Helping Families Come unto Christ

In General Conference we were challenged to watch and use the new priesthood videos in our wards and to teach our families.  As I have 4 boys of my own to prepare for the priesthood, I took this to heart and have been trying to plan some family home evenings on the subject.  In Stake Conference President Soutworth shared that if children do not have a foundation of the gospel and a budding tetimony by the time they leave primary, it is too late.  We as a Stake Primary just today offered a training on how to take a boy from cub scout to Missionary. "You have four years to make a difference" Tanya Yancey. It was a very inspiring meeting. 

 

As leaders in Primary it is your job to help families come unto Christ.  It is your calling to help children recognize and feel the Spirit.  It is within your power to help children understand that they do have a testimony of the gospel.   Through primary, activity day meetings, cub scout meetings and other activities you help families prepare children to be, "Exemplary men and women, real servants of the Lord, prepared to teach the gospel by precept and example throughout their mortal lives."  Russel M.  Nelson (Preparing Future Missionaries Priesthood Training Video)

 

http://www.lds.org/training/wwlt/2013/preparing-future-missionaries?lang=eng

 

 

I hope you all can find some ways to use these priesthood training videos in your homes, and with your Primary.  Children will honor the priesthood and priesthood leaders if they see you honor and respect those that are worthy to hold this special power from God.

 

http://weeklyteachingmoments.blogspot.com/

 

 

Enjoy this beautiful weather!!

 

Autumn McClellan

Arlington Stake Primary

First Counselor

Pray for Abilities Equal to the Task

I was given an assignment within my calling that was out of my comfort zone and a bit beyond my abilities.  The size of the assignment was really overwhelming to me and as the due date got closer, my anxiety increased.  I found myself procrastinating the preparations and then agonized over the results of my choices.  I needed some help!  I decided the best way to handle this was to pray and fast and seek a priesthood blessing from my husband.  When this decision was made, I was reminded of a talk from Pres. Monson I had listened to earlier in the week.  He said:

 “My dear sisters, do not pray for tasks equal to your abilities, but pray for abilities equal to your tasks. Then the performance of your tasks will be no miracle, but you will be the miracle.”

            -President Thomas S. Monson

http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2007/10/three-goals-to-guide-you?lang=eng

What wise council President Monson gave.  We know with God nothing is impossible.   When we are asked to do something, God has already prepared the way for it to be accomplished.  I can assure you that I have been praying for abilities to match this assignment and can feel His guidance in my preparations.    

Have a great week!

Elise

 

Elise Simbeck

Stake Primary Presidency

2^nd Counselor

http://weeklyteachingmoments.blogspot.com/

The Ripple Effect

I was talking with an acquaintance Thursday evening at my children's school just before heading off to our Ward's Relief Society activity.  It was time to leave and I wanted to keep talking to her, but also wanted to get to the activity on time.  I just blurted out "Would you like to go to Relief Society with me?"   After I explained what that was, she was very eager to attend.  She followed me to the church where we continued our talk over dinner and (although I'm embarrassed to admit) throughout the lesson too!  She told me how things were for her when she grew up.  She explained that she left home when she was 15 to try to give herself a better life.  She felt that even with the hard road to she traveled, it was better than staying at home.  She is now a single mom and wants to make sure she gives her children a better life. I told her that she already was and I could see the values she had taught her daughter. I explained how her daughter could build upon what she was taught and do better for her children. 

We cannot see the ripple effect that our actions will bring.  Whether it be at our homes or in Primary, there will be a ripple effect if we choose ...or don't choose... to start it. 

  

"Like the expanding circles our pebbles made on Jackson Lake, the actions of righteous women ripple on and on through time and space and even generations. These righteous actions come from our understanding of the divine mission of Jesus Christ, our knowledge of the gospel plan, our obedience to eternal commandments, and our work in this, the kingdom of God on earth."  -Virginia U. Jensen, October 2000       http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2000/10/ripples?lang=eng

P.S. Your Primary ripples are and will continue to be beautiful!!

  

Don't forget our blogspot! http://weeklyteachingmoments.blogspot.com/

Elise Simbeck

Arlington Stake Primary

Second Counselor

I Learned it in Primary!

Knowing there would be many wonderful things expressed today, I knew my thought this week would come from Stake Conference.  This morning, I was very excited to hear the talks.  I had my paper and pen in hand ready to write and record my thoughts and hopefully a bit of inspiration too!!   As each talk was given, I listened intently.  The meeting seemed to end barely after it started and still not knowing what message I would send today, I reviewed my notes.   Here's a very brief synopsis of what I recorded:

 

• Read my scriptures.
• Set a good example.
• Prepare today for my future endeavors, whether they be a mission or a
  bike ride!
• The Plan of Salvation.
• Attend the temple.
• Repent and keep my life
  pure

I realized that the instruction I received today, I had learned in Primary years ago too!

 

Wow, do we have a great responsibility! We, as Primary Leaders and teachers, are helping to lay a basic gospel foundation for the beautiful children we serve in our primaries.  Thank you for all that you do, the time you spend and the spirit you bring to Primary. 

 

Today I also say "Thank you" to all of my Primary teachers who loved me and taught me the gospel.

 

Elise Simbeck

Arlington Stake Primary

Second Counselor

 

Priesthood

I was in Gospel Principle Class a couple weeks ago and we had an interesting conversation with an older gentleman who is a new convert.  The conversation went something like this. 

-Convert:  “How is it that I am asked to call these young men(the missionaries) “Elders” and how is it they have the knowledge and authority to teach me who am many years their senior?”

-The Elders shook their shoulders not knowing what to say. 

-My hand came up enthusiastically in part in an attempt to rescue them, but also with a divine truth, “I know why they have the knowledge to teach you, because they went to Primary!”

There are other factors, but in my heart the answer was clear, that these dear young missionaries had been taught all that they needed to know about the Plan of Salvation when they were young children and those basic principles of the Gospel are Eternal and simple. 

Another reason these young men can teach is that they are set apart and called by the Holy Priesthood of God which is the power to act in Gods behalf on earth.  The covenants we make, beginning when we are eight, are given to us by the Priesthood.  “These covenants and associated ordinances unlock the power of the atonement in our lives.” 

Please take time in your families and presidencies to study the following brief videos, asking yourselves the question, “How can I use the power of the priesthood more to bless my family?  How can I utilize the priesthood to bless those in my stewardship?”

Worldwide Leadership Training - Strengthening the Family and the Church through the Priesthood   http://www.lds.org/training/wwlt/2013?lang=eng

I am so thankful for priesthood power in my life and for the blessings I receive daily because of the ordinances I have had and my righteous desire to keep the covenants I have made.  Our Heavenly Father loves us and wants to bless us through His Priesthood Power on earth.

Tanya Yancey

Arlington Stake Primary President

http://weeklyteachingmoments.blogspot.com

Faith In God

How do we encourage parents to do the Faith in God Program with their children? This is the question I wanted to answer. So, I started looking on the church website for ideas, messages, quotes etc. I came across a talk from Robert D. Hale from April 2010 titled “Our Duty to God: The Mission of Parents and Leaders to the Rising Generation”.

He states:
“Recently I heard a mother recount how she had helped her first three daughters complete their Personal Progress requirements by doing what was expected—staying informed and signing off projects. Then she tenderly explained, tears flowing down her cheek, “Recently I have been working with my fourth daughter by actually doing her projects with her. It has made all the difference in our lives and our relationship. But oh, what sadness I feel when I realize what I lost by not doing this with my other three daughters.” The saddest words of tongue and pen are those that say, “It might have been!”1

Adult members of the Church should understand that Personal Progress and Duty to God requirements are not just lengthy lists of items to check off. They are personal goals set by each young man and young woman to help them become worthy to receive temple ordinances, serve missions, enter into eternal marriage, and enjoy exaltation. But let it be understood: for young men and young women to try to accomplish these goals alone would be a great loss and tragedy!

Fathers, mothers, and leaders of youth, we urge you to participate in Personal Progress and Duty to God with your children and with the youth. Not only will they grow; you will grow too. And just as importantly, you will grow together in a bond of faith and friendship that will allow you to strengthen each other and stay on the gospel path forever, to indeed be an eternal family.

This is how we can, as leaders, help our parents in our wards do the Faith in God Program with their own children. We can first do the Faith in God program with those that we have stewardship over whether it is our children or our grandchildren. By doing this it sets an example for the other parents. We personally grow and gain insight. We more fully understand the importance of the program and can more easily implement it into our Primary. It will be on our minds and in our hearts as we do our callings.

How can we encourage our parents do the Faith in God program with their children? We can encourage them by doing the Faith in God program with our children.

For the entire talk:
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/04/our-duty-to-god-the-mission-of-parents-and-leaders-to-the-rising-generation?lang=eng

 

Elise

Elise Simbeck

Stake Primary Presidency

Second Counselor

Sunday Conducting Agenda

As directed by the Primary President, the Secretary can prepare the weekly Sunday conducting agenda. The sample agenda below has all of the information necessary for the Presidency to conduct and as it is prepared ahead of time this allows the Presidency to assist the teachers and meet other needs of the children.

Note that on this agenda is a small talk written out and the scripure so that if a child forgets their assignment all the information is listed on the agenda for the Sister conducting.

This sample agenda was given to us by the Arlington 3rd Ward Primary Presidency

Primary Conducting Agenda

             Conducting:                                          Date:  March 17, 2013

JUNIOR Primary

      

10:15   Prelude Music:                     

10:20   Opening Song:                     

            Opening Prayer:                  

Welcome Visitors/Announcements

     BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK   

10:25   Scripture:                               

            Article of Faith:                      ( #4 )

            Talk:                                      

SCRIPTURE – “Hearken ye to these words.Behold, I am Jesus Christ,

the Savior of the world” (D&C 43:34).

TALK – March, Friend 2013.  Let us love one another: for love is of God (1 John 4:7)

“I will honor my parents and do my part to strengthen my family.”

10:30   SHARING TIME:                   

10:45   SINGING TIME:                   

11:05   Junior dismiss to class

SENIOR Primary

11:10   Reverent Music/Transition

Welcome Visitors/Announcements

     BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK   

11:15   SINGING TIME:                    

11:35   SHARING TIME:                 

11:50   Scripture:                              

            Article of Faith:                     ( #4 )

            Talk:                                      

SCRIPTURE – “Hearken ye to these words.Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world” (D&C 43:34).

TALK – Why Is Jesus so important to us? March, Friend 2013

                                   

He is our Creator.

He gave priesthood power to His Apostles and to others.

His teachings light our path and show us the way back to Heavenly Father.

The Atonement of Jesus Christ gives us the opportunity to have the blessings of eternal life.

Through His Resurrection, we will live again.

This is the most important knowledge on earth. The Holy Ghost has revealed it to me, and He will reveal it to you.

11:58   Closing Song:                        

            Closing Prayer: