FHE Lessons for All

Secret Server

2012

Purpose: To gain a testimony of the importance of serving, especially serving without seeking praise or recognition.

Materials:

Picture: Jesus Washing Apostles’ Feet
Clip art for the stories
1 copy of the Service Chart per person
several “You have been Served” calling cards per person

Lesson:
Attention getter:
As you are about to begin the lesson, drop a box of crayons or your papers on the ground with an exclamation such as “Oh no!” or “Oops!”. Wait and see if anyone offers to help you pick them up. If no one does, go ahead and ask for help.
Thank those who helped and explain that Heavenly Father wants us to help one another. This is called service. We can show we love our Heavenly Father by serving his children.

Display the quote on service:

“The Lord answers the prayers of the needy by prompting others to righteous deeds: God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another mortal that he meets our needs. Therefore, it is vital that we serve each other.” -Spencer W. Kimball

Show the picture of Jesus washing apostles’ feet.

Jesus set the example for us when he, the greatest of all, served his disciples by washing their feet.

Summarize the story.
John 13:4-5, 12-15

Story:

The Zucchini Bandit

Helping Mom (for very young children)

Discuss the story emphasizing that the service was given in secret. * If you have a personal experience in which someone served you anonymously or you helped someone else anonymously, this would be the perfect time to share it. Testify of the importance of serving others and the blessings that come from it.

Activity/Weekly Challenge:

Secret Server Week

You are going to be a SECRET SERVER for the week. Draw family members’ names out of a hat so that everyone has someone else’s name. Don’t tell anyone whose name you have (parents will help the very young ones). Each day of the week you will perform at least one secret act of service for your Receiver. You may leave a “You Have Been Served” calling card with your Receiver’s name on it (this helps the Receiver recognize that an act of service was done in their behalf). For each day you do a special, secret act of service, you will color in a heart on the Service Chart. Have fun and shhhhhhhh Don’t give yourself away!

Dessert: Zucchini Cobbler

*ideas of small acts of secret service that can be done at home

make the bed for your receiver
set his/her place at the breakfast table
draw or color a picture
leave a favorite treat on his/her pillow
put toothpaste on his/her toothbrush
do one of his/her chores
make a favorite meal or dessert with mom or dad’s help
straighten up his/her closet
decorate his/her bedroom
leave a surprise note or treat in a lunchbox

Filed Under: Couples, Families, Families With Children, FHE Lessons for All, Newlyweds, Service Project Ideas, Service Projects, Single Groups, Tweens & Teens

New Year Individual and Family Goals

2012

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Purpose: Setting goals and establishing resolutions is the number one way people begin the New Year. The most important aspect is to plan according to what you really want to accomplish in realistic time frames. You can plan for one long-term goal(s), something to focus on throughout the year and you can also do smaller, short-term goals to work on for a few months at a time, or even shorter. The most important aspect is “if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”

This lesson is to help jump-start individuals and families to set goals to for the New Year.

Lesson:

Goals have multiple layers: first, you create a visual in your mind of the goal(s) you would like to accomplish. Once you have in mind what you want to do, you’ve already accomplished half your goal.

1. Visualize yourself at the end point of reaching that goal.

Create a detailed plan to reach that goal. Will this be reached in 3, 6, 9 or 12 months? When will you have accountability on how you’re doing on reaching these goals? How often will you have this accountability? You can invite family and/or friends to help keep you focused on the goal(s) that you create.

What type of goals are you wanting to create for the upcoming year?

Career (do you want to achieve a promotion, finish an important project, increase sales, etc), Financial (pay off one credit card, two credit cards, all debt, pay off car, learn how to coupon and use them weekly, etc), Education (go back to school- finish your degree or begin a degree program, learn a new language, take a community class, etc.), Family (plan a vacation and set a budget, create a budget for your family, etc), Volunteer Service (make goals to volunteer monthly or do toy/food drives, make 24 Hr. Survival Kits, etc.), Physical (make goals to work out, lose weight, run a race, etc.), Personal Enrichment (learn to play a musical instrument, paint, cut hair, etc.).

2. Write it down.

Keeping a written log, journal or even create a blog to keep a daily or weekly record of your experience working towards your goals. Blogging can be a powerful way to keep yourself accountable and to engage others which will help you stay focused.

3. Create the plan.

Use budget sheets, goal sheets, calendars and whatever other materials you can find to get a detailed break down of your goal.

Set SMART Goals (from mindtools.com):

S – Specific (or Significant).
M – Measurable (or Meaningful).
A – Attainable (or Action-Oriented).
R – Relevant (or Rewarding).
T – Time-bound (or Trackable).

Discussion:

1. Is goal setting important? Why or why not?

2. How can setting goals help you discover new things about yourself and help you live your best life?

Activity:

FREE Budget Tracking Sheets & other Financial Worksheets

FREE Blog Access (create a free blog to journal your progress in reaching your goals)

Why Set Goals? article

Treat:

Hot Chocolate & Marshmellows and No Bake Cookies

Hershey’s No Bake Cookies

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups white sugar
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup butter
4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter
3 cups quick-cooking oats
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, milk, butter, and cocoa. Bring to a boil, and cook for 1 1/2 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in peanut butter, oats, and vanilla. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto wax paper. Let cool until hardened.

Filed Under: Activities, Couples, Couples, Families, Families With Children, FHE Lessons for All, Latter-day Saints, Newlyweds, Newlyweds, Single Groups, Tweens & Teens

FHE Service Project: Write Letters to Sick Children

2011

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Letters to Sick Children Service Project

Purpose: Jesus taught us by His teachings and His perfect example to bless those that are sick and afflicted. There are many seriously ill children in hospitals all over the world that would love to have your letters of hope and inspiration.

Lesson:

Have you ever had an earache, sore throat or the flu and felt miserable for a day, two or maybe for a week? There are many children all over that suffer from more serious illnesses that leave them bound in hospitals. Many are to weak to play and are unable to go outside, jump in piles of leaves, smell the fresh air or even play in the park.

During this holiday season, you can serve other children that are similar ages to those in your family by performing acts of service. One way is to visit them, go caroling at the hospitals, donate toys and even write letters.

Discussion: What are ways in which you can serve someone daily? Weekly? Monthly? How have you felt as you’ve been served? Share an experience of being served.

Goal Setting: Have family, group or ward members write at least one goal to be more active in serving those who are in need– like the sick and afflicted.

Service Project: Write letters to ill children in hospitals

Each member of the family, group or ward can participate in this service activity.

Gather paper, markers, crayons, stickers, etc. to make greeting cards to send to sick children in hospitals all over the country. If you live outside of the U.S., you can send letters to children in your own area/country or surprise some of these children with letters from all over the world!

Visit: Make A Child Smile (click to link to Web site)

You’ll see a list of children who would love to have your letters! You can click on their names to read more about them.

Treat:5-Minute Chocolate Pie

Ingredients: 1 Ready Graham Cracker Pie Crust 1 1/4 C. cold milk 2 pkg. (4- serving size) chocolate instant pie pudding mix 1 tub (8 oz.) whipped topping (thawed) 1. Beat milk, pudding and half the whipped topping together in medium bowl with a wire whisk for one minute. The mixture will thicken. 2. Pour into ready-made crust. 3. Top with remaining whipped cream. You can eat it right away or chill until ready to eat!
(recipe adapted from Keebler)

Filed Under: Activities, Couples, Families With Children, Family Home Evening, FHE Lessons for All, Lessons, Service Project Ideas, Service Projects, Tweens & Teens

Sidewalk Service

2011

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Family Home Evening Service Lesson:

Sidewalk Service

Purpose: If your summer days are dragging on and you’re wondering what adventure you can do next, then pack up your sidewalk chalk and go for a little service stroll.

Lesson: Service is a trademark attribute of the followers of Jesus Christ. There are many, many ways in which we can serve others. At times we may have the thought that someone could use a visit, but do we choose to go and visit them?

The Lord uses us to help his children here on earth. He has entrusted each of us to serve one another, as He would serve us as if He were here.

“Service is an imperative for those who worship Jesus Christ.”(Elder Dallin H. Oaks)

Service helps us to set aside our selfish thoughts and desires by putting others first. Doing kind acts help each of us grow in character, as well as in testimony of the importance of serving and being served.

Discussion: Serving others doesn’t have to be a huge under-taking. Review these questions with your family, group or ward.

- How does it feel to serve others?

- Why is important to serve others?

- Have you ever received service from someone else? How did it feel to be served?

- What are some ways you can serve someone this week?

Activity:

Think of 2-3 people or families that you can create a “Sidewalk Service” to. Be sure that adults supervise and OK which homes you visit and where you draw your pictures.

Create a happy message to let the family/individual know how much they are loved and appreciated.

You can leave a note on their door so that they can find your drawing.

Treat:

Easy Peanut Butter Cookies

1 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg

Preheat oven to 325-degrees. Mix everything together until well blended. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Roll into 18 balls. Place 2″ apart onto ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten each ball in a criss-cross pattern with a fork. Bake for 18 minutes. Cool.

Filed Under: Couples, Families With Children, FHE Lessons for All, Lessons, Newlyweds, Service Project Ideas, Service Projects

Scripture Reading Challenge

2010

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Scripture Reading Challenge Family Home Evening

Purpose: To challenge yourself and family members to read the scriptures on a daily basis and see the blessings that come to your lives from following this one simple principle.

Song: “Search, Ponder and Pray”

Scripture: Mosiah 1:6-7

Lesson:

We have been commanded to read the scriptures and we are taught beginning in the nursery that reading the scriptures is how we learn about our Savior. The scriptures are full of the doctrine and direction that we need to return to live with our Father in Heaven. But, did you also know that other power comes to us from reading the scriptures? When we read the scriptures we can receive revelation that we seek for our lives and families. We can also have the Holy Ghost more abundantly with us to lead and guide our lives and the choices we make here. When we read about our Savior and study His life, we can become more like Him, like we’ve been commanded to do.

Here are a couple of personal experiences with the scriptures. After reading these, continue to the activity section of this lesson and find out how you can PRINT your own Scripture Reading Charts and challenge yourself and your family to read these sacred books daily and record the blessings that come to your life and to your families!

President Spencer W. Kimball’s Personal Experienc e: Once I heard a forceful appeal by a woman from the Mutual. … She gave a rousing talk on the reading of the scriptures and making them our own; then she stopped her dissertation to ask this mixed congregation, about a thousand of us, “How many of you have read the Bible through?”

I think I was about fourteen years old at the time. An accusing guilt complex spread over me. I had read many books by that time, the funny papers, and light books, but my accusing heart said to me, “You, Spencer Kimball, you have never read that holy book. Why?” I looked around me at the people in front and on both sides of the hall to see if I was alone in my failure to read the sacred book. Of the thousand people, there were perhaps a half dozen who proudly raised their hands. I slumped down in my seat. I had no thought for the others who had also failed, but only a deep accusing thought for myself. I don’t know what other people were doing and thinking, but I heard no more of the sermon. It had accomplished its work. When the meeting closed, I sought the large double exit door and rushed to my home a block east of the chapel; and I was gritting my teeth and saying to myself, “I will. I will. I will.”

Entering the back door of our family home, I went to the kitchen shelf where we kept the coal oil lamps, selected one that was full of oil and had a newly trimmed wick, and climbed the stairs to my attic room. There I opened my Bible and began on Genesis, first chapter and first verse, and I read well into the night with Adam and Eve and Cain and Abel, and Enoch and Noah and through the flood even to Abraham.

My Own Book of Mormon

By Hillary Holbrook

Hillary Holbrook, “My Own Book of Mormon,” Liahona, Sept. 2010, 6

In August 2005, when President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008) issued a challenge to Church members to read the Book of Mormon before the end of the year, I promised myself I would read the entire book. I was familiar with stories in the Book of Mormon but had never read it all the way through. Now I meant to keep my promise.

I had been taught to apply the scriptures to my life and make them my very own. So as I read, I wrote in the margins of the page what I thought the main idea of the passage was. I also underlined repeated words and phrases to show emphasis.

I placed my name next to names in the scriptures to help me remember that the word of God spoken to others can also be the word spoken to me. For example, in 2 Nephi 2:28 I wrote my name: “And now, [Hillary], I would that ye should look to the great Mediator, and hearken unto his great commandments.” The more I made the Book of Mormon my own, the more excited I became about reading it every day.

As I read daily, my prayers became heartfelt and personal. I was also able to focus on my classes and follow promptings of the Spirit to befriend others. On the last night of the year, I finished the Book of Mormon.

I then understood the importance of reading the whole Book of Mormon, along with other scriptures, and want to do so many more times in my life.

Discussion:

Why is reading the scriptures important?

Why do we need to do it daily?

What blessings have been promised to us if we read the scriptures? (Refer to the scripture used for this lesson)

What can we do to make sure we stick to this challenge? How do you think your lives and family will improve?

Activity:

Childen: Click HERE to go to Scripture 4 Kids and help your little readers (Levels 1-4) start reading scriptures! It’s never to early to get them in this habit and these online scriptures, with photos and audio are some amazing tools to jump-start their love and confidence in reading the scriptures.

Older Children & Adults: Scripture Reading Charts

*Powered by: Scripture4Kids.com

Easy Reading Charts, 30- Day Challenge, 60-Day Challenge, Book of Mormon Reading Challenge (read the entire BOM!) and reading charts available in Spanish, Chinese, Korean, German, French, Dutch and many other languages.

Scripture Reading Charts–click here

Treat:

Homemade Oreos

Ingredients

1 (18.25 ounce) package dark chocolate cake mix
1 (18.25 ounce) package low calorie chocolate cake mix
4 eggs
2/3 cup vegetable oil
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
2 cups confectioners’ sugar

Directions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Lightly grease cookie sheets.
In a medium bowl, stir together the dark and light chocolate cake mix. Add the eggs and oil, mix until well blended. Roll dough into 2 inch balls, and place them onto the prepared cookie sheet. Flatten the balls slightly with the back of a spoon.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven, until firm. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before removing to cool on wire racks.
To make the filling, beat the cream cheese and confectioner’ sugar together until smooth. Spread between two cooled cookies.

Recipe from allrecipes.com

Filed Under: FHE Lessons for All, Latter-day Saints

Service Auction FHE

2010

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Service Auction Family Home Evening

Purpose: This is a family home evening lesson that I used as an FHE leader in my Single Adult Ward in college. This lesson is perfect for a ward activity, single adult FHE, FHE group lesson or just a fun multi-family activity.

Scripture: Mosiah 2:17

Song: “Have I Done Any Good?”

Brief Lesson: Service can be defined as the act of helpful activity. Our Savior taught us by his perfect example of service as well as in His teachings, the importance of serving others.

In the Book of Mormon, in Mosiah, King Benjamin teaches that when we are in the service of others, we are actually serving our Father in Heaven and Jesus.

Discussion:

What are some ways in which you have been served in your life?

How has serving others changed you?

What impact has service had on your life and character building?

Activity: *This activity requires LOTS of pre-planning.

Service Auction

The service auction is a super fun activity. You will need to make sure you’ve prepared in advance to have this auction run properly.

The Idea: Those in your FHE group, ward, etc. will bring items of service that they will donate to be auctioned off. For example, items that can be donated are a car wash and detail, a free babysitting night, one homemade dinner for 4, two weeks of mowing the lawn and on and on. You can get as creative as you want— just be sure that the services people donate are services they can and will actually perform.

All of the items donated for auction should be service-oriented. This is a complete “service auction.”

Gather all the items for bidding and create an “Item List” to provide everyone who will attend the auction.

You can also make paddles for bidding by using construction paper and Popsicle sticks. Again, you can get as creative with this project as you wish.

Items to be Auctioned: Services provided by individuals/families

Money used for purchasing services: CANS OF FOOD!!

Each can of food= $1. So if you purchase a service that sells for $20— you will actually be donating 20 cans of food. You will need to have someone track all of your purchases, you purchased them and for what price.

***Also, prepare slips of paper with each service listed separately. When someone wins that auction, write the number of cans they will need to donate and give that to them. They will have that record of the service they purchased as well as what they owe for it.

All the “proceeds” (meaning cans of food) will be donated to your local food bank—which are all in need of food!

The Auction:

Set a date (Monday night) and time for your auction to be held. Use the above scripture, song and brief lesson and discussion to start the FHE.

*If you can find an actual auction caller who will “donate” his time for this event, even better! We had a real caller and it made the event that much more fun!

This event, if done well, will become an annual event for you and your group/ward.

Treat:

Ice cream Sundays

Filed Under: FHE Lessons for All

"Schools In" Service Project

2010

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“School Service Project”

Purpose of Lesson: It’s always exciting as a child/teen to go “back to school” shopping. New shoes, pants, shirts, back pack and supplies– starting a new year. However, there are many who are unable to purchase these new items and basic school supplies for themselves. This lesson is centered on a family, group or individual service project.

Opening Song: “Give, said the Little Stream”

Scripture: Mosiah 2:17~

“And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn ^awisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the ^bservice of your ^cfellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.”

Lesson:

From dispensation to dispensation, the prophets of the Lord have been teaching us by word or example the importance of serving one another. Our Savior, Jesus Christ, was our greatest Teacher of this principle.

From President Spenser W. Kimball’s message, “Small Acts of Service;”

George MacDonald observed that “it is by loving and not by being loved that one can come nearest to the soul of another.” (George MacDonald Anthology, Geoffrey Bles, London, 1970.) Of course, we all need to be loved, but we must be giving and not always receiving if we want to have wholeness in our lives and a reinforced sense of purpose.

We will receive great blessings as we seek first to serve others.

From Elder Russell C. Taylor, “The Joy of Service:”

It has been wisely said, “Service is the rent we pay for our own room on earth.” We should know that the rent is due on a daily basis and know that the receipt is never stamped “paid in full,” because the rent, service in God’s kingdom, is again due today and due tomorrow.

Some mistakenly think that a commitment to service comes after a great spiritual experience. This is like the man who is cold, standing before the stove, and saying, “Give me heat, and then I will put in some wood.” The joy and blessings of service follow the rendering of service. The missionary who renders eighteen months of faithful missionary service then has a lifetime to think about it, while perfecting a life of service to others. Some would want and expect the windows of heaven to open before they pay their tithing, even though the prophet Malachi so plainly teaches:

“Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse … and prove me now … saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” (Mal. 3:10; italics added.)

Activity:

Check your local stores for back to school specials on basic school supplies such as notepads (15 cents at our local Wal-mart store), rulers, glue, crayons, folders and so on. Plan a family budget for this service project and plan your shopping trip. You can assign each person $1 or $2 and so on according to your budget and have them find supplies within that budget.

Imagine all the notebooks you could get for $2!

Be sure to include everyone in the process. The feeling you get from serving someone else can’t be duplicated by watching Mom and Dad fill the shopping cart.

FHE Challenge: It is tough times for all of us. Stretch your faith and participate in this service project as much as possible for your family’s situation. There may other ways to serve your local schools. Contact your school district for ideas on how to do additional service such a cleaning, painting and so on.

Treat:

Rice Krispey Treats– they’re fast and easy to make and completely transportable as you go out on your service expodition.

Filed Under: FHE Lessons for All, Service Project Ideas

The Great Apostasy

2010

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“The Great Apostasy”

Purpose: There are so many religions and faiths today. How did religion start to change so much? This simplified lesson on the Great Apostasy will help explain why there are so many churches and will help illustrate through a great activity how the apostasy happened.

Scripture: Matthew 24:4-14

Song: “This is My Beloved Son”

Lesson:

“There is no question that the authority from God to guide and preside over the Church of Jesus Christ resided in the Apostles of the Lord. Jesus reminded the Quorum of the Twelve of this fact on different occasions. For example, he said to Peter, one week before they stood together on the Mount of Transfiguration: “I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall loosed in heaven” (Matt. 16:19).

One by one the Apostles chosen by Christ were killed, as he had predicted (see John 16:1–4). James, the brother of John, was the first member of the Quorum of the Twelve that we know of to be executed, sometime around a.d. 44 (see Acts 12:1–2). Others followed. James the Just, the brother of the Lord, may have been martyred in a.d. 62. And then during the Neronian persecutions of Christianity in Rome (a.d. 64–67), “the Church suffered the greatest loss it had yet sustained in the death of the apostles Peter and Paul.”Thus, as scholars point out, no tradition about the early Church is more firmly held than that “all the Apostles except John were martyrs.” The Apostolic Age came to an end, and the keys of the kingdom were gone.

The deaths of the Apostles meant the loss of what Paul had called “the foundation” (Eph. 2:20) of the Church. This loss allowed false brethren to drive the true Church “into the wilderness” (Rev. 12:6) until the promised restoration. Modern scholars have labeled the post-apostolic era an “obscure period.”Indeed it was, for the doctrinal integrity of the Church began to be compromised with self-appointed rulers stepping in to fill the void left by the Apostles’ passing. Formerly, bishops and other Church officers had been appointed and supervised by the Apostles, as indicated in the book of Acts and Paul’s letters (see, for example, Acts 6; 1 Tim. 2, 1 Tim. 3; Titus 1). But immediately after the Apostolic Age, things changed radically. Evidence indicates that by the end of the first century, the great apostasy was an accomplished fact. Paul’s prophecies had been fulfilled.

After centuries of silence and confusion about religion among mankind, God spoke his will again clearly and definitively in 1820. As a result, the true Church of Jesus Christ was reestablished on earth; the apostolic office and authority were restored to the Prophet Joseph Smith and to Oliver Cowdery by the early Apostles Peter, James, and John.”

(from Andrew Skinner, “Apostasy, Restoration and Lessons of Faith”, lds.org)

Discussion:

Why is it important to have one church that contains all the truths than a lot of churches only containing one or a few?

How does learning about the Apostasy help your understand of the gospel?

Activity:

Materials Needed:

15 small paper/plastic cups
Marker (Sharpie)
Print off the small pics of the Quorum of the Twelve (cut out each picture individually–the Ensign Conference edition is perfect for the size of head pics you’ll need)
tape or glue

Instructions for creating the cups~

On one side write the names of the original 12 Apostles found in the New Testament. Under 10 of their names write one gospel principle. Use gospel principles such as tithing, baptism, Gift of Holy Ghost, faith, temple ordinances, etc.

For a couple of examples, write:

Matthew Mark
Tithing Baptism

On the last three cups, under Peter, James and John write the 3-fold mission of the church–one per cup:

Peter James John
proclaim the gospel redeem the dead endure to the end

On the opposite side of the cup, tape or glue the photos of the present-day Apostles. Be sure to use one name and one pic per cup. Write the same gospel principle under their pictures as well (just as you did on the other side). On the opposite side of Peter, James and John, be sure to put the photos of President Monson, President Eyring and President Uchtdorf (or the current members of the Presidency if using this lesson after these people have changed).

Teaching Apostasy with cups:
*Use as much or as little detail as you’re comfortable with sharing with the ages you have in your families, groups, ward.

Build the cups up into a pyramid using the original 12 Apostles and the gospel principles. Talk about how they went out and taught the gospel of Jesus Christ and helped build the church on the earth.

Talk about how after Jesus’ death, the church began to fall apart. Many of the Apostles were killed and the truths (represented by the gospel principles you wrote on the cups) were scattered.

Grouping the cups in small groups of three, explain how different churches had a few of the truths, but none of them had all of them anymore. This caused a great darkness– and lots of confusion for many, many years.

Our Savior, Jesus Christ, restored the church again through the Prophet Joseph Smith.

Using the other side of the cups, rebuild the church using the Latter-day Apostles and top off the pyramid with President Monson, President Eyring and President Uchtdorf. Explain how the same church the existed when Jesus was on the earth, exists again today. We have all the truths again in one church which is led by a living prophet.

*You can allow the children to re-teach this analogy to one another for repetition.

Scripture Chase:

Apostasy of the early Christian church: This people draw near me with their mouth, Isa. 29: 10, 13. Darkness shall cover the earth, Isa. 60: 2. The Lord will send a famine of hearing the words of the Lord, Amos 8: 11. There shall arise false Christs and false prophets, Matt. 24: 24. Grievous wolves shall enter in among you, Acts 20: 29. I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him, Gal. 1: 6. There will be a falling away before the Second Coming, 2 Thes. 2: 3. Some people err concerning the truth, 2 Tim. 2: 18. Some people have a form of godliness but deny the power thereof, 2 Tim. 3: 5. The time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, 2 Tim. 4: 3-4. There will be false prophets and false teachers among the people, 2 Pet. 2: 1. Certain men crept in denying the only Lord God, Jude 1: 4. Some men said they were Apostles and were not, Rev. 2: 2. Nephi saw the formation of a great and abominable church, 1 Ne. 13: 26. The Gentiles have stumbled and built up many churches, 2 Ne. 26: 20. They have strayed from mine ordinances and have broken mine everlasting covenant, D&C 1: 15. Darkness covers the earth and gross darkness the minds of the people, D&C 112: 23. Joseph was told that the churches were all wrong; their hearts were far from God, JS-H 1: 19. (from lds.org, “Guide to the Scriptures”)

Treat:

Fruit Smoothies~

Strawberry Banana Smoothie
1 cup frozen strawberries
2 cups orange juice
1 banana, cut in pieces
½ cup milk
2 tablespoons sugar
Add ingredients together in blender and blend until smooth.

Healthy Orange Smoothie
1 orange peeled and separated
¾ cup sliced peaches (if canned use juice also)
1 cup orange yogurt
½ cup ice cubes
Blend in blender until smooth. Substitute peaches with different fruit such as banana or a can of mandarin oranges, if desired.

Photo from lds.org, “The Apostles Lead the Church”

Filed Under: FHE Lessons for All

Being Like Jesus

2010

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Attention Getter:

Close your eyes and try to picture yourself in Jesus time. What would it be like to meet Jesus? How would you feel? How would you act? What would Jesus teach you?

Discussion:

How would it be to have Jesus by your side every day? Would it be easier to live the gospel?

Song: If the Savior Stood Beside Me (click on the link and choose the mp3 version you like and play it for your family during FHE)

Lyrics:

If the Savior stood beside me, would I do the things I do?

Would I think of His commandments and try harder to be true?

Would I follow His example? Would I live more righteously,

If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me?

If the Savior stood beside me, would I say the things I say?

Would my words be true and kind if He were never far away?

Would I try to share the gospel? Would I speak more reverently

If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me?

If the Savior stood beside me, would my thoughts be clean and pure?

Would His presence give me strength and hope, and courage to endure?

Would His counsel guide my actions? Would I choose more worthily

If I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me?

He is always near me, though I do not see Him there

And because He loves me dearly, I am in His watchful care

So I’ll be the kind of person that I know I’d like to be

if I could see the Savior standing nigh, watching over me.

Jesus is always near us and can be in our hearts every day. As we think about
him, it will be easier to act, speak and think like he would have us do.

Scriptures:

John 8:12

Activity:

The Friend magazine has a section called “Trying to be Like Jesus”

Find a friend and read the articles in that section. Then talk about how the individual tried to be like Jesus.

*If you don’t receive The Friend Magazine, you can go to this link to look at past issues or use the quick links below to read the “Trying to be like Jesus” sections in a few different issues:

May2009
July 2004
April 2008Discussion:

How have you tried to be like Jesus? Share your personal experiences.

Filed Under: Couples, Families With Children, FHE Lessons for All, Tweens & Teens

FHE Service Project: Family History Work

2010

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Family Home Evening Service Project: Indexing

Purpose: This month’s service project is centered on the family and genealogical research. One of the great ways each of us can help in this great work is by extracting names through indexing. The church has made it so simple to do and we can do it in the comfort of our homes!

Scripture: Malachi. 4:5,6

Song: “Who’s on the Lord’s Side?

Lesson: One of the missions of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is to redeem the dead. We participate in genealogical research to help bind families for eternity. The Lord has provided us with many tools in order to find missing links in our families so that everyone’s work may be completed.

One of the tools we’ve been given is the use of the Internet. The church has created a way for us to be able to log-in and access records to do indexing from our homes.

What is Indexing?

Family history indexing is the simple process of extracting names from digital images of historical documents and creating online searchable indexes from the previously gathered information.

How is it done? First click on this link: Family Search Indexing

If you have not registered for an LDS account, you can do so on this Web site. You will need to your membership number to create this account and you will be able to use this same username and password on the Family Search Web site for family history.

If you have a previous username and password (LDS account) from doing family history online, use the same password.

If you are not a member of the LDS church or want to help others begin indexing, then you can create a Family Search account for the general public.

How to start? There is a helpful “How To” video that will begin once you log in to begin using the program for the first time. It is recommended that you watch this short video or have a family history representative from your ward help you learn the steps.

Additional Resources: Need additional help or want to learn more about expanding your skills?

Visit, Family Search Online Classes, for FREE help.

Activity:

Young children: (this activity, photo and idea are from SugarDoodle)

Hand Tree

Items needed: Fabric Paint, Paintbrush, paper plates, 1/2 yard of white cotton fabric for tree, markers, scissors, fabric glue, 1 yard of fabric (white or colored for background)

Have your family members pick out their favorite colors of paint and spread a little of each color on a paper plate. Working from the biggest hands to the littlest ones, have each person dip their hands in her chosen paint and print them on the cotton fabric, overlapping the hand prints slightly as the group moves up the tree (practice on paper first). Use a paintbrush to add a tree trunk, let all the paint dry and then identify each set of hand prints with a permanent marker.

Older children:

Older children can participate in doing the indexing online. You can set a indexing goal as a family– make your first goal an easy one for the first week as you learn how to do indexing. Each family member can take turns doing a name or completing one record until each person has had a turn.

Discussion:

How does doing this indexing help others?

What was your experience doing the indexing?

Treat:

Delicious Healthy Cupcakes

For this simple recipe, all you need is one cake mix and one can of soda. If you want to use a chocolate cake mix, use a dark diet can of soda. If you want to use a light cake mix, use a can of Diet Sprite (or Fresca).

Simply mix the can of soda into the cake mix and stir.

Bake as directed for cupcakes.

You can also use some Sugar Free Cool Whip for icing to make a perfectly healthy and super yummy treat!