Lesson 36: D&C 94-97

 August 30- September 5
Doctrine and Covenants 94-97
"For the Salvation of Zion"

Materials: scriptures
Opening Song: "Do as I'm doing" (Children's Songbook, 276)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: Play a few rounds of "mother may I" with your family. 

Lesson:

In January 1833, the Lord commanded the saint to build a temple in Kirtland; but after almost half year, the saints had not started building the temple. In June, the Lord revealed D&C 95 and told the saints he was disappointed they had not yet obeyed. Read D&C95:3.

Story: Imagine that want to do something fun like play a video game. You ask your  Mom or Dad and they tell you to clean your room. Your room is rather messy: toys, clothes, trash, etc. You really don't want to clean it. You put a few easy toys on your shelf but then you look around the room at the clothes. They aren't all dirty but you throw them in your hamper because you hate folding them. There is some other stuff out too, but by that point, you just want to be done so you kick some of it under your bed and hide the rest under your dresser. The floor looks clean enough now so you tell your Mom its done. Later, Mom finds the mess. She's upset and scolds you for not being obedient and for lying. You get a punishment for your actions.

Why is your mom upset? Did you deserve to have a negative consequence? Does this mean she doesn't love you? 

When your parents or teachers or even your boss scolds you for doing something wrong this is called being "chastened." The Lord also did this to the saints when they failed to show initiatve and start building the Kirtland temple. He also chastens us when we sin and don't repent. Obviously Heavenly Father loves us very much. He want what's best for us. 

Light and Truth by Simon Dewey

Read D&C 95: 1-2. Christ says that by rebuking us when we are bad, he is preparing a way for us to be delivered from temptation and to be forgiven. 

Have a family member read the following quote: "Divine chastening has at least three purposes: (1) to persuade us to repent, (2) to refine and sanctify us, and (3) at times to redirect our course in life to what God knows is a better path" (D. Todd Christofferson, "As Many As I Love, I Rebuke and Chasten" General Conference, April 2011).

Obedience to our Heavenly Father's commandments is like divine fire insurance. We are protected from the Lord's wrath when we listen. "I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise" (D&C 82:10) What can you do to be more obedient?

Elder Christofferson also said, "I would like to speak of one particular attitude and practice we need to adopt if we are to meet our Heavenly Father’s high expectations. It is this: willingly to accept and even seek correction. Correction is vital if we would conform our lives “unto a perfect man, [that is,] unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13). Paul said of divine correction or chastening, “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth” (Hebrews 12:6). Though it is often difficult to endure, truly we ought to rejoice that God considers us worth the time and trouble to correct."

Discussion Questions:

1. How can we do as Elder Christofferson suggests and seek correction?

2. What can we do to willingly accept correction from Heavenly Father? 

3. How do we know we are being chastened from the Lord?

Video: Obedience Brings Blessings. 

Blessings come by being obedient. Being chastening also brings blessings because it reminds us  to be obedient. Our Heavenly Father is a parent who wants what is best for his children. Sometimes we must be disciplined in order to learn and grow. He does because He loves us and wants us to become like He is. 

Bear your testimony. 

Closing Song: "I feel my Savior's love" (Children's Songbook, 74) 
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Pineapple upside down cake

Lesson 35: D&C 93

 August 23-29
Doctrine and Covenants 93
"Receive of His fulness"

Materials: card stock picture of christ, flashlight, letter cards, tape, scriptures, glue, activity list printed
Opening Song: "Teach me to walk in the light" (Children's Songbook, 177)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: Before FHE print out the picture below on thick paper or card stock. Place the paper face down on the floor and ask your family if they can see the picture on the other side without flipping it over. Using a flashlight, hold the paper off the ground slightly and shine the light through. Can they see the image now? What is it?

Jesus is the light of the world. What does light do? Light dispels the darkness, it also brings truth and knowledge. Just like it's easier to see the picture when we shine the light, we find Truth through the light of Christ.

Lesson:

In 1833, the saints were preparing to build the Kirtland temple. As they were making preparations Joseph Smith received a revelation about the nature of God, his glory, light and truth. This is section 93 of the Doctrine and Covenants. In D&C 93, The Lord teaches how we can come to know Him and obtain a fulness of glory, as well as how to receive truth and light and to bring up their children in truth and light. 

We know what light is and we know what truth is, but what is glory? Glory is defined as magnificence, beauty, and high renown and honor won by achievements (google search). God has glory and he has offered us glory in the worlds to come. 

Activity: Glory Light and Truth 

Directions: Before FHE print out the cards below. Print out the list below and glue each corresponding activity on the back.  Tape the letters up where your family can see them. Have your family members take turns choosing a letter and doing the activity on the back.

G- Read D&C 93:21-22. Those who receive celestial glory are joint heirs with Jesus Christ. Heavenly Father will bless them with the same blessings as Jesus.

L- Read D&C 6-7; 16 The John in these verses is John the Baptist. He testified of Jesus's glory meaning he is a witness of the honor and renown of Christ's achievements and majesty. 

O- Read D&C 8-10

R- Read D&C 93: 36

Y- “Search out the truth of the written word; listen for and receive the truth declared by living prophets and teachers; enrich your minds with the best of knowledge and facts. Of those who speak in his name, the Lord requires humility, not ignorance. Intelligence is the glory of God; and no man can be saved in ignorance [see D&C 93:36; 131:6]” (Teachings: Joseph F. Smith, 314, 318–19).

L- Sing "The Lord is my light" (Hymns, 89)

I- Read D&C 1-2. All children are born with the light of Christ. If we learn to use the light of Christ, we will be able to see His face and know who He is.

G- Read D&C 93:37 

H- “Light dispels darkness. When light is present, darkness is vanquished and must depart. More importantly, darkness cannot conquer light unless the light is diminished or departs. When the spiritual light of the Holy Ghost is present, the darkness of Satan departs" (Robert D. Hales, “Out of Darkness into His Marvelous Light,” Ensign, May 2002, 70–71).

T- Read D&C 93:40 

T- “I have heard a few parents state that they don’t want to impose the gospel on their children but want them to make up their own minds about what they will believe and follow. They think that in this way they are allowing children to exercise their agency. What they forget is that the intelligent use of agency requires knowledge of the truth, of things as they really are (see D&C 93:24). Without that, young people can hardly be expected to understand and evaluate the alternatives that come before them" (Elder D. Todd Christofferson, “Moral Discipline,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2009, 107).

R- Read 93: 26

U- The Prophet Joseph Smith taught: “God has created man with a mind capable of instruction, and a faculty which may be enlarged in proportion to the heed and diligence given to the light communicated from heaven to the intellect; and that the nearer man approaches perfection, the clearer are his views, and the greater his enjoyments, till he has overcome the evils of his life and lost every desire for sin; and like the ancients, arrives at that point of faith where he is wrapped in the power and glory of his Maker, and is caught up to dwell with Him. But we consider that this is a station to which no man ever arrived in a moment” (Teachings: Joseph Smith, 210–11).

T- Read D&C 93:30-32. We all have been given our agency to act for ourselves. We need to use our agency to seek out and receive light and truth in order to receive a fulness of glory. 

H- Tell of a time when you were blessed for telling the truth? How do you think that experience helped you become more Christlike?

So why do you think we need to know about God's glory, intelligence, light, truth and all of the other "stuff" we talk about in the church? Christ tells us, "I give unto you these sayings that you may understand and know how to worship, and knowwhat you worship, that you may come unto the Father in my name, and in due time receive of his fulness. For if you keep my commandments you shall receive of his fulness, and be glorified in me as I am in the Father; therefore, I say unto you, you shall receive grace for grace" (D&C 93:19-20). 

Learning about Christ brings light and truth to our lives. As we strive to become like Christ and use our agency to receive his light, we will be on the path to receive His glory--to have eternal life. Bear your testimony. 

Closing Song: "Oh say what is truth?" (Hymns, 272)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Carrot Cake bars recipe here 

Lesson 34: D&C 89-92

 August 16-22
Doctrine and Covenants 89-92
"A Principle with Promise"

Materials: 2 brown lunch bags, a plate, 4 printed and cut out card sheets, videos
Opening Song: "Keep the Commandments" (Children's Songbook, 146)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: I'm going to read you a list of clues about what we are talking about today. When you think you know what it is, raise your hand.

1. This was designed by Heavenly Father.
2. The Holy Spirit dwells here.
3. The Lord has asked us to respect and care for this.
4. This is one of the main reasons we came to earth.
5. This is one of our greatest blessings.

Today we are going to talk about our bodies. 

Lesson:

Joseph Smith and the other church leaders would often meet together in what was called, ehe School of the Prophets. During these meetings many of the brethren would smoke and chew tobacco and drink alcohol. The elders would spit the tobacco onto the floor and it would leave stains. No matter how hard Emma tried, she could not get the floor clean and got frustrated from the whole situation. 

Under Emma's urging, Joseph took the matter to the Lord and Joseph received section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants, commonly referred to now as "The Word of Wisdom." What do you remember about the word of wisdom? 

Activity: Word of wisdom sorting game. 

Directions: Before FHE: print the cards and pictures below. Cut out the pictures and glue them to the corresponding card. Take one bag and glue the trash can picture to it. Take the other and place all the cards in the bag. Set out the plate and both bags.

Have family members take turns reading each card. They either have a scripture passage or a quotation about the Word of Wisdom. Then, that family member needs to decide whether the picture on the front of the card should be put on the plate or into the trash. 

Section 89 is often interpreted as a big list of do's and don'ts, but it's so much more than that. Firstly, members and non-members alike often get so caught up in what not to consume, that they forget to pay attention to the "do's." Healthy eating and exercising our bodies is not always the priority it should be. Our world is overrun with people who have forgotten or neglected their health--that is not the way God wants us to live. We need to eat a well-balanced diet and embrace habits of exercise in order to truly care for our bodies.

Show this short video from the church website. 

In order to enter the temple and receive ordinances there, members are asked to obey the doctrines in section 89. Paul taught that our bodies are temples. They were divinely designed and, when we are faithful, they house the Holy Ghost. We need to treat our bodies with reverence and respect. Read D&C 89:18-21. When we treat our bodies as God intends, he promises us amazing blessings--health and energy, but also spiritual blessings like added knowledge and spiritual safety. 

Bear your testimony on the Word of Wisdom. 

Optional Activity: Video-- The Word of Wisdom: A Health Code / Now you know

Closing Song: "The Lord gave me a temple" (Children's Songbook, 153)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Fruit and Veggie tray

Lesson 33: D&C 88

 August 9-15
Doctrine and Covenants 88
"Establish... A house of God"

Materials: paper, pencils, scripture, youth goal books (if you have children ages 7-18)
Opening Song: "Search, Ponder, and Pray" (Children's Songbook, 109)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: Play a few rounds of hide and seek as a family. Read D&C 88:63. The Lord wants us to draw near to him and seek him. How can we seek Jesus?

Lesson:

Section 88 is a large section in which the Lord gives a lot of direction to the saints. It talks about how God's kingdom is governed by law, invites us to draw near to Him, speaks of the second coming, and gives a lot of counsel on specific things we need to do to "prepare in every needful thing."

One of the main topics of sections 88 is God wants us to seek learning by faith. Gospel instruction and learning is an important part of the of being prepared for the Savior's second coming. Have family members take turns reading D&C 88: 77-78, 118. How can we teach one another? Family Home Evening, family scripture study, and family discussions are all ways that God intends for us to teach one another. These help us learn and grow in our knowledge of the gospel. 

In the last 5 years, the church made several large changes to the way we approach gospel instruction. What have been some of the changes? How has the change to home-centered and church supported gospel instruction blessed our family and blessed you individually? 

Activity: Gospel Study Goal Setting. 

Using paper and pencils, make a list of individual and family gospel study goals. 

Some family ideas are listed below:

• Make a rotation chart for different family members to take turns doing different duties for FHE (lesson instructor, scripture reader, chorister, prayers, etc.)
• Print of and color in a family reading scripture chart for this year. Make plans for what you will study if you finish that week's sections early or late. 
•  Explain how you put together an FHE lesson. Show children materials and resources on the church website that you use to help put together FHE lessons. Have children practice putting together a mini lesson.
• Appoint a family member to read from the Come Follow Me For Individuals and Families  at family scripture study to read the headings and questions that correspond to your nightly reading. 

Using youth program goal books, paper, and pencils. Have family members write an individual study goal for the rest of this year. Here are some ideas:

• Finish the rest of the D&C by the end of the year, following the calendar in Come Follow Me.
• Read my scriptures everyday for 10 minutes before school.
• Read one gospel related non-fiction book by the end of the year.
• Listen to all the April conference talks by October General Conference.
• Prepare and teach one lesson in my quorum/young women's class by the end of the year.
• Learn more about the life and teachings of one of the prophets or apostles, give a FHE lesson on him. 

Gospel learning is an essential part of our earthly journey. It enables us to learn what it means to be Christlike and understand the gospel. Read D&C 88: 119. Our home is the place where we can truly "dive in" and study the gospel, which is why so many recent conference talks have centered on home-centered and church-supported gospel instruction. After reading verse 119, what can we do to improve our home so it's a house of prayer, fasting, faith, learning, glory, order--a house of God?

D&C 88 gives some further advice on what we can do (or stop doing) to make our home a place where we can fully embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ. Have your family scan verses 121-126. What are some things the Lord points out in order to have "a house of God?" Have a family choose one thing from the verses to work on and have them write it next to their study goal. 

As we learn more about the gospel as a family, we will grow closer together and have more charity towards one another. Our family will be better equipped to weather trails and hardships that come our way. The same is true for us individually. The more we study about the Savior and His gospel, and apply it to our lives--the more Christlike we will become. Bear your testimony.

Closing Song: "Scripture Power" (Additional Songs for Children, Music app)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Healthy cinnamon apple muffins recipe here 

 

Lesson 32: D&C 85-87

 August 2-8
Doctrine and Covenants 85-87
"Stand Ye In Holy Places"

Materials: video clip, room pictures, scriptures
Opening Song: "Love is spoken here" (Children's Songbook, 190)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity:

Show the following clip from Return of the King. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OA8wkz0uGLE

In the clip, we see a small army facing insurmountable odds. They are surrounded on all sides by a wicked and cunning army of monsters that wishes to enslave all the free people of their world. Aragorn's speech encourages the men to look past their fear and fight with their brothers. He tells them to "stand." Standing their ground, the small army faces down the enemy with courage and faith. 

Although it is not made up of orcs, we too are facing an army of the wicked. Daily we are berated with temptations, and we see the world growing more desensitized and evil. We have been asked by our Lord and his prophets to put on the armor of God and take a stand against Satan. 

Lesson:

In D&C 87, it discusses some of the calamities that will happen before the second coming. Read 87:5-6. Along with these physical dangers, we also face spiritual dangers in the latter-days. The Lord's counsel when encountering these dangers is found in verse 8. Read D&C 87:8. 

The Lord tells us to "stand in holy places and be not moved." What are examples of holy places? Our temples, meeting houses, and homes are all holy place because they are the places in which we worship God. 
    

Madrid, Spain temple

Have a family member read this quote by Elder Dennis B. Neuenschwander:

“Holy places have always been essential to the proper worship of God. For Latter-day Saints, such holy places include venues of historic significance, our homes, sacrament meetings, and temples. Much of what we reverence, and what we teach our children to reverence as holy and sacred, is reflected in these places. The faith and reverence associated with them and the respect we have for what transpires or has transpired in them make them holy. The importance of holy places and sacred space in our worship can hardly be overestimated… These sacred places inspire our faith and give us encouragement to be true to that faith and to move forward, despite the challenges that may cross our path” (“Holy Place, Sacred Space,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2003, 71–72).

Other places that may also be considered holy places are church historical sites, seminary and institute buildings, and any other place where righteous people gather to learn about the savior and worship God. 

One of the most important holy places is our home, because it is where we are everyday. Our home is a place where our prayers are given, scriptures are studying, service is done, friends are ministered to, and where the peace and love of our Savior should abound. Some of us might not currently have a happy home or a holy home. But we can all try a little harder personally to make our homes a more holy place. 

Activity: A Holy Home

Directions: below are several pictures of different rooms in peoples houses. Have each family member take turns choosing a picture. What are things we should do in this room that could make our homes a holy place where we can remember the Savior and strive to be like him? Is there anything we should avoid doing? (Some examples are listed below.)

Living Room- Family Home Evening, family prayer and scripture study, family counsel 

Bedroom- Personal prayer, Scripture study, journal writing, Chasity

Bathroom: Listening to good music or talks during morning routing, avoid quarreling with family members

Kitchen- prayers before meals, gathering, ministering, and service

The scriptures tell us to "stand in holy places and be not moved" and we have discussed what some of those places are and how we can make our homes a more holy place. When the Lord tells us "be not moved" what do you think he is saying? He isn't telling us we can never leave these places, or never travel. The Lord wants us to use the lessons we've learned in our holy places as we go out into the world so that when we are tempted or experience spiritual danger we will not fail. Read Helaman 5:12. 

Being rooted in our holy places--places built upon a firm foundation in Jesus Chris--are essential to overcome the challenges of our mortal experience. Let us all strive to stand in holy places by making our home a place full of love. We can stand in holy places as we attend church meetings and learn more about the gospel from members in our ward. We can also stand in holy places as we strive to live worthily to attend the temple and doing temple and family history work when we can. 

Bear your testimony.

Closing Song: "Love at Home"  (Hymns, 294)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Graham cracker houses. Using Graham crackers, icing, and assorted candies. Have your family decorate their "holy place" homes. 

Lesson 31: D&C 84

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

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

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

Lesson: 

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

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

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

Activity: Priesthood words

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

Melchizedek- Read D&C 84:19.

Ordinances- Read D&C 84:20-22

Aaronic- Read D&C 84: 26-27

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bear your testimony of the priesthood. 

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

Lesson 30: D&C 81-83

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

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

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

Lesson:

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

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

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

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

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

Activity: Talent strips. 

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

- playing an instrument 

- playing basketball

- drawing

- being positive

- being polite

- being a good listener

- telling stories

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

Elisha in Blackpool, England; used with permission.

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

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

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

Lesson 29: D&C 77-80

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

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

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

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

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

Lesson:

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

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

Activity: Quotation bookmarks.

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

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

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

Bear your testimony on gratitude. 

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

Lesson 28: D&C 76

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

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

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

Lesson: 

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

Activity: I am a child of God lyric study

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lesson 27: D&C 71-75

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lesson:

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

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

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

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

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

Activity: Cards to the Bishop

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

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

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

Lesson 26: D&C 67-70

 June 21-27
Doctrine and Covenants 67-70
"Worth... the riches of the whole earth"

Materials: coloring pages printed, house pictures printed, scripture verses printed a pasted to house pictures, coloring utensils
Opening Song: "Isreal, Isreal, God is calling" (Hymns, 7)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: Below are links to several coloring pages that go with today's lesson. Print at least one each and have family members color them. 

Parents teaching the gospel (verse 25) :  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2009/03/coloring-page?lang=eng

Baptism (verse 27): https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/bc/content/shared/content/images/gospel-library/magazine/fr09may17_color.jpg

Prayer (verse 28): https://media.ldscdn.org/pdf/magazines/friend-may-2017/2017-05-37-coloring-page-eng.pdf

Keeping the Sabbath day Holy (verse 29): https://media.ldscdn.org/pdf/magazines/liahona-april-2016/2016-04-37-the-sabbath-is-a-special-day-eng.pdf

Work hard; don't be lazy (verse 30): https://media.ldscdn.org/pdf/magazines/friend-september-2016/2016-09-36-i-can-help-my-family-eng.pdf

Don't be greedy (verse 31): https://media.ldscdn.org/pdf/magazines/friend-august-2016/2016-08-36-coloring-page-eng.pdf

Lesson: For our opening song today we sang the words, "come to Zion." What is Zion? Where is Zion? Zion refers to any place where righteous people live. Sometimes in the scriptures, Zion is a specific place or city. Other times, Zion is wherever the children of God gather together. 

We can "come to Zion" in a physical sense by attending our church meetings and activities and by attending the temple. We can also "come to Zion" spiritually through doing things that will make us more Christlike. In D&C 68, the Lord gives important counsel for "the inhabitants of Zion." In other words, he gives the members of the church important advice on becoming a Zion people. 

Activity:

(Before FHE, print 6 copies of the house image below and the list of verses from D&C 68. Glue one of the verses on to a copy of the house. Tape the houses around your home in different rooms.)

25 And again, inasmuch as ^aparents have children in Zion, or in any of her ^bstakes which are organized, that ^cteach them not to understand the ^ddoctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands, when ^eeight years old, the ^fsin be upon the heads of the parents.

27 And their children shall be ^abaptized for the ^bremission of their sins when ^ceight years old, and receive the laying on of the hands.

28 And they shall also ^ateach their children to pray, and to walk uprightly before the Lord.

29 And the inhabitants of Zion shall also observe the ^aSabbathday to keep it holy.

30 And the inhabitants of Zion also shall remember their ^alabors, inasmuch as they are appointed to labor, in all faithfulness; for the ^bidler shall be had in remembrance before the Lord.

31 Now, I, the Lord, am not well ^apleased with the inhabitants of Zion, for there are ^bidlers among them; and their ^cchildren are also growing up in ^dwickedness; they also ^eseek not earnestly the riches of eternity, but their eyes are full of ^fgreediness.

Directions: Around the home, I have taped the pictures of a house. When I say go, you will go find the pictures; there are six total. 

Once your family has found all the houses, have them read the verse on the back. Then show the the coloring pages from the beginning of the lesson. Have them match their verse to the picture that matches it best. 

We want to be a Zion people--we want to be righteous and live the way Heavenly Father wants us to live. This means we need to be doing things we already know we should be doing like listening to our parents teach gospel principles, keeping our baptismal covenants, praying, keeping the Sabbath day holy, working hard, and avoiding greed and pride. These are simple things that make a big difference. 

Our home can be a Zion home--a place where righteous children of the Lord dwell and learn about the gospel. What things could help our home become a Zion home? What should we avoid doing in our home that will drive away the Spirit? Which thing we talked about today could you work on this week? 

Bear your testimony on becoming a Zion people. You can tape the coloring pictures up around your home to remind your family how they can work on being a Zion people. 

Closing Song: "As Zion's youth in latter-days" (Hymns, 256)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Mixed Berry Oatmeal Crumble Bars see Pinterest page for details