2017 Primary Children s Program: Choose the Right

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3 2017 Primary Children s Program: Choose the Right By Glorianne Muggli Copyright 2016 Glorianne Muggli. All rights reserved. Permission is granted with purchase to make enough copies for your local unit only. Do not pass any copies on to other units - they are required to purchase their own books. Each copy (except when cut apart for individual use) must show the entire page, including copyright information. Making copies of copies or making copies for commercial gain is strictly prohibited. Any other use without specific written permission from the publisher constitutes an infringement of copyright and denies compensation to those who worked on this publication. Thank you for your integrity. Muggli Graphics is not affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; no book or program we publish is reviewed or endorsed by the Church. All contents of this book are for the purpose of giving ideas and suggestions only; decide for yourself through scripture study and prayer if you wish to use this book, and if so, how you will implement it. We recommend checking with your local leaders if you wish. A Muggli Graphics Publication Published by muggligraphics.com

4 Contents How to Use this Book 2 To Get Your Free Downloads 2 Program Countdown 2 Learning the Songs 3 List of Songs 4 Ways to Organize 5 Making It Easy 5 Rehearsing Primary Children s Program: Choose the Right 7 January: 7 February: 8 March: 9 April: 10 May: 11 June: 12 July: 13 August: 14 September: 15 October: 16 November: 17 December: 18 Conclusion: 18 1

5 How to Use this Book This book is meant to be implemented in Primary for the planning and performance of the annual Primary children s program. Muggli Graphics is not affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; no book or program we publish is reviewed or endorsed by the Church. All contents of this book are for the purpose of giving ideas and suggestions only; decide for yourself through scripture study and prayer if you wish to use these materials, and if so, how you will implement them. We recommend checking with your local leaders if you wish. Permission is granted with purchase to make as many copies of the.pdf file as needed for your local unit only. Do not pass any copies on to other units; they are required to purchase their own books. Each copy should show the entire page, including copyright information, unless it is for distribution to parents for the purpose of informing them about their children s parts in the program. Any other use without specific written permission from the publisher constitutes an infringement of copyright. The Word document download file entitled 2017program is for you to adapt according to your needs. You can make changes to the program script and then print it out for all the Primary personnel in your Ward or branch. You may share your personalized program with anyone you wish. The original program should be obtained by other units by purchasing the book and then getting the free download. To Get Your Free Downloads To get your free book download, go to gloriannemuggli.com/2017downloads/2017-cp.pdf. To get your Word file, go to gloriannemuggli.com/2017downloads/2017program.docx. You should be able to type in these urls, open the files, and save them onto your computer for your personal use. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader and Microsoft Word to open the files. Adobe Acrobat Reader is available for free from adobe.com. If you are unable to open the files, check to see if your computer needs updating. If you cannot find or open these files, the fault may be with your browser. The files have been tested and found to open correctly with Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox. You may need to update your Adobe Reader or Microsoft Word versions. Your book download is subject to the same use and copyright agreement as contained on the copyright page in this book. The Word document download file entitled 2017program is for you to adapt according to your needs. You can make changes to the program script and then print it out for all the Primary personnel in your Ward or branch. You may share your personalized program with anyone you wish. The original program should be obtained by other units by purchasing the book and then getting the free download. Program Countdown This book coordinates with the 2017 Outline for Sharing Time. Do not cut out or color the pages in this book. Instead, copy the pages and save the book to use again. This script can be used as is, or use it as a starting point to write your own program script. You may use the pdf file to help you print the program as is, or use Microsoft Word to make revisions to the downloadable Microsoft Word file. See To Get Your Free Download. Read the suggestions in the 2017 Outline for Sharing Time published by the Church, and use those suggestions to customize your program. It is necessary to meet with the bishop, counselor, or branch president early in the year to discuss your plans. When the program script is completed, you must obtain his final approval. If your bishop approves, older Primary children could be assigned to give the opening and closing prayers. Practices should be scheduled to take away minimal time from family and lessons. We are asked to not use costumes, visuals, or media presentations. Also, it isn t necessary for every child to have a speaking part. In a very large Primary this may not even be possible. Plan ways in which all the children can participate, such as group speaking and musical numbers as well as the program songs. 2

6 The program should be held in the fourth quarter of the year. October or November may be preferable, as December can be such a busy month. The program should be timed to last about 40 minutes. Establishing a backwards calendar is one good way to begin organizing. Start at the beginning of the year or as soon as you can, whichever comes first. When you get the Outline for the next year or when you are asked to organize the program, schedule the program for some time in the last quarter of the year as recommended (contact your Ward clerk and make sure the rehearsals are scheduled on your Ward calendar, too. Use the chapel for at least one or two rehearsals if possible). That way you can use the sharing times throughout the year to get ideas, listen to talks the children give, and to teach the concepts to the children. Each month through August the children can learn one or more songs; then they can rehearse them until time for the program. There are extra songs in this program, so if you wish to use them, be sure to schedule time to learn them also. Decide how many weeks you will need for rehearsal in the chapel, how many weeks beforehand you want to assign parts and notify the parents, etc. In other words, count backwards. Use a calendar and mark down the Sundays (or schedule practices on other days) you think will be the best times to accomplish these things. This will give you an idea how far ahead of time you will need to begin working on the planning and on the script. Even though you may decide to use this script with few or no changes, you will still need time to decide how to assign parts, get copies made, cut them up to give to children and parents, and other preparatory work. If you would like to prepare a special program to hand out for sacrament meeting on the presentation day, you could make one. Start ahead of time to get it ready. A Primary song could be used as the closing song, with the words included in the program, or the whole page copied if your copier has reduction capabilities. Other things that could be included are a list of all the children who will be participating (or all enrolled) and children s artwork on the cover. You can do a great cover by having all the children do drawings ahead of time. Have them wear protective clothing, and draw pictures that go along with the theme using markers such as black Sharpies. The reason for this is that pencils and colored media do not copy or scan as well as markers, and probably you are limited to black and white for your program cover. Have them or their teachers write their names very large on their drawing so they will be legible when reduced. Have someone reduce the pictures using either a scanner or a copier, and then arrange them on your program cover. This makes a delightful souvenir for both the children and their parents. Don t worry too much about needing to appear professional. Most adults are charmed by the children s art and will think the program is great, including any cute (or unidentifiable) artwork on the cover. Learning the Songs One of the best ways to introduce a new song is to sing it for the children. Just sing it and let those who already know it join in, or ask someone to come into singing time to sing it. One or more children who like to sing may enjoy learning the song and performing it for the Primary. A recording may be used if no musical instrument is available. Tapes and CDs are available from Church Distribution with instruments alone or with voice added. Playing word games with the song lyrics is a fast and fun way to learn. The older children in Primary may enjoy having the words written on the chalkboard. After singing the song, a child who is singing well is chosen to erase some words. Repeat singing, choosing, and erasing until all the words are erased and the children are singing the whole song. For younger children, you could play a similar game by using visual aids and taking them away until the children can sing the whole song. Another activity they enjoy is clapping and saying the words to learn the timing of a song. With participatory activities like these, they learn the song faster and have a lot of fun doing it. Another thing to consider if you have a small Primary is to have all the children together at singing time. The younger children learn the song by listening to the older children sing it. The older children can read words written on the chalkboard and wordstrips, and all the children understand visual aids. Younger children in my experience are very enthusiastic when they sing with the older children. They often out-sing them if we are having a loudness competition. Visual aids can really help children remember the words to songs. Muggli Graphics produces a visual aids book coordinated with the yearly theme printed in color on card stock, ready to cut out and use. This book 3

7 includes visual aids for the songs that have been added to this program. The Primary Song Visual Aids Book is a complete book which includes all the visual aids printed on card stock, and also on downloadable files so you can print them yourself. We produce these books each year, and any bookstore can order them from us. Alternatively, you can gather or draw your own visual aids and make wordstrips to help cue the children. Usually a visual aid for each phrase or important idea in the song lyrics will be sufficient. Decide whether you want to have aids for just the first verse or wish to include other verses. If the second or third verse of a song matches the theme best, sing all verses or just the verse that applies. There are suggestions for how to perform the songs in this program. This program includes some extra songs that are not included in the official outline because some Primaries may want to have a song for every monthly theme to include in their presentation. Visual aids for those songs are included in the Primary Song Visual Aids Book we publish. Sometimes songs might be included for which actions are suggested instead of visual aids, so the actions are listed. To see how you could schedule learning the songs so all the songs can be learned by August, including the extra ones, see the Primary Theme book we produce every year. Some months indicate that any song can be chosen. For those months a song has been chosen by the author, and visual aids have been provided for that song in the Primary Song Visual Aids Book. If you choose another song, you should be able to find visual aids provided in the aforementioned publications. January: As a Child of God (page 28 in the Outline) February: Choose the Right (Hymns, no. 239) March: Stand for the Right (CS, 159) List of Songs April: Jesus Once Was a Little Child (CS, 55) (not a program song; selected by the author) May: When I Am Baptized (CS, 103) June: Nephi s Courage (CS, ) July: The Wise Man and the Foolish Man (CS, 281) August: I m Trying to Be like Jesus (CS, 78 79) September: The Church of Jesus Christ (CS, 77) (not a program song; selected by the author) October: A Young Man Prepared (CS, 166) (not a program song; selected by the author) November: Shine On (CS, 144) (not a program song; selected by the author) December: Christmas Bells (CS, 54) (not a program song; selected by the author) Incentives can help a child learn the words to songs while they are engaging in friendly competition. Some sort of gauge that moves if the children sing louder or softer is a great enthusiasm booster. So is a puppet or toy that jumps around when they sing loudly and falls asleep when they sing softly. Giving children the opportunity to hold a puppet or visual aid when they sing well encourages them to watch you, and move their mouths. Usually that s how I decide whether they are singing, and as I look around at the children, they liven up and start singing because I might notice and let them hold something next. One way to get more volume is to ask an adult to go out of the room, leaving the doors open, and ask them to walk down the hall and see how far they can get and still hear the children singing. Once an adult came back to our Primary room and said with a big smile, I got all the way down the hall to the chapel! Asking parents for help may work well if many families have musical instruments and songbooks in their 4

8 homes. If a newsletter is published in your unit, put a list of the songs for the month in it, and you will find that many parents will teach their children the songs at home, greatly adding to the learning curve at Primary. Consider making CDs of the songs and distributing them to the families of Primary children. Most of the songs can be downloaded from the lds.org website for use on the CD. Don t forget about having small or class groups, suitable musical instruments, solos, or any mixture perform; these can add interest to the program and might be a good idea for particularly long or complicated songs. Ways to Organize The script in this publication stays very close to the Outline, including many of the scriptures in it as part of the script. You may wish to use this script as is, rewrite this script, or come up with one completely your own. Take into account how many children will be participating. Ideally, each child will have one or more parts. In very large Primaries this may not be possible, but possibly each child could participate in some group activity or part spoken in unison in addition to singing. Even the smallest child can sing. If any children play instruments or enjoy singing in small groups or solo, let them perform if at all possible. Assign parts individually or to a class and have them sit together where they can move to a microphone as a group, or easily pass a microphone on a cord (see Making it Easy ). Make lots of copies of the script with all the parts and notes included, and distribute some for assignment notification. Each child should have a copy showing the parts immediately before their part, along with their part. If a class is assigned the parts for a month (such as the CTR 5 class doing all the parts for the month of February), you could give each child the February section because it will show the song preceding their part. The song will provide a good cue for them so they know when their part is coming up. Parents should receive copies and information on when the rehearsals and performance will be. Ask them to help their child memorize their part or write and practice their talk. Any equipment such as chairs and microphones should be used in rehearsal if possible, to help the performance go smoothly. Please note that in the Outline, that visuals, costumes, and media presentations are not recommended, as they are not appropriate for sacrament meeting. If possible, group all the children on the stand or close together and have the chorister and pianist or whoever is playing the music situated as close as possible to the children. They will respond better and sing louder if the chorister is close to them while still being visible to them. They will get support from hearing each other and will be less likely to become self-conscious and fade out when singing. Making It Easy Some parts such as talks must be assigned individually to children who are a little older and more experienced, but grouping parts is very helpful in taking pressure off the Primary counselor responsible for the presentation. Parts can be assigned to an individual or to a class (a group of nine parts can be assigned to a class with about seven to nine children likely to be able to participate, for instance). Initially parts can be assigned to the class groups. After that, you can let teachers be in charge of the parts assigned to their group. They can assign the parts and give you a copy so you can notify the parents of each child. Use the teachers as group leaders when possible so that even though a part is assigned to an individual child, if the child is absent the group leader can designate another child on the spot to say the part and can help the child say it into the microphone. They could also split the parts to include all the children. If the teacher can t be there or the group needs more supervision, assign other adults as group leaders. If the parts are assigned to the class, the group leader could choose who will say each part and help children at the microphone. Each group should be seated with its group leader(s) so that they can stand as a group in place and pass a microphone, or they can stand as a group and walk to the podium to say their parts. They should be seated in order of their parts if possible. They should stand, walk, and line up in order of their parts if possible and when finished they can go back to the end of the line so they can return to their seats in order. If the children are organized to move in groups, the walking back and forth of each individual child is eliminated and a lot of time is saved so there can be more program and less getting up and down and walking time. 5

9 Group leaders need to be at rehearsals and at the performance and should rehearse such things with the children as passing the microphone, walking to the podium, and helping the children stand at the right time to sing. Each group leader needs a copy of the script to keep. You should have lots of extras to replace lost and forgotten scripts, and one at the podium for people who use that microphone. Assign an adult to raise and lower the podium for each speaker. If there is a platform for small children, have that person move it when necessary. Rehearsing I recommend reserving the chapel for at least two weeks prior to the performance and using the time to go through the program as many times as possible. Advance arrangements to use the chapel should be made with priesthood leaders. If conflicting schedules on Sunday make this impractical, rehearse part of the time in the chapel and part of the time in the Primary room, or schedule a rehearsal or two for weeknights prior to the presentation. Singing should be done within the script outline, and everyone should be allowed to go over their material and feel as confident as possible that they know what to do. Children should rehearse walking to the podium or passing the microphone, standing in unison to sing, maneuvering their musical instruments, knowing where to stand for a group musical number, and anything else that they will be doing during the presentation. Don t change anything at the last minute (except for children filling in for absentees), and get all the bugs worked out ahead of time! Remember the presentation has a time limit, and unless you go straight through a few times with no interruptions, the presentation will take less time in performance than in rehearsal. You may need to make changes that will shorten the presentation if it appears that it will be too long, such as only singing one verse of a song, or skipping or shortening certain parts, and make sure all copies of the script have these changes noted. Microphones can be scary for little children. Remember many of them are too short to stand at the regular podium, so groups of children can either stand in place or come to the front (or one side where they can be easily seen) and pass the microphone among themselves. For those giving talks or where it is desirable for them to stand at the podium, a stand or stool can be placed behind the podium for them to use. Be sure to rehearse with this and make sure it is easy to get onto and stand on safely to avoid having anyone fall. For a microphone that is being passed, have an adult hold it during the songs and any other time it isn t being used, being sure to turn it off. A good way to use the microphone is to have one set up at the spot where the Narrator is reading the themes for each month. Individuals or groups can walk to that spot, and the group leader or the Narrator can help the children with their parts. It is very important to remind the children that they must maintain reverence while in the chapel. They should be made aware of the noise caused by shuffling feet and wiggly bodies. They should be told how to stand and what to do with their hands when walking, standing, and singing. Having them practice singing with their hands straight down at their sides may be a good idea, especially if there are some very wiggly children in your Primary. Having been a teacher, a counselor, a president, and a chorister in Primary at various times for 40+ years and having participated in many presentations, these are suggestions mostly gathered from experimentation and both positive and negative experiences. Please make sure you consult with your local leaders and follow their counsel when planning and executing your own children s program. Note: Children will be less nervous about performing for their parents if they are used to it. Therefore, I suggest having them perform throughout the year. They could sing in sacrament meeting at any time, but some holidays such as Easter, Mother s Day, Father s Day, Pioneer Day, Thanksgiving (if not too close to the program), and Christmas are also good times. Schedule these performances with your chorister, Ward music leader, and Bishopric counselor. 6

10 January: 2017 Primary Children s Program: Choose the Right Narrator: Agency Is the Gift to Choose for Ourselves Song: As a Child of God (page 28 in the outline) (all children sing all verses, or have girls sing verse 1, boys sing verse 2, and all children sing verse 3 and choruses) (Second Nephi chapter 2, verse 27) Wherefore, men are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men. There is a gift that we had before we came to earth. It is given to us by our Heavenly Father. It is one of the most important parts of Heavenly Father s plan for us. Satan wanted to take it from us and force us to make correct choices. We use it every time we make a choice. It the gift that lets us choose for ourselves. (Class Group in unison) Agency is the gift to choose for ourselves. A consequence is what naturally happens because of a choice we make. If we choose to practice playing a musical instrument, we will get better at it, and if we decide to touch fire, we will get burned. (Second Nephi chapter 2, verse 27) Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself. When we make good choices, it leads to freedom and happiness, and when we make wrong choices, it leads to captivity and unhappiness. (First Nephi chapter 2, verse 18) But, behold, Laman and Lemuel would not hearken unto my words; and being grieved because of the hardness of their hearts I cried unto the Lord for them. Before I was born, I chose to follow God s plan. Jesus Christ created the earth so I can learn to choose the right. 7

11 February: Narrator: When We Choose the Right, We Are Blessed Song: Choose the Right (Hymns, no. 239) (all children sing verse 1) (Mosiah chapter 2, verse 22) If ye do keep his commandments he doth bless you and prosper you. Noah was blessed for choosing the right, and because of his choices, his family and all the animals were saved from the flood. (Moses chapter 8, verse 20) And it came to pass that Noah called upon the children of men that they should repent; but they hearkened not unto his words; Jesus s disciples were blessed when they chose the right. (Matthew chapter 4, verses 18 through 20) And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him. Nephi and his family were blessed for choosing the right. (First Nephi chapter 17, verse 3) And thus we see that the commandments of God must be fulfilled. And if it so be that the children of men keep the commandments of God he doth nourish them, and strengthen them, and provide means whereby they can accomplish the thing which he has commanded them; wherefore, he did provide means for us while we did sojourn in the wilderness. I am blessed for choosing the right. Talk: Share a story about how you or your ancestors chose the right and how you were blessed (1 minute). Talk: Share a story about how you or your ancestors joined the LDS Church and how you or they were blessed (1 minute). (Class Group in unison) When we choose the right, we are blessed. 8

12 March: Narrator: Living Prophets Teach Me to Choose the Right Song: Stand for the Right (CS, 159) (all children sing verse 1) (Alma chapter 37, verse 35) O, remember, my son, and learn wisdom in thy youth; yea, learn in thy youth to keep the commandments of God. Heavenly Father speaks to us through living prophets. The First Presidency and the Twelve Apostles of the church are prophets. In the LDS Church, we are led by the President of the Church, his two counselors in the First Presidency, and the Twelve Apostles. We can listen to God s prophets and apostles speak to us in general conference. I am blessed when I choose to follow the prophet because I am choosing the right. (Numbers chapter 21, verses 5through 9) And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread. And the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died. Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord, and against thee; pray unto the Lord, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people. And the Lord said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live. And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived. Our prophet today is President Thomas S. Monson. He has been called by God to lead us. Talk: Share your testimony about following our prophet (1 minute). Talk: Share your testimony about following our prophet (1 minute). 9

13 April: Narrator: Jesus Christ Teaches Me to Choose the Right Song: Jesus Once Was a Little Child (CS, 55) (all children sing verse 1) (John chapter 13, verse 15) For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. (Class Group in unison) Jesus Christ is the perfect example for me to follow. (Matthew chapter 3, verses 13 through 17) Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Jesus Christ taught me the right way to live by His perfect example. I can feel my Savior s love when I try to be like Him. Jesus Christ taught us to forgive others. (Matthew chapter 18, verses 21 and 22 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. Jesus Christ taught us to love each other. (John chapter 13, verse 34) A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 10

14 May: Narrator: I Choose the Right When I Am Baptized and Confirmed a Member of the Church Song: When I Am Baptized (CS, 103) (all children sing all verses, or have girls sing) (Acts chapter 2, verse 38) Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Class Group in unison) When I repent, I can be forgiven. When I am baptized and confirmed, I am following Jesus Christ s example. (Doctrine and Covenants section 20, verses 72 through 74) Baptism is to be administered in the following manner unto all those who repent The person who is called of God and has authority from Jesus Christ to baptize, shall go down into the water with the person who has presented himself or herself for baptism, and shall say, calling him or her by name: Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. Then shall he immerse him or her in the water, and come forth again out of the water. The Holy Ghost can comfort me, teach me, and show me how to do good things. (John chapter 14, verse 26) But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (2 Nephi chapter 32, verse 5) For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do. The Holy Ghost testifies to me of Jesus Christ. (John chapter 15, verse 26) But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: (Doctrine and Covenants section 11, verse 12) And now, verily, verily, I say unto thee, put your trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do good yea, to do justly, to walk humbly, to judge righteously; and this is my Spirit. When I take the sacrament I am renewing my baptismal covenants. A covenant is a sacred two-way promise between me and Heavenly Father; I promise to do certain things, and when I do, He promises to bless me. I make a covenant with Heavenly Father when I am baptized, and I renew that covenant when I take the sacrament. 11

15 June: Narrator: I Choose the Right by Living Gospel Principles Song: Nephi s Courage (CS, ) (all children sing all verses) (First Nephi chapter 3, verse 7) I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them. I pray to Heavenly Father for strength to choose the right. I can pray to communicate with Heavenly Father. When I pay my tithing, Heavenly Father blesses me. Paying tithing is giving one-tenth of the money I earn to the Lord through His Church. (Third Nephi chapter 24, verse10) Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in my house; and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it. I obey the Word of Wisdom by eating and drinking things that are good for me and avoiding things that are bad for me. (Doctrine and Covenants section 89, verses 18 through 21) And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones; And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures; And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint. And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen. When I dress modestly, I respect my body as a sacred gift from God. (First Corinthians chapter 6, verse 19) What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? I can find guidelines for modest dress in the Dress and Appearance section in For the Strength of Youth. 12

16 July: Narrator: I Choose the Right by Living Gospel Principles Song: The Wise Man and the Foolish Man (CS, 281) (all children sing all verses have them sing without using any actions) (First Nephi chapter 3, verse 16) Wherefore, let us be faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord. When I am old enough to fast, fasting and prayer can strengthen my testimony. Fasting and prayer are more powerful when we use them together. Fasting and prayer will strengthen my testimony. (Alma chapter 17, verses 2 and 3) Now these sons of Mosiah were with Alma at the time the angel first appeared unto him; therefore Alma did rejoice exceedingly to see his brethren; and what added more to his joy, they were still his brethren in the Lord; yea, and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God. But this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God. (Class Group in unison) I can be kind by doing and saying nice things to others. (Ephesians chapter 4, verse 32) And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ s sake hath forgiven you. Reverence is not just being quiet, but also showing deep respect and love toward God. I can show respect and love toward God by. I can show respect and love toward God by. I can show respect and love toward God by. Being honest means telling the truth no matter what may happen because of it. I can be honest by. I can be honest by. I can be honest by. 13

17 August: Narrator: I Choose to Fill My Life with Things That Invite the Spirit Song: I m Trying to Be like Jesus (CS, 78 79) (all children sing all verses) (Articles of Faith 13) If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things. Having good friends around me will help me choose the right. Story: Two boys found a worn-out pair of shoes by the road. In the distance they could see a man working in a field. One of the boys suggested that they hide the shoes and then watch the man s reaction. The other boy suggested that instead of hiding the shoes, they should put a silver coin in each one, and that s what they did. Soon the man returned. When he found the coins, he was so overwhelmed with gratitude that he knelt down and offered a prayer of thanks. He spoke of his wife, who was sick, and his children, who had no food, and he asked the Lord to bless whoever had helped him. The boys felt something warm in their hearts and were thankful they had chosen the right (Gordon B. Hinckley, in Conference Report, April 1993, page 71). I should read, listen to, watch, and look at things that are pleasing to Heavenly Father. When we make choices that are not pleasing to Heavenly Father we can lose the Spirit. (Exodus chapter 20, verse 8) Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. I can keep the Sabbath day holy by doing things that will help me stay close to Heavenly Father. I can keep the Sabbath day holy by. I can keep the Sabbath day holy by. I can keep the Sabbath day holy by. 14

18 September: Narrator: The Ten Commandments Teach Me to Love God and His Children Song: The Church of Jesus Christ (CS, 77) (all children sing verse 1) (Doctrine and Covenants section 42, verse 29) If thou lovest me thou shalt serve me and keep all my commandments. (Class Group in unison) I am blessed when I keep the commandments. I will respect and worship God. The first commandments Heavenly Father gave to Moses teach us that we should respect and worship God. (Exodus chapter 20, verse 3) Thou shalt have no other gods before me. (Exodus chapter 20, verse 4) Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: (Exodus chapter 20, verse 7) Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. I will honor my parents. (Exodus chapter 20, verse 12) Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. I will respect others. Many of the Ten Commandments teach us how to respect others. They teach us that we should not steal, hurt each other, or lie. These are ways to show respect for others. 15

19 October: Narrator: Blessings of the Priesthood Are Available to All Song: A Young Man Prepared (CS, 166) (all children sing verse 1, or have boys sing the song) (Doctrine and Covenants section 84, verse 35) And also all they who receive this priesthood receive me, saith the Lord. Worthy young men can receive the priesthood when they are 12 years old. (Third Nephi chapter 18, verses 5 and 6) And when the multitude had eaten and were filled, he said unto the disciples: Behold there shall one be ordained among you, and to him will I give power that he shall break bread and bless it and give it unto the people of my church, unto all those who shall believe and be baptized in my name. And this shall ye always observe to do, even as I have done, even as I have broken bread and blessed it and given it unto you. The priesthood is God s power to serve and bless people on earth. Christ has taught us that any man can have the priesthood as long as he meets two requirements. The first is to be twelve years old. The other requirement is to be worthy. We can receive the ordinances of salvation through the priesthood. Those ordinances are baptism, confirmation, priesthood ordination (for men), temple endowment, and temple sealing. I can receive strengthening power and blessings through the priesthood. Priesthood holders can administer the sacrament, baptize, confirm, give baby blessings, and administer to the sick. Priesthood holders have the power to act in the name of Jesus Christ; they can bless us just as Jesus would if He were here. All of us need to receive certain priesthood ordinances before we can return to live with Heavenly Father. Many people have died without having a chance to receive these ordinances, and they need our help. I can go to the temple to receive ordinances for my ancestors when I am old enough. 16

20 November: Narrator: I Can Choose to Be a Missionary Now Song: Shine On (CS, 144) (all children sing all verses) (Mark chapter 16, verse 15) And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. I can be a missionary when I serve others. (Mosiah chapter 2, verse 17) And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God. I can be a missionary when I set a good example. Shadrach, Mesach, and Abednego set good examples, and they were protected. (Daniel 3, verse 28) Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king s word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God. I can teach my friends about the Savior and His Church. Learning the Articles of Faith can help us be missionaries now. Story about a Primary boy who was a good missionary: A man on a train asked the boy about the Mormon Church. The boy recited all of the Articles of Faith. The man was so impressed that this young boy knew what he believed that he went to Salt Lake City to learn more about the Church (President Spencer W. Kimball in Conference Report, Oct. 1975, pages 117 through 119). I can prepare when I am young to serve a full-time mission. (Doctrine and Covenants section 84, verse 62) Therefore, go ye into all the world; and unto whatsoever place ye cannot go ye shall send, that the testimony may go from you into all the world unto every creature. I can gain a testimony. I can know for myself that Heavenly Father loves me, that Jesus Christ is my Savior, that Joseph Smith is a prophet, that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints is the Lord s true Church, and that we are led by a living prophet. Testimony: Bear your testimony (1 minute). Testimony: Bear your testimony (1 minute). Testimony: Bear your testimony (1 minute). 17

21 December: Narrator: Jesus Christ Is the Son of God Song: Christmas Bells (CS, 54) (Girls sing verse 1, boys sing verse 2, sing verse 3 with both parts; or have one or more children or adults sing the descant for verse 3) (Doctrine and Covenants section 11, verse 28) Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I am the life and the light of the world. (Class Group in unison) Heavenly Father sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to earth. (Luke chapter 2, verses 4 through 17) And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. Jesus Christ is the light and the life of the world. (John chapter 8, verse 12) Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. Joseph Smith saw and testified of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. (Joseph Smith History chapter 1, verse 17). I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him! Conclusion: Remarks by a member of the bishopric. Closing Song: Choose a children s or Christmas song. Make sure the children are familiar with this song. Include the words or a copy of the song in the program, if needed. Opening and closing prayers could be by Primary children, teachers, or leaders, if possible. 18

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