Mormon Chapter 1 Ammaron instructs Mormon concerning the sacred records—War commences between the Nephites and the Lamanites—The Three Nephites are taken away—Wickedness, unbelief, sorceries, and witchcraft prevail. About A.D. 321–26.
Mormon Chapter 2 Mormon leads the Nephite armies—Blood and carnage sweep the land—The Nephites lament and mourn with the sorrowing of the damned—Their day of grace is passed—Mormon obtains the plates of Nephi—Wars continue. About A.D. 327–50.
Mormon Chapter 3 Mormon cries repentance unto the Nephites—They gain a great victory and glory in their own strength—Mormon refuses to lead them, and his prayers for them are without faith—The Book of Mormon invites the twelve tribes of Israel to believe the gospel. About A.D. 360–62.
Mormon Chapter 4 War and carnage continue—The wicked punish the wicked—Greater wickedness prevails than ever before in all Israel—Women and children are sacrificed to idols—The Lamanites begin to sweep the Nephites before them. About A.D. 363–75.
Mormon Chapter 5 Mormon again leads the Nephite armies in battles of blood and carnage—The Book of Mormon will come forth to convince all Israel that Jesus is the Christ—Because of their unbelief, the Lamanites will be scattered, and the Spirit will cease to strive with them—They will receive the gospel from the Gentiles in the latter days. About A.D. 375–84.
Mormon Chapter 6 The Nephites gather to the land of Cumorah for the final battles—Mormon hides the sacred records in the hill Cumorah—The Lamanites are victorious, and the Nephite nation is destroyed—Hundreds of thousands are slain with the sword. About A.D. 385.
Mormon was a Nephite who believed in Jesus Christ. He grew up in a time when many people did not obey God’s commandments. The people robbed and killed each other for money and power. There were many wars.
When Mormon was 10, a man named Ammaron came to him. Ammaron took care of the records of the Nephite’s history. Ammaron trusted Mormon and told him the records were hidden in a hill. Ammaron said that when Mormon was 24, Mormon should write what he had seen about their people and add it to the records.
As Mormon grew up, he remembered what Ammaron asked him to do. When Mormon was 15 years old, he was visited of the Lord. Mormon learned about the goodness of Jesus.
Because Mormon was quite young when he developed his faith in Christ, he can be an inspiration to your children. Perhaps you could read Mormon 1:1–3 and your children could listen for how old Mormon was when Ammaron gave him a special mission. You could also help them find in these verses the qualities that Ammaron saw in Mormon. How do these qualities help us follow Jesus Christ?
Because Mormon followed Jesus Christ, he was given opportunities to serve and bless others. You could invite your children to read one or more of the following passages and help them share what they learn about Mormon: Mormon 1:1–3; 2:1, 23–24; and 3:1–3, 12, 20–22 (see also “Chapter 49: Mormon and His Teachings,” Book of Mormon Stories, 138–42). How did he follow Jesus Christ? How did his faith in Jesus Christ help or bless others? How can our faith help people we know?
Junior Primary: Before reading the story, invite the children to listen for how old Mormon was when Ammaron gave him a special mission. Then ask them to hold up that many fingers. To help the children imagine how young Mormon was, show them a picture of someone who is 10 years old. Help them understand the qualities that Ammaron saw in Mormon when he was young, and testify that the children can be like Mormon as they follow Jesus Christ.
Quick to Observe Elder Bednar said, “As used in the scriptures, the word observe has two primary uses. One use denotes “to look” or “to see” or “to notice”—as we learn in Isaiah 42:20: “Seeing many things, but thou observest not; opening the ears, but he heareth not” (emphasis added).
The second use of the word observe suggests “to obey” or “to keep”—as is evident in the Doctrine and Covenants: “But blessed are they who have kept the covenant and observed the commandment, for they shall obtain mercy” (D&C 54:6; emphasis added).
Thus when we are quick to observe, we promptly look or notice and obey.
Show a picture of Mormon (see the picture in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families). Help the children see that because Mormon was responsible and trustworthy enough to keep and preserve the Nephite records, we have the Book of Mormon today. Talk with the children about what it means to be responsible and trustworthy. Invite them to ponder ways they can be more responsible.
When Mormon saw his people’s sorrow, he hoped they would repent. But “their sorrowing was not unto repentance” (Mormon 2:13)—it was not the kind of godly sorrow that leads to real change (see 2 Corinthians 7:8–11). Instead, the Nephites felt worldly sorrow (see Mormon 2:10–11).
Perhaps you could make a chart like the one in “Ideas for Learning at Home and at Church” to help your children understand the difference between godly and worldly sorrow as they read Mormon 2:8, 10–15. Then they could also search Mormon 2:12 to find reasons why repentance should make our “heart[s] … rejoice.” How can we make sure that the sorrow we feel for our sins leads us to seek God’s help to change?:
How do you know if your sorrow is godly or worldly? If you are experiencing worldly sorrow, how can you change it into godly sorrow? Sorrow that leads to repentance and Sorrow that doesn’t lead to repentance.
Godly sorrow inspires change and hope through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. When we feel godly sorrow, we recognize our shortcomings and want to do better. We feel hope for the future—and feel the Savior’s love for us.
I can live righteously despite the wickedness around me.
What words did Mormon use to describe the world he lived in? How did he maintain hope despite the wickedness around him?
Beginning in the first chapter of Mormon, you will notice major differences between Mormon and the people around him. As you read Mormon 1, consider contrasting the qualities and desires of Mormon with those of his people. Note the consequences that came to him and them (you’ll find one example in verses 14–15). What do you learn that inspires you to live righteously in a wicked world?
Inviting your children to list (or draw pictures of) some things they are grateful for might be a good way to help them feel gratitude for God. After they have made a list, you could read Mormon 3:3, 9 and explain that Heavenly Father had blessed the Nephites too, but they had not recognized it. What can we do to show we are thankful to Heavenly Father for our blessings?
Find the things in the picture that show Heavenly Father and Jesus’s love for us.
Friend November 2004 “Blessings Tree” Cut out the leaves and place them in a sack. Have the children take turns picking a leaf from the sack, telling how the item written is a blessing, and gluing it to the tree. When they pick a blank leaf, have them share a blessing of their choice that they are thankful for. Then write the blessing on the leaf and glue it to the tree.
Invite them to hang their pictures somewhere at home where they can see them and remember that Heavenly Father blesses them in many ways. You could also invite them to identify blessings that come from Heavenly Father as they sing the first verse of “I Thank Thee, Dear Father” (Children’s Songbook, 7).
Even though the Nephites were wicked, Mormon never stopped loving them. Help your children find the words “loved” and “love” in Mormon 3:12. You could also sing a song together about loving others, such as “Jesus Said Love Everyone” (Children’s Songbook, 61), while showing pictures of children from around the world. Testify of God’s love for all His children.
Friend May 2022 Cut out the pieces, Glue to heavy paper or craft sticks, and put the puzzle together.
It’s often easy to love those who love us and are like us, but Mormon demonstrated that with help from Heavenly Father, we can love those who believe and act differently than we do.
Ask each child to draw a person on the board, and point out how each person they drew looks different from the others. Draw a large heart surrounding all the drawings. Help the children understand that Heavenly Father wants us to love all people. Read Mormon 3:12, emphasizing the words “love” and “loved.” What did Mormon do to show his love for others?.
Read Mormon 3:12 together, emphasizing the words “love” and “loved.” Help your little ones put their hands on their hearts and say, “I can share God’s love with others,” and then hold their hands outward, as if sharing something. You could listen to or sing “Love One Another” (Children’s Songbook,136) and put your hands on your hearts whenever you hear the word “love.”
Friend November 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Love One Another” Mormon loved the Nephites (see Mormon 3:12). Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have asked us to love others too. Stand in a circle and close your eyes. Count to three, then open your eyes and look at someone. If you are making eye contact with them, say something you love about each other and step out of the circle. Keep going until there is one person left! Then everyone says something they love about that person.
For younger children: Go on a “love” hunt through your home or outside. Invite your little ones to find things that remind them of the people they love.
Loving Others Around Us Role-Play – As Mormon grew older, people around him became more wicked, but hewas able to keep his faith really strong. Was Mormon mean to the people around him who were making wrong choices? (No). One thing that made Mormon so super was the love that he had for God and others around him.
Read Mormon 3:12 and talk about how Mormon felt about the people around him, even though they were wicked.
Role- play how to respond with faith and love to different scenarios of people being different from us or making not-so-good choices (Your friend wants to steal candy from the store, A friend is saying mean things about another person, your neighbor doesn’t believe in praying, someone you’re playing with starts swearing, etc.).
To help your family visualize what it means to be “driven about as chaff before the wind” (verse 16), tear a piece of paper into small pieces and let family members blow them around. Explain to them that chaff is a husk that comes off a seed, and it is light enough to be blown around. How is being “without Christ and God in the world” (verse 16) like being chaff in the wind?
Read Mormon 6:17 together. Talk about what it means that Jesus has “open arms to receive [us]” when He is not physically here with us.
Invite family members to draw a picture of themselves with Jesus. For younger children, use a coloring page from lessonhelps.ChurchofJesusChrist.org or the September Friend.
When the pictures are finished, fold them up and put them in a bowl. Take turns picking a picture at random.
When someone’s picture is chosen, have them talk about a time they have felt the Savior’s love or share something they can do to follow Jesus.
Discussion: Talk about what you can do as a family to help each other follow Jesus and feel closer to Him. How can we be His “arms” here on earth?
Friend May 2025 “Learning from Conference” Elder Gary E. Stevenson taught that the Church’s symbol reminds us that Christ is the center of our Church and should be the center of our lives too. Draw a line to match the description with each part of the symbol.
Name of the Church
I Belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
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).
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.
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.
Jesus Christ named His restored Church “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” (see Doctrine and Covenants 115:3–6). Write down each word of this name on a slip of paper. Scramble the papers. Then try to put the Church’s name in order. See how fast you can do it!
Friend July 2025 “A New Church for Jamesi” Jamesi’s family tried to go to their church one Sunday, but the pastor was out of town. They decided to try the “Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.” They felt warm and happy there, and everyone made him feel welcome. He felt like it was Jesus’s church because of what was taught and how it felt, and because the church was named “The Church of Jesus Christ”. His family wanted to keep attending, and they were eventually baptized.
Confirmed a Member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
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.
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 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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.)
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 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?
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?
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.)
32 But my disciples shall astand in holy places, and shall not be moved;
It might be fun to place pictures of a home, a Church building, and a temple around the room. Then you could give your children clues describing these places and invite them to stand near the picture you are describing. Ask them to stand still while you read the first line from Doctrine and Covenants 45:32. What are some holy places God gives us? Help your children understand that to “stand in holy places, and … not be moved” means to choose the right at all times, no matter what is happening. Invite them to “not be moved” away from righteous thoughts and actions.
In Doctrine and Covenants 45:32, the Lord taught that His disciples will find safety in the last days by standing in holy places—places that are special to the Lord.
Sing “Choose the Right Way” (Children’s Songbook, 160).
Jesus Christ taught that we should “stand in holy places” (Doctrine and Covenants 45:32). A holy place can be anywhere we have the Holy Ghost with us.
With your family, list some things that help you stand in holy places, like being kind or praying. How do those things prepare us for Jesus Christ’s coming? Stick the list somewhere you’ll see it often.
For Doctrine and Covenants 45: Read Doctrine and Covenants 45:32 and help your little ones say, “I can stand in holy places.” Play a game to see who can stand up first and say one good thing they did that day.
My Example Can Help Others Come to Christ and Find Safety.
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.
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?
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.
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”
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.
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?
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Friend May 2016
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 March 2020
Friend March 2020
Friend March 2020
Friend March 2020
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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” )
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.
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).
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).
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.
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?
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “1 Corinthians 8-13” In Paul’s time, Corinth was a wealthy trade center with residents from all over the Roman Empire. With so many different cultures and religions in the city, Church members in Corinth struggled to maintain unity, so Paul sought to help them find unity in their belief in Christ. This unity was to be more than just peaceful coexistence; Paul wasn’t asking them merely to tolerate each other’s differences. Rather, he taught that when you join the Church of Jesus Christ, you are “baptized into one body,” and every body part is needed (1 Corinthians 12:13). When one member is lost, it’s like losing a limb, and the body is weaker as a result. When one member suffers, we should all feel it and do our part to relieve it. In this kind of unity, differences are not just acknowledged but cherished, because without members of diverse gifts and abilities, the body would be limited. So whether you feel like you’ve always been at home in the Church or find yourself wondering if you truly belong, Paul’s message to you is that unity is not sameness. You need your fellow Saints, and your fellow Saints need you.
Paul’s analogy of a body could be a memorable way to discuss family unity. For example, family members could try drawing a body made only of eyes or ears (see verse 17). What do these verses suggest about how we should treat each other as family members?
Friend September 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities 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.
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.
Read Doctrine and Covenants 46:5 aloud, and tell the children in your own words what this verse means. Show pictures of people from around the world. Ask the children which of these people Heavenly Father would want us to invite to our Church meetings. Help the children practice inviting you or each other to come to a Church meeting or activity.
Ask the children to imagine that a friend is coming to church for the first time. Help them think of ways they could help their friend feel welcome. Let them practice what they would say or do if they saw a friend walk into the chapel or the classroom for the first time.
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.
Friend July 2025 “A New Church for Jamesi” Jamesi’s family tried to go to their church one Sunday, but the pastor was out of town. They decided to try the “Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.” They felt warm and happy there, and everyone made him feel welcome. He felt like it was Jesus’s church because of what was taught and how it felt, and because the church was named “The Church of Jesus Christ”. His family wanted to keep attending, and they were eventually baptized.
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
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”
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”
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).
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?
This video isn’t made by members of the church, but it does give a good explanation for what it means to be pure of heart.
Zion (the Lord’s Church) Shall Be “An Ensign Unto the People.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
3 Nephi Chapter 27 Jesus commands that the Church be called in His name—His mission and atoning sacrifice constitute His gospel—Men are commanded to repent and be baptized that they may be sanctified by the Holy Ghost—They are to be even as Jesus is. About A.D. 34–35.
3 Nephi Chapter 28 Nine of the twelve disciples desire and are promised an inheritance in Christ’s kingdom when they die—The Three Nephites desire and are given power over death so as to remain on the earth until Jesus comes again—They are translated and see things not lawful to utter, and they are now ministering among men. About A.D. 34–35.
3 Nephi Chapter 29 The coming forth of the Book of Mormon is a sign that the Lord has commenced to gather Israel and fulfill His covenants—Those who reject His latter-day revelations and gifts will be cursed. About A.D. 34–35.
3 Nephi Chapter 30 The latter-day Gentiles are commanded to repent, come unto Christ, and be numbered with the house of Israel. About A.D. 34–35.
4 Nephi Chapter 1 The Nephites and the Lamanites are all converted unto the Lord—They have all things in common, work miracles, and prosper in the land—After two centuries, divisions, evils, false churches, and persecutions arise—After three hundred years, both the Nephites and the Lamanites are wicked—Ammaron hides up the sacred records. About A.D. 35–321.
To introduce the importance of the name of Jesus’s Church, talk with your children about their own names. Why are our names important? Then you could read 3 Nephi 27:3 together, looking for the question that Jesus’s disciples had. Help your children find the answer in 3 Nephi 27:5–8. Why is the name of the Church important?
You could also help your children think of different groups they belong to, such as a family or a Primary class. Ask them what they like about belonging to each group. Then you could sing “The Church of Jesus Christ” (Children’s Songbook, 77) together and talk about why you are thankful to belong to the Savior’s Church.
Ask the children to help you write each word of the name of the Church on a separate piece of paper. Then mix the papers up, and invite the children to arrange these words in order.
What blessings have we received because we are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
Blessings of the gospel Activity: Read the clues below (not the answer) and let the children pick which picture it is describing.
Prophet: Because of this blessing of the gospel we have the privilege to hear Gods words and direction about current issues and challenges we face. This gift is God’s living spokesman.
Book of Mormon: Because of this blessing of the gospel we know the purpose of life. We also know what we need to do to gain eternal salvation and how to live happy lives.
Temples: This blessing of the gospel allows us the opportunity to receive saving ordinances for ourselves and our dead. We can also be sealed to our family so that we can be with them forever.
Priesthood: Because of this blessing of the gospel we can receive healing blessings for the sick, blessings of comfort and guidance, and have authority to act in Gods name and perform saving ordinances, such as baptism.
Baptism Because this blessing of the gospel, when performed by proper priesthood authority, we can receive a remission of our sins and enter into the gate that leads to eternal life.
Holy Ghost Because of this blessing of the gospel we can receive personal revelation and guidance throughout our lives. We can also receive comfort during difficult times.
Friend November 2018 “The Correct Name of the Church” The prophet, Russell M. Nelson, directs church members to use the correct name of the church. Questions are answered to explain why. Also a book mark is included and an example cartoon of how to respond when people ask what church we belong to.
Friend July 2019 “It is His Church” When Taniela B. Wakolo of the Seventy was learning about the church, the missionaries asked him what he would name his grocery store if he had one. He said he would call after his name because it would be his store. They then ask who a church should be name after. He knew that the true Church would be named after Jesus because it’s His Church. (Activity: In any language, the Church is still named after Jesus Christ. Match each language with the Church’s name in that language.
Read 3 Nephi 27:8 together. Explain what each word in the name of the Church means: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Sing “The Church of Jesus Christ”(Children’s Songbook,77).
Come up with actions for the different words in the song. For example, you could stand up when you sing the word “I,” touch your head when you sing “know,” and march in place for “follow.”
Practice using these different actions as you sing the song together.
Discussion: Why is the full name of the Church important? How can you politely help people understand the full name of the Church when they refer to us as “Mormons”?
The Savior summarized His gospel in 3 Nephi 27. You might explain to your children that the word gospel means “good news.” What good news do we find in 3 Nephi 27:13–16? Use this week’s activity page to teach that the Savior’s Church is built upon His gospel. (see Bible Dictionary, “Gospels”)
Write on the board principles of the gospel like faith, repentance, baptism, the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. Invite the children to search 3 Nephi 27:19–21, looking for these words or similar words in Jesus’s description of His gospel. Why are we grateful to know the gospel of Jesus Christ?
Friend March 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities” Nephi taught that we follow Jesus Christ when we have faith in Him, repent, are baptized, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and endure to the end. Write each step on a different piece of paper, then spread them on the floor. One person closes their eyes and counts to 10 while everyone else stands on a paper. The person who counted then says one of the steps to follow Jesus. The person on that paper counts next.
For younger children: When we have faith in Jesus Christ, we follow what He says. Form a line and walk around. The person in front is the leader. Each person copies how the leader walks. Take turns being the leader!
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “2 Nephi 31-33” Explain that the doctrine of Christ includes the things Jesus Christ taught that we need to do to return to Heavenly Father. Write on different sheets of paper faith in Christ, repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end, and scatter them around the room. Read to the children 3 Nephi 27:13–22, and invite the children to take turns jumping from paper to paper as they hear these principles mentioned. Help them think of an experience they have had with each principle.
Heavenly Father rejoices when His children return to Him.
Consider playing a game in which someone hides and others try to find him or her. This could lead to a conversation about the joy we feel when someone who was lost is found. After reading 3 Nephi 27:30–31, you could talk about how to help each other stay close to Heavenly Father so that “none … are lost.”
Friend February 2017 “The Best Part of the Week” Jenny’s family doesn’t go to church very often, but Jenny decides to go by herself after her friend invites her to sit with her family. Friend November 2018 “Sharing Friendship” Elenoa’s parents buy extra copies of the Friend when they go to the temple. Elenoa and her siblings think of friends who haven’t been coming to Primary, and then they visit them and take them a Friend magazine and a treat. (Photos included in article.)
To help family members understand the joy the Savior described in these verses, you could play a game in which family members hide and another family member tries to find them. This could lead to a conversation about why it’s important to find every family member so that “none of them are lost.” How can we help our family members stay strong in the gospel or return if they have left?
Friend April 2017 “Be Consistent and Keep Trying” Elder Bednar persisted in having family prayer and scripture study and in trying to get his father to join the church, and his persistence paid off.
What would you say if the Savior asked you, as He asked His disciples, “What is it that ye desire of me?” (3 Nephi 28:1). Think about this as you read about the experience of the Savior’s disciples in 3 Nephi 28:1–11. What do you learn about the desires of the disciples’ hearts from their answers to His question?
Book of Mormon: Coloring Book “The Twelve Nephite Disciples” Nine of Jesus’s twelve disciples lived to age 72 because they wanted to speedily return to Jesus. The other three disciples wanted to live until Jesus comes again. Find the Three Nephites in the bottom half of the page who did not get old.
What can we learn from Mormon’s example when he did not understand everything about the change that happened to the three Nephite disciples? What can we do when we don’t understand everything about a gospel principle?
To help your children learn about the happiness of the people described in 4 Nephi, you could show them pictures of happy people. Then, as you read together verses 2–3 and 15–17 (or “Chapter 48: Peace in America,” Book of Mormon Stories, 136–37), they could point to the pictures when you get to something in the story that brings happiness.
To help your children practice what is taught in 4 Nephi 1:15–16, you could present them with situations where people are angry with each other. Invite them to role-play what the situation might be like if we have the “love of God” in our hearts.
Prepare strips of paper with phrases from 4 Nephi 1:2–3, 5, and 15–17 that describe the blessings the people received (such as “there was no contention in the land”). Put the papers in a container, and let each child pick one and read it. Encourage the children to find their phrase in these verses from 4 Nephi. What do we learn from these phrases? What similarities do we see between these verses and the definition of Zion in Moses 7:18?
In 4 Nephi, the Nephites were joyful because they followed Jesus Christ (see 4 Nephi 1:15–16). Take turns silently acting out things you do to follow the Savior that bring you joy. Have everyone else guess what the person is acting.
Come Follow Me Kid Smiley Faces – Print up the smiley faces on page 5 below. There are lots of ways these could be used, so do what you think will be best for your family. Some ideas:
Brainstorm ways your family could be more loving this week, write them on the back of the smiley faces, and string them onto yarn to make a banner.
For younger kids, have them color in a smiley face for each way they can think of for what we can do to make our home a happy and loving place this week.
For younger kids, have them color in a smiley face for each way they can think of for what we can do to make our home a happy and loving place this week.
Take turns saying something someone in the family does that makes you happy and give them a smiley face as you share.
Give each family member some smiley faces. Have them look for secret acts they can do throughout the week to help make the home a happy place and leave a smiley face behind whenever they do something (make someone’s bed, do their chores, make them a treat, etc.).
Write notes on the back of the smiley faces telling family members why they make you happy.
Use them to make a “Random Acts of Kindness Wall” as described here.
Read phrases from 4 Nephi 1:24–29, 34–35, and 43 that describe what happened when some of the Nephites stopped keeping the commandments. As you do, invite the children to make a sad face when they hear something that sounds unhappy. Testify that keeping the commandments leads to happiness.
Read with the children the following verses, and ask them to find reasons the Nephites and Lamanites no longer had peace and happiness: 4 Nephi 1:20, 24–29, 34–35, and 43. How can we avoid these dangers?
To reduce contention in your home, perhaps family members could set a goal to be more loving to each other this week. After the week is over, review your progress together and discuss how showing greater love has affected your family.
3 Nephi CHAPTER 20 Jesus provides bread and wine miraculously and again administers the sacrament unto the people—The remnant of Jacob will come to the knowledge of the Lord their God and will inherit the Americas—Jesus is the prophet like unto Moses, and the Nephites are children of the prophets—Others of the Lord’s people will be gathered to Jerusalem. About A.D. 34.
3 Nephi CHAPTER 21 Israel will be gathered when the Book of Mormon comes forth—The Gentiles will be established as a free people in America—They will be saved if they believe and obey; otherwise, they will be cut off and destroyed—Israel will build the New Jerusalem, and the lost tribes will return. About A.D. 34.
3 Nephi CHAPTER 22 In the last days, Zion and her stakes will be established, and Israel will be gathered in mercy and tenderness—They will triumph—Compare Isaiah 54. About A.D. 34.
3 Nephi CHAPTER 23 Jesus approves the words of Isaiah—He commands the people to search the prophets—The words of Samuel the Lamanite concerning the Resurrection are added to their records. About A.D. 34.
3 Nephi CHAPTER 24 The Lord’s messenger will prepare the way for the Second Coming—Christ will sit in judgment—Israel is commanded to pay tithes and offerings—A book of remembrance is kept—Compare Malachi 3. About A.D. 34.
3 Nephi CHAPTER 25 At the Second Coming, the proud and wicked will be burned as stubble—Elijah will return before that great and dreadful day—Compare Malachi 4. About A.D. 34.
3 Nephi CHAPTER 26 Jesus expounds all things from the beginning to the end—Babes and children utter marvelous things that cannot be written—Those in the Church of Christ have all things in common among them. About A.D. 34.
Ask the children to show you what they do when they pray. What do they do with their arms? their heads? their eyes? Explain that sometimes we want to talk to Heavenly Father, but we can’t kneel or close our eyes. What can we do? Read to the children from 3 Nephi 20:1: “[Jesus] commanded them that they should not cease to pray in their hearts.” Tell the children how you pray in your heart.
Draw a mouth and a heart on the board. Ask the children to point to the mouth and tell you some things they say when they pray. Then ask them to point to the heart, and explain that we can say those same things in our hearts. Testify that Heavenly Father knows our feelings and thoughts.
Friend October 2024 “Learning to Pray” You can pray anytime, anywhere, and Heavenly Father will always listen. Follow the prompts to draw and write about how praying helps you. Where do you like to pray? How do you feel when you pray?
To help family members understand that we can “pray always,” you could make a list of circumstances in which we could pray (or draw pictures to represent them). Then your family could sing a song that teaches about prayer, such as “Did You Think to Pray?” (Hymns, no. 140), replacing some of the words in the song with the words from their lists. How does the Lord bless us when we pray always? (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 )
Hey, you left your room this morning Did you think to pray? In the name of Christ our Savior Did you sooth for loving favor as a shield today?
When you’ve met with great temptation Did you think to pray? By his dying love and merit Did you claim the Holy Spirit as your guide today?
When your heart was filled with anger Did you think to pray? Did you plead for grace my brother That you might forgive another who had crossed your way
Oh, how praying rests the weary Prayer will change the night to day So when life seems dark and dreary Don’t forget to pray, don’t forget to pray
After reading this verse, maybe you could make a homemade tent and talk about how the Church is like a tent in a wilderness. What might it mean to “lengthen [its] cords” and “strengthen [its] stakes”? How do we invite others to find “shelter” in the Church? (see the video “Welcome”onComeuntoChrist.org)
The Savior told the multitude to search the scriptures, and He wanted to make sure they recorded the words of the prophets (see 3 Nephi 23:1, 5–13; 26:2).
The Savior’s instructions in 3 Nephi 23 show how important the scriptures are to Him. To help your children discover this, you could read 3 Nephi 23:1, 5 aloud and ask them to listen for a word that is repeated three times. How is searching different from just reading?
President Marion G. Romney taught that the word search “means to inquire into, study, and examine for the purpose of discovering the meaning of. How can we search the scriptures? Tell the children how you search the scriptures and what you find there.
Give each child a small card or piece of paper, and invite them to write the reference to a favorite scripture. (Give them suggestions if needed.) Let them take turns hiding their card in the room while the rest of the children cover their eyes. Ask the children to search for the scripture, and when they find it, read it together. What do we find in this scripture that is important to us (and meaningful)?
3 Nephi 23:6–13 If the Savior were to examine the records our family has kept, what questions might He ask us? Are there any important events or spiritual experiences that we should record? Now might be a good time to create or add to a family record and counsel together about what to include. Younger family members might enjoy decorating your record with photographs or drawings. Why is it important to record our family’s spiritual experiences?
The Savior told the Nephites to keep a record of what He taught them and the things that happened to them (see 3 Nephi 23:4, 7–13). Draw or write about something good that happened to you this week. How has Heavenly Father blessed you?
Help your children search 3 Nephi 24:8–12 to find ways to complete this sentence: If I pay tithing, the Lord will … . You could also share an experience in which you were blessed because you paid tithing. If it would be helpful, consider writing a few amounts of money and helping your children calculate how much tithing (10 percent) to give for each amount.
If your classroom has a window, invite the children to look at it. What can come into the room when the window is open? Read 3 Nephi 24:10, and explain that when we pay tithing, the “windows of heaven” open, and blessings can come into our lives.
This week’s activity page can help your children talk about some of the ways the Lord uses tithing to bless the members of His Church. Maybe they could draw pictures (or find pictures in Church magazines) of ways tithing blesses them.
Color the pictures, then cut out the circle and the spinner. Attach the spinner to the center of the circle, and rotate it to see some ways your tithing helps the Lord’s work.
Junior Primay: Show the children 10 coins (or other small objects). Invite them to count the coins with you. Testify that everything we have is a blessing from Heavenly Father. Separate one coin, and explain that when we pay tithing, we give back to Heavenly Father one-tenth of what we earn. Show pictures that represent how tithing is used to bless the Lord’s Church (such as building temples, spreading the gospel, and so on; see Gospel Art Book, nos. 109–10, 118–19).
Senior Primary: Write a few money amounts on the board, and help the children calculate how much tithing (10 percent) we should give for each amount. Show them how to fill out a tithing donation slip.
Friend September 2017 “Blessings of Tithing” Paying tithing means giving 10 percent of what we earn to the Lord. Move the decimal one spot to the left to find out how much these kids would pay for tithing.
Sing together a song about tithing, like “I Want to Give the Lord My Tenth” (Children’s Songbook, 150). Point out phrases that teach why we pay tithing.
More ideas for what tithing is used for can be found here
3 Nephi 25
Heavenly Father wants me to learn about my ancestors.
As prophesied in these verses, Elijah has restored the sealing keys that let us be with our families for eternity. How will you inspire your children to search for and learn about their ancestors? How can you encourage your children to perform (temple) ordinances for their ancestors when they are older?
(Tell the children that 3 Nephi 25:5–6 contains a prophecy about an event that would happen in the latter days. Invite them to read these verses to find out what it was. Testify that this prophecy has been fulfilled, and invite the children to read about it in Doctrine and Covenants 110:13–16(see also Gospel Art Book, no. 95). Explain that when we learn about our ancestors and do temple work for them, our hearts are turning to our fathers.)
Younger children could put their hand on their heart every time they hear the word “heart” as you read these verses. 3 Nephi 25:5–6 (Explain that Heavenly Father wants “the children”—all of us—to learn about and feel love for “the fathers”—our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.)
Help your children fill out a family tree with names of their parents and grandparents. (Encourage them to ask their parents to help them add more names.) What stories could you share about one of your ancestors? Show pictures if possible. You could also sing together “Families Can Be Together Forever” (Children’s Songbook, 188) and talk with your children about why families are important in Heavenly Father’s plan.
Tell the children about one of your ancestors who died without the opportunity to be baptized. Show a picture if possible. Bear your testimony that Heavenly Father loves this person, so He prepared a way for him or her to receive baptism through the work done in temples. Ask the children to find a phrase in 3 Nephi 25:6 that might describe how you feel about your ancestor.. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 20–26: “Ye Are the Children of the Covenant” )
Friend September 2019 “Family History, Step by Step” Mei finds a photo of her great-great grandmother and learns more about her. Then she and her mom put the information she had learned onto familysearch.org. Finally, Mei went to the temple as was baptized for her.
How will you help your family members turn their hearts to their fathers? Maybe you could assign family members to learn about one of your ancestors and share with the rest of the family what they learn (see FamilySearch.org). Or you could work together to find an ancestor who needs temple ordinances and plan a temple trip to perform those ordinances.
Ensign October 2022 “Turning Our Hearts Here are some fun ideas that can help even the youngest members of your family learn about your heritage—all from the comfort of your home.
3 Nephi CHAPTER 17 Jesus directs the people to ponder His words and pray for understanding—He heals their sick—He prays for the people, using language that cannot be written—Angels minister to and fire encircles their little ones. About A.D. 34.
3 Nephi CHAPTER 18 Jesus institutes the sacrament among the Nephites—They are commanded to pray always in His name—Those who eat His flesh and drink His blood unworthily are damned—The disciples are given power to confer the Holy Ghost. About A.D. 34.
3 Nephi CHAPTER 19 The twelve disciples minister unto the people and pray for the Holy Ghost—The disciples are baptized and receive the Holy Ghost and the ministering of angels—Jesus prays using words that cannot be written—He attests to the exceedingly great faith of these Nephites. About A.D. 34.
You could use a picture like those in this outline or the video “Jesus Christ Prays and Angels Minister to the Children” (Gospel Library) to help your children visualize the account in 3 Nephi 17. Consider reading phrases or verses from 3 Nephi 17 that emphasize the Savior’s love for the people (such as verses 7 and 20–25). Your children could then draw a picture of themselves with Jesus. As they do, help them think of ways that Jesus has shown His love for them.
Testify that Jesus loves children very much, and this is why He blessed them and prayed for them.
Invite the children to share how they might have felt if they were among the children whom the Savior blessed. If possible, show the video “My Joy Is Full” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org) to help them imagine this event. What did the Savior do to show His love? What can we do to prepare ourselves to be with Him when He comes again?
Read 3 Nephi 17:21–25 with your family, which describes the Savior ministering to people after His Resurrection. Talk about what it might have felt like to be there.
Draw or write these body parts on pieces of paper: hands, feet, knees, arms, eyes, and mouth. Pass them out to different family members.
1. Had I been a child when Jesus came Unto the Nephites that blessed day And showed them the wounds in his hands and his feet And knelt with them to pray.
2. Then he might have held me safe in his arms; He might have looked in my eyes and said A word, with his blessing of kindness and love, His hands placed upon my head.
3. Someday, when the Savior comes again, Oh, how I hope that my heart will be As pure as the hearts of the children that day Who gathered around his knee.
Discussion: Talk about how Jesus has a resurrected body and how one day we’ll have a resurrected body too. Jesus used His body to serve others. How can we serve others and show them love?
As you read this chapter as a family, consider pausing from time to time to invite your family to imagine experiencing these events firsthand. For example, you might ask questions like “What afflictions would you bring to the Savior to be healed?” “What would you want Him to pray for in your behalf?” or “What loved ones would you want Him to bless?” Reading this chapter may also inspire you to pray for your family members, one by one, as Jesus did.
Perhaps you could invite your children to tell you what happens during the sacrament. Then you could read 3 Nephi 18:1–12 and ask your children to raise a hand (or stand up) when they hear something that is similar to what we do today. What does Jesus Christ want us to remember or think about during the sacrament? (see 3 Nephi 18:7, 11).
Hum, sing, or play a hymn or Primary song while the children color pictures that can help them remember the Savior during the sacrament (see this week’s activity page). Encourage them to look at these pictures to help them remember Jesus when they partake of the sacrament.
Sing together a song about reverence, such as “Reverently, Quietly” (Children’s Songbook, 26). How can reverently taking the sacrament help us feel the Spirit? How does it help us make righteous choices?
Friend October 2024 “A Reminder to Remember” Make this craft to help you remember Jesus Christ! In the white box, write some things you can do during the week to think of the Savior. Then cut on the dotted lines. Hang your goals on a doorknob where you’ll see them often to help you remember Him.
Friend October 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities”For younger children: Read the scripture 3 Nephi 18:7 out loud to your little ones. Tell them to put their hand on their heart every time you hear the word “remember.” Talk about how you can remember Jesus Christ.
Friend October 2020 “Come, Follow Me for Little Ones” Read 3 Nephi 18:6 together and help your little ones say, “The sacrament helps me remember Jesus.” Then help them make a booklet to remember Jesus during church. Staple folded pieces of paper together and fill them with gospel pictures or drawings. You could cut out pictures from Church magazines or print coloring pages at lessonhelps.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
What does it mean to be “filled” by partaking of the sacrament, and how do we experience it? What do we learn from verses 5–7 about why Jesus gave us the ordinance of the sacrament?
Singing together a song about prayer, such as “A Child’s Prayer” (Children’s Songbook, 12–13), is a good way to help your children think about why we pray. (Invite the children to share what they learn about prayer from the song. Share your testimony of prayer.)
You and your children could then read 3 Nephi 18:18–21 and talk about what Jesus taught about prayer. (What do we learn from these verses about the purposes of prayer?) Inviting your children to tell you how they feel when they pray could help them share their testimony of prayer.
It may be fun for children to go on a hunt for some of the treasured blessings of prayer. You could write the following scripture references on pieces of paper and hide them: 3 Nephi 18:15; 3 Nephi 18:20; 3 Nephi 18:21; 3 Nephi 19:9; and 3 Nephi 19:23. Your children could then find the papers and read the verses, looking for things Jesus Christ or His disciples taught about prayer.
On the board, write I thank thee for _______. Give the children one minute to think of as many things as they can to fill in the blank. Why is it good for us to express gratitude to Heavenly Father? Then write I ask thee for on the board, and read together 3 Nephi 18:18–21 and 19:9, 23, looking for ideas about what we should pray for.
3 Nephi CHAPTER 12 Jesus calls and commissions the twelve disciples—He delivers to the Nephites a discourse similar to the Sermon on the Mount—He speaks the Beatitudes—His teachings transcend and take precedence over the law of Moses—Men are commanded to be perfect even as He and His Father are perfect—Compare Matthew 5. About A.D. 34.
3 Nephi CHAPTER 13 Jesus teaches the Nephites the Lord’s Prayer—They are to lay up treasures in heaven—The twelve disciples in their ministry are commanded to take no thought for temporal things—Compare Matthew 6. About A.D. 34.
3 Nephi CHAPTER 14 Jesus commands: Judge not; ask of God; beware of false prophets—He promises salvation to those who do the will of the Father—Compare Matthew 7. About A.D. 34.
3 Nephi CHAPTER 15 Jesus announces that the law of Moses is fulfilled in Him—The Nephites are the other sheep of whom He spoke in Jerusalem—Because of iniquity, the Lord’s people in Jerusalem do not know of the scattered sheep of Israel. About A.D. 34.
3 Nephi CHAPTER 16 Jesus will visit others of the lost sheep of Israel—In the latter days the gospel will go to the Gentiles and then to the house of Israel—The Lord’s people will see eye to eye when He brings again Zion. About A.D. 34.
Who did Jesus Christ say the Nephites should listen to and obey? (3 Nephi 12:1.) Why is it important that we listen to and obey our Church leaders today?
Without letting the other children hear, ask one child to pretend to eat or drink, and let the other children guess what he or she is doing. How does it feel to eat good food or drink clean water? How do we nourish our spirits? Invite the children to read 3 Nephi 12:6 to find out what the Savior wants us to “hunger and thirst after.” How do we show that we want righteousness as much as we want food and drink?
Have pictures of food and drink with scriptures printed on them. Cut off a little piece like a bite and see what the children can learn from that piece. Give them the rest of the that item and ask what they learn from the whole scripture. Explain that a little nibble here and there isn’t enough to keep us spiritually fed and strong.
Jesus Christ taught the twelve Nephite disciples that they would be blessed as they followed His commandments. Our Heavenly Father knows that we need certain things, and He promises that we will receive them as we seek His kingdom first in our lives. (See 3 Nephi 13:31–33.)
Sometimes children might not realize how much their examples can bless others. Use 3 Nephi 12:14–16 to encourage them to let their light shine. For example, when you read “you” or “your” in these verses, ask your children to point to themselves. Tell the children about the light you see in them when they follow Jesus Christ and how it inspires you to follow Him too. You could also sing together a song that encourages the children to shine like a light, such as “I Am like a Star” (Children’s Songbook, 163).
To encourage your children not to hide their light (see 3 Nephi 12:15), let them take turns hiding or covering a lamp or other light. They could uncover the light each time they name something they can do to be a good example to others.
Ask each child to search 3 Nephi 13:1–4, 5–8, or 16–18 and identify the good works mentioned in these verses (explain that doing “alms” means giving to the poor). Why did the Savior say not to be like some of the people doing these things?
Think about the following statement: Gustavo fixed his neighbor’s fence.
What do you think about Gustavo?
Would your opinion change if Gustavo fixed the fence because he broke it in a fit of rage? What if he fixed it as part of a service project that his mom made him attend? What if he fixed it because he didn’t want his neighbor’s dog coming into his yard or because he was trying to impress his neighbor’s daughter? Or what if he simply wanted to be kind?
Why are our motives important?
We read in Matthew 6 that the Savior continued His Sermon on the Mount and taught about motives for doing good works. To help you think about the reasons you do good works such as ministering, serving others, praying, and attending [church], do the following activity.
Create a three-column chart in your study journal. Fill out the top of the chart as follows:
What are three good works you have done in the past week? (List one per row.)
What were your reasons for doing them?
How did you feel after you did these good works?
Give each child a slip of paper with a righteous act written on it (or let them think of their own examples). Ask them to think of good reasons and bad reasons for doing those things. Encourage them to always do good things for the right reasons.
Reading these verses could prompt a discussion about the things we treasure. Maybe you could lead your children on a treasure hunt to find things that remind them of treasures with eternal value.
Are there some treasures on earth that are keeping you from laying up treasures in heaven?
Friend January 2017 “The Next Level” Max takes a week off from playing games and he learns new things, spends time with his family, serves, and feels the Spirit.
Read 3 Nephi 13:19–21 together and talk about what it means to focus on heavenly treasure.
Decorate or label a box as a “treasure chest.” Invite each family member to put a gospel item inside (Book of Mormon, picture of ancestor, temple recommend, etc.).
Tell everyone to close their eyes while one person hides the treasure chest nearby. Then everyone should try to find it.
When someone finds the treasure, they should take their item out of the box and share why it is special to them.
Take turns hiding and sharing until all the treasure is gone.
Discussion: Why is spiritual treasure more valuable than earthly treasure? What can our family do to focus on spiritual instead of earthly treasure this week?
Friend October 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Treasure Box” Jesus Christ said, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (3 Nephi 13:21). Decorate a box with hearts and pictures of the Savior. Then write or draw things that you can do to be like Him and put them in your new treasure box. You can look through your box each Sunday to remind you to follow Jesus that week!
For younger children: Help your child find their heartbeat or your heartbeat. Talk about how we can’t see our hearts but we can feel them. Similarly, we can’t see God but we can feel His love.
As you read 3 Nephi 14:7, your children could do actions that represent each of the Savior’s invitations in this verse. For example, they could raise their hands (ask), make binoculars with their hands (seek), or pretend to knock on a door (knock). Help your children think of things they can say and ask for in their prayers.
Friend January 2021 “Jaechan’s First Day” Jaechan was excited to start school. But after his mom dropped him off at the gate, he got lost in the school halls and couldn’t find his classroom. He was scared and said a prayer asking for his mom to come find him. A few minutes later his mom came around the corner. She had a feeling she should check to make sure he made it to class okay.
Your children might enjoy a game in which they ask for something and receive something entirely different. In 3 Nephi 14:7–11, what did the Savior want us to know about our Father in Heaven?
Read 3 Nephi 13:9–13 together and help your little ones say, “Heavenly Father wants me to pray to Him.” Collect pictures of people doing different gospel activities, including praying, from Church magazines or at medialibrary.ChurchofJesusChrist.org. Turn all the pictures upside-down, then take turns flipping them over. Whenever you see someone praying, help everyone practice folding their arms, bowing their heads, and closing their eyes.
President Russell M. Nelson said: “Does God really want to speak to you? Yes! … Oh, there is so much more that your Father in Heaven wants you to know” (“Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 95).
The Savior wants me to hear and do what He teaches.
Think of ways you could help your children visualize the parable in these verses. Perhaps they could draw pictures, do actions, or build things on solid and sandy foundations. They could also substitute their names for “wise man” as they read 3 Nephi 14:24–27 or sing “The Wise Man and the Foolish Man” (Children’s Songbook, 281). Or they could stand up every time they hear the word “doeth” in 3 Nephi 14:21–27 and 15:1.
As a class, read 3 Nephi 14:21–27 and 15:1, and ask the children to stand up every time you read the word “doeth.” Why does the Savior emphasize doing His sayings, not just hearing or remembering? Invite the children to draw a picture of verses 24–25 and write on the rock “Jesus” and something Jesus taught us to do.
Here’s an object lesson you could try: ask your children to imagine that one of their legs represents hearing the Savior’s words and the other represents doing what the Savior taught. Invite your children to try to balance only on their “hearing” leg. What would happen if a strong wind blew through the room? Then you and your children could look for specific things the Savior taught us to do: see 3 Nephi 12:3–12, 21–26; 13:5–8.
Use this example to illustrate why it is safer to do what the Savior says and not just hear His words.
Spiritual safety comes from hearing and doing what the Savior teaches.
Show the children a rock and some sand. Ask them to point to the rock when you describe a choice to follow the Savior and point to the sand when you describe a choice not to follow Him. Testify that when we do what the Savior says, we are strong like a house built on a rock.
Some possible choices: Sleeping during scripture study time. Sharing your favorite treat with a friend. Listening carefully to the scriptures. Telling someone thank you. Hurting someone because you’re mad at them. Sitting in sacrament meeting reverently. Saying meaningful prayers. Telling Mom/Dad “no” when they ask you to help them clear the table. Giving your sibling a hug. Saying nice words to other people.
Sing together “The Wise Man and the Foolish Man” (Children’s Songbook, 281), or read 3 Nephi 14:24–27. Help the children substitute their names for “the wise man” as they sing. Why did the wise man’s house stay standing during the storm? Review verse 24 to emphasize that he both heard and did what the Savior said.
Poor in spirit. To be humble, or “to recognize gratefully [one’s] dependence on the Lord—to understand that [one has] constant need for His support. Humility is an acknowledgment that [one’s] talents and abilities are gifts from God” (True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference [2004], 86).
Mourn. To feel and express sorrow about something. A person may mourn for the trials of mortality that they and others experience. A person may also mourn because of sorrow for sin.
Meek. To be “Godfearing, righteous, humble, teachable, and patient under suffering” (Guide to the Scriptures, “Meek, Meekness,” scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
Merciful. To be “compassionate, respectful, forgiving, gentle, and patient, even when you are aware of others’ shortcomings” (True to the Faith, 103).
Pure in heart. To be counted among those who “love the Lord, who seek to follow Him and keep His commandments, who are striving to live virtuous lives and endure faithfully to the end. The pure in heart are those who control their thoughts to keep themselves free from immoral fantasies and deeds” (Sheldon F. Child, “Words of Jesus: Chastity,” Ensign or Liahona, Jan. 2003, 44).
Peacemaker. “To help people find common ground when others are seeing differences” (Henry B. Eyring, “Learning in the Priesthood,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2011, 63).
Persecuted for Christ’s name’s sake. To be willing to obey and defend Jesus Christ and His teachings, even when one may be mocked or mistreated for doing so.
Uncover things that we should treasure in our hearts.” Give your child the paintbrush and have them slowly brush away the rice or sand to uncover the gold coins. Discuss these pictures with your child and describe their importance. On the coins are images of things that we should value. If they get a blank coin, have them share something important to them.
3 Nephi CHAPTER 8 Tempests, earthquakes, fires, whirlwinds, and physical upheavals attest the crucifixion of Christ—Many people are destroyed—Darkness covers the land for three days—Those who remain bemoan their fate. About A.D. 33–34.
3 Nephi CHAPTER 9 In the darkness, the voice of Christ proclaims the destruction of many people and cities for their wickedness—He also proclaims His divinity, announces that the law of Moses is fulfilled, and invites men to come unto Him and be saved. About A.D. 34.
3 Nephi CHAPTER 10 There is silence in the land for many hours—The voice of Christ promises to gather His people as a hen gathers her chickens—The more righteous part of the people have been preserved. About A.D. 34–35.
3 Nephi CHAPTER 11 The Father testifies of His Beloved Son—Christ appears and proclaims His Atonement—The people feel the wound marks in His hands and feet and side—They cry Hosanna—He sets forth the mode and manner of baptism—The spirit of contention is of the devil—Christ’s doctrine is that men should believe and be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost. About A.D. 34.
Signs of Christ’s Crucifixion Occur: Disasters and Darkness
To help your children relate to the experiences described in 3 Nephi 8–9, you could retell or listen to a recording of portions of these chapters in a darkened room. Discuss what it might have been like to be in darkness for three days. Then you could talk about why Jesus Christ called Himself the Light of the World (see 3 Nephi 9:18). What did Jesus invite the people, and us, to do so He can be our light? (see 3 Nephi 9:20–22).
Just as the sun is necessary for light which living things on the earth need to live, it is necessary for us to follow Jesus because he is the light that shows the way to Eternal Life.
Turn off the lights and shine a light on a picture of Jesus as you read 3 Nephi 9:18. Then help your little ones say, “Jesus is the Light of the World.” You could also read the scripture story on pages FJ4–FJ6. Testify that Jesus knows each one of us individually. He loves us!
Show the children a map of the world, and help them find Jerusalem and the Americas. Explain that the destruction described in 3 Nephi 8 was a sign to the people in the Americas that Jesus Christ had been crucified in Jerusalem. Read together 3 Nephi 11:1–15, and ask the children to tell you when they find something in these verses that helps them feel God’s love. Share verse 37, and testify that the Savior loves all children. Bear your testimony about the truth of what you are reading.
For the Strength of Youth September 2024 “Fun Stop” The Savior has taught us that we should have a “broken heart,” which means to be humble, repentant, and meek (3 Nephi 9:20; Guide to the Scriptures, “Broken Heart,” Gospel Library). Can you break this heart symbol into seven pieces by drawing only three straight lines? There is more than one right answer. (Write on each piece a broken heart characteristic.)
3 Nephi 10
Jesus protects His people as a hen protects her chicks.
The imagery of a hen gathering her chicks can be a powerful teaching tool to help children understand the Savior’s character and mission. You could read 3 Nephi 10:4–6 while your family looks at a picture of a hen and chicks. Why would a hen need to gather her chicks? Why does the Savior want to gather us close to Him? How do we come to Him for safety?
Show a picture of a hen caring for her chicks. Read 3 Nephi 10:6, and tell the children about how a hen calls to her chicks and protects them under her wings when there is danger. Discuss how Jesus is like the hen and we are like the chicks. How can we come to Him to find safety?
Place a picture of Jesus on a wall. Invite the children to walk around the classroom as you read 3 Nephi 10:4 out loud. Tell them to move toward the picture of Jesus when they hear the words “gathered” or “gather.” Repeat this activity as you read verses 5 and 6. Share with the children how you have come to the Savior for safety, and testify that He will protect us from spiritual dangers as we keep His commandments.
Hen Craft – Let each family member choose a chick on page 9 below Have them write their name on that chick and color it. Discuss specific ways Christ can protect us and take care of us when we come to Him. Put the hen together (on page 8 below) with a brad or tape holding the wing on at the top. Have each family member take turns stating something they can do to come unto Christ and/or a way Christ has or will protect them when they’re close to Him. As they share, they can place their chick underneath the hen’s wing to visualize the comfort and safety that can come to us as we follow and stay close to Christ. (Hen and chicks designed by Crystal from theredcrystal.org).
Perhaps you could read some of these verses in a soft, “small voice” (3 Nephi 11:3). Or you could play a recording of a song like “This Is My Beloved Son” (Children’s Songbook, 76) softly so that it is difficult to hear. What did the people have to do to understand the voice from heaven? (see verses 5–7). What do we learn from their experience?
In 3 Nephi 11, we read how the Nephites could not hear the voice of God until they turned their eyes toward the voice and opened their ears.
Stand across from someone. Turn around so you’re not looking at each other.
One person is the speaker, and the other is the listener. Have the listener cover his or her ears.
Have the speaker say a phrase in a quiet voice, like “I’m trying to be like Jesus.”
See if the listener can tell what the speaker is saying.
Now have the listener uncover his or her ears and turn toward the person speaking.
The speaker repeats the same phrase.
Discussion: Was it easier to hear the voice when the listener faced the speaker? Read 3 Nephi 11:5. How can you turn your eyes and open your ears to God’s voice today?
I can learn to recognize God’s voice in my life.
Read 3 Nephi 11:3–7 together. Before Jesus Christ appeared to the people in Bountiful, they had to “open their ears” to the words of God.
Invite everyone to turn to each other and talk about their day.
Meanwhile, have someone softly read 3 Nephi 11:7. Then ask the group if they can repeat what was said.
Read the scripture again, this time with everyone listening quietly. Now repeat the verse together.
Discussion: Why was it easier to remember the verse the second time? How can we eliminate distractions and “open our ears” to the Spirit this week?
How will you help your children feel the Spirit as you read 3 Nephi 11:1–15 together? Perhaps you could ask them to tell you when they find something in these verses that helps them feel God’s love. You could do the same with the pictures in this outline or the video “Jesus Christ Appears at the Temple” (Gospel Library). Tell your children about how you feel when you read and ponder these events. Let them share their feelings too.
As you read 3 Nephi 11:21–26, you could invite your children to stand up every time they hear the word baptize. What did Jesus teach about baptism? If your children have seen a baptism before, ask them to describe what they saw. Why does Jesus want us to be baptized?
Friend March 2021 “Matt and Mandy” Matt invites a friend to his baptism. His friend asks why he is getting baptized. Matt explains the fourth article of faith to him.
Activity 3: Heart demonstration & journal page. Print and cut out the heart. Tape two different colored papers (preferably a light and dark color) together and place behind the heart opening. Elder Hales taught “Light and darkness cannot occupy the same space at the same time. Where the light of Christ is found, the darkness of Lucifer, even Satan, must depart, defeated.” This idea is based off this quote and I hope I explain this idea in a way that makes sense. What do we allow to take up space in our heart? Is it kindness, joy, gratitude, faith, hope, love or is it anger, fear, jealously, guilt, contention, etc. Share some of these things with your family and as you do move the heart towards the dark or the light. Notice how the colors in the heart change. Do we allow so much anger to fill up our heart that there is little room for joy. Or do we allow faith to fill our heart that there is little to no room for fear? There is only so much space-what are we filling our hearts with?
3 Nephi CHAPTER 1 Nephi, the son of Helaman, departs out of the land, and his son Nephi keeps the records—Though signs and wonders abound, the wicked plan to slay the righteous—The night of Christ’s birth arrives—The sign is given, and a new star arises—Lyings and deceivings increase, and the Gadianton robbers slaughter many. About A.D. 1–4.
3 Nephi CHAPTER 2 Wickedness and abominations increase among the people—The Nephites and Lamanites unite to defend themselves against the Gadianton robbers—Converted Lamanites become white and are called Nephites. About A.D. 5–16.
3 Nephi CHAPTER 3 Giddianhi, the Gadianton leader, demands that Lachoneus and the Nephites surrender themselves and their lands—Lachoneus appoints Gidgiddoni as chief captain of the armies—The Nephites assemble in Zarahemla and Bountiful to defend themselves. About A.D. 16–18.
3 Nephi CHAPTER 4 The Nephite armies defeat the Gadianton robbers—Giddianhi is slain, and his successor, Zemnarihah, is hanged—The Nephites praise the Lord for their victories. About A.D. 19–22.
3 Nephi CHAPTER 5 The Nephites repent and forsake their sins—Mormon writes the history of his people and declares the everlasting word to them—Israel will be gathered in from her long dispersion. About A.D. 22–26.
3 Nephi CHAPTER 6 The Nephites prosper—Pride, wealth, and class distinctions arise—The Church is rent with dissensions—Satan leads the people in open rebellion—Many prophets cry repentance and are slain—Their murderers conspire to take over the government. About A.D. 26–30.
3 Nephi CHAPTER 7 The chief judge is murdered, the government is destroyed, and the people divide into tribes—Jacob, an anti-Christ, becomes king of a secret combination—Nephi preaches repentance and faith in Christ—Angels minister to him daily, and he raises his brother from the dead—Many repent and are baptized. About A.D. 30–33.
This week’s activity page can help your children learn about the miracles the Nephites witnessed when Jesus was born. You can also use “Chapter 41: The Signs of Christ’s Birth” (Book of Mormon Stories, 114–16) to teach them this story—or to help them tell it to you.
Before class, place a star on the wall. Invite the children to look for something on the wall that usually isn’t there. Tell the children that the Nephites saw a new star in the sky when Jesus was born. Summarize the account in 3 Nephi 1:4–15 and 19–21.
Show the children a picture of the Savior’s birth Help the children understand that the Nephites were far away from where Jesus was born, but they knew He was born because of the signs they saw. Testify that even though we did not see the Savior’s birth, the Holy Ghost can help us know that the stories about it in the scriptures are true.
Read to the children 3 Nephi 1:20, and share your testimony that the words of prophets are always fulfilled. Invite the children to listen to the prophet at the next general conference.
Invite the children to compare the prophecy of Samuel the Lamanite in Helaman 14:1–7 with its fulfillment in 3 Nephi 1:19–21. Testify that God’s promises spoken through His prophets are always fulfilled.
How can we show our trust in God when we are worried or discouraged?
Share something that our living prophet has promised us. What can we do to show our faith that the prophet’s words came from God?
As you and your children read 3 Nephi 1:4–10, invite them to talk about how it might have felt to be one of the believers living at that time. Then, as they read the rest of the account in verses 11–15, they could suggest ways to complete this sentence: “The lesson of this story for me is …”
Maybe your children can help you think of other times when God fulfilled His promises given through His prophet. They might like to find pictures of these stories in the Gospel Art Book (see, for example, nos. 7–8 and 81). Let them share what they know about these stories, including how God’s promises were fulfilled. Read together 3 Nephi 1:20, and share your own witness of these truths.
Ask the children if any of them would like to share a spiritual experience they have had. Ideas could include answers to prayers, warm feelings when reading the scriptures, etc.
What can you do to better remember the past spiritual experiences you have had? Consider writing them down. You could also share them with your family (Sharing your experience can bring back the Spirit. It can also help the other person to feel the Spirit). Ensign September 2020 “How can we keep from forgetting spiritual experiences?”
“Jared’s Journal.” In this Friend story, Jared learns he can color in a journal to remember important things.
“Scripture Journal.” This activity idea from the Friend can help your children start writing what they learn from the scriptures. Includes a doorknob tag to print and cut out.
Read 3 Nephi 2:1–3 together and talk about how some people “began to forget those signs and wonders which they had heard.” Then play an activity to help your family remember God all week.
Label a jar “God loves me.”
Give each family member a small piece of paper and ask them to write down a blessing God has given them. Put the papers in the jar.
Encourage family members to add more papers to the jar as they notice blessings during the week.
At the end of the week, pick a handful of papers to read out loud and talk about.
Discussion: Why do you think the adversary wants us to forget the spiritual “wonders” we notice in our lives? How can we remember God every day?.
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?
Help your children discover why the Nephites gathered together and the blessings that came to them in 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?)
“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 spiritual 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.
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.
Do you know of an object lesson that teaches about the strength of unity? Maybe your children could 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 papers?
Explain that Jesus is gathering His people into the Church today through missionary work (see 3 Nephi 5:24–26). Invite a full-time missionary or ward missionary to share experiences showing how people have been strengthened by being gathered into the Church.
Jesus Christ promised He would gather all His children because He loves everyone and wants them to have the gospel (see 3 Nephi 5:24). Play a game about gathering. Have players stand in a circle. One person in the middle says a fact about themself, like their favorite color. If that fact is true for anyone else, they come to the middle too. Keep going till everyone is gathered in the middle.
For younger children: Play hide and seek with your little ones. Give them a big hug when you find them. Talk about how Jesus Christ promises He’ll gather us no matter where we are.
What did the Nephites do to protect themselves from the enemy they faced? What are we doing to make our home a place of safety and protection from the evil in the world?
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?
After reading together 3 Nephi 5:13, invite your children to repeat the phrase “I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.” To learn what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, read together some of these examples: the converted Lamanites (see 3 Nephi 6:14), Mormon (see 3 Nephi 5:12–26), and Nephi (see 3 Nephi 7:15–26). You could also find ideas in a song like “I’m Trying to Be like Jesus” (Children’s Songbook, 78–79).
Teach the children that a disciple of Jesus Christ tries to follow Him. Share a few things Mormon did to be like Jesus, such as teaching God’s word and obeying God’s commandments (see 3 Nephi 5:13–18). Help the children think of ways they can be disciples.
On a piece of paper, help your children trace their hand and cut the tracing out. Write “I am a disciple of Jesus Christ” on one side, and invite them to draw something they can do to be a disciple on the other side.(you might need to help them think of ideas)
Maybe family members could talk about times when they noticed each other being disciples. If you have small children, you might make a badge that says, “I am a disciple of Jesus Christ,” and let them wear the badge whenever you notice them following the Savior.
Write on separate pieces of paper some activities, traditions, and actions that can help develop unity within a family, such as family home evening, family prayer, family scripture study, mealtime, holiday celebrations, birthday celebrations, being kind to each other, and being unselfish. Discuss with the children what unity means and how unity can be developed within a family. To help the children identify ways that their families can develop feelings of love and unity, let each child choose a piece of paper and give clues to the other children about the activity or action described on his or her paper. Have the other children guess the activity or action. Then invite the children to tell about how that activity or action has blessed and strengthened their families.
Read Doctrine and Covenants 38:24-25 Explain that when God says something twice in a row, it is probably something that we should pay extra attention to. What does it mean to esteem someone as yourself? We need to value others as much as we value ourselves. We need each other. We need each others strength, support, and gifts and talents. Have the children tell what different parts of the body does. Explain that each part of the body is important and needed. Just like our body parts are united and working together, we need to be united as people and learn to work together as one.
To teach children what it means to “be one,” you could help them count the members of your family and talk about why each person is important to your family. Emphasize that together you are one family. You could help your children draw a large 1 on a poster and decorate it with names and drawings or pictures of each family member. You could also write on the poster things you will do to be more united as a family. You might also watch the video “Love in Our Hearts” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org) or read Moses 7:18.
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).
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.
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?
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.
Ensign August 2019 “Family Study Fun: Human Knot” (best with four-plus people) Paul tells the Saints that there should be “no divisions among” them and that they should be “perfectly joined together” in mind and judgment (1 Corinthians 1:10). Stand everyone in a circle. Have everyone reach out their right hand and take someone else’s (not next to them). Do the same with the left hand, taking a different person’s hand. Work together to untangle the knot without letting go of any hands. End up in a circle again. Discussion: What can we do as a family to be more “joined together”? How can we work together to remove divisions?
Friend March 2018 “Funstuff” Have the family work together to put together the tangram puzzle of the house. Explain that when family members each help contribute to building a strong, happy family then all the pieces of family life fit together properly and harmoniously.
Friend March 2018
Friend July 2017 “Busy Like a Bee” Elder Ballard tells how bees work together to strengthen the hive.
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “1 Corinthians 8-13” In Paul’s time, Corinth was a wealthy trade center with residents from all over the Roman Empire. With so many different cultures and religions in the city, Church members in Corinth struggled to maintain unity, so Paul sought to help them find unity in their belief in Christ. This unity was to be more than just peaceful coexistence; Paul wasn’t asking them merely to tolerate each other’s differences. Rather, he taught that when you join the Church of Jesus Christ, you are “baptized into one body,” and every body part is needed (1 Corinthians 12:13). When one member is lost, it’s like losing a limb, and the body is weaker as a result. When one member suffers, we should all feel it and do our part to relieve it. In this kind of unity, differences are not just acknowledged but cherished, because without members of diverse gifts and abilities, the body would be limited. So whether you feel like you’ve always been at home in the Church or find yourself wondering if you truly belong, Paul’s message to you is that unity is not sameness. You need your fellow Saints, and your fellow Saints need you.
Paul’s analogy of a body could be a memorable way to discuss family unity. For example, family members could try drawing a body made only of eyes or ears (see verse 17). What do these verses suggest about how we should treat each other as family members?
Friend September 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities for Little Ones” Point to some body parts and ask your little ones why each part is important. Explain that all the parts work together to help us do things. God loves all His children. He wants us to work together to help and serve others.
New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) “1 Corinthians 12” Paul wrote to the Saints in Corinth to help them recognize their need to be unified in Christ. He taught that if all members would recognize and use the spiritual gifts they had received from the Lord, they could be like the many parts of a body working together in unison.
Friend October 2024 “Working Together” President Henry B. Eyring’s address about how we are all different, but the Lord’s prophets have always asked us to have unity. When you have unity, you love each other and work together. (see more at link)
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). Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 16: The Saints Gather to Kirtland, Ohio,”
To teach your children what it means to “be one” (Doctrine and Covenants 38:27), you could help them draw a large number 1 and decorate it with names and drawings or pictures of each person in your family or class. Next to the 1, you could write things you will do to be more united.
Ask the children to share an experience when they have felt love and support from their 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.
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.
Friend April 2021 “Scripture Time Fun for Little Ones” Play a game or activity that involves taking turns, like stacking blocks to make a tower. Each time it’s your child’s turn, help them say, “We can work together.”
