What's up this week?

Thought of the Week

"The Lord is in all of our lives. He loves us. He wants to bless us. He wants us to seek His help. As He guides us and directs us and as He hears and answers our prayers, we will find the happiness here and now that He desires for us."
—Thomas S. Monson, "Consider the Blessings"
 
Sunday-School Lesson Review/Preview

12-13 year old class

Review
Last week we opened the class asking who had looked at the hyms this week to see hyms that taught about the plan of salvation in preperation for siter McDowell's up comming lesson. We discussed the role of agency in learning the gospel. We discussed James 1:22 and how we should be doers of the word.We discussed D&C 50:24 When we receive truth and act on it, we receive more truth and we discussed where to find this light in good books and even in modern day scripture like the Ensign, New Era and so on.

We challenged the class to read and study the scriptures and find an area of their testimony they wanted to work on or improve on. 
Preview

"How can I use church music to learn about the plan of salvation".

https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/ss/plan-of-salvation/others?lang=eng

The kids were asked to come to class prepared with a hymn that they've found on their own, that teaches something about the
plan of salvation. We will discuss what they found and how their findings can strengthen their testimonies of the plan.
We will discuss the importance of music in our worship, and how appropriate music can bring us closer to the spirit.

14-15 Year old class

https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/ss/plan-of-salvation/others?lang=eng

Review/Preview
Our lesson is in two parts around music and church songs.  This week we talked about the role that music plays in our ability to worship.  We looked at a few scriptures that reference the role of music throughout the gospel.  It has been used to worship, teach and celebrate.  We talked about how it can influence you and what kind of events are associated with the messages of modern selections of music.
 
 Each member explained how they select and enjoy music in their homes.  There are a range of ways that class members listen to music and what level parents play in allowing music into the home.  
 
Class members left with the challenge to connect their music choices and personal agency into the discussion.  
 
We will look at both hymns and songs from primary that class members can read and interpret with the focus on how music helps to support gospel principles and build us up closer to the Lord.
 
16-18 year old class

Review
16-18 yo class discussed how music can teach us about the plan of salvation. We used hymn numbers 292, O My Father as an example. We sang it as a class and the youth pointed out all the things the hymn teaches us.

We read the First Presidency message in the hymn book as a class and discussed the importance and power of good music in our lives.

The challenge this week is for each youth come to class next week ready to share what hymns (one or two) they will choose to think of to drown out any unkind or unworthy thoughts should they arise.   To go the extra mile, they were encouraged to start memorizing hymns and learning them on musical instruments.
Preview
Outline: Why is teaching the gospel important in the Plan of Salvation?
https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/ss/plan-of-salvation/teaching?lang=eng
 
We will discuss the role of gospel teaching in the plan on salvation.  
 
We will also discuss opportunities class members have to teach gospel principles as well as ways we can better teach by the Spirit.
 
Gospel Doctrine 

Review

Lesson 5: “This Is the Spirit of Revelation”

 “Continuous revelation from God to his saints…makes possible daily guidance along true paths and leads the faithful soul to complete and eternal salvation in the celestial kingdom… Without revelation, all would be guesswork, darkness, and confusion.”  (Bible Dictionary, p. 762)
Question: What is revelation?

Six steps to take us from confusion to revelation.

1. Study the matter in your mind
2. Ponder on the scriptures and words of prophets
3. Inquire of the Lord in faith
4. Be obedient and serve God
5. Be meek and humble
6. Focus on the things of God rather than the things of the world

Preview

Lesson 6

“I Will Tell You in Your Mind and in Your Heart, by the Holy Ghost”

29–34

 
The scriptures teach a variety of ways in which we can receive communication by the spirit.

D&C 8:2-3—I will tell you in your mind and in your heart

1 Sam. 3:4,5,10—An audible voice

D&C 6:22,23—The Spirit speaks (gives) peace

D&C 11:12—The Spirit leads to do good

D&C 11:12—The Spirit leads to walk humbly

D&C 11:12—The Spirit leads us to judge righteously

D&C 11:13—My spirit will “fill your soul with joy.”

D&C 9:7-9—The Spirit can cause our hearts to burn or give us a stupor of thought

Elder Oaks spoke of D&C 9:7-9 as follows:

This may be one of the most important and misunderstood teachings in all the Doctrine and Covenants. The teachings of the Spirit often come as feelings. That fact is of the utmost importance, yet some misunderstand what it means. I have met persons who told me they have never had a witness from the Holy Ghost because they have never felt their bosom “burn within” them.

Enos 1:10—A voice might speak in our mind

2. Cautions about personal revelation

 Doctrine and Covenants 109:44. (We should pray that the Lord’s will be done—and be willing to submit our will to His.) See also Matthew 6:10.

Doctrine and Covenants 88:68. (We should remember that revelation will come in the Lord’s own time and way.)

Doctrine and Covenants 28:2, 6–7; 43:2–4. (We receive revelation according to our stewardship and responsibilities.)

Doctrine and Covenants 11:12–14; 50:23–24. (We should discern whether the revelation has come from God.)

3. When Revelation is not Received or Recognized.

1. What we ask for must be right

 “And whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right . . .” (3 Nephi 18:20,emphasis added)

2. We must be right

“And now, if God . . . doth grant unto you whatsoever ye ask that is right, in faith, believing that ye shall receive . . .” (Mosiah 4:21, emphasis added)

“All things shall be done unto thee according to thy word, for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will.” (Helaman 10:5, emphasis added)

Elder Boyd K. Packer spoke of the experience of receiving and responding to revelation in this way:

“Some answers will come from reading the scriptures, some from hearing speakers. And, occasionally, when it is important, some will come by very direct and powerful inspiration. The promptings will be clear and unmistakable.

February Youth Sunday School Videos

12 Videos on the Plan of Salvation for February Sunday School








Come Follow Me: "will help youth leaders know how best to create an environment where youth can learn, and become converted to, the gospel."

"A testimony is spiritual knowledge of truth obtained by the power of the Holy Ghost. Continuing conversion is constant devotion to the revealed truth we have received—with a heart that is willing and for righteous reasons."

—David A. Bednar, "Converted unto the Lord"

This week in Sunday School

Thought of the week

How to eliminate strife from your life:

Helaman 11:23

But it came to pass that Nephi and Lehi, and many of their brethren who knew concerning the true points of doctrine, having many revelations daily, therefore they did preach unto the people, insomuch that they did put an end to their strife in that same year.

?  What doctrine if better understood would help us eliminate strife in our life ?
 

Lesson Reviews: Last week In Sunday Schoool
 
12-13 Year Old Class
 
We discussed what the plan of salvation is, and the other names it may
be known as. The kids were able to draw a simple diagram of the plan
of salvation. We discussed that developing a testimony of the plan
will help us through the trials that will come throughout our lives.


We talked about the importance of learning and education as part of
the plan. How the knowledge we gain on earth is one of the only things
we can take with us into the next life. We discussed why we learn, how
we learn, and what we do with that knowledge. We watched a short video
called "You Know Enough" by Elder Anderson, that teaches that even
though we may not know all we want and need to know about the gospel,
we know enough to choose the right, and to share what we do know with
others.
 
The class members were challenged to find a line or verse from
one of the hymns that teaches us something about the plan of
salvation. This is in preparation for our lesson on 2/17.
 
 
16-18 Year Old Class
 
Outline: Why is learning an important part of Heavenly Father's Plan?
 
We discussed what the knowledge of the Plan of Salvation means in our daily life and how helpful that knowledge can be.  We then discussed the role of learning in our eternal development, especially as it relates to our preparation to fulfill the mission our Father in Heaven has sent each of us to earth to fulfill.
 
The challenge was extended to approach each learning opportunity (whether in school, seminary, scriptures, work) this week with the question: "how can this help me prepare to fulfill my mission in Heavenly Father's Plan?"
 
Gospel Doctrine

Lesson 4 "Remember the New Covenant, Even the Book of Mormon"
The time is now! to share testimony of the Book of Mormon.
What roll does the Book of Mormon play in your life? Is it even a main character?


Lesson Previews: This week in Sunday School
 
12-13 Year Old Class
- We will be discussing What is the role of agency in learning the gospel? 

Agency applies to all aspects of our mortal lives, including our efforts to learn the gospel. We each must learn the gospel for ourselves—no one can learn it for us. Learning the gospel is meant to be an active experience, not a passive one. When we exercise our agency to diligently seek truth, the Lord blesses us with increased light and knowledge.
 
16-18 Year Old Class
 
How can I use Church music to learn about the plan of salvation?
 
https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/ss/plan-of-salvation/others?lang=eng


This week we will discuss how music helps us learn about the plan of salvation. We will learn how to use the hymn book and the children's song book. We will also share ways in which music has strengthened our testimonies.
 
Gospel Doctrine

Lesson 5: “This Is the Spirit of Revelation”
https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-and-church-history-gospel-doctrine-teachers-manual/lesson-5-this-is-the-spirit-of-revelation?lang=eng

Jeopardy Question:

Answer: According to the Bible Dictionary, without it, all would be guesswork, darkness, and confusion.

 “Continuous revelation from God to his saints…makes possible daily guidance along true paths and leads the faithful soul to complete and eternal salvation in the celestial kingdom… Without revelation, all would be guesswork, darkness, and confusion.”  (Bible Dictionary, p. 762)
Question: What is revelation?

Six steps to take us from confusion to revelation.
1. Study the matter in your mind
2. Ponder on the scriptures and words of prophets
3. Inquire of the Lord in faith
4. Be obedient and serve God
5. Be meek and humble
6. Focus on the things of God rather than the things of the world

Are You Prepared for Sunday School on this Super Sunday?

Thought of the week:

"We are commanded 'to give thanks in all things.' So isn’t it better to see with our eyes and hearts even the small things we can be thankful for, rather than magnifying the negative in our current condition?"

—Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Of Regrets and Resolutions",

Class Review
 
16-18 class Jan 27 Review
 
We talked about how we can see Heavenly Father's hand in our lives. We learned about His tender mercies, who can receive them and how to recognize them in our own lives. 
 
The challenge  this week is to ask ourselves each night how we have seen Heavenly Fathers hand in our life today and write down what we learn. 
 
Class Preview
 
12-13 Year Old Class
We will study the subtopic, "Why is learning an important part of Heavenly Father's plan?".
https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/ss/plan-of-salvation/important?lang=eng
We will discuss what Heavenly Fathers plan is, and how it guides our lives. We will talk about the importance of learning throughout our lives and how our life experiences are part of the plan. We can use the knowledge we gain to bless others lives.
 
16-18 Year Old Class
 
Outline: Why is learning an important part of Heavenly Father's Plan?
 
https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/ss/plan-of-salvation/important?lang=eng
 
We will begin with a brief discussion of the Plan on Salvation and it's significance to class members in their lives.  We will also discuss the role of life-long learning in our eternal progression; wether in school settings, work, or in the gospel.  We will talk about their ideas of ways to make learning a more significant and enjoyable part of life.  Class members can prepare by giving some thought to these points and come with ideas to share and discuss.
 
Gospel Doctrine
 
Lesson 4 " Remember the New Covenant, Even the Book of Mormon"
 
https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-and-church-history-class-member-study-guide/lesson-4-remember-the-new-covenant-even-the-book-of-mormon?lang=eng
 
We will be studying the Lord's roll in bringing the Book of Mormon and our responsibility to use and share it with others. As the week moves forward think about what roll the Book of Mormon plays in your life and bring those experiences with you to class.
 
 
February Lesson Schedules
 
16-18 Year old Class
 
Feb 3 - Bro. Wall - Why is learning an important part of Heavenly Father's Plan?
Feb 10 - Sis. Hooper - How can I use church music to learn about the Plan of Salvation?
Fab 17 - Bro. Wall - Why is teaching the gospel important in the Plan of Salvation?
Feb 24 - Sis. Hooper - What is the role of Agency in learning the gospel?
 
Gospel Doctrine:
 
February  3 – Sister Niec  - Lesson 4: “Remember the New Covenant, Even the Book of Mormon”
February 10 - Brother - Samuelson Lesson 5: “This Is the Spirit of Revelation”
February 17 - Sister Niec - Lesson 6: “I Will Tell You in Your Mind and in Your Heart, by the Holy Ghost”
February 24 - Lesson 7 - “The First Principles and Ordinances of the Gospel”

This Week in Sunday School

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Thank you all for actively participating in Sunday School this past week!  We hope you find our communication useful. If you have anything that would allow these emails to serve you better, please don't hesitate to just click reply and let us know

Quote of the Week

"The onslaught of wickedness against our children is more subtle and brazen than it has ever been. Building a strong family culture adds another layer of protection for our children, insulating them from worldly influences."
 -L. Tom Perry, "Becoming Goodly Parents", Ensign, November 2012

Our prayer is that as we embrace Come Follow Me it will be one tool to help us build a culture in our home insulated from worldly influences. 

January 20, 2011 Review

12-13 Class Review

We followed up on the challenge from 1/6 and discussed how class members were able to see evidence of God's love in their lives.

They were challenged to continue to do this, as well as to try to say a couple of "thankful" prayers throughout the week, where instead of asking for any blessings they use that prayer specifically in gratitude for all that they've been blessed with. 

We discussed the role of the Holy Ghost as a member of the Godhead. We talked about different ways he communicates with us. Experiences were shared of times when class members had felt the Holy Ghost in their lives. We discussed the importance of having the spirit with us as we learn the gospel, so that we can receive the truth. The kids were given a survey for themselves and one for their parents to help us get to know them a little better, with a promise of a treat for those who return them.

14-15 Class Review

We focused on getting the information about the Godhead as a follow up to our previous lesson.  Our next weeks will focus on the role the Holy Ghost plays in helping with our testimony and getting those outside the church to listen to and have confirmed the truths to themselves.

                We talked about class member's ideas of the how others see the Godhead and used scriptures to get them to see how a person could use the scriptures we avow to confuse or confound the ideas we want to emphasize in making a difference. Two new students joined our class. They were introduced and particpated in the class.  We talked about getting others on our role out to class.

                The idea of a trinity as one or the 3 we see as distincy beings with a different purpose and role.  We looked up scriptures in the BofM that talk about how they are one and how people could use these to challenge our testimony.  We discussed and found ideas of how these are also defended through other stories and accounts of how the roles are described as distinct. Jesus in Gethsemane, Jesus being baptized and the Holy Ghost descending on him, Jesus on the cross, Joseph Smith's First Vision -all as examples that describe them as unique and separate.

                We have been promised a perfect being in the image of our Heavenly Father.  We have a great work ahead of us and we will strive to be our best.

Article- Robert D. Hales   2008 Conference Section  --  Shared view of how we should see the Godhead.
Challenge- Get those not in class to join us

16-18 Class Review
Outline: "How can studying the scriptures help me learn about Heavenly Father?"

     We discussed what we know about Heavenly Father that has been revealed in the scriptures.  We also discussed things that help to make time in scripture study more meaningful and powerful based on experiences and ideas shared by class members.  

     Challenge: put into practice this week something they learned to make their daily scripture study more effective and spiritually uplifting in the coming week and beyond in order to build and strengthen their relationship with their Heavenly Father, making a special effort to enjoy "meaningful time alone with Him" and allow Him to speak to them through the scriptures and through the Spirit.

Gospel Doctrine Review

Lesson 2 - "Behold I Am Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World"

The atonement of Jesus Christ:
1. The savior Describes His atoning sacrifice D&C 19:16-19
2. Through the Atonement, we will be resurrected Alma 11:42-43
3. Through the Atonement, we can be forgiven of our sins and inherit Celestial Glory D&C 19:16-17, 20
4. Through the Atonement, the Savior gained perfect empathy for us in all our sorrows pains and afflictions D&C 122 1-8

Challenge was to gain a testimony, establish roots, and rely on the Atonement in all things.

January 27, 2013 Preview

12-13 Preview

-       Continue follow up on D&C What evidence did you see of Gods love? Follow up from lesson 1/6 &1/20
-       Follow up on Sister McDowell's challenge to have at least one prayer of "Thankfulness Prayer" this week
1/27- How does the Holy Ghost help me teach the gospel? 

https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/ss/godhead/teach?lang=eng

We will discuss times when we have felt the spirit in a talk, lesson, FHE or sacrament service we have attended in the past. We will discuss the ways we can invite the spirit to be with us as we teach as well as how to recognize the signs the spirit is touching the ones we are teaching.  We will challenge each class member to set aside time each day to be taught by the spirit and be prepared to teach something they learned.

14-15 Preview

How can Studying the Scriptures Help me Learn About Heavenly Father. 

https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/ss/godhead/studying?lang=eng

I want to quiz them on what they know about God to see their thoughts.

Then go to the Bible dictionary to look up God to see how that matches up with their thoughts.

I want to then tie in some scriptures, not sure which ones so far..

I also want all of this discussion to lead back to how scripture study will help us grow closer to him and how that can help us in our daily activities and with friends.

16-18 Preview
How we can learn to see Heavenly Father’s hand in all things?

https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/ss/godhead/hand?lang=eng

I would like them to think of an experience to share about how they have seen Heavenly Father's hand in their life or to share experiences they have had this past week that have strengthened their testimonies of the gospel.

Gospel Doctrine Preview

Lesson 3: “I Had Seen a Vision”

https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-and-church-history-class-member-study-guide/lesson-3-i-had-seen-a-vision.p1?lang=eng

Question to Consider:
When we are striving to accomplish a goal or achieve something we want in life, if an obstacle presents itself, how do we know if it’s a trial or if its something we should no longer pursue?  

Think in terms of Joseph Smith and the first Vision.