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President's Message: Coleen K. MenloveFall 2002 Open House |
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Wonderful things are happening this year for children, families, and Primary leaders as we focus on the 2002 theme, "The Temple--I'm Going There Someday." Events, such as the dedication of seven new temples, the rebuilding and dedication of the Nauvoo Illinois Temple, and the opportunity to hear the prophet bear testimony of temple work have strengthened our desire to follow the prophet to the temple. We have a heightened awareness of the importance of teaching and testifying of the sacred, holy house of the Lord. We have experienced a rich outpouring of the Spirit. Primary children worldwide have had an opportunity to learn more about the blessings of the temple and to have a desire to be part of an eternal family. "I BELONG TO THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS" Recently a ward Primary president said that when her bishop gave her the 2003 Outline for Sharing Time and the Children's Sacrament Meeting Presentation: I Belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she took it, held it close to her, and told her bishop it was just like Christmas coming early. You, too, may have felt great enthusiasm and joy when you received the 2003 outline for sharing time. We do not know now all that will unfold in the year 2003, but from past experience and a witness from the Spirit, we can come to know that this theme will be timely and important for the children in our homes and in our Primaries. What do we want to happen for Primary children in 2003? What do we want to happen for Primary children in 2003? A better question might be, what is it the Lord wants His children to experience next year so they will gain strong, enduring testimonies in preparation to return home to live with Him someday? Primary supports the family in teaching children the truths of the restored gospel. All of Heavenly Father's children can come to know who they are, what they are to do, and who they can become. As children gain an understanding of the "great plan of happiness" they will have a foundation for their developing testimonies and be prepared to return to their heavenly home. Recently I went to San Diego to be with my daughter and son-in-law after the birth of their second child. My daughter and her husband enjoyed their time together at the hospital getting to know their new son, while I cared for their three-year-old daughter, Jasmine. Jasmine and I made three trips to the hospital to visit her new baby brother and her parents. I had been given verbal instructions from my son-in-law on how to get on the freeway, where to get off, where to turn right, left, left and then right, and where to park. That sounded easy enough, but I was unfamiliar with the area and some of the landmarks. I struggled a little getting there the first time, and then became temporarily lost on the return trip home. Jasmine was tired and hungry. She wanted to go directly home--fast, and she knew enough to realize that I was not on the right street to get to her house. When we finally arrived home, she let me know I should have looked for the temple, because her house is near the San Diego Temple. The next day, as I was getting ready to take Jasmine back to the hospital for another visit, she came out of her room and said, "Grandma Dear, I have drawn you a map so you will know how to get back home without getting lost." I was impressed with her desire to help and her efforts to make the return trip easier for me. You can imagine what she had drawn in the middle of the map--a picture of the temple. We all need to know the way back home. The teachings and priesthood ordinances of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provide the map to guide us back to our heavenly home. As the children have learned this year, the temple is an essential part of the map. The words found on the cover of the Achievement Days booklet help children understand in their minds and in their hearts their relationship with Heavenly Father. "I am a child of God. I know Heavenly Father loves me and I love Him. I can pray to Heavenly Father anytime, anywhere. I am trying to follow Jesus". As the children gain a conviction of the truth of these words, they will have a foundation for their developing testimony of Jesus Christ and the blessings of being a member of His Church -- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Name of The Church The name of the Church was given by revelation. In the Doctrine and Covenants we read, "For thus shall my church be called in the last days, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." Recently I heard someone say we would have a better understanding of what it means to belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints if we wrote the name of the Church at the top of a piece of paper and drew columns below each word. In the columns we could write a scriptural reference to help us better understand each word and its importance. At the bottom of the columns, write the words "I belong" and a sentence describing what it means to belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This would be a helpful activity to do as an individual learning experience, a family home evening, or even as a sharing time over a period of a few weeks. Much of our understanding about each of the words in the name of the church comes from the scriptures. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could sit down together at the kitchen table, with our scriptures before us, and study the meaning of each word in the name of the Church. I would like to suggest a few scriptures that might be helpful, but there will be others that come to your mind as you ponder each word. Let's start with the capitalized word The. When asked, "What does it mean to belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?" an eight-year-old boy said, "It means you're a member and go to the right church." The word The means the only true Church. In 2 Nephi 28, we read, "For it shall come to pass in that day that the churches which are built up, and not unto the Lord, when the one shall say unto the other: Behold, I, I am the Lord's, and the others shall say: I, I am the Lord's; and thus shall every one say that hath built up churches, and not unto the Lord." In Joseph Smith's account of his First Vision we read, "I asked the Personages who stood above me in the light, which of all the sects was right....I was answered that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong." We can all know, through the power of the Holy Ghost, that there is only one true Church--The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Although the Church provides guidance for a moral life that is rich with happiness, it is more than a great teacher and builder of values. President Gordon B. Hinckley testifies that "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was established to bring us nearer to God our Father and the risen Lord. It was established as the repository of the keys and authority of the everlasting priesthood, which has come again under the hands of those who received it from the Lord Himself....It is the only power under the heavens that reaches beyond the veil of death." In 3 Nephi we receive this promise, And if it so be that the church is built upon my gospel then will the Father show forth his own works in it." To the Nephites Jesus Christ said, "And how be it my church save it be called in my name?...If it be called in my name then it is my church, if it so be that they are built upon my gospel." The verses that follow contain a testimony by the Savior of the gospel and of His mission. We believe in Jesus Christ. "We believe in doing what He taught. We believe in Him as the Savior and Lord of all mankind, and as the head of the Church He has organized, a Church directed by prophets and apostles that He has called." President Hinckley testified, "He who stands at [the Church's] head is the Lord Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of the world. It is the church of the Almighty that carries the name of His divine Son. Its earthly leaders are those who are called of God under a plan that He has put in place." When we are baptized, we take the name of Christ upon us, and during the Sacrament we renew that covenant and promise to "always remember Him." We know that "There is no other name given whereby salvation cometh; therefore, I would that ye should take upon you the name of Christ, all you that have entered into the covenant with God." To Thomas, Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." In D&C we read that April 6, 1830, was "...the precise day upon which, according to his will and commandment, we should proceed to organize his Church once more here upon the earth." President Hinckley has declared, "This is the dispensation of the fullness of times when all of previous dispensations [have] been restored and added to in this dispensation." We can receive a witness of the importance of latter-day revelations through a prophet of God. President Hinckley states, "God has revealed Himself to men, that He has spoken and introduced His beloved Son. There can be no greater declaration than this." The children we teach are being prepared to receive the "everlasting covenant." These children on the latter days can receive all the promises that God has made or will make with men and women on this earth. They enter into this covenant through faith, repentance, and baptism, and continue in the covenant through obedience to gospel principles, later receiving the higher covenants of the temple. Elder Henry B. Eyring reminds us, "We have another advantage as Latter-day Saints. We know that a loving Father has allowed us to live in a time when Jesus Christ has called prophets and others to serve as judges in Israel. Because of this we listen to a prophet's voice." The restoration of the church ushered in the fullness of the gospel, including priesthood ordinances, the divine organization, and the teachings of the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. We are profoundly blessed to live in these latter days and to belong to His restored Church. When I was on assignment in Nigeria, the Church's public affairs office arranged an interview with a reporter from a local paper. Doing his job in the style of a probing reporter, he asked, "What do you mean by calling yourselves Saints? Are you saying that all members of your Church are Saints?" Think how you might answer these questions. When Jesus Christ was upon the earth, those who followed Him were called Saints because they desired to learn of and live the teachings of Jesus. In these latter days, members of the Church commit to do as the Saints did during the time of Jesus: They are faithful to the principles and ordinances of the gospel, including faith, repentance and baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. King Benjamin explained, "For the natural man is an enemy to God,...unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord." We put off the natural man and become saints by repenting daily and faithfully living the gospel principles taught in His Church. What Does It Mean To Belong To The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints? When some children were asked what it means to belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, they responded with the following comments: "It's a belief in Christ and that He lived and died for us." "You're not doing it because your mom made you. You're a member and you go to the right church." "It means happiness and security. You believe in Heavenly Father, and He is true." "It means belonging with Heavenly Father and Jesus." These are insightful and important responses. They reflect that children of Primary age are capable of understanding and living the significant teachings of the gospel, and that they do not regard their membership in the Church lightly. To belong to a community of Saints is a sacred opportunity that brings responsibilities and blessings. Children will come to know the commitment required of members of the Church. The words of Alma will be important, "Ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another's burdens, that they may be light; Yea, and are willing to mourn with those; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places." Belonging to the Church means, among other things, that we are willing to gather often in our meetings, accept callings, and serve one another. President Gordon B. Hinckley told the saints in Texas, "Our membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a precious thing. It isn't a simple or ordinary thing; this is the Church and kingdom of God. This is the Kingdom of God on earth. This is His work in which we are engaged, and there is no more important work in all the world than this work. It concerns the eternal salvation of the sons and daughters of God." Children are perceptive. They can sense our commitment and honest striving. We can only effectively teach what we believe, feel, and do. Our lives must be based upon the principles included in the revealed name The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It will be our exemplary lives that will invite the Spirit to testify to the children in our homes and in our Primaries. WHAT DOES THE CHURCH EXPECT OF EACH OF US? An important word in the theme for the next year is I. The gospel is personal and individual. We are given a name and a blessing one by one. We are baptized and receive other ordinances one by one. Even after receiving the new and everlasting covenant of marriage in the temple, we are individually accountable to keep our covenants. The word I will be an important part of what you teach next year. In fact, the statement, "I'll Follow Him in Faith," will be the theme for a special satellite broadcast for children, originating from the Conference Center on February 8, 2003. A letter announcing the broadcast has been sent to stake presidents and bishops. This special broadcast will be part of the 125th celebration of the organization of Primary. Primary children ages seven through eleven, their parents, and their Primary leaders will have an opportunity to attend the broadcast at their stake centers. The children will hear a message from a member of the First Presidency, feel the importance of following the Savior, and understand the commitment and joy of being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. What does the Church expect of each of us? The Savior said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, this is my gospel; and ye know the things that ye must do in my church." Jesus Christ is our example of doing the Father's will, "Behold I have given unto you my gospel, and this is the gospel which I have given unto you -- that I came into the world to do the will of my Father, because my Father sent me." Elder Henry B. Eyring reminds us, "The plan of salvation is marked by covenants. We promise to obey Heavenly Father's commandments. In return, He promises blessings in this life and for eternity. He is exact in what He requires, and He is perfect in keeping His word. Because He loves us and because the purpose of the plan is to become like Him, He requires exactness of us. And the promises He makes to us always include the power to grow in our capacity to keep covenants." President Hinckley told the Saints in Thailand, "The Lord expects so very much of you members [of the Church]. He expects that you will live the gospel, that you will keep the commandments, that you will be men and women of honesty and integrity and faith,....The time to begin living the gospel is now.....Be Latter-day Saints." The early years of childhood are an important time for children to learn the responsibilities and blessings of being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I want to focus on four areas in which Primary leaders can assist parents in teaching children to "come unto Christ." THese areas are: teach children to know the doctrine -- the Articles of Faith, prepare children to be baptized, assist children in living the gospel standards and encourage children to share the gospel. The Articles of Faith are a statement of some of the principles and doctrines that distinguish us from other Christian religions. Primary children are asked to commit to memory the Articles of Faith. President Monson asks, "Can you think of a more firm foundation, a more basic philosophy to guide any of us than the Articles of Faith?" Some children were asked, "How can memorizing the Articles of Faith help you?" Jonathan, age ten, said, "Well, when you have a problem on something, it's easier, instead of just reading them. It's faster because you don't have to go back and read it all over." An eight-year-old girl said, 'They help you believe in God." Another child said, "They help you be a good member of the Church and pass off the Gospel in Action Award." A boy, ten years old, said, "They are good to know because you can remember and do what they say." The Articles of Faith state doctrine and also direct behavior. In a devotional at BYU, President Hinckley responded to the question, "What does the Church expect of each of us?" by quoting part of the thirteenth article of faith, "We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men." In 3 Nephi we read, "And they who were baptized in the name of Jesus were called the church of Christ." Parents have the responsibility to teach and prepare their children for the sacred covenant of baptism. The baptismal interview by the bishop gives children an opportunity to answer questions and share their feelings about membership in the Church. It is helpful for Primary leaders to be aware of the focus of these questions as they assist parents and priesthood leaders in preparing children to understand the covenant of baptism. Children are asked to respond to their beliefs about the following: - God, our Eternal Father -Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Savior and Redeemer of the world -Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ through the Prophet Joseph Smith -President of the Church as a prophet of God Are they willing to take upon themselves the name of Christ and keep His commandments throughout their life when they are baptized? Are they ready to make this covenant and strive to be faithful to it? In Mosiah we read Alma's words,"...and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people,...what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord...And now when the people had heard these words, they clapped their hands for joy, and exclaimed: This is the desire of our hearts." Each child that is baptized has an opportunity to feel the joy of making and keeping commitments. Two of the questions in the baptismal interview are directed at living the standards of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The questions specifically mention: -The law of tithing. -The Word of Wisdom. -The Sabbath day, including partaking of the sacrament weekly and rendering service to fellow members. Those being baptized are asked if they understand the standards and if they are willing to obey them. Recently over thirty children, ages eight through eleven years old, were asked the following question: "How does having a set of standards such as 'My Gospel Standards' help you?" Most of the children interviewed did not know the meaning of the word "standard" and could not remember hearing about "My Gospel Standards." The answers ranged from "Don't Know," "I haven't really heard of them" to "They're sort of like the Articles of Faith. They help you be a better person and know what to do." One child did say, "I don't know what 'My Gospel Standards' are, but if you don't have any rules, it's pretty hard to do stuff." As parents and Primary leaders, we will bless the lives of children when we teach them what the gospel standards are and testify to the importance of living them. In order for children to respond to a baptismal interview question about Church standards and become a member of the Church, they will need to know, accept, and live the standards of the Church. Primary leaders can assist parents by helping children in Primary know and choose the right. Children need to know the adversary is real and that they can expect resistance in their efforts to be a worthy member of the Church. They need to know that with faith and obedience the adversary can be overcome. When Primary children ages eight through eleven were asked, "How can you help others know about the Church?" they responded with the following: "Be nice. Be an example." "If [friends] ask questions, take them to church or Primary." "You can invite friends to church. You can say 'you can go to class with me.'" "Tell them the gospel is very important and you hope that they can learn it." One boy said, "Go on a mission and teach about Heavenly Father." Another child said, "Bring them to Primary Activities," and a boy said, "Tell them about our church, but ask them about theirs, too." A girl, just five years old, said, "If a friend is not a Mormon, tell my dad who is the ward mission leader to go teach them!" A desire to share the joy of the gospel comes naturally when the Church is in our hearts. Remember, when you teach and bear testimony to the children in your Primaries, others are listening. Teachers need to hear your witness. Stake leaders, when you visit wards, your leadership meetings, and when you are asked to orient new ward Primary presidencies, bear your testimony of the blessings of your calling; testify that their callings will give them opportunities for growth and blessings. WHERE IS THE CHURCH? At a BYU devotional, Elder James E. Faust shared an experience we can keep in mind as we begin the 2003 Primary year and focus on the theme "I Belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." He was walking near the Salt Lake Temple when a car with an out-of-state license plate pulled over and the driver asked, "Where is the church of the Mormons?" He assumed they were looking for a place or a building, so he pointed out the Church Office Building, The Church Administration Building, the magnificent temple and the historic Tabernacle, most of which were visible from their car. They thanked him and drove off. Then Elder Faust asked those attending the devotional, "Where is the Church?" Is the Church in our buildings, our beautiful chapels, our sacared temples? His reply to these questions was that our buildings are only "the exquisite containers for the pearls of great price administered therein by the priesthood of God." The next question and reply was, "Is the Church then in our families? We are getting close to the correct answer...In a sense a family can foster the teachings of the Savior better than any other institution. In large measure the Church exists to strengthen families. "So the family is and must always be an important part of the Church. But the Lord's kingdom ultimately must be found in our own heart." In Luke the Lord said, "For, behold, the kingdom of God is within you," and in Jeremiah, chapter 31, the Lord says, "I will put my law in their inward parts and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people." We will fall short if we teach only morals and provide activities in Primary. We will fall short of what must be our goal--to help children have faith in Christ, to turn to Him for salvation. For it is He, not us, that will write His law in their hearts. Elder Faust concluded with these words, "So The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is in our heart of hearts, and, when it is in our hearts as individuals, it will also be in our great buildings of worship,...in our magnificent temples, and it will also be in our homes and families." CONCLUSION We began with the question, "What is it the Lord wants His children to experience this next year so they will gain strong, enduring testimonies in preparation to return home to live with Him someday?" Perhaps this question can be answered by the scripture which is on the cover of the outline: "Now, what do we hear in the gospel which we have received? A voice of gladness!" Prepare with the end in mind. "Men are, that they might have joy." Each child in Primary can have eternal joy as we strive to follow the map the gospel of Jesus Christ provides through the Church. The great plan of happiness we teach and testify of is a "voice of gladness," for today and for eternity. This is what we want children to know, feel and do in the year 2003. Thank you for the conviction you carry in your hearts concerning the reality of God, our Eternal Fahter, and His Beloved Son, The Lord Jesus Christ, and for your witness and testimony of the living prophet. Thank you for the conviction with which you testify to the children concerning your membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. |
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