Baptism

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Posted in Missionary Work, Ordinances, Priesthood | Posted on 09-11-2012

Tags: , , , , ,

FHE Scripture

Scripture

John 14:15

15 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

FHE Lesson Hymn

Hymn

When I Am Baptized – Primary Songbook #103 or - Come, Follow Me Hymn #116

When I Am Baptized

1. I like to look for rainbows whenever there is rain
And ponder on the beauty of an earth made clean again.

2. I know when I am baptized my wrongs are washed away,
And I can be forgiven and improve myself each day.

Chorus
I want my life to be as clean as earth right after rain.
I want to be the best I can and live with God again.

Come, Follow Me

1. “Come, follow me,” the Savior said.
Then let us in his footsteps tread,
For thus alone can we be one
With God’s own loved, begotten Son.

2. “Come, follow me,” a simple phrase,
Yet truth’s sublime, effulgent rays
Are in these simple words combined
To urge, inspire the human mind.

3. Is it enough alone to know
That we must follow him below,
While trav’ling thru this vale of tears?
No, this extends to holier spheres.

4. Not only shall we emulate
His course while in this earthly state,
But when we’re freed from present cares,
If with our Lord we would be heirs.

5. We must the onward path pursue
As wider fields expand to view,
And follow him unceasingly,
Whate’er our lot or sphere may be.

6. For thrones, dominions, kingdoms, pow’rs,
And glory great and bliss are ours,
If we, throughout eternity,
Obey his words, “Come, follow me.”

FHE Lesson

Lesson

*For All Family Members* Read or summarize the following article “Come Unto Christ” by President Henry B Eyring (taken from March 2008 Ensign).  Testify of the importance of coming unto Christ and being baptized.

The words “come unto Christ” are an invitation. It is the most important invitation you could ever offer to another person. It is the most important invitation anyone could accept. From the beginning of the Restoration of the gospel in this dispensation, it has been the charge given by Jesus Christ to His representatives. Their charge has been “to warn, expound, exhort, and teach, and invite all to come unto Christ.” 1

Every member of the Church, upon accepting the baptismal covenant, becomes a disciple who has promised to stand as a witness of Jesus Christ at all times in any place he or she may be in. 2 The purpose of our witness is to invite people to come unto Him.

All of us should be intensely interested in learning how to issue that invitation effectively. We know from experience that some will not respond. Only a few responded when the Savior Himself offered this invitation during His mortal ministry. But great was His joy in those who recognized His voice. And great has been our joy when those we have invited have come unto Him.

Know That He Is the Way

It is worthwhile to ponder over those instances in our own lives when people have responded. Personally, I have seen a pattern when people have accepted that invitation. In each case the Holy Ghost has manifested at least three truths to them. The experiences have not always come in the sequence in which I will list them, but they all come to the hearts of those who truly come unto Christ.

First, they come to feel that the only way they can have the happiness they want most in this life and in the world to come is through Jesus Christ. They come to believe these words from the Book of Mormon: “Behold I say unto you, that as these things are true, and as the Lord God liveth, there is none other name given under heaven save it be this Jesus Christ, of which I have spoken, whereby man can be saved.” 3

That assurance is not easy to feel in a world in which many voices say that there is no God, that there is no sin, and that happiness is found in pleasure. But our voices can be more powerful if we can get the gift of bearing a sure witness that Jesus is the Christ and the Savior of the world. That witness will come most powerfully out of your own experiences with the Atonement of Jesus Christ working in your life. If you reflect often on how His Atonement has changed you and if you give thanks often, you will find that your witness of Him gains power to touch the hearts of others. When those you invite out of your own testimony feel that witness, they will come to accept Him as their Lord and Savior. And that acceptance, when it comes, will warm their hearts and yours.

Covenant and Obey

Second, those I know who have truly come unto Him make covenants to obey and to follow Him. It may begin by keeping simple commitments, such as reading the Book of Mormon or going to a sacrament meeting. It must come out of their faith that Jesus is the Christ and the Savior. When they keep the commitment out of that faith, they feel something. They may not be able to identify the feeling in words, but they feel better. Obedience, even in small things, brings that blessing from God. And in time they begin to feel a repentant heart and with it a desire to make the covenant of baptism, to take the Savior’s name upon them, and to be cleansed from sin.

People come to make that crucial choice for many reasons. At first one man we taught could not see the need to be baptized. After all, he had tried to be good all his life. He had committed no serious sin. He had been baptized as a child in another church. But then two things came to his mind. One was that the Savior was baptized out of obedience, having never sinned. The other is that he wanted to make the commitment to the Savior through the authority of the true priesthood, just as the Savior went to John to be baptized.

Another young man we taught chose to be baptized out of a heart broken by the sorrow he felt for his sins. As he came up out of the waters ofbaptism, he threw his arms around my neck, tears streaming down his cheeks, and said in my ear, “I’m clean. I’m clean.”

Their choices to make the covenant of baptism sprang from a common faith. They knew that if they would keep a covenant to obey the Savior’s commandments, He would keep His covenant with them to lead them toward eternal life. They were ready to come unto Him that they might be changed and led by Him and, in time, become like Him.

Strive to Become like Him

That leads to the third thing I have seen in the lives of those who have truly come unto Him. They strive to become like Him. They begin to try to do unto others as they know He would do. You and I have seen that in faithful people soon after their baptism and receiving of the Holy Ghost. Once, I went with my missionary companion to visit a family we had taught and baptized just a few weeks previously. The parents took us down into their basement to show us a room. It had been the bedroom of one of their two daughters. But she had now moved in with her sister. The bedroom she vacated was filled with everything the family would need in an emergency.

We had not taught them anything about emergency preparedness. When we asked why they had done something so difficult so quickly, the reply was that they had read in a Church magazine that the Lord would like families to be prepared to take care of themselves and others. They said, “Isn’t that what Latter-day Saints do?”

That simple faith extended to everything they felt the Savior would have them do. And their desire to follow Him lasted. And it changed them. They had always been kind, trying to help others. But that ability to show charity grew. And that has been the pattern in all those I have known who continued to come unto Him over a lifetime.

We sometimes speak of retaining members as if we held them in. We can and we must be a friend to those who have made the choice to come unto Him. They can become discouraged when trials come, as trials always do. Yet we must remember that the best and surest friends they have are the Savior and His Father, who is also their Father. Heavenly Father and the Savior will send them the Holy Ghost to comfort them and confirm their faith if they are humbly obedient. So, for example, when going visiting teaching or home teaching with a new member, if you give him or her the chance to pray or to teach or to make the appointment, you may give him or her more strength than just your expressions of love. It will bring down the powers of heaven. And that will lift them through trials and protect them from pride when blessings begin to come to them, as blessings will.

A Change of Heart

Another wonderful thing will happen. When you give your heart to inviting people to come unto Christ, your heart will be changed. You will be doing His work for Him. You will find that He keeps His promise to be one with you in your service. You will come to know Him. And in time you will come to be like Him and “be perfected in him.” 4 By helping others come unto Him, you will find that you have come unto Him yourself. If you want to be near Him, to feel His peace, you can do it best in His service.

He is the one who said:

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

“For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” 5

I testify that He will keep that promise to those we invite for Him. And He keeps that promise to those who serve Him by doing the inviting.

Testify of the importance of coming unto Christ and being baptized.

 

*For Younger Children* Read or tell the following story: “What My Father Gave Me” (taken from the Nov 2012 Friend). Testify of the importance of being baptized.

I’ve gotten lots of great birthday presents in my life, but what I got from my dad on my eighth birthday takes the cake. And it all started when he asked me a single question in a room full of people.

That room was in our church building, and the people filling it were myfamily members. I had never seen so many of them in church at one time! We were all there to see my cousin Bre get baptized.

As I watched Bre’s parents take pictures of her in her white dress, I started feeling really excited about my own baptism.

I went over to look at the font, thinking about what my special day would be like. Would the water be warm? Would all my family be there? I hoped I would feel the peaceful, clean feeling that I had heard other people tell about. All of these thoughts were tumbling around in my mind when Dad walked over and asked the question that changed everything.

“Chris, who do you want to baptize you?”

Here’s the thing: my dad couldn’t baptize me because he wasn’t a member of the Church.

My mom is a convert, which means she got baptized later in life. But my dad never seemed to want to be baptized, and that made me sad sometimes. I didn’t talk about it very much because I didn’t want to make him feel bad. But this time, I decided to tell him.

“I want you to baptize me. You’re my dad!”

I still remember the look on his face. First he was surprised. Then he looked kind of sad. Then his expression turned thoughtful, as if he were thinking about something important.

“C’mon, buddy. We’ll talk about it later,” he said, wrapping his arm around me as we headed to our seats.

The next day, I stood with my dad again—this time in front of the bishop’s office. It was time for me to meet with the bishop for my baptismal interview. I was pretty nervous, and it seemed like Dad was too. He kept pacing back and forth in front of the office door. After I had my interview, Dad walked right up to the bishop.

“What do I have to do to be able to baptize my son?” he asked.

The bishop froze, right in the middle of his handshake. You should’ve seen the smile that came across his face! He told my dad that he needed to be baptized and receive the Aaronic Priesthood. My dad said that he was finally ready to make these special promises with Heavenly Father.

You can probably guess how this story ends. A month later, I stood in the baptismal font dressed in white. The water was warm. My family was there. Best of all, my dad was standing next to me, ready to baptize me.

I know that lots of kids are still waiting and praying for a family member to get baptized. It’s hard to wait, but we can keep being good examples and never give up hope. Knowing this makes me feel even more grateful for the decision my dad finally made—the decision that gave me the best birthday of my life.

“I will honor my parents and do my part to strengthen my family.”

Testify of the importance of being baptized.

 

*For Teenagers or Adults*  Read or summarize the following article: “An Empty Font” (taken from the February 2012 New Era). Testify of the importance of coming unto Christ & being baptized.

It was 7:45 a.m. on a rainy August morning here in Freetown, Sierra Leone, West Africa. We (the full-time missionaries in the Freetown District) had planned a baptismal service and were determined to hold it, rain or shine. It was then I received a call from Brother Allieu, a member from our branch, but I could not totally understand what he was saying, as he was speaking rapidly in Krio, the local language. I told him to take a deep breath and speak slowly. He did so and said, “Elder Naeata, there is no water for the baptismal font. I am sorry. There is no water.”

I thanked him for the call and then announced the bad news to the other elders. Immediately we began to think of how we could still perform this sacred ordinance. It was then that Elder Agamah reminded us of the waterfall and pond up the mountain nearby in a place called Mellow. The elders all agreed we should try and hold the baptism there, so we obtained permission to do so.

As everyone gathered later that morning at the bottom of the mountain, the group came to a stark realization of the formidable task looming ahead. However, the determined company had no sign of hesitation to press forward. Men and women and even children walked and talked happily up the wet and slippery trail. Gradually ascending, we took a short detour to cross the river.

As we hiked, the zeal of some in the party began to fade when the rain picked up, but we pressed forward with hope. Still, the rugged path seemed to have no end. Finally we arrived at our destination. Our hearts were happy, but the rain persisted to beat down upon us. As we prepared for the baptismal service, we took refuge from the rain under a large mango tree.

We opened by singing the hymn “The Spirit of God” (Hymns, no. 2). After the opening devotional we went to the baptismal site. The water was rushing off the falls and into the pond where we would perform the sacred ordinance.

A father entered the pond and helped his son into the water when, suddenly, the rain stopped. The rays of the sun broke through the clouds and illuminated the pond. We could feel the presence of the Spirit. After the father baptized his son, a husband baptized his wife, and then the elders baptized their investigators. The sun continued to shine, as did the smiles on our faces.

We closed the service by singing “Come, Follow Me” (Hymns, no. 116). Yes, indeed, we did follow Him. We followed our Savior up and down the mountain, across full, flowing creeks, up the steep and wet trails, and through the rain. And those who were baptized truly followed the Savior’s example as they entered the waters of baptism.

Testify of the importance of coming unto Christ & being baptized.

FHE Treat

Treat

Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate or Apple Enchiladas

Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

Yields 3 Servings

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups milk
1/3 cup hot cocoa mix (no marshmallows)
1/4 cup canned pumpkin
1 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp. vanilla
pinch of salt
whipped cream or marshmallows optional

Instructions:

1. In a medium sauce pan over medium low heat whisk together your milk and hot cocoa mix.

2. Add your canned pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice.

3. Heat until desired temperature is reached.

4. Pour into glasses and top with whipped cream and/or marshmallows and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice. (Taken from Cookies & Cups)

Apple Enchiladas 

Ingredients:

1 (21 ounce) can apple pie filling
6 (8 inch) flour tortillas
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup water
Instructions:

1. Spoon about one heaping quarter cup of pie filling evenly down the center of each tortilla.

2. Sprinkle with cinnamon; roll up, tucking in edges; and place seam side down in prepared dish.
3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, white sugar, brown sugar and water.
4. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; reduce heat and simmer 3 minutes.
5. Pour sauce over enchiladas and let stand 45 minutes.
6. Bake in preheated 350 degrees oven 20 minutes, or until golden.
7. Serve with vanilla ice cream. (Taken from Cornfed Momma)

FHE Game / Activity

Activity

1- Play Mother May I? & work towards a picture of the Savior.

2- Memorize your baptism covenants.

3- Have each individual share things they remember from their baptism.

Latter-day Prophets

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Posted in Priesthood, Prophet, Revelation | Posted on 28-09-2012

Tags: , ,

FHE Scripture

Scripture

Amos 3:7

7 Surely the Lord will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.

FHE Lesson Hymn

Hymn

  Latter-day Prophets – Primary Songbook #134 or We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet - Hymn #19

Latter-day Prophets

1. Latter-day prophets are: number one,
Joseph Smith; then Brigham Young;
John Taylor came third, we know;
Then Wilford Woodruff; Lorenzo Snow;
Joseph F. Smith (remember the F);
Heber J. Grant; and George Albert Smith;
David O. McKay was followed by Joseph Fielding Smith,
Then Harold B. Lee, Spencer W. Kimball,
Ezra Taft Benson, Howard W. Hunter.
Gordon B. Hinckley shows the way.
We hear and follow his words today.

We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet

1. We thank thee, O God, for a prophet
To guide us in these latter days.
We thank thee for sending the gospel
To lighten our minds with its rays.
We thank thee for every blessing
Bestowed by thy bounteous hand.
We feel it a pleasure to serve thee
And love to obey thy command.

2. When dark clouds of trouble hang o’er us
And threaten our peace to destroy,
There is hope smiling brightly before us,
And we know that deliv’rance is nigh.
We doubt not the Lord nor his goodness.
We’ve proved him in days that are past.
The wicked who fight against Zion
Will surely be smitten at last.

3. We’ll sing of his goodness and mercy.
We’ll praise him by day and by night,
Rejoice in his glorious gospel,
And bask in its life-giving light.
Thus on to eternal perfection
The honest and faithful will go,
While they who reject this glad message
Shall never such happiness know.

 

FHE Lesson

Lesson

*For All Family Members* Read or share “Why Do We Need Prophets?” by President Dieter F Uchtdorf (Taken from March 2012 Ensign). Discuss important points from this article. Testify of the importance & blessing of having a Latter-day Prophet.

Why Do We Need Prophets?

Because Heavenly Father loves His children, He has not left them to walk through this mortal life without direction and guidance. The teachings of our Heavenly Father are not the ordinary, predictable, run-of-the-mill kind you can pick up in paperback at the local bookstore. They are the wisdom of an all-powerful, all-knowing celestial Being who loves His children. Encompassed in His words is the secret of the ages—the key to happiness in this life and in the world to come.

Heavenly Father reveals this wisdom to His children on earth through His servants the prophets (see Amos 3:7). From the days of Adam, God has spoken to His children through appointed oracles who are charged with revealing His will and counsel to others. Prophets are inspired teachers and are always special witnesses of Jesus Christ (see D&C 107:23). Prophets speak not only to the people of their time, but they also speak to people throughout all time. Their voices echo through the centuries as a testament of God’s will to His children.

Today is not different from ages past. The Lord does not love the people of our day any less than in past times. One of the glorious messages of the Restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ is that God continues to speak to His children! He is not hidden in the heavens but speaks today as He did in ancient days.

Much of what the Lord reveals to His prophets is intended to prevent sorrow for us as individuals and as societies. When God speaks, He does so to teach, inspire, refine, and warn His children. When individuals and societies ignore their Heavenly Father’s instructions, they do so at the risk of trial, torment, and toil.

God loves all His children. That is why He pleads so earnestly with us through His prophets. Just as we want what is best for our loved ones, Heavenly Father wants what is best for us. That is why His instructions are so crucial and sometimes so urgent. That is why He has not abandoned us today but continues to reveal His will to us through His prophets. Our fate and the fate of our world hinge on our hearing and heeding the revealed word of God to His children.

God’s priceless instructions to humankind are found in the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. In addition, the Lord speaks to us through His servants, as He will again at the upcoming general conference.

To all who wonder if such a thing can be—who might ask, “Is it possible that God speaks to us today?”—with all my heart I invite you to “come and see” (John 1:46). Read the word of God as found in the scriptures. Listen to general conference with an ear willing to hear the voice of God given through His latter-day prophets. Come, hear, and see with your heart! For if you seek “with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, [God] will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost” (Moroni 10:4). By and through this power, I know that Jesus Christ lives and directs His Church through a living prophet, even PresidentThomas S. Monson.

Brothers and sisters, God does speak to us today. And He desires that all His children listen to and heed His voice. As we do so, the Lord will bless and uphold us greatly, both in this life and through the worlds to come.

Prophets and Apostles Speak Today

The divine work of the prophets and apostles never ceases. Between general conferences, the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles continue to teach and minister to the world. “Prophets and Apostles Speak Today,” a section of LDS.org, documents the ongoing ministry of these Church leaders with videos, photos, and articles (available in several languages).

Learn from them about their ministry. Listen to and read their testimonies of the Savior. View and read about their messages of love and hope to members wherever they bear witness, whether at Church headquarters in Salt Lake City or as they fulfill assignments throughout the world.

Testify of the importance & blessing of having a Latter-day Prophet.

*For Younger Children* Discuss what a prophet is & what why a latter-day prophet is important. Read or paraphrase “Why are Prophets Important?” by Elder Neil L Andersen (taken from March 2012 Friend). Testify of the importance of having a Latter-day Prophet.

Why are prophets important?

Whenever the Lord’s Church has been established, the Lord has calledprophets and apostles. Their sure witness of the living Christ is one of the greatest blessings to the Church and to the world.

Along with the scriptures and the gift of the Holy Ghost, the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles make known the Lord’s specific concerns for us and what we need to do.

We have the responsibility to listen and to follow, and we have a promise that blessings will come as we believe and act on the prophets’ words.

If we will be attentive to the prophets’ words, we will forever remain safely on the path leading to the tree of life.

Testify of the importance of having a Latter-day Prophet.

*For Teenagers or Adults*  Read or share “Why Do We Need Prophets?” by President Dieter F Uchtdorf (Taken from March 2012 Ensign). Testify of the importance & blessing of having a Latter-day Prophet.

Read the article listed above & watch the 2 videos below:


Testify of the importance & blessing of having a Latter-day Prophet.

 

FHE Treat

Treat

Macaroon Kiss Cookies or Chewy Oatmeal M&M Cookies

Macaroon Kiss Cookies

48 Servings

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups All purpose flour
1 Tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon table salt
2/3 cups butter, softened
6 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 egg yolks
1 Tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
1 Tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon juice from a fresh orange
10 cups sweetened flaked coconut, divided in to 6 cup and 4 cup portions
1 bag Hershey Kisses (48 pieces)

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, sift flour, baking powder and salt.  Set aside.

2.  In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy.  Add egg yolks, vanilla and orange juice and beat till smooth.
3.  In 1 cup increments, mix flour in to the butter mixture.  Add the 6 cups flaked coconut and beat to combine.
4.  Refrigerate dough for 1 hour. While dough is chilling, remove wrappers from the Kisses.
5.  Preheat oven to 350.  One at a time, scoop dough into 1.5″ balls (about the size of a large walnut, roll between your palms, then roll in the bowl of remaining coconut (4 cups).  Arrange on an ungreased baking sheet, at least an inch apart (cookies will spread slightly).  A standard cookie sheet should accommodate a dozen cookies at a time.  Bake 12-14 minutes, until the cookies puff and are very lightly browned.
6.  Remove from oven.  Immediately press one Kiss into each cookie.  Return pan to oven and bake for an additional minute.
7.  Remove pan from oven and cool on a rack for 10 minutes.  With a thin spatula, gently move cookies on to a rack to finish cooling. (Taken from Rook no. 17)

 Chewy Oatmeal M&M Cookies

Ingredients:

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
3/4 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
2 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 and 2/3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup mini M&Ms
Instructions:

1. In a large bowl of a stand mixer with paddle attachment or with a handheld mixer, cream the softened butter and sugars until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla and mix well.

2. Slowly stir in the baking soda, cinnamon, oats, and flour. Mix together until just combined. Do not overmix. Fold in the mini m&ms.

3. Chill the dough for at least one hour in the fridge. Cookies will be very flat if the dough is not very cold.

4. Preheat oven to 325F degrees.

5. Roll and drop dough by tablespoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheet or silpat. I stuck a few extra M&Ms into the tops of the cookies. Bake for 10-11 minutes and let cool on baking sheet for a minute or two before transferring to a wire rack. (Taken from Sally’s Baking Addiction)

FHE Game / Activity

Activity

1- Decorate a notebook to use to make General Conference notes.

2- Memorize the order of all of the Latter-day Prophets.

3- Play Hide & Go Seek.

Restoration of the Priesthood

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Posted in Priesthood | Posted on 04-05-2012

Tags: , ,

FHE Scripture

Scripture

Joseph Smith History 1:71

71 – Accordingly we went and were baptized. I baptized him first, and afterwards he baptized me—after which I laid my hands upon his head and ordained him to the Aaronic Priesthood, and afterwards he laid his hands on me and ordained me to the same Priesthood—for so we were commanded.

The priesthood is restored,
The truth made known to man,
That God has spoken to the earth,
His pow’r is here again.

Hark All Ye Nations

1. Hark, all ye nations!
Hear heaven’s voice
Thru ev’ry land that all may rejoice!
Angels of glory shout the refrain:
Truth is restored again!

[Chorus]
Oh, how glorious from the throne above
Shines the gospel light of truth and love!
Bright as the sun, this heavenly ray
Lights ev’ry land today.

2. Searching in darkness, nations have wept;
Watching for dawn, their vigil they’ve kept.
All now rejoice; the long night is o’er.
Truth is on earth once more!

3. Chosen by God to serve him below,
To ev’ry land and people we’ll go,
Standing for truth with fervent accord,
Teaching his holy word.

FHE Lesson

Lesson

*For Younger Children* Introduce the top of the Priesthood using the light object lesson. Tell the story found in Mark 4:35-41. Explain how the Aaronic Priesthood was restored to the Earth in 1829. Testify of important event that took place on May 15th, 1829- The Restoration of the Priesthood.

Introduce the topic of Priesthood Power with the following object lesson.

Use a flashlight, a small lamp, or the light fixture in your home to help illustrate the meaning of the word power. Begin the discussion with the light off. Point out that although all the parts seem to be properly in place, the flashlight or lamp is not giving off light.

  • What must happen before the light will work?

Let one of your children show what happens when the light is switched on. Explain that the flashlight or lamp must have electrical power before it will give off light.

Tell the story of Jesus Calming the Storm, in Mark 4:35-41

Explain that this lesson is about another kind of power—a power even greater than electricity. Invite the children to listen to the following story and to think about what kind of power is being used. Tell the story found in Mark 4:35–41.

  • How would you feel if you were on a boat during a bad storm?

Explain that the disciples woke Jesus Christ because they were frightened of the storm. Read aloud what the disciples asked Jesus in the last part of Mark 4:38 (from Master). The disciples were afraid that the storm would sink the boat and they would all die.

Read aloud Mark 4:39 to see what Jesus did. Have your children repeat Jesus’ words: “Peace, be still.”

Explain that the disciples were amazed that the storm was calmed so quickly.

The Priesthood Restored Today

Explain that Jesus was able to calm the storm using the power of the Priesthood. This special power has been restored, or brought back to the earth so we can be blessed by it. Summarize the following explanation of how the Aaronic Priesthood was restored in 1829.

  • In the spring of 1829 the Prophet Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery were translating the part of the Book of Mormon that describes what the resurrected Jesus Christ taught the Nephites about baptism (see 3 Nephi 11:18–28, 33–34). Baptism was one of the subjects that the ministers had argued about in Joseph’s youth, and many Christians were confused about baptism. They wondered if baptism was necessary, how it should be done, who could baptize, and at what age a person should be baptized. Joseph and Oliver decided to ask the Lord for the answers to these questions, and on 15 May 1829 they went to pray in the woods along the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania. Oliver described what happened: “On a sudden, as from the midst of eternity, the voice of the Redeemer spake peace to us, while the veil was parted and the angel of God came down clothed with glory, and delivered the anxiously looked for message, and the keys of the Gospel of repentance. What joy! what wonder! what amazement!” (in footnote to Joseph Smith—History 1:71).
  • Describe the restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood and Joseph’s and Oliver’s baptisms, as described in Joseph Smith—History 1:68–74 and Doctrine and Covenants 13.
  • John the Baptist, the angel who appeared to Joseph and Oliver (see D&C 27:7–8), was the valiant prophet who had baptized Jesus Christ. When John died, he still held the keys of the Aaronic Priesthood. That meant he had the right and ability to restore the authority of the Aaronic Priesthood to Joseph Smith. John ordained Joseph and Oliver to the Aaronic Priesthood by the laying on of hands. John did not possess the keys of the Melchizedek Priesthood, however, so he could not restore them.

Testify of important event that took place on May 15th, 1829- The Restoration of the Priesthood.

*For Teenagers or Adults* Read Joseph Smith History 1:68-75.  Together, make a list and discuss the blessings we benefit from today, because of the Restoration of the Priesthood. Testify of important event that took place on May 15th, 1829- The Restoration of the Priesthood.

Read of the word’s of Joseph Smith as he describes the experiences he had with Oliver Cowdery when the Aaronic Priesthood was restored on May 15th, 1829.

68 We still continued the work of translation, when, in the ensuing month (May, 1829), we on a certain day went into the woods to pray and inquire of the Lord respecting baptism for the remission of sins, that we found mentioned in the translation of the plates. While we were thus employed, praying and calling upon the Lord, a messenger from heaven descended in a cloud of light, and having laid his hands upon us, he ordained us, saying:

69 Upon you my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah, I confer the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; and this shall never be taken again from the earth until the sons of Levi do offer again an offering unto the Lord in righteousness.

70 He said this Aaronic Priesthood had not the power of laying on hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost, but that this should be conferred on us hereafter; and he commanded us to go and be baptized, and gave us directions that I should baptize Oliver Cowdery, and that afterwards he should baptize me.

71 Accordingly we went and were baptized. I baptized him first, and afterwards he baptized me—after which I laid my hands upon his head and ordained him to the Aaronic Priesthood, and afterwards he laid his hands on me and ordained me to the same Priesthood—for so we were commanded.

72 The messenger who visited us on this occasion and conferred this Priesthood upon us, said that his name was John, the same that is called John the Baptist in the New Testament, and that he acted under the direction of Peter, James and John, who held the keys of the Priesthood of Melchizedek, which Priesthood, he said, would in due time be conferred on us, and that I should be called the first Elder of the Church, and he (Oliver Cowdery) the second. It was on the fifteenth day of May, 1829, that we were ordained under the hand of this messenger, and baptized.

73 Immediately on our coming up out of the water after we had been baptized, we experienced great and glorious blessings from our Heavenly Father. No sooner had I baptized Oliver Cowdery, than the Holy Ghost fell upon him, and he stood up and prophesied many things which should shortly come to pass. And again, so soon as I had been baptized by him, I also had the spirit of prophecy, when, standing up, I prophesied concerning the rise of this Church, and many other things connected with the Church, and this generation of the children of men. We were filled with the Holy Ghost, and rejoiced in the God of our salvation.

74 Our minds being now enlightened, we began to have the scriptures laid open to our understandings, and the true meaning and intention of their more mysterious passages revealed unto us in a manner which we never could attain to previously, nor ever before had thought of. In the meantime we were forced to keep secret the circumstances of having received the Priesthood and our having been baptized, owing to a spirit of persecution which had already manifested itself in the neighborhood.

75 We had been threatened with being mobbed, from time to time, and this, too, by professors of religion. And their intentions of mobbing us were only counteracted by the influence of my wife’s father’s family (under Divine providence), who had become very friendly to me, and who were opposed to mobs, and were willing that I should be allowed to continue the work of translation without interruption; and therefore offered and promised us protection from all unlawful proceedings, as far as in them lay.

Together, make a list and discuss the blessings we benefit from today, because of the Restoration of the Priesthood.

Testify of important event that took place on May 15th, 1829- The Restoration of the Priesthood.

FHE Treat

Treat

Fruit Kabobs or Peanut Butter Polka Dot Bars

Fruit Kabobs

Ingredients:

2 cups Watermelon, Cubed
2 cups Honeydew Melon, Cubed
2 cups Cantaloupe, Cubed
2 cups Pineapple, Cubed
2 cups Strawberries, Halved
½ cups Grapes
½ cups Blackberries
8 whole Bamboo Skewers

Instructions:

Cut watermelon, honeydew, cantaloupe and pineapple into bite size pieces. Cut strawberries in half. Leave grapes and blackberries whole.

In desired order, push pieces of fruit onto skewer until skewer is full. Depending on size of fruit pieces, you may need more or less to fill each skewer.
You can add kiwi, orange segments, raspberries or any fruit you like.

Cover and chill in fridge until ready to eat.

Peanut Butter Polka Dot Bars

Ingredients:

FOR THE BARS:
¾ cups Butter, Softened
¾ cups Peanut Butter, Creamy
2 cups Brown Sugar
2 whole Eggs
1 teaspoon Vanilla
2-½ cups Quick Cooking Oats
2-½ cups Flour
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
½ teaspoons Salt
1 package (about 12 Oz. Size) Mini Reese’s Pieces (or Regular Size)

 

 

FOR THE CHOCOLATE FILLING:
½ cups Butter
½ cups Sugar
⅔ cups Cocoa Powder
1 can (14 Oz. Size) Sweetened Condensed Milk
1-½ teaspoon Vanilla

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Line a 13×9 baking pan with foil and spray with nonstick spray.

In an electric mixer combine butter, peanut butter and brown sugar together. Mix until well combined. Add eggs, and vanilla. Mix until fully incorporated.

In a separate bowl whisk together oats, flour, baking soda and salt. Gradually add flour mixture to the peanut butter mixture. The dough will be very thick, and you may have to use your hands to fully incorporate the flour. Set aside 2 cups of dough. Press remaining dough into the prepared baking dish.

Prepare the chocolate filling. In a small sauce pan melt the butter. Over low heat stir in sugar and cocoa powder. Pour in sweetened condensed milk. Stir constantly until smooth and it begins to thicken. Stir in vanilla. Pour over dough, and spread evenly.

Sprinkle the Reese’s Pieces over the chocolate layer. Using the remaining 2 cups of dough, drop teaspoonfuls over the candy layer. Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack completely before serving (trust me!).

(Recipe slightly adapted from Hershey’s Recipe Collection.)

(Recipes taken from www.TastyKithcen.com)

 

FHE Game / Activity

Activity

 

1-  ”Pulling Together” Activity-


What you need: 
  • 1 large ponytail holder
  • 12-inch lengths of string or yarn (one per player)
  • Small cans or boxes

How to Play: 

  1. To make your lasso, tie 12-inch lengths of string or yarn, one per player, to a single large ponytail holder.
  2. Players sit in a circle, each holding their string taut, then work together to stretch the holder so that it encircles a small can or box. They then lift the object and stack it on top of another, trying to create the highest tower they can. Our testers liked stacking cat food cans, small boxes, and even stuffed animals — nothing too heavy!

(Game taken from www.familyfun.go.com)

2-  Join forces with another family in your ward or neighborhood and have a game night. You might even consider sharing the lesson, treats, and even the other activity listed above!

Priesthood Power

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Posted in Priesthood | Posted on 24-02-2012

Tags: , , ,

FHE Scripture

Scripture

Abraham 1:18

18 Behold, I will lead thee by my hand, and I will take thee, to put upon thee my name, even the Priesthood of thy father, and my power shall be over thee.

FHE Lesson Hymn

Hymn

Stand for the Right- Children’s Songbook 159 or Hark, All Ye Nations Hymn – 264

Stand for the Right

Our prophet has some words for you,
And these are the words:
“Be true, be true.”
At work or at play,
In darkness or light,
Be true, be true,
And stand for the right.

Hark, All Ye Nations 

1. Hark, all ye nations!
Hear heaven’s voice
Thru ev’ry land that all may rejoice!
Angels of glory shout the refrain:
Truth is restored again!

[Chorus]
Oh, how glorious from the throne above
Shines the gospel light of truth and love!
Bright as the sun, this heavenly ray
Lights ev’ry land today.

2. Searching in darkness, nations have wept;
Watching for dawn, their vigil they’ve kept.
All now rejoice; the long night is o’er.
Truth is on earth once more!

3. Chosen by God to serve him below,
To ev’ry land and people we’ll go,
Standing for truth with fervent accord,
Teaching his holy word.

 

FHE Lesson

Lesson

*For Younger Children* Tell the story “Abraham Received the Priesthood”. Talk about how the Priesthood blesses your family. Tell the story “Tommy’s First Day at School.” Testify of the sacred power of the Priesthood.

Tell the picture story, “Abraham Received the Priesthood”.

Explain how your family has been blessed by the priesthood. Tell the children about the day they were blessed and given a name by a priesthood holder as suggested in the regular lesson. With younger children, this part of the lesson could be expanded so that you take time telling each child about his birth and your special love for him. Describe other priesthood blessings you may have had, such as a father’s blessing or a blessing during illness. Help the children realize that having the priesthood to bless them is like having Heavenly Father close by us all the time.

Tell the story “Tommy’s First Day at School” and discuss it.

Tommy was getting ready to go to school for the first time. He had been excited about beginning school, but now that the first day had finally come, he was frightened.

Tommy was quiet all morning. His mother had made his favorite breakfast, but Tommy did not smile when he saw it. He picked up the spoon and tried to eat, but could not.

His mother asked, “Do you feel sick, Tommy?”

Tommy answered, “I think so. At least I don’t feel like going to school.”

Tommy’s mother felt his head to see if he had a fever. She looked in his throat, but it was not red. She said, “I can’t see anything wrong, Tommy. Show me where it is that you don’t feel well.”

Tommy said, “I just feel funny inside.”

Tommy’s father looked at him and said, “I think I know what might be wrong with you, Tommy. This is your first day of school. Maybe you feel funny inside because you will be away from home all day and you don’t know what to expect. Are you a little frightened? I know that feeling, too, Tommy. I had the same feeling when I started my new job last week.

“I can do something to help you if you would like. I can give you a special blessing before you go to school today. This blessing can help take away that frightened, funny feeling you have inside.”

“I’d like that, dad,” said Tommy.

Tommy’s father placed his hands on Tommy’s head and gave him a special blessing.

That afternoon Tommy came bounding in the door calling, “Mom, mom, I’m home.”

“How did you like school, Tommy?” asked his mother.

“Well, it was better than I thought it would be. My teacher is nice,” said Tommy.

“Dad said you would feel better after he gave you a special blessing, didn’t he? I’m glad your father knew just what to do to help you.”

Sharing these experiences should remind each family member what a great blessing the priesthood can be. The Lord has given us the priesthood because we are his children and he loves us. It is our Heavenly Father’s way of blessing his children, and he wants us to receive every blessing we are worthy to have.

Let the children make a poster that says, “The Priesthood Blesses Our Family.” Let each family member sign or print his name around the edges of the poster. Then write by each name the priesthood blessings that person has received.

Put up the poster somewhere so that your family will see it each day at dinner time. Discuss the different blessings during dinner each day.

Testify of the sacred power of the priesthood.

*For Teenagers or Adults* Read  from the scriptures and discuss how Abraham received the priesthood. Watch the video “Sanctify Yourselves” and discuss the importance of being prepared to give and receive priesthood blessings. Testify of the sacred power of the Priesthood. 

Turn to Facsimile No. 1 in the book of Abraham, and discuss what you see. Then read the explanation printed below it.

  • How did Abraham get into this perilous situation?

Read Abraham 1:5–7.

  •  How was he rescued?
  • Abraham sought to have the priesthood but could not be ordained by his own father. Why?
The Lord told Joseph Smith who ordained Abraham. Read Doctrine and Covenants 84:14.
When the Lord promised to give Abraham the priesthood, he declared that through this priesthood all the families of the earth would be blessed. Read Abraham 2:11.

 

Watch “Sanctify Yourselves”. Click here for link.

Discuss the importance of being prepared to give and receive priesthood blessings

Testify of the sacred power of the priesthood.

 

FHE Treat

Treat

Caramel Apple Cupcakes or Oreo Truffles

Caramel Apple Cupcakes

Ingredients: 

1 (18.25-ounce) package spice cake mix
2 large eggs
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 cup peeled, cored, and chopped Granny Smith apple (about 1 large apple)
35 caramels
1/4 cup evaporated milk or heavy cream (or regular milk)
1/2 cup chopped pecans
24 wooden craft sticks

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine cake mix, eggs, sour cream, milk, and vegetable oil until incorporated (about 30 seconds). Scrape sides of bowl and then beat on med-high speed for 3 minutes. Stir in chopped apple.

2. Spoon batter into paper-lined muffin pans, filling two-thirds full. Bake 18-20 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Do not overbake. Remove to a wire rack to cool.

3. Meanwhile, combine caramels and milk in a medium saucepan over very low heat; stir 4 minutes or until smooth. It’s very important to keep the heat very low because if the caramel gets too hot it will become really hard when cooled.

4. Spread caramel mixture over cupcakes being careful to not touch the caramel to the paper liners or it will stick to the liners; immediately sprinkle with pecans, pressing in slightly. Insert a wooden stick into center of each cupcake. Store covered in an airtight container. It’s best to serve the cupcakes the same day that you add the caramel topping. Caramel will soften if kept at room temperature for too long so store in the refrigerator until ready to serve then let come to room temperature to let caramel soften up a bit.

Makes 20-24 cupcakes.

Oreo Truffles

Ingredients: 

1 package (18 oz.) Oreo cookies (or Nutter Butters or Grasshopper cookies), crushed into small pieces
1 8-oz. package cream cheese, softened
White or Chocolate melts for dipping

Instructions:

Mix crushed Oreos and cream cheese until well-combined. Either use a food processor or a ziplock and blend with your hands (a lot harder but all I had). Roll into 1-inch balls and place on baking sheet or tray. Refrigerate until firm, 3-4 hours (or stick in the freezer for about an hour). Using 2 forks (or a spoon, but forks always work better for me), dip Oreo balls into chocolate coating and place onto waxed paper to harden. Chill and serve cold or room temperature. Makes about 30 truffles.

(Recipes taken from the-girl-who-ate-everything.com)

FHE Game / Activity

Activity

 

1- Play the “Holy Ghost” game  -  As a family, make an obstacle course with pillows, chairs, blankets, etc. Then pick one person to be blindfolded and another one to be the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost tries to direct the blind folded person through the course with only words (left, right, straight, stop, etc.) while everyone else yells trying to lead them astray.

2- Play your family’s favorite card game.

 

 

 

Priesthood

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Posted in Priesthood | Posted on 19-05-2011

Tags: ,

FHE Scripture

Scripture


Article of Faith 5

5- We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.

FHE Lesson Hymn

Hymn

A Young Man Prepared–Primary Song #166 or God of Power, God of Right Hymn 20

God of Power, God of Right

1. God of power, God of right,
Guide us with thy priesthood’s might.
Forge our souls in living fire;
Shape them to thy great desire.

2. God of wisdom, God of truth,
Take us in our eager youth;
Lift us step by step to thee
Thru an endless ministry.

3. God of mercy, God of love,
Let thy Spirit, like the dove,
Touch and humble, teach and bless,
As we serve in holiness.

A Young Man Prepared

1. Though a boy I may appear,
Yet a man I soon will be.
If I prepare and live clean
in ev’ry thought, word, and deed,
I will be worthy to hold
the sacred priesthood of God.
So I now prepare myself;
I will serve my fellowmen.
Being armed with the truth,
with the scriptures my guide,
I’ll go forward, a young man prepared,
I’ll go forward, a young man prepared.

FHE Lesson

Lesson

*For Younger Children* Use pictures (listed as links below) and discuss the organization of the Aaronic & Melchezidek Priesthoods. (Or for even younger children you may want to use this simplified explaination)

Aaronic Priesthood

*Who passes the Sacrament in church? (Deacon, 12-14yr olds)
A deacon can also deliver and collect fast offerings

*Who prepares the Sacrament? (Teacher, 14-16yr olds)
A teacher can also deliver fast offerings, be a home teacher and act as an usher during the sacrament.

*Who blesses the sacrament? (Priest, 16-18yr olds)
A priest can also deliver fast offerings, be a home teacher and baptize.

Melchezidek Priesthood

*How old do you have to be to be an elder (a boy missionary)? (19yrs old)
An elder has the authority to give the gift of the holy ghost and to give Priesthood blessings.

*Who do we give our tithing to at church? (Bishopric member)
A high priest can serve as a member of the bishopric, stake presidency and high council.

*Who do we get our Patriarchal blessings from? (a Patriarch)
A patriarch gives Patriarchal blessings.

*Where do we get married for eternity? (a temple)
A sealer can perform eternal marriages.

*Who do we listen to during general conference? (Prophet, First Presidency, Apostles, Seventy, General Authorities)
The Seventy, Apostles and Prophet are all special witnesses of Jesus Christ. The Prophet holds all the rights and powers (Priesthood keys) to lead and direct the church.

Testify of the importance of the Priesthood.

*Discuss these questions as a family*
1- Why is the Priesthood important?

*For Teenagers or Adults* Discuss the Aaronic & Melchezidek Priesthoods. Also discuss the quorums & responsibilities with those priesthoods. (Info taken from LDS.org)

Aaronic Priesthood (Name & Discuss the Quorums)
(If you have family member in these Priesthood Quorums, have them share their Priesthood responsibilites.)

In these priesthood offices, they have the authority to provide the sacrament to the congregation and, in the case of priests, to baptize. The bishop of the ward is the president of the Aaronic Priesthood, and he calls exemplary adult men to serve as the presidency and as advisers in the Young Men organization.

*Who passes the Sacrament in church? (Deacon, 12-14yr olds)
*What are the responsibilities of a deacon?
A deacon can also deliver and collect fast offerings

*Who prepares the Sacrament? (Teacher, 14-16yr olds)
*What are the responsibilities of a teacher?
A teacher can also deliver fast offerings, be a home teacher and act as an usher during the sacrament.

*Who blesses the sacrament? (Priest, 16-18yr olds)
*What are the responsibilities of a priest?
A priest can also deliver fast offerings, be a home teacher and baptize.

Melchezidek Priesthood (Name & Discuss the Quorums)

(If you have family member in these Priesthood Quorums, have them share their Priesthood responsibilites.)

Worthy adult men in the Church receive the Melchizedek Priesthood, which is authority from God to perform sacred ordinances and to lead in the Church. Men who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood can perform ordinances such as bestowing the gift of the Holy Ghost and giving blessings to the sick by the laying on of hands. Within a ward, the men who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood belong to either the elders quorum or the high priests group.

*What are the responsibilities of an elder?
The duties of elders include teaching and watching over the members of the ward (see D&C 20:42). Home teaching is one way they accomplish this duty. In home teaching two priesthood holders are responsible to visit members in their homes to teach, watch over, and provide service to them. The elders quorum may also be assigned by the bishop or stake president to carry out specific service projects.

*What are the responsibilities of a high priest?
High priests have the same duties as elders (including home teaching). They can also officiate, or preside, in the ward and administer spiritual things (see D&C 107:10, 12). The high priests group can also be given specific assignments by the bishop or stake president.

*What are the responsibilities of a bishop?
*What are the responsibilities of a councilor in the bishopric?
A bishop has many duties. In addition to watching over all ward members, he has special responsibility to guide the ward’s young men and young women. He oversees teaching, missionary work, and spiritual growth in the ward. He is responsible to conduct worthiness interviews, counsel Church members, and administer Church discipline. He is responsible to care for the poor and needy, and he oversees finances, records, and the use and security of the meetinghouse.

In these responsibilities and others, the bishop is assisted by two counselors, an executive secretary, clerks, and the leaders of other organizations in the ward. Leadership meetings are held regularly to allow the bishop and those who help him to counsel together about the well-being of ward members.

*What are the responsibilities of a stake president?
*What are the responsibilities of a councilor in the stake presidency?
A stake is led by a stake president and two counselors. The stake president is the presiding high priest in a stake. These leaders oversee the spiritual and temporal welfare of Church members.

*What are the responsibilities of a high councilman?
The stake presidency calls 12 high priests to form the stake high council. Under the direction of the stake presidency, high councilors help oversee the work of the Church in the stake by fulfilling many advisory and administrative responsibilities.

*What are the responsibilities of a Patriarch?
Stakes also have a patriarch, a man who is ordained to give patriarchal blessings to members of the stake. Patriarchal blessings contain specific, inspired counsel and direction from the Lord to the recipient.

*What are the responsibilities of a sealer?
A sealer can perform eternal marriages.

*What are the responsibilities of an seventy member?
There are currently eight quorums of the Seventy. Each quorum may have up to 70 members. Members of Quorums of the Seventy are often referred to simply as “Seventies.” Seventies are called to proclaim the gospel and build up the Church. They work under the direction of theQuorum of the Twelve Apostles and the Presidency of the Seventy

Some Seventies are assigned to headquarters administrative functions, but most live and work within a specific geographic region of the Church. Like the Apostles, they also travel frequently to visit and teach congregations of the Church.

Members of the First Quorum of the Seventy are called to serve until the age of 70, at which time they are given emeritus status (similar to being released). Members of the Second Quorum of the Seventy typically serve for three to five years; after this time, they are released. Members of the First and Second Quorums of the Seventy are considered General Authorities, meaning that they have authority to serve anywhere in the world. Members of the remaining quorums are called Area Seventies, and their authority is limited to the area where they serve.

First or Second Quorum of the Seventy who are called by the First Presidency and are given authority to preside over the Quorums of the Seventy.

Most presidencies in the Church have a presidency of three: a president and two counselors. However, in accordance with scripture, all are presidents in the Presidency of the Seventy—none are counselors: “And it is according to the vision showing the order of the Seventy, that they should have seven presidents to preside over them, chosen out of the number of the seventy; and the seventh president of these presidents is to preside over the six” (D&C 107:93–94).

*What are the responsibilities of an apostle?
The quorum of the twelve apostles is the second-highest governing body in the Church (the First Presidency being the highest). Apostles are special witnesses of Jesus Christ, called to teach and testify of Him throughout the world. They travel frequently, addressing and encouraging large congregations of members and interested nonmembers, as well as meeting with local leaders.

When they are not traveling, members of the Quorum of the Twelve counsel together and with other general Church leaders on matters affecting the worldwide Church, such as missionary work, temple building, spiritual and temporal welfare, and much more.

*What are the responsibilities of the prophet?
Under the direction of Jesus Christ, the Church is led by 15 apostles, who are also regarded as prophets, seers, and revelators. The man who has been an apostle the longest is the President of the Church, and by inspiration he selects two other apostles as counselors. These three function as the First Presidency, which is the highest governing body of the Church. (For information on the other 12 apostles, see Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, which is the second-highest governing body of the Church.)

Members of the First Presidency are special witnesses of Jesus Christ, called to teach and testify of Him throughout the world. They travel frequently, addressing and encouraging large congregations of members and interested nonmembers, as well as meeting with local leaders.

When they are not traveling, members of the First Presidency counsel together and with other general Church leaders on matters affecting the worldwide Church, such as missionary work, temple building, spiritual and temporal welfare, and much more.

Testify & discuss the importance of the Priesthood.

*Discuss these questions as a family*
1- Why is the Priesthood important?
2- Why did God give us the Priesthood?

FHE Treat

Treat

Grad Caps or Flower Cupcake in a Cone

Grad Caps

Ingredients:

1 box of cake mix, any flavor
Flat-bottomed ice-cream cones
White frosting
Large gumdrop disks, such as Sunkist Gourmet Fruit Gems
(one 14-ounce bag can decorate 5 cupcakes)

Instructions: (View How To Video)

1- Prepare the cake batter according to the directions on the box. Fill the narrow bottom of each ice-cream cone with the batter. Set the cones on a baking sheet and transfer them to the oven, being careful not to tip them over.

2- Bake at 350º for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Let them cool, then frost the tops.

3- To make each candy flower, cut 6 wedges from the edges of a gumdrop disk and cut a green gumdrop disk into slices for leaves. Press the wedges into the middle of the cut flowers for flower centers, then arrange the candies on top of the frosted cupcakes. One box of cake mix yields 34 cupcakes (or make fewer and use the remaining batter for a small cake).

Flower Cupcake in a Cone

Ingredients:

Miniature peanut butter cups
Frosting or peanut butter
Chocolate-covered graham crackers
Fruit leather

Instructions:

1- Place a miniature peanut butter cup, bottom up, on a plate. Top with a small dollop of frosting or peanut butter, then press on a chocolate-covered graham cracker.

2- For a tassel, tightly roll up a small square of fruit leather. Cut fringe on one end and attach the other end to the center of the graham cracker with another dab of frosting or peanut butter.

(Recipes taken from Familyfun.go.com)

The Restoration of the Priesthood

0

Posted in Priesthood | Posted on 12-05-2011

Tags: , ,

FHE Scripture

Scripture


Joseph Smith History 1: 68-69

68. We still continued the work of translation, when, in the ensuing month (May, 1829), we on a certain day went into the woods to pray and inquire of the Lord respecting baptism for the remission of sins, that we found mentioned in the translation of the plates. While we were thus employed, praying and calling upon the Lord, a messenger from heaven descended in a cloud of light, and having laid his hands upon us, he ordained us, saying:

69. Upon you my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah, I confer the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; and this shall never be taken again from the earth until the sons of Levi do offer again an offering unto the Lord in righteousness.

FHE Lesson Hymn

Hymn

The Priesthood is Restored–Primary Song #89 or God of Our Fathers, We Come Unto Thee Hymn 274

The Priesthood is Restored

1- The priesthood is restored,
The truth made known to man,
That God has spoken to the earth,
His pow’r is here again.

God of Our Fathers, We Come unto Thee

1. God of our fathers, we come unto thee,
Children of those whom thy truth has made free.
Grant us the joy of thy presence today;
Never from thee let us stray!

[Chorus]
Never! Never!
Never from thee let us stray!
Ever! Ever!
Ever to thee will we pray!

2. Grateful for all that thy bounty imparts,
Praises we offer with voices and hearts.
Life of our being, and sun of our day,
Never from thee let us stray!

3. Blest with the gifts of the gospel of peace,
Dwelling in Zion, whose light shall increase,
Led by the priesthood along the bright way,
Never from thee will we stray!

4. Strengthened by thee for the conflict with sin,
Onward we’ll press till life’s battle we’ll win;
Then in thy glory forever we’ll stay;
Never from thee will we stray!

FHE Lesson

Lesson

*For Younger Children* Read this story and discuss the questions at the end. You may also want to use clipart to help tell the story.

Cindy walked along six blocks of palm-tree-lined streets to get to Madison Elementary School. There were lots of good things about being in the fourth grade, she thought as she walked. The upper-grade classrooms were all on the second floor of the white stucco building, which meant she would get to walk up the stairs with the older students. Fourth-graders also got to start taking music lessons, and Cindy had already signed up to play the violin.

As Cindy slipped into her desk, she thought about another new adventure—this was the year students could participate in a special religion class. Every Wednesday, those who had parent permission slips would get to leave their regular classroom and learn about different religious beliefs.

“Attention, class! We’re going to divide for religion class now,” Mrs. Greene said. “If you are Catholic, go with Mrs. Leigh. If you are Protestant, please go with Mrs. Jossen. Otherwise, please stay here with me.”

Cindy tucked her blonde hair behind her ears and watched her classmates push back their chairs and gather their notebooks. One by one they walked out until just a few children were left in the classroom.

Mrs. Greene turned to the small remaining group and asked them to introduce themselves and talk about their religious beliefs. One of Cindy’s classmates was Jewish. Another was Buddhist. Then it was Cindy’s turn.

“I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” Cindy said. She tried to make her voice sound brave, but she didn’t like talking in front of other people. Mrs. Greene scrunched her eyebrows together for a moment.

“Well, Cindy, then you should have gone with the Protestants,” she said.

Cindy’s heart began to beat fast as everyone in the room turned to look at her. She paused for a moment, thinking back to the lessons she had learned in Primary. As she remembered stories about Joseph Smith and the Restoration, she knew what she had to say.

“No, Mrs. Greene. Latter-day Saints aren’t Protestant. And we’re not Catholic either. We believe that the gospel has been restored to the earth by a prophet named Joseph Smith. It’s the same religion that was on the earth when Jesus was here with His disciples. We believe that the gospel is on the earth once again, Mrs. Greene.”

Mrs. Greene looked at Cindy skeptically before continuing on with the lesson.

“She doesn’t think I know what I’m talking about,” Cindy thought.

As Cindy walked home later that day, she thought about what had happened. She didn’t bother to stop at the candy store, and she didn’t pause to pick the flowers that she sometimes used for doll bouquets. She was too busy thinking about Joseph Smith and what she had learned in Primary.

“Joseph Smith received the priesthood and the scriptures and the keys that allowed him to establish the Church on the earth again,” Cindy thought. “That’s what the sixth article of faith talks about.”

When Cindy sat down in class the next day, she was a little nervous to see Mrs. Greene again. But to her surprise, Mrs. Greene had a big smile on her face.

“Cindy, I want you to know that I spoke to the history teacher about Mormonism,” Mrs. Greene said in front of the entire class. “And she told me that you were absolutely right, that your religion was restored. I am sorry I doubted you, Cindy. Thank you for speaking up. You really seem to know what your church stands for!”

The rest of the day seemed especially bright for Cindy. She smiled as she jumped rope. She smiled as she bounced a ball and picked up jacks.

“I can’t wait to tell Mom what I taught the teacher!” Cindy said to herself as she started to skip home.

(Marissa Widdison, “Teaching Mrs. Greene”, Friend, Oct 2008)

*Discuss these questions as a family*
1- Why was Cindy excited for fourth grade?
2- What teach did Cindy go to for religion class?
3- What religion was Cindy?
4- What did Ms Greene say to Cindy the next day?
5- How did Cindy feel?
The church and the priesthood have been restored. The restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood occurred on the 15th of May. The Restoration of the Melchezidek  Priesthood occurred shortly after. Testify of the restoration.

*For Teenagers or Adults* Share the following talk by Gordon B Hinkley. Testify of the Restoration of the Priesthood & why the Restoration of the Priesthood is/was important. (Gordon B Hinkley, “The Restoration of the Priesthood”, Ensign, Oct 1988, 69-72)

May 15 is a day of celebration in the Church. We commemorate … [the] restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood, which occurred on May 15, 1829. The restoration of the Melchizedek Priesthood occurred a short time later. …

Can you imagine what a wonderful experience this restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood must have been for Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery when John the Baptist spoke to them? Here was a man who had lived upon the earth more than 1,800 years earlier. Now he was speaking in English to two young men while he held his hands upon their heads. His was a resurrected body. Theirs were mortal bodies. They felt his hands … and understood the words that he spoke. …

He told them, among other things, that, while the authority he gave them authorized them to baptize, it did not include the authority to bestow the Holy Ghost. Another order of the priesthood was necessary for this, and it would be given to them by Peter, James, and John.

That marvelous event followed. …

What is this remarkable gift and power that has come to us with no price other than our personal worthiness …

It is the power of the Almighty given to man to act in His name. … It is different from all other powers and authorities on the face of the earth. Without it there could be a church in name only, lacking authority to administer in the things of God. With it, nothing is impossible in carrying forward the work of the kingdom of God. …

It includes the right to receive of the things of God. It carries the responsibility to instruct. It holds the authority to govern. It grants the power to bless. …

How precious is the gift of God that has come to us. …

May we reflect on the wonder of that which we have.

Testify & discuss the importance of the Restoration of the Priesthood.

FHE Treat

Treat

Luscious Lemon Bars or Fruity Frog

Luscious Lemon Bars

Ingredients:

FOR THE SHORTBREAD:
3/4 cup butter, at room temperature
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar

FOR THE FILLING:
2 lemons
4 eggs
1-1/2 cups sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Instructions:

1- Heat the oven to 350 degrees. For the shortbread crust, have your child use her fingertips to work the butter, flour, and confectioners’ sugar in a large bowl until the mixture holds together. Transfer the dough to an ungreased 9- by 13-inch pan and press it into the pan. Bake for 20 minutes or until the edges begin to brown.

2- While the shortbread is baking, make the lemon filling. Wash and dry the lemons, then grate the rinds using the small holes on your grater (you will need 2 tablespoons of zest). Slice each lemon in half and squeeze the juice into a measuring cup until you have 1/3 cup. Remove any seeds. (Tip: To grate a lemon, your child should hold the grater firmly with one hand and grip the lemon with the other, keeping the fingers as far away from the grater as possible.)

3- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar. Whisk in the flour. Stir in the lemon zest and juice. When the shortbread has baked, pour the filling over it and return the pan to the oven for another 20 to 25 minutes or until the filling no longer jiggles and the edges are lightly brown. (Test by inserting a knife in the middle.) Cool and dust with confectioners’ sugar. Makes 24 two-inch lemon squares. Refrigerate any leftovers.

Fruity Frog

To make, you will need:

Green apple (such as a Granny Smith)
Cream cheese
Chocolate chips
Green grapes

Instructions:

1- Cut the apple into quarters and remove the core. Cut a thin wedge from one quarter for a mouth. For the eyes, shape cream cheese into two half-inch balls, and set them in place. Insert a chocolate chip, point-side in, into each cream cheese ball.

2- Use the grapes, cut in half, for the legs and feet. Slice four halves to create toes. Arrange the pieces as shown and serve on a paper lily pad.

(Recipes taken from Familyfun.go.com)

FHE Game / Activity

Activity


1- Play Pinching Pennies.

2- Play the Hula Hoop Game.

3- Play Silent Charades.

4- Visit your Grandfather.