Lesson 31: Esther

July 25-31
Esther
"Thou Art Come... for Such a Time as This"

Materials: Esther video (link provided),  CTR shield page printed, coloring utensils, scriptures
Opening Song: "Dare to do Right" (Children's Songbook, 158)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: Print and have your family color the CTR shield. While they are coloring, ask, "What does CTR stand for?"; "What does it mean to choose the right?" "Why do you think the CTR symbol is a shield?" 

Lesson:

This week, we will be talking about on e of the greatest stories of the Old Testament- the story of Esther. Esther is a shining example of choosing the right, even if it means losing your life. 

Watch the video "God's story: Esther" from youtube (4:37)

How did Esther choose the right? Esther is a great example of bravery, faith, and daring to do the right thing regardless of the consequences. She could have died going to the king without permission, but she knew it was the right thing to do. She also knew she needed help. Read Esther 4:16. What did she ask the Jews to do to help her before she went before the King on their behalf? How would fasting help Esther?

Sometimes it's difficult to choose the right. It might mean not being able to do something that seems fun, or it might mean losing a friend. Closing the right is not always easy, in fact a lot of the time it is the harder choice to make. Making wrong choices often seems funner, easier, and it more immediate, but wrong choices lead to consequences that are harmful, difficult, and long lasting. As you make daily choices, try to think about your end goal--returning to Heavenly Father. Are the choices your making bringing you to Christ? Are they making you the best version of yourself?

How was Esther like Jesus Christ? Jesus was brave like Esther. He dared to do the right thing even though it cost him his own life. He died to save His people, including me and you. Bear your testimony on how the motto "Choose the Right" has helped you. 

Activity: The Friend Activity Page. 

Closing Song: "Choose the Right" (Hymns, 239)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: "Garlic cheese bomb" pull-apart loaf recipe here

Lesson 30: Ezra 1; 3-7; Nehemiah 2; 4-6; 8

July 18-24
Ezra 1; 3-7; Nehemiah 2; 4-6; 8
"I Am Doing a Great Work"

Materials: The Friend activity pages printed, pens/pencils, video (link provided)
Opening Song: "I love to see the temple" (Children's Songbook, 95)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: Print out the one or both of the following activity pages from The Friend and have each family member complete. 

Find that Temple! Answers: 1-c, 2-b, 3-a, 4-f, 5-e, 6-d

Temples around the World (top part) Answers: 1-a, 2-h, 3-e, 4-f, 5-b, 6-c, 7-d, 8-g

Today we are going to talk about temples. Here are some fun facts about temples:

• 166 operating temples
• 41 temples under construction
• 7 temples under renovation
• 68 temples are announced and being planned
• Total: 282 Temples in 74 countries (As of Jun. 27, 2022)

Lesson:

Around 586 BCE, the Babylonian army led by Nebuchadnezzar invaded Jerusalem. They burned the temple, carried of the sacred objects within, and led the Israelites away captive. Decades later, around 530 BCE, the Israelites returned to Jerusalem and sought to rebuild their lives. They also desired to rebuild the temple: "and all they that were come out of the captivity unto Jerusalem; and appointed the Levites, from twenty years old and upward, to set forward the work of the house of the Lord" (Ezra 3: 8). Why do you think the Israelites made rebuilding the temple a priority?

Read Ezra 3: 10-13. How did the Israelites react to laying the foundation of the temple? After some setbacks, the building of the temple had stopped for a while. Then, a man named Zerubbabel started the work on the temple again after being urged by 2 prophets named Zechariah and Haggai who we'll read more about later this year. Read Ezra 6:16. How did the Israelites feel about the completion and dedication of the temple? 

As we've read these passages today we've talked about how the Israelites praised God, offered thanks, and had joy while they worked to complete the House of the Lord. Today, we continue this tradition. Before each temple is dedicated, the youth in that area lead a celebration in a performance called, "The Cultural Celebration." Watch "The Late Hawaii Temple Youth Cultural Celebration" video from churchofjesuschrist.org. 

Activity:

Go onto temple.churchofjesuschrist.org/list. Have family members call out places and countries around the world and see what the temple looks like in that location. As you look at the pictures of the temple ask family members the following discussion questions:

•  What feeling do you get on the temple grounds or inside the temple?
• How does the temple bring you joy? 
• Why do you go to the temple?
• How can we show our gratitude for the temple and its blessings?

Bear your testimony of the temple and the joy it brings you. 

Closing Song: "Families Can Be Together Forever" (Children's Songbook, 188)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Lemon Cookies recipe here

Lesson 29: 2 Kings 17-25

 July 11-17
2 Kings 17-25
"He trusted in the Lord God of Israel"

Materials: whiteboard and marker, video clip (link provided), scriptures, paper, and crayons
Opening Song: "Search, Ponder, and Pray" (Children's Songbook, 109)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: Play a round of hangman with your family on a whiteboard or piece of paper with the phrase, "Feast upon the words of Christ." What does it mean to "feast upon the words of Christ?"

Lesson:

The Israelites in the Southern Kingdom had not been righteous. The king, Manasseh, had led the people to practice idolatry once again. After the death of Manasseh and his son, Josiah became the King over the southern Kingdom of Judah. 

Have family watch "King Josiah" video from churchofjesuschrist.org (1:36)

Read 2 Kings 22:10-11. What book did the servants find? Why did King Josiah rent his clothes?

The scriptures are a powerful tool God gave us. Reading the scriptures can turn our hearts to the Lord. How do the scriptures bless us?

King Josiah wanted all his people to hear the scriptures. Read 2 Kings 23: 2-3. How did king Josiah's people respond to the scriptures? Josiah made a covenant with God similar to the covenant we make at baptism: "to walk after the Lord, and keep his commandments." The people followed Josiah's need and made the same covenant. They wanted to be better. They removed all of the idols from the temple and held the sacred passover meal as a way of showing that they would follow the words of the scriptures.

We try to read the scriptures every day. How do we show we are following God's word in the scriptures?

Activity: Share favorite Scripture story. Using art supplies and paper have family members draw or write about their favorite scripture story. How has the story helped them to keep the commandments?

Read the following quote from Elder Robert D. Hales. Bear your testimony of the scriptures and how they have turned your hear to the Lord. 

Closing Song: "Scripture Power" (Additional Songs for Children, Gospel Library App)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Soft Pretzel Bites recipe here

Lesson 28: 2 Kings 2-7

 July 4-10
2 Kings 2-7
"There is a Prophet in Israel"

Materials: maze pages (printed), blank papers labeled with scriptures (see below), Bibles, Picture labels printed and cut out, coloring utensils, 
Opening Song: "Tell me the stories of Jesus"(Children's Songbook, 57)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: Print and hand out the maze from the link below and have each family member complete. 

Elisha Maze

Lesson:

In the Northern Kingdom of Israel, after Elijah is taken up to heaven, Elisha becomes the next prophet. Elisha performs many miracles as a prophet. What are miracles? Elder Donald A. Hallstrom of the seventy taught that miracles are "'a beneficial event brought about through divine power that mortals do not understand' gives an expanded perspective into matters more eternal in nature. This definition also allows us to contemplate the vital role of faith in the receipt of a miracle" ("Has the Day of Miracles Ceased?" General Conference 2017). 

Activity: Miracles draw and sort

Directions: Before FHE, label pieces of paper with the scriptures below--one scripture per page. Give each family member a labeled paper and set out drawing supplies. Ask your family to read the scripture passage and illustrate the miracle described on their paper. 

• 2 Kings 2: 19-22
• 2 Kings 4: 14-17
• 2 Kings 4: 32-35
• 2 Kings 4: 38-41
• 2 Kings 4: 42-44
•  2 Kings 6 :4-7

After your family is done drawing, have them line up the proper caption to each picture, using the captions below. 

• Elisha heals the waters of Jericho. 
• Elisha makes a lost axe float to the top of the water.
• 20 loaves of barley bread and corn are enough to feed a hundred men with left-overs.
• Elisha raises a boy from the dead.
• An old woman out of child bearing years conceives and bares a son.
• A widows oil vessels are filled to pay off her husband's debts and prevents her sons from being put in bondage.
• Elisha heals food in a pot poisoned by a blight on the crops.

Read Elder Hallstrom's definition of a miracle again. With this in mind, what miracles--big or small--have we seen in our lives? Miracles don't have to be huge, like parting the Red Sea, or raising someone from the dead. They can be something simple, yet helpful in a way that only divine help could have accomplished. Why are their so many stories about miracles in the scriptures? Why do you think it's important the we talk about miracles? 

Elder Hallstrom also went on in his talk to quote Elder Bednar saying, "Similarly, Elder David A. Bednar once asked a young man who had requested a priesthood blessing, “If it is the will of our Heavenly Father that you are transferred by death in your youth to the spirit world to continue your ministry, do you have the faith to submit to His will and not be healed?”⁸ Do we have the faith “not [to] be healed” from our earthly afflictions so we might be healed eternally?"

"Miracles turn our hearts to the Lord and teach us spiritual lessons" (Come Follow Me For Individuals and Families 2022, pg. 122). Miracles cannot be a foundation for our testimonies, The Book of Mormon, teaches us that, but miracles can strengthen our faith. What's more, as we look for miracles in our lives, especially the small ones, we are able to remember the Lord and show gratitude for all He has done for us. 

Bear your testimony.

Closing Song: "I am a child of God" (Children's Songbook, 2)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Miracle whip chocolate cake recipe here

Lesson 27: 1 Kings 17-19

June 27- July 3
1 Kings 17-19
"If the Lord be good, follow Him"

Materials: a ball, whiteboard and maker, video, activity pages (printed), coloring utensils
Opening Song: "Faith" (Children's Songbook, 96)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: Play catch with your family for several minutes. Playing games like catch is fun because we can all share one toy and have fun with it. We take turns catching and passing it to each other. Why is sharing important? Are we supposed to share with others? How?

Lesson:

Sometimes it is difficult to share things that are important to us. Whether it is a new toy or a treat, sometimes sharing can be hard, but it is always worth it. It teaches us to be selfless and to treat others the way Heavenly Father would want us to. Today, we are going to talk about a woman who shared all that she had when it was very hard for her. 

Have your family watch "Elijah and the Widow of Zarapheth" from the churchofjesuschrist.org (youtube link below) *It may be fun to have some bread or rolls during the clip. There is recipe below. 

On a whiteboard or piece of paper, write the words "Widow of Zarapheth". Ask family members to describe the widow. What qualities did she have? (faithful, caring, obedient, trusting, hopeful, a good mother, etc.)

The Lord asked the widow to demonstrate remarkable faith. She was commanded to feed the prophet. This was not only hard for her but life-threatening for her and for her son as they had enough food for one last meal. The widow obeyed regardless and gave her last bit of food to Elijah, acting on faith on Elijah's words. Elijah told her if she fed him, her meal and oil would not run out "until the day that the LORD sendeth rain upon the earth" (1 Kings 17: 14). 

Sometimes we are asked to share what we have with others. Sometimes we are asked by God to make sacrifices. What are some things we are asked to share and/or sacrifice? (sharing toys with family, sharing time, sharing talents, tithing, fast-offerings, etc.) The Come Follow Me for Individuals and Families manual for this week says, "An invitation to sacrifice is an opportunity to exercise my faith." How are our sacrifices a way to show our faith and devotion to Heavenly Father?

What are some things we can to share with those around us and help those in need? What are some ways we can increase our faith through service?

Show the quote below from President Monson and bare your testimony on how service has built your faith.

Activity: Print copies of Elijah and the Widow Activity Page link here.

Closing Song: "The Holy Ghost" (Children's Songbook, 105)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Olive Oil Bread Rolls recipe here

Lesson 31: D&C 84

 July 26- August 1
Doctrine and Covenants 84
"The Power of Godliness"

Materials: Whiteboard and marker, priesthood words worksheet, tape
Opening Song: "The Priesthood is Restored" (Children's Songbook, 89)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: Write the word "priesthood" on the whiteboard. Ask your family, what is the first thing that comes into your head when you think of the word "priesthood?" Have each family member write one thing on the board that comes to mind when they the of the priesthood. 

Lesson: 

We often think of the priesthood by identifying it with the men who bear it. We think of our dads, grandfathers, bishops, and apostles. Although  righteous men may hold the priesthood they are not the priesthood. What is the priesthood? Have a family member read the following quote from Gospel Topics. 

"The word priesthood has two meanings. First, priesthood is the power and authority of God. It has always existed and will continue to exist without end (see Alma 13:7–8; Doctrine and Covenants 84:17–18). Through the priesthood, God created and governs the heavens and the earth. Through this power, He exalts His obedient children, bringing to pass “the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39; see also Doctrine and Covenants 84:35–38).

Second, in mortality, priesthood is the power and authority that God gives to man to act in all things necessary for the salvation of God’s children. The blessings of the priesthood are available to all who receive the gospel (“Priesthood Authority,” Handbook 2, Administering the Church)."

Activity: Priesthood words

(Before FHE, print the sheet below and cut out the words.) To learn more about the priesthood, we are going to add to or expound on some of the words we wrote on our board at the beginning of FHE. Have family members take turns choosing a word and taping it to the whiteboard next to the word, "priesthood." When they do, read or have a family member read the passage below that corresponds with the word.

Melchizedek- Read D&C 84:19.

Ordinances- Read D&C 84:20-22

Aaronic- Read D&C 84: 26-27

Power- Priesthood power is the power by which God blesses his children. It is available to every worthy man and woman in the church. We utilize priesthood power when we fulfill responsibilities in our callings and homes. 

Restored- The priesthood was restored to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery while Joseph was translating The Book of Mormon. Since then, the priesthood has been passed on to worthy  men until now. In D&C 84 we read how Moses received his priesthood authority. Men who are ordained to the priesthood today can also trace their authority back to Jesus Christ. 

Keys- "The keys of the priesthood are the right to preside and direct the affairs of the Church within a jurisdiction. Jesus Christ holds all the keys of the priesthood pertaining to His Church. He has conferred upon each of His Apostles all the keys that pertain to the kingdom of God on earth. The senior living Apostle, the President of the Church, is the only person on earth authorized to exercise all priesthood keys (Gospel Topics)." The President of the Church can delegate keys to others who have priesthood authority. Who holds priesthood keys in our ward and stake?

Temple- Read D&C 84: 5 The temple is an essential part of the priesthood. In the temple, worthy women and men are endowed with priesthood power and make sacred covenants and ordinances necessary to be able to dwell in God's presence in the celestial kingdom.  

Authority- Priesthood authority can only be given to men through ordination. Those who have priesthood authority may perform priesthood duties of their quorums and lesser quorums. These duties are done under the direction of the president who holds the priesthood keys for that quorum. 

The Doctrine and Covenants makes clear eternal life can only come through being true and faithful to priesthood covenants and ordinances. What priesthood ordinances have you participated in? Verse 20 of section 84 says that the power of godliness is seen in priesthood ordinances. How have you felt the "power of godliness" as you have participated in the sacrament or when you were baptized? How would these ordinances make us more "godly?" When you are older, you get to enter the temple to receive your endowment. This endowment is a gift of priesthood power and it is another ordinance that is necessary to eternal life along with eternal marriage. These are also blessings made possible to us through the priesthood.

Bear your testimony of the priesthood. 

Closing Song: "The Priesthood of Our Lord" (Hymns, 320)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Lemon Crinkle Cookies recipe here

Lesson 30: D&C 81-83

 July 19-25
Doctrine and Covenants 81-83
"Where much is given much is required"

Materials: talent strips, bowl, talent show*
Opening Song: "Have I done any good" (Hymns, 223)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: *Have each family member display, perform, or discuss a talent in a family talent show. 

Lesson:

Read D&C 82: 18-19. What are talents? Talents are skills that we have been blessed with. Some talents we are born with; they are part of our personality. Other talents are things we have to practice and develop. Talents can be physical things like playing the piano, drawing, or developing in sports, but talents can also be characteristics like being friendly, being organized, or even being faithful. 

D&C 82:18 talked about how we should be improving our talents. How can we improve our talent? Have a family member tell a brief version of Christ's parable of the talents. Just like Jesus talked about in his parable of the talents. We need to use our talent and be actively trying to better ourselves to improve our talents. Hidden talents are a waste. 

Verse 18 also mentions that we should be gaining other talents. This means we should be learning new things. Heavenly Father values knowledge and he loves it when His children want to learn. Learning entirely new skills is an important part of developing our talents. 

Why is all this important? Why does Heavenly Father care so much about our talents? D&C 82 says that talents should be "cast into the Lord's storehouse, to become the common property of the whole church--Every man seeking the interest of his neighbor, and doing all things with an eye single to the glory of God." We develop our talents not only to enrich our own lives, but also to bless those around us and build the kingdom of God. 

Heavenly Father is aware of our strengths and talents. Through the direction of the Holy Ghost, he can enable Bishops and other church leadership to call members to positions in the church where they can use and develop their talents. Our talents can bless those around us in our families, wards, and communities. 

Activity: Talent strips. 

Cut out the strips below and put into a bowl. Have each family member take turns picking a talent and answering the following question: How could the this talent be used to build the Kingdom of God in the latter days:

- playing an instrument 

- playing basketball

- drawing

- being positive

- being polite

- being a good listener

- telling stories

Story: Elisha always loved to dance. She had "twinkle toes" ever since she was a tiny girl. Every year she worked on her talent by going to dance classes. As Elisha got older, she was able to experience all different kinds of dance. She tried ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, broadway, cheerleading, waltz, tango, mambo, swing, cha-cha, and so many other kinds-- and she loved them all. She felt so free as she moved across the dance floor and she loved the happy feeling she got when she was dancing to fun music. As she grew up, Elisha made a lot of different dance teams and worked with a lot of interesting people. She was proud of herself when she was chosen for the Touring Team for Brigham Young University's Ballroom Dance Company. She could now dance for people all across the world! Before her first tour, her team held a special prayer where they asked Heavenly Father to bless all the spectators as they danced. They wanted their audience to like their performance and to want to know more about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Through her college years, Elisha performed in Thailand, Vietnam, China, Scotland, England, and across the United States. Every time Elisha went on tour she felt honored because she knew she wasn't just dancing, she was bearing her testimony through her example and her talent. 

Elisha in Blackpool, England; used with permission.

(If you have children or youth this would be a good opportunity to pull out the goal books and review with them how they are doing on their goals.)

Bear your testimony about how developing your talents can help others come unto Christ.

Closing Song: "I want to be a missionary now" (Children's Songbook, 168)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars recipe here

Lesson 29: D&C 77-80

July 12-18
Doctrine and Covenants 77-80
"I will lead you along"

Materials: quotation cards, card stock, scrapbook paper (cut to bookmark size), white paper, craft supplies. 
Opening Song: "The Lord is my light" (Hymns, 89)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: Show the following video about the thankful leper. 

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2010-11-41-chapter-37-the-ten-lepers?lang=eng

How many sick people did Jesus heal in the video? How many remembered to say thank you? Why do you think gratitude is important?

Lesson:

Read D&C 78: 17-19. The Lord is comforting us in these verses telling us he will lead us and to be cheerful even when times are difficult. He also emphasizes being thankful. Do you "receive all things with thankfulness"? Are you grateful? Do you receive trials with thankfulness? What about commandments?

Gratitude is important to our Heavenly Father. It shows humility and love when we say thank you. Many different verses in the scriptures talk about be grateful or thanksgiving. It is an important step to becoming more Christ like. When was the last time you said thank you to the important people in your life that help you? What can you do to show your gratitude towards them? How can we show gratitude towards Heavenly Father?

Activity: Quotation bookmarks.

Before FHE, print out the cards below on thick paper like card stock. Cut them out and place them down on a table or the floor. Have your family take turns reading each quotation about gratitude. When they are done reading, they need to say one thing they are grateful for and no one should repeat what has already been said. When everyone is done, have them choose one of the cards. Using scrapbook paper each person will create a bookmark. 

Cut the scrapbook paper to bookmark size (about 2.5"x 7"). Paste the quotation card on top of the patterned side of the paper. On the backside trace and cut white paper (if not already white) and write or draw something you are thankful for. (If you have a laminator, they are great for this.) 

Keep your bookmark in a place you will see often to remind you to express grattitude to those around you and to Heavenly Father in your prayers. You may even try saying a prayer of thanksgiving where you just thank Heavenly Father for all the blessings your have been given. 

Bear your testimony on gratitude. 

Closing Song: "Count your many blessings" (Hymns, 241)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Humble Pie recipe here

Lesson 28: D&C 76

 July 5-11
Doctrine and Covenants 76
"Great shall be their reward and eternal shall be their glory"

Materials: art supplies, paper, video 
Opening Song: "I am a child of God"
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: Pass out paper and art supplies. Have your family draw or describe the most beautiful place they can imagine. 

Lesson: 

We just described the most beautiful place we can imagine. The scriptures tell us that the glory and beauty of the celestial kingdom is beyond comprehension. The scriptures describe it as a place where the streets are paved in pure gold, the gates are made of a transcendent pearl, and God's throne is said to shine like a bright fire (see D&C 137:4). Read D&C 76:11. What kind of blessings are waiting for us in the celestial kingdom? The Lord has offered us not just a cottage or even a house, but mansions and dominions. But, we have to be worthy. Our Heavenly Father wants us to receive eternal life in the celestial kingdom, but we have to ready for it. So how? How do we qualify for the celestial kingdom? What can we do to be worthy of those amazing blessings?

Activity: I am a child of God lyric study

Everyone knows the song, "I am a child of God." Did you know that the song teaches us what we can do to live with Heavenly Father in the celestial kingdom?  I am going to play that shows the lyrics for the song. As you watch, think about what the song says we can do to be able to got to celestial kingdom. Video link here. 

The song talks about our journey on mortality. This life is a sort of test that helps us learn how to become more like Jesus. We are given the gospel and things like our home and our parents to help us learn to become more Christlike. Later, the song talks about promises blessings that are in store for us--the blessings of eternal life. It says that we have to learn his will and endure in order to receive these blessings.

So who gets eternal life? What kind of people receive celestial glory? Read D&C 76: 51-53. Celestial people accept Christ as their Savior; they are baptized and confirmed and continuously repent. Being sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise means that the Holy Ghost ratifies our ordinances and covenants with the Lord according to our worthiness. As members of the church, we must strive to keep the covenants we've made in order to receive the blessings associated with that promise. 

Have a family member read the following quote from Elder Cornish, 

"Let me be direct and clear. The answers to the questions “Am I good enough?” and “Will I make it?” are “Yes! You are going to be good enough” and “Yes, you are going to make it as long as you keep repenting and do not rationalize or rebel.” The God of heaven is not a heartless referee looking for any excuse to throw us out of the game. He is our perfectly loving Father, who yearns more than anything else to have all of His children come back home and live with Him as families forever. He truly gave His Only Begotten Son that we might not perish but have everlasting life!¹ Please believe, and please take hope and comfort from, this eternal truth. Our Heavenly Father intends for us to make it! That is His work and His glory." ("Am I Good Enough? Will I Make It?" October 2016, General Conference) 

Activity: Temple Recommend Questions. A good way to tell if you are on the track (or as church leaders call it, "the covenant path") is by answering the temple questions. If you are worthy to hold a temple recommend, that is a good indication that you are on the path to the celestial kingdom. 

Use this link to read the temple questions to your family. Have them hold up a thumbs up for yes and a thumbs down for no. 

Bear your testimony of the plan of salvation and eternal life. 

Closing Song: "Teach me to walk in the light" (verses 1-2) (Children's Songbook, 177)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: heaven and earth cake recipe here

Lesson 27: D&C 71-75

 June 28- July 4
Doctrine and Covenants 71-75
"No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper"

*This lesson is about bishops. Branch presidents have similar duties, but are not all the same. For example, branch presidents don't have to be called as high priests. If you live in a branch and not a ward, you may want point out that there are differences and make adjustments to the lesson where necessary. 

Materials: art supplies (Construction paper, sticker, coloring utensils, scissors, etc.)
Opening Song: "Called to Serve" (Hymns, 249)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: Give the following clues and have your family try to guess who this person is:

- He serves the Lord
- He is a common judge
- He coordinates the work of salvation and exaltation, including caring for those in need
- He oversees records, finances, and the use of the meetinghouse
-He is the presiding High Priest in the ward
- He is the president of the Aaronic Priesthood
- He is the father of our ward 

Who is he? He's the bishop. All bishops share these responsibilities. Who the Bishop of our ward?

Lesson:

In D&C 72, the Lord called a new bishop to serve the church. His name was Newel K. Whitney. D&C 72 also talks about some of the duties that bishops have many of which related to members living the law of consecration. 

Today, bishops still have many of the same duties mentioned in D&c 72 like receiving funds for the church (tithing) and utilizing the elders to report the needs of the church members through the ministering program. 

Bishop ______ is the bishop for our ward. Do you know the Church as a whole also has a bishop? He's called the presiding bishop and he helps President Nelson to allocate tithing and church funds for building church buildings and temples. He also works with the general Young Mens presidency because, he's the head of the Aaronic Priesthood. Use the link below to show your family a picture of the presiding bishopric. 

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/church/leaders/presiding-bishopric?lang=eng

Bishops work really hard and sacrifice a lot of their time to help the members of their wards. What is one thing you think we can do to help the bishop? What's one thing you like about our bishop? How can you show the bishop your care?

Activity: Cards to the Bishop

We can show our appreciation for our Bishop by writing him a card. Using art supplies like construction paper, sticker, markers, etc., have your family members write cards to the bishop. Then choose a time where you can go deliver the cards with a treat to take to the bishop.

Bear your testimony of the priesthood and how it's leaders have blessed your life. 

Closing Song: "Our Bishop" (Children's Songbook, 135)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Bake your favorite cookies  and take half to your bishop. Here's a yummy recipe for sprinkle cookies. 

Lesson 30: Alma 39- 42

July 27- August 2
Alma 39-42
"The Great Plan of Happiness"
**Special Note: This lesson is on the law of chastity. I highly encourage you to review this lesson before giving it. Prayerfully ponder how this can be adapted to fit your own family dynamic. I have written this lesson geared with my own children in mind: ages 9, 6, 4, and 1.)

Materials: wedding photo printed and cut into a puzzle, video below. 
Opening Song: "Families Can Be Together Forever" (Children's Songbook, 188)
Opening Prayer:
Scripture: Alma 39:9 Now my son, I would that ye should repent and forsake your sins, and go no more after the lusts of your eyes, but crossyourself in all these things; for except ye do this ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God. Oh, remember, and take it upon you, and cross yourself in these things.

Attention Activity: Print off a wedding picture (yours or someone you know who has a strong  marriage.) Cut the picture into puzzle pieces. Have your family put the puzzle together.

Lesson:
Toward the end of Alma's life, he addressed each of his sons with some words of wisdom. His son, Corianton had not kept the commandments. Corianton accompanied his father on a mission to the Zoramites. But when he was there, he caused trouble and behaved badly. He also broke the law of chastity with a woman named Isabel. Alma talked to Corianton, about the seriousness of breaking the law of chastity and how he can repent.

What is the law of chastity? The law of chastity is one of God's sacred laws regarding sexual morality. Men and women fit together like the pieces of a puzzle.  A man and woman have sexual relations to show their love for each other. 


Modern day prophets have explained, "Do not have any sexual relations before marriage, and be completely faithful to your spouse after marriage. Satan may tempt you to rationalize that sexual intimacy before marriage is acceptable when two people are in love. That is not true. In God’s sight, sexual sins are extremely serious because they defile the power God has given us to create life." 

The law of chastity is a very important law because it protects the sacredness of the eternal family. When people break the law of chastity, bad things can happen. What are some negative consequences for breaking the law of chastity? (unplanned pregnancy, divorce due to infidelity, addiction, STDs, etc.) 

In contrast, those who keep the law of chastity are blessed by the Lord. The have stronger more loving marriages and can have precious little babies. Sexual intimacy is a wonderful tool to unite a husband and wife and make their marriages more loving. Elder Jeffery R. Holland said, “… Human intimacy is reserved for a married couple because it is the ultimate symbol of total union, a totality and a union ordained and defined by God. … Marriage was intended to mean the complete merger of a man and a woman. … This is a union of such completeness that we use the word seal to convey its eternal promise.” (“Personal Purity,” Ensign, Nov. 1998, 76).

As you get older, you will be tempted to break the law of chastity. You might be tempted as you start to date; you may be confronted with pornography. You need to be aware of those temptations now and make a personal commitment to keep the law of chastity. 

Show the following video to your family about how kids can withstand the dangers of pornography. (This video is made by the church and does a good job breaking down the topic of pornography for kids. I encourage you to watch it before the lesson, so you will be prepared to answer any questions.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNeYQA3ZeX8

An important thing to remember is that it is okay to be attracted to others or feel excited about girls/boys. In fact, it's a good thing. It's okay to be curious about sex. Heavenly Father wants us to feel that way because, he wants us to have loving marriages and bring children into the world. 

 Alma encouraged Cortianton to repent after he broke the law of chastity. Read Alma 39:9. Jesus Christ is always there for us. He will always help us to overcome our weaknesses and forgive our mistakes if we come to him. Ask your family if they have any questions about the law of chastity. 


Closing Song: "Love is Spoken Here" (Children's Songbook, 190)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Dole Whip recipe here 

Lesson 29: Alma 36- 38

July 20-26
Alma 36-38
"Look to God and Live"

Materials: picture of butterfly (below), picture of scriptures printed and cut out, exact-o-knife, printout of scripture truths (below)
Opening Song: "The Books of the Books of Mormon" (Children's Songbook, )
Opening Prayer:
Scripture: Alma 37:6 "By small and simple things are great things brought to pass."

Attention Activity:
Show the picture of the butterfly below. Who has heard of the butterfly effect? The butterfly effect is a theory that says that something as small as the flapping of a butterfly's wings can have a huge effects later on like a tornado. Small things can bring about big changes in peoples lives.

Lesson: 
Read Alma 37:6-7. The small and simple things Alma is referring to in these scriptures are the scriptures. The scriptures are a small thing. We can hold them in our hands; we can carry them on our phones. But they are also great things. How would your life be different without the scriptures? 

Alma knew the importance of the scriptures. Before his death, he shares the importance of the scriptures with his son Helaman before giving him the ancient records. 

Activity: Lift the flap activity
Before the lesson, print out the two pictures below. Take an exact-o-knife and cut out windows on the picture of the scriptures on the solid colored lines. The dotted lines are where the windows will be folded open. Once cut, glue the picture of the scriptures on top of the paper with the words on it so that when the windows are opened, you will be able to read the words in the window. 

Have your family take turns reading the blessings of the scriptures from Alma 37. Supplement your discussion with the quotes below taken from D. Todd Christofferson's talk, "The Blessings of Scripture." (General Conference, April 2010.)

"The scriptures enlarge our memory by helping us always to remember the Lord and our relationship to Him and the Father. They remind us of what we knew in our premortal life. And they expand our memory in another sense by teaching us about epochs, people, and events that we did not experience personally."

"God uses scripture to unmask erroneous thinking, false traditions, and sin with its devastating effects. He is a tender parent who would spare us needless suffering and grief and at the same time help us realize our divine potential."

"In the end, the central purpose of all scripture is to fill our souls with faith in God the Father and in His Son, Jesus Christ—faith that They exist; faith in the Father’s plan for our immortality and eternal life; faith in the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, which animates this plan of happiness; faith to make the gospel of Jesus Christ our way of life; and faith to come to know “the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom [He has] sent”

"Because they expound the doctrine of Christ, the scriptures are accompanied by the Holy Spirit, whose role it is to bear witness of the Father and the Son (see 3 Nephi 11:32). Therefore, being in the scriptures is one way we receive the Holy Ghost."

Discussion Questions: How has your life been blessed by the scriptures? How can we teach the scriptures to "future generations"? How can we help each other study the scriptures more diligently? 

Alma didn't understand how his words would impact future generations, including us. He did not know what exact reason he was carving all of these things into the plates, but he knew that God wanted him to. His words and the words of all of the other prophets have blessed the lives and brought comfort to millions. Bear your testimony of the scriptures. 

Closing Song: "Search Ponder and Pray" (Children's Songbook, ) 
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Peanut Butter Brookies recipe here (If you have peanut allergies, substitute for rolo or other bite sized candy)