Ward conference date correction

I need to make the following correction:

Feb 21, 2016 at 9am   -1st Ward
Feb 28, 2016 at 12:30-2nd Ward

Upcoming items

January 17th- 3rd Ward Ward Conference 9am

January 26th- Auxiliary Training 7pm

January 28th- Pack Meeting

January 30- 3rd & 4th Ward Temple Night

January 31- 4th Ward Ward Conference

Stake Auxiliary Training

President Horton has let me know that there will be an auxiliary training coming up in January.  We will be addressed by President Taylor and then divide for teacher development in each organization.

Tuesday, January 26 from 7:00 to 8:15

Please mark your calendar.  We would like to send a "Save the Date" postcard to your 2016 teachers and music leaders. Could you send me an up to date list at your earliest convenience.   guyper@juno.com

December Sharing Time

Week 1- Jesus Christ came to earth as promised by the prophets-
Talk about the children's birthdays and what they did to celebrate. Then talk about how Heavenly Father had his prophets tell the world, from the beginning of time, about the most important birth in the history of the world, the birth of His Son, Jesus Christ and show pictures of these prophets testifying of the birth and have the kids identify who they are.

Week 2- Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world.
Bring 4 boxes wrapped as gifts.  Each box should contain a pictur or object representing one of the following events: Jesus birth gift: "Heavenly Father gave his only Begotten Son to be our Savior", the sermon on the mount gift: "Jesus Christ taught us to live righteously," Jesus praying in Gethsemane; gift "Jesus Christ made it possible for us to be saved from sin," the Resurrection gift; Jesus Christ made it possible for us to be resurrected." Unwrap each box and talk about how we are blessed by each gift.  Talk about gifts we can give to the Savior by serving others & showing love to them and have the kids write or draw one gift they will give the Savior.

Week 3-Jesus Christ will return to earth someday.
Tell the children that one day Jesus Christ will return to Earth and talk about what that day will be like by reading the scriptures Joseph Smith-Matthew 1:28-29, Matthew 24:29-31, Matthew 24:36,42,44, D&C 88:96-97, D&C 29:11;45;58-59, Isaiah 11:6-9, Hosea 2:18. Talk about ways that we can be prepared for Jesus to come again.

Week 4- I can live with Jesus Christ again.
Talk about ways that we can get back to live with Heavenly Father again like baptism, confirmation, prayer, family home evening, partaking of the sacrament, attending church and temple marriage.  Talk about how these things can bring us closer to Christ.  Encourage them to always do what's right so that they can stay on the path to return to live with Jesus Christ again. Have the kids trace their feet on separate pieces of paper and write or draw one step they could take to live with Jesus Christ again.

2016 Ward and Stake Conferences

According to the Stake Calendar, the Ward and Stake Conferences for 2016 will be as follows:

Jan 17, 2016 at 9am   -3rd Ward
Jan 31, 2016 at 11 am-4th Ward
Feb 14, 2016 at 9am   -1st Ward
Feb 21, 2016 at 12:30-2nd Ward
Mar 12-13, 2016 Stake Conference
May 15, 2016 at 1 pm -5th Ward
May 22, 2016 at 9 am -7th Ward
Sept 17-18, 2016 Stake Conference

2016 Cirriculum

 The 2016 curriculum for Primary is as follows:
            Sharing Time (Ages 3–11)
            NEW 2016 Outline for Sharing Time: I Know the Scriptures Are True
            Not available for order. Each unit will receive three copies by mail before January 2016.
            Sunbeam Class (Age 3)
            Primary 1: I Am a Child of God
            CTR Classes (Ages 4–7)
            Primary 2: Choose the Right A
            Valiant Classes (Ages 8–11)
            Primary 4: Book of Mormon
Shortly before the end of the year you will want to prepare binders for the teachers.  Most Wards already have a closet that has the various binders that they rotate through year after year.  You may want to check yours, go through and see if picture packets are complete and order as necessary. 

Each ward does this differently.  Some put one counselor over this, some meet as a presidency and assemble them, one has a end of year appreciation party and then they\ teachers go home with the new binder they helped assemble.  Decide what works best for your Ward dynamics.
Michele

November sharing time- when we serve others, we serve God

Week 1and Week 2-  Jesus Christ taught us how to serve others-
Tell the children that one day a man asked Jesus, "Who is my neighbor?"  Jesus answered him by telling a story that teaches how to serve others. Give and talk about the story of the Good Samaritian. Then ask "What does this story teach us about who our neighbors are? Who should we serve?" Talk about that we can serve anybody in need whether we know them or not.  Testify that Jesus loves everyone and wants us to serve everyone. Encourage them to serve those in their famiy by giving them a service smile and give it to the person in their family after they perform the service. Then after they do the service talk about how it hepled them and others feel happy.

Week 3- When I serve my family, I serve God.
 Read Mosiah 2:17 "When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God" and talk about it and help children memorize the scripture.  Then sing "When we're helping ," subsisting the word serving for the word helping and substituting other family members.  Remind the children when we serve others we are serving God. Also tell them that they can serve their families any time of the day.

Week 4-When I serve my neighbors, I serve God.
Talk about how the children can help a primary leader who is overwhelmed and in need of help and have them suggest ways they could help her. Remind them that Jesus Christ told us to serve others. Show pictures of children who need help and talk about ways the children can help them. Encourage them, with their family, find ways to serve their neighbor and do it.  Point out that even though their hands are smaller they can still do many acts of service.

October Sharing Time- The mission of the church is to invite all to come unto Christ

Week 1- Following the prophet will help us to come unto Christ-
    Read and discuss D&C 1:38 and talk about how prophets are servants of Jesus Christ. Show pictures of Jesus Christ and the current prophet and talk about how that when we follow the prophet we follow Jesus Christ. Talk about different things they have learned from the prophets and apostles during general conference and act out the teachings.  Sing the chorus of "Follow the prophet."

Week 2-Sharing the gospel helps others come unto Christ.
     Show a picture of a full-time missionary and read the scriptures: D&C 133:37 & Matthew 28:19-20 and talk about what missionary work is and share feelings about Missionary Work. Talk about how Heavenly Father wants the gospel preached to all the world and how we can prepare now to be missionaries.

Week 3- We can come unto Christ by repenting when we make a mistake.
     Display the picture of Jesus Christ on the board. Read and memorize the scripture: Yea come unto Christ, and be perfected in him." Explain that to come unto Christ means to have faith in Him and to keep His commandments, to make covenants and to repent when we make mistakes.  Talk about the steps of forgiveness: 1-feel sorry, 2- ask forgiveness, 3- right the wrong, 4-don't repeat the wrong. Talk about applying the steps of forgiveness.

Week 4- Temple Work helps me and my family to come unto Christ.
       Teach the second verse of "I love to see the Temple." Sing the line of the song and explain what it means and do an action related to the line. Talk about how they can prepare now to be worthy to go to the temple when they get older and doing so will bring them closer to Christ.

Upcoming events

Oct 3-4 General Conference

Oct 10 Stake Baptism 10:30 am

Oct 18- 7th Ward Ward Conference

Protecting our families against pornography

At Stake Conference we were able to listen to a Brother from LDS Family Services.  He gave us some great tips and advise on how to protect our children from pornography and how to teach about it.

There is a website overcomingpornography.org which has 5 family home evening lessons that you can present to your family.  Topics include:
1-What should I do if I see pornography?
2-My body is from God
3-The Spirit can help me choose good media
4-The Savior desires to forgive and heal the wounds of pornography
5-Sexual Intimacy is Sacred and Beautiful

This can be a great resource and helpful in teaching about pornography in the Lord's way.

September sharing time- I obey Jesus Christ because I love him

Week 1 and 2- I show love for Jesus Christ when I keep the commandments
Learn and memorize John 14:15 "If ye love me keep the commandments" and John 14:21 "He that hath my commandments and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me".  Prepare pieces of paper with a commandment written on each one, put it in a container and have a child pick one out and act it other while everybody guess what they are doing.  Sing "Keep the Commandments" and share how keeping the commandments will bless them.  Review the gospel standards and explain how following these standards shows our love for Jesus Christ.  Also talk about how the children can live that standard.

Week 3- My love for Jesus Christ grows when I pray
Read and discuss the following scriptures looking for what the Savior teaches about prayer: 3 Nephi 18:19-20, D&C 19:28, 38; 88:63-64. Emphasize that the Savior teaches us to pray to Heavenly Father in His name and that this helps us feel closer to Him. Sing a prayer song like a Child's prayer and talk about how your love grows for the Lord when you pray.  Also talk about the different parts of the prayer and make a list of things you are grateful to Heavenly Father for and a list of things they need.

Week 4- My love for Jesus Christ grows when I study the scriptures-
Tell the story of Christ healing and blessing the people in 3 Nephi 17:7,9-12,20-24 and have the children draw a picture depicting something from that story.  Testify of how your love for Jesus Christ has grown as you read the scriptures.  Sing "Seek the Lord Early," and talk about how you can learn more about Jesus Christ by reading or listening to the scriptures.  Talk about Jesus blessing the little children in Mark 10:13-16 and explain that they can feel close to the Savior by reading about Him in the scriptures.

Dare to Stand Alone

With the beginning of school approaching I always like to remind my kids that we can and should be an example to our peers.

For Family Home Evening my son gave a lesson which included the Mormon Message "Dare to Stand Alone."  It's a video that share the story of President Monson when he was in basic training.  On Sunday the troops were allowed to worship with their religious denomination.  He felt alone as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

I enjoy this time each Fall to remind my kids how our standards protect us.  Here's to another great school year.

August Sharing Time- Jesus Christ is the Son of God & he is a God of Miracles

Week 1- Jesus Christ is a God of miracles.
   Talk about the word miracle and that it's an extraordinary event caused by the power of God. Tell the story of Jesus calming the storm (Mark 4:36-39) and filling the nets with fish (Luke 5:1-11).  With each story testify how it shows that Jesus Christ has power over the earth.  Talk about how these  miracles helped people in need.

 Week 2- Jesus Christ can heal the sick.
     Tell the different stories of how Jesus heals someone, like healing a blind man, (Matthew 9:27-31) an invalid (John 5: 1-9), the ten lepers (Luke 17:12-19), or the nobleman's son (John 4:46-53) and draw pictures to illustrate stories.  Invite them to imagine how the people Jesus healed may have felt.

Week 3- Jesus Christ has power over death.
    Tell the different stories: the raising of Lazarus, (John 11:1-45) the raising of Jairus' daughter, (Mark 5:21-24) the raising of the widow's son, (Luke 7:11-16) and the Reaturrection. (John 20:1-18) Testify that Jesus Christ has power over death and that each of us will be resurrected.

Week 4- Miracles come to those who have faith,
     Talk about the scripture D&C 63:9 and talk about that the word sign in the scripture means miracles and point out the word faith.  Explain miracles aren't always dramatic events and that we first must have faith.  Also, explain that that even though we have faith, we will still experience sorrow, pain and suffering, but God is aware of our needs and will care for us.  Tell the story of Moses asking Pharoh to let God's people go out of Egypt. (Exodus 7-10) and talk about how Pharoh saw many miracles but he would not believe in God.  Contrast this story with an example where faith produced a miracle. ( Elijiah and the widow of Zarephath, Daniel and the Lions Den, the brother of Jared or Nephi & Lehi in prison)

You've heard of Saturday's Warrior and the Strippling Warriors. Last night for FHE we were Water Warriors.

I've noticed that some of our Family Home Evening lessons can be a little serious.  So this evening we lightened things up.

Testimonies.  We all want our testimonies to full.  So we talked about what do we have a testimony of.  As a family we snow balled ideas and came up with these. (You may notice that knowing the Articles of Faith helped with the list.)

1. Joseph Smith restored the Gospel and translated the Book of Mormon.
2. We have a prophet on the earth today who receives revelation for our church.
3. We can communicate with our Heavenly Father through prayer.
4. We are blessed when we pay our tithing.
5. We are blessed when we fast.
6. Our Heavenly Fathers plan included a council in heaven, the creation for an earth to come to and our live where we can learn and strive to become like Jesus Christ.
7. We need covenants and ordinances (baptism, endowment, sealing) to return to Him.
8. We are grateful for temples and the chance to be a forever family.
9.We have agency and hope to use it to Choose the Right.
10. We have a Father in Heaven and we are his children.
11. Jesus Christ is the Son of God.  He atoned for us and was resurrected.
12. Christ will come again.
13. God loves us very much
14 Jesus blessed others with the power of the priesthood.  Worth men can do the same.

A great list I thought.  Since we thought of these 14 items, we would now fill up 14 water balloons for each child and went outside and had a water fight.  About now they were wishing they had listed more things.  I reassured them that we would do it again next month and they should be thinking of things to add to the list.

Maybe you and your families can have a Water Warrior some time soon.  Your family can spread Gospel truths throughout your lawn. :)

Michele Farr

July Sharing Time

Week 1-Jesus Christ always obeyed Heavenly Father
Read the following scriptures; Moses 4:2, Luke 22:43, 3 Nephi 27:13, John 6:38, and John 4:34 and talk about how these scriptures tell a similar message of how Jesus lived his life and talk about what you learn as you read the scriptures.  Talk about ways we can follow Jesus Christ's example of obeying Heavenly Father's commandments.

Week 2- Jesus Christ went about doing good
Show a picture of leather sandals and talk about how Jesus, wearing shoes like these,went about doing good. "He went about doing good,for God was with him." Talk about different ways he did good things like Jesus healing the children 3 Nephi 17:21-24, Jesus healing a blind man John 9:1-17, Jesus raising Jarius's daughter from the dead Matthew 9:18-19, and Jesus feeding the 5,000 John 6:5-14.

Weeks 3&4 Jesus example teaches us how to live
Talk about how Jesus sets an example for us to follow like Jesus teaching in the temple Luke 2:42-49, Jesus being baptized Matthew 3:13-17, Go ye therefore Matthew 28:19-20 and Jesus headman the Nephities 3 Nephi 17:7-9 testify that Jesus is the perfect example for us to follow.  Read the scripture John 13:34, read this scripture together and talk about how this scripture tells us how to treat others.  Share experiences of when others have shown love for them.

Friend To Friend

When Elder Neil L. Anderson was young, he learned how important it is to be in holy places.  When he was three years old, his family had to drive 90 miles every Sunday to go to church!  His parents taught him that going to church is important.  They helped him learn to choose the right.  This helped him prepare to go to a holy place - the temple.  

When Neil was older, he wanted to serve a mission.  But he was a little worried.  "How can I serve a mission when I know so little? he prayed.  He felt the answer in his heart.  "You don't know everything, but you know enough."  That answer gave Neil courage.  He obeyed and served a mission in France.  Before he left, he went to the temple.  There he made special promises, called covenants, with Heavenly Father.  He was blessed for going to the temple.

After his mission he met a girl named Kathy.  Kathy chose the right and she loved Heavenly Father.  Neil and Kathy decided to get married.  Kathy and Neil were married and made covenants together in the Salt Lake Temple.  Later they had four children.  Their family is blessed because of their temple covenants.  They can be together forever.

The temple is a holy place.  It is the house of the Lord and when we go inside we feel close to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.  In the July Friend you can read more about the importance of the temple and what it will be like when you go inside. 

June sharing time

Week 1- The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead-
Memorize the first article of faith;  "We believe in God the Eternal Father and in his son, Jesus Christ and in the Holy Ghost." Talk about how Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are the three members in the Godhead.  The Holy Ghost is a spirit without a body of flesh and bones.  Read D&C 130:22 and talk about how the Holy Ghost is different than the Father and the Son.  Read D&C 8:2 and share examples of how the Holy Ghost speak to your mind & heart. Read John 14:6, 2 Nephi 32:5, Mosiah 5:2, Moroni 8:26, D&C 20:27 and talk about ways the Holy Ghost speaks to us.

Week 2- The Holy Ghost speaks in a still, small voice-
In a quiet voice say, "Everyone who can hear my voice, put your finger on your nose." Continue, designating other parts of the body until all children are listening to your quiet voice. Point out that even though you were speaking quietly when the children listened they could hear your voice and obeyed your instructions. Explain that the Holy Ghost speaks in a still small voice.  Blindfold a child and lead them to a different part of the room by using a soft voice.  Ask, "How is this like the way the Holy Ghost guides us? Show how the Holy Ghost can be likened to the Liahona by sharing the story of Nephi's broken bow (1 Nephi 16:18-23). Explain that just as the Liahona directed the people according to their faith and diligence the Holy Ghost will direct us according to our righteousness when we listen to his voice.

Week 3-The Holy Ghost can guide and protect us-
Share stories about how the Holy Ghost guides or protects us.  The stories can either be personal, from the scriptures, or church history.  Talk about different important decisions you make in your life and how the Holy Ghost can help you make these decisions.

Week 4- By the power of the Holy Ghost we may know the truth of all things-
Read Moroni 10:5 and testify that the Holy Ghost will help us learn the truth.  Talk about when you do the right things in life you will feel a peaceful feeling which is the Holy Ghost telling you that these things are true and right.  Share experiences of how the Holy Ghost helped them.

What we do for the benefit of our children benefits the WHOLE family

We borrowed my Mom's paint for our space derby.  Since we still had it we made PRAYER ROCKS for Family Home Evening.

Now I have a prayer rock by my bed reminding me of the importance of prayer.  When we hold Family Home Evenings, Family scripture study, attend sacrament meeting as a family or any other things for the benefits of our children it benefits the whole family.

What a blessing!

Upcoming

May 10th- Mother's Day

May 17th - Ward Conference, 2nd Ward

May 25th- Memorial Day

June 6th- Stake Baptism 10:30 a.m.

FRIEND TO FRIEND.... 

On April 5th and 6th we were able to listen to General Conference.  We were able to hear our prophet and other church leaders tell us the things Heavenly Father wants us to know.  If we listen and obey to these leaders, we will be happy.  In the May issue of the Friend we can read about four of the talks that were given in conference.

Elder Bednar talks about how as a young boy he accidentally broke a window in a store near his home.  The glass shattered and set off the security alarm.  Elder Bednar thought he would have to go to prison.  He was so scared that he hid under his bed until his parents calmed him down and he apologized to the store owner.  Elder Bednar told this story to teach that all of us are scared sometimes, but when we look to Jesus Christ and follow Him, we can feel peace instead of fear.

Sister Linda K. Burton told the story of a family who moved into a new house.  The yard didn't have a fence around it.  The father put stakes in the corner of the yard and tied strings around the stakes to mark the edge of the yard.  He told his children that if they stayed inside the boundaries, they would be safe.  The children listened to their dad, even when a ball rolled past the string.  They were safe and happy!

Bishop Gérald Caussé spoke about three men who lived in a village in Africa.  When it was time for a district conference, they walked for two weeks through muddy roads to get to the meeting. They brought tithing from people in their village to give to Church leaders.  They stayed for a week so that they could take the sacrament before heading home again, carrying boxes of copies of the Book of Mormon on their heads to bring to their village.  What sacrifices are we willing to make to live the gospel?

Elder Ulisses Soares told the story of a boy who followed the example of Captain Moroni.  The boy saw his classmates looking at bad pictures on their cell phones.  He had to make a quick decision.  He was filled with courage and told his friends that what they were doing was not right.  Most of his classmates made fun of him, but one friend decided to stop looking at the pictures.  Elder Soares said we can be strong like Captain Moroni and stand up for our testimony of truth.

Be sure to read "Show and Tell Conference Edition"  to see what other Primary children around the country thought of April conference.

May Sharing Time

Week 1- My faith in Jesus Christ is strengthed when I obey
Show a picture of Jesus Christ and say together the 4th article of faith and invite the children to name the first principles and ordinances of the gospel.  Count on your fingers as you say each principle and ordinance of the gospel.  Help the children memorize the article of faith.  Sing the song, "Faith" and invite the children to act out ways they can obey.  Share an experience that has strengthed your faith in Jesus Christ.

Week 2- I can repent
Explain that because of Jesus Christ, when we do something wrong, we can repent which means to stop sinning and turn to God.  Explain that repentance includes feeling sorry, asking for forgiveness, righting the wrong and not repeating it.  Discuss the steps and how the Savior can help us.  Express gratitude for the opportunity Jesus Christ has given us to repent.

Week 3- When I am baptized I make a covenant with God.
To demonstrate what a promise is, invite two people to the front.  Have the first child say "I promise to lend you my book if you promise to return it." Have the second one agree and link arms.  Explain that a covenant is a two-way promise between us and God.  Write on one side of the board "God promises" and on the other side "We promise." Explain that when we are baptized we make promises to God & he makes promises to us.  Have pieces of paper with the following promises: Take upon us the name of Jesus Christ, Always remember him, Keep the commandments, Have his spirit to be with us, Return to live with him.  Put the pieces in a container and then have the child draw out each promise and read it.  Ask them, "Who is making this promise, God or us?" Write the promise on the board under the correct heading.  Review the promises & testify the importance of the baptismal covenant.

Week 4- When I am baptized I receive the gift of the Holy Ghost
Show a picture of somebody being confirmed and ask the children what is happening? Ask "What is the gift of the Holy Ghost?"  Emphasize the gift of the Holy Ghost is the right to the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost.  Sing " The Holy Ghost." Invite the children to share experiences of how the Holy Ghost helped them.  Invite a Melchizedek Priesthood holder to come in and talk about the Priesthood & how does somebody receive the Holy Ghost.

Ward Conference

Ward Conference dates are as follows:

1st Ward - April 19th 9:00 a.m.
2nd Ward - May 17th 12:30 p.m.
3rd Ward - June 14th 1:00 p.m.
4th Ward - July 19th 9:00 a.m.
5th Ward - August 16th 11:00 a.m.
Stake Conference Sept 19-20
7th Ward - October 18th 9:00 a.m.

During Ward Conference we will be spotlighting the new Stake Presidency, this will take place of talks that Sunday so there will be no need to assign them.  We look forward to this chance to bear our testimony to the children that these great men were called of God.

 The Stake Presidency wants to emphasize the sacrament, it's importance and how we can make it a more spiritual experience.  They have asked a member of the Stake Primary Presidency to present the sharing time.  There will be one song that accompanies that.  It will be led by Sis Stettler but we’d appreciate your pianist playing.  We will inform you in advance what song so will have preparation time.  The remainder of singing time will be carried out by your chorister.

Payson Temple Openhouse

The Payson temple openhouse will be April 24th- May 25th. The temple department extends the following invitation:

“We really encourage all to take advantage of this spectacular opportunity,” Hiskey said. “Please bring your families. You won’t be disappointed. It will be a wonderful opportunity to visit with your children about the temple.”

Tickets are now available and can be made by phone tel:(855)-537-2000 or at https://templeopenhouse.lds.org/. They go fast so please check your calendars and set a date.

Friend To Friend

Our Heavenly Father has given us tools to build a strong testimony.  Some of those tools are:

SCRIPTURE STUDY - The scriptures are one way that Heavenly Father speaks to us.  We should read the scriptures, think about them, and then do that the Spirit teaches us.  Making time to read the scriptures is very important!  It's more important than television or video games!
PRAYER - Heavenly Father wants us to talk to him often.  He wants us to share our thoughts and feelings with him.  We wants to hear about everything!  We need to pray morning and night.
GOING TO THE TEMPLE - The temple is the most peaceful place on earth.  We can all either get a temple recommend or set a goal to get one someday.  Make time to be in and around the temple.
FAMILY HOME EVENING - We should set aside a night each week for our family to be at home together.  We shouldn't let sports, homework, or anything else become more important than this time together.  Family home evening should be a safe, happy time when we can talk with each other, share testimonies, and have fun!

Read "TESTIMONY TOOLBOX" in the April edition of the Friend magazine to see the blessings that Heavenly Father has promised us as we do these things.

Stake Auxiliary Training

Auxiliary Training will be Thursday April 16th, 7 pm at the Stake Center.  We will be presenting the training material made available by the General Primary Board.

They emphasized teaching in the way the Savior did.  "Reflect for a moment on what you know about the Savior.  What do you notice about His way of teaching and leading?  How did He help others learn, grow spiritually and become converted to His gospel?"

Please join us and bring your scriptures.  Primary Presidencies, the Music leader and Bishopric counselor are invited to attend.

It will also be a great opportunity for us to hear from our new Stake Presidency.

See you all there!

Stake Primary Presidency.

April Sharing Time

The theme for April is "Jesus Christ restored the fullness of the gospel through Joseph Smith."

Week 1- Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith
Talk about how Jesus Christ established His church when He was living on the Earth.  Today that is called the "Primitive Church."  After Jesus died His gospel was taken from the Earth and many years later He restored the gospel through Joseph Smith.  Talk about the scriptures Joseph Smith History 1:11-17.  Talk about how Heavenly Father & Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith.

Week 2- Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon by the power of God
Write the power of God on the board using a code & ask if anyone can read the message.  Write a key on the board that shows the symbols replaced & decode the message.  Read D&C 1:29 and explain that Joseph Smith couldn't read the writing on the gold plates without the help of the Lord.  Talk about how Joseph Smith was able to translate the Book of Mormon and talk about how they feel about the Book of Mormon.

Week 3 & 4- Jesus Christ restored the gospel through Joseph Smith
Remind the children that not long after Jesus died, His gospel was taken from the earth & he later restored the gospel through Joseph Smith.  Restore means to put back together.  Draw a picture of a church labeled with Jesus Christ, Apostles, Prophets, Holy Ghost, Priesthood, Revelation, Ordiances and Scriptures.  Cut it into pieces and have the children assemble (restore) the picture and sing the song, "On a Golden Springtime."

Family Home Evening

I found a new blog that is going to make FHE so much easier. 

ayearoffhe.blogspot.com

She has numerous lessons ready to present to your family. Pick a topic you feel would benefit your family and give it a try.

Family home evening at our house relies on a great dessert! I think tomorrow we're going to try a no bake eclair cake. The recipe is at www.chef-in-training.com/2010/08/eclair-cake/. Can't wait!

Upcoming

March 7- Baptism - 3rd & 7th Wards

March 14-15- Stake Conference

       Saturday Adult Session 7 pm

       Sunday General Session 10 am
       New Stake Presidency to be put in

March 25th- Stake Activity Days 3:30
       All girls 8-11 are invited to an activity to prepare for upcoming General Conference.  We will    
       help the girls be "red"dy to listen to and understand the importance of having a living prophet
       who tells us the word of God.

March 28- Women's Broadcast

April 4-5- General Conference

Sharing Time Corner- March

God speaks through prophets

Week 1-Prophets are called by God-
Talk about how prophets are called by God like Moses, (Exoudus 3:4-5), Lehi (1 Nephi 1:5-6), and Joseph Smith (Joseph Smith-History 1:16-17).  You can come up with clues about how these prophets were called by God and have children represent these prophets and give the clues to the primary.  Then talk about how Preaident Momson is the prophet today and the things that we can do to follow him.

Week 2- Prophets tesify of Jesus Christ-
Have a picture of Jesus Christ and the following prophets: Isaiah (Isaiah 9:6), John the Baptist (Mark 1:6-8), Nephi (2 Nephi 25:26) and Joseph Smith (D&C 76:20-24) and talk about which prophet is testifying and what he testifies about Jesus Christ.  Let them know that all prophets testify of Jesus Christ.

Week 3-There is safety in following the prophet-
Tell the story of Moses in Exodus 14 and act it out with you.  This story tells how with Moses help that the Isrealites were to escape from Pharoh by leaving Egypt and parting the Red Sea.  The people were safe because they followed the prophet.

Week 4- God speaks through prophets-
Talk about today's prophet & how you feel about them.  You could also sing "Follow the Prophet" and act out things you ca do to follow the prophet.

Friend to Friend

In the March Friend, Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles reminds us of why we should listen to General Conference.  When Elder Hales was in high school he loved baseball and he was the pitcher for his high school baseball team.  Once he lost three games in a row, one to nothing.  Robert told his coach he was going to quit.  His coach told him that he just needed to stop wearing out his arm.  He was pitching fastballs before the games to show off.  Robert listened to his coach and the next game he pitched so well that the other team didn't even score a run!  Because he listened to his coach he was able to play better!  Robert learned that listening to Heavenly Father is like that too.  When we listen to Heavenly Father we can do well.  We have a chance to listen to what Heavenly Father wants us to do each time we watch and listen to General Conference.  Elder Hales tells us that if we listen to General Conference we will feel the Spirit, we can hear the word of the Lord meant just for us, our faith will get stronger and our testimonies will grow deeper.  Elder Hales says that if you will pray with a real desire to hear Heavenly Father's voice in the messages of conference, you will find that He has spoken to you to help you.

General Conference is coming up April 4th & 5th.  Watch and listen and see what Heavenly Father wants you to do!

Upcoming

Feb 18- Duty to God fireside

Feb 26- Blue and Gold banquet

March 7- Stake Baptism - 3rd & 7th Wards

Friend To Friend

In the February Friend there is a great article written by Bishop Gary E. Stevenson entitled "It's Your Turn".
He writes about the 2014 Winter Olympics where ten of the athletes who competed were member of the church!  Three of those athletes went on to win Olympic medals!  He writes about the lessons learned from each of these athletes -

Noelle Pikus-Pace's event was the skeleton.  Imagine traveling headfirst with your face inches above the ground down a winding icy track going 90 miles an hour on a sled!  This was not the first time Noelle had tried for the Olympics.  In 2006 she broke her leg and couldn't compete and then in 2010 she missed winning a medal by one-tenth of a second.  But she didn't give up!  In the 2014 Olympics she won the silver medal.

Christopher Fogt was a member of the team that won the bronze medal in the four-man bobsled race.  He could have given up after a terrible crash in the 2010 Olympics but he also kept trying and won a medal!

Torah Bright is a snowboarder from Australia. She noticed American snowboarder Kelly Clark was nervous
after her first bad run.  Instead of focusing on her own race she went over and hugged Kelly and calmed her down.  Because of this simple act of kindness from Torah, both girls ended up winning medals. 

Read the rest of this article to find out how these lessons can apply to you.  Our eternal life is much like each of these athletes.  Read about the things you can do to win the prize of eternal life.  You have prepared for your time on earth.  This is your moment to perform!
 

Sharing Time Corner

February Sharing time theme: Jesus Christ is my Savior & Redeemer

Scripture for the month: John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

Week 1- Jesus Christ is my Savior & Redeemer
Scriptures: Luke 22: 13-14, 19-20 Jesus tells disciples about the Sacrement
                   Luke 22: 39-44 Gethsemane
                   Luke 23: 33-34, 46 Crucifixion
                   John 20:11-18  Resurrection

Week 2 & 3- Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ all mankind may be saved
"We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel." 3rd article of Faith
Scripture stories- Alma 36:5-27 Alma the Younger
                            Acts 8:1-3; 9: 1-20 Paul
                            Enos 1:1-8 Enos

Week 4- Jesus Christ was resurrected, and I will be too.
Use pictures related to the resurrection like the Crucifixation, Christ's burial,the empty tomb, Mary & the Resurrected Lord & Jesus showing wounds to Hos disciples & talk about Jesus resurrection & since he was resurrected we will be resurrected too.

Stake baptism is coming up on Febuary 7th & so if your child is getting baptized, please get a white card from a member of your  primary presidency as soon as possible so they can get it to a member of the stake primary presidency & we can get the baptism planned.  Remember the sooner we get the info the sooner we can plan out the baptism with your family & the more notice you will have to get family members to help out in the baptism.

Upcoming

It's looking like a busy month.

Jan 7- scout parent meeting 7:10 pm

Jan 14- youth conference kick off meeting

Jan 17- scout webcast- great training opportunity

Jan 21- 11 yr old scout parent meeting

Jan 22- pack meeting

Jan 28-YW new beginnings

Feb 7- stake baptism. Children from 4th &7th Wards

Bringing the Scriptures to Life

Years ago I attended a Relief Society dinner which was a Murder Mystery.  Each table got to participate saying parts, discussing and hoping to be the one to figure out "who done it?"  To our amazement the story that we had just acted out was a story from the Book of Mormon.  I had read the story numerous times but this brought it to life.

This year throughout the year I want to make Mystery reenactments of more of the scripture stories.  I'll start by sharing this one with my family.  http://www.homemaking-cottage.com/Full-Themed-Nights/mystery-theater-dinner-and-script.htm  This page has only the instructions.  The clues that your group will reveal are as follows:

Clue #1

4- Mr. Fife:    I know that Mr. Mult knows that there is a great deal of animosity between Mr. Enn and Judge Black.  I know Mr. Mult is a great friend of Mr. Enn and would do anything to help him.

2-Maid: I know that the judge’s brother, Sean, was always jealous of Judge Jones position as Chief Justice.  He always wanted the position for himself.

5-Mr. Enn:  I have discovered that Judge Black is part of a secret group who are striving to put themselves in power.  I know he has been covering up crimes for his friends.

1-Sean Jones: I know my brother was always very hard on his employees and that his maid was fed up with the poor treatment she was receiving.  She feared Judge Jones and was tired of his abuse.

3-Mr. Mult: I know there are a lot of bad feelings between Mr. Enn and Judge Black.  Judge Black is angry that Mr. Enn is in the process of exposing him and his corrupt group of friends.  I believe Judge Black would do anything to get revenge.

6-Judge Black: Mr. Fife has been a trusted employee of myself and Chief Justice Jones.  Mr. Fife has access to the homes and offices of us both.

Clue #2

2-Mr. Fife: I saw the maid running out of the house screaming “the judge has been murdered!”, as I was approaching the house.

3-Maid: I found the body lying in a pool of blood.

5-Sean Jones: Tuesday evening I issued a press release announcing that my brother, the Chief Justice, has been murdered

4-Mr. Mult: I found Mr. Fife lying unconscious next to the judge’s dead body when I entered Judge Jone’s home.  I had him arrested and charged with murder.

6-Mr. Enn: At the press release you saw blood splattered on Shawn Jone’s clothing

1- Judge Black: Tuesday afternoon I heard Mr. Enn say that the Chief Justice had been murdered.  I sent Mr. Fife to see if it’s true.

 Clue #3

Mr. Fife: I believe that the maid is the murderer.  I saw her running out of the Chief Justice’s house as I was approaching it.  I know she hated her boss.  I believe she ran out screaming that the judge had been murdered in order to throw suspicion from herself.

5-Maid: I heard Judge Jones confront Judge Black about his involvement in a group conspiring to oust him from his office.  I know Judge Black is corrupt and wants to be more powerful than he is.  I believe Judge Black killed Judge Jones so that he could have his seat and also to prevent Judge Jones from exposing and punishing Judge Black and his group.

4-Mr. Enn: I knew how badly the judge’s brother, Sean, envied his position as Chief Justice.  I know he always wanted the position for himself.  I believe he killed him so that he could have position and power for himself, thus fulfilling his life long dream.  I believe the blood you saw on his clothing was his brother’s blood.

1-Sean Jones: I heard Mr. Enn say that Judge Jones was dead before the press release has been issued.  I believe the only way that he could have known that he was dead prior to its being made public in the press release was if he was involved in the nurder himself.  I believe Mr. Enn hired Mr. Mult to kill Judge Jones and since Mr. Mult was the “hit man” I believe Mr. Mult should be charged with murder!

2-Mr. Mult: I found Mr. Fife lying unconscious next to Judge Jones corpse.  I believe this proves that he killed him.  Why else would he be there?

3-Judge Black: I heard Mr. Enn say that Judge Jones was dead before the press release had been issued.  I believe that the only way that he could have known that he was dead prior to the press release was if he was involved in the murder himself.  The problem is, he was with me at the time of the murder, so I know he couldn’t have actually stabbed him.  I figure he hired someone else to commit the actual murder, but because it was all his idea I believe that Mr. Enn should be charged with the crime of murder!

I've invited my sister and her family over for FHE tomorrow night.  Let's cross our fingers it goes well!

Meet the Mormons

Meet the Mormons movie is now being played in the Legacy theatre at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. Keep it in mind for date night, Family Home Evening, Activity Days, etc. Tickets can be obtained online.