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Secret Server

2012
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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:

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
  1. 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

Christmas Service Countdown Service

2011
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“Christmas Service Countdown Family Home Evening“
Purpose: To reflect on serving one another in our families during the Christmas season. Often times we can focus on selfish thoughts during this gift-giving season. It’s important that we strive to keep the focus on being selfless as our Savior was as we celebrate His birth.
 

Lesson: 
     “Over the years, many people, especially youth, have asked me, “Elder Cuthbert, how can I become more spiritual?” My reply has always been the same: “You need to give more service.
       Service changes people. It refines, purifies, gives a finer perspective, and brings out the best in each one of us. It gets us looking outward instead of inward. It prompts us to consider others’ needs ahead of our own. Righteous service is the expression of true charity, such as the Savior showed.” – Elder Derek A. Cuthbert, Ensign May 1990

Here are a list of ways service helps us become more spiritual:

1.      Helps us see true value in material things vs. things of the eternal value
2.      Service establishes a righteous tradition. Start serving when you’re young and that will lead to more willingness to serve throughout your life in the community and church.
3.      Service helps us overcome selfishness and sin.
4.      Service helps us generate love and appreciation.
5.      Service is the principle in which we show gratitude to our Savior.
 
Discussion:
~ What ways have you been served? How did it make you feel?
~ What are some ways that you’ve served others?
~ How did it make you feel when you’ve served someone else?
~ Why should we focus on service during the Christmas season?
Activity Ideas: *This activity requires prep work*
Prep work for countdown chain: Count down the days from FHE night until Christmas Day. Cut out equal sized strips of red and green construction paper to make the countdown chain. 
1.        Pick one of the ways stated below to use each section of your chain. Remember that the service continues and includes Christmas Day.
W  1. With each section of the chain you can write an act of service to perform as a family.
2.      2. Each night at dinner you can take a piece of the chain off and describe what acts of service each family member did during that day. 
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!


Filed Under: Activities, Couples, Couples, Families, Families With Children, Family Home Evening, Lessons, Newlyweds, Newlyweds, Service Project Ideas, Service Projects, Single Groups, Tweens & Teens

Thanksgiving Day & Gratitude Lesson

2011
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Purpose: On the last Thursday of November, citizens of the United States of American celebrate Thanksgiving Day. We gather as family and friends in tradition of those that helped settle the land so many years ago. We reflect on those blessings in our lives that we are grateful for on this day.

**Note: This lesson can also be used in other areas this week to discuss gratitude.

Song: “Prayer of Thanksgiving”

Scripture: Psalms 100: 4-5

Lesson: Here are some wonderful quotes from our civic and church leaders on gratitude and Thanksgiving.

President Joseph F. Smith said, “that one of the greatest sins of which the inhabitants of the earth are guilty today is the sin of ingratitude.” (From Gratitude and Thanksgiving, President Marion G. Romney)

President Thomas S. Monson taught in “An Attitude of Gratitude” six things that we should be grateful for:

  • • Our mothers
    • Our fathers
    • Our teachers
    • Our friends
    • Our country
    • Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States, as part of a resolution in 1863:

“We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven; we have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity; we have grown in number, wealth, and power as no other Nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God who made us.

“It behooves us, then, to humble ourselves before the offended power, to confess our … sins, and to pray for clemency and forgiveness.”

President Lincoln also proclaimed Nov. 30, 1863 as a day of national humiliation, fasting and prayer.

From “For The Strength Of Youth” Pamphlet: Gratitude

“The Lord wants you to have a spirit of gratitude in all you do and say. Live with a spirit of thanksgiving and you will have greater happiness and satisfaction in life. Even in your most difficult times, you can find much to be grateful for. Doing so will strengthen and bless you.

In your prayers, before you ask for blessings, pour out your heart to God in thanks for the blessings you have already received. Thank Him for your family, for friends and loved ones, for leaders and teachers, for the gospel, and for His Son, Jesus Christ.

You can also express gratitude to the Lord by the way you live. When you keep His commandments and serve others, you show that you love Him and are grateful to Him. Express appreciation to everyone who helps you in any way.”

Thanksgiving Church video:

Families W/ Small Children:

Families W/ Older Children, FHE Groups, Single Adult Wards: Give each person a blank sheet of paper and have them make four different lists.

List #1: Name 5 blessings you and/or your family has received this past year.

List #2: Name 5 people you are thankful for.

List #3: Name 5 ways you can be more thankful and show more gratitude.

List #4: Name 7 ways in which you will show gratitude this week. Each night over dinner, share with your family (or friends/roommates) how you had or showed gratitude or served someone that day.

**Allow people to share their lists if they would like. Sharing these experiences help to make the items listed that much more special and is a great bonding experience.

Treat: Marshmallow Pilgram Hat treats (this idea is sooo cute and easy to do–click on the link to take you to the recipe)

How to Make the Marshmallow Pilgram Hats Video

 

Filed Under: Couples, Families With Children, Lessons, 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: 


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

Independence Day…

2011
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Purpose: On July 4th, each American celebrates the country’s Independence with a day full of reflection and activities focused on country, freedom and family. As members of the church, we also experience independence as we follow the commandments and learn about the Plan of Salvation.

Brief Lesson: Today we celebrate the founding of our country and the day that our Forefathers declared our Independence from Great Britain. The country has experienced many great times and many hard and difficult times. One of the greatest blessings about living in America are the religious freedoms that we enjoy as well as all of our other freedoms. What are some other freedoms we have?
Although we have freedoms, we also have to be responsible for the choices we make using that freedom/agency. The gospel of Jesus Christ also gives us tremendous freedoms. For example, we know that when we obey the Word of Wisdom, our bodies have freedom from certain diseases, addictions and illnesses. However, if we are not careful and we don’t use our freedom or agency appropriately, we have consequences of our actions.
What are some of the freedoms the gospel gives to our lives?

Discussion:
What does Independence mean?
How does the gospel give us independence as well?
What day did Congress vote for Independence in 1776? July 2
What day was the Declaration of Independence signed?
“The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival,” wrote John Adams to his wife Abigail on July 3, 1776.
The second U.S. president had the date wrong, but Heintze maintains that the U.S. really should observe July 2nd—the day Congress voted for independence—as Independence Day. (The signing of the Declaration of Independence didn’t begin until August and wasn’t complete until November.)
“They didn’t have the written document completed until the 4th,” Heintze said.
“When they took that document to the printer on July 4th, he printed that date on the top. And that was the broadside that was sent out to all of the new states and the generals in the field. It became widely circulated, and July 2nd was forgotten.”
What year was the 4th of July made a federal holiday? 1941
Activity: 
Supplies needed (substitutes may be used):
  • Red plastic beads
  • White plastic beads
  • Blue plastic beads
  • Medium to large safety pins
Treat:

WATERMELON POPS

  • ½ cup sugar
  • ½ cup water
  • 3 cups watermelon juice (squish watermelon with a potato masher and strain)
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  1. In a saucepan over medium heat cook water and sugar until sugar melts by simmering about 2 or 3 minutes.
  2. Remove from heat and add watermelon and lemon juice mixing well.
  3. Fill ice trays with the mixture.
  4. Freeze until just mushy but not solid and stick a toothpick in the middle of each “cube”.
  5. Freeze until firm and pop out to eat. You will need about 3 ice cube trays.

 

Filed Under: Couples, Families With Children, Lessons, Newlyweds

Starting Your Family History

2011
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“Starting Your Family History”
Purpose: Knowing our family history can be rewarding and the lessons we can learn from our ancestors may help us in our own lives today. We can start this process by doing our family history. This Family Home Evening lesson is to help give you ideas on how to start your own family history.
 
Lesson: Have you ever wondered if you had famous inventors, pioneers, civic leaders, kings or queens and so on in your family history? Our ancestors are as much a part of us and our genetic make-up as our mothers and fathers. You can learn about all of those people that came before you and learn about their trials, tribulations and see what you can learn from them and about them. 
Starting your family history can seem so daunting. Here are a few suggestions on what you can do to get started during this Family Home Evening. 
*Note: Be organized. Make sure you prepare to organize your papers after this activity in an area that will remind the family members to work on the family history as often as possible. A large 3-ring binder is a great place to start.

Activity:
1. What we know~ Select a family scribe to keep notes/chart as you brainstorm names, dates, events, etc. during this first activity.
With each family member participating, write down all the names of your family members and chart them on a Pedigree chart. Go as far back as each person can remember, be sure to mark off for ordinances already received for these individuals. 
You can also start a Family Group Record for individual families as well. These forms provide more space for detailed information. 
See what areas are missing information and highlight them and make a list of what information still needs to be collected for each person. 
2. What others know~ With your list of missing information, prepare letters, e-mails and so forth to other family members who may know the missing information such as wedding dates, death dates, etc. Gathering this information to complete your forms will help you have complete records that will help in your research as well as preparing their names for the temple. Be sure to check information in family Bibles, journals, etc.
3. Use online tools to help in research~ There are some great genealogy sites available to aid in the research and using these tools will help you find information and people you’re looking for as well as being able to see if someone has already done some of your family history and/or temple work. You could connect with others who may also be working on your family members and receive information from them.  
There are FREE online classes via the Latter-day Saint Web site for learning to do family history. 
Family History Web sites:
Research site lists (from familysearch.org) 


*Please leave a comment with other great Web site helps that you know about! 
Treat: Fix a family favorite treat– perhaps one of your grandparent’s family treats since we’re on the subject of family history. Include the recipe in your family history binder.

 

Filed Under: Couples, Families With Children, Latter-day Saints, Newlyweds

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:
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: Health Care Kits

2010
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Health Care Kits: Family Humanitarian Service Project
Purpose: This month’s family service project is focused on preparing and sending much needed health care kits to those affected by devastating events throughout the world or to prepare for future use.
Lesson: While you are discussing what happened in Haiti and why it is so devastating, you can begin to discuss how these events can help us draw closer to our brothers and sisters all over the world by doing small acts of kindness. Although we can’t see what our efforts do exactly, we can feel of the love we have for those in need and rejoice in the feeling of serving others.

Health Kit Items:

Place these items inside a sealed one-gallon plastic bag.
  • 1 hand towel (15″ x 25″ up to 17″ x 27″, No kitchen towels)
  • 1 washcloth
  • 1 comb (large and sturdy, not pocket-sized)
  • 1 nail file or fingernail clippers (no emery boards or toenail clippers)
  • 1 bath-size bar of soap (3 oz. and up)
  • 1 toothbrush (single brushes only in original wrapper, No child-size brushes)
  • 6 adhesive plastic strip sterile bandages
Important Kit Assembly Information
  • All items included in kits must be NEW items.
  • All emergency kits are carefully planned to make them usable in the greatest number of situations. Since strict rules often govern product entry into international countries, it is important that kits contain only the requested items-nothing more.
  • Do NOT include any personal notes, money or additional materials in the kits. These things must be painstakingly removed and will delay the shipment.
Filed Under: Couples, Couples, Families, Families With Children, FHE Lessons for All, Newlyweds, Newlyweds, Service Project Ideas, Single Groups