April 5-11
Doctrine and Covenants 30-36
"You are called to preach my gospel"
Materials: whiteboard and marker, coloring page
Opening Song: "The Family is of God" (Sacred Music App, "Additional songs for children")
Opening Prayer:
Attention Activity:
Play a short family game together.
Lesson:
In September of 1830, Thomas B. Marsh was a new convert to the church when the Lord called him to serve a mission. Thomas Marsh had small children still at home and many family responsibilities. The Lord directed a revelation to him calling him to serve a mission and addressing some of the concerns Thomas Marsh would have on behalf of his family.
In D&C 31, we read that the Lord truly cares about our families. The family is the vessel used in the plan of salvation for people to receive exaltation.
Read D&C 31:2. The Lord tells Thomas Marsh that He recognizes family struggles. Parents of young children can sympathize with some of the trials that comes with having little ones in the home. The Lord was totally aware of Thomas's situation and reassured him. What promise does the Lord make to Thomas Marsh in verse 2 about his little ones?
The Lord goes on in verse 3 to call Thomas to serve a mission and he makes him some additional promises about his family. Read 31:5-6. The Lord promises them physical safety as well as promised blessings in heaven if Thomas is willing to leave them for a "little time" to go and preach his gospel. When we willingly serve Heavenly Father, he will not only bless us personally but also bless our family members.
Share about blessings that have come to your family because of missionary work. Or you can use the story below.
Tammy and her family were excited to spend a beautiful spring day at Nottsberry Farm theme park in California. Tammy loved to ride the roller-coasters and enjoyed the fun atmosphere of the park. The only downside to her fun-filled day was that not all of her family could come. Tammy's brother, Aleck, was currently serving his mission in Florida. Tammy was proud of her brother's service to the church and tried to keep him in her prayers and thoughts as she spent time on some of her brothers favorite roller-coasters that day. Around lunchtime, Tammy's mom noticed her car keys were not in their usual place in her purse and her Dad could not find them either. Fearing they had locked them in the car, Tammy and her family went back to the parking lot to check. Tammy and her family found the keys sticking out of the driver's side door of their car. They were shocked because anyone could have taken their keys and stolen the car, but it was still there. Tammy's mom mentioned that they had been blessed by Heavenly Father and were grateful for the safety and protection the Lord had given them that day. Her dad also made a comment that the Lord has promised to bless the families of missionaries. The family decided to say a prayer thanking Heavenly Father for this blessing.
The Lord loves families and wants to bless and protect them. He wants to help us in our relationships with our family members to build strong eternal families. He also instructed Thomas Marsh to lead in his home with meekness. He wanted Thomas Marsh to be patient, steadfast, and faithful and to pray always. Write the words "meekness", "steadfast", "faithful", and "praying always" on a piece of paper or whiteboard. How would these qualities help you be a better family member? (write answers on whiteboard)
Sometimes our callings in the church will take away time from our family like serving as a member of a bishopric or presidency. These sacrifices are always recognized by the Lord. Heavenly Father cares about each one of his children. How can you tell Heavenly Father loves you and watches over you?
Activity: Family Coloring Page
Closing Song: "I am a child of God" (Hymnal, 301)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Ice cream in a bag
No comments:
Post a Comment