MARCH! No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow

Salutations Hawes Ward – 

We are excited for March in Sunday school, as our youth study study the Atonement of Jesus Christ, while Gosepel Doctrine discusses the restoration of the true and living church and the preparation of the earth for the preaching of the gospel in the last days.  May we each commit to prepare by the spirit and take those things from the lesson the spirit speaks to our hearts.

Thought of the week

     "We parents need to begin early to prepare our children to have a strong, fervent testimony of the gospel. We must possess the faith, the courage, and the commitment that our pioneer forefathers had if we are to continue building up the kingdom of God on the earth."

—M. Russell Ballard, "Duties, Rewards, and Risks"

Videos for the March Youth Curriculum- The Atonment of Jesus Christ

http://www.mormonchannel.org/come-follow-me-the-atonement-of-jesus-christ


Video Preview: Forgiveness: My Burden Was Made Light
"Come Follow Me:" The Atonement of Jesus Christ


Click to watch
Forgiveness and the power of Jesus Christ enable a man to survive losing his wife and several children in a car accident—and allow the offending driver to begin rebuilding his own life.

Class Review and Previews

12-13 year old class

March Lesson Schedule

1. What can the scriptures teach me about the atonement of Jesus Christ? – Sister McDowell
2. How can I use comparisons to teach others about the atonement of Jesus Christ? – Brother Knight
3. How can relying on the saviors grace help me become a better teacher? – Sister McDowell
4. How can I use the words of living prophets and apostles to strengthen my faith in the atonement of Jesus Christ? –Brother Knight

Review

We started class by reviewing January and February topics and discussing what the class has learned so far this year. We then discussed Sister McDowell’s challenge from last week to sing the Hymns during sacrament to think about the words and what they mean and to look up the scriptures listed with the hymn to gain more understanding of that gospel principle.

We learned what the “Doctrine of Christ” is. That all men everywhere must have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repent of their sins, be baptized, receive the Holy Ghost, and endure to the end. We discussed how we could help others understand the Doctrine of Christ . Finally we challenged the class to find a non member friend to share the gospel with and invite them to the Easter Pageant.

Preview

What can the scriptures teach me about the atonement of Jesus Christ?

https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/ss/atonement/scriptures?lang=eng

We will use the scriptures to ensure all class members have an understanding of what the atonement is, how it can bless our lives, and what we must do to apply it in our lives.

14-15 year old class

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

“Behold I say unto you that ye shall have hope through the atonement of Christ” (Moroni 7:41).
 

The outlines in this unit will help the youth learn how to search the scriptures and words of the living prophets to strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement. You will have the opportunity to help the youth gain stronger testimonies of the Atonement and more confidence in their ability to teach it to others. Encourage them to ask questions about what they are learning, to seek to learn more, and to share with others what they discover.

 
16-18 year old class
March Lesson Schedule

Week 1-Brother Wall https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/ss/atonement/scriptures?lang=eng

Week 2-Sister Hooper https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/ss/atonement/learn?lang=eng
 
Week 3-Brother Wall https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/ss/atonement/teach?lang=eng
 
Week 4-Sister Hooper https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/ss/atonement/words?lang=eng

Review

The 16-18 yo talked about the role of agency in learning the gospel. Jaden Myers lead a discussion of what he learned from Elder Bednar's article https://www.lds.org/liahona/2007/09/seek-learning-by-faith?lang=eng. He did an amazing job teaching us the difference between active and passive learning. We also found examples in the scriptures of blessings that come from actively living the gospel and the youth each gave examples of how they can be more actively involved in learning the gospel. 

The challenge was for everyone to choose what they would do this week to be more actively involved in their gospel learning. They will put it to the test and report how it went. 
 
Preview

Outline: What can the scriptures teach me about the Atonement of Jesus Christ?
 
https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/ss/atonement/scriptures?lang=eng
 
We will read and discuss scriptures and stories from the scriptures that teach about the atonement of Jesus Christ.  Class members will be encouraged to share scriptures that are particularly meaningful to them.  We will also discuss how we can apply these principles in daily life and situations.
 
Gospel Doctrine 

Review

Lesson 7: “The First Principles and Ordinances of the Gospel”

https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-and-church-history-class-member-study-guide/lesson-7-the-first-principles-and-ordinances-of-the-gospel?lang=eng

•         What does it mean to have faith in Jesus Christ? How can we strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ? (See D&C 19:23; 88:118; Alma 32:27.)
•         What is repentance? (See D&C 58:42–43.) Why do we need the Savior’s Atonement to be forgiven of our sins? (See 2 Nephi 2:6–9.)
•         What are the purposes of baptism? (See D&C 18:22; 49:13–14.) What qualifications must a person meet to be baptized? (See D&C 20:37.).
•         What is the difference between the power of the Holy Ghost and the gift of the Holy Ghost? (See Bible Dictionary, “Holy Ghost,” 704.)      
•         What are the purposes of baptism? (See D&C 18:22; 49:13–14.) What qualifications must a person meet to be baptized? (See D&C 20:37.).
•         What is the difference between the power of the Holy Ghost and the gift of the Holy Ghost? (See Bible Dictionary, “Holy Ghost,” 704.)
 
Preview
Gospel Doctrine: Lesson 8: "The Restoration of the Priesthood"
 
https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-and-church-history-class-member-study-guide/lesson-8-the-restoration-of-the-priesthood?lang=eng
 
 
Preview: Purpose of this lesson is to increase class members' appreciation for the priesthood and encourage brethren to magnify their offices and callings to help all. 
 
Something to ponder:
 
Brethren, 
 
What do you consider your priesthood responsibilities?
 
How do you magnify your offices and callings in the priesthood?
 
Sisters,
 
What is your roll in the priesthood? 

How do you sustain priesthood holders in their offices and callings?

How does the Lord see you and how do you see others?

As the youth finish up their month with the Plan of Salvation we thought it appropriate to post a short video as President Dieter F. Uchtdorf retells the story of the ugly duckling and urges us to reflect on who we really are—sons and daughters of a glorious Heavenly Father.  May we all remember the potential the Lord sees in us and see others as the Lord sees them. 

 (click the ducks to watch the video).


Read the entire address, titled “The Reflection in the Water.”

 
  
Sunday-School Lesson Review/Preview

12-13 year old class 
Review
We discussed how church music can help us learn about the plan of
salvation, as well as strengthen our testimonies. We had a great
discussion as the youth shared some of their favorite hymns, as how
those hymns help them understand the gospel and build their faith. We
talked about the strong influence of the Holy Ghost as we listen to
good uplifting music. We also briefly discussed the dangers of
inappropriate music. The youth were challenged to sing the hymns
during sacrament meeting, and to think about the words and what they
mean, and if possible, to look up the scriptures listed with the hymn
to gain more understanding of that gospel principal.

Preview
How can I help others understand the doctrine of Christ?
https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/ss/plan-of-salvation/doctrine?lang=eng
The “doctrine of Christ” is that all men everywhere must have faith in Jesus Christ, repent of their sins, be baptized, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and endure to the end. The doctrine of Christ is the only way to be saved in the kingdom of God. It is the foundation of the Church and the central message of its missionaries.


14-15 Year old class

Review/Preview
 
Class members were encouraged to bring in songs they listen to during
their time away from church to see if these songs contain messages
that meet the test of comfort, console or inspire.

Members brought in songs that are part of pop culture and we talked
about the lyrics of each piece.  The first song dealt with the
struggles of life and we talked about how that message could transfer
to the gospel.  What would class members identify as struggles that
they face or will face as they continue to grow up in the church when
the expectations of the two worlds can be at such sharp contrast.  Our
second song had a section about the types of support we could expect
and we discussed how that parallels the role of the Holy Ghost in our
lives.  If we have things that are hovering or unresolved these issues
can keep us from progressing or have the type of support from the
message of the song.  Members could see that their selection of good
songs can be in multiple areas.

In addition, we looked at hymns that give us a message and which of 3
terms the seemed to address.  We looked at premortal, mortal or
afterlife periods and class members found titles and identified the
periods.  We also revisited how primary music was intended to build us
up and the messages will stay with us in times of need.  Expect that
these songs will stay with us and help to support us when we face
trials.

Brother Kerby will finish up February next week in our theme of the
Plan of Salvation.

https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/ss/plan-of-salvation?lang=eng
 
16-18 year old class

Review
Outline: Why is teaching the gospel important in the Plan of Salvation?
We discussed the role of gospel teaching in the plan on salvation.  We also discussed opportunities class members have to teach gospel principles as well as ways we can better teach by the Spirit.

Invitation: Class members were challenged to select a specific gospel principle and plan a teaching opportunity using ideas we discussed to feel and help others feel the Spirit testify of that principle.

Preview
What is the role of agency in learning the gospel?
https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/ss/plan-of-salvation/role?lang=eng
We will find examples in the scriptures of blessings that come from using our agency for good. We will also discuss why we need to learn the gospel for ourselves. 

Gospel Doctrine 

Review

Lesson 6: “I Will Tell You in Your Mind and in Your Heart, by the Holy Ghost”

Have we received our witness from god?  If so, write it down, reflect upon it and allow it to strengthen you.

22 Verily, verily, I say unto you, if you desire a further witness, cast your mind upon the night that you cried unto me in your heart, that you might aknow concerning the truth of these things.

  23 Did I not speak apeace to your mind concerning the matter? What greater bwitness can you have than from God?
How do you know when the spirit is speaking to you?

·         D&C 8:2–3
·         D&C 9:8–9
·         D&C 42:61
·         D&C 128:1
·         D&C 136:32–33

Preview
Lesson 7: “The First Principles and Ordinances of the Gospel”

https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-and-church-history-class-member-study-guide/lesson-7-the-first-principles-and-ordinances-of-the-gospel?lang=eng
·         What does it mean to have faith in Jesus Christ? How can we strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ? (See D&C 19:23; 88:118; Alma 32:27.)
 
·         What is repentance? (See D&C 58:42–43.) Why do we need the Savior’s Atonement to be forgiven of our sins? (See 2 Nephi 2:6–9.)
 
·         What are the purposes of baptism? (See D&C 18:22; 49:13–14.) What qualifications must a person meet to be baptized? (See D&C 20:37.).
 
·         What is the difference between the power of the Holy Ghost and the gift of the Holy Ghost? (See Bible Dictionary, “Holy Ghost,” 704.)
            lds.org .org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/2.6-9?lang=eng#5">2 Nephi 2:6–9
 
·         What are the purposes of baptism? (See D&C 18:22; 49:13–14.) What qualifications must a person meet to be baptized? (See D&C 20:37.).
 
·         What is the difference between the power of the Holy Ghost and the gift of the Holy Ghost? (See Bible Dictionary, “Holy Ghost,” 704.)

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.