Table of Contents
- Confirmed a Member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord’s “true and living church.”
- Why do We Attend Church?
- To be Nourished by the Good Word of God
- To praise the Lord
- To Strengthen Our Families Spiritually
- To Strengthen One Another
- I can show my love for Jesus by feeding his sheep
- I can show my love for Jesus by feeding His sheep.
- I Can Strengthen Others.
- I can help prepare “the way of the Lord.”
- Fellowshipping
- God wants His People to be United and Work Together.
- I Can Help Others Feel Welcome at Church.
- Listening and Learning in Church
- Name of the Church
- Sustaining
- Zion
- My Example Can Help Others Come to Christ and Find Safety.
Confirmed a Member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Friend July 2023 “A Member of Jesus Christ’s Church”
Friend October 2023 “The Church of Jesus Christ”
I am a Christian because I believe in and follow Jesus Christ.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Acts 10-15” How will you help the children learn what it means to be a Christian?
Read Acts 11:26 to the children, and invite them to stand up when they hear you say the word Christian. Ask them what they think it means to be a Christian. Explain that someone who believes in and follows Jesus Christ is called a Christian, so we are Christians.
- Friend July 2019 “I’m Christian” Poem about the ways we are Christians.
Sing with the children a song about following Jesus Christ, such as “The Church of Jesus Christ” (Children’s Songbook, 77).
How can we show that we are followers of Jesus Christ and belong to His Church? Help the children think of things they can do to follow Jesus at home, at school, and in other places. (Print the below pictures and write their ideas on each place.)
A Christian is someone who believes in and follows Jesus Christ.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Acts 10-15” How can you help the children understand that their words and actions show that they are Christians?
Invite the children to read Acts 11:26; 3 Nephi 27:3–8; and Doctrine and Covenants 115:4. Write Christian on the board and underline the part that says “Christ.” Ask the children to share what they think it means to be a Christian.
Ask the children to share the names of different groups they belong to, such as their family or nation. Invite them to share reasons why they are grateful to be a Christian and belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Friend March 2017
Clipart Library
(Clipart Library)
How can we show others we are Christians?
- Friend July 2019 “I’m Christian” Poem about the ways we are Christians.
Display several objects or pictures that represent truths unique to the Church of Jesus Christ, such as a picture of the restoration of the priesthood (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 93–94). Ask a child to pick one of the objects or pictures and describe how it is a blessing in our Church. Explain that while Christians throughout the world belong to many different churches, we belong to the same Church that Jesus Christ established on the earth.
Blessings of the gospel Activity: Read the clues below (not the answer) and let the children pick which picture it is describing.
- Prophet: Because of this blessing of the gospel we have the privilege to hear Gods words and direction about current issues and challenges we face. This gift is God’s living spokesman.
- Book of Mormon: Because of this blessing of the gospel we know the purpose of life. We also know what we need to do to gain eternal salvation and how to live happy lives.
- Temples: This blessing of the gospel allows us the opportunity to receive saving ordinances for ourselves and our dead. We can also be sealed to our family so that we can be with them forever.
- Priesthood: Because of this blessing of the gospel we can receive healing blessings for the sick, blessings of comfort and guidance, and have authority to act in Gods name and perform saving ordinances, such as baptism.
- Baptism Because this blessing of the gospel, when performed by proper priesthood authority, we can receive a remission of our sins and enter into the gate that leads to eternal life.
- Holy Ghost Because of this blessing of the gospel we can receive personal revelation and guidance throughout our lives. We can also receive comfort during difficult times.
The Great Apostasy “News with the Naylors” Lesson ideas
Show the video “True Christianity” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Invite the children to write or draw things they can do to be true Christians.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord’s “true and living church.”
Friend October 2023 “Who Leads the Church?” Lesson ideas
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.
See more about the restoration of the church here.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “Doctrine and Covenants 1”
- What does it mean to say that the Church is “true and living”? To get your children thinking about this question, perhaps you could show them living and nonliving things—such as a live plant and a dead plant. How do we know something is living? Then you could read Doctrine and Covenants 1:30 and talk about what it might mean for the Church to be “true and living.”
The Church is guided by Jesus Christ, who reveals His will in our day to living prophets and other inspired leaders. Continuing revelation from the Savior allows the Church to be aligned with heaven and also to grow and progress—to be both a true and a living church. All living things grow and change. (Topics and Questions “The Only True and Living Church”)
- Invite the children to list some things that are living and some things that are not (if possible, bring pictures or examples). What is the difference between a living thing and a nonliving thing? Read together verse 30. What does it mean that the Church is “true”? that it is “living”?
- Display a picture, such as a painting of the Savior, and ask the children to describe it with the lights in the room turned off. Use this activity to help the children see that for many people, the Savior’s true Church is in “obscurity” and “darkness.” How can we help others learn about the Church?
For the Strength of Youth January 2021 “To the Point” The Lord Himself said to Joseph Smith that this Church is “the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth.(Doctrine and Covenants 1:30). This statement certainly does not mean that we’re better than anyone else. But it does mean that this is Jesus Christ’s Church. He leads it, He restored it, and He gave it His authority. Because of this, there are certain things that only this Church can offer, such as prophets and apostles, temple ordinances and covenants, and the Book of Mormon. We’re grateful for these things, and we want to share them with others out of genuine love—not because we want to “be right” or “grow the Church.”
While we can boldly and confidently testify of the Church, we should never be arrogant toward others or disrespect their beliefs. The Prophet Joseph Smith once said, “We don’t ask any people to throw away any good they have got; we only ask them to come and get more” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 155).
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.
My membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a treasure. (younger children)
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 13; Luke 8; 13” How can you use the imagery of treasure and precious pearls to help the children understand the value of belonging to Christ’s Church?
What do the two men in these parables have in common? Are there additional things we should be doing as individuals and as a family to put the kingdom of God first in our lives?
Hide pictures of a treasure chest and a pearl in the room, and let the children find them. Use the pictures to teach about the parables in Matthew 13:44–46. Talk about why someone might give up everything they have for a beautiful pearl or a treasure in a field. Explain that sometimes we give up something good for something even better. Tell the children why the gospel is valuable to you.
Place in a box or chest several objects or pictures that represent “treasures” in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, such as the Savior, temples, or the Book of Mormon. Ask each child to choose an object or picture and talk about why it is a treasure.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 111-114”
Sing together “The Church of Jesus Christ” (Children’s Songbook, 77), and ask the children to talk about reasons they’re thankful for the Savior’s Church. Testify of the blessings you’ve experienced because of your membership in the Church.
All Are Needed in the Church
Friend September 2023 “Women of Faith”
My membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a treasure. (older children)
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 13; Luke 8; 13” Do the children you teach see their membership in the Church as a valuable treasure? Perhaps discussing the parables in Matthew 13:44–46 can help them share their feelings about the Savior’s Church.
Invite the children to read Matthew 13:44–46 to themselves and share the parables in their own words with another class member.
Cut out several circles to represent coins, and put them in a treasure box. Invite the children to pick a coin and draw or write on it one thing they love about being a member of the Church. Ask the children to share what they put on their coin.
Friend April 2013 “Jesus Christ Restored His Church in the Latter Days”
Blessings of the gospel Activity: Read the clues below (not the answer) and let the children pick which picture it is describing.
- Prophet: Because of this blessing of the gospel we have the privilege to hear Gods words and direction about current issues and challenges we face. This gift is God’s living spokesman.
- Book of Mormon: Because of this blessing of the gospel we know the purpose of life. We also know what we need to do to gain eternal salvation and how to live happy lives.
- Temples: This blessing of the gospel allows us the opportunity to receive saving ordinances for ourselves and our dead. We can also be sealed to our family so that we can be with them forever.
- Priesthood: Because of this blessing of the gospel we can receive healing blessings for the sick, blessings of comfort and guidance, and have authority to act in Gods name and perform saving ordinances, such as baptism.
- Baptism Because this blessing of the gospel, when performed by proper priesthood authority, we can receive a remission of our sins and enter into the gate that leads to eternal life.
- Holy Ghost Because of this blessing of the gospel we can receive personal revelation and guidance throughout our lives. We can also receive comfort during difficult times.
Invite a ward member to share his or her conversion story with the children and tell what he or she sacrificed to join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Or ask the children to talk about sacrifices they make for the Lord and His Church.
Why do We Attend Church?
Friend September 2022 “Why We Go to Church”
Friend November 2021 “Conference Notes”
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 1–6: “To Keep Them in the Right Way”
- Ask the children why they like going to church, and help them name some of the things we do at church. Read to them some of these things from Moroni 6:4–6, 9, and invite them to act out or draw pictures of themselves doing some of these things (such as praying, preaching, singing, and partaking of the sacrament).
- Help the children sing a song about attending church, such as “When I Go to Church” (Children’s Songbook, 157). Tell the children why you love going to church and how it has blessed you.
Friend March 2021 “Coloring Page”
To be Nourished by the Good Word of God
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 1–6: “To Keep Them in the Right Way”
Write Why do we come to church? on the board, and ask the children to write possible answers. Invite them to find additional answers in Moroni 6:4–6, 9 and add them to their list on the board. Invite the children to share how they have been blessed for attending church.
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?
Friend July 2024 “I Can Follow Jesus by Going to Church”
To praise the Lord
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 To praise the Lord means to express our gratitude and love for Him. Help the children learn that we are praising Him when we do things like sing, pray, and obey His teachings.
- Invite the children to share experiences when someone praised them or told them they did a good job. Share some of the good things from Psalm 146:6–9 that the Lord has done, and invite the children to talk about other things He does for us. Help them think of ways they can praise Him for those things.
Friend November 2004 “Blessings Tree” Cut out the leaves and place them in a sack. Have the children take turns picking a leaf from the sack, telling how the item written is a blessing, and gluing it to the tree. When they pick a blank leaf, have them share a blessing of their choice that they are thankful for. Then write the blessing on the leaf and glue it to the tree.
- Sing together a song of praise, such as “Beauty Everywhere” (Children’s Songbook, 232–33). Explain that for the Israelites long ago, the Psalms were like the songs we sing today to worship and praise God.
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 You might invite your family to read a few verses of Psalms 146–50 out loud, trying to convey the feelings of the writer. How can we express our praise to the Lord? Family members might enjoy writing their own psalms of praise and sharing them with each other.
Friend August 2022 “Write a Psalm”
Friend November 2010 “Bright Idea”
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 The traditional Jewish name for the book of Psalms is a Hebrew word that means “praises.” That word, Tehillim, is also related to the exclamation “hallelujah” (meaning “praise Jehovah” or “praise the Lord”). If you had to choose one word to sum up the main message of the Psalms, “praise” would be a good choice. Some of the Psalms contain the direct invitation to “praise ye the Lord” (see especially Psalms 146–50), and all of them can inspire a feeling of worship and praise. The Psalms invite us to reflect on the Lord’s power, on His mercy, and on the great things He has done. We can never repay Him for any of this, but we can praise Him for it. That praise may take different forms for different people—it may involve singing, praying, or bearing testimony. It often leads to a deeper commitment to the Lord and to following His teachings. Whatever “praise ye the Lord” means in your life, you can find more inspiration to do it as you read and ponder the Psalms.
Friend October 1989 “Sing Praises” Lesson ideas and activity. (Activity: Look up scriptures where people in the scriptures sang praises to the Lord and then fill in the blanks.)
To Strengthen Our Families Spiritually
Friend November 2022 “Activity Time”
To Strengthen One Another
Latter Day Kids “Meet Together Oft- Come Follow Me” Video and Lesson Ideas.
Doctrine and Covenants 23:3–7; 25:7
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
Friend February 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Scripture Teamwork” Play a game about working together! Have one person crumple up pieces of paper into balls and throw them in a bowl. Have another person try to stop the papers from going in. Now try it with [one person holding the bowl and moving it towards the thrown paper.] Which time was it easier to get papers in the bowl? (When we help each other, we are more likely to achieve our goals of living the gospel, even when Satan tries to put obstacles in our way.)
Friend February 2025 “Primary Friends” Follow the paths to find out who each child goes to church with. Who helps you learn about Jesus Christ?
Friend February 2024 “Staying Strong Together” When Elder Yamashita was younger only one other person in his school was a member of the church. Some of his friends made bad choices and he struggled to choose the right. Kids from church called every week to see how he was doing. Having friends at church helped him come back to church.
Gathering Together
Choose a key phrase or sentence from Doctrine and Covenants 38:31–33 that you feel describes why the Lord wanted His people to gather together. Scatter words from this sentence around the room, and invite the children to gather them, put them in the right order, and find where the sentence appears in the verses. (Have the children find other reasons in the verses.)
By gathering in Ohio, the members of the Church could escape persecution from enemies in New York, be taught by Joseph Smith and other Church leaders, receive further instructions from the Lord, prepare together to send missionaries to all nations, and support and help each other as they worked to become righteous people.
Give each of the children two pieces of string (adjust this activity as necessary for the material you are using). Ask the children to each break one string.
- Was it difficult to break one string?
- How strong is each string by itself?
- How could we strengthen the strings?
Gather all the children’s unbroken strings into a bundle. Ask a child to try to break the whole bundle at once.
- Why are the strings harder to break when they are gathered together?
Explain that just as the strings are stronger when there are many of them together, members of the Church are stronger when they are gathered together. For this reason the Lord instructed the early members of the Church to gather in one place.
“The giant redwood trees that grow in northern California [USA] … have a very shallow root system. But when they are surrounded by other redwood trees, the strongest, fiercest wind cannot blow them over. The roots of the giant redwood trees intertwine and strengthen each other. When a storm comes, they actually hold each other up” (Conference Report, Oct. 1994, p. 103; or Ensign, Nov. 1994, p. 78).
Draw on the chalkboard several trees with their root systems intertwined (see illustration). Ask the children to suggest strengths and qualities they see in others. Label some of the roots with their ideas, and discuss how each individual’s strengths can help strengthen the whole group.
Church members are no longer commanded to gather by moving to one location; in what ways do we gather today? (We gather in wards and stakes.) What blessings do we receive when we meet together?
The following above gathering lesson ideas are from Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 37–40”, Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 37–40”, and Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 16: The Saints Gather to Kirtland, Ohio,”
We are stronger when we gather together.
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 1–7: “Lift Up Your Head and Be of Good Cheer” To help your family learn how Satan can deceive us, draw a body, and as your family reads 3 Nephi 2:1–3 and 6:15–17, mark the different parts of the body mentioned. According to these verses, what are some of the ways Satan tempts us to forget God and turn to sin?
3 Nephi 4:7–12, 30–33 What did the Nephites do when they saw the Gadianton robbers coming? What can our family learn from the Nephites when we face difficult situations? What can we learn from the Nephites’ words after the Lord helped them in their time of difficulty?
Come Follow Me for Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 1–7: “Lift Up Your Head and Be of Good Cheer” The Nephites had to gather together for physical safety. How can you help the children see that gathering together with righteous friends can also give them spiritual strength?
- Read with the children the following verses, and invite them to look for reasons why the Nephites gathered together and the blessings that came to them: 3 Nephi 2:11–12 and 3:13–14, 24–26. Why is it important for us to “gather” today in our families and at church? How can gathering make us spiritually stronger?
- 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?
Friend August 2017 “Row Together” We need each other in order to grow in the gospel and succeed in life. (Link also includes an activity.)
My Example Can Help Others Come to Christ and Find Safety.
Doctrine and Covenants 115:4–6
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 115-120”
The children you teach likely know people who are being affected by the storms of life and need the “refuge” (verse 6) provided in the Church. Consider how you will inspire the children to “arise and shine forth” (verse 5) and share their light with these people.
- Pass around a flashlight, a picture of the sun, or something else to represent the light of the Savior’s gospel. When it’s their turn to hold the light, invite the children to read Doctrine and Covenants 115:4–5 and name something they can do to “shine forth” like a light for others (see 3 Nephi 18:24).
- Invite the children to draw a picture depicting Doctrine and Covenants 115:6. For example, they could draw a storm, with people taking refuge in a Church building. What are some things the storm might represent? How does the Church provide refuge from these things?
- Invite the children to stand when you read the word “arise” in Doctrine and Covenants 115:5. Invite them to stretch out their fingers like rays of sunlight when you read “shine forth.” Sing together a song about being a light to others, such as “I Am like a Star” (Children’s Songbook, 163). Remind the children that our light comes from Jesus Christ, and help them think of ways they can “shine forth.”
Would it work for your family to read Doctrine and Covenants 115:4–6. while watching a sunrise? It might help you discuss what it means to “arise and shine forth” (verse 5). Or you could also discuss what it is like to seek shelter during a storm. How could that experience be like finding “refuge” in the Church? (verse 6). You could then talk about ways your family can help others enjoy the refuge the Church provides.
New Era June 1997 “Friendly Light” Story of a girl that shared the light of the gospel with her friend.
Liahona October 2021 “Temples, the Name of the Church, and Including Others” Refuge from the Storm
Try this activity to teach how gathering as Latter-day Saints gives us strength and protection.
- Read together Doctrine and Covenants 115:6: “The gathering together upon the land of Zion, and upon her stakes, may be for a defense, and for a refuge from the storm, and from wrath when it shall be poured out without mixture upon the whole earth.”
- Roll a set of dice or have a family member think of a number between 1 and 10.
- If the number is odd, name something that will protect you from a physical storm (for example: umbrella, coat, house).
- If the number is even, name something that will protect you from a spiritual storm (for example: scriptures, prayer, obedience, our families).
- Take turns thinking of answers.
- If you have older children, you could discuss the meaning of Zion from the Guide to the Scriptures: “Pure in heart” (Doctrine and Covenants 97:21). How does gathering together with the pure in heart protect us?
Discussion: What are some of the physical and spiritual storms we face? How can we gather in Christ? How can we “arise and shine forth”? (Doctrine and Covenants 115:5).
How can we do better in the work of strengthening other members of the Church?
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Helaman 13–16: Glad Tidings of Great Joy”
Ask the children how Samuel knew what to say when he was preaching from the city wall. Invite them to search Helaman 13:2–4 for an answer. Tell about a time when the Holy Ghost helped you know in your heart what God wanted you to do or say. Ask the children to share any similar experiences they have had.
When Samuel the Lamanite was commanded to preach to the Nephites, Heavenly Father helped him know in his heart what he should say.
Teach the children that while we speak to each other using words, the Holy Ghost can communicate through feelings in our hearts. Invite them to hold their hands over their hearts each time you read the word “heart” in Helaman 13:2–5. Help them decorate heart-shaped pieces of paper that say, “The Spirit speaks to me in my heart.”
The Holy Ghost helps them know what Heavenly Father wants them to do and say.
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”
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
I can show my love for Jesus by feeding his sheep
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 How can you inspire the children to love and help those around them?
Read John 21:15–17, or show the video “Feed My Sheep” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Help the children understand what Jesus wanted Peter to do: share the gospel and invite everyone to believe in Jesus.
Friend July 2019 “Jesus Said to Share the Gospel”
[unitegallery 2019Jul]
Give each of the children a paper sheep, and ask them to write or draw on it something they can do to help someone they know to come closer to Jesus.
“Lesson 33: The Resurrection of Jesus Christ,” Primary 7: New Testament
- Be a good example by attending church, using clean language, obeying the commandments, being honest, praying, studying the scriptures, living what you learn, and obeying your parents and the laws of the land.
- Bear testimony to members and nonmembers.
- Help others choose the right when they are tempted.
- Talk about the gospel to people who don’t know about it.
- Pray and study the scriptures to grow closer to the Lord.
Help the children think of things they are doing to love and serve others. What else can we do to show our love?
Friend July 2023 “Bright Idea”
Write the name of every child in your class on pieces of paper cut into the shape of sheep, and scatter these sheep around the room. (Include the names of children who don’t attend regularly.) Invite the children to gather the sheep by finding the one with their name on it. Help the children think of ways they can reach out to a friend who doesn’t come to church.
- Show the children the treat you brought. Point out how wonderful and mouth watering it looks. Take a bite and describe the texture and flavor; tell them how delicious it is. Ask the children how they would feel if you ate the treat in front of them and didn’t share.
- Show the treats with the gospel blessing labels attached. Explain to the children that the labeled treats represent the many blessings they enjoy because they are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Read the labels to the children. Ask if it would be fair or right if we kept the blessings of the gospel to ourselves and didn’t share with anyone else.
- Tell the children that you brought treats to share with each of them. Ask how that makes them feel.
- Explain to the children that the Lord has asked us to share the gospel with others and help feed his children spiritual food so they can enjoy the blessings of the gospel too. Teaching Children the Gospel “Lesson 17 – Ammon – A Mighty Missionary”
I can show my love for Jesus by feeding His sheep.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 Children can greatly influence those around them. How can you encourage them to strengthen others in the gospel?
Read John 21:1–17 together. When you read verses 9–13, ask the children to think about a time when someone made a special meal for them, and invite them to think about ways that Jesus feeds us spiritually. When you read verses 15–17, replace Simon’s name with names of the children.
Who are Jesus’s sheep? How can we help Him feed them?
“Lesson 33: The Resurrection of Jesus Christ,” Primary 7: New Testament
- Be a good example by attending church, using clean language, obeying the commandments, being honest, praying, studying the scriptures, living what you learn, and obeying your parents and the laws of the land.
- Bear testimony to members and nonmembers.
- Help others choose the right when they are tempted.
- Talk about the gospel to people who don’t know about it.
- Pray and study the scriptures to grow closer to the Lord.
Friend July 2023 “How You Can Be a Missionary”
Friend March 2017 “Love Your Neighbor”
Share a simple snack with the children. As they are eating, ask them how sharing the gospel with someone is like feeding them.
- Show the children the treat you brought. Point out how wonderful and mouth watering it looks. Take a bite and describe the texture and flavor; tell them how delicious it is. Ask the children how they would feel if you ate the treat in front of them and didn’t share.
- Show the treats with the gospel blessing labels attached. Explain to the children that the labeled treats represent the many blessings they enjoy because they are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Read the labels to the children. Ask if it would be fair or right if we kept the blessings of the gospel to ourselves and didn’t share with anyone else.
- Tell the children that you brought treats to share with each of them. Ask how that makes them feel.
- Explain to the children that the Lord has asked us to share the gospel with others and help feed his children spiritual food so they can enjoy the blessings of the gospel too. Teaching Children the Gospel “Lesson 17 – Ammon – A Mighty Missionary”
- Why is feeding sheep a good way to describe serving God’s children?
Friend June 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities”
- Story: After Jesus was resurrected, He told His disciples to “teach all nations” about His gospel (Matthew 28:19). Today missionaries share the gospel all over the world.
- Song: “We’ll Bring the World His Truth” (Children’s Songbook, 172–73)
- Activity: Look through this copy of the Friend. How many country names can you find? Pick a country to learn more about. You can start with “Hello from Portugal!” on page 18.
- “Lesson 34: Feed My Sheep,” Primary 7: New Testament
- Image: “Feed My Sheep”
- Image: “Jesus Christ asks Peter “Lovest Thou Me More Than These?”
I Can Strengthen Others.
Even young children can follow the counsel to strengthen others “in all your conversation, in all your prayers, … and in all your doings.”
- Draw a person on the board, and ask the children to name some things the person could do to become physically stronger. (You might draw bigger muscles on the person as the children name things.) Read Doctrine and Covenants 108:7, and ask the children to listen for ways we can “strengthen [our] brethren [and sisters].” Explain any words that might be difficult.
- Help the children think of people they know who may need strengthening. What could we say to them or do for them? Work together to make cards for these people, or encourage the children to remember them in their personal and family prayers.
How can we strengthen each other in our conversations? in our prayers? in our exhortations, or encouragement? in all our doings? You might choose one of these to work on as a family.
Liahona June 2023 “Deeper Connections to Christ: Come, Follow Me Family Fun”
Jesus Christ gave Peter this counsel on conversion: “When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren” (Luke 22:32).
- Read Luke 22:32 with your family.
- Invite family members to sit on the floor.
- Ask them to try to stand up without using their hands for balance.
- Choose two family members to sit on the floor, back-to-back, linking arms.
- Instruct the family members to push against each other at the same time and stand up. By working together, standing becomes easier.
- Repeat the game until everyone has a chance to work together.
Discussion: When we are truly converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ, we can strengthen others. What are some ways Heavenly Father can strengthen us? How can we use our conversion to strengthen others?
I can help my friends live the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Because of the Anti-Nephi-Lehies’ promise not to fight anymore, they could not defend themselves from their enemies. Read Alma 27:23, and explain that their friends among the Nephites chose to protect the Anti-Nephi-Lehies so they could keep their promise. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 23-29”)
- Your children could read Alma 27:22–23, looking for what the Nephites did to help the Anti-Nephi-Lehies keep their promise to never fight again. How can we help our friends keep their promises? Your children could role-play situations. For example, what can we say to a friend who wants to lie or be mean? (Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 23-29”)
Come Follow Me Kid Some additional situations could be:
A friend wants you to go somewhere your parents told you not to go to.
A friend tells another kid they can’t play with them because they think they’re weird.
A friend has a bag of candy and is rudely telling other kids that he/she is not going to share.
A friend wants you to try a cigarette with them.
A friend starts making fun of another kid and tries to get you to join.
A friend tells you to lie to your parents about something that happened.
Friend May 2016 Matt’s friend accidently damages his father’s car. Matt encourages his friend to choose the right and be honest.
In Conversation
Friend October 2019 “Words Matter” The words we say make a big difference. Trace your finger along the lines to see how the words you say can make others feel. Also, make some kind notes to give to others.
In Prayers
Friend March 2020 “Praying for Uncle Dan” At bedtime Isabelle’s family prayed together. They always started by talking about people who might need extra blessings. This time dad asked them to pray for Uncle Dan who had lost his job. Every day they prayed for him, and eventually he started making progress in finding a new job.
Friend September 2019 “Praying Like Alma” Joplin got hit by a tornado and Isaac wants to go help, but he’s too young. While learning about Alma’s prayer for his son, Isaac got the idea to pray for the people of Joplin. He said prayers for them everyday.
In Your Exhortations
Friend July 2020 “Kind Enough to Speak Up” Charlie’s friend was mean to people and called them names. Charlie talked to his friend about it and he agreed to stop being mean.
Friend February 2018 “Standing up for Church” Easton is surprised when kids in his international school class laugh when a boy says he goes to church. He decides to do his family identity presentation on church so that others would see why it’s important and not silly.
In Your Doings
Latter Day Kids “Strengthening Others” Lesson, story, and activity ideas to go along with below video.
By Being Kind
Friend July 2023 “Magnolia’s Amazing Dad” Some kids in Primary weren’t kind to Magnolia. They told her that her family wasn’t a good family because her Dad wasn’t a member of the church, but he went to church with them, and he did scripture study and prayer with the family. It made her want to cry because her father was an amazing dad. Magnolia talked to her parents and said. “Jesus taught us to be kind to everyone. Saying mean things doesn’t seem like following Jesus.” “You’re right,” said Dad. “Maybe when you feel like saying something mean, you can remember how you felt when others were unkind to you. Then you can say something kind instead.”
In Your Invitations to Come to Church
Friend May 2022 “Teams and Talents” Jillian helped her friend come back to church.
Friend November 2018 “Sharing Friendship” Elenoa’s parents buy extra copies of the Friend when they go to the temple. Elenoa and her siblings think of friends who haven’t been coming to Primary, and then they visit them and take them a Friend magazine and a treat. (Photos included in article.)
I can share what I’m learning from the scriptures.
Friend October 2023 “I Can Read the Scriptures”
Children can have a great influence on those around them. Like Baruch, they can share what they are learning in the scriptures with others.
- Invite the children to do actions that go along with the words as you read (or summarize) Jeremiah 36:4–10, such as pretending to write in a book (see verse 4), holding the bars of a jail (see verse 5), and reading the scriptures to the people (see verses 8, 10). Emphasize that Baruch had the courage to read the words of Jeremiah to the people even though the leaders in Jerusalem didn’t want him to. Help the children to remember something they have learned from the Old Testament and to think of ways they can share it with others.
- Sing a song about the scriptures, such as “Search, Ponder, and Pray” (Children’s Songbook, 109). Share your testimony of the scriptures, and invite the children to share their testimonies too.
Friend January 2023 “Lights, Camera, Service!” Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Antonella and Mariana couldn’t go to church in person. There weren’t many video resources in Spanish for Come Follow Me, so they decided to make some to share with others. Making the videos really helped them learn more as well.
I can help prepare “the way of the Lord.”
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 40–49” We help fulfill the prophecy in Isaiah 40:3–5 by helping others receive the Lord in their lives.
- Ask one child to read Isaiah 40:3 while the other children each read one of the following passages and look for similar words and phrases: Mark 1:3–4 (John the Baptist); Alma 7:9 (Alma); Doctrine and Covenants 33:10–11 (latter-day missionaries). Help them identify who is preparing “the way of the Lord” in each passage. How did these people prepare the way of the Lord? What can we do to help?
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 40-49”To explore what it might mean to “prepare … the way of the Lord,” your family could straighten something that’s crooked, clear a cluttered floor, or make a clear path in rocky ground. You could also show pictures of John the Baptist and Joseph Smith (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 35, 87). How did they prepare the way for the Lord’s coming?
If you get something straight, you make sure that you understand it properly or that someone else does.
Friend December 1991 “I Have a Testimony of Jesus Christ”
While we’ll all experience stumbling blocks in life, we can make a straight path to Christ for ourselves and others by removing what obstacles we can. We can be dedicated to making our wards and branches welcoming places for all types of people from all walks of life. We can address concerns, answer questions, and sit with someone through doubt until they’re ready to take another step. (LDS Daily “What It Means to Make the Lord’s Path Straight”)
- Draw a path on the board, and read with the children Isaiah 40:3–5. Ask the children to list obstacles that might prevent people from following the Savior, and invite them to draw obstacles on the path. Let them erase the obstacles as you talk about ways we can help people overcome them.
- Suggestions might include the following: not understanding things that are being taught in Primary, not knowing anyone at church, never having prayed before, never having read the scriptures before, not knowing anything about Jesus, not understanding what the sacrament is for, not believing that Heavenly Father and Jesus could appear to Joseph Smith, etc.
4 Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain:
Latter Day Kids “Preparing the Way for the Lord” Lesson ideas
Fellowshipping
Friend August 2018 “Show and Tell”
My friends and I went to see our friend Ruth from church. We brought carrot cake and flowers and sang Primary songs to her. It made us all happy!
Friend October 2017 “Helping Gilly” Brenda calls Gilly to tell her that she and the other girls in Primary miss her.
Friend August 2017 “Reaching Out to New Friends” Elder Anderson shares a story of a boy in Uganda fellowshipping another boy and a story about children behind a fence being invited into a meeting. Sometimes people at church feel like they are behind a fence looking in and need a friend and an invitation to join in.
Friend February 2017 “The Best Part of the Week” Jenny’s family doesn’t go to church very often, but Jenny decides to go by herself after her friend invites her to sit with her family.
Friend February 2017 “Friendship Brownies” Grace’s Primary class makes brownies and a huge card to take to a classmate who hasn’t been coming.
Friend September 2016 “Musical Chairs” A new boy starts attending Elizabeth’s Primary class and he isn’t like the other children, so they start avoiding sitting near him. He stops coming for a while.
Friend September 2022 “Camping Friends” Edison’s family was inactive but some boys from the ward invited him to a camping trip. They also included him at the campground. He had fun and became friends with some boys. They had a testimony meeting and Edison wanted to know what his friends knew about God and Jesus. He decided to go to church even if his family didn’t.
Fellowshipping New Members
Friend April 2018 “Book of Mormon Buddies” Tory is a new member of the church and has a hard time reading the Book of Mormon because of all the unfamiliar words in it. Her friend, Erica, invites Tory to join her family in the mornings for scripture study. This helps Tory until she hurts her ankle and can’t walk to Erica’s. Erica sets up a video call for Tory so she can still read with them.
Friend October 2017 “Helping Gilly” Brenda calls Gilly to tell her that she and the other girls in Primary miss her.
My family picks up new members of our ward to give them rides to church. We invite them to our home for family home evening, dinners, and holidays. We want the new members to feel welcome.
Friend June 2016 Matt and Mandy
Friend July 2017 Matt and Mandy
God wants His People to be United and Work Together.
Being baptized makes us “one in Christ.” (Sr)
Invite the children to read Galatians 3:26–28 with this question in mind: What happens when I am baptized? You might want to focus on phrases like “put on Christ” or “one in Christ.” What might these phrases mean? How is “putting on Christ” similar to taking His name upon ourselves? (see Doctrine and Covenants 20:75–79). What can we do to show others that we have taken His name upon ourselves? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Galatians” )
Read together Galatians 3:28, and identify some of the ways people identified themselves when they were baptized in Paul’s day. Help the children name some ways they identify themselves today. What is Paul trying to teach us about how we should see each other when we are baptized? Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Galatians” )
Doctrine and Covenants 38:24–27
To prepare the Saints to gather, the Lord taught them to see each other as equals and “be one” (verse 27).
Read Doctrine and Covenants 38:24-25 Explain that when God says something twice in a row, it is probably something that we should pay extra attention to. What does it mean to esteem someone as yourself? We need to value others as much as we value ourselves. We need each other. We need each others strength, support, and gifts and talents. Have the children tell what different parts of the body does. Explain that each part of the body is important and needed. Just like our body parts are united and working together, we need to be united as people and learn to work together as one.
Friend April 2021 “Scripture Time Fun Working Together: Jesus taught us to “be one” (Doctrine and Covenants 38:27). That means working together with the people around us to accomplish the same goal.
- Choose a partner and stand next to each other, shoulder to shoulder. Use a scarf or rope to gently tie your ankle to your partner’s. Work together to practice walking. How fast can you get safely from one place to another?
- Sing “Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel” (Hymns, no. 252).
Share an object lesson that illustrates how things can be combined or united to become one, such as pieces of cloth that make one quilt or ingredients that make one loaf of bread. What do these examples teach us about becoming one as God’s people? Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 37–40”,
- Help the children understand that we need to work together to help everyone feel comfortable at church. Ask the children to suggest ways to develop unity within your ward (branch) or class. Write their suggestions on the chalkboard. Encourage each child to choose one or two ideas to work on during the coming weeks.Possible suggestions:
- Take care of the church building.
- Treat others kindly.
- Listen to the speakers.
- Pray for one another.
- Speak kind words.
- Listen and participate in Primary class.
- Attend ward (branch) activities.
- Help everyone feel welcome at Church meetings and activities.
- Be cheerful.
- Express gratitude for Church leaders and teachers.
- Participate willingly when asked to give a talk, pray, or sing.
- Ask the children to share an experience when they have felt love and support from their family or from ward or branch members. Ask them how they feel when they receive this kind of support. You may want to share an experience of your own.
- Show the children an item used in a skill (such as a set of knitting needles or a musical instrument). Give the item to a child and ask him or her to perform the skill. If you have the particular skill, demonstrate how to use the item properly after the child has attempted to use it. Discuss how difficult it is to do something for the first time without a teacher’s instruction or direction.Relate this to the newly organized Church in 1830. The members were living in various places without any leaders nearby to direct the Church and help the members understand Church teachings. It often took a long time to receive communication from the Prophet. The Church members were anxious to go to Ohio, where they could be instructed by the Prophet and other Church leaders.
- Have the children stand. Demonstrate how easy it is for you to move one child alone. Then have the children wrap their arms around each other’s shoulders. Show how much more difficult it is for you to move all the children at once. Help the children understand that when we stand together and support each other, as members of families or members of the Church, it is easier for us to remain firm in our beliefs and do the right things.
- Demonstrate the importance of working together by doing the following activity:Cut some strong string or cord into two-yard [two-meter] lengths, one for each child in the class. Have each child tie his or her string a little above midway on a stick about four or five feet [one and a half meters] long, such as a broom or mop handle or a yardstick.Lay the stick in the middle of the classroom with the children sitting around it in a circle. Ask one child to see if he or she can raise the stick to a vertical position by pulling only his or her string. Ask another child to join the first and see if two strings can keep the stick standing. Then ask all the children to pull their strings to hold the stick in a vertical position. (You may have to slightly adjust the places where the strings are tied.)
- What happened when one person pulled on the stick? What happened when someone else helped?
- What needed to be done in order to make the stick stand upright?Explain that just as everyone needed to work together to make the stick stand upright, Heavenly Father knew the early members of the Church needed to be gathered together in order to strengthen and help each other. We can experience the same strength and support in our own ward (or branch).
Sing “We Are Different” (Children’s Songbook,140–41, 263).
1. I know you, and you know me. We are as diff’rent as the sun and the sea I know you, and you know me, And that’s the way it’s supposed to be.
2. I help you, and you help me. We learn from problems, and we’re starting to see. I help you, and you help me, And that’s the way it’s supposed to be.
3. I love you, and you love me We reach together for the best we can be I love you, and you love me, And that’s the way it’s supposed to be.
Ensign April 2021“Family Study Fun” United as One
In Doctrine and Covenants 38:27, the Savior says, “I say unto you, be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine.” We are encouraged to be one that we “might escape the power of the enemy” (Doctrine and Covenants 38:31).
- Stand together in the center of the room.
- Choose one person to walk through the middle of the group.
- Repeat the exercise but this time as a group stand closer together, linking arms and hands if possible.
Discussion: How are we more protected from outside influences as we stand stronger and closer together? How does greater unity protect us?
Unity
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “1 Corinthians 8-13” In Paul’s time, Corinth was a wealthy trade center with residents from all over the Roman Empire. With so many different cultures and religions in the city, Church members in Corinth struggled to maintain unity, so Paul sought to help them find unity in their belief in Christ. This unity was to be more than just peaceful coexistence; Paul wasn’t asking them merely to tolerate each other’s differences. Rather, he taught that when you join the Church of Jesus Christ, you are “baptized into one body,” and every body part is needed (1 Corinthians 12:13). When one member is lost, it’s like losing a limb, and the body is weaker as a result. When one member suffers, we should all feel it and do our part to relieve it. In this kind of unity, differences are not just acknowledged but cherished, because without members of diverse gifts and abilities, the body would be limited. So whether you feel like you’ve always been at home in the Church or find yourself wondering if you truly belong, Paul’s message to you is that unity is not sameness. You need your fellow Saints, and your fellow Saints need you.
Paul’s analogy of a body could be a memorable way to discuss family unity. For example, family members could try drawing a body made only of eyes or ears (see verse 17). What do these verses suggest about how we should treat each other as family members?
Liahona September 2023 “How Can We Make Our Congregations More United?”
Friend September 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Move Your Body”
Friend September 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities for Little Ones” Point to some body parts and ask your little ones why each part is important. Explain that all the parts work together to help us do things. God loves all His children. He wants us to work together to help and serve others.
New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) “1 Corinthians 12” Paul wrote to the Saints in Corinth to help them recognize their need to be unified in Christ. He taught that if all members would recognize and use the spiritual gifts they had received from the Lord, they could be like the many parts of a body working together in unison.
For the Strength of Youth September 2023 “Beloved of God” By Elder Gerrit W. Gong Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Imagine what music would be like if every instrument sounded the same. What if every key on a piano played the same note or if every voice in a choir were identical? This would make music very boring!
As with music, Heavenly Father rejoices in the varied talents, personalities, and experiences of each of His children, each a beloved daughter or son.
Friend September 2023 Cover We are all needed
Friend September 2023 “Women of Faith”
I Can Help Others Feel Welcome at Church.
Friend February 2020 “A Kind Primary Class” Jayden was nervous to go to a different ward when he was out of town. But when he got to Primary he felt better because the other kids included him and were kind. They shared their scriptures with him, talked to him, and helped him. They became his friends. Activity: Aria is new at church. Fill in the speech bubbles with what you could say. How could you help a visitor feel welcome?
Friend September 2021 “New Amigos” Brigit’s family had just moved to Venezuela and she was worried and scared about going to church because she didn’t speak Spanish. When they walked into the chapel, two girls her age rushed over to meet her. When they realized she didn’t speak English they told her their names, sat with her, and started teaching her Spanish. The girls helped Brigit feel welcomed and happy .
Friend May 2021 “Tara’s New Friend” Tara sees a boy sitting alone at church. She doesn’t speak his language so she decides to draw pictures for him.
There are all kinds of children in the world. And Heavenly Father loves them all! He wants us to love them too. How many hearts can you find?
Friend September 2022 “Singing Time Together” During singing time, Sarah notices a girl sitting alone and not singing. Sarah goes and sits by her and whispers the words of the song to her so she can sing too. Sarah finds out that it was the girl’s first time in Primary.
The Lord Wants Me to Welcome and Accept Others.
Doctrine and Covenants 124:22–24, 60–61
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 124” Considering what the Saints had just suffered in Missouri, they might have been tempted to isolate themselves and discourage visitors in Nauvoo. Keep that in mind as you read Doctrine and Covenants 124:22–24, 60–61. What impresses you about the Lord’s instructions to build a “house for boarding”? (verse 23). What do His words teach you about the mission of His Church? Ponder how these instructions may apply to you and your home.
Wards: Taking Care of Each Other
Friend July 2018 “Take Care of Each Other” Joseph Smith organized wards in Nauvoo as a way to take care of the many people who were moving there. Today, wards continue to help us take care of each other
Listening and Learning in Church
Preparation can begin at home as families discuss how to improve their experience in sacrament meeting.
Friend August 2023 “Church Scavenger Hunt” Church is a place where you can learn, have fun, and help others. See how many things on this list you can do!
Attending church with Little Ones
Friend January 2016 “For Parents of Little Ones” Ideas for attending church with little ones.
Name of the Church
I Belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Doctrine and Covenants 115:4–5
Friend October 2021 “Jesus Christ Named His Church”
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 115-120”
- Ask the children if any of them can say the full name of the Church. Show them the Church logo (on a Church publication or missionary name tag), write the name on the board, or read it to them from Doctrine and Covenants 115:4. Ask the children to say the name with you as you point to each word. Point out significant words in the name, and help the children understand why these words are important (see “Chapter 43: Jesus Christ Names His Church,” Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 164).
For the Strength of Youth October 2021 “The Name of His Church”
Friend October 2021 “Scripture Time Fun: The Church’s Name”
Pretend that one of you has never heard of the Church before. Take turns sharing what you believe and practice saying the full name of the Church.
Ensign October 2020 “Family Study Fun: Act a Song”
Read 3 Nephi 27:8 together. Explain what each word in the name of the Church means: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- Sing “The Church of Jesus Christ”(Children’s Songbook,77).
- Come up with actions for the different words in the song. For example, you could stand up when you sing the word “I,” touch your head when you sing “know,” and march in place for “follow.”
- Practice using these different actions as you sing the song together.
Discussion: Why is the full name of the Church important? How can you politely help people understand the full name of the Church when they refer to us as “Mormons”?
Sing together “The Church of Jesus Christ” (Children’s Songbook, 77), and share with the children how you feel about being a member of Jesus Christ’s Church. Let them share how they feel about the Church.
Friend November 2018 A simplified version of the song that is easy to play. Also, a sing-along video.
“The Church of Jesus Christ” (Children’s Songbook, 77)
- Ask each child to say his or her name. Why are our names important? Tell them that Jesus’s disciples wanted to know what they should name Christ’s Church. Read to them the Savior’s response in 3 Nephi 27:7. Who did Jesus say His Church should be named after?
- Ask the children to help you write each word of the name of the Church on a separate piece of paper. Then mix the papers up, and invite the children to arrange these words in order. What blessings have we received because we are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
Friend November 2018 “The Correct Name of the Church” The prophet, Russell M. Nelson, directs church members to use the correct name of the church. Questions are answered to explain why. Also a book mark is included and an example cartoon of how to respond when people ask what church we belong to.
Friend November 2021 “Conference Notes”
Sustaining
What is common consent?
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.
- What does it mean to sustain members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles?
We often think of sustaining Church leaders as the physical act of raising our hand. But sustaining is more than just giving an outward sign. Sustaining includes supporting, encouraging, trusting, and following those we sustain because we believe they are called of God.
We Are Blessed as We Sustain Our Church Leaders.
- To help the children review the story in Exodus 17:8–16, write on the board: Who helped Moses during the battle? What did they do? What was the result? Invite the children to look for answers in the verses. What does this story teach about how we can help God’s kingdom be successful? What can we do to support, sustain, and follow our Church leaders?
- Invite the children to read Exodus 17:8–16 and draw a picture of what they read. Encourage them to write on their drawing a message they learn from the story. Why is this an important message for us today?
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 14–17” You might act out the story of Aaron and Hur holding up the hands of Moses and discuss how this could symbolize how we sustain those whom God has called to lead us. You might also contrast the example of Aaron and Hur with the Israelites’ murmuring against Moses (described throughout chapters 15–17). What are some ways we can help and sustain our leaders? What blessings come to us and our leaders as we do?
Zion
Zion:
Elder Bruce R. McConkie (1915–85) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles declared, “From the day of Adam to the present moment—whenever the Lord has had a people of his own; whenever there have been those who have hearkened to his voice and kept his commandments; whenever his saints have served him with full purpose of heart—there has been Zion. “Liahona September 2021 “Bring Forth Zion”
The Prophet Joseph Smith taught, “Any place where the Saints gather is Zion, which every righteous man [or woman] will build up for a place of safety for his [or her] children” (Teachings: Joseph Smith, 186). How can we build Zion in our home?Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 94-97”
Down through history God has regularly called His people to establish Zion. That was usually a particular place where God’s people could be free from the influences of the world and live in harmony with one another. But in this last great dispensation, Zion is not limited to one geographic location. In our day, Zion can be wherever a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is found. The Lord described these people of Zion as being “of one heart and one mind” (Moses 7:18) and “pure in heart” (Doctrine and Covenants 97:21). In short, we no longer think of Zion as where we are going to live but how we are going to live. For the Strength of Youth September 2021 “Seeking Zion and the Lord’s Blessings”
Zion is “The Pure in Heart.”
Doctrine and Covenants 97:1–2, 8–9, 21
The Prophet Joseph Smith taught, “We ought to have the building up of Zion as our greatest object” (Teachings: Joseph Smith, 186). To the Saints in the 1830s, Zion was a place, the literal “city of our God” (Doctrine and Covenants 97:19). But in the revelation recorded in section 97, the Lord expanded that view. Zion also describes a people—“the pure in heart” (verse 21).
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 ” Doctrine and Covenants 94–97″
- Invite the children to read Doctrine and Covenants 97:21, and ask them what the word “pure” means. To illustrate, show them a glass of clean water, and discuss why it is important to have clean water. Add something to the water that makes it impure (such as dirt or pepper). Invite the children to read Doctrine and Covenants 97:21 again and put their finger on the word “pure.” What does it mean for our hearts to be pure? Help the children understand that being pure in heart doesn’t mean we never make mistakes. What can we do to become more pure in heart? How does the Savior help us?
- Help the children search Doctrine and Covenants 97:1–2, 8–9, 21, looking for words or phrases that describe how to become pure in heart. Ask them to pick a word or phrase, write it on a slip of paper, and place it in a container. Draw out one slip at a time, and ask the children to suggest things they can do to use that idea in their lives. For example, what can we do to “find truth” (verse 1) or be more “honest” (verse 8)?
Pure in Heart:
- Someone who is genuinely clean and good in thought and action.
- What are some examples of good thoughts and actions?
- How have we done these things?
Zion (the Lord’s Church) Shall Be “An Ensign Unto the People.”
Doctrine and Covenants 64:41–42
An ensign is “a flag or standard around which people gather in a unity of purpose or identity”(Guide to the Scriptures, “Ensign,” scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). How has Zion—or the Lord’s Church—been like an ensign to you? What do these verses teach you about how you can help the Church be an ensign where you live? Doctrine and Covenants 64:41–43. (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 64–66”)
A standard is something established by authority… as a model or example
41 For, behold, I say unto you that Zion shall flourish, and the glory of the Lord shall be upon her; 42 And she shall be an ensign unto the people, and there shall come unto her out of every nation under heaven.
Friend March 2011 “Bright Idea”
Bring a flashlight or a picture of the sun, and compare light to the power of a righteous example. Just as the light from a flashlight or the sun can help us see a path we need to follow, a righteous example shows us what to do in order to follow Heavenly Father. What can the children do to be a good example to others? Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 39-42”
Friend April 2018 “A High-Five Example”Students in a special needs class we’re trying to give Lily’s classmates high fives as they walked by, but nobody did it until Lily gave them all high fives then everyone behind her did it.
Zion can be built only on principles of righteousness.
Doctrine and Covenants 103:1–12, 36; 105:1–19
Why did the Saints lose their promised land in Missouri? And why didn’t the Lord allow Zion’s Camp to restore them to their lands? Certainly the violent actions of Missouri mobs played a role, and the governor of Missouri had pledged support for the Saints but never gave it. But the Lord said that “were it not for the transgressions of my people,” Zion “might have been redeemed” (Doctrine and Covenants 105:2). As you read Doctrine and Covenants 103:1–12, 36; 105:1–19, you may notice some things that hindered the establishment of Zion in Missouri and others that could have helped. What do you learn that can help you establish Zion in your heart and home?
My Example Can Help Others Come to Christ and Find Safety.
Doctrine and Covenants 115:4–6
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 115-120”
The children you teach likely know people who are being affected by the storms of life and need the “refuge” (verse 6) provided in the Church. Consider how you will inspire the children to “arise and shine forth” (verse 5) and share their light with these people.
- Pass around a flashlight, a picture of the sun, or something else to represent the light of the Savior’s gospel. When it’s their turn to hold the light, invite the children to read Doctrine and Covenants 115:4–5 and name something they can do to “shine forth” like a light for others (see 3 Nephi 18:24).
- Invite the children to draw a picture depicting Doctrine and Covenants 115:6. For example, they could draw a storm, with people taking refuge in a Church building. What are some things the storm might represent? How does the Church provide refuge from these things?
- Invite the children to stand when you read the word “arise” in Doctrine and Covenants 115:5. Invite them to stretch out their fingers like rays of sunlight when you read “shine forth.” Sing together a song about being a light to others, such as “I Am like a Star” (Children’s Songbook, 163). Remind the children that our light comes from Jesus Christ, and help them think of ways they can “shine forth.”
Would it work for your family to read Doctrine and Covenants 115:4–6. while watching a sunrise? It might help you discuss what it means to “arise and shine forth” (verse 5). Or you could also discuss what it is like to seek shelter during a storm. How could that experience be like finding “refuge” in the Church? (verse 6). You could then talk about ways your family can help others enjoy the refuge the Church provides.
New Era June 1997 “Friendly Light” Story of a girl that shared the light of the gospel with her friend.
Liahona October 2021 “Temples, the Name of the Church, and Including Others” Refuge from the Storm
Try this activity to teach how gathering as Latter-day Saints gives us strength and protection.
- Read together Doctrine and Covenants 115:6: “The gathering together upon the land of Zion, and upon her stakes, may be for a defense, and for a refuge from the storm, and from wrath when it shall be poured out without mixture upon the whole earth.”
- Roll a set of dice or have a family member think of a number between 1 and 10.
- If the number is odd, name something that will protect you from a physical storm (for example: umbrella, coat, house).
- If the number is even, name something that will protect you from a spiritual storm (for example: scriptures, prayer, obedience, our families).
- Take turns thinking of answers.
- If you have older children, you could discuss the meaning of Zion from the Guide to the Scriptures: “Pure in heart” (Doctrine and Covenants 97:21). How does gathering together with the pure in heart protect us?
Discussion: What are some of the physical and spiritual storms we face? How can we gather in Christ? How can we “arise and shine forth”? (Doctrine and Covenants 115:5).
