Society - Family Proclamation Lesson 10

The Family:  A Proclamation to the World

Lesson 10 – Society

Excerpt:

“Parents have a sacred duty to…observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. …Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets. We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.”

Objectives:

-We must obey the laws of God (commandments) and the laws of the land

-We have a responsibility to promote and sustain the Gospel doctrines of The Family

Song:

Primary #131 - The Twelfth Article of Faith

General #244 - Come Along, Come Along

Activity:

Older children can research and/or write letters to local leaders supporting political efforts to uphold and maintain the family.

Younger children can have a 5-minute period in which they don’t have to follow any rules. Afterwards discuss how unproductive and unsafe that time could have been. Explain why we must follow rules for the safety of ourselves and others.

Scripture: 
          Matthew 22:12-22

Quote:

“Your success as a family, our success as society, depends not on what happens at the White House, but on what happens inside your house.“  (First Lady Barbara Bush)

Recommendation:

End this study with a family discussion on what you have learned from The Proclamation and how those principals can be applied into your life.

As responsible citizens, how can we help to promote the reverence of family?

What can you do to share this knowledge of the meaning of family with others?

What can you do now to prepare to incorporate these teaching into your future home?

How had The Proclamation affected your understanding of the way God intends a family to be?

Provide and Serve - Family Proclamation Lesson 9

The Family:  A Proclamation to the World

Lesson 9 – Provide & Serve

Excerpt:

“Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another.”

Objectives:

-Parents are to Provide for their Children both Physically and Spiritually

-Families are to love and serve one another & neighbors

-The best way to teach and serve is to be a Positive Example

Song:

          Primary#236 - "Give" Said the Little Stream

          General#223 - Have I Done Any Good?

Activity:

Act out the story of the Good Samaritan or plan and complete a Service Activity

Scripture Suggestions:  
        Provide Physically:

   1 Timothy 5:8

   D & C 42:42

   D & C 75:28

Provide Spiritually (Teach):

   Proverbs 22:6

   Ephesians 6:4

   Alma 56:47, 57:21

   D & C 68: 25-30

   Moses 6:55-62

Love and Serve:

   Matthew 4:23, 22:35-39

   Mark 6:6

   John 13:34-35, 15:13

   Acts 10:38

   1 Corinthians 13:4-7

   Mosiah 2:17 

   Moroni 7:45, 47, 8:17

             Ether 12:33-34

Quote:

“The reason charity never fails and the reason charity is greater than even the most significant acts of goodness he cited is that charity, “the pure love of Christ” is not an act but a condition or state of being. Charity is attained through a succession of acts that result in a conversion. Charity is something one becomes.”

 (Dallin H. Oaks, “The Challenge to Become,” New Era, Aug 2002, 12)

Conference Talk:

          Your Eternal Home –President Monson

Family Responsibility and Success - Family Proclamation Lesson 8

The Family:  A Proclamation to the World

Lesson 8 – Family Responsibility & Success

Excerpt:

“Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and or their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalms 127:3)…Husbands and wives-mothers and fathers-will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations…Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.”

Objectives:

-Husbands & Wives, Parents & Children, Siblings should all love and serve each other

-Happiness is found when applying the teachings of Jesus Christ: faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities

Song:

Primary #261 - Here We Are Together

General #298 - Home Can Be a Heaven on Earth

Activity:

Hold a family council this night. Openly discuss positives in the home in addition to what the family collectively feels could be improved upon. Brainstorm for ideas to improve the aforementioned situations. Construct an implement a plan to gradually make those improvements. Be sure to follow up on the progress.

To demonstrate the importance of family unity, give each member two Popsicle sticks. Let each person snap one of the stick in half. It’s rather easy to break one stick. Now have everyone take their remaining Popsicle stick and stack them together. See if anyone can snap all of them at once. It’s much more challenging if not impossible. When we stick together and support each other as a family, we will be much stronger against adversity.

Scriptures:

 Mosiah 4:14-15

 3 Nephi 18:21

 D & C 93:40

 D & C 130:2

Quote:

“No other success can compensate for failure in the home.”  –President McKay

Conference Talk:

With All the Feeling of a Tender Parent: A Message of Hope to Families – Elder Hales

The Law of Chastity - Family Proclamation Lesson 7

The Family:  A Proclamation to the World

Lesson 7 – Chastity

Excerpt:

“The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife. We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s eternal plan…We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity…will one day stand accountable before God.”

Objectives:

-Powers of Procreation should only be employed within the bonds of Matrimony

-Multiply and Replenish the Earth

Song:

Primary #152 - Hum Your Favorite Hymn

General #131 - More Holiness Give Me

Activity:

If your children are older, brainstorm as a family a list of as many wholesome recreational activities for dates as you can. Post that list somewhere visible in the home so that all of the children and visitors can refer to it for ideas to stay active and not idly “hang-out.” While doing this, stress the importance of never being alone with no plans.

For younger children, bake cookies with them. Gather all of the raw ingredients and ask if anyone would rather eat some of the ingredients alone (raw eggs or plain flour) or if they would rather bake the cookies and eat them when they are ready. When they decided that baked cookies are the best option, continue making the cookies while explaining that intimacy in marriage is like the cookies. They are both good and desirable but only once the timing is right.

Scriptures:

Genesis 1:28

Exodus 20:14

Proverbs 6:27-28, 32-33

Matthew 5:27-28

Romans 1:24-32

1 Corinthians 6:18-20

1 Thessalonians 4:3

Jacob 2:7

Alma 39:3-5

3 Nephi 12:27-30

D & C 59:6

D & C 63:16

Quote:

“Unless such powers are controlled and commandments kept, your future may be burned; your world could go up in flames. Penalty may not come on the precise day of the transgression, but it comes surely and certainly enough. And unless there is true repentance and obedience to a merciful God, then someday, somewhere, the morally cavalier and unclean will pray like the rich man who wished Lazarus to ;dip him finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.’ “

(Elder Jeffrey R. Holland in Conference Report, Oct. 1998, 98-102)

Talk:

          The Law of Chastity – President Benson

Temples and Family History - Family Proclamation Lesson 6

The Family:  A Proclamation to the World

Lesson 6 – Temples & Family History
 

Excerpt:

“The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.”

Objectives:

-Temples allow Families to be Together Forever

-Importance of Preparing for and Keeping Temple Covenants

-Family History and Temple Work offers Salvation to those who died without the Gospel

Song:

Primary #90 - Truth from Elijah

General #291 - Turn Your Hearts

Activity:

If your children are old enough, take them to a Family History Center and learn about the work. As a family, you could then go and do proxy baptisms at the temple.

If your children are still younger, collect old family photos and take turns sharing stories about deceased family members. Explain that those people are still our family and we will be reunited with them again someday because of the power available with temple covenants.

Take your children to temple grounds and letting them feel the peace and touch the walls.

Scriptures: 
         Sealing Power:

    Matthew 16:19  

    D & C 110:13-16 
         Blessings from the Temple:

    D & C 109:12-22 
Family History:

             Malachi 4:5-6

             3 Nephi 25:5-6

             D & C 2: 1-3

             D & C 27:9

             D & C 128:18

Quotes:

“Keep your covenants and you will be safe. Break them and you will not.”

 (Elder Boyd K. Packer  in Conference Report, Oct. 1990, 107-8)

“We go to the temple to make covenants, but we go home to keep the covenants that we have made.The home is the testing ground. The home is the place where we must learn to be more Christlike. The home is the place where we learn to overcome selfishness and give ourselves in service to others”

 (Elder J. Ballard Washburn  in Conference Report, Apr. 1995, 13)

Picture:

Elijah Restoring the Sealing Power

Conference Talk:

         Preparing Our Families for the Temple – Carol Thomas

Gender and Eternal Identity - Family Proclamation Lesson 5

The Family:  A Proclamation to the World

Lesson 5 – Gender and Eternal Identity

Excerpt:

“Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose…By divine design, fathers and to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, father and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.”

Objectives:

-Gender is Eternal

-Certain Roles are more appropriate for the Different Genders

-The Genders are Different and Complimentary but equally important

Song:

Primary #190 - Love is Spoken Here

General #309 - As Sisters in Zion

General #325 - See the Mighty Priesthood Gathered

As Sisters In Zion/We'll Bring the World His Truth

Activity:

Tell the Parable of the Treasure and Keys (Elder Packer) that is included in the following talk, “For Time and All Eternity.” You can choose to get props and act it out, or simple tell the story with visual aids. Try to get all members of the family involved in the role play.

Scriptures:

Two Genders:

   Genesis 1:27  

   Matthew 19:4

Preparing for our Roles:

   D & C 138:55-56
     

Quote Discussion:

“In his wisdom and mercy, our Father made men and women dependent on each other for the full flowering of their potential. Because their natures are somewhat different, they can complement each other; because they are in many ways alike, they can understand each other. Let neither envy the other for their differences; let both discern what is superficial and what is beautifully basic in those differences, and act accordingly.”

(Spencer W. Kimball, “Its Promise and Potential,” Ensign, Mar. 1976, 5)

Why Is Gender Essential?

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: “[Gender] in large measure defines who we are, why we are here upon the earth, and what we are to do and become. For divine purposes, male and female spirits are different, distinctive, and complementary. … The unique combination of spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional capacities of both males and females were needed to implement the plan of happiness” (“Marriage Is Essential to His Eternal Plan,” Liahona, June 2006, 51; Ensign, June 2006, 83).

Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president: “As spirit daughters of God, women ‘received their first lessons in the world of spirits and were prepared to come forth’ (D&C 138:56) on the earth. They were among the ‘noble and great ones’ (D&C 138:55) who ‘shouted for joy’ (Job 38:7) at the creation of the earth because they would be given a physical body with the opportunity to be proven in a mortal sphere (see Abraham 3:25). They wished to work side by side with righteous men to accomplish eternal goals that neither can attain independently. Female roles did not begin on earth, and they do not end here. A woman who treasures motherhood on earth will treasure motherhood in the world to come” (“A ‘Mother Heart,’” Liahona and Ensign, May 2004, 76).

What Can I Do Because of My Role in Heavenly Father’s Plan?

Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: “The premortal and mortal natures of men and women were specified by God Himself. … [Sometimes women] ask: ‘Is a woman’s value dependent exclusively upon her role as a wife and mother?’ The answer is simple and obvious: No. … Every righteous man and woman has a significant role to play in the onward march of the kingdom of God.

Conference Talk:

        For Time and All Eternity – Elder Packer

Marriage - Family Proclamation Lesson 4

The Family:  A Proclamation to the World

Lesson 4 – Marriage

Excerpt:

“Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children…The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity.”

Objectives:

-Marriage is ordained of God (between a man and woman)

-Importance of Temple Marriage (contrast with Civil)

-Spouses must honor covenants

Song:

Primary #95 - I Love to See the Temple

General #300 - Families Can Be Together Forever

Activity:

Make wedding plans. Have the children write lists of qualities they want in a spouse. They can collage that list with pictures of the temple they prefer, dresses they like (girls), colors for the reception, etc. Include a quote or scripture pertaining to the importance of Temple/Celestial marriage. The children should place this in a spot where they can refer to it regularly as a reminder to prepare for the covenants they plan to make someday. During this activity, the parents can tell stories, share memories and pictures from their wedding day, and testify as to the blessings of not lowering their standards and to how the covenants of the temple have blessed their family life.

Scriptures:

Ordained of God:

   Moses 2:27-28, 3:18,21-24  

   Genesis 2:18, 21-24

   1 Corinthians 11:11

   Ephesians 5:22-33

Importance of Temple Marriage:

   D & C 131:1-4

   D & C 132:19

Sealing Keys:

   Matthew 16:19

   D & C 110:13-14, 15

Quote:

“We must have the goal not just in our minds but in our hearts. What we want is eternal life in families. We don’t just want it if that is what works out, nor do we want something approaching eternal life. We want eternal life, whatever its cost in effort, pain, and sacrifice”

(Elder Henry B. Eyring at CES fireside, ‘To Draw Closer to God,’ 5 Nov, 1995)

Picture:

Young Couple Going to the Temple

Recommended Talk:

Celestial Marriage – Elder Nelson