This is a blog meant for the use of individuals and families which contains Family Home Evening lesson ideas and plans for the 2019-2020 "Come Follow Me" curriculum. This is meant to supplement the resource "Come Follow Me: For Individuals and Families". This is not an official page of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Monday, May 6, 2019

Lesson 24: Matthew 27; Mark 15; Luke 23; John 19

June 17-23
Matthew 27; Mark 15; Luke 23; John 19
"It Is Finished"

Materials: worksheet (see below), video "Jesus is scourged and crucified", coloring page
Opening Song: "He Sent His Son" (Children's Songbook, 34)
Opening Prayer:
Scripture: John 3: 16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life." 

Attention Activity:
Remind your family last week you discussed the sacrament and the atonement of Jesus  Christ. What does the water of the sacrament represent? What does the bread represent? Today, we are going to discuss what happened to Jesus' body. We are going to talk about how he died.

Lesson:
After Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, he was betrayed by his apostle, Judas and was arrested. The next morning, on what we now call "Good Friday," Jesus was brought before a man named Pontius Pilate. Pilate questioned Jesus. Pilate knew that the Jewish leaders like the Saducees and the Pharisees wanted Jesus to be put to death, but Pilate couldn't find a reason for this. He knew Jesus was an innocent man. Because he knew that the Jewish leaders wanted him dead, Pilate still gave the order to have him crucified. 

Using the worksheet provided below, read about the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The worksheet explains how different parts of the Savior's body were hurt. Remind your family that as we eat the bread during the sacrament, we are supposed to remember Christ's suffering in our behalf. 

Why would Jesus endure so much pain and suffering? He was the Son of God and had authority over "legions of angels." The CFMFIAF Manual states, He voluntarily chose to endure unjust trials, cruel mocking, and unimaginable physical pain" (page 95). Read 1 Nephi 19:9. Jesus suffered all of these pains because he loves us. He chose to die so we could live again with our Father in Heaven. His death and suffering allows us all to be able to live with Heavenly Father again.

Optional Activity: Show the video "Jesus is Scourged and Crucified" (Note: this video may be too graphic for some children. You may want to view this video yourself before showing it to sensitive little ones.)

Bear your testimony of the atonement and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Remind your family that although Jesus' death was sad and full of sorrow, it was only temporary. He concurred death when he was resurrected, which we will discuss more next week.

Activity: Choose a coloring page from this website to have your children color. Write on the top of the page, "Jesus died, so I can live again."


Closing Song: "I Stand All Amazed" (Hymnal, 193)
Closing Prayer: 

Refreshment: Vinegar Pie recipe here

Thursday, May 2, 2019

Lesson 23: Matthew 26; Mark 14; Luke 22; John 18

June 10-16
Matthew 26; Mark 14; Luke 22; John 18
"Not as I Will, but as Thou Wilt"

Materials: picture of the partaking of the sacrament (link below), picture of the last supper (link below), picture of Christ in Gethsemane, scriptures, coloring page (link below)


Opening Song: "Gethsemane" For sing-along video click here.

Opening Prayer:
Scripture: Moroni 10:32 "Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God."

Attention Activity:

Show a picture of the partaking of the sacrament like the one here. What is happening in this picture? When do we take the sacrament? Why do we take the sacrament? What do the bread and water represent?

Lesson:

Last week we talked about when Jesus met with his apostles on the night of the Passover Feast. He washed their feet and instructed them to "love one another as I have loved you." After they ate dinner, or supper, Jesus took some bread, broke it into pieces, and gave it to the apostles. He said, "This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. " (Luke 22: 19)

Show a picture of the Last Supper like In Remembrance of Me, by Walter Rane


Read Matthew 26: 27-28. Jesus said that the wine was symbolic of the blood he shed for you. When Christ says his blood is the "new testament," he means a new covenant. Partaking of the bread and wine is a covenant with God. 


Christ then told them that one of his apostles would soon betray him and he left with Peter, James, and John to go to the Mount of Olives, to a garden called, Gethsemane. When they came to the mount, Jesus asked Peter, James, and John to pray. He then went off by himself to pray. Read Luke 22: 41-46. When Jesus went to pray "his soul was exceedingly sorrowful [or sad]." This was because he was suffering for all of our sins. During this special prayer, he felt the suffering and sins of the whole world. The pain was so great, he actually sweat drops of blood. 


*** There are a lot of touching works of art depicting the Savior's suffering in Gethsemane, Please choose your favorite to display as you teach your family about the atonement.***

This was the most important event of all time. It is called the atonement. When Jesus prayed and suffered for our sins, he made it possible for us to repent so that we could live with Heavenly Father again. Sometimes we refer to this as "grace" as in the "grace of Jesus Christ." When we repent, we are utilizing the gift of the atonement. Brother Tad Callister, former General Sunday School President said this about the atonement: "It was to make possible for us to return to God's presence, become more like Him, and have a fulness of joy. This was done by overcoming four obstacles: 1. physical death 2. spiritual death caused by Adam and by our sins 3. Our afflictions and infirmities 4. Our weaknesses and imperfections." Christ's Atonement was not just to redeem us from our sins. He also suffered our afflictions (injuries), infirmities (disabilities), weaknesses, and imperfections. 

Optional videos: "The Last Supper" Bible Video via ChurchOfJesusChrist.org (6 min.)

                            "The Savior Suffers in Gethsemane" via ChurchofJesusChrist.org  (8 min.)

Hold up the picture of the partaking of the sacrament from the beginning of the lesson. Each week, we attend church to participate in the ordinance of the sacrament. We do this to renew our covenants with God and to remember the atonement of Jesus Christ. The hymn we sing before the sacrament is blessed always has lyrics to remind us of the atonement and sacrifice of Jesus. The bread we eat reminds us of Christ's body which was slain for us. We will talk more about Jesus' death next week. The water we drink during the sacrament represents the blood of Jesus Christ that was shed in Gethsemane and upon the cross. 


For older children and teens: remind your family the Christ referred to himself as the "bread of life." He also referred to himself as the "living water." Bread and water were often used by the Savior as symbols. What were some ways we've discussed previously how Jesus is like bread? Like water? 


How do you feel you are doing to remember Jesus and think about Him as you take the sacrament? What could we do better to stay focused on Christ while we take the sacrament? (sing the hymn, read the lyrics of the sacrament hymns, read scriptures about the sacrament or the atonement, read a story depicting the atonement, think about Jesus, look at pictures of Jesus, etc.) 


Encourage your family to try hard this upcoming Sunday to think about Jesus and the atonement as they partake of the sacrament. Bear your testimony of the atonement and the sacrament. 



Activity: Have your children color the this coloring page. On top of the page, have them write one thing they are going to do to remember the Savior as they take the sacrament this week. 



Closing Song: "To Think about Jesus" (Children's Songbook, 71)

Closing Prayer:

Refreshment: Red Velvet Sandwich cookies For Recipe Click Here



Friday, April 26, 2019

Lesson 22: John 13-17

June 3-9
John 13-17
"Continue Ye in My Love"

Materials: A large paper heart, Last Supper Video (Link Below), Jesus Washing Apostles' Feet Picture (link below), cut out hearts (see activity below)
Opening Song: "Love One Another" (Hymnal, 308)
Opening Prayer:
Scripture: John 13: 34-35 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." 

Attention Activity: 
Hold up a large paper heart. Ask your family what it is and what it represents. Have your family members take turns sharing different things that they love and write them on the heart. Today, we are going to talk about love. Who was the greatest example of love?


Lesson:
Show the first 50 seconds of the Last Supper Video found here. What did Jesus do for his friends before they had dinner together? Jerusalem was a desert climate. The roads were often made of dirt and most people wore sandals on their feet. Ask your family how their feet/bodies look after being outside all day. Jesus Christ loved His apostles. They weren't just his disciples, but his friends. When he washed their feet, he was showing how much he loved them by doing a service for them. 

Show the picture Jesus Washing the Apostles' Feet by Del Parsons

After he washes their feet, Jesus tells the apostles, they must love one another as He loves them. He told them that showing love would be a way to show the whole world that they follow Jesus Christ. (You could have one member of your family sing "Love One Another" again while doing the sign language actions.)  

Jesus told his disciples he would soon die. He knew this would make his disciples sad. He also explained that after he died, the Holy Ghost would come to comfort his disciples and help them teach about His gospel. 

Jesus then offered a special prayer, called the Intercessory Prayer. In this prayer he prayed on the behalf of his disciples to Heavenly Father. He asked the Father to bless his followers and to love them as he is loved by Heavenly Father. 

Jesus was the ultimate example of love. His life was a testimony of His divine love for each of the children of God. He suffered and died because of the great love He has for us. Christ has given us a commandment that we love each other as He loves us. 

We are supposed to love everyone: family, friends, neighbors, strangers, and even enemies. We are commanded to love all. Sometimes we don't always get along. We argue. We disagree. This often occurs with people we love the most. We need to show each other love. What are some ways we can show our love for each others? (saying, "I love you", giving hugs/kisses, giving compliments, serving one another, keeping our toys clean, doing a chore for someone else, writing a kind note, drawing someone a picture, listening, spending time with each other, giving someone the benefit of the doubt, being forgiving, being understanding, etc.) 

Activity: 

Have prepared cut out paper hearts. You will need enough so that each person has enough for each member of their family. (Ex: If you have a family of 4, you would need 12 hearts; a family of 6 would need 30 hearts) Pass out the hearts to your family. Have your family write each of their family members' names at the top of each heart and something they love about that person. (i.e. "Dad: I love when Dad reads me books, he does little voices for the characters.") Young children can draw pictures of why they love those members of their family. When they are done, gather up the hearts and tell your family you will be posting these hearts in places all of the house as a reminder to show love for our family this week. 

Bear your testimony of the Savior's love, of your love for the Savior, and of your love for your family. 

Closing Song: "I Feel My Savior's Love" (Children's Songbook, 74)
Closing Prayer:

Refreshment: For recipe click here.
 

Sunday, April 14, 2019

Lesson 21: Joseph Smith Matthew 1; Matthew 25; Mark 12-13; Luke 21

May 27-June 2
Lesson 21: Joseph Smith Matthew 1; Matthew 25; Mark 12-13; Luke 21
"The Son of Man Shall Come"

Materials: Signs of the second coming handout, Vide: "They that are wise" (link below), scavenger hunt handout, The following items prepared for scavenger hunt (scriptures, President Nelson's picture, church clothes, picture of the temple, pillow, water bottle, broom)

Opening Song: "I Wonder When He Comes Again" (Children's Songbook, 82)
Opening Prayer:
Scripture: JSM 1: 37 "And whoso treasureth up my word, shall not be deceived, for the Son of Man shall come, and he shall send his angels before him with the great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together the remainder of his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other."

Attention Activity:
Show a picture of an oil lamp from New Testament times like the one below. Explain people put oil in their lamps to act as fuel for the flame. When people did not have oil in their lamps, they did not have any light. What is light symbolic for? We've talked about how light is a symbol for the light of Christ or the light of the gospel. Today, we are going to talk about how we each need to have our lights ready with oil for the Savior's second coming. 

Lesson:
Before Jesus died, he told his disciples that he would come again at the end of the world. This is what is called the second coming. The second coming hasn't happened yet, but Jesus told us some signs to watch for. Whenever Christ mentions his "elect" he's talking about us, the disciples of Christ in the latter-days.

Have the following handout printed, cut out, and place each card face down in front of your family. Have each family member take turns flipping over a card. Explain what the card means and discuss if that sign has come to pass, is coming to pass, or has yet to happen.

Other prophets also spoke of signs of the second coming like the Restoration of the gospel and the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. When all these signs have been fulfilled, Jesus will come "in the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory." (JSM 1:36)

Read JSM 1: 48. Jesus wants us to be ready for the second coming. Jesus gave the parable of the 10 virigns to his disciples to emphasize how important it is to be be prepared for  the second coming. Watch the video "They That Are Wise"

In this video their were 10 women who were waiting for the bridegroom, or the Savior. When he came, only 5 had enough oil in their lamps to meet with him; 5 did not. What happened to the 5 virgins who did not have enough oil? The oil is symbolic for us being prepared for the second coming of the Savior. Just like they did not have enough oil to make their lights shine, we need to make sure we are spiritually prepared with the light of the gospel to meet Christ when he comes again. 

Activity:
Oil Scavenger Hunt

Have the following handout printed, cut out, and taped to each object listed at the top of the corresponding strip of paper.

How can we be prepared for the second coming? All around the house I have hidden clues which have drops of oil on them taped to things that will help us to be ready for the second coming of the Savior. Hold up a copy of the scriptures and let them see the first clue taped to the cover. Have them complete the scavenger hunt.

Bear your testimony of the second coming of Jesus Christ. He will come again "with power and great glory." We need to be prepared for His coming and ever watchful of the signs he and other prophets have given us.

Closing Song: "Israel, Israel, God is Calling" (Hymnal, 7)
Closing Prayer:

Refreshment:
Ritz Rolos

Tuesday, April 2, 2019

Lesson 20: Matthew 21-23; Mark 11; Luke 19-20; John 12

May 20-26
Matthew 21-23; Mark 11; Luke 19-20; John 12
"Behold, Thy King Cometh"

Materials: a picture of a crown, Picture of Zacchaeus (link below), video of the Triumphal Entry, Paper, scissors, glue and other craft materials to make paper crowns. 

Opening Song: "The Spirit of God" (Hymnal, 2)
Opening Prayer:
Scripture: Luke 19:38 "...Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest."

Attention Activity:
Show a picture of a crown like the one below. What is this? Who wears a crown? Kings are those who are born as royalty to rule and reign over a group of people. There are still kings and queens in certain countries today, but Jesus is also our King. As the first born son of our Heavenly Father, he was born divine and royal. Where is Jesus's kingdom? Jesus's Kingdom is the Kingdom of Heaven. 

This week we start discussing the events during the last week of the Savior's life. As we hear the stories during scripture study and Family Home Evening, pay attention to the ways the disciples showed respect for the Savior as their heavenly King. 



Lesson:
While Jesus was traveling on his way to Jerusalem, he passed through a town called Jericho. There was a man in Jericho named Zacchaeus who was a publican, that meant he collected peoples money and gave it to the government. Most people didn't like publicans because a lot of them lied and took more money than they should. 

Show picture Zacchaeus in the Sycamore Tree, by James Tissot

Zacchaeus really wanted to see the Savior walk through his town, but there were too many people and he was a short man. Zacchaeus climbed a nearby tree, so he could see Jesus. Jesus saw Zacchaeus up in the tree and said, "Zacchaeus make haste, and come down; for today I must abide at thy house." Zacchaeus came down from the tree. He was so excited to meet the Savior. The people did not like Zacchaeus because he was a publican, but Zacchaeus told Jesus that he was always honest in his job and gave a lot of his money to the poor. 

Jesus knew that Zacchaeus had a good heart and promised him "this day salvation come to this house." (Luke 18:1-9)

Jesus knows our hearts and he knows who is honest and who is not. He doesn't care if you are rich or poor as long as you are honest. Zacchaeus was so excited to see and worship the Savior as his King, he climbed a tree and let Jesus stay in his house.

After Jesus left Jericho, he went to Jerusalem. Ancient prophets had foretold that the Messiah would enter Jerusalem riding on a donkey. Show the video "The Lord's Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem" found on lds.org. Read Mark 11: 7-11 What did the people do to show respect for Jesus as their King? (put their clothes on the donkey, put their clothes on the road, and cut palm branches and put them down on the road, shouted "Hosanna", and "Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord" [Luke 19:38]). Read the following about the word Hosanna...

"A word from Hebrew that means “please save us” and is used in praise and supplication.
At the Feast of Tabernacles, which celebrated the Lord’s deliverance of Israel into the promised land, people chanted the words of Psalm 118 and waved palm branches. At the Lord’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the multitudes cried “Hosanna” and spread palm branches for Jesus to ride upon, thus demonstrating their understanding that Jesus was the same Lord who had delivered Israel anciently (Ps. 118:25–26; Matt. 21:9, 15; Mark 11:9–10; John 12:13). These people recognized Christ as the long-awaited Messiah. The word Hosanna has become a celebration of the Messiah in all ages (1 Ne. 11:6; 3 Ne. 11:14–17). The hosanna shout was included in the dedication of the Kirtland Temple (D&C 109:79) and is now a part of the dedication of modern temples" (Taken from Scriptures, Study Helps, Guide to the Scriptures, 'Hosanna').

(We also shouted "Hosanna" at the April 2018 General Conference last year when President Nelson was sustained as our prophet, seer, and revelator.)

Jesus is our Savior and he is also our King. We should always try to show our respect for Jesus and worship Him as our Lord. Bear your testimony of the Savior.


Activity:
Make and decorate paper crowns. Write on the front "Jesus is my King". You can find printable crown templates here.

Closing Song: "Rejoice the Lord is King" (Hymnal, 66)
Closing Prayer:

Refreshment:

Copycat "Nothing Bundt Cake" Red Velvet Bundt Cake 
Decorate your bundt cake to look like a crown!

Ingredients

  • For the cake
  • 1 box Red Velvet Cake Mix*
  • 3/4 cup sour cream at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 3 eggs at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • For the frosting
  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1/4 cup butter softened
  • 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • *Note - If you can't find a red velvet mix use a white cake mix, plus 3 tablespoons cocoa powder and 2 tablespoons red food coloring

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a Bundt pan. (I use Crisco and lots of it.) Set aside.
  2. Place all ingredients in a large bowl. Mix on low with an electric mixer until ingredients are combined, then turn up the speed to medium and beat for two minutes. Pour into prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a tooth pick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Let cool.
  3. For the frosting, add the butter and cream cheese to a large bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on medium for 2 minutes. Turn the mixer down to low and gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla. Once combined, turn the mixer up to medium and beat for another two minutes. Pour frosting into a pastry bag fitted with a standard plastic coupler (I used Ateco brand). Pipe onto cooled cake. Serve immediately. Store covered in refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Sunday, March 31, 2019

Lesson 19: Matthew 19-20; Mark 10; Luke 18

May 13-19
Matthew 19-20; Mark 10; Luke 18
"What Lack I Yet?"

Materials: "The Family: A Proclamation to the World", picture of Adam and Eve (link below), temple marriage photograph, coloring page (link below)

Opening Song: "Families Can Be Together Forever" verse 2 (Hymnal, 300)
Opening Prayer:
Scripture: Matthew 19:5-6

Attention Activity: Show a picture of Adam and Eve like the one here. Who is this? Who created Adam and Eve? Adam was created by Heavenly Father on the sixth day, but Heavenly Father said it was not good for man to be alone, so he created Eve as "an help meet" for him. Eve was Adam's wife. 

Lesson:
Adam and Eve were the first people on the earth, and they were married. Marriage has been on the earth since the creation of the world. Jesus also taught about the importance of marriage.

Jesus was preaching in Judea when the Pharisees asked him a question about marriage. Read Mark 10: 6. God created both sexes male and female. Show "The Family: A  Proclamation to the World."  Explain that our modern day prophets and apostles have given us this proclamation as a way to teach the world about the sanctity of the family. Read paragraph two. In the pre-mortal existence we were there and we had the same genders as we do now. 

Read Mark 10: 7-8. Marriage is an important part of Heavenly Father's plan for us. When the time is right, we should seek out a suitable, righteous person to marry. Once we are married, Jesus said we should "cleave" together. That means that a married couple should be a team, love each other , and be one in purpose.

(Please adapt the following depending on your family situation and children's ages.) Marriage is sacred and is "ordained of God." One of the ten commandments is "thou shalt not commit adultery." Jesus also clarified, "But I say unto you, that whosever looketh on a woman [or man] to lust after her hath committed adultery already in his heart" (Matt 5:28) Our latter day prophets also have taught us to keep the law of chastity. In the Family Proclamation it states, "We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife."

There are people in the world who disagree or oppose the Lord's standard's regarding marriage and chastity. We must always remember to treat everyone with kindness, respect, and love, even if they do not believe in the same things we do. 

Show a picture of a couple in wedding attire outside the temple. You can use the one at lds.org here or your own if applicable. 
My husband and I on our wedding day at the Mount Timpanogos Temple

Read Mark 10:9. God wants our marriages to last forever. In "The Proclamation" it states, "THE FAMILY is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan." In order to receive all of the blessings Heavenly Father wants to give us, a couple must be sealed in the temple for time and all eternity. 

Show the video "Rennaissance of Marriage" Ask your family to pay attention to the tender way President Eyring talks about his wife and their marriage. 

Bear your testimony on how you know "marriage is ordained of God."  

Activity: Temple Marriage Coloring Page

Closing Song: "I Love to See the Temple" verse 2 (Children's Songbook, 95)
Closing Prayer:

Refreshment:
Mexican Wedding Cookies

Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons water

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup chopped almonds
  • 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

Directions


  1. In a medium bowl, cream the butter and sugar. Stir in vanilla and water. Add the flour and almonds, mix until blended. Cover and chill for 3 hours.
  2. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
  3. Shape dough into balls or crescents. Place on an unprepared cookie sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven. Remove from pan to cool on wire racks. When cookies are cool, roll in confectioners' sugar. Store at room temperature in an airtight container.

Sunday, March 24, 2019

Lesson 18: Luke 12-17; John 11

May 6-12
Luke 12-17; John 11
"Rejoice with Me; for I Have Found My Sheep Which Was Lost"

Materials: Videos (links below), coloring page 
Opening Prayer:
Opening Song: "I Stand All Amazed" (Hymnal, 193)
Scripture: Luke 15: 6-7 "Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.
 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance."

Attention Activity:

Ask each family member to think of an object they have, which they truly love and cherish. (A toy, a blanket, a photo album, phone, etc.) How would you feel if it got lost? What would you do to find it?

Lesson:

Last week, we talked about how Christ is the Good Shepherd and we are His sheep. When we become lost, He wants to lead us back to the strait and narrow path. Today, we are going to learn about a parable Jesus taught about a young man who became lost. It's called the Parable of the Prodigal Son. 


Show one of the following videos about The Prodigal Son

Bible Video "The Prodigal Son"
or
For younger children watch this animated video. Part 1. & Part 2

What did the younger son do with his money? How did the father react when he saw his son again? Why was the older brother angry? The father explained that the older son would still receive all that his father had and that he should be happy for his brother's safe return home. 

Read Luke 15:7  Not all of us will waste our money on "riotous living" like the prodigal son. We may not fall away from the church, but we all need the Savior's atonement. We all make mistakes and there are times where we might have doubts and feel "lost".  ...In truth, there are none who 'need no repentance.' We all need rescuing. And we all can participate in the rescue, rejoicing together over every soul who is saved" (Come Follow Me Manual, 70). 

Show "The Prodigal Son" by Liz Lemon Swindle

Just like the father opened his arms and his home to his younger "prodigal son", our Father in Heaven is always waiting for us with open arms, ready to give us all that he has, and open his eternal home in heaven for us, when we are ready to return to him. The prodigal son had to first humble himself and agree to work before he was ready to rejoin his father. We must be willing to do the same, and Heavenly Father's arms will be open unto us as well. 

Activities:
Play a few rounds of hide and seek with your family. The seeker must give each family member a hug when they are found. 

Prodigal Son Coloring Page


Closing Song: "I'm trying to be like Jesus" (Children's Songbook, 78)
Closing Prayer:

Refreshment: 

Texas Sheet Cake



2 c sugar
1/2 t salt
1 c water
1/2 c sour cream
1 t baking soda
2 c flour
1 c butter
4 T coca
2 eggs

In large bowl or mixer put sugar, flour, and salt. In small heavy pan bring butter, water, and cocoa to boil. Take from heat and add immediately to dry ingrediants. Add sour cream, eggs, and baking soda. Mix well until blended. Batter will be very thin. Pout into lightly greased and floured 10x15 jelly roll pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes at 375. Test with toothpick. Don't over bake.

Frosting

1 c chopped nuts
1 box powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
6 T milk
4 T cocoa
1 cube butter

Boil milk, butter, and cocoa till bubbly. Mix in sugar, powdered sugar, and nuts, beating until smooth. Spread over slightly cooled cake.