Lesson 16: D&C 37-40

 April 12-18
Doctrine and Covenants 37-40
"If ye are not one  ye are not mine"

Materials: heavy object, poster, art supplies
Opening Song: "Love at home" (Hymnal, 294)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: Gather a large heavy object from your home like a weight or even a small piece of furniture. Ask a family member to carry the object alone from one point to another. Then ask another family member to help carry the object across the same distance. Ask, "was it easier to carry the object by yourself or with help?" 

The Lord gives us burdens, like heavy objects. These burdens or trials come in many different varieties and no one on earth is free from hardship. Christ can help us bear our burdens. Sometimes he helps us directly through the Holy Ghost or guardian angels and sometimes he has others help lift our burdens, sharing the load. 

Lesson:

The early members of the church were no novices when it came to hardship. They had undergone persecution and made many sacrifices. The Lord new more hardships were coming. In D&C 38, he instructs the saints to be prepared for what lies ahead and gives them advice on how to survive the coming trials. 

The Lord gives us a lot of help when it comes to enduring trials. One of the things he gives us to help endure challenges is our family. How has your family helped you when you were struggling? What are some things your family does to help each other?

Read D&C 38: 24-27. Heavenly Father wants us to put others before ourself. Jesus esteemed, "As I have loved you, love one another." He wants us to be selfless and united. He wants our family to be "one." 

Each member of our family is important. We each have our jobs in our family and rules we obey. We each have unique personalities that make our family special. Go through each member of your family, asking the others what makes that person special. 

Activity: Family Unity Poster

Before FHE, draw a large 1 on a poster board. Have your family decorate the poster with the names and drawings of each family member. 

What are some things that we can do to help make our family stronger? What are some things that you could avoid doing that might weaken our family? Have your family draw pictures on the poster board of something they can do to help strengthen the family. Display the poster in your home during the week to serve as a reminder to be "one" united family. 

Our family is a blessing from Heavenly Father. Together we can help each other overcome trials and challenges. We can face certain hardships together, leaning on each other. We should depend on each other and try to avoid fighting and contention. Bear your testimony on family unity. 

Optional Activity: "Love in our hearts" video 

Closing Song: "Families can be together forever" (Children's Songbook, 188)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Orange Rolls recipe here 

Lesson 15: D&C 30-36

 April 5-11
Doctrine and Covenants 30-36
"You are called to preach my gospel" 

Materials: whiteboard and marker, coloring page
Opening Song: "The Family is of God" (Sacred Music App, "Additional songs for children")
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity:

Play a short family game together. 

Lesson:

In September of 1830, Thomas B. Marsh was a new convert to the church when the Lord called him to serve a mission. Thomas Marsh had small children still at home and many family responsibilities. The Lord directed a revelation to him calling him to serve a mission and addressing some of the concerns Thomas Marsh would have on behalf of his family. 

In D&C 31, we read that the Lord truly cares about our families. The family is the vessel used in the plan of salvation for people to receive exaltation. 

Read D&C 31:2. The Lord tells Thomas Marsh that He recognizes family struggles. Parents of young children can sympathize with some of the trials that comes with having little ones in the home. The Lord was totally aware of Thomas's situation and reassured him. What promise does the Lord make to Thomas Marsh in verse 2 about his little ones?

The Lord goes on in verse 3 to call Thomas to serve a mission and he makes him some additional promises about his family. Read 31:5-6. The Lord promises them physical safety as well as promised blessings in heaven if Thomas is willing to leave them for a "little time" to go and preach his gospel. When we willingly serve Heavenly Father, he will not only bless us personally but also bless our family members. 

Share about blessings that have come to your family because of missionary work. Or you can use the story below.

Tammy and her family were excited to spend a beautiful spring day at Nottsberry Farm theme park in California. Tammy loved to ride the roller-coasters and enjoyed the fun atmosphere of the park. The only downside to her fun-filled day was that not all of her family could come. Tammy's brother, Aleck, was currently serving his mission in Florida. Tammy was proud of her brother's service to the church and tried to keep him in her prayers and thoughts as she spent time on some of her brothers favorite roller-coasters that day. Around lunchtime, Tammy's mom noticed her car keys were not in their usual place in her purse and her Dad could not find them either. Fearing they had locked them in the car, Tammy and her family went back to the parking lot to check. Tammy and her family found the keys sticking out of the driver's side door of their car. They were shocked because anyone could have taken their keys and stolen the car, but it was still there. Tammy's mom mentioned that they had been blessed by Heavenly Father and were grateful for the safety and protection the Lord had given them that day. Her dad also made a comment that the Lord has promised to bless the families of missionaries. The family decided to say a prayer thanking Heavenly Father for this blessing. 

The Lord loves families and wants to bless and protect them. He wants to help us in our relationships with our family members to build strong eternal families. He also instructed Thomas Marsh to lead in his home with meekness. He wanted Thomas Marsh to be patient, steadfast, and faithful and to pray always. Write the words "meekness", "steadfast", "faithful", and "praying always" on a piece of paper or whiteboard. How would these qualities help you be a better family member? (write answers on whiteboard)

 Sometimes our callings in the church will take away time from our family like serving as a member of a bishopric or presidency. These sacrifices are always recognized by the Lord. Heavenly Father cares about each one of his children. How can you tell Heavenly Father loves you and watches over you?

Activity: Family Coloring Page

Closing Song: "I am a child of God" (Hymnal, 301)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Ice cream in a bag

Lesson 14: Easter

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

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

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

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

He Lives by Simon Dewey

Lesson: 

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

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

Activity: Easter egg hunt

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

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

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

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

Bear your testimony of the resurrection. 

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

Lesson 13: D&C 29

 March 22-28
Doctrine and Covenants 29
"Jesus Christ will gather his people"

Materials: picture "How many Times" from manual; "Why did Jesus Christ compare himself to a hen" video (youtube); paper strips printed, cut out, and put in a bag; scriptures
Opening Songs: "Israel, Israel God is calling" (Hymnal, 7)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity:

Show the picture below. Ask your family what the hen in the picture is doing? The hen is gathering her chicks and protecting them with her wings. Did you know that Christ referred to himself as a hen gathering her chickens. 

How Many Times by Liz Lemmn Swindle

Lesson:

Show the video from youtube below. 

In D&C 29, Jesus states that he is gathering his people. The gathering of Israel has been something prophets have been speaking of for thousands of years. What is the gathering of Israel? Well a good place to start when learning about the gathering of Israel is to remember that there are twelve tribes. 

Abraham the prophet prayed to have a son,
So the Lord sent Isaac as the chosen one.
Isaac begat Jacob, known as Israel.
Jacob's sons were twelve tribes, so the Bible tells. 
("Follow the Prophet" verse 4)

Israel had twelve sons and these 12 sons went on to have descendants known as the 12 tribes of Israel. A lot of the world are descendants of these tribes and those who aren't literal descendants can be adopted into a tribe. When you receive your patriarchal blessing, you will discover what tribe you belong to. "When we speak of the gathering, we are simply saying this fundamental truth: every one of our Heavenly Father’s children, on both sides of the veil, deserves to hear the message of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. They decide for themselves if they want to know more" (Russel M. Nelson, "Hope of Israel"). 

Read D&C 29:4. Since the church has been restored, its members have been given the sacred opportunity to help gather Israel. Not long after Pres. Nelson was sustained as the prophet of the church, he held a special meeting with all the youth of the church to talk about the gathering of Israel. In this address, President Nelson asked, "So my question to you is: are you willing to enlist in the youth battalion of the Lord to help gather Israel?”

Read D&C 29:7-8. We have all been called into the Lord's battalion to help gather Israel in the latter-days--to help others learn the truth of the gospel. In his address, President Nelson also mentioned many things we can do to aid in this cause and help gather Israel. 

Activity:

Print the sentances below, cut them into strips, and place them in a bag. Have each family member take turns reading different things they can do to help gather Israel. 

Lesson 12: D&C 27-28

 March 15-21
Doctrine and Covenants 27-28
"All things must be done in order"

** A lot of this lesson is repeated from the lesson from my lesson on Ephesians from 2019. It has been updated to included additional doctrines from the D&C. 

Materials: Household Items to represent the armor of God (see below), video "Put on the whole Armour of God" on churchofjesuschrist.org, Armor of God paper dolls. 
Opening Song: "Scripture Power" verse 2 (found on Sacred Music app or churchofjesuschrist.org)
Opening Prayer:
Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

Attention Activity: If you have plastic swords or wrapping paper rolls, have a mock sword fight with your family. 

Lesson: 
Read D&C 27: 15. Explain the phrase "gird up your loins" means to get ready to work. This verse says that we need to put on the whole armor so that we can withstand the "evil day" or the day when Christ comes again and the wicked are destroyed. What is the "whole armor" the Lord is referring to? Is it actually armor we need to have in our closet like a sword or a bullet proof vest? No, the armor of God is a spiritual armor. It is what we use to guard ourself in the spiritual war against Satan. 

Armor of God Activity:
Invite someone to be your soldier. While you dress them with each piece of armor, describe how that piece can help protect us spiritually.

Helmet of Salvation (bike helmet, football helmet, hat, etc): Just as a helmet protects our heads, our minds need to be protected from Satan. How can we protect our minds from Satan (watch good media, listen to good music, speak kindly, no profanity, no pornography, getting an education). We protect our minds with salvation with the knowledge that we will receive salvation and be saved from our sins. 

Shield of Fatih (Paper plate, round lid, etc.) Our faith in Christ and His Atonement is our shield against Satan. Having faith in Christ can protect us from temptation and lead us back to him after we have made wrong choices. D&C 27:17 says our shield of faith protects us from "the fiery darts of the wicked." Our faith reflects Satan's tools of doubt and deceit just like a shield protects from arrows and darts. 

Girdle of Truth (belt): Knowing the truth always gives you power over the adversary and can protect us from Satan's lies and tricks. Our loins are one of the most vulnerable parts of our bodies, protecting our loins with truth suggests that knowing the truth of the gospel will help us to guard our virtue.

Breastplate of Righteousness (vest): Breastplates are worn to protect the heart and other vital organs. We must love God and all his children. Choosing the right and living righteously will protect our heart, our feelings and we will be happy. "“And the heart, what kind of a breastplate shall protect our conduct in life? We shall have over our hearts a breastplate of righteousness. Well, having learned truth we have a measure by which we can judge between right and wrong and so our conduct will always be gauged by that thing which we know to be true. Our breastplate to cover our conduct shall be the breastplate of righteousness." (Feet Shod with the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace, Brigham Young University Speeches of the Year [Provo, 9 Nov. 1954], pp. 3–7.)

Shoes shod with Preparation of the Gospel of Peace (shoes, boots): We must always be spiritually prepared through things like reading our scriptures and studying the words of the apostles and prophets, which the Lord has sent his "angels to commit unto [us]" (D&C27: 16). 

Sword of the Spirit (toy sword, paper towel tube, foil sword, etc) The Spirit or the Holy Ghost is our weapon against Satan. Through the spirit his word will be revealed unto us. If we live worthy, the Holy Ghost, a member of the godhead will help us to combat Satan and lead us from temptation. 

As we put on the armor of God and remain faithful, it says in verse 18 we will be "caught up" which is another way of saying that we will be saved on the day the wicked will be destroyed. 

Watch the video "Put on the whole Armor of God" found on churchofjesuschrist.org 

What can we do to help each other put on the armour of God? Share a story of a time in  your life when you were able to use your testimony of the gospel to resist temptation. Bear your testimony of the armor of god and what that means to you.

Activity: Armor of God Paper Dolls
Print and cut out one per family member. If you have a laminator, you could laminate the pieces and attach with bits of velcro. This is a great activity for the church bag!

Closing Song: "We Are All Enlisted" (Hymnal, 250)
Closing Prayer:

Lesson 11: 23-26

 March 8-14
Doctrine and Covenants 23-26 
"Strengthen the church"

Materials: whiteboard and marker, scripture cards below printed and cut out, scriptures
Opening Song: "The Spirit of God" (Hymnal, 2
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity:

Show the following list below written on a piece of paper or whiteboard. 

Sacrament Meeting

Announcements
Invocation (opening prayer)
Ward [or branch] business
Sacrament
Speakers
Benediction (closing prayer)

Explain that the things on this list are parts of sacrament meeting. What happens in sacrament meeting that is missing from this list? (Opening and closing hymns; sacrament hymn; prelude and postlude music.) Why do you think we use music in our Church meetings? Why do we sing hymns? What difference do you think it would make if we did not sing hymns in our Church meetings?

Music, especially hymn singing, has always been an important part of worshiping Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. It brings a spirit of reverence and love to our Church meetings.

Lesson:

Who can tell me the name of Joseph Smith's wife? Her name was Emma Hale Smith. She and Joseph were married on Jan. 18, 1827 and a few months later, she accompanied Joseph to the Hill Cumorah when he was given the gold plates by the angel Moroni. 

Emma endured many hardships in the few short years since their marriage including the disapproval of her parents, the death of her first baby, persecution, and other heartaches. Still, Emma was a devout woman who wished to have a place in the Kingdom of God. 

In July 1830, Joseph received a special revelation for Emma Smith. In the revelation God told Emma that she was an "elect lady." Heavenly Father makes it clear in D&C 25 that women have a special place in his heart and special duties in the Kingdom of Heaven. 

Activity: Scripture cards

Directions: Print and cut out the cards below and display them in order on a whiteboard or taped to a wall. Have a family member choose in order and read each card. Some cards have activities marked with an *. (Note: Each card references a scripture. If you are short on time, you may only need to read the scriptures that have the word "read" in front of the reference.)

Emma Smith was a very special lady who made many amazing contributions to the church. One of her most important contributions was the church's very first hymnal. In 1835, she helped publish "A Collection of Sacred Hymns" to fulfill the request from the Lord made in D&C 25. In it, "She felt the need for a hymn tradition that would reflect the unique history and theology of the Latter-day Saints. As heirs of divinely restored truth, the early saints wanted to do more than just borrow from other Christian hymn traditions” (Church News, Aug. 11, 1985). 

Today we use a lot of the same hymns in our book that Emma selected all those years ago. And currently, the church is undertaking the compilation of a new hymn book to add to Emma Smith's legacy. 

Emma was also a valiant member of the church who underwent more difficult trials than most people. Lucy Mack Smith, descibed Emma in this passage:  “I have never seen a woman in my life, who would endure every species of fatigue and hardship, from month to month, and from year to year, with that unflinching courage, zeal, and patience, which she has ever done; for I know that which she has had to endure … she has breasted the storms of persecution, and buffeted the rage of men and devils, which would have borne down almost any other woman.” (History of Joseph Smith, pp. 190–91.) 

The last few verses of D&C 25 list out actions Emma needed to take in order to receive celestial glory. In verse 16 it states, "And verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is any voice unto all." Even though this section was written for Emma, it is also directed toward all of us. We can learn a lot from Emma Smith and the revelation received on her behalf. 

Closing Song: "Redeemer of Isreal" (Hymnal, 6)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Lemon Blueberry Muffins recipe here

Lesson 10: D&C 20-22

 March 1-7
Doctrine and Covenants 20-22
"The rise of the Church of Christ"

Materials: puzzle pieces printed and cut out, scriptures
Opening Song: "The Church of Jesus Christ" (Children's Songbook, 77)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity:

Play a round of "two truths and a lie" with your family.

Lesson:

Imagine you were talking with someone who wasn't a member of their church. What would you say if they asked you what are church teaches? Concepts that a church believes are called doctrines. The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints is unique because we believe that our doctrines are Christ's doctrines and are true. 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints was officially organized on April, 6 1830. Joseph Smith received a revelation about how the church was to be organized--Section 20. "Section 20 is a concise treatment of the basic doctrine, ordinances, and requirements for membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" (Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual). 

Activity: Church puzzle

Directions: Before FHE, print out the pictures below. Cut out each of the twelve pieces and put into a bag. During FHE, have a family member take out a puzzle piece and read out the number. Read the section below that corresponds to the number on the piece. As your family takes out each piece they can assemble the puzzle on the table or floor. Each piece contains a doctrinal truth discussed in D&C 20.

1. The church is called in Christ's name and is organized according the commandments of God. (20:1)

2. The Book of Mormon proves the divinity of the Church. Read D&C 20:11

3. Personal revelation is a key doctrine of the church. Through personal revelation each person can receive their own witness to the Book of Mormon and of the truth of the Church. Read D&C 20:13

4. The Plan of Salvation is a key doctrine of the church. The events of the creation (20:17-18), the fall (20:19-20), and the atonement (20:21-26) are essential elements of God's plan to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. 

5. Baptism is required for all people to enter into the kingdom of heaven. Those who are accountable and desire to be baptized must be baptized by immersion by a ordained elder or priest. (20: 25-27; 37; 72-74)

6. The grace of our Savior, Jesus Christ, will justify and sanctify all those who are willing to repent of their sins. (20:29-32)

7. The priesthood of God has been restored to the earth to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery.  The priesthood consists of offices which each have specific duties in the Church. These offices include apostle, elder, priest, teacher, and deacon. (20: 38-67)

8. Members of the church have a duty to understand church doctrine and walk in holiness before the Lord, having their works and faith agreeable with the scriptures. (20: 68-69)

9. The members of the church must meet together often to partake of the sacrament which must be administered by the priesthood. (20: 77-79)

                                                     

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Why would these truths be important to emphasize as the Church was being established? How has your life been blessed because you know each of these truths?

Optional Activity: Organization of the church video

Bear your testimony.

Closing Song: "He sent his son" (Children's Songbook, 34)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Church Window Cookies recipe here

Lesson 9: D&C 18-19

 February 22-28
D&C 18-19
"The worth of souls is great" 

Materials: Picture of Christ, scriptures, gospel music app, optional: hymn books and children's songbook.
Opening Song: "I'm trying to be like Jesus" (Children's Songbook, 78)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity:

Ask a family member to share their favorite scripture story about Jesus. 

Lesson:

**Before you start the lesson, display your favorite picture(s) of Christ.

After Martin Harris lost the 116 pages of the manuscript,  he was distraught. He sought repentance and wanted to know what his current standing was with the Lord. Christ gave a revelation to Martin Harris through Joseph Smith in response to Martin's question. In section 19, we read that the Lord tells Martin Harris to repent. As He speaks of the importance of repentance; He talks of the atonement. Jesus Christ describes His suffering in Gethsemane in His own words. 

As we read Christ's description of the atonement, think about phrases that send out to you. Read D&C 19:15-20. What stands out to you in those verses?

Christ loves us so much that he took upon himself the pain of all our sins, weakness, and afflictions. He knows our every heartache, our every pang of guilt, and our every sore. He suffered all so that we wouldn't have to suffer for our sins in the hereafter. He does not want us to have to suffer as He did. The only thing keeping us from the torment of feeling the depth of our own sins is repentance. Repentance is the key. He enabled us to repent so that we would be worthy to enter into the kingdom of God. 

Activity: Sing of Christ.

Directions: Using the gospel music app, hymn books, and the children's songbook, have everyone choose their favorite hymn or primary song about the Savior. Each person will take a turn explaining why that song is important to them and then the family should sing at least one verse.  

After you have sang a song per family member, ask your family if they have any thoughts they would like to share about Christ. Remind your family we can show our gratitude for Christ's atonement through repentance. As you kneel down to say your personal prayers, ask Heavenly Father for forgiveness for things you have done wrong. 

Closing Song: "I am a child of God"
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Biscoff Truffles recipe here

Lesson 8: D&C 14-17

 February 15-21
Doctrine and Covenants 14-17
"Stand as a witness"

Materials: a bag, paper and art supplies, scriptures, video (optional) 
Opening Song: "The Golden Plates" (Children's Songbook, 86b)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity:

Witness Game: Explain that you will ask a family member to leave the room. When that person is gone the rest of the family will choose something to put into a bag. The family member will return and have to make a guess at what was in the bag. 

While the family member is out of the room, explain that one person will be lying and the rest of the family will tell the truth and stand as a witnesses to what it is in the bag. When the family  member returns they can choose to listen to the witnesses or not.

After the game, explain that the world uses witnesses to testify of the truth. In court, witnesses are called to testify about what they saw or heard in a case. Heavenly Father has also used witnesses to testify of the truth of his gospel. 

Lesson:

Can you think of a time that witnesses are used by the Lord? (baptisms, temple ordinances, missionaries, the witnesses to The Book of Mormon) Why does the Lord use witnesses? Read 2 Corinthians 13:1. After the translation of the gold plates was complete, Heavenly Father gave permission to three special men to be witnesses of The Book of Mormon. These men were Martin Harris, Oliver Cowdery, and David Whitmer. As a family read together the introduction to Section 17. 

Activity: Draw it out

Directions: Have paper and art supplies set out for your family. While a family member reads D&C 17 and "The Testimony of the Three Witnesses", have everyone draw a picture of what they read. It may help to make a list of everything the witnesses saw. Have your family members share their pictures.

Why was it so important for the witnesses to see the gold plates? Why was it also important that the breastplate and the Urim and Thummim were also shown to the witnesses? The sword of Laban was perhaps the item most out of place at the scene. But it also could be seen as a testament to the truth of the writings in The Book of Mormon, that the events described in the book are in fact historical. 

Over time, other witnesses were eventually added to the list of witnesses to the gold plates. These include the eight men who penned "The Testimony of the Eight Witnesses," which comprised of Joseph's brothers and father, as well as more members of the Whitmer family, and Hiram Page. Mary Whitmer was also shown the plates by the angel Moroni although she never wrote an official statement. (Emma felt the plates through a tablecloth that Joseph wrapped them in, but never saw them). 

We've now learned that their were at least 13 people who saw the gold plates. 12 stood as witnesses to the plates divine authenticity. How can you be a witness to The Book of Mormon? How can we be witnesses for the Lord?

As we try to emulate Christ's example and bear our testimonies of His church, we can act as His witnesses. Bear your testimony. 

Optional Activity: "A Day for the Eternities" Video from churchofjesuschrist.org

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Closing Song: "I'll go where you want me to go" (Hymns, 270)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Golden Grahams marshmallow treats