Lesson 49: Nahum; Habakkuk Zephaniah

November 28- December 4
Nahum; Habakkuk; Zephaniah
"His ways are everlasting"

Materials: a picture of Christ, poster board, markers
Opening Song: "Jesus once was a little child" (Children's Songbook, 55)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: Show a picture of the Savior. Ask your family to go around the room and share one word that describes Jesus Christ. 

Lesson: 

This week, as we read from the books Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah, we will hear prophesies about the destruction and captivity Israel and other nations that failed to keep the covenant. They worshiped false gods, became complacent, became prideful, and failed to trust in the Lord. 

These prophets also encouraged their readers to come unto Christ and that Israel would one day again be gathered. Read Zephaniah 2:3. We all know what it means to seek the Lord--it means to come unto Christ in our hearts and in our actions. What does is mean to seek righteousness? (Choosing the right, keeping the commandments, trying to be good). What does Zephaniah mean when he says, "seek meekness?" What is meekness?

A meek peson is one who is "Godfearing, righteous, humble, teachable, and patient under suffering." (Guide to the Scriptures, "Meek, meekness." churchofjesuschrist.org) The Savior used the word meek when he chose to describe himself; "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls" (Mathew 11: 29). 

Elder Bednar gave a talk about meekness in April 2018 General Conference. He said, "The Christlike quality of meekness often is misunderstood in our contemporary world. Meekness is strong, not weak; active, not passive; courageous, not timid; restrained, not excessive; modest, not self-aggrandizing; and gracious, not brash. A meek person is not easily provoked, pretentious, or overbearing and readily acknowledges the accomplishments of others" ("Meek and Lowly of Heart"). 

Activity: Righteousness/meekness poster 

Before FHE: using markers write the words below all over a standard sized poster board. Tape the pasteboard onto a bank wall with masking tape. 

righteous, responsive, willing, submissive, strong, restrained, active, courageous, modest, gracious, teachable, humble, acknowledging, grateful, god-fearing, weak, passive, prideful, timid, excessive, self-aggrandizing, brash, easily provoked, pretentious, over bearing, apathetic,  stubborn

Directions: Have family members use a marker and come up one at a time to circle words that have to do with being righteous or meek. Have each family member pick one word that has been circled. How can you use this attribute to be more Christlike?

Christ was the ultimate example of meekness. Elder Bendar said, "The Savior declared, 'Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.' Meekness is an essential aspect of the divine nature and can be received and developed in our lives because of and through the Savior’s Atonement. I testify that Jesus Christ is our resurrected and living Redeemer. And I promise that He will guide, protect, and strengthen us as we walk in the meekness of His Spirit."

Bear your testimony of the Savior and how you have tried to emulate Christlike attributes. 

Closing Song: "Seek the Lord early" (Children's Songbook, 108)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Eggnog Cheesecake recipe here

Lesson 48: Jonah; Micah

November 21-27
Jonah; Micah
"He Delighteth in Mercy"

Materials: whale visual aide (printed, colored, and folded), video, whales printed and cut out, a stick, a magnet, a string, paper clips. 
Opening Song: "Follow the Prophet" verse 7 (Children's Songbook, 110)
Opening Prayer: 

Attention Activity: Before FHE, print and color the image below. Make a "z" fold along the mouth of the whale so that Jonah appears to be swallowed. Sing "Follow the Prophet" verse 7 again, but this time, on the chorus, sing "swallow the prophet" instead. Have family members take turns with the visual aide "swallowing the prophet".

Lesson:

Watch the video "Jonah and the Fish" video from YouTube. 

Jonah was a prophet during the reign of King Jeroboam around 788 b.c. Jonah's story is one of the most famous in the Old Testament because it is so fantastical. Jonah wasn't the typical prophet. When he received his call from the Lord to preach to the people of Ninevah, he ran away instead of doing what the Lord asks him to do. The Lord sent a storm to Jonah's boat and Jonah offered to go into the sea so the others on the boat may live, only then to be swallowed by a "great fish." Jonah's trial inside the whale lead him to repent and the Lord made it so the whale spat him out. Jonah finally completed his task and taught the gospel to the people of Ninevah, Assyria, and they turned to the Lord and repented. But Jonah, didn't like the fact that these Assyrians were forgiven and became angry with the Lord for forgiving them. God then taught Jonah about mercy. 

Activity: Magnet Fishing--Lessons from Jonah

(Before FHE, print and cut out the whales below. Put a paper clip on each whale. Tape a piece of yarn or string to a long stick or pole to act as a fishing rod. Set the whales in front of your family on the floor.) Have family members take turns fishing for a whale. As they pick one, read the lesson from the book of Jonah below that corresponds to the number on the whale. 

1. We can not hide from God. Jonah thought he could hide from God, but God always knows where we are, what we are doing, and the state of our hearts. He knows us better than we know ourselves. 

2. We shouldn't run from our responsibilities.  "Though most Latter-day Saints may never be called to do anything as dramatic as calling on a whole city to repent or be destroyed, we receive numerous calls of our own from the Lord. Sometimes, like Jonah, we seem to run away or at least to escape our responsibility. Consider the following: 1.A person who refuses to accept a call in the Primary because she would not be able to attend Relief Society meetings. 2. A young man who turns down a mission call so he can accept a scholarship from a university. 3. A family who does not hold regular family home evenings. 4. A person who gets behind on his bills and does not pay his tithing. 5. A young woman too shy to accept a call as a Young Adult Relief Society teacher. We all receive calls, and sometimes we try to escape them. But we can repent, accept the call, and reap joy in our service" (Old Testament Student Manuel, "Jonah: One Should Not Flee From His Responsibilities). 

3. All of God's children need to hear the gospel. Jonah wasn't to keen on preaching to the Gentile people of Ninevah in Assyria. Assyrians were supposed to be the "bad guys" after all. But God doesn't see people that way. All people are God's children and he wants what is best for us all. "We should never set ourselves up as judges of who is ready [to hear the gospel] and who is not. The Lord knows the hearts of all of His children. and if we pray for inspiration, He will help us find persons He knows to be 'in a preparation to hear the word [Alma 32:6]" (Dallin H. Oaks, "Sharing the Restored Gospel" Ensign, Nov. 2016). 

4. God hears and answers our prayers. Jonah spent 3 days praying in the belly of the whale. He "cried" unto the Lord, and the Lord heard him and answered his prayers. “It is true that the answers to our prayers may not always come as direct and at the time, nor in the manner, we anticipate; but they do come. And at a time and in a manner best for interests of him who offers the supplication” (David O. McKay, Conference Report, Apr. 1969, 152-52).

5. Our actions can have negative effects on others. When Jonah decided to board a ship to Tarshish instead of going to Ninevah, his actions had dreadful consequences on those around him. The great storm that God sent was so terrible that the "ship was likely to be broken" (1:4) We can not assume that action poor choices will only effect ourselves. Those around us, those we love, are effected negatively when we sin. 

6. The Lord is merciful to all who turn to Him. The Ninevites' repentance was immediate, humble, and sincere after they heard Jonah's words. They fasted and prayed for repentance and turned "everyone from his evil way" (3:7). God forgave the Ninevites and spared them their destruction.

7. Jonah's story was used by Jesus Christ to teach about His death and resurrection. Read Matthew 12:39-41. Jonah is a Christ-type because he spent 3 days in the belly of the whale and Jesus spent 3 days buried before He was resurrected. 

Read the words to "I'll go where you want me to go" (Hymns, 270). Bear your testimony. 

Closing Song:  "I'll go where you want me to go" (Hymns, 270)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Cheddar and Bacon Cornbread Muffins recipe here

Lesson 47: Amos; Obadiah

November 14-20
Amos; Obadiah
"Seek the Lord, and ye shall live"

Materials: Paper, writing/coloring utensils, President Nelson's October 2022 Conference Talk, coloring page
Opening Song: "We Thank Thee Oh God For a Prophet" (Hymns, 19)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: Have your family color this coloring page and have them tell you one thing they know about President Nelson.

Lesson:

Amos was a shepherd from the Southern Kingdom of Judah who went North to preach to the people of Israel who had gone astray. He tried to worn all the Israelites of the coming calamities and urged them to repent. 

Amos foresaw the troubles ahead for his people as one of the Lord's prophets. Take turns reading Amos 3: 4-8. Amos uses common analogies to try to get Israel to understand that he is prophesying for a reason. A lion roars when he finds prey. A bird is caught when it takes the bate in a trap. A city should be afraid when it hears a warning trumpet. 

When there are dangerous times ahead, the Lord always warns His people by providing a prophet. The prophet, like Amos, encourages people to repent and make their relationship right with God. 

President N. Eldon Tanner said: “There are many scriptures which assure us that God is as interested in us today as he has been in all his children from the beginning, and thus we believe in continuous revelation from God through his prophets to guide us in these latter days" (In Conference Report, Apr. 1975, p. 52.).

Who is our prophet today? Can you think of any warnings the prophet has given to us recently? What has he urged us to do? 

Activity: Give each family member a paper and writing utensil. Listen to President Nelson's talk from October 2022 General Conference. Everyone should write or draw a picture of one thing President Nelson asked us to do. What are you doing or what will you do to follow this counsel?

Prophets today still give us warnings and encourage us to repent just like the prophets of old. They clarify doctrine and receive revelation that helps the church as a whole and the entire world. In the last 30 years alone, we have seen a clear pattern of divine guidance before troubling times ahead. The Family Proclamation was read in Conference in the 90's and now the family is attacked on every front. Prophets encouraged us to get out of debt during times of economic ease and then the economy floundered shortly after. President Nelson instituted a new program to study the gospel more at home before a global pandemic stuck which closed churches and temples.

The words of President Nelson are just as prophetic as Amos or Abinidi or Nephi or Peter. He leads our church today and He sees what we cannot see. He receives revelation to guide us through the turbulent times of the latter-days. 

Bear your testimony of the prophet. 

Closing Song: "Latter-Day Prophets" (Children's Songbook, 134)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: brown sugar peach crumble pie recipe here

Lesson 46: Hosea 1-6; 10-14; Joel

November 7-13
Hosea 1-6; 10-14; Joel
"I will love them freely"

Materials: video, scriptures, word search
Opening Song: "Come unto Jesus" (Hymns, 117)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: Watch the "Parable of the 10 virgins" video. In this parable of Jesus, Jesus teaches that we must always be prepared for His second coming. In the parable, Jesus likens himself to a groom at a marriage. This is a common metaphor the Savior likes to use. He is the groom and we, the Church, are the bride. 

Lesson: 

In the book of Hosea, the prophet Hosea also likens Jehovah to a groom and God's people as the bride. Read Hosea 2: 19-20. Betroth is a word that means to be engaged to be married. Hosea prophecies that when we are righteous and faithful it is like we are betrothed to the Lord. How is our relationship to God like a marriage?

What happens when 2 people get married? In a marriage, 2 people make vows or promises of faithfulness and love to each other. As we make covenants, we make promises to the Lord to love Him and be faithful to Him. 

Ask a member of your family that has been baptized, "What covenants did you make with Heavenly Father when you were baptized?" 

Keep His Commandments-- Just like 2 people in a marriage promise to be faithful to one another, we have promised to be faithful in keeping the Lord's commandments. In Hosea, The Lord uses adultry symbolically for those who are "departing from the Lord" (Hosea 1:2). 

Always Remember Him-- In marriage, 2 people vow to love your spouse "with all your heart" (D&C 42:22).  In baptism, we covenant to always remember Him. Christ said, "Thou shalt ^alove the Lord thy God with all thy ^bheart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy ^cmind." (Matt. 22:37). 

Take His Name Upon You-- In marriage, you become one family. In most cases, the wife litterally takes the last name of her husband. As we are baptized, we promise to take His name upon us, meaning to be His disciples or to become the "children of Christ". In Hosea, the Lord says, "Thou art my people; and they shall say, Thou art my God" (2:23). 

Activity:

Baptismal Covenant Word Search

When we are baptized, we make a covenants with Heavenly Father. As we keep these covenants, our relationship to God grows stronger. We can renew these covenants every week as we take the sacrament. Bear your testimony of your baptismal covenants. 

Closing Song: "Come Follow Me" (Hymns, 116)
Closing Prayer: 
Refreshment: Cheddar Ranch Cheeseball recipe here

Lesson 45: Daniel 1-6

October 31- November 6
Daniel 1-6
"There is no other God that can deliver"

Materials: For the Strength of Youth *(if possible, have 1 pamphlet per family member to keep in the scriptures a future reference), video (link below), paper, coloring supplies,  
Opening Song: "I want to live the gospel" (Children's Songbook, 148)
Opening Prayer: 

Attention Activity: Watch "Daniel and His Friends" Old Testament Story video from the church website. 

Lesson:

In the book of Daniel, we will read stories about Daniel and his friends: Shadrach, Meshack, and Abed-nego. Daniel was a young man when Israel was taken captive by the Babylonians. Daniel was a man of great faith who showed time and time again that nothing would stop him from keeping the commandments. How did Daniel keep God's commandments in the video? 

At that time, jews were commanded to only eat and drink certain types of foods and drinks. Daniel and his friends did not want to break this commandment. The Lord blessed Daniel with added strength because he was willing to keep His commandments even though it was hard. Daniel practiced having high standards. 

What are personal standards? Standards are rules of behavior we set for ourselves that reflect our faith in God. For example, we do not take the Lord's name in vain by saying popular phrases like, "Oh my ___." Personal standards can be broken down into a number of different areas. The Church has a pamphlet called The For Strength of Youth that describes standards the Lord wants us to have. The pamphlet is geared towards the youth of the church, but it can be helpful for all members. 

(If possible, give all family members a copy of the For Strength of Youth  pamphlet and have them look at it.)

Activity: Pass out paper and coloring supplies. Have each family member pick a section in the For Strength of Youth and have them read it. Each family member will then use the paper and crayons to make a poster or draw a picture depicting what his or her section discussed. Take turns sharing everyones picture with others. 

This week, as we read Daniel, look for times Daniel keeps his high standards. For example, think back to the video. What were some of Daniel's personal standards you saw in the video (Daniel ate drank water and ate food that was good for him, instead of the wine and meat the King was offering. Daniel chose good friends who held high standards like he did. Daniel practiced faith in the Lord as he kept the commandments.) 

Bear your testimony on how your personal standards have blessed your life. 

Closing Song: "I will be valiant" (Children's Songbook, 162)
Closing Prayer: 
Refreshment: Brown sugar maple cookies recipe here

Lesson 49: 137-138

November 29 - December 5
Doctrine and Covenants 137-138
"The vision of the redemption of the dead"

Materials: Joseph F. Smith Photo, plan of salvation print out, missionary name tags printed and cut out, art supplies, scriptures
Opening Song: "I love to see the temple" (Children's Songbook, 95)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity:

Print out the plan of salvation picture below and have your family label the different parts of the Plan of Salvation. Point out the Spirit World circle. Today, we going to talk about the spirit world. The spirit world is where everyone goes after they die. 

Lesson:

Show a picture of Joseph F. Smith like the one above. Joseph F. Smith was the prophet in 1918. He was son of Hyrum Smith and Joseph Smith Jr.'s nephew. At General Conference in 1918 Pres. Smith announced that he had seen several visions over the past few months. He wrote an account of his visions. It was reviewed by the first presidency and quorum of the twelve apostles, and added as Section 138 of the Doctrine and Covenants. 

President Smith's vision was about the Spirit World. The first part of his vision (verses 11-28),

President Smith describes a vision of the Savior visiting the spirit world. After Jesus died on the cross and before he was resurrected, His spirit went to the spirit world. The spirit world was full of people who had already died. Have a family member read D&C 138: 15-17. The righteous people who had lived were excited for Jesus to come to the spirit world. Jesus came to them in the spirit world and "there he preached to them the everlasting gospel, the doctrine of the resurrection and the redemption of mankind form the fall, and from individual sins on conditions of repentance" (verse 19). 

While Jesus was in the spirit world, He did not visit the wicked, unrepentant, or rebellious. But the Lord did not forget about them. In the second part of D&C 138 (verses             29-60), President Smith describes the missionary work going forth in the spirit world "among the wicked and the disobedient who had rejected the truth, to teach them" (verse 29). Have a family member read D&C 138:30-31. Who teaches the wicked in heaven? (photo credit: Robert T. Barrett, Jesus Teaching in the Spirit World)

All of the righteous people that Christ taught while He was in the spirit world were essentially called as missionaries to proclaim the gospel to those "who had died in their sins." Through this revelation we learn that missionary work is happening on both sides of the veil or before and after we die. When those who are being taught in heaven accept the gospel and are repentant of the sins, they are ready for the baptismal ordinance to be performed, but they no longer have a body. In the temple, we perform priesthood ordinances in their behalf so that they can receive those ordinances and blessings. 

Activity: Missionary Name Tags

Directions: Print and cut out  the name tags below and have family members decorate a missionary name tag. Have everyone pin them on their shirts when they are finished.

Whether in this life or the next, everyone of you will get to be a missionary. We have been asked by our prophet to join the Lord's battalion and help gather Israel. This is what we talked about today, the work that we do as missionaries and as temple patrons enables us to help those to accept Christ as their savior and receive the ordinances necessary to return to Heavenly Father. President Joseph F. Smith's vision tells us that all of Heavenly Father's children will have the chance to accept the gospel. Bear your testimony. 

Closing Song: "Teach me to walk in the light" verse 2 (Children's Songbook, 177)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Holliday sugar cookie bars recipe here

Lesson 48: D&C 135-136

November 22-28
Doctrine and Covenants 135-136
He "has sealed his mission and his works with his own blood"

Materials: pencils and paper, video clip 
Opening Song: "We thank thee oh God for a prophet" (Hymns, 19)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity:

Use this link from The Friend to do a tutorial on how to "Draw Joseph Smith." Have family members create their own drawing with pencils and paper. 

Lesson:

In June of 1844, Joseph was once again locked up in a jail for crimes he did not commit. He was in a Carthage Jail with his brother Hyrum as well as John Taylor and Willard Richards. Joseph had encountered hard times in the past, but he knew somehow that this time was different. He had a feeling he would not return alive saying that he was like a lamb going to the slaughter. 

The mob came in the afternoon on June 27th and gunshots were heard by the men from the upper floor of the jailhouse. To learn more about that fateful day, we will watch a video. 

Show "Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration" from time stamp 00:55:25-1:00:00 (length 5 min 35 seconds)

or

"Carthage Jail: The Martyrdom of Joseph Smith, Carthage, Illinois" from BYU journey publications (This is a more detailed description; length 15 min. 35 seconds)

After the deaths of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, the saints were in mourning for many weeks. William W. Phelps wrote a poem published in the Nauvoo newspaper entitled, ''Joseph Smith" which we now know as "Praise to the Man." You can see the original poem here. 

John Taylor had been in Carthage Jail with Joseph that day and witnessed the death of the prophet. He wrote his account of events now included as D&C 135. Read D&C 135: 3. President Taylor remarked, that Joseph Smith is second only to Jesus Christ in the work of salvation for this world. 

This year we have talked a lot about Joseph Smith. We have heard stories, watched videos, and read revelations given to him. What have you learned about Joseph Smith? What have you learned from his teachings?

Activity: Using the back of the paper you drew on earlier, take a few minutes to write your testimony of the prophet, Joseph Smith. Keep this written testimony in your scriptures or another special place. 

Bear your testimony of the prophet Joseph Smith and the restoration of the gospel. 

Closing Song: "Praise to the man" (Hymns, 27) 
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Pumpkin spice cupcakes recipe here

Lesson 46: D&C 129-132

 November 8-14
Doctrine and Covenants 129-132
"When We Obtain Any Blessing From God, It Is By Obedience"

Materials: Paper Doll printout (print and cut out), paper (1 half sheet per family member), art supplies
Opening Song: "Families can be together forever" (Children's Songbook, 188)
Opening Prayer: 

Attention Activity: Can you describe what happens at a conventional wedding? What do the bride and groom wear? Where do they stand? What do they say? Who marries them? etc. 

Conventional weddings are often big glamorous affairs where two people make vows to each other "till death" or "for as long as [they] both shall live." 

Lesson:

The Lord values marriage and family. Families are a main part of Heavenly Father's Plan. Because they are so important, Heavenly Father wants our families to last forever--for time and all eternity. 

In D&C 132, the Lord revealed important truths about eternal families. All eternal families start with marriage. When two people decide to be married in the temple, it is called being "sealed" because they are sealed to each other and to Christ. Blessings are promised to those who faithfully keep the covenants they make in the temple in accordance to receiving highest degree of glory in the celestial kingdom.  

Activity: 

Directions: Before FHE, print and cut out the image below onto card stock. Have your family take turns selecting wedding apparel to put on the bride and groom. As they choose each piece, read the corresponding passage below to learn more about the blessings of temple sealings. 

 Groom's Hat- Eternal Marriages are meant to be performed by "whom I [the Lord] have anointed...appointed on the earth to hold this power" (D&C 132:7). Marriages performed in holy temples are done by temple sealers. Sealers are men who have been ordained to perform sealings under the direction of the President of the Church who holds the keys of the sealing power. Joseph Smith was given the keys to the sealing power by the prophet Elijah in the Kirtland Temple. Activity: If you know a couple who has been sealed for time and all eternity, ask them who their sealer was and what they remember about him.

Groom's Shirt- All eternal marriages must be sealed upon by the Holy Spirit of Promise. What does that mean? In essence, The Holy Ghost puts a "stamp of approval" on the relationship, saying that couple was faithful to their covenants. Without this, marriages--even temple marriages--cannot last after death, "because [of] the angels and the gods are appointed there [in heaven], by whom they cannot pass" (D&C 132: 18). Angels will act as guards to celestial glory. In contrast, if they Holy Spirit of Promise does seal your covenant, "they shall pass by the angels, and the gods, which are set there, to their exaltation and glory in all things..." (D&C 132:19). Activity: Draw a picture of an angel.

Groom's Pants- Those who are sealed in eternal families have been promised by the Lord, "Ye shall come forth in the first resurrection" (D&C 132:19). Being in the first resurrection is a high honor and means we have lived worthily of the celestial kingdom. Activity: Sing "Choose the Right" (#239)

Groom's Jacket- We want our family relationships to last forever. We want to live with our family through eternity. The Lord said in D&C 132: 19 that this is possible through making and keeping ordinances and covenants. Eternal families will last for "time and through all eternity; and shall be of full force when they are out of the world..." (D&C 132:19) Because we want our relationships to last forever, we should try to be loving to our family members. Activity: What is one thing you can do to be more loving towards your family?

Bride's Veil- Heavenly Father has said that if we faithfully keep our temple covenants we will "inherit thrones, kingdoms, principalities and powers, dominions, all heights and depths..." (D&C 132:19) Those are some pretty amazing blessings. Activity: Call your family member "king" and "queen." How does it feel knowing Heavenly Father wants to give you all those blessings?

Bride's Dress- One of the biggest blessings of marriage is having children. Families grow through having children. Marriages who obtain the highest degree of glory in the celestial kingdom will be blessed with "a continuation of the seeds forever and ever" (D&C 132:19). On the other hand, those who do not receive the highest degree of glory in the celestial kingdom "cannot have an increase" (D&C 132: 4). Activity: On a piece of paper, draw a picture of your future family. What do you think your family will look like in twenty years?______________________________________________________________________

Unfortunately, family relationships on earth can be messy. Many members of the church experience being single, divorce, or having unhappy or unfulfilling relationships with family members. President Eyring counseled those individuals, "You just live worthy of the celestial kingdom, and the family arrangements will be more wonderful than you can imagine" ( "A Home Where the Spirit of the Lord Dwells," General Conference, April 2019). 

Heavenly Father's Plan was to send us to earth to gain a body, to learn to become like Jesus, and to make the ordinances and covenants necessary to be able to return to Him again after we die. He wants to give us eternal life and exaltation and that can only be done as a family. President Nelson said, "In God’s eternal plan, salvation is an individual matter; exaltation is a family matter" ("Salvation and Exaltation," General Conference, April 2008). 

Bear your testimony of eternal families. 

Closing Song: "The Family is Ordained of God" (Additional Songs, Gospel Music App)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Caramel Puppy Chow Recipe here

Lesson 45: D&C 125-128

 November 1-7
Doctrine and Covenants 125-128
"A voice of gladness for the living the dead"

Materials: Computer or tablet with Family Tree app installed, chain, Come Follow Me: For Individuals and Families 2021, Construction paper cut into strips, stapler, art supplies.
Opening Song: "Family History" (Children's Songbook, 94)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: 

Show your family a chain (a bike chain, necklace, etc.). What do chains do? Chains link two separate things together. Chains are made up of individual links. Each link is important because it lengthens the reach of the chain. 

Lesson:

In August of 1840, the saints were settling into Nauvoo and constructing the temple. When Joseph Smith attended a funeral, he felt impressed to share what the Lord had revealed about those who died before being baptized. Joseph's own brother, Alvin, had died before the church had been organized and Joseph always felt very deeply on the subject of his salvation. Joseph revealed that family members could be baptized on behalf of their deceased relatives. The Lord's plan is to give every soul who has ever lived the opportunity to hear the gospel and let them decide whether or not to accept or reject it. This new revelation excited the saints, bringing them hope and unsurmountable joy! 

Read Phebe Chase's account from the CFM Manual (pg. 192). The saints in Nauvoo were eager to be baptized on behalf of their family members. The proxy baptisms were first performed in the nearby river. Then later, when the basement of the temple in Nauvoo was complete, they were baptized their in a pine wood font carved to look as though 12 oxen were holding a great bowl. This was later replaced with a similar one made of limestone. Show the picture below. 

(2002) Nauvoo Temple Baptismal Font 

When Joseph Smith was teaching people about baptism for the dead in section 128, he likened baptisms for the dead as "the welding link... between the fathers and the children." How is baptisms for the dead like the link of a chain? 

Baptisms for the dead link us to Christ. We take His name upon us when we are baptized, and He in turn, promises that His spirit will always be with us. Temple ordinances performed for the dead have "binding power"--when we make covenants in the temple, they are recorded in heaven. We are bound to the covenants we made; we are bound to God. They are also like the link of a chain in the essence that temple ordinances can link or seal us to our loved ones, our ancestors and our progeny. 

Activity (older children):

Using Family Search or the Family Tree app. Show your family your family tree. Tell them about one of your deceased ancestors. Show your family how to find a name and request it for the temple to perform a baptism. Here is a link with more information. If you're family would like additional help, talk with your ward family history leader. 

Activity (younger children):

Using Family Search or the Family Tree app. Show your family your family tree. Tell them about one of your deceased ancestors. 

Using construction paper, a stapler, and art supplies, make a family chain. Cut the construction paper into strips. Have everyone write their name on a strip and staple the strips together in a link patter. Using names of relatives on family tree, make the chain longer and longer. Tell your family that this chain can stretch back for thousands of years and each one of the links represents a family member, as we go to the temple and perform work for the dead, the links are stapled together as we are all linked together in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

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Read D&C 128: 18. Joseph Smith said, "For we without them [our ancestors] cannot be made perfect; neither can they without us be made perfect." We need to help our ancestors. As we perform ordinances for them, we will be reminded of the covenants we made. We humble ourselves as we serve others and we help in the great work to gather Israel. Our ancestors need us too. They cannot be baptized without our help. They are patiently waiting on the other side of the veil to receive the ordinances only those with bodies can perform. 

If you have a family member who has recently been to the temple to do baptisms, let them share their testimony of the experience. Encourage all those who turn 12 this year or older to receive a limited use temple recommend. Perhaps you could schedule a date to go as a family to do baptisms or go walk the temple grounds. 

Closing Song: "I Love to See the Temple" (Children's Songbook, 95)

Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Sweet Potato Pie recipe here

Lesson 47: Moroni 1-6

 November 30- December 6
Moroni 1-6
"To keep them in the right way"

Materials: pictures below, construction paper, tape, scriptures
Opening Song: "The priesthood is restored" (Children's Songbook, 89)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity:

Play a round of the game "telephone"  with your family. Sometimes as things get passed on, the true meaning of what was said gets lost in translation. 

Lesson:

When Christ was on the earth, He established His church. He performed (and taught His disciples to perform) priesthood ordinances like the sacrament, ordinations and baptisms. A lot of Christian churches still practice many of these ordinances, but the correct way to perform these ordinances got lost over time until the church was restored by Joseph Smith. "In Moroni 2–6, Moroni provided important details about certain priesthood ordinances that can help clear up some of that confusion" (Come Follow Me For Individuals and Families, 187). 

Activity: 

Before the lesson print out the following pictures from churchofjesuschrist.org * Tape the pictures around the room covered by a piece of construction paper. On each construction paper write the scriptures from Moroni below to correspond with each picture. Family Members will take turns selecting a photo and reading the scriptures. 

Priesthood ordination (Moroni 3).
Is there anyone in your family preparing fro priesthood ordination? What can we learn about priesthood ordination from these verses? We know because of Moroni and other prophets that the priesthood can't be learned from a class. It has to be given to a worthy member of the church by another member of the priesthood with the proper authority. Maybe a member of the priesthood in your family could share how they felt when they were ordained with the laying on of hands. 

The sacrament (Moroni 4: 2-3; 5: 2; 6:6).
Although other religions have different versions of the sacrament. Our church has unique blessings on the bread and water that help remind us of the covenants we made at baptism. The ordinance of the sacrament is a weekly reminder for us. What are some of covenants described in the prayers given by Moroni?

Baptism (Moroni 6:1–3).
Moroni makes it clear that a person has to prepare and make the choice to be baptized. This means that they are held accountable and have truly repented. Moroni goes on in chapter 8 to clarify that babies and little children do not need to repent or be baptized until they are old enough to be held accountable for their choices. What could someone who is preparing for baptism learn from these verses. 

Confirmation (Moroni 2:2; 6:4).
Members of the church are confirmed by the laying of of hands after baptism and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. This spiritual conformation means that a person is "cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost." The Holy Ghost will then be a constant companion to you if you live righteously and try to heed its promptings. 

Gospel topics states, "Ordinances and covenants help us remember who we are. They remind us of our duty to God. The Lord has provided them to help us come unto Him and receive eternal life. When we honor them, He strengthens us spiritually." Our oridnances and covenants are the stepping stones on our way to the Celestial Kingdom. The priesthood enables us to receive these ordinances so that we can return to our Heavenly Father. 

Bare your testimony of how the ordinances that you have received have blessed your life. 

Closing Song: "The Spirit of God" (Hymnal, 2)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Banana Cheesecake Bars recipe here

* The images on this lesson are taken from this website . They are posted under the disclaimer that they are used from personal, non-commercial use. 

Lesson 46: Ether 12-15

 November 23-29
Ether 12-15
"By faith all things are fulfilled" 

Materials: weights. objects of varying weight
Opening Song: "Lord, I would follow thee" (Hymnal, 220)
Opening Prayer:
Scripture: Ether 12: 27

Attention Activity:

Set out a series of objects ranging from light to heavy (if you have weights, use them). Have family members come up and pick up the different objects. Which items are heavier? Lighter? Why do people use weights? People use weights to make their muscles and bodies stronger. When people lift weights they break down the fibers in their muscles. When the muscles recuperate, they are stronger and are able to handle more weight the next time they are used. Exercising our muscles is good for our bodies.  

Lesson:

Before we exercise, our bodies are weak. This is also like what happens to us here on earth. We each have our weaknesses. Some of us might be lazy, or have tempers. Others might have trouble following rules or saying sorry. None of us are perfect. Think about your own weaknesses. What are some areas that you struggle? 

Read Ether 12: 23-24. What did Moroni think was his weakness? Moroni didn't think that he was a good writer and he feared that people would mock his words. The Lord answered Moroni saying that the fools that mock Moroni's writing will not be able to take advantage of his weakness because Moroni is meek. What does is mean to be meek? ("Godfearing, righteous, humble, teachable, and patient under suffering. The meek are willing to follow gospel teachings. " from churchofjesuschrist.org, Guide to the Scriptures, "meek, meekness")

Read Ether 12:27. Why does God give us our weaknesses? The Lord says He gives us our weaknesses so that we may become humble. If we are humble and have faith in Him, He can help us become strong by overcoming our weaknesses. Just like when we exercise, we start out weak. We make mistakes. The weights are like the atonement. As we use the weights, or repent, we become stronger and are more prepared to face upcoming challenges and obstacles. This can only happen though if we first show humility by admitting that we need to change and second, showing faith by believing in the grace of God. 

Activity: "Grace" Exercises

Do the following exercises with your family to exemplify how weak things can be made strong.

G- Giant leap x5
R- Run in place for 30 sec.
A- Arm Circles x 15
C- Crunches x 20
E- Elbow to knees x 20

Closing song: "I stand all amazed" (Hymnal, 193)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Healthy frozen peanut butter banana bites recipe