Lesson 15: D&C 30-36

 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

Lesson 14: Easter

March 29- April 4
Easter
"I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain."

Materials: favorite picture of the resurrection, paper strips printed, cut out, and placed in easter eggs, hide eggs around the room. 
Opening Song: "He sent his son" (Children's Songbook, 34)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: Ask your family members to close their eyes and make a mental picture as you read the following scripture. "We saw [him] standing upon the breastwork of the pulpit, before us; and under his feet was a paved work of pure gold, in color like amber. His eyes were as a flame of fire the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sounds of the rushing of great waters..." (D&C 110:2-3)

Who is being described by Joseph Smith here? It was Jesus Christ. Could you see him in your mind as I read? Could you hear his voice? Display your favorite picture of the resurrection. 

He Lives by Simon Dewey

Lesson: 

Read the following excerpt from the Doctrine and Covenants 2021: Come Follow Me For Individuals and Families "(pg.57) April 3, 1836, was Easter Sunday. After helping administer the sacrament to Saints gathered in the newly dedicated Kirtland Temple, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery found a quiet place behind a veil in the temple and bowed in silent prayer. Then, on this sacred day when Christians everywhere were commemorating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the risen Savior Himself appeared in His temple, declaring, 'I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain' (Doctrine and Covenants 110:4)."

Approximately 1,800 years after Christ was resurrected on Easter morning, he appeared to Joseph and Oliver in the Kirtland temple. He introduces himself to Oliver and Joseph explaining that he was our Savior, our advocate with Heavenly Father. 

Activity: Easter egg hunt

Before FHE, print and cut out the list below and place each strip into a plastic easter egg. (You could also put candy in if you wish). Hide the easter eggs around the room.

We can learn a lot about the atonement and resurrection of Jesus Christ as we study the Doctrine and Covenants. Around the room are hidden easter eggs. Take turns choosing an egg and reading the scriptures inside. What does each scripture passage teach us about the Savior and the Atonement? 

Why did Jesus Christ choose to suffer and die for us? What must we do to receive the blessings of the atonement? 

Every year on Easter, we remember our savior and redeemer, Jesus Christ. We honor his sacrifice as we think about the atonement. And we celebrate his glory and his triumph as we remember his resurrection. His story gives each of us hope--hope for our fallen souls as well as hope for our mortal bodies. Because of the miracles which occurred through the atonement and the resurrection when can be saved from our sins and be resurrected also. 

Bear your testimony of the resurrection. 

Closing Song: "I know that my Redeemer lives" (Hymns, 136)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Carrot cake bars recipe here