March 1-7
Doctrine and Covenants 20-22
"The rise of the Church of Christ"
Materials: puzzle pieces printed and cut out, scriptures
Opening Song: "The Church of Jesus Christ" (Children's Songbook, 77)
Opening Prayer:
Attention Activity:
Play a round of "two truths and a lie" with your family.
Lesson:
Imagine you were talking with someone who wasn't a member of their church. What would you say if they asked you what are church teaches? Concepts that a church believes are called doctrines. The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints is unique because we believe that our doctrines are Christ's doctrines and are true.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints was officially organized on April, 6 1830. Joseph Smith received a revelation about how the church was to be organized--Section 20. "Section 20 is a concise treatment of the basic doctrine, ordinances, and requirements for membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" (Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual).
Activity: Church puzzle
Directions: Before FHE, print out the pictures below. Cut out each of the twelve pieces and put into a bag. During FHE, have a family member take out a puzzle piece and read out the number. Read the section below that corresponds to the number on the piece. As your family takes out each piece they can assemble the puzzle on the table or floor. Each piece contains a doctrinal truth discussed in D&C 20.
1. The church is called in Christ's name and is organized according the commandments of God. (20:1)
2. The Book of Mormon proves the divinity of the Church. Read D&C 20:11
3. Personal revelation is a key doctrine of the church. Through personal revelation each person can receive their own witness to the Book of Mormon and of the truth of the Church. Read D&C 20:13
4. The Plan of Salvation is a key doctrine of the church. The events of the creation (20:17-18), the fall (20:19-20), and the atonement (20:21-26) are essential elements of God's plan to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.
5. Baptism is required for all people to enter into the kingdom of heaven. Those who are accountable and desire to be baptized must be baptized by immersion by a ordained elder or priest. (20: 25-27; 37; 72-74)
6. The grace of our Savior, Jesus Christ, will justify and sanctify all those who are willing to repent of their sins. (20:29-32)
7. The priesthood of God has been restored to the earth to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. The priesthood consists of offices which each have specific duties in the Church. These offices include apostle, elder, priest, teacher, and deacon. (20: 38-67)
8. Members of the church have a duty to understand church doctrine and walk in holiness before the Lord, having their works and faith agreeable with the scriptures. (20: 68-69)
9. The members of the church must meet together often to partake of the sacrament which must be administered by the priesthood. (20: 77-79)
Why would these truths be important to emphasize as the Church was being established? How has your life been blessed because you know each of these truths?
Optional Activity: Organization of the church video
Bear your testimony.
Closing Song: "He sent his son" (Children's Songbook, 34)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Church Window Cookies recipe here
