Helaman 7:20–21 and ask your children what they think it means to forget God. (Explain that the word forget can also mean “to neglect” or “ignore.”) Maybe your children could draw pictures of things that could cause us to forget the Lord and use their drawings to cover a picture of Jesus. Ask the children to think of things they can do each day to remember Heavenly Father and Jesus. As they share their thoughts, they could take away the drawings one by one until the picture of the Savior is revealed.

The Red Crystal

  • Help the children complete this week’s activity page.

Friend August 2020 “Family Night Fun”

  • Sometimes the Nephites forgot to “remember the Lord” and obey His commandments (see Helaman 12:5). How does remembering Jesus help you do what’s right?
  • Read Helaman 8:19–25 together and talk about how Nephi wanted people to remember what the prophets taught.
  • Set out items that represent the gospel (scriptures, pass-along card, Church magazine, CTR ring, etc.).
  • Look at the items for one minute. Then invite someone to leave.
  • Remove one item, then invite the person to return and try to remember what is missing.
  • Play again until everyone has a turn.
  • Discussion: What can we do to remember important gospel lessons that bless our lives?
  • Ensign August 2020 “Family Study Fun”

Prophets testify of Jesus Christ.

Helaman 8:13–23

Lesson 29: Nephi Prophesies

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Helaman 7-12”

  • Help your children search Helaman 8:13–23 to find names of prophets who taught about Jesus Christ. Maybe they can pass around a picture of Jesus each time they find one. What has our living prophet taught about the Savior?
Friend April 1988
Friend April 1988
Friend April 1988
Friend April 1988
  • You could also sing together a song about prophets, such as “Follow the Prophet” (Children’s Songbook, 110–11). Maybe you and your children could pick a key phrase from the song and write one word from the phrase on each of several paper footprints. Then you could lay the footprints on the floor leading to a picture of the Savior, and your children could follow the footprints toward the picture. How has following the prophet led us to Jesus Christ?

The Red Crystal

Friend August 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities” Many people in the scriptures taught and testified of Jesus Christ (see Helaman 8:16–20). You can start building your testimony of Him too! A testimony is something you believe or know is true about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Write down your testimony and practice sharing it with your family or friends.

For younger children: Ask your little ones what they love about Jesus Christ. Then share your testimony of the Savior with them.

Helaman 10-12

Nephi Receives Great Power

I will be spiritually safe as I follow the prophet.

Helaman 7–11

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Helaman 7–12: “Remember the Lord”

  • Invite the children to make a list on the board of things a prophet does (see “Prophet,” Guide to the Scriptures, scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Help them search Helaman 7:1–2, 27–29; 8:22–23; and 10:3–4, 6–7 to see how Nephi did some of the things in their list. When have we seen our prophet today do these things? Bear your testimony of the living prophet. To illustrate the importance of prophets, show the first minute of the video “Watchman on the Tower” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Helaman 7–12: “Remember the Lord”

  • Read together Helaman 11:3–7 (or review “Chapter 39: Nephi Receives Great Power,” Book of Mormon Stories,108–10, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Ask the children to listen for what happened to the people who did not listen to the prophet. What can happen when we do not listen to the prophet? How are we blessed when we follow Him? Share something that our prophet has taught, and encourage the children to follow his teachings.

Book of Mormon Stories: Nephi Receives Great Power Images and Video

Friend October 2017 “A Friendly Primary Visitor” A pilot comes to Primary and acts out flying and what could happen if he didn’t listen to the control tower. He likens the control tower to the prophet.

Friend September 2015 – ” How Can I Stay Safe….in Life” – Air traffic controller guides plane through fog. Prophets guide us.

Friend September 2015

Friend August 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones” Read Helaman 11:18 together and help your little ones say, “I will listen to the prophets and apostles.” Watch a short video of testimonies of the prophet and apostles at http://bit.ly/333rMkn. Teach your children the name of each person who speaks. When you see the prophet, help your children cup their hands around their ears to listen extra closely to what he has to say.

Pondering the words of God invites revelation.

Helaman 10:1–4

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Helaman 7-12”

Nephi was blessed with revelation when he pondered the things the Lord had shown him.

  • To help your children understand what it means to ponder, you could read together “Ponder” in Guide to the Scriptures (Gospel Library). What are some other words that are similar to ponder? Perhaps you could read Helaman 10:1–3 together and replace the word ponder with those other words. Talk with your children about ways to make pondering part of their scripture study.

Ponder means to meditate and think deeply and often upon the scriptures or other things of God. When combined with prayer, pondering the things of God may bring revelation and understanding. (Guide to the Scriptures)

What does it mean to ponder? (To think about and consider) The scriptures tell us that many prophets received revelation from the Lord as they were pondering upon the things of God. We also open ourselves up to revelation as we ponder upon our problems during scripture study, during church meetings, and during our prayers.

I will obey Heavenly Father.

Helaman 10:11–12

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Helaman 7-12”

  • Nephi obeyed Heavenly Father even when it meant doing something difficult. For an example of this, you and your children could read Helaman 10:2, 11–12. Maybe your children could act out what Nephi did—walk toward one side of the room (as if they are going home), stop, turn around, and walk toward the other side of the room (as if they are returning to teach the people). What are some things Heavenly Father wants us to do?

Friend June 2006 “Keep the Commandments”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 18–23”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Helaman 7–12: “Remember the Lord”

  • Help the children understand that sometimes Heavenly Father wants us to do something that is different from what we want to do, but we can obey Him like Nephi did. Share statements like “Sometimes I want to get angry, but Heavenly Father wants me to be … ,” and let the children finish the statements. Encourage the children to remember to stop and think about what Heavenly Father wants them to do and then do it.

Priesthood

Helaman 10-11 Nephi receives the sealing power and the protection of the priesthood to do Heavenly Father’s work. 

Lesson 30: Nephi Receives Great Power

Primary 4: Book of Mormon ““Lesson 30: Nephi Receives Great Power”  Begin your class with the lights turned off. Ask the children if they have noticed something unusual. Ask someone to turn on the lights. Talk about the power of electricity that gives light. Discuss what things in the children’s homes run on electricity (stove, refrigerator, fans, tools, and so on). Explain that this lesson is about a different kind of power, a power stronger than electricity: the power of the priesthood of God. (See more lesson ideas at link.)

  • Tell the children you are thinking of a word. Ask them to listen to the following descriptions and raise their hand when they know the word.
    • It is the power of God.
    • Through this power the Lord blesses his children and his church.
    • Those who hold this power represent the Lord Jesus Christ.
    • Those who hold this power are appointed to do the things the Savior wants done.
    • What is the name of this power? (The priesthood.)

Remaining Spiritually Steady

Helaman 12:1–6

Book of Mormon 2020 for Individuals and Family

Can you think of an object lesson you can use to help your family understand what “unsteadiness” means? For instance, you might invite a family member to try balancing something on his or her head. You could then invite family members to look in Helaman 12:1–6 for reasons people can be unsteady in following the Lord. How can we remain spiritually steady?

Additional Resources

The Cozy Red Cottage

The Red Crystal

Aug 10 2020

Alma 53-63

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Table of Contents

Alma CHAPTER 53 The Lamanite prisoners are used to fortify the city Bountiful—Dissensions among the Nephites give rise to Lamanite victories—Helaman takes command of the two thousand stripling sons of the people of Ammon. About 64–63 B.C.

Alma CHAPTER 54 Ammoron and Moroni negotiate for the exchange of prisoners—Moroni demands that the Lamanites withdraw and cease their murderous attacks—Ammoron demands that the Nephites lay down their arms and become subject to the Lamanites. About 63 B.C.

Alma CHAPTER 55 Moroni refuses to exchange prisoners—The Lamanite guards are enticed to become drunk, and the Nephite prisoners are freed—The city of Gid is taken without bloodshed. About 63–62 B.C.

Alma CHAPTER 56 Helaman sends an epistle to Moroni, recounting the state of the war with the Lamanites—Antipus and Helaman gain a great victory over the Lamanites—Helaman’s two thousand stripling sons fight with miraculous power, and none of them are slain. Verse 1, about 62 B.C.; verses 2–19, about 66 B.C.; and verses 20–57, about 65–64 B.C.

Alma CHAPTER 57 Helaman recounts the taking of Antiparah and the surrender and later the defense of Cumeni—His Ammonite striplings fight valiantly; all are wounded, but none are slain—Gid reports the slaying and the escape of the Lamanite prisoners. About 63 B.C.

Alma CHAPTER 58 Helaman, Gid, and Teomner take the city of Manti by a stratagem—The Lamanites withdraw—The sons of the people of Ammon are preserved as they stand fast in defense of their liberty and faith. About 63–62 B.C.

Alma CHAPTER 59 Moroni asks Pahoran to strengthen the forces of Helaman—The Lamanites take the city of Nephihah—Moroni is angry with the government. About 62 B.C.

Alma CHAPTER 60 Moroni complains to Pahoran of the government’s neglect of the armies—The Lord suffers the righteous to be slain—The Nephites must use all of their power and means to deliver themselves from their enemies—Moroni threatens to fight against the government unless help is supplied to his armies. About 62 B.C.

Alma CHAPTER 61 Pahoran tells Moroni of the insurrection and rebellion against the government—The king-men take Zarahemla and are in league with the Lamanites—Pahoran asks for military aid against the rebels. About 62 B.C.

Alma CHAPTER 62 Moroni marches to the aid of Pahoran in the land of Gideon—The king-men who refuse to defend their country are put to death—Pahoran and Moroni retake Nephihah—Many Lamanites join the people of Ammon—Teancum slays Ammoron and is in turn slain—The Lamanites are driven from the land, and peace is established—Helaman returns to the ministry and builds up the Church. About 62–57 B.C.

Alma CHAPTER 63 Shiblon and later Helaman take possession of the sacred records—Many Nephites travel to the land northward—Hagoth builds ships, which sail forth in the west sea—Moronihah defeats the Lamanites in battle. About 56–52 B.C.

Alma 53

Helaman and the 2000 Stripling Warriors

I can be faithful to God like Helaman’s young soldiers.

Alma 53:20–21; 56:47–48

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 53-63”

Book of Mormon Stories “Chapter 34: Helaman and the 2,000 Young Warriors” Video and Images

Friend August 2024 “The Stripling Warriors”

Book of Mormon Stories for Young Readers “The Stripling Warriors” Video and Images (scroll down to read the captions.)

The Book of Mormon tells about some young men who had to go to battle to protect their people and their families. They are called the stripling warriors. The word “stripling” means “young.”
Friend August 2020

This week’s activity page can help your children think of ways they can be like the army of Helaman. Consider sharing some of the qualities of the young soldiers from Alma 53:20–21 to get them started.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 53-63” Read Alma 53:20–21, and help the children understand what words like valiant, courage, strength, and true mean. Describe how the stripling warriors showed these qualities. Make simple name tags for the children that read, “When I am , I am like a stripling warrior!” Help the children fill in the blank with a quality they choose from Alma 53:20–21.

Teaching Children the Gospel “Lesson 27: Helaman and the Stripling Warriors” Activity: Divide the children into four groups and explain that each group is going to look up a scripture that tells about one of the righteous characteristics the young Ammonites developed in their youth. Give each group their characteristic card and their scripture and discussion ideas card. Tell them to read their discussion card and scripture and be prepared to tell what their characteristic is, tell about or describe their characteristic, and read the related parts of their scripture to the class. Have them tape their characteristic on the board. (Be prepared to add in any additional needed discussion to what the children present.)

Game: After a group presents their characteristic, do the following game: Have a child stand and tell how they can demonstrate that characteristic as they go about their day to day life. For example “I can courageously stand up for the right by sticking up for a child that is being picked on.” Have the next child stand and say the same thing plus add their own. Continue doing this until all the children have had a turn. (Start with a different child each time a new characteristic is presented.)

You could also sing together “We’ll Bring the World His Truth” (Children’s Songbook, 172–73).

The Red Crystal

I can be faithful to what my parents teach in righteousness.

Alma 56:45–48; 57:21

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 53-63”

  • Invite a girl and a boy to represent the mothers and fathers of the stripling warriors. As you read Alma 56:27 and 47–48, give these children items to hold that represent how the mothers and fathers helped the warriors, such as a sack of food to represent the “provisions” the fathers sent and scriptures to represent the mothers’ teachings. Ask the children to share things their parents provide for them or teach them.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 53-63”

  • Helaman’s young soldiers looked to their mothers’ faith when they were faced with a great challenge. Perhaps you could read Alma 56:46–48 with your children and invite them to listen for what the mothers of these young men taught them about faith. You might ask them what they’ve learned from their parents—or other faithful adults—about the Savior.

Why is it important to obey “with exactness”? (Alma 57:21).

Ensign August 2020 “Family Study Fun” Read Alma 57:19–27 together and talk about how the stripling warriors were protected when they obeyed “with exactness” (verse 21).

  1. Blindfold one family member and have them stand against a wall.
  2. Place an object anywhere along the opposite wall and have the blindfolded person try to find the object in one minute without any help.
  3. After the time is up, have the person try again, except this time give them instructions to follow “with exactness.”

Discussion: How do God’s “instructions” help us stay safe and reach our goals?

How can you—like the mothers of the stripling soldiers—make sure your children know of your faith in God? One way is to share how your faith affects your life. For example, how has He “delivered” you when you “did not doubt”?

Coloring Page: “We Do Not Doubt” (March 2010 Liahona and Friend)

Friend August 2020 “Cover”

I can keep my covenants with Heavenly Father.

Alma 53:10–18

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 53-63”

  • Your children might be able to talk about a time when someone made and kept a promise with them. How did they feel when the promise was kept? You could read Alma 53:10–18 and invite your children to look for how Helaman, the people of Ammon, and the sons of the people of Ammon made and kept their promises, or covenants. You might share how Heavenly Father blesses you as you keep your covenants.

Gospel Media “The Anti-Nephi-Lehies Burying Their Swords”

Book of Mormon Seminary Teacher Manual (2024) “Alma 53”

Draw a path like the one in the above image to symbolize your life and the covenants we need to make to return to Heavenly Father. Draw pictures or write the covenants that each picture represents. Make a mark (or draw a figure representing yourself) showing where you currently are on the covenant path.

Take a moment to remember the covenants you have already made with Them and the ways you are striving to keep those covenants.

“Now, to each member of the Church I say, keep on the covenant path. Your commitment to follow the Savior by making covenants with Him and then keeping those covenants will open the door to every spiritual blessing and privilege available to men, women, and children everywhere. (Russell M. Nelson, “As We Go Forward Together,” Ensign, Apr. 2018, 7)

Alma 54-55

Moroni reclaims the Captured Prisoners

For the Strength of Youth August 2024 “Fun Stop” Rescue the Prisoner: Can you rescue the prisoner from the Lamanite stronghold? Without passing by any guards, find your way to the prisoner, and then leave by a different path than you came. (For a real-life story about rescuing prisoners, see Alma 55.) (See answer at link)

Alma 56-57

Helaman’s 2000 Young Warriors Trust God and are Preserved in Battle

Lesson 27: Helaman and the Stripling Warriors Lesson

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 53-63”

  • When compared with the Lamanite armies, Helaman’s “little army” (Alma 56:33) of 2,000 young Nephites shouldn’t have stood a chance. Besides being few in number, Helaman’s soldiers “were all … very young,” and “they never had fought” (Alma 56:46–47). In some ways, their situation might seem familiar to those of us who sometimes feel outnumbered and overwhelmed in our latter-day battle against Satan and the forces of evil in the world.
  • But the army of Helaman had some advantages over the Lamanites that had nothing to do with numbers or military skill. They chose Helaman, a prophet, to lead them (Alma 53:19); “they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them” (Alma 56:47); and they had “exceeding faith in that which they had been taught.” As a result, they were protected by “the miraculous power of God” (Alma 57:26). Even though they were all wounded in battle, “there was not one soul of them who did perish” (Alma 57:25). So when life inflicts spiritual wounds on each of us, we can take courage—the message of Helaman’s army is that “there [is] a just God, and whosoever [does] not doubt, [will] be preserved by his marvelous power” (Alma 57:26).

Ensign August 2020

Friend August 2020 “The Stripling Warriors Were Brave” Coloring page

Primary 4 Book of Mormon “Lesson 27: Helaman and the Two Thousand Warriors”

Let children volunteer to complete the following statements:

I can be like the young warriors by how I ______________.

I can be like the young warriors by remembering that my parents taught me to____________ .

I most admire_____________about the young warriors.

My favorite part of the account of the two thousand young warriors is______________

Alma 58

When I am worried, I can trust God.

Alma 58:32–41

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 53-63”

  • Draw a frowning face on the board, and talk about how Helaman was worried because his army didn’t have enough food or enough men to keep fighting (see Alma 58:32–41). Ask the children to share times when they were worried. Read Alma 58:37 (or help a child read it), and help the children change the face on the board to a smiling face to show how Helaman felt because he trusted God. What can we do when we feel worried? Sing together “Smiles” (Children’s Songbook, 267).
  • Write on some slips of paper a few things that children might worry about. Let the children take turns choosing a paper for you to read, and invite the children to share how God could help them with each of these worries. Share an experience in which God helped you when you were worried.

The Red Crystal

Alma 59-62

Moroni and Pahoran

I can choose to not be angry.

Alma 61:3–14

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 53-63”

  • Consider inviting your children to think about a time when they were accused of doing something they didn’t do. Tell them about how this happened to Pahoran (see Alma 60–61; see also “Chapter 35: Captain Moroni and Pahoran,” Book of Mormon Stories, 95–97). To learn about how Pahoran reacted, take turns reading verses from Alma 61:3–14. What did Pahoran do when Moroni accused him? (see Alma 61:2–3, 8–9). What do we learn about forgiveness from the Savior’s example? (see Luke 23:34).

Book of Mormon Stories “Chapter 35: Captain Moroni and Pahoran” Video and Images

  • Both Helaman and Pahoran had good reasons to be offended. Helaman was not receiving sufficient support for his armies, and Pahoran was falsely accused by Moroni of withholding that support. Instead of getting angry, Pahoran said, “I … rejoice in the greatness of your heart” (Alma 61:9).

I can choose to think the best of others and not be offended.

For the Strength of Youth March 2023 “When You’re Judged Unfairly”

  • “The Right Reply.” Emily wants to write a mean reply when her friend sends her a mean email, but then she thinks of what Jesus would do and responds kindly. (From the Friend.)
  • “Bugs and Brothers.” In this Friend story, Lacey learns that she doesn’t have to be angry at her brother Zach for teasing her.

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said: “Endowed with agency, you and I are agents, and we primarily are to act and not just be acted upon. To believe that someone or something can make us feel offended, angry, hurt, or bitter diminishes our moral agency and transforms us into objects to be acted upon. As agents, however, you and I have the power to act and to choose how we will respond to an offensive or hurtful situation.”

Alma 62

Teancum

Alma 62:33-37

After the War

Hardened or Softened by Adversity

Alma 62:39–41

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 53-63”Here’s an object lesson that can help your family understand that we can choose to be either “hardened” or “softened” by our trials: Place a raw potato and a raw egg in a pot of boiling water. The potato and the egg represent us, and the water represents the trials we face. As the potato and egg boil, you could talk about some of the trials your family faces. What are some different ways to react to trials like these? According to Alma 62:41, how do our reactions to trials affect us? After the potato and egg are fully cooked, cut open the potato and crack open the egg to show that the same “trial” softened the potato and hardened the egg. What can our family do to be sure that our trials humble us and bring us closer to God?

Additional Resources

Friend August 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities” Helaman and other leaders wrote epistles, or letters, to tell each other about the good and bad things happening in the battles (see Alma 56). You can write letters too! Write a letter to a family member or friend. Write down the good things happening in your life and the things that are hard for you. Then send your letter!

For younger children: Practice writing “I love you” or drawing a heart to give to someone you love. Talk about how prophets in the scriptures also wrote letters.

Media Library

Friend August 2020 “Stripling Warrior Challenge” The stripling warriors kept their bodies and spirits strong. Set this page on the floor. Close your eyes and drop a pebble or button onto the page. Then do the challenge for the box it lands closest to.

  • “Stripling-Warrior Search” (August 2019 Friend)
    Find eight letters hidden in this picture of the stripling warriors, and unscramble them to decode a hidden message.

Friend August 2000 “Stripling Warriors Game” Story Review Game

Friend Scripture Figures: “Stripling Warriors”

Media Library “Stripling Warriors”

Book of Mormon Coloring Book “The Stripling Warriors”

Friend May 1986

The Red Crystal

Latter Day Kids “The Valiant Fox- Come Follow Me: August 10th-16th” Video, lesson and activity ideas. Helping children to understand what valiant means.

Jul 14 2020

Alma 32-35

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Table of Contents

Alma CHAPTER 32 Alma teaches the poor whose afflictions had humbled them—Faith is a hope in that which is not seen which is true—Alma testifies that angels minister to men, women, and children—Alma compares the word unto a seed—It must be planted and nourished—Then it grows into a tree from which the fruit of eternal life is picked. About 74 B.C.

Alma CHAPTER 33 Zenos taught that men should pray and worship in all places, and that judgments are turned away because of the Son—Zenock taught that mercy is bestowed because of the Son—Moses had lifted up in the wilderness a type of the Son of God. About 74 B.C.

Alma CHAPTER 34 Amulek testifies that the word is in Christ unto salvation—Unless an atonement is made, all mankind must perish—The whole law of Moses points toward the sacrifice of the Son of God—The eternal plan of redemption is based on faith and repentance—Pray for temporal and spiritual blessings—This life is the time for men to prepare to meet God—Work out your salvation with fear before God. About 74 B.C.‘

Alma CHAPTER 35 The preaching of the word destroys the craft of the Zoramites—They expel the converts, who then join the people of Ammon in Jershon—Alma sorrows because of the wickedness of the people. About 74 B.C.

Alma 32

Alma Teaches the Poor Zoramites

If I am humble, the Lord can teach me.

Alma 32:1–13, 27–28 Alma 31:8–35

Ask the children what they remember learning last week about the Zoramites (see Alma 31:8–24). Remind them that one reason Alma was worried about them was their pride (see Alma 31:24–28).

The Zoramites were trying to elevate themselves above others and declare that they were better than everyone else.

Definition of Pride: A inflated, high opinion of one’s own importance, merit, or superiority.

In what ways might people think they are better than others and become lifted up in pride? Answers might include the following: people may think they are better than others because of how smart,  pretty or handsome, athletic, wealthy, or talented they are. (Have the children build with blocks, or cut out the following image into pieces and post them on the board, or draw a part of the Rameumptom tower on the board as each answer is given.)

What did the Zoramites set their hearts on? (see Alma 31:24, 28). What are some worldly things that people set their hearts on today?

Ask the children how they would feel if they were being made fun of for not being as smart, good looking, athletic, talented, or rich as someone else.

Read together Alma 32:1–5, and ask the children to summarize what had happened to the Zoramites who were poor. Then invite the children to read verses 12–13 to find out why Alma felt that being cast out of their synagogues (or churches) was a good thing for these Zoramites. What are some of the blessings that come from being humble?(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 32-35”)

What is humility? A modest opinion of one’s own importance, rank, etc.  Guide to the Scriptures: The condition of being meek and teachable. Humility includes recognizing our dependence upon God and desiring to submit to His will.

What are some of the blessings that come from being humble? Teachable, turn heart to the Lord, etc.

Display a hard, solid object (like a stone) to represent a hard or prideful heart and something soft (like soil) to represent a soft or humble heart. Let the children feel both objects. Then show the children a seed to represent the word of God. Invite them to try to push the seed into the hard object and the soft object. Read together Alma 32:27–28, and talk about what it might mean to “give place” (verse 27) for the word of God in our hearts. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 32-35”)

How can we humble ourselves so we are not lifted up in pride? (Have the children take off or erase a level of the Rameumpton tower for every answer they give.) Answers may include the following: by remembering that our gifts, talents, and abilities come from the Lord, by praying for humility, by looking for the good in others, by building love for others by praying for them and serving  them.

The Lord can teach me as I choose to be humble.

(Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 32-35) Alma and Amulek had success teaching the Zoramites who were humble. Invite your children to complete a sentence like “I am being humble when I ______ .”

The following video about pride and humility is from Latterdaykids.com.

Planting the Seed of Faith

My testimony of Jesus Christ grows as I nourish it.

Alma 32:28–43

(Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 32-35)

  • Seeds, trees, and fruit are familiar objects that can help children understand abstract principles like faith and testimony. Let your children hold a seed while you read Alma 32:28. Then you could ask them to help you think of ways that growing a testimony of Jesus Christ is like planting and nourishing a seed (see “Chapter 29: Alma Teaches about Faith and the Word of God,” Book of Mormon Stories, 81). Maybe you could plant your seed and talk about what is needed to help a seed—or a testimony—grow.

Book of Mormon Stories “Alma Teaches about Faith and the Word of God” Video and Images

  • A picture of a tree accompanies this outline; you might use it to illustrate Alma’s words in Alma 32:28–43. Or you could go for a walk to find plants at different stages of growth and read verses from Alma 32 that compare a growing plant to our testimony. Or maybe your children could draw a tree on the board and add a leaf or a fruit every time they think of something they can do to help their testimony of Jesus Christ grow.

The Red Crystal

Primary 4: Book of Mormon “Lesson 22: Alma Teaches about Faith” Attention Activity: Give each child a seed, show the illustration of a seed, or draw a seed on the chalkboard.

  • What can a seed become? (A plant or tree, depending on the type of seed.)
  • What must happen before a seed can begin to grow? (Show the illustration of the sprouting seed or draw one on the chalkboard.)
  • What does a tree look like when it is young? (Show the illustration of the sap-ling or draw one on the chalkboard.) What does it look like when it is mature? (Show the illustration of a tree or draw one on the chalkboard.)
  • What nourishment does a seed need to help it grow into a plant or tree? (Explain that nourishment means something that helps things grow or keeps them alive and well, such as water, fertilizer, sunshine, and soil. Place the illustrations of the sun, rain, soil, and fertilizer near the picture of the seed.)

Explain to the children that in this lesson they will learn how they can grow a strong testimony.

Lesson 22: Alma Teaches Faith Lesson ideas Visual Aids

Friend January 2019 “Testimony Plants” In Primary, the children were supposed to draw a plant that represented their testimony, but Elisa wasn’t sure what that meant or if she had a testimony. She learns that a testimony is the things she believes in like Heavenly Father and Jesus. She also learns that testimonies grow and need to be nourished.

Friend July 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones” Read Alma 32:41 together and help your little ones say, “My faith grows when I do good things.” Help your children learn about seeds and plants by picking seeds out of a piece of fruit or caring for a houseplant. Explain that our testimonies grow little by little, like a seed grows into a plant.

As you read Alma 32:26–43 together, stop occasionally and invite the children to draw a picture of the seed or plant being described—for example, a seed and a seedling (verse 28), a growing plant (verse 30), and a mature plant bearing fruit (verse 37). Encourage them to label their pictures with references from Alma 32. How is nourishing a seed like nourishing our testimonies of Jesus Christ? How do we nourish our testimonies? Invite the children to silently think about how their testimonies are growing and what they will do to nourish them. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 32-35”)

If possible, give each of the children seeds to take home and plant to remind them to help their testimonies of Jesus Christ to grow.

Show pictures of a plant in various stages of growth, and ask the children to help you put the pictures in the correct order (see the pictures in this week’s activity page). Explain that as we live the gospel, our testimony grows—it starts small like a seed but can become big like a tree. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 32-35”)

Friend January 1999 “Faith in Jesus Christ”

Friend July 2020 “My Family Night Fun”

  • Sing “Faith” (Children’s Songbook, 96–97).
  • The prophet Alma taught us that faith grows like a seed (see Alma 32:28–30). Faith starts small, but as we work to help it grow, it can become strong!
  • Color the pages for the booklet on page 24 with your family. How can you help your faith grow?

Friend January 2019 “Seeds of Faith” 

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Friend July 2018 Coloring page: Faith is like a seed. When planted it will grow.

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Friend January 2019 “Faith” The song “Faith,” simplified for beginning pianists. Also, Sing-along video.

Friend July 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Growing Your Testimony” Alma taught that when you listen to the word of God and do things to show your faith, your testimony will grow, like a tree (see Alma 32:37). Draw things you can do to help a tree grow, like giving it water and sunshine. Then draw things you can do to help your testimony grow, like going to church and praying.

For younger children: Sing “Faith” (Children’s Songbook, 96). While you sing, do actions to show a seed growing big and tall. Talk about growing your testimony.

Media Library “Want to Increase your Faith?”

Come Follow Me Kid

Come Follow Me Kid Cookie Dough Seed Activity

  • Place a small, seed-sized piece of cookie dough on a large cookie sheet. This represents the word of God.
  • Take turns listing ways we can help our faith in Jesus and His word grow.
  • For each idea, add more dough to the seed-sized piece. Mold it into a tree shape with roots and branches as it gets bigger.
  • Read Alma 32:42. What will grow on this tree? (fruit) Place white chocolate chips on the branches to
    represent this sweet, white fruit.
  • Bake and enjoy!

See more teaching ideas at Faith

Alma 33-34

I can pray to Heavenly Father anytime, about anything.

Alma 33:2–11; 34:17–27

(Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 32-35)

  • Help your children find phrases that describe places we can pray (in Alma 33:4–11) and things we can pray about (in Alma 34:17–27). Perhaps they could draw pictures of themselves praying in these places. Share with each other experiences when Heavenly Father heard your prayers. You could also sing a song about prayer, such as “A Child’s Prayer” (Children’s Songbook, 12–13).

Come Follow Me Kid Show pictures below and ask which place or places they think would be good spots to pray. Read Alma 33:3-8, and have them listen carefully to see if they can hear which of these places would be places we could pray from. Help them understand that we can pray anywhere and our prayers will be heard if we pray in faith. You could also have some fun with this and list additional places/times and ask, “Would it be okay to pray __” (in a car, at midnight, in the backyard, silently, etc.), and help them see that the answer to all of these is “Yes!”

  • In the wilderness (Alma 33:4)
  • In a field (Alma 33:5)
  • In your house (Alma 33:6)
  • In your closet (Alma 33:7)
  • Help them think of things they can say to Heavenly Father when they pray, and invite them to draw pictures of these things. Testify that they can talk to Heavenly Father about anything they are thinking or feeling.

Latter Day Kids “Pray Always” Lesson ideas

Sing a song that teaches the children about prayer, such as “A Child’s Prayer” or “We Bow Our Heads” (Children’s Songbook, 12–13, 25). Help them notice what the song teaches about prayer.

Additional Prayer Ideas

Additional Resources

Primary 4: Book of Mormon “Lesson 22: Alma Teaches about Faith”

Primary 4: Book of Mormon “Lesson 21: The Zoramites and the Rameumptom,” Write the following scripture references on the chalkboard. Ask the children to match the verses that describe the Zoramites’ erroneous beliefs with the verses that contain the correct teachings of Alma and Amulek:

Alma 31:16 (The Zoramites believed there would be no Christ.)
Alma 31:20–23 (All the Zoramites gave the same prayer and then never worshiped again all week.)
Alma 31:24 (The Zoramites’ hearts were set upon riches.)
Alma 34:8 (Amulek testified of Christ.)
Alma 34:19–27 (Amulek taught that we should pray always and about everything.)
Alma 34:28–29 (Amulek taught that we should give of our riches to the poor.)

The Red Crystal

Jul 8 2020

Mothers & Women: Lesson Ideas

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Table of Contents

Influence of Women

Friend September 2023 “Women of Faith” By President Dallin H. Oaks tells about the women who have influenced him in his life.

Honor Your Mother

I can honor my mother as Jesus did.

Jesus Turns Water into Wine video

John 2:1–11

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “John 2–4” At the wedding in Cana, Mary told Jesus that the wine had run out. According to the Joseph Smith Translation, Jesus responded to His mother by asking, “Woman, what wilt thou have me to do for thee? that will I do” (in John 2:4, footnote a). Jesus is an example of how we should treat our mothers.

  • Invite the children to read John 2:1–11 and take turns retelling the story in their own words.
  • Ask the children to list things their mother might need help with. Invite them to practice what they could say to her using some of Jesus’s words: “What wilt thou have me to do for thee?” (John 2:4, footnote a).

Friend November 2022 “A Happy Helper” Felix helps his mom get ready for Grandpa’s visit. A

  • Invite some mothers to visit your class and share what their children do to show respect for them.

To honor your parents means to love, respect, and obey them.

Friend November 2021 “Jesus Honored His Parents” As He grew up, Jesus obeyed His earthly parents. He loved and cared for them. Even when He was dying on the cross, He asked one of His disciples to take care of His mother. He also honored His Heavenly Father by keeping the commandments.

New Era March 2017 “20 Ways to Honor Mom and Dad”

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “John 2-4” At a marriage feast in Cana, Christ changed water into wine—an event John called the “beginning of miracles” (John 2:11). That’s true in more than one sense. While this was the first miracle Jesus performed publicly, it can also symbolize another miraculous beginning—the process of our hearts being transformed as we become ever more like our Savior. This miracle of a lifetime begins with the decision to follow Jesus Christ, to change and live a better life through Him.

Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day Gifts and Cards

Friend May 2016
Friend May 2016

No Mother in the Home

Friend June 2019 “For Parent’s of Little Ones” Father’s Day and Mother’s Day can bring up sad feelings for children who don’t have a mom or dad at home. This article gives great ideas on how to honor those days in sensitive ways.

Jul 2 2020

Pioneer: Activities & Games

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Modern Day Pioneers

Friend July 2021 “Pioneers Then and Now” A pioneer is someone who helps lead the way. There are many ways to be a pioneer! How many similarities can you find between these two pioneer families?

Friend July 2020 “Following the Pioneers” Anyone who leads the way to help make life better for others is a pioneer. Activity: As you pass through each circle in the maze, read the ways you can be a pioneer!

Friend July 2019 “Funstuff: Modern Pioneers” Put the pictures in order of a modern pioneer family joining the Church in Nigeria.

Pioneer Journey

Friend
Friend 1982 – 1 of 2
Friend
Friend  1982 – 2 of 2

Friend July 2022 “Draw It” Some of the first pioneers in the Church went to the Salt Lake Valley in covered wagons. For Pioneer Day on July 24, learn to draw a covered wagon and oxen!

Friend July 1985

Friend July 1985

Handcart Pioneers

Friend March 1986
Friend March 1986

Pioneer Life

Friend July 2016
Friend July 2016

Pioneer Games & Activities

New Era April 2020 “Fun Stop” Games you can play with sticks

Friend July 2018 The Hop, Step, and Jump Game

Friend Feb 1981
Friend Feb 1981

Friend July 2017 Churn butter, talk about pioneers in your family, or hold sack races.

Friend July 2015 

Friend July 2015
Friend July 2015 – could be used as choosing idea for songs or lessons. Each cup could have a song title or lesson item in it. When a child gets the ball in a cup then the child looks to see what item or song is  in it.

Game Ideas

Tic-Tac-Toe Three Wagons in a Row Game

When one of the children gets three wagons in a row they get to choose one of the wagons and get its bag out. Whatever is inside the bag is the activity the Primary children will do, such as singing a pioneer song, or listening to a pioneer story, or doing a pioneer game or activity. After the activity, have the children continue playing the game in the same manner until all the bag activities have been done (or until time runs out).

Just for Fun

Friend July 2018
Friend July 1986
Friend July 1986

Jun 2 2020

Following Jesus: Light of the World

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Table of Contents

Jesus is the Light of the World

Friend January 2023 “Jesus is Our Light” Jesus is the Light of the World because His teachings and example light our way back to Heavenly Father.

Friend January 2023 “Jesus Is My True Light” I Can Play It Song

1. At night when darkness fills my room,

I do not need to fear.

I think of Jesus’ love for me

And know that He is near,

2. When I am tempted to do wrong,

I seek the Savior’s light.

And as I think of all He’s done,

I want to do what’s right,

Chorus: For Jesus is my true light.

He protects me day and night.

He helps me choose the right.

I will follow in His light.

For the Strength of Youth August 2021 “Discovering Light and Truth”

Friend December 2018 “Family Night Fun” Make a cup lantern by making holes all around it and then putting a glow stick or battery candle inside. Use for example of Jesus being a light to the world.

John 1:4–9

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “John 1“The symbolism of light can help children understand the Savior and His gospel. How can you inspire the children to seek the light of the Savior when the world seems dark?

“Jesus Christ is the light of the world because he is the source of the light that quickens our understanding, because his teachings and his example illuminate our path, and because his power persuades us to do good.” Dallin H. Oaks

Friend January 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities: The True Light”

Story: Jesus Christ is sometimes called the “true Light” (John 1:9). The scriptures teach that we should keep His commandments and follow Him. Then we will have “power to become the sons [and daughters] of God” (John 1:12).

Song: “Jesus Is My True Light” (page 23)

Activity: Draw a picture of a goal you have. Have someone hide your picture somewhere in the room and turn off the lights. Now get a small light and shine it around the room. Can you find your picture now? Talk about how Jesus Christ can help you reach your goals.

Following Jesus brings light to my life. (Jr)

1 John 1:5–7; 2:8–11

Ask the children to name things that give light. Talk with them about the benefits of light, like helping plants grow, allowing us to see, and giving warmth. To understand how Jesus brings us light, they could take turns shining a light at a picture of Jesus Christ as they say, “God is light” (1 John 1:5). Testify that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ can bring light into our lives when we try to follow what They say. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1-3 John; Jude”)

Friend January 2023 “Jesus is Our Light” Jesus is the Light of the World because His teachings and example light our way back to Heavenly Father.

Invite the children to take turns holding a picture of a light bulb or candle. As each child holds the picture, help him or her think of a way we can bring the light of Jesus Christ into our lives. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1-3 John; Jude”)

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “1–3 John; Jude” To help your family ponder John’s teachings, gather in a dark room so family members can experience the difference between walking “in darkness” and walking “in the light.” How does hatred cause us to walk in darkness and stumble? How does loving each other bring light into our lives?

Glow Stick Activity: Crystal from www.theredcrystal.org had a super fun idea to use glow sticks for this.
She says to put a bunch of unactivated glow sticks in a bag or pillow case that isn’t see-through. When a
child mentions something that brings more of the “light of Christ” into our lives, pull it out and let them
activate the glow stick. Then set it on the table in the dark room, until all the glow sticks are on that
same table making a considerable amount of light. Talk about the happiness and hope we can feel in our
lives because of Jesus Christ. The printables from here would be great to attach onto the glow sticks
while discussing specific things that bring more of the light of Christ into our lives:
https://www.theredcrystal.org/post/come-follow-me-december-2-8-god-is-love-1-3-john-jude

Friend February 2025 “Looking to the Light” When Elder John A. McCune was young he had to feed the cows, and when it was dark outside he was scared because his home seemed so far away. He focused on the light coming from the windows, but when he took his focus from the light, his fear felt overpowering. It is very easy to feel afraid in the world today. But if we stay focused on the light of Christ, our fears become less powerful. Each day, we can choose: Are we going to focus on the darkness or focus on the light? We are children of God. He will guide us safely to our heavenly home.

Make this craft to remind you to focus on the light of Christ. How has focusing on Him helped you overcome your fears and feel peace?

  1. Draw a picture of yourself in the center of the sun. Then cut out the picture!
  2. Hang the picture on your window so light can shine through.

Light of Christ

For the Strength of Youth August 2021 “The Light of Christ”

I can shine the Savior’s light for others.

Isaiah 60:1–3

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 58–66” Isaiah prophesied that in the last days, the Lord’s people would be like a light for those who are in darkness. Consider how you can help the children “arise” and “shine.”

  • Invite the children to close their eyes as you read Isaiah 60:1–3. Ask them to open their eyes when they hear the word “light” and close them when they hear the word “darkness.” Explain that Jesus Christ and His gospel are like a light that helps us see our way back to Heavenly Father.
Ensign August 2015
Ensign August 2015
  • Give each child a picture of a light (such as a sun, a candle, or a light bulb). Help them think of ways they can share the Savior’s light with others. As each idea is shared, invite them to “arise” and “shine” their light by holding up their picture. Tell the children about ways you have seen them sharing the Savior’s light.

Friend December 2016 “A Shining Light”

Friend December 2016

Friend November 2015 “Be a Shining Light” Ways we can become examples so our lights will shine.

  • Sing together a song about sharing light, such as “Shine On” (Children’s Songbook, 144). Help the children notice words in the song that reinforce what they learn from Isaiah 60:1–3.

Sharing Light of Christ

Friend December 2022 “Sharing the Light of Jesus Christ”

I can shine the Savior’s light. (Jr)

Revelation 1:20

Ask the children to name things that give light. Talk with them about the benefits of light, like helping plants grow, allowing us to see, and giving warmth. To understand how Jesus brings us light, they could take turns shining a light at a picture of Jesus Christ as they say, “God is light” (1 John 1:5). Testify that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ can bring light into our lives when we try to follow what They say. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Revelation 1–5”)

Friend December 2016 “A Shining Light”

Friend December 2016

The Red Crystal

The Red Crystal

Prepare the glow sticks before class, with the pictures on them. Have the students pick one out of a bag at a time and talk about how as members of Jesus’s Church, can be like the light. Then they can crack the glow stick and make it shine. They can put it in a vase or cup till later, when all the glow sticks are ignited. Turn out the lights and testify that all those small acts of kindness, made a big impact and chased away the darkness.

Sing a song about being a light to others, such as “Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam” (Children’s Songbook, 60–61). Share ways you have seen the children living the gospel of Jesus Christ and being a light to those around them. Share how being a light to others has helped you feel closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Revelation 1–5”)

We Light the World When We Follow Jesus

Friend January 2018 “Let Your Light Shine” President Monson discusses being a light to the world by following Jesus’s example. Activities: Trace this star, or draw your own, and write how you are shining brightly by being a good example or helping others. Also, color a star as you read each scripture about Jesus Christ’s example.

Friend November 2015
Friend November 2015
May 31 2020

Profanity: Lesson Ideas

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For the Strength of Youth October 2023 “Why is it so important to control my language?”

Your words show what is in your heart. Jesus Christ taught, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh” (Matthew 12:34). “Make sure your language reflects love of God and others” (For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices [2022], 12).

Controlling your language shows self-discipline. James taught, “If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body” (James 3:2).

A disciple’s words should be uplifting. The Apostle Paul taught, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29).

What you say affects your ability to have the Spirit. “Foul language is both degrading and harmful to the spirit” (Gospel Topics, “Profanity,” topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

Friend August 2000 “Sharing Time: A Beautiful Tapestry” Ask several children how their parents chose their names. Say their names with varying voice inflections—excitement, annoyance, love, and so on. Ask how hearing their names said different ways made them feel. Display several names of Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father. Remind the children that they are keeping their baptismal covenant as they speak reverently of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and never swear or use crude words.

Ensign April 2017 “The Words We Use”

The Lord taught that sacred things “must be spoken with care” (D&C 63:64). It’s so common to hear the Lord’s name misused that kids might not understand why it’s wrong. Talk about why we should speak respectfully of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
Jean B. Bingham, First Counselor in the Primary General Presidency, taught: “Words have surprising power, both to build up and to tear down. … Choosing to say only that which is positive about—and to—others lifts and strengthens those around us” (“I Will Bring the Light of the Gospel into My Home,” Ensign, Nov. 2016, 7).
Object Lesson Idea

Place a clean sponge in clean water and another in dirty water. When the sponges are full, take them out and squeeze them to show what kind of water comes out. Explain that our minds soak up words and ideas; what we’ve soaked up is what comes out. What kind of language do you want to soak up? Using good language doesn’t mean just not swearing—it also means using language that’s honest, kind, and respectful. We can choose to soak up good things that please Heavenly Father so we can have the Holy Ghost with us. Explain how, with repentance, we can become clean from any bad influences we’ve soaked up.

Friend April 2017 Read “Brock and the Bad Word.” Write a list of good ways to use language. What can you do when other people use bad language?

Friend June 2023 “How Can I Learn to Use Good Language?” By Elder D. Todd Christofferson

Profanity Used by Others

Can’t get away from it? Ideas on what to do

Friend August 2019 “Speaking Up” Sometimes people keep swearing, even after we ask them to stop. Or we’re in a situation where we can’t ask others to stop. Here are some things you can do:

May 19 2020

Mosiah 25-28

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Table of Contents

Mosiah CHAPTER 25 The descendants of Mulek at Zarahemla become Nephites—They learn of the people of Alma and of Zeniff—Alma baptizes Limhi and all his people—Mosiah authorizes Alma to organize the Church of God. About 120 B.C.

Mosiah CHAPTER 26 Many members of the Church are led into sin by unbelievers—Alma is promised eternal life—Those who repent and are baptized gain forgiveness—Church members in sin who repent and confess to Alma and to the Lord will be forgiven; otherwise, they will not be numbered among the people of the Church. About 120–100 B.C.

Mosiah CHAPTER 27 Mosiah forbids persecution and enjoins equality—Alma the younger and the four sons of Mosiah seek to destroy the Church—An angel appears and commands them to cease their evil course—Alma is struck dumb—All mankind must be born again to gain salvation—Alma and the sons of Mosiah declare glad tidings. About 100–92 B.C.

Mosiah CHAPTER 28 The sons of Mosiah go to preach to the Lamanites—Using the two seer stones, Mosiah translates the Jaredite plates. About 92 B.C.

Friend June 2023

King Mosiah reads the records of the people of Zeniff and Alma

Mosiah 25

Recording Spiritual Experiences

Mosiah 25:5–11

How did Mosiah’s people feel after he read to them the records of Zeniff’s people and Alma’s people? Has your family kept any records you could read from? Maybe you could add to your records or start keeping your own. What would you include that might help your family (including future generations) be “filled with exceedingly great joy” and learn about “the immediate goodness of God”? (Mosiah 25:8, 10). (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 25-28”)

Mosiah 25:16

Why was it important for Limhi’s people to remember that the Lord had delivered them out of captivity? What has the Lord done for us that we should remember?

Friend June 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities” Goodness of God Coloring

King Mosiah read his people stories about how God had blessed Alma’s people. When they heard the stories, they thought about the “immediate goodness of God” (Mosiah 25:10). Ask your parents and grandparents about how God has been good to your family. Draw pictures of favorite stories you hear.

For younger children: Do the coloring page on page 48. While you color, talk about ways we can feel Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ’s love.

Friend June 2024

Alma seeks direction concerning the unrepentant

Mosiah 26

God freely forgives those who repent.

Mosiah 26:22–23, 29–30

Ask the children to pretend they are talking to someone who doesn’t think God will ever forgive him or her. Invite them to review God’s words to Alma the Elder in Mosiah 26:22–23, 29–30. What do they find that would help that person? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 25-28”)

The Lord wants me to forgive.

Mosiah 26:30–31

To help your children discover what the Lord taught Alma about forgiveness, you could invite them to read Mosiah 26:29–31 and count how many times the word “forgive” appears. What do these verses teach about forgiving others? (See also “Help Me, Dear Father,” Children’s Songbook, 99.) (Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mosiah 25-28”)

To emphasize the Savior’s example of forgiveness, you could show a picture of Him on the cross and read together Luke 23:33–34. What did Jesus ask Heavenly Father to do for the people who put Him on the cross? After this discussion, your children could role-play forgiving each other. (Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mosiah 25-28”)

Sometimes it is difficult to forgive ourselves when we make mistakes. How can God’s words to Alma help? Your children could pretend they are talking to someone who doesn’t think God will ever forgive them. Invite your children to [review God’s words to Alma the Elder in]in Mosiah 26:22–23, 29–30 that might help that person. (Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mosiah 25-28”)

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 25-28” The Lord taught Alma that He freely forgives those who repent. We should follow His example by forgiving those who sin against us.

  • Read to the children this phrase from Mosiah 26:31: “Ye shall also forgive one another.” Let the children practice saying “I forgive you” a few times, and find out if they know what it means to forgive. Share an experience from your life when you forgave someone or someone forgave you.

Friend April 2019 “A New Block Tower” Mason accidentally knocks down Bo’s block tower. Mason says sorry and offers to help build another one. Bo forgives him, and they both are happy.

Help the children role-play forgiving one another. Ask one child to pretend that he or she has done something to hurt or offend another child. What can the other child say or do to show forgiveness? Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 25-28”

The Red Crystal

Invite the children to draw a sad face on one side of a paper and a happy face on the other side. Ask them to hold up the sad face while they tell about an experience when a sibling or friend made them upset. Ask them to hold up the happy face while they tell how they have forgiven or will forgive that person. Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 25-28”

To be forgiven, I must forgive.

How does forgiveness help both the person who has done something wrong and the person who forgives? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 25-28”)

“Pockets Full of Rocks” (February 2014 Friend)
A humorous poem about a man who carries rocks around to remind him of all things people have done to him.

Ask a child to draw a bridge on the board, and share this statement quoted by President Thomas S. Monson: “He that cannot forgive others breaks the bridge over which he himself must pass if he would ever reach heaven, for everyone has need of forgiveness” (George Herbert, quoted in “Hidden Wedges,” Ensign, May 2002, 19). Erase part of the bridge, and ask the children to help you rebuild it, piece by piece, as they share ways they can extend forgiveness to others. Invite them to think of someone they need to forgive. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 25-28”)

The Red Crystal

Alma the Younger repents

Mosiah 27

Friend July 2020 “Alma the Younger Repents”

Jesus Christ helps me become more like Him.

Mosiah 27:8–37

The conversion of Alma the Younger and the sons of Mosiah demonstrates that because of Jesus Christ and His gospel, anyone can change and become more like Jesus.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mosiah 25-28”

You or your children could use the paintings in this outline, this week’s activity page, and a few key scriptures from Mosiah 27:8–37 to tell the story (see also “Chapter 18: Alma the Younger Repents,” in Book of Mormon Stories, 49–52). Give special emphasis to verse 24, to teach that Alma repented and Jesus Christ helped him change. Let your children act out the story if they’d like.

Teaching Children the Gospel “Lesson 14: Alma the Younger Repents”

Invite the children to make a list of words from Mosiah 27:8–10 that describe what Alma and the sons of Mosiah were like before their conversion. Then ask them to make another list from Mosiah 27:32–37 that describe what they were like afterward. According to verses 24–29, what caused this great change in Alma?(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 25-28”)

Book of Mormon Seminary Student Manual (2024)

How might our spiritual progression be compared to a caterpillar becoming a butterfly?

More Repentance Ideas (lesson, activity, story, and song ideas)

I can pray and fast for God to bless the people I love.

Mosiah 27:8–24

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mosiah 25-28”

Read together Mosiah 27:8–24, and ask your children to identify what Alma and his people did to help Alma the Younger. Have you ever fasted and prayed for someone? Share your experience with your children, and let them share theirs.

  • “Fasting for Shem” (July 2013 Friend)
    When Tim is worried about his friend Shem in the hospital, he decides to pray and fast for him.

Do you or your children know someone who needs God’s help? Following Alma’s example, maybe you could pray together for that person and, if your children are able, fast for them too.

Friend July 2020 ” Alma Repented and Followed Jesus” Coloring Page

More Fasting Ideas (stories, lesson ideas, & activities)

The sons of Mosiah desire to teach the Lamanites

Mosiah 28

I can share the gospel.

Mosiah 28:1–8

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 25-28” After their conversion, the sons of Mosiah were eager to share the gospel with everyone, including their enemies, the Lamanites.

  • Use Mosiah 28:1–8 to tell the children about the sons of Mosiah deciding to preach the gospel to the Lamanites. For help, see “Chapter 19: The Sons of Mosiah Become Missionaries” (Book of Mormon Stories, 53, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Why did they want to share the gospel? (see verse 3).
  • Help each child think of someone who needs to know more about the gospel. Help the children plan what they will say to the people they thought of.
  • Sing together a song about sharing the gospel, such as “I Want to Be a Missionary Now” (Children’s Songbook, 168). Point out phrases in the song that suggest how we can share the gospel with others.

See the Red Crystal for free printouts of the below visual aids.

Scripture Stories Coloring Book—Book of Mormon “Alma the Younger”

Friend July 2020

Additional Resources

Friend June 2024 “Who Were the Sons of Mosiah?”

Gospel Art Book “Conversion of Alma the Younger”

Book of Mormon Stories

The Red Crystal