Deseret Book

Packet #070405

Family Home Evening Materials

Theme: 4th Article of Faith

5 tips for successful Family Home Evenings

1. Pray. Pray about the needs of your family as you consider topics for home evenings, and pray as you prepare. 3. Involvement. Involve everyone in the family; help little children take part.

2. Prioritize. Make Family Home Evening a priority; learn to say no to other activities. 4. Commitment. Be committed and be consistent. Set a designated time and stick to it. Holding Family Home Evening on a weekly basis takes dedication and planning on the part of all family members. 5. Relax and enjoy it. The most important thing your children will remember is the spirit they feel in your family home evenings and activities. Be sure the atmosphere is one of love, understanding, and enjoyment.

4th Article of Faith

Thought: [We] are given the four requirements . . . which are essential to membership in Christs Church: viz., faith, repentance, baptism, and the reception of the Holy Ghost. . . . There are many roads being pointed out as leading to the kingdom of God, but there is only one gate through which entrance and citizenship therein may be obtained. Christ plainly pointed this out when he was among men; and he has again revealed it through the Prophet Joseph Smith. The way is simple and easy to find.
(Compiled by Mary Jane Woodger, The Teachings of David O. McKay, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2004], p. 21.)

Purpose: To help our family better understand the Fourth Article of Faith. Song: The Fourth Article of Faith Childrens Songbook, 124.

Scripture: We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
(Article of Faith 1:4)

Lesson:
The Fourth Article of Faith tells us that we believe in certain principles and ordinances. Principles are teachings that come from God. Gods principles are true. They show things we must do to live with our Heavenly Father. Ordinances are things we do when we live Gods principles. Draw a line to match these: Principles Ordinances things we do teachings from God

Make a list of the Principles in the Fourth Article of Faith. Make a list of the Ordinances in the Fourth Article of Faith.
(Ann Laemmlen an d Jackie Owen, Articles of Faith Learning Book, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1990], p. 41.)

Story:

He Rode His Bike to Church

(Trisha Coffman)

Marcus was just three years old when LDS missionaries knocked on his familys door. His older brother, who was eighteen, became interested in the Church, decided to be baptized, and began taking Marcus to church with him every Sunday. A couple of years later the brother married and moved away, but Marcus still attended church on his own, eager to learn all that he was being taught in Primary about a Heavenly Father and his Son, Jesus Christ. One night, five-year-old Marcus woke up in the middle of the night, overcome by horrible feelings. He struggled, but felt unable to move and found it impossible to go back to sleep. He was very afraid, but recalling the things he had learned in church concerning prayer, Marcus prayed, closing in the name of Jesus Christ, as hed been taught. The instant he said those words aloud, the fearful feelings that had paralyzed him fled. This was Marcuss first experience with testimony and the strength of the Spirit. That night, by calling out in prayer, he gained a testimony of the power of prayer. He knew then of a surety that he had a Heavenly Father who was real and who loved him, that Christ was real, and that Jesus name was sacred and held immense and marvelous power. It was this first testimony that urged Marcus to church every week on his own. In attending all by himself as he did, he showed himself to be another kind of hero. He was only kindergarten age, but he rode his bike to church each Sunday because he knew that was what Heavenly Father wanted him to do. Week after week he wentgetting himself ready, going out to his bike, and riding off to the church by himself, never missing, never failing. When Marcus turned eight, he wanted to be baptized. He pleaded repeatedly with his mother to allow him to join the Church, but she steadfastly refused to give him permission. A few years later he finally stopped attending his meetings and made some new friends who didnt encourage him in good choices. But soon Marcus decided he missed having the gospel as a part of his life and returned to church. Again he had no support from home. Again he got himself up, ready, and out of the house. Again he rode his bike to church faithfully, week after week, never missing. Finally his mom realized the effect for good the church was having on her son, and around his thirteenth birthday she agreed at last to let him be baptized. The night of his baptism, Marcus once again climbed on his bike, now a white ten-speed, to ride to the church. As always before, it was his own responsibility to get himself to the meetinghouse. It was a rainy Saturday night in the summer, and as Marcus rode in the storm, he was suddenly hit by a car and thrown from his bike. He strongly felt that something evil was trying to keep him from joining the Churchthe same source of opposition that had succeeded in keeping him from baptism for the previous five years. With no apparent injuries, he jumped back on his now-bent bicycle and continued on to the church. There he saw an entire chapel filled with supportive ward members, all there for Marcus, who had been coming to church on his own for so many years. Throughout his life, Marcus has remembered the night when, as a small boy, he was able, through prayer, to chase away the feelings of fear that had awakened him, an experience he feels was meant to keep him away from the gospel. Instead, the experience gave him a testimony and a lifelong dedication to pursuing the work of his Heavenly Father.
(Jay Parry, editor, Everyday Heroes, [Salt Lake City: Eagle Gate, 2002], p. 102-104.)

Activity:

On a large sheet of paper, draw eight squares. Print one of the following scriptures in each box. D&C 58:42 3 Nephi 11:33 Matthew 4:17 John 14:26 Helaman 5:47 2 Nephi 31:8 Alma 32:21 2 Nephi 31:5 Find the scriptures in the boxes. If the scripture is about faith, color the box red. If the scripture is about repentance color the box blue. If the scripture is about baptism, color the box green. If the scripture is about the Holy Ghost, color the box yellow.
(Ann Laemmlen and Jackie Owen, Articles of Faith Learning Book, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1990], p. 56.)

Have your family answer the following TRUE or FALSE questions : 1. You make promises when you are baptized. 2. Someone who is eight years old may be baptized. 3. Anyone can perform baptisms. 4. A person who is being baptized does not have to go all the way under the water. 5. Your little brother who is five years old may be baptized. 6. You do not need to repent before you are baptized. Invite nonmember friends or neighbors to a Family Home Evening. Teach them what you know about the Fourth Article of Faith.

Extras:

Scottys Favorite Family Home Evening Treat 1 1 2 6 1 1

Refreshment

cube margarine melted cup brown sugar cups Rice Krispies graham crackers, crushed into fine crumbs container whipped topping (9-ounce size) package instant chocolate pudding (3.75-ounce size)

Mix margarine, brown sugar, Rice Krispies, and graham cracker crumbs together. Spread in a 9-inch by 13-inch pan and pat firmly. Mix pudding powder and whipped topping until the pudding is mixed in well. Spread topping over cracker mixture. (If topping is hard to spread, dip round end of a spoon into hot water and spread.) Put into freezer for two hours. Before serving, sprinkle with chocolate cookie decorations and cut into squares.
(Karla C. Erickson, Kids in the Kitchen, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1980], p. 32.)

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