September 27- October 3
Doctrine and Covenants 109-110
"It is thy house, a place of holiness"
Materials: Temple puzzle, temple document, video link, small photo of a temple for each family member, scriptures
Opening Song: "I love to see the temple" (Children's Songbook, )
Opening Prayer:
Attention Activity: Show a picture of a temple that has special significance for you. Explain why that temple is so important to you. If possible, you could pass out a card or small photo with an image of the temple for each family member to keep in their room.
Lesson:
March 27, 1836 is one of the most significant dates in history. On this date, hundreds of saints gathered together in the newly completed Kirtland Temple to dedicate it to the Lord. Many wonderful and awe inspiring things happened that day. Eliza R. Snow described, "no mortal language can describe the heavenly manifestations of that memorable day. Angels appeared to some, while a sense of the divine was realized by all present, and each heart was filled with 'joy inexpressible and full of glory."
The dedicatory prayer, which was offered by the prophet Joseph Smith, was recorded as Section 109 of the Doctrine and Covenants. In the prayer, Joseph communicated that the Kirtland temple was to be the Lord's house and it contains many truths about the blessings we can receive was we attend the temple.
The Kirtland temple was not like the temples today in every way. The Lord had not yet revealed work for the dead. Still, the Kirtland temple offered a place for Christ to come and a place for the saints to receive blessings.
Activity: Temple Puzzle
Directions: Print the puzzle and document below and cut out the pieces. Glue the activity from the document onto the back of the puzzle piece with the corresponding number. Place all the pieces into a bag. Have family members take turns choosing a piece out of the bag. As your family chooses pieces do the activities on the back.
* "Sacred Temple Clothing" video from churchofjesuschrist.org
Just one week after the dedication of the Kirtland temple, on April 3, 1836, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery received a vision in the the temple. They saw Jesus Christ inside the temple and He spoke to them. The Lord told them He accepted the temple as His house and promised additional blessings would be poured out upon them. Read D&C 110: 9. Then the prophets Moses, Elias, and Elijah appeared and bestowed priesthood keys upon Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery.During the vision with Christ, he explained that this temple was "just the beginning of the blessing which shall be poured out upon the heads of my people." As of August 2021, there are 150 operating temples, 9 more are undergoing renovations, 8 are under construction, and 34 have been announced. 201 temples will dot the earth in every corner of the globe. More importantly, millions of people have received temple ordinances enabling them for eternal life.
Bear your testimony of the temple.
As we close family home evening, we will sing "The Spirit of God." This was sung at the Kirtland Temple dedication and at every temple dedication since. As we sing, listen to the words and try to find phrases that help you to appreciate temples.
Closing Song: "The Spirit of God" (Hymns, 2)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: pumpkin muffins recipe here
