Lesson 47: Moroni 1-6

 November 30- December 6
Moroni 1-6
"To keep them in the right way"

Materials: pictures below, construction paper, tape, scriptures
Opening Song: "The priesthood is restored" (Children's Songbook, 89)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity:

Play a round of the game "telephone"  with your family. Sometimes as things get passed on, the true meaning of what was said gets lost in translation. 

Lesson:

When Christ was on the earth, He established His church. He performed (and taught His disciples to perform) priesthood ordinances like the sacrament, ordinations and baptisms. A lot of Christian churches still practice many of these ordinances, but the correct way to perform these ordinances got lost over time until the church was restored by Joseph Smith. "In Moroni 2–6, Moroni provided important details about certain priesthood ordinances that can help clear up some of that confusion" (Come Follow Me For Individuals and Families, 187). 

Activity: 

Before the lesson print out the following pictures from churchofjesuschrist.org * Tape the pictures around the room covered by a piece of construction paper. On each construction paper write the scriptures from Moroni below to correspond with each picture. Family Members will take turns selecting a photo and reading the scriptures. 

Priesthood ordination (Moroni 3).
Is there anyone in your family preparing fro priesthood ordination? What can we learn about priesthood ordination from these verses? We know because of Moroni and other prophets that the priesthood can't be learned from a class. It has to be given to a worthy member of the church by another member of the priesthood with the proper authority. Maybe a member of the priesthood in your family could share how they felt when they were ordained with the laying on of hands. 

The sacrament (Moroni 4: 2-3; 5: 2; 6:6).
Although other religions have different versions of the sacrament. Our church has unique blessings on the bread and water that help remind us of the covenants we made at baptism. The ordinance of the sacrament is a weekly reminder for us. What are some of covenants described in the prayers given by Moroni?

Baptism (Moroni 6:1–3).
Moroni makes it clear that a person has to prepare and make the choice to be baptized. This means that they are held accountable and have truly repented. Moroni goes on in chapter 8 to clarify that babies and little children do not need to repent or be baptized until they are old enough to be held accountable for their choices. What could someone who is preparing for baptism learn from these verses. 

Confirmation (Moroni 2:2; 6:4).
Members of the church are confirmed by the laying of of hands after baptism and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. This spiritual conformation means that a person is "cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost." The Holy Ghost will then be a constant companion to you if you live righteously and try to heed its promptings. 

Gospel topics states, "Ordinances and covenants help us remember who we are. They remind us of our duty to God. The Lord has provided them to help us come unto Him and receive eternal life. When we honor them, He strengthens us spiritually." Our oridnances and covenants are the stepping stones on our way to the Celestial Kingdom. The priesthood enables us to receive these ordinances so that we can return to our Heavenly Father. 

Bare your testimony of how the ordinances that you have received have blessed your life. 

Closing Song: "The Spirit of God" (Hymnal, 2)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Banana Cheesecake Bars recipe here

* The images on this lesson are taken from this website . They are posted under the disclaimer that they are used from personal, non-commercial use. 

Lesson 46: Ether 12-15

 November 23-29
Ether 12-15
"By faith all things are fulfilled" 

Materials: weights. objects of varying weight
Opening Song: "Lord, I would follow thee" (Hymnal, 220)
Opening Prayer:
Scripture: Ether 12: 27

Attention Activity:

Set out a series of objects ranging from light to heavy (if you have weights, use them). Have family members come up and pick up the different objects. Which items are heavier? Lighter? Why do people use weights? People use weights to make their muscles and bodies stronger. When people lift weights they break down the fibers in their muscles. When the muscles recuperate, they are stronger and are able to handle more weight the next time they are used. Exercising our muscles is good for our bodies.  

Lesson:

Before we exercise, our bodies are weak. This is also like what happens to us here on earth. We each have our weaknesses. Some of us might be lazy, or have tempers. Others might have trouble following rules or saying sorry. None of us are perfect. Think about your own weaknesses. What are some areas that you struggle? 

Read Ether 12: 23-24. What did Moroni think was his weakness? Moroni didn't think that he was a good writer and he feared that people would mock his words. The Lord answered Moroni saying that the fools that mock Moroni's writing will not be able to take advantage of his weakness because Moroni is meek. What does is mean to be meek? ("Godfearing, righteous, humble, teachable, and patient under suffering. The meek are willing to follow gospel teachings. " from churchofjesuschrist.org, Guide to the Scriptures, "meek, meekness")

Read Ether 12:27. Why does God give us our weaknesses? The Lord says He gives us our weaknesses so that we may become humble. If we are humble and have faith in Him, He can help us become strong by overcoming our weaknesses. Just like when we exercise, we start out weak. We make mistakes. The weights are like the atonement. As we use the weights, or repent, we become stronger and are more prepared to face upcoming challenges and obstacles. This can only happen though if we first show humility by admitting that we need to change and second, showing faith by believing in the grace of God. 

Activity: "Grace" Exercises

Do the following exercises with your family to exemplify how weak things can be made strong.

G- Giant leap x5
R- Run in place for 30 sec.
A- Arm Circles x 15
C- Crunches x 20
E- Elbow to knees x 20

Closing song: "I stand all amazed" (Hymnal, 193)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Healthy frozen peanut butter banana bites recipe