Tag Archives: Come Follow Me

Mar 21 2021

Doctrine and Covenants 29

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Jesus Christ will gather His people before He comes again.

Doctrine and Covenants 29:1–8

We are gathered by the Savior when we accept and follow His teachings.

Watch the Video “Chicks and Hens”

After reading Doctrine and Covenants 29:1–, act out the analogy of Christ gathering His people “as a hen gathereth her chickens.” One child could pretend to be the hen and choose a corner of the room to stand in. When he or she “clucks,” have all the children gather around him or her. Children could take turns being the hen. Hold up a picture of the Savior and invite the children to gather to Him. Share with the children how Jesus helps us when we gather to Him. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 29: “Jesus Christ Will Gather His People”)

Friend March 2024 “The Hen and the Baby Chicks” Clara helped her dad pick out a hen to care for some baby chicks they had bought. She watched as the hen lifted up her wing and the baby chicks disappeared under it. Her dad explained that that was the way the hen protects and keeps the baby chicks safe and warm. Her dad shared the scripture of Jesus gathering us and protecting us and caring for us just like a hen gathers her chickens under her wings.

What did the Lord say we must do to be gathered by Him?

Ensign October 2020 “Family Study Fun” Paper Name Gathering Game

 

We “gather Israel” when we help other people learn about the gospel. Jesus taught about this gathering in 3 Nephi 20–22.

  1. Give each person a piece of paper and ask them to write down any name that comes to mind.
  2. Everyone should close their eyes while one person hides the papers.
  3. Read 3 Nephi 20:18 and 39–40 out loud. How can you help other people learn about Jesus?
  4. While listening to a song about Jesus, invite everyone to help find the names and put them by a picture of the Savior.

Discussion: How does it make you feel to know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ know each person by name?

Friend February 1986 Ways to be a missionary

Friend February 1986
Friend February 1986
Friend February 1986
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Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 29: “Jesus Christ Will Gather His People”

  • One way to get the children excited about the gathering is to share the story of someone who joined the Church. For example, who introduced your family to the Church? Consider asking children in advance to find out about the first member of the Church in their families and share his or her story with the class.
  • Invite the children to make a list of ways they can help people gather to the Savior. For example, they could invite friends or family members to a Primary activity or to a home evening with their families.
  • The tenth article of faith talks about the gathering of Israel. Do any of the children have this article of faith memorized? If they do, invite them to recite it for the class. If not, help them set a goal to memorize it.

See Jesus: Second Coming and Resources by Topic: Second Coming for additional teaching ideas also see Missionary for ideas on how the children can help with the gathering.

I can prepare to meet the Savior.

Doctrine and Covenants 29:2–11

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 29: “Jesus Christ Will Gather His People”

Show a picture of the Second Coming (see Gospel Art Book,no. 66), and help a child read Doctrine and Covenants 29:11. Help the children notice phrases in the scripture that describe what they see in the picture. Share with the children how you feel about Jesus Christ coming to earth again.

Friend October 2019 “The Living Christ” Second Coming of Jesus Christ

Show the children pictures of things they can do to prepare to meet the Savior (such as the ones below) . Help the children find other ways to prepare for the Second Coming in Doctrine and Covenants 29:2–10.

Friend December 2015

Friend December 2015

Sing a song about the Second Coming, such as “When He Comes Again” (Children’s Songbook, 82–83).

Heavenly Father prepared a plan of salvation for me.

Doctrine and Covenants 29

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 29: “Jesus Christ Will Gather His People”

  • Ask several children to share an example of a time when they had a plan, such as for a trip or for accomplishing a task. You could also share examples of plans, such as a calendar with activities written on it or instructions to make something. Why are plans useful? Share with the children that Heavenly Father has a plan that will allow us to become like Him.
  • To help the children understand God’s plan, make signs with these terms:
  • After explaining each term (see Doctrine and Covenants 29:9–45), give each sign to a different child, and ask them to stand in a line in the correct order to show when each event occurs in Heavenly Father’s plan. Each child could share what he or she knows about what is on his or her sign. Help the children see how knowing about Heavenly Father’s plan helps us become more like Him and the Savior.

See also Resources by Topic: Plan of Salvation

Use one or more of the activities below to teach truths about the plan and how they apply to us. Consider asking a few of the children to come prepared to help you teach.

Agency

  • 2017 Sharing Time Outline Tell the children that you are thinking of a word, and give them clues to help them guess the word. Ask them to raise their hands when they know the answer. Clues could include the following: We had this before we came to earth. It is a gift from our Heavenly Father. It is an important part of Heavenly Father’s plan for us. Satan wanted to take it from us. We use it when we make choices. It is a gift that lets us choose for ourselves. It starts with the letter A. After the children have guessed the answer, say together, “Agency is the gift to choose for ourselves.”
  • 2017 Sharing Time Outline Show the children a container of many different colors of crayons. Show them a second container with only one color. Ask the children: “If you were going to color a picture, which of these containers of crayons would you want to use? Why?” Explain that having a variety of choices is a blessing. Testify that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love us and They want us to make correct choices.
  • Show the children a long stick that has the word choice written on one end and the word consequences written on the other end. Explain that a consequence is what naturally happens because of a choice we make; for example, if we choose to practice playing a musical instrument, we will get better at it, and if we choose to touch fire, we will be burned. Pick up the stick and show the children that every time you pick up the stick, you get both the choice and the consequence of that choice.

Commandments

  • The commandments. Invite the children to make a list on the board of some of the commandments. (For examples, they could search Exodus 20:3–17 and Gospel Art Book, nos. 103–15.) Why does Heavenly Father give us commandments? What do we learn from Doctrine and Covenants 29:35 about Heavenly Father’s commandments?

The Atonement of Jesus Christ

  • Show the children the shirt you brought, and lay it on top of a spread out plastic garbage bag. Explain to the children that sin is like dirt and stains. Apply staining items to the shirt as you mention wrong choices that stain our spirits, such as lying, using bad words, hitting a sibling, etc. (The garbage bag is to help prevent spills on the carpet.) Ask the children how they would feel if they had to wear the dirty shirt and how they would feel if they could never change the shirt or take a shower.
  • • Would it be difficult going out among people in that state?  Would we feel comfortable in heaven being among spiritually clean people if we have stains of sin upon us? Show the children the soap and explain that just like we have soap to clean our bodies and our clothes, Heavenly Father has provided a way for us to become clean from our sins. He provided a Savior for us who took upon himself our sins. How wonderful it is that we can be clean of sin because of what the Jesus Christ did for us

What new insights did you gain? How would your life be different if you didn’t know about these truths?

Sing “I Will Follow God’s Plan” See here for resources on how to teach the song.

Additional Resources

Doctrine and Covenants Historical Resources “Doctrine and Covenants 29”

Mar 15 2021

Doctrine and Covenants 27-28

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The sacrament helps me remember Jesus Christ.

Doctrine and Covenants 27:1–3

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021″Doctrine and Covenants 27–28: “All Things Must Be Done in Order”

Sally Knight and Emma Smith were baptized in June 1830, but their confirmations were disrupted by a mob. Two months later, Sally and her husband, Newel, came to visit Emma and Joseph, and it was decided that the confirmations should now be performed and that the group would partake of the sacrament together. While on his way to obtain wine for the sacrament, Joseph was stopped by an angel.

The angel told him not to buy wine from his enemies (see D&C 27:3). The angel also told him that it did not matter what was eaten or drunk in the sacrament as long as those who were partaking remembered Christ’s atonement (see D&C 27:2). (Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History“Lesson 12: Important Ordinances Are Restored”)  

Read Doctrine and Covenants 27:2, beginning with “remembering unto the Father,” and ask the children to listen for what the Savior wants us to remember when we take the sacrament.( Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 27–28: “All Things Must Be Done in Order”)

Activity and Story Ideas

Friend April 2017 “Jesus Gave Us the Sacrament”

Friend June 2020 “Koa and the Sacrament” He sings the sacrament hymn.Koa thinks about Jesus. He listens to the sacrament prayers. Koa is reverent. He feels happy inside!

Friend April 2017 “Jesus Gave Us the Sacrament”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 17–19: “Behold, My Joy Is Full” Have the children draw a picture of themselves with Jesus on the last square.

Friend June 2019 “The Sacrament Reminds Us of Jesus Christ” Ways to prepare for the sacrament before hand, what to do during the sacrament, and remembering Jesus and following him after the sacrament.

Friend June 2019 “The Sacrament Reminds Us of Jesus Christ” Ways to prepare for the sacrament before hand, what to do during the sacrament, and remembering Jesus and following him after the sacrament.

Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Book “The Sacrament”

For more teaching ideas see Sacrament

Doctrine and Covenants 27: 5-14

What do we know about the prophets in these verses? You could search for information about them in the Guide to the Scriptures (scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). What blessings have been unlocked for us through the keys they held? For more information about some of these keys, see Matthew 16:16–19; Doctrine and Covenants 110:11–16.

The armor of God protects me and helps me withstand evil.

Doctrine and Covenants 27:15–18

Cut out the pieces of armor, and let the children put them on one of the figures as you read Doctrine and Covenants 27:15–18.

 outline for Ephesians in Come Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2019
Friend June 2016
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Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 27–28: “All Things Must Be Done in Order”

Perhaps your family would enjoy staging a pretend battle with additional clothing to represent the armor of God, such as hats, vests, aprons, or shoes. How does armor help protect us in battle? Discuss some of the evil influences your family faces and the things you can do to put on spiritual armor. Consider showing the video “Put on the Whole Armor of God” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

Friend March 2021 “Scripture Time Fun: Armor Up”

Friend March 2021 “Scripture Time Fun for Little Ones”

For additional ideas see Armor of God or Resources by Topic “Armor of God”

Only the Prophet Receives Revelation for the Whole Church

Doctrine and Covenants 28:1–7, 15

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 27–28: “All Things Must Be Done in Order”

In August 1830, Hiram Page, one of the Eight Witnesses of the Book of Mormon, claimed to have received two revelations about the future location and organization of Zion using a black seer stone. These revelations contradicted previous revelations given to Joseph Smith, but many members believed them.

Doctrine and Covenants Stories “Chapter 14: The Prophet and Revelations for the Church”

Why is it important to know that only the living prophet can receive revelation for the whole Church? How does this protect us from deception?

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 27–28: “All Things Must Be Done in Order”

Doctrine and Covenants 28:1–7, 15 can help the children understand that everyone can be guided by the Holy Ghost, but revelation for the Church will always be given through the prophet.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 27–28: “All Things Must Be Done in Order”)

Ask the children to play “follow the leader”—one child could stand at the front of the room, and the rest of the children could imitate whatever he or she does. This could lead into a discussion about why we follow the prophet. You could show a picture of Jesus Christ and emphasize that we follow the prophet because he follows the Savior and speaks the Savior’s words.

For additional ideas about prophets, see the following resources:

Why was Oliver Cowdery’s mission to the Lamanites significant?

Doctrine and Covenants 28:8–9

One purpose of the Book of Mormon is “that the Lamanites might come to the knowledge of their fathers, and that they might know the promises of the Lord” (Doctrine and Covenants 3:20). This was consistent with promises the Lord made to many Book of Mormon prophets (see, for example, 1 Nephi 13:34–41; Enos 1:11–18; Helaman 15:12–13). Early Church members considered the American Indians to be descendants of the Book of Mormon people. (The official position of the Church today is that the Lamanites “are among the ancestors of the American Indians” [introduction to the Book of Mormon].)

To read more about Oliver’s mission to nearby American Indian tribes, see “A Mission to the Lamanites” (Revelations in Context, 45–49). What does this mission teach you about the Lord and His work?

Additional Resources:

Doctrine and Covenants Historical Resources “Doctrine and Covenants 27-28”

Mar 9 2021

Doctrine and Covenants 23-26

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Jesus wants me to strengthen those around me.

Doctrine and Covenants 23:3–7; 25:7

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 23–26: “Strengthen the Church”

When the Church was first organized, there weren’t many members. The Lord asked the Saints to build up the Church by sharing the gospel and strengthening one another. We can do the same today.

Ask the children to find every instance of the words “exhortation” and “exhort” in Doctrine and Covenants 23:3–7; 25:7. Help them define these words. How might exhorting someone strengthen them? Invite the children to role-play “exhorting” someone but doing so with love.

How can we do better in the work of strengthening other members of the Church? To illustrate this principle, give one child a task that requires many helpers. Then ask other children to help, and discuss how much easier the task became. Share an experience in which you were strengthened by the service of a fellow Church member.

Show pictures or examples of nourishing foods. Why is it important to nourish our bodies? Read together Moroni 6:4, and ask the children what they think the phrase “nourished by the good word of God” means. How does the word of God nourish us? How can we help spiritually nourish each other at church?Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 1–6: “To Keep Them in the Right Way”

Friend July 2017

Use an object lesson to teach that we are stronger together than we are apart. For example, invite the children to try breaking one stick and then a bundle of sticks or tearing one piece of paper and then a stack of papers. How are we like the sticks or the paper? How can we strengthen each other when we gather together in our families or at church?Come Follow Me for Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 1–7: “Lift Up Your Head and Be of Good Cheer”

For additional ideas see Example

God wants me to pray and learn from the scriptures every day.

Doctrine and Covenants 23:6; 26:1

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 23–26: “Strengthen the Church”

The Lord counseled the early leaders and friends of the Church to pray (see Doctrine and Covenants 23:6) and study the scriptures (see Doctrine and Covenants 26:1).

Friend September 2016 “Heavenly Father Hears Your Prayers”  Heavenly Father has many blessings he wants to give us. Prayers unlock the treasure chest of blessings.

Friend September 2016
Friend September 2016

Read to the children from Doctrine and Covenants 23:6, beginning with “you must pray.” Help them identify the different ways and places the Lord said we should pray. Invite them to draw a picture of themselves praying in one of those ways or places.

Friend October 2020 “Jesus Taught Us How to Pray”

If needed, explain to the children how to pray. A song about prayer, like “I Pray in Faith” (Children’s Songbook, 14), can help.

Read to the children, “Let your time be devoted to the studying of the scriptures” (Doctrine and Covenants 26:1). 

Friend March 2020 “Feasting on the Scriptures” Action Rhyme

Sing together “Search, Ponder, and Pray” (Children’s Songbook, 109) or another song about prayer and scripture study. Help the children discover the blessings promised in the song.

For Additional ideas see Scriptures and Prayer

The Savior can lift me “up out of [my] afflictions.”

Doctrine and Covenants 24:1, 8

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 23–26: “Strengthen the Church”

Help the children list on the board some of the afflictions or challenges that Joseph Smith and other early Saints were facing (see “Chapter 11: More People Join the Church,” Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 46–47 or watch the video below.

Joseph Smith suffered many trials, but he was able to “be patient in afflictions” because the Lord promised that He would always be with him.

Friend April 2019 Comfort Cards with scriptures from the Lord

Friend April 2018 “Trouble in Adventure Forest” When Owen’s feet get burned he learns that Heavenly Father doesn’t always stop bad things from happening, but He helps us get through them.

Invite the children to discover what the Lord said to Joseph about his afflictions in Doctrine and Covenants 24:1, 8. How can we seek the Savior’s help when we are having a difficult time?

8 Be apatient in bafflictions, for thou shalt have many; but cendure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even unto the dend of thy days.

Friend September 2020 “For Older Kids” “Once I had a good friend. We had been friends for years. But she just stopped being my friend when a new girl moved in. It made me sad, so I said a prayer. I thought of the words from a song: “Courage, for the Lord is on our side” (Hymns, no. 243). I’m happy that Heavenly Father is with me and can help me through this trial.” Scarlett W.

  • Teach the children that sometimes we need to be “patient in [our] afflictions,” you could show the video “Continue in Patience” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Ask the children to think of something they really want but have to wait for. Why does the Lord sometimes require us to have patience during challenging times in our lives? How does He let us know that He is “with [us]” during our afflictions?

See Adversity for more ideas.

Jesus loves “the song of the heart.”

Doctrine and Covenants 25:11–12

For the Strength of Youth “Making the First Hymnbook”

Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Book “Emma Smith Gathered Hymns”

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 14: Emma Smith Selects Sacred Hymns” (This link includes stories, activity ideas, and question ideas)

What has Heavenly Father promised us if we sing hymns to worship him? (D&C 25:12.) What kinds of blessings might we receive from singing hymns? Explain that hymns can help teach us the gospel and strengthen our faith and testimonies. They can help us want to repent and keep the commandments. They can make us feel happy when we are sad and can fill our minds with good, clean thoughts (see enrichment activity 5). They remind us that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love us.

See Music for ideas and stories on how sacred music helps us.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 23–26: “Strengthen the Church”

The Lord said that sacred music “is pleasing unto me.” Help the children see singing as not just a fun activity but also a way to worship Him. Singing is one way we can show our love for God.

  • Invite each child to share his or her favorite hymn or Church song, and sing some of them together. Read Doctrine and Covenants 25:12 to the children, and invite them to imagine how Heavenly Father and Jesus feel when They hear us sing these songs.
  • Teach the children a song about singing, such as “Lift Up Your Voice and Sing” (Children’s Songbook, 252),

Friend March 2021 “Scripture Time Fun: Name that Song” Have a family song challenge! One person hums a Church song. Everyone else guesses what song it is. When someone guesses right, everyone sings the song together! Then take turns choosing the next song.

I can prepare to make sacred covenants/ I can “cleave unto the covenants” I have made.

Doctrine and Covenants 25:13, 15

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 23–26: “Strengthen the Church”

Soon after Emma Smith was baptized, the Lord told her, “Cleave unto the covenants which thou hast made.”

  • Read Doctrine and Covenants 25:13 to the children. Explain that the word “cleave” in this verse means to hold tightly to something. To help them understand, pass something solid, like a rock (or even an iron rod), around the room and invite the children to hold the object as tightly as they can. Explain that cleaving to our covenants means holding on to (or keeping) the promises we make with Heavenly Father and never letting go (or never giving up). (Or to illustrate, pass around objects that are firmly fastened together and let the children try to tear them apart. Why is the word “cleave” a good word to describe how we should feel about our covenants?) Use this week’s activity page to teach the children about the times when we make covenants with Heavenly Father. (Or if needed, review with the children the covenants we make when we are baptized (see Mosiah 18:8–10; Doctrine and Covenants 20:37). What does it mean to “cleave” to these covenants?) Read Doctrine and Covenants 25:15, and explain that the “crown of righteousness” represents the blessing of returning to live with God, our Heavenly King.

What is common consent?

Doctrine and Covenants 26:2

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021″Doctrine and Covenants 23–26″ and Liahona March 2021 “What does “common consent” mean in the Church?”

When members receive callings or priesthood ordinations in the Church, we have the opportunity to formally sustain them by raising our right hands as a show of support. The principle of demonstrating public support and agreement is called common consent. As President Gordon B. Hinckley taught, “The procedure of sustaining is much more than a ritualistic raising of the hand. It is a commitment to uphold, to support, to assist those who have been selected” (“This Work Is Concerned with People,” Ensign, May 1995, 51).

Sustaining is a chance to show and give our support and to acknowledge the will of God.

Additional Resources

See also Saints, 1:89–90, 94–97.

Doctrine and Covenants Historical Resources: Doctrine and Covenants 23-26

Mar 1 2021

Doctrine and Covenants 20-22

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The Church of Jesus Christ has been Restored.

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 11: The Restored Church of Jesus Christ Is Organized” 

The Lord revealed to the Prophet the exact day on which the Church should be organized (see D&C 20, section heading and verse 1) In obedience to the Lord’s command, Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, and others organized the restored Church of Jesus Christ on April 6, 1830. More than 40 believers crowded into the Whitmer family’s log home in Fayette, New York, to witness the organization of the Church of Jesus Christ.

The state of New York required a church to have six official members before it could be legally organized. Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery had been baptized on the day they received the Aaronic Priesthood, and later Hyrum Smith, Peter Whitmer Jr., Samuel H. Smith, and David Whitmer had been baptized. These men were the first official members of the Church. All of these men had seen the gold plates and had testimonies that Joseph Smith was a prophet and the person through whom Jesus Christ would restore his church.

After a prayer, Joseph asked the people at the meeting if they accepted him and Oliver as their teachers and spiritual leaders. Everyone said yes by raising their hands (as we do in the Church today when we sustain people to callings). Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery then ordained each other to the office of elder. Joseph and Oliver administered the sacrament to the people at the meeting, and after that they confirmed those who had been baptized and gave them the gift of the Holy Ghost. Now Jesus Christ’s true church was restored and organized on the earth again. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Jesus Christ’s restored church and teaches the same gospel that Jesus taught when he lived on the earth (see enrichment activity 3).

Friend March 2021 “Setting Up Jesus Christ’s Church Again”

Scripture Figures: “The Church Is Organized” (March 2017 Friend)

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 20–22: The Rise of the Church of Christ”

  • Remind the children of some of the important events they have been learning about—such as the restoration of the priesthood and the translation of the Book of Mormon. Why did these things need to happen before the Church could be organized?
  • Display pictures of things we do in the Church that are described in section 20, such as learning about God and Jesus Christ, ministering, baptizing, and partaking of the sacrament. Help the children match these pictures with scriptures that describe them, such as Doctrine and Covenants 20:17–21, 47, 70, 72–74, 75–79, and the heading for section 21. What blessings do we have because we are members of the Church?

Liahona March 2021 “What Builds a Strong Foundation” Object lesson about the structure of the church.

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 11: The Restored Church of Jesus Christ Is Organized” 

  1. Divide the class into two groups. Give each group one of the following signs: Jesus Christ’s church when he was on the earth Jesus Christ’s restored church—The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Give the group designated “Jesus Christ’s church when he was on the earth” the Bible references listed below, and give the group designated “Jesus Christ’s restored church” the Doctrine and Covenants references listed below. Matthew 3:13, 16 / D&C 20:72–74 (baptism by immersion by someone having authority) Ephesians 2:19–20 / D&C 21:1 (living apostles and prophets) Amos 3:7 / D&C 21:5 (current revelation) Luke 22:19–20 / D&C 20:75 (sacrament) Have each child read aloud one of the scriptures assigned to his or her group. Discuss with the children what these references say about the church of Jesus Christ. Help the children understand that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is organized the same way that Jesus Christ’s church was organized when he was on the earth.

“On the Trail: Where the Church Was Organized” (April 2013 Liahona and Friend) A photo story about the Whitmer Farm in Fayette, New York.

See also Saints, 1:84–86; “Build Up My Church,” Revelations in Context, 29–32.

See also Doctrine and Covenants Historical Resources 20-22

“Stories of Jesus: Jesus Christ Is the Head of the Church”(April 2013 Friend) An explanation of how Christ is the head of the Church.

“The Church Is Organized in Fayette” (April 2013 Friend) Find the hidden objects around the Whitmer home.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 20–22: The Rise of the Church of Christ”

Tell the children why you are thankful that we have The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Explain that being a member of the Church prepares us to live with God again. Help them repeat the phrase “I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” several times or sing “The Church of Jesus Christ” (Children’s Songbook, 77). (As the children sing, have them listen for two things they know and five things they will do as members of the Church. List these things on the chalkboard; then have the children sing the song again.)

Friend March 2021 “Scripture Time Fun” Find something you can build with, like blocks, sticks, or other objects. Then have a race to build a little Church building out of them.

Friend March 2021 “Scripture Time Fun for Little Ones” Help your little ones say, “I belong to Jesus Christ’s Church.” Teach them to make the shape of a Church building with their hands, or help them draw a picture of themselves going to church.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 20–22: The Rise of the Church of Christ”

Section 20 is introduced as a “revelation on Church organization and government” (section heading). But before outlining Church policies, priesthood offices, and procedures for performing ordinances, this revelation begins by teaching fundamental doctrine. As you read the first 36 verses of this revelation, ask yourself why that might be. You might also make a list of the gospel truths you find. Here are some examples:

Why would these truths be important to emphasize as the Church was being established?

What would we say if someone asked us why we need the Church? What answers do we find in Doctrine and Covenants 20? See also D. Todd Christofferson, “Why the Church,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015, 108–11.

Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Book “The Restored Church of Jesus Christ”

Liahona March 2021 “Family Study Fun”

Beautiful Creations of God

Doctrine and Covenants 20:17–19

Read Doctrine and Covenants 20:17–19 about how God created “heaven and earth, and all things which are in them.”

  1. Take a moment to look out a window or go on a walk.
  2. Point out the creations of God that you see.
  3. Verse 18 tells us that God “created man, male and female, after his own image and in his own likeness, created he them.” We are some of God’s creations too! Take a moment to admire all the things your body can do. What are your talents?
  4. In verse 19 we are commanded to “love and serve him, the only living and true God.” How can you use your talents to serve Him?

Discussion: How can we worship God?

I am preparing to be baptized/ When I was baptized, I promised to follow Jesus Christ.

Doctrine and Covenants 20:37, 71–74

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 20–22: The Rise of the Church of Christ”

When the Church was organized, the Lord taught His Saints about sacred ordinances, including baptism and the sacrament.

If someone in your family is not yet baptized, these verses could lead to a discussion about how to prepare for baptism (see verse 37) and how baptisms are performed. Family members could share pictures or memories from their baptismal day.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 20–22: The Rise of the Church of Christ”

Show a picture of a child being baptized (see Gospel Art Book, no. 104), and ask the children to point out things they notice. Read or summarize Doctrine and Covenants 20:71–74, and help the children see how the picture matches the instructions in these verses. Testify that we should follow the Savior’s example and be baptized in the way He has commanded.

71 No one can be received into the church of Christ unless he has arrived unto the years of accountability before God, and is capable of repentance.

 See Primary 3 “Lesson 27: The Age of Accountability,” for ideas on how to explain accountability. Includes activities, object lessons, and stories.

Why age 8? Old enough to understand the doctrine of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ and prepared and ready to make sacred covenants.

72 Baptism is to be administered in the following manner unto all those who repent—

73 The person who is called of God and has authority from Jesus Christ to baptize, shall go down into the water with the person who has presented himself or herself for baptism, and shall say, calling him or her by name: Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

  • What authority did John the Baptist have to baptize? (The Aaronic Priesthood.)
  • What authority must the person who is baptizing us have to baptize? (He must be a priest in the Aaronic Priesthood or hold the Melchizedek Priesthood.)

74 Then shall he immerse him or her in the water, and come forth again out of the water.

Immersion means a person is “immersed” all the way under water and brought back up. Baptism by immersion is beautifully symbolic, not only of the washing away of sins, but of death, burial, and resurrection. Baptism signifies the end of your old way of life and birth to a life committed to following Jesus Christ.  (Come Unto Christ “Baptism”)

37 And again, by way of commandment to the church concerning the manner of baptism—All those who humble themselves before God, and desire to be baptized, and come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits, and witness before the church that they have truly repented of all their sins, and are willing to take upon them the name of Jesus Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end, and truly manifest by their works that they have received of the Spirit of Christ unto the remission of their sins, shall be received by baptism into his church.

Sing “When I Am Baptized”

More Baptism Resources Here

The Sacrament Helps Me Remember Jesus Christ.

Doctrine and Covenants 20:75–79 Doctrine and Covenants 20:37, 77, 79

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 20–22: The Rise of the Church of Christ”

Read Doctrine and Covenants 20:77 to the children. Ask them to stand when they hear what we should remember when we eat the sacrament bread. Do the same with verse 79. (You may want to point out that we drink water instead of wine.) How can we show that we remember Jesus?

Friend April 2019 “The Living Christ” Draw a picture of one of your favorite stories about Jesus. Then write down a word about Jesus that begins with each letter of the word sacrament. You could think about these words during the sacrament to remember Jesus.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 20–22: The Rise of the Church of Christ”

Tell the children about a time when you made a promise and kept it. Invite them to tell similar stories of their own. Explain that when we take the sacrament, we make promises. Read Doctrine and Covenants 20:77, emphasizing the promises we make to “always remember him” and “keep his commandments.” Invite the children to share a time when they remembered the Savior or obeyed a commandment.

Read together Doctrine and Covenants 20:77, and ask the children to identify the promises we make during the sacrament. To help the children understand that there are things they can do every day to “always remember” Jesus Christ, invite one child to act out something he or she can do to remember the Savior. Ask the others to guess what the action is. According to verse 77, how are we blessed when we always remember the Savior?

Help the children compare Doctrine and Covenants 20:37with verse 77 to find a phrase that is repeated in both. Show the children something that has a name on it (such as a brand name or a personal name). What does the name tell us about the item? Read together Doctrine and Covenants 20:37 to discover whose name we take upon ourselves when we are baptized. What does it mean to take Jesus Christ’s name upon us? How should we think and act because we have this name?

Friend May 2017 “Making the Sacrament Special” Fill in the missing words of the sacrament prayer for the bread. Then cut out the colored card and keep it in your scriptures to help make the sacrament special to you every Sunday!

Duties of Priesthood

Doctrine and Covenants 20:38–60

  1. Activity: Display the following wordstrips: “Deacon,” “Teacher,” “Priest,” “Elder,” “Twelve,” “Fourteen,” “Sixteen,” “Eighteen.”Read the following descriptions to the children, one at a time, and invite them to find the two wordstrips that fit the description and post them on the chalkboard. It would be more challenging for older children if the descriptions were read out of order. (The descriptions for Aaronic Priesthood duties are taken from Doctrine and Covenants 20:46–59. The description for the office of an elder in the Melchizedek Priesthood is taken from Doctrine and Covenants 20:38–45; 107:11–12.)
    1. I have had the Aaronic Priesthood conferred on me. I pass the sacrament. I may serve as a messenger for priesthood leaders. I collect fast offerings. I help care for Church buildings and grounds. What am I? How old am I when I can be ordained? (Wordstrips: “Deacon,” “Twelve”)
    2. I hold the Aaronic Priesthood. I have all the duties and powers of a deacon, and I prepare the bread and water for the sacrament. I may be assigned to be a home teacher. What am I? How old am I when I can be ordained? (Wordstrips: “Teacher,” “Fourteen”)
    3. I hold the Aaronic Priesthood. I have all the duties and powers of a deacon and teacher, and I can administer (bless) the sacrament. I have the authority to baptize, help with ordinations of other Aaronic Priesthood holders, and take charge of meetings when there are no Melchizedek Priesthood holders present. I help Church members live the commandments. What am I? How old am I when I can be ordained? (Wordstrips: “Priest,” “Sixteen”)
    4. I hold the Melchizedek Priesthood. I may serve a full-time mission. I am called to teach, expound, exhort, baptize, and watch over the Church. I may give the gift of the Holy Ghost, conduct meetings, bless little children, administer to the sick, and bless family members. What am I? How old am I when I can be ordained? (Wordstrips: “Elder,” “Eighteen”)Ask the children to name one thing they have learned about the duties of these four priesthood offices. (Primary 4: Book of Mormon ““Lesson 30: Nephi Receives Great Power” )

Walking in Holiness

Doctrine and Covenants 20:69

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 20–22: The Rise of the Church of Christ”

What does it mean to “[walk] in holiness before the Lord”? It might be fun for family members to draw or write on pieces of paper some things that could help them walk in holiness or things that could distract them from doing so. Then they could create a path using the papers and try to walk on the path, stepping only on the drawings that will bring them to Christ.

I am blessed when I follow the prophet.

Liahona March 2021 “Family Study Fun”

Before and After

Doctrine and Covenants 20:11, 21–29

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 20–22: The Rise of the Church of Christ”

In Doctrine and Covenants 20, we read how God inspired Joseph Smith to organize the Church of Jesus Christ on earth. Doctrine and Covenants 20:11 tells us that “God does inspire men and call them to his holy work in this age and generation, as well as in generations of old.”

  1. Display a picture of Christ.
  2. Split the family into a “before” group and an “after” group.
  3. The family members in each group will find words of a prophet who testified of Christ either before His life on earth or after.
  4. Take turns sharing what you each found. Others will guess if it belongs to the “before” or “after” group.
  5. After sharing, people in the “before” group will stand to the left of Christ’s picture. The “after” people will stand to the right.
  6. Explain that both groups are important.

Discussion: Read Doctrine and Covenants 20:21–29. How does this modern testimony of Christ help us feel closer to Him? What other testimonies of Christ can be found in sections 20–29 of the Doctrine and Covenants?

Doctrine and Covenants 21:4–6

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 20–22: The Rise of the Church of Christ”

  • Write on the board Commandments and Blessings. Invite the children to read Doctrine and Covenants 21:4–6, looking for the commandments the Lord gave and the blessings He promised. Invite them to write on the board what they find.
  • Show a picture of the current prophet, and invite the children to share something they learned or heard from him recently.
  • What does it mean to receive the prophet’s words in patience? in faith? When have we received the blessings promised in verse 6?

Additional Resources

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 11: The Restored Church of Jesus Christ Is Organized” 

Feb 17 2021

Doctrine and Covenants 14-17

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I can help the Lord do His work.

Doctrine and Covenants 14:1–7 Doctrine and Covenants 14–16

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 14–17: “Stand as a Witness”

Briefly share a few details about the Whitmer family (see Saints, 1:68–71)

Even though the work of translation was progressing well, by May 1829 the situation in Harmony had become more difficult for Joseph, Emma, and Oliver. Hostility from neighbors was growing while support from Emma’s family was waning. Feeling that Harmony was no longer safe, Oliver reached out to a friend who had expressed interest in Joseph’s work: David Whitmer. David lived with his parents and siblings in Fayette, New York, about 100 miles away. He had met Oliver a year earlier, and Oliver had written him several letters since then, sharing his experiences working with the Prophet. Neither David nor anyone in his family had ever met Joseph. But when Oliver asked if he and Joseph might move to the Whitmer home to finish translating the Book of Mormon, the Whitmers readily opened their doors. And the Lord had more in store for the Whitmers than simply housing the Prophet. He had some specific instruction for them, found in Doctrine and Covenants 14–17, and in time they were to become one of the foundational families of the Church and witnesses to the unfolding Restoration.

Liahona February 2021 “Who was David Whitmer?”

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 9: Witnesses See the Gold Plates,”  Link includes additional stories, activities, and lesson ideas.

David’s father, Peter Whitmer Sr., was impressed with this miracle and said, “There must be an overruling hand in this, and I think you would better go down to Pennsylvania as soon as your plaster of paris is sown” (quoted in Lucy Mack Smith, History of Joseph Smith,p. 148). Farmers in that area added plaster of paris to the soil to make it less acidic. The next day David went to the place he had left the plaster, near his sister’s house, but the plaster was gone. His sister told him that the day before, she and her children had seen three strangers spreading the plaster with great speed and skill. She had assumed they were men David had hired, but David knew they were helpers provided by the Lord.

David was grateful for this divine help, and he hurried off to Harmony. Joseph and Oliver came out to meet him as he neared the town, which surprised David because he had not told them when he was coming. Oliver told David that Joseph had seen David’s trip in a vision and thus knew when he would arrive. David had never met Joseph Smith before, but he soon became sure that Joseph was a true prophet, and they became good friends.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 14–17: “Stand as a Witness”

When he met Joseph Smith, David Whitmer was a young man dedicated to his work on the family farm. But the Lord had a different labor in mind for David—though in some ways it was a bit like farming. As you read Doctrine and Covenants 14:1–4, notice how the Lord compares His work to the kind of work David was familiar with.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 14–17: “Stand as a Witness”

Help the children understand the comparisons between working in a field and participating in God’s “great and marvelous work” (verse 1). For example, reaping a harvest can symbolize bringing souls to Christ. You could show a picture of a farmer, bring farmers’ clothes for the children to try on, or discuss everyday tasks that farmers perform. Explain that David Whitmer was a farmer who wanted to know how he could help the Lord. Read Doctrine and Covenants 14:3–4 to the children, and help them discover what the Lord told David Whitmer to do. How can we help in the Lord’s work?

The Greatest Gift is Eternal Life

Use a present to teach the children about God’s gift of eternal life. For example, show the children a present with a paper inside that reads, “Eternal Life” (Doctrine and Covenants 14:7). Let a child unwrap the gift, and read Doctrine and Covenants 14:7 aloud. Share that eternal life means to live forever with God and to be like Him.

I can help others come closer to Jesus Christ.

Doctrine and Covenants 15:6; 16:6

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 14–17: “Stand as a Witness”

John Whitmer and Peter Whitmer Jr. were David Whitmer’s brothers. Like David, they wanted to know how they could help the Lord. He asked them to help “bring souls unto” Him.

  • Ask the children to describe something that is important or valuable to them (such as a toy, book, or game). Read Doctrine and Covenants 15:6 or 16:6, and ask the children to raise their hands when they hear what the Lord said is of “most worth.”
  • With the children, make a list of ways they can help someone follow Jesus Christ, such as being friends to others, sharing the scriptures with a friend, or praying for someone in need.

See also Missionary for additional ideas.

I can be a witness of the things God has done for me.

Doctrine and Covenants 17

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 9: Witnesses See the Gold Plates,”  Link includes additional stories, activities, and lesson ideas.

Display the bag or box containing the object. Describe the object without showing it to the children.

  • Do you think this object is really in the bag [box]?

Point out that some of the children might believe that the object is inside the bag or box because they know and trust you, but others might not believe because no one else has seen the item. Invite three children to come up and look at the item. Ask them to describe it to the class. Explain that now it is easier to believe that the item is in the bag or box because three more people have seen, or witnessed, it.

Review with the children the account of Joseph Smith translating the gold plates. Explain that at this time Joseph Smith was the only person who had actually seen the plates. Read aloud 2 Nephi 27:12 with the children.

  • What did Heavenly Father promise he would do when the Book of Mormon came forth?

Explain that Heavenly Father promised to allow witnesses to see the gold plates so that these witnesses could tell other people that the plates did exist.

While finishing the translation of the Book of Mormon, Joseph learned that three other people would be allowed to see the gold plates (see Ether 5:2–4). When Martin Harris, Oliver Cowdery, and David Whitmer, who had all helped with the translation, learned that three witnesses would be permitted to see the gold plates, they asked for permission to be those witnesses. Joseph Smith prayed about this, and the Lord revealed that if these three men were humble, they would be allowed to be the three witnesses (see D&C 17).

See also Saints, 1:73–75 and Doctrine and Covenants Historical Resources Doctrine and Covenants 14–17

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 14–17: “Stand as a Witness”

David Whitmer became one of the Three Witnesses of the Book of Mormon, and four of his brothers were among the Eight Witnesses. Like David and his brothers, each of us can “stand as a witness” of the truth (Doctrine and Covenants 14:8).

For the Strength of Youth “The Story of the Witnesses”

Doctrine and Covenant Stories “Chapter 7: Witnesses See the Gold Plates” Images and Video

Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Book “The Three Witnesses of the Book of Mormon”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 14–17: “Stand as a Witness”

Read together Doctrine and Covenants 17:3–5 to find out what Oliver Cowdery, Martin Harris, and David Whitmer were asked to do after seeing the gold plates.

Hold up a copy of the Book of Mormon, and read to the children the last line of Doctrine and Covenants 17:6: “As your Lord and your God liveth it is true.” Tell the children how you know the Book of Mormon is true. Invite the children to become witnesses of the Book of Mormon by reading it and praying to know if it is true and then sharing their testimony with others.

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 9: Witnesses See the Gold Plates,”  Link includes additional stories, activities, and lesson ideas.

Have the children think of ways they can be witnesses of the Book of Mormon and its teachings. List their answers on the chalkboard. Have the children dramatize what they could do to be witnesses in particular situations, such as when someone asks them what their church believes or what the Book of Mormon says.

Friend February 2021 “Church History Cards”

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 14–17: “Stand as a Witness”

Your family might enjoy drawing pictures of each of the items the Three Witnesses saw (see verse 1). As you read section 17, look for phrases that teach about the importance of the Book of Mormon. How can we be witnesses of the Book of Mormon?

Did you know that Mary Whitmer also received a witness of the gold plates? The angel Moroni showed them to her as an acknowledgment of the sacrifices she made while Joseph, Emma, and Oliver were living in her home (see Saints, 1:70–71). What do you learn from her experience about receiving a witness?

“The Testimony of Three Witnesses” “The Testimony of Eight Witnesses”

“The Testimony of Three Witnesses”; “The Testimony of Eight Witnesses”

For Younger Children:

The Red Crystal

This is a super cute idea from Katie Flaniken: for younger kids

My family did this activity yesterday to help illustrate the Testimony of the 3 and 8 Witnesses. I brought out a box that I’d put one of their stuffed toy elephants inside. After we’d read the testimonies, 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.

As expected, the kids were begging to see in the box for themselves. This allowed me to teach about faith and that we believe in things we cannot see. Throughout the rest of the night, each time they asked to see inside the box, I asked them if they still believed that the elephant was inside. They did. So just before bedtime I asked one more time if they believed. Once again they said yes. I explained that sometimes we don’t see evidence of something until after the trial of our faith. And them being patient enough to see inside for themselves was a trial of faith. They laughed when they saw the toy elephant inside.

This simple lesson turned into multiple teaching opportunities for our family and was so easy to prepare.

For Older Children:

Have the children turn the page to “The Testimony of the Witnesses”. Show the picture of “Mormon Abridging the Plates” to the children.

Give them a few seconds to study it. Afterwards put the picture face down on a table. Give each child a paper and a pencil. Ask some of the following questions, and have them write down their answers:

• What was on the shelf and the table behind Mormon?
• What was covering the bench Mormon was sitting on?
• What items were on the table Mormon was working on?
• What was on Mormon’s lap, and was there anything on the floor?
• What colors were Mormon’s clothes, and what decorations did they have on them?
• What was Mormon wearing on his arm, on his head, and on his feet?

Go over the answers together. When several of the children’s answers are the same on any of the questions, ask the children if they think those answers are most likely to be true. Why?

• If a person witnessed an event, would only their testimony about the incident be sufficient in a court of law? No, because they might not remember everything accurately, or they might not be telling the truth.

• Would that person’s version be believed if other witnesses told the same account?

• In 2 Corinthians 13:1 it says, “In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established”. Why do you think this law of witnesses is important? It helps establish truth.

Point out the witness’s page, and tell the children that God chose men to be witnesses of the Book of Mormon to fulfill the law of the witnesses and to testify of his work.

I can be a witness of the Book of Mormon.

  • To help your children understand what it means to be a witness, you could describe to them something you have seen that they haven’t. Then let them do the same for you. This could lead to a conversation about the 11 people who saw the gold plates from which the Book of Mormon was translated. As you read the testimonies together, you could talk about why these witnesses wanted other people to know about their testimonies. Who do we want to tell about the Book of Mormon?

Come Follow Me Primary 2020: Introductory Pages Ask the children to pretend you have never heard of the Book of Mormon before. Invite them to work with a partner to think of ways they could explain to you what it is and where it came from, using details from the introduction. Then let each pair take turns teaching you.

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 9: Witnesses See the Gold Plates,”  Link includes additional stories, activities, and lesson ideas.

Have the children think of ways they can be witnesses of the Book of Mormon and its teachings. List their answers on the chalkboard. Have the children dramatize what they could do to be witnesses in particular situations, such as when someone asks them what their church believes or what the Book of Mormon says.

Feb 8 2021

Doctrine & Covenants 12-13 and Joseph Smith—History 1:66–75

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The Lord wants Me to Help do His Work

Doctrine and Covenants 12

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 12–13; Joseph Smith—History 1:66–75: “Upon You My Fellow Servants”

Joseph Knight Sr. and his wife, Polly, met Joseph Smith when, as a 20-year-old, he began to work on their farm in Colesville, New York. Joseph Knight described him as the best worker he ever had. He believed Joseph Smith’s testimony about the gold plates and took Polly to visit Joseph Smith while he was translating the Book of Mormon at his home in Harmony, Pennsylvania. She immediately believed. For the rest of their lives, Joseph and Polly remained faithful to the restored gospel. More than 60 members of the Knight family joined and helped establish the Church in New York, Ohio, Missouri, Nauvoo, and eventually Salt Lake City.

Joseph Knight wanted to know how he could help in the work of the Lord. The Lord’s answer (now Doctrine and Covenants 12) applies to “all those who have desires to bring forth and establish this work” (verse 7)—including you. What does it mean to you “to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion”? (verse 6). How do the principles and attributes in verses 7–9 help you do this?

Liahona February 2021 “What can we do to follow the prophet?”

See also “The Knight and Whitmer Families,” Revelations in Context, 20–24.

The Lord’s work is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of his children. (Moses 1:39) Show the children a few tools or instruments used by builders, doctors, gardeners, painters, and so forth. Ask the children to tell what they know about each one, who uses it, and how it is used. What other tools do the children know of? Invite them to pretend to use a tool. Explain that just as we use instruments or tools to get things done, Heavenly Father can use us to do His work. Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 

See Serving in the Church for ideas on ways children can help with the Lord’s work.

Doctrine and Covenants 12:8. Why are the characteristics listed in this verse necessary when we are doing the Lord’s work?

John the Baptist restored the Aaronic Priesthood.

Doctrine and Covenants 13

“The Priesthood Is Restored” (February 2013 Friend)
A brief explanation of how the priesthood was lost from the earth and then restored.

Doctrine and Covenant Stories “Joseph and Oliver Are Given the Priesthood” Images and Video

Friend February 2021 “A Visit from John the Baptist” Link also includes a video of the story

Friend February 2017 “Priesthood Restored”

See also 1:65–68. Saints: The Story of the Church of Jesus Christ in the Latter Days, Volume 1, The Standard of Truth, 1815–1846

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 12–13; Joseph Smith—History 1:66–75: “Upon You My Fellow Servants” Read together Joseph Smith—History 1:66–72, and invite the children to draw pictures of what these verses describe. Then let the children tell the story using their pictures. (Or divide up the scriptures and have each child draw their scripture. Then, going in order, have each child tell their part using their pictures.)

Give the children a few minutes to make a list of everything they know about John the Baptist, and then allow them to share what they wrote. Invite the children to work in pairs to read one of the following passages and add it to their list: Matthew 3:13–17; Doctrine and Covenants 13; Joseph Smith—History 1:66–72.

How can we follow the example of Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery to find answers to our questions?

Help the children learn a song about the priesthood, such as “The Priesthood Is Restored” (Children’s Songbook, 89). Invite the children to march around the room as they sing, taking turns holding the picture from this week’s outline in

Keys of the Priesthood

“What are priesthood keys?” (February 2017 Liahona and Friend) Priesthood keys aren’t keys you can touch or hold in your hand, like car keys. A priesthood key is the authority or permission to act in Heavenly Father’s name. Priesthood keys let Church leaders direct how the priesthood is used on earth.

Put pictures of a baptism and the sacrament in a container that requires a key to open. Discuss why keys are important, and let the children use the key to open the container. 

The Aaronic Priesthood “holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism” (D&C 13:1). Through the exercise of this priesthood, the sacrament is prepared, blessed, and administered. 

New Era May 2012 “Priesthood Keys” Priesthood holders, … need authorization from someone holding keys before performing most ordinances. For example, if Aaronic Priesthood holders hear about a homebound ward member who would like to receive the sacrament at home, they cannot simply go and administer the sacrament to that member because they believe it’s the right thing to do. They must be authorized by the bishop, who holds the keys over the Aaronic Priesthood. And a father who holds the priesthood cannot simply baptize his 8-year-old daughter or ordain his 12-year-old son to the Aaronic Priesthood without first being authorized by the bishop to do so.

Keys of the Ministering of Angels

In times of special need, He (Heavenly Father) sent angels, divine messengers, to bless His children. Occasionally the angelic purpose is to warn. But most often it is to comfort, to provide some form of merciful attention, guidance in difficult times. (Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Ministry of Angels,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2008, 29–31)

Righteous mortal men may also be called angels.

2 Nephi 32:2–3 2 Do ye not remember that I said unto you that after ye had received the Holy Ghost ye could speak with the tongue of angels? 3 Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ.

The Sons of Levi

“The sons of Levi”: Numbers 3:5–13; Doctrine and Covenants 84:31–34; Guide to the Scriptures, “Aaronic Priesthood,” “Levi,” scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org

The priesthood is God’s power.

Doctrine and Covenants 13

“Awesome!” (May 2017 Friend)
Robert receives the Aaronic Priesthood and is amazed when he learns where the priesthood came from.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 12–13; Joseph Smith—History 1:66–75: “Upon You My Fellow Servants”

To help the children learn the phrase The priesthood is God’s power, ask them to clap as they say each syllable. Show an item that needs a battery to work, and teach that, like the battery brings power to the item, the priesthood brings God’s power into our lives. Share your testimony of the blessings that have come to you because of the priesthood.

I receive blessings through the Aaronic Priesthood.

Doctrine and Covenants 13

Video for older children

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 12–13; Joseph Smith—History 1:66–75: “Upon You My Fellow Servants”

I can be baptized.

Joseph Smith—History 1:66–75

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 12–13; Joseph Smith—History 1:66–75: “Upon You My Fellow Servants”

Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery read about baptism in the Book of Mormon and wanted to know more.

Show the video “Restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Pause the video occasionally to ask the children questions such as “Why did Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery go into the woods?” and “How do you think Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery felt after they were baptized?”

Friend February 2021 “We Can Be Baptized” Coloring Page

Friend February 2021 “Scripture Time Fun” Share baptism memories from your family. If you haven’t been baptized yet, talk about what you think it will be like!

See stories, activity ideas, and lesson ideas for baptism here.

Resources for Teaching Children by Topic: Baptism

The Holy Ghost can help me understand the scriptures.

Joseph Smith—History 1:73–74

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 12–13; Joseph Smith—History 1:66–75: “Upon You My Fellow Servants”

After Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery were baptized, the Holy Ghost helped them understand the scriptures better. Invite the children to make a bookmark that they can put in their scriptures to remind them to seek the Holy Ghost’s help when they read. Perhaps they could find an inspiring phrase in Joseph Smith—History 1:74 that they could write on their bookmark.

Additional Resources

Aaronic Priesthood Restored

Resources for Teaching Children: Resources by Topic “Priesthood”

See also “Priesthood Restoration Site” at history.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

Doctrine and Covenants Historical Resources Doctrine and Covenants 12-13

Feb 3 2021

Doctrine and Covenants 10-11

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When I pray always, Heavenly Father will bless me.

Doctrine and Covenants 10:5

Invite the children to draw pictures of themselves or their families praying at different times and places, such as in church, before school, or at bedtime. Explain that praying always can mean praying often throughout the day. How can we pray even when we are around other people, such as at school or with our friends?

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 20–26: “Ye Are the Children of the Covenant”

  • 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 January 2019

Doctrine and Covenants 10:1–33

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 10–11: “That You May Come Off Conqueror”

Satan would prefer that we forget he exists—or that we at least fail to recognize his attempts to influence us (see 2 Nephi 28:22–23). But the Lord’s words in Doctrine and Covenants 10 reveal that Satan is in constant, active opposition to God’s work. As you read verses 1–33, identify how Satan sought to destroy God’s work in Joseph Smith’s time (see also verses 62–63). What similarities do you see with the ways Satan works today? You could ask the Lord to help you see how Satan may be tempting you. What do you learn from section 10 that can help you resist Satan’s efforts?

Friend February 2021 “Scripture Time Fun”

The Lord’s “wisdom is greater than the cunning of the devil.”

Doctrine and Covenants 10:34–52

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 10–11: “That You May Come Off Conqueror”

As the translation of the Book of Mormon progressed, a question naturally arose: What should Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery do about those pages of the translation that had been lost? The logical thing might be to go back and retranslate that portion, but the Lord could see something that they could not—wicked men were plotting to alter the words on those pages to cast doubt on Joseph’s inspired work. God had a plan to thwart Satan’s efforts and compensate for what was lost. This plan was put into motion thousands of years earlier when the prophet Nephi felt inspired to create a second record that covered the same time period. Later, Mormon was inspired to include this record in the Book of Mormon “for a wise purpose” known to the Lord (see Words of Mormon 1:3–7).

Liahona February 2021 “How Does the Lord’s Wisdom Bless our Lives?” Take a look at this time line to see how the Lord had compensated for the pages He knew would be lost.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 10–11: “That You May Come Off Conqueror”

More than 2,400 years in advance, the Lord prepared to compensate for the lost pages of the Book of Mormon (see 1 Nephi 9).The record that God prepared to replace the lost manuscript is now found in 1 Nephi through Omni. How have the stories and teachings in this record [helped bless your life]?

Faith in Jesus Christ

Doctrine and Covenants 10:55-70

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 10–11: “That You May Come Off Conqueror”

Invite family members to find or mark phrases that begin with “I am” or “I will.” What do we learn from the “I am” phrases about who Jesus Christ is and what He is like? What do we learn from the “I will” phrases about what He does? Encourage family members to share how these truths strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ.

If I ask of God, I will receive.

Doctrine and Covenants 11

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 10–11: “That You May Come Off Conqueror”

Several of Joseph Smith’s family members and friends asked him to seek the Lord’s will on their behalf. Joseph was happy to do so, but the Lord was also willing to give them personal revelation. In Doctrine and Covenants 11, a revelation that Joseph received for his older brother Hyrum, the Lord said, “I will impart unto you of my Spirit, … and then shall ye know … all things whatsoever you desire of me” (Doctrine and Covenants 11:13–14). What is the Lord trying to tell you about personal revelation?

The Holy Ghost leads me to do good.

Doctrine and Covenants 11:12–13

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 10–11: “That You May Come Off Conqueror”

Reading these verses can help your family members recognize when the Spirit is communicating with them. You could shine a flashlight on the floor and invite a family member to move to where the light is shining. How is this like following the guidance of the Holy Ghost? What personal experiences could you share?

Ensign July 2019 “Family Study Fun”(Acts 1:1–8, 15–26; 2:1–42; 4:1–13, 31–33) Finding someone in need by listening to the still small voice.

  1. Scatter pillows, couch cushions, and other soft objects throughout the room.
  2. Assign someone in the family to be the “person in need” at the end of the obstacle course.
  3. Place a blindfold on a member of the family and assign someone else to whisper directions into the person’s ear to guide them safely through the course to the person in need.

Discussion: When was a time you felt directed by the Holy Ghost to help someone else? How did you recognize those promptings?

Sing a song about the guidance of the Holy Ghost, such as “Listen, Listen” (Children’s Songbook, 107). Ask the children what the song teaches them about how the Holy Ghost helps us.

I need to know the gospel so I can help others find the truth.

Doctrine and Covenants 11:15–26

Even before the Book of Mormon had been translated, Hyrum Smith was anxious to preach the gospel. As you read the Lord’s response to his desires, consider what it means to you to “obtain [God’s] word” (verse 21). How does obtaining God’s word help you serve in the Church?

Consider making a list of the things the Lord told Hyrum Smith to do so that he would be ready to share the gospel. What should we work on as a family?

21 Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men.

27 Behold, I speak unto all who have good desires, and have thrust in their sickle to reap.

Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Book “The Lord Told Hyrum to Study the Scriptures”

Sing together a song about sharing the gospel, such as “I Want to Be a Missionary Now” (Children’s Songbook, 168). What does this song teach about how we can be missionaries every day?

Additional Resources

Doctrine and Covenants Historical Resources “Doctrine and Covenants 10-11”

Jan 17 2021

Doctrine and Covenants 3–5

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Story

Primary 5 Manual: Doctrine and Covenants “Lesson 6: Joseph Smith Begins to Translate the Gold Plates” Lesson includes the story of the lost 116 pages, questions ideas, activity ideas, etc.

Once Joseph and Emma Smith were settled in Harmony, Pennsylvania, Joseph began to translate the gold plates. At first Joseph spent a lot of time becoming familiar with the plates and the language in which they were written.

Display the page “Book of Mormon Titles.” Ask the children if they can read any of the words or characters. Help the children identify each language.

Discuss the many languages used throughout the world, and explain that the word translate means to change writing or speech from one language to another.

  • What was the language of the writings on the gold plates? (Reformed Egyptian.)

Explain that usually translators need to understand both of the languages they work with. Joseph Smith, however, had had very little schooling and could not speak or read languages other than English. The reformed Egyptian characters on the plates were very strange to him. As he studied and prayed, the Urim and Thummim helped him understand the characters on the plates. Joseph learned that the process of translation requires faith, hard work, worthiness, patience, and obedience.

Martin Harris went to Joseph Smith’s home in Harmony to help the Prophet in his work of translating the gold plates. Martin became Joseph’s scribe. As Joseph read out loud from the plates, Martin Harris wrote down the words Joseph read. 

Doctrine and Covenants Stories “Chapter 4: Martin Harris and the Lost Pages” Video and Images

Below: Martin Harris tells a young man the story of the lost manuscript, 

Primary 5 Manual: Doctrine and Covenants “Lesson 6: Joseph Smith Begins to Translate the Gold Plates”
Explain that even though Martin Harris lost the 116 pages of translation, he repented and went on to make important contributions to the Church. He was not permitted to assist Joseph further in the translation of the gold plates, but later he sold part of his farm to help pay for the printing of the Book of Mormon. He was one of the Three Witnesses of the Book of Mormon and testified of the truthfulness of the book throughout his life. Show the children “The Testimony of Three Witnesses,” printed at the front of the Book of Mormon.

Lesson Ideas

I should care more about pleasing God than pleasing others.

Doctrine and Covenants 3:5–10; 5:21–22

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 3–5: “My Work Shall Go Forth”

The above story and scriptures help us to “be inspired to remain faithful when others tempt [us] to be disobedient. Read together Doctrine and Covenants 3:5–8; 5:21–22, and look for the blessings that come when we remain true to God.”

Friend January 2021 “Come Follow Me“

Primary 5 Manual: Doctrine and Covenants “Lesson 6: Joseph Smith Begins to Translate the Gold Plates” Write the following on the chalkboard: “When the Lord commands, do it.” Explain that Joseph Smith learned from his mistakes and challenges. Even though he faced despair when the 116 pages were lost, he learned the importance of obedience, repentance, and accepting the will of Heavenly Father. He learned to listen to the promptings of the Spirit and grew in his ability to use the Urim and Thummim. Later in life he was able to say, “I made this my rule: When the Lord commands, do it” (History of the Church, 2:170).

The Lord needs me to do His work.

Doctrine and Covenants 4

D&C 4:2 See that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day.

D&C 4:4 “For behold the field is white already to harvest;”

Latter Day Kids “The Field is White” Includes lesson, song and activity ideas.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 3–5: “My Work Shall Go Forth”

Bring tools (or pictures of tools) that someone might use to work in a field. How do these tools help us? Help the children find things in Doctrine and Covenants 4:5–6 that could be like tools for doing God’s work.

Friend September 2013 “I Will Serve God with All My Heart, Might, Mind, and Strength” Article includes a story of a child serving with her heart. It also describes what it means to serve with each of the following: heart, mind, and strength.

D&C 4:2 See that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day.

Song Ideas

“I Will Be Valiant” (Children’s Songbook, 162) or

I can be a witness that the Book of Mormon is true.

Doctrine and Covenants 5:1–7, 11, 16, 23–24

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 3–5: “My Work Shall Go Forth”

Martin Harris was promised that he could be one of the witnesses of the gold plates if he was faithful [and humbled himself]. We won’t see the plates like Martin did, but we can receive a spiritual witness of the Book of Mormon.

  • Write questions like the following on the board, and help the children find answers in Doctrine and Covenants 5:1–3, 7, 11: What did Martin Harris desire to know? Who could Joseph Smith show the gold plates to? Why would seeing the plates likely not be enough to convince someone that the Book of Mormon is true?
  • Ask the children what a witness is and why a witness is important.
  • What did Martin Harris need to do to be a witness of the gold plates? (see Doctrine and Covenants 5:23–24).
  • Even though we haven’t seen the plates, what can we do to be witnesses of the Book of Mormon? (see Doctrine and Covenants 5:16; Moroni 10:3–5).

We have received the word of God through Joseph Smith.

Doctrine and Covenants 5:10

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 3–5: “My Work Shall Go Forth”

Hide a picture of Joseph Smith somewhere in the room (see Gospel Art Book, no. 87). Read Doctrine and Covenants 5:10 “But this generation shall have my word through you,” and invite the children to look for the picture to find out who the word “you” is referring to. Show the children copies of the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants. Explain that God gave us these scriptures through Joseph Smith.

Jan 12 2021

Doctrine and Covenants 2; Joseph Smith—History 1:27–65

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Doctrine and Covenants Stories “Chapter 3: The Angel Moroni and the Gold Plates” Images and Video

Joseph Smith was called by God to do an important work.

Joseph Smith—History 1:27–54

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 2; Joseph Smith—History 1:27–65: “The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn to Their Fathers”

It had been three years since God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to Joseph Smith in the grove, but Joseph hadn’t received any additional revelations since then. He began to wonder about his standing before the Lord. Like all of us, he had made mistakes, and he felt condemned by them.

I can pray to be forgiven.

Joseph Smith—History 1:28–29

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 2; Joseph Smith—History 1:27–65: “The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn to Their Fathers”

Read with the children Joseph Smith—History 1:29. How did Joseph Smith feel about his mistakes? What did he do about them? What can we learn from Joseph’s example that can help us when we make mistakes? Ask the children how it makes them feel to know that Joseph was called by God even though he was not perfect.

What does it mean to know your “standing before [God]”? (Joseph Smith—History 1:29).

  • Why is it important to think about our “standing before [God]”?

Liahona January 2021 “What did Moroni Teach Joseph” A short explanation of what Moroni taught Joseph when he appeared to him four times.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 2; Joseph Smith—History 1:27–65: “The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn to Their Fathers”

You could ask a family member to read aloud part or all of Moroni’s message from Joseph Smith—History 1:33–42 four times (because Moroni repeated this message four times). Between each reading, ask the other family members to share what they remember from his message, without looking at the scriptures. Why might the Lord repeat important messages several times? What are some other ways the Lord teaches us through repetition?

(Another option would be to have some items covered on a tray that are related to Moroni’s message. Uncover the tray for a short time and then recover it. See if the children can remember what was on the tray. Do this three more times and see if they remember more each time. Afterwards, use the items on the tray to teach about the words Moroni spoke.)

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 2; Joseph Smith—History 1:27–65: “The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn to Their Fathers”

Read Joseph Smith—History 1:33 aloud, and ask the children to stand when they hear the phrase “God had a work for me to do.” What did God want Joseph to do? What does He ask us to do? Let the children draw pictures of things God wants them to do, such as praying, serving, or reading the scriptures.

Display a picture of Moroni visiting Joseph Smith (see Gospel Art Book, no. 91). Ask the children to point out things they notice in the picture. Summarize the account of Moroni’s visits to Joseph. Invite the children to pretend to be Joseph Smith at various points in the story by folding their arms like they are praying, pretending to climb the Hill Cumorah, and so on.

Invite the children to act out or draw pictures of events from Joseph Smith—History 1:30–54, such as Moroni appearing to Joseph, Joseph talking to his father, and Joseph finding the plates. What do we learn from this account about the work Joseph was called to do?

Read with the children Joseph Smith—History 1:33–35, and ask them to listen for what Moroni wanted Joseph to know about the work Joseph was called to do. How have we been blessed because Joseph Smith fulfilled his work as translator of the Book of Mormon? Invite the children to read the Book of Mormon regularly.

Friend January 2021 “Joseph Smith and the Gold Plates”

Book of Mormon Coloring Book “Moroni Buried the Gold Plates”

Friend January 2021 “Getting the Gold Plates” Coloring Page

Friend November 2015 “Find the Gold Plates”

Friend November 2015

Friend December 2015 Beginning at the star, draw lines from dot to dot as instructed in the answers to the following questions.

Friend December 2015
  1. After reading the Book of Matthew, Joseph Smith decided to pray about which church to join. (See JS—H 1:11.)
    • True: Move right three dots
    • False: Move left three dots
  2. Joseph Smith was instructed to join any church he wanted to. (See JS—H 1:19.)
    • True: Move up one dot
    • False: Move diagonally down and left two dots
  3. Joseph Smith was fourteen years old when he received the First Vision. (See JS—H 1:23.)
    • True: Move down two dots
    • False: Move left two dots
  4. Joseph Smith received a strong testimony of the reality and divinity of Heavenly Father and Jesus, which he never denied. (See JS—H 1:25.)
    • True: Move right three dots
    • False: Move down two dots
  5. Joseph Smith had forgotten to say his prayers the night Moroni first appeared to him. (See JS—H 1:29–30.)
    • True: Move down and right one dot
    • False: Move diagonally up and right two dots
  6. Joseph Smith’s room was very dark while Moroni was there. (See JS—H 1:32.)
    • True: Move down two dots
    • False: Move up two dots
  7. Moroni told Joseph Smith that he, Moroni, had been sent by Noah to teach Joseph. (See JS—H 1:33.)
    • True: Move down one dot
    • False: Move diagonally down and left two dots
  8. Moroni told Joseph Smith about certain gold plates that contained the gospel. (See JS—H 1:34.)
    • True: Move down two dots
    • False: Move up two dots
  9. Moroni quoted prophecies from the Old Testament. (See JS—H 1:36–40.)
    • True: Move up two dots
    • False: Move diagonally down and left two dots
  10. The Book of Mormon was translated from the gold plates. (See JS—H 1:66–67.)
    • True: Move left three dots
    • False: Move right one dot.

Answers:

Friend December 1988 “Do You Know” Joseph is visited by Moroni. Story and question.

On the way home Joseph passed out. When he came to, Moroni was there calling his name. The angel repeated what he’d told Joseph the night before; he also told Joseph to do something then. What did Moroni tell Joseph to do? Do you know?

A. Joseph was to tell his father everything that Moroni had told him.

B. Joseph was to go home to bed until he felt strong enough to work with his father again.

C. Joseph was to go immediately to where the gold plates were hidden and dig them up.

D. Joseph was to get his five brothers to help him get the gold plates and translate them.

Answer:

Craft Idea

Friend January 2021 “Show and Tell” Anna made a diorama of Joseph Smith getting the gold plates.

Additional Resources:

Primary 5 Manual: Doctrine and Covenants “Lesson 3: The Angel Moroni Visits Joseph Smith”  Story, activity and lesson ideas.

Doctrine and Covenants Historical Resources “Doctrine and Covenants 2; Joseph Smith—History 1:27–65”

Primary 5 Manual: Doctrine and Covenants “Lesson 4: Joseph Smith Prepares to Receive the Gold Plates”

Primary 5 Manual: Doctrine and Covenants “Lesson 5: Joseph Smith Receives the Gold Plates” 

Resources by Topic: Joseph Smith Stories, Activities and Media

Song Ideas

Sing or say the words to “An Angel Came to Joseph Smith”(Children’s Songbook, p. 86)

Heavenly Father wants families to be sealed in the temple.

Doctrine and Covenants 2.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 2; Joseph Smith—History 1:27–65: “The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn to Their Fathers”

  • Ask the children to read or listen to the prophecy in Doctrine and Covenants 2:1. Ask them to look for who the Lord would send in the last days and what this person would reveal. Display a picture of Elijah in the Kirtland Temple (see Gospel Art Book, no. 95), and talk about how this prophecy was fulfilled 13 years after Moroni’s visit (see Doctrine and Covenants 110:13–15).
  • Explain that Elijah restored priesthood keys that allow families to be sealed together eternally. Show some objects that could help the children understand what it means to seal something, such as a can of food or a plastic storage bag with a zipper lock. How do these objects help us understand what it means for a family to be sealed?

Latter Day Kids “Come Follow Me: A Welding Link: (The Sealing Power)” Videos, songs, activities, and lesson ideas.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 2; Joseph Smith—History 1:27–65: “The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn to Their Fathers”

  • Display a picture of a temple, and help the children name some of the things we do in temples. Explain that baptisms for the dead, eternal marriage, and sealing families in the temple are all possible because of the priesthood keys Elijah restored.

Ask the children to tell you something they love about their families. Display a picture of a family next to a temple—your own family, if possible (or see Gospel Art Book,no. 120). Testify that Heavenly Father wants families to be together forever, and this is one reason He gave us temples.

Friend April 2020 “Alonso’s Forever Family” Alonso learned that because of Jesus’s resurrection people who have died will live again. He also learned about being sealed to his family. His parents had both died and he was living with his grandma. He couldn’t wait to go to the temple and be sealed to his parents. He saved any money he got so he and his grandma could make the trip to the temple. He was so grateful that  families can be together forever

Friend April 2020

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 2; Joseph Smith—History 1:27–65: “The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn to Their Fathers”

Learning about my ancestors can bring me joy.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 2; Joseph Smith—History 1:27–65: “The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn to Their Fathers”

How have you felt your heart turn toward your ancestors? Think of ways you can experience such feelings more often. Perhaps you could ask a relative to share a story with you about one of your ancestors—even better, you could record it. Or you could invite [a family member] to learn about an ancestor and to share what they learn with the rest of the family. Maybe you could identify a deceased ancestor who never received gospel ordinances and then have a family member perform that work in the temple.

Why does the Lord want us to learn about our family members and perform temple ordinances for them? How are we blessed when we participate in family history and temple work?

To help your children understand the “promises made to the fathers,” you could read Abraham 2:9–11 together. Identify the promises God made as part of His covenant with Abraham. How do we “plant” these promises in our hearts?

Doctrine and Covenants 2.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 2; Joseph Smith—History 1:27–65: “The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn to Their Fathers”

Give each child a paper heart. Help them write their name and “I promise to remember my ancestors” on it. Read Doctrine and Covenants 2:2, and explain that Elijah came to turn our hearts to our ancestors.

Friend January 2021 “Come Follow Me”

Song Idea

Gospel Media: Hearts of the Children Sing-along video

Additional Family History Resources

Jan 3 2021

Joseph Smith History 1:1-26

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Joseph Smith’s Childhood

Joseph Smith was prepared to be a prophet of God.

Joseph Smith—History 1:3–20

Doctrine and Covenants Stories “Chapter 1: Joseph Smith and His Family” Images and Video

Friend January 2017 “The Smith Family”

Primary 5 Manual “Doctrine and Covenants and Church History” “Lesson 1: Joseph Smith and the First Vision,”  (See the lesson for additional story, activity, and question ideas.)

Joseph Smith was born in 1805 in the state of Vermont in the United States of America. He was the fourth of nine children. When Joseph was ten years old, he and his family moved to the state of New York, settling near the town of Palmyra (point out this area on the map). The Smith family was poor, and all the members of the family had to work hard to provide food and other necessities for the family. The family had moved many times before settling near Palmyra, where they found farmland on which crops would grow well.

Joseph did not have much opportunity to attend school, so he learned only the basics of reading, writing, and simple arithmetic. Joseph’s mother said that he seemed just like other boys his age until the time of his vision. She said he was quiet and well-mannered and liked to study and think about important things. He was a tall, athletic, cheerful boy who seldom got angry.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26: “I Saw a Pillar of Light”

Joseph was chosen by God and prepared to be a prophet. Joseph’s experiences as a boy prepared him to be a prophet of God.A prophet is someone who speaks for God.

Latter Day Kids “”My Servant Joseph” Lesson, story, and song ideas

Joseph Smith’s First Vision

Attention Activity

Primary 5 Manual “Doctrine and Covenants and Church History” “Lesson 1: Joseph Smith and the First Vision,”  (See the lesson for additional story, activity, and question ideas.)

Ask a child to leave the room for a moment. Show the two containers to the rest of the class without letting them see inside. Divide the class into two groups and give each a container. Tell the children in each group that when the child who left the room returns, they are to try to persuade him or her to choose their container. Invite the child to return to the room and choose one of the containers. Ask the child who chose the container questions such as the following:

  • Why did you choose that container?
  • How did you feel when others were trying to tell you what to do?

Explain that when Joseph Smith was fourteen years old, he was confused about a choice he needed to make. He was trying to decide which church he should join. Other people tried to help him choose a church, but he only became more confused. He felt that he needed more information to make a wise decision: he wanted to know which church was true. Joseph’s situation was similar to that of the child who had to choose between the two containers. Everyone wanted him to choose their church, but he did not know which church was the right choice.

Story Ideas

New Era February 2020 “Joseph’s Search for the Truth”

Friend October 2017 “Jesus Visited Joseph”

Friend April 2020 “Hello from the Sacred Grove” Photos of the sacred grove and the recreated home of the Smith family. Also tells the story about Joseph.

Friend January 2018

Primary 5 Manual “Doctrine and Covenants and Church History” “Lesson 1: Joseph Smith and the First Vision,”  (See the lesson for additional story, activity, and question ideas.)

Ensign January 2021 “How can I Know for Myself” What can we learn from Joseph’s example? How can we “know for ourselves” what is true? (See article)

God can answer my questions through the scriptures.

Joseph Smith—History 1:10–13

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26: “I Saw a Pillar of Light”

Show the children different books (like an encyclopedia or a cookbook), and help them think of questions these books could answer. Then show them a copy of the scriptures. What questions can these books answer? You might provide an example of a question that is answered in the scriptures. Read together Joseph Smith—History 1:10–11to find out what questions Joseph Smith had and what answers he found in the scriptures.

Friend November 2019 “James Taught the Gospel” James, the brother of Jesus, taught the gospel and helped lead the church when he grew up. One of his teachings in James 1:5. says that if we have questions, we can ask God. Many years after James wrote this scripture, a boy named Joseph Smith read it. He prayed to know which church to join. Joseph’s prayer was answered! When I have questions, I can ask God, like James taught. (Memorize James 1:5 as a family. Talk about how this verse led Joseph Smith to receive the First Vision.)

Coloring Page: I Can Learn From the Scriptures

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26: “I Saw a Pillar of Light”

Help the children find words in verse 12 that describe how reading James 1:5 affected Joseph Smith. Share an experience you have had with the scriptures—for example, when you found an answer to one of your questions through reading the scriptures. Sing together “Search, Ponder, and Pray” (Children’s Songbook, 109).

Heavenly Father hears and answers my prayers.

Joseph Smith—History 1:10–19

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26: “I Saw a Pillar of Light”

Tell the children about the questions Joseph Smith had (see Joseph Smith—History 1:10). What can we do when we have questions about God? Show the children a copy of the Bible, and explain that when Joseph read the Bible, he learned that he could “ask of God” (James 1:5; see also Gospel Art Book, no. 89). Bear your testimony that we can ask God questions through prayer.

Invite a parent of one of the children to stand outside the classroom and answer questions from the children using methods such as sending a text message, making a phone call, writing a note, or sending a messenger. What are some of the ways Heavenly Father communicates with us? (see “Revelation,” Guide to the Scriptures, scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). According to Joseph Smith—History 1:16–19, how did Heavenly Father answer Joseph Smith’s prayer? How has He answered our prayers?

Sing together “A Child’s Prayer” (Children’s Songbook, 12–13).

Sing “Joseph Smith’s First Prayer” (Hymns, no. 26).

Joseph Smith saw Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.

Joseph Smith—History 1:17–19

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26: “I Saw a Pillar of Light”

To review the account of the First Vision, write summaries of each verse from Joseph Smith—History 1:14–19 on separate slips of paper. Place the papers in a container, and invite the children to choose them one by one and place them on the board in the correct order.

Read Joseph Smith—History 1:17, and point out to the children the words that Heavenly Father said to Joseph Smith.

Invite the children to color this week’s activity page and use it to tell the story of the First Vision.

Joseph Smith—History 1:21–26

I can remain true to what I know, even if others reject me.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26: “I Saw a Pillar of Light”

Read together Joseph’s testimony in Joseph Smith—History 1:25. Ask the children to look for words and phrases that show Joseph’s faith. How can we remain faithful to God and our testimonies when other people disagree with us?

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26: “I Saw a Pillar of Light”

One of the blessings of the scriptures is that they contain inspiring examples of valiant men and women who faced challenges with faith in Jesus Christ. When Joseph Smith faced opposition because of his vision, he identified with the Apostle Paul, who was also persecuted for saying he had seen a vision. As you read Joseph’s account, what inspires you to remain true to your testimony? What other examples—from the scriptures or people you know—give you courage to stay true to the spiritual experiences you have had?

Song Ideas

Joseph Smith’s First Vision: Music & Video – Friend January 2017

Jesus’ Church has been Restored: Friend May 2017 – Music & Video

Friend April 2020 “The First Vision” Music and Video

Additional Resources

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families). “Voices of the Restoration: Joseph Smith’s Family,”

Show the video “Ask of God: Joseph Smith’s First Vision”