Family Guidebook (1981) by Vintage LDS

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FAMILY GUIDEBOOK

Published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Salt Lake City, Utah Revised Edition 1980

Contents Preface The Purpose of the Family Organization of the Family Priesthood and Spiritual Leader The Father Provides for the Spiritual Needs of His Family The Gospel Should Be Taught in the Family Basic Priesthood Functions Personal and Family Sharing the Gospel Family Exaltation for the Living and the Dead Leadership Training Ordinances The Sacrament Anointing and Blessing the Sick Special Blessings How the Family Can Function as a Church Unit Sunday Worship Service Meeting Facilities Church Resource Materials Activities Finances Reports Helps for the Family Preparing and Presenting Talks Family Singing Summary: The importance of the Home

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Preface The family is the basic unit of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The home should be the principal (main) place where individuals learn how to meet (provide for) their needs and how to work out their exaltation. The father should seek the following goals and, assisted by the mother, should help each family member to achieve them. Each individual not living with a family should also seek these goals: 1. Seek the truth and develop faith in God. 2. Repent of sins. 3. Be baptized for the remission of sins and become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 4. Receive the Holy Ghost (gift of the Holy Ghost). 5. Search (Diligently study) the scriptures. 6. Be married in the temple to a worthy companion for eternity. 7. Create a happy home for the family. 8. Support the family by love and sacrifice. 9. Keep (Obey) the commandments of God. 10. Have private (your own, individual) prayers. 11. Share the gospel with others. 12. Seek (search for) information about dead ancestors and do temple work for them. 13. Provide for himself the nourishment required for proper spiritual, social, physical, and emotional health. 14. Serve others. The father presides over the family and is assisted by the mother. They are companions and should counsel together on all matters pertaining to the home and the family. If there is no father in the home, the mother is responsible for the family. An accounting of the welfare of the family should be made by the father to the Lord and leaders of the Church, which the Lord has established to assist the father and the family.

The Lord has commanded parents to teach the gospel to their children. To Adam he said, "I give unto you a commandment, to teach these things freely unto your children" (Moses 6:58). Fulfillment of this responsibility is the key to joy in this life and in the life hereafter. Concerning this responsibility the Lord has further said: "Inasmuch as parents have children in Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized, that teach them not to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands, when eight years old, the sin be upon the heads of the parents. "For this shall be a law unto the inhabitants of Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized . . . . "And they shall also teach their children to pray, and to walk uprightly before the Lord" (D&C 68:25-26, 28). The leaders of the Church teach that "the home is the first and most effective place for children to learn the lessons of life: truth, honor, virtue, self-control; the value of education, honest work, and the purpose and privilege of life. Nothing can take the place of home in rearing and teaching children" ("Message from the First Presidency," Walk in the Light, [family home evening manual, 1975], p. 3). With the family as its basic unit, the strength of the Church depends upon families and individuals who live the gospel of Jesus Christ. The extent to which a family enjoys the blessings of the gospel largely depends upon how well the father and the mother understand and perform their basic duties. The Church does not intend to give programs or responsibilities to fathers and mothers that will overwhelm or discourage them or will cause them to neglect their most basic duties as parents. This family guidebook has been prepared to help individuals and families live the gospel. As they understand and fulfill their family duties, they will experience happiness here on earth and in the life to come. "The founding of a home is as sacred a work as the founding of a church" (David O. McKay, Church News, 11 Oct. 1958, p. 5).

The Purpose of the Family â&#x20AC;˘

B e c a u s e our F a t h e r in H e a v e n l o v e s u s , h e w a n t s u s to b e c o m e e x a l t e d a s h e is. T o help u s , h e h a s g i v e n u s a plan to follow b a s e d on divine l a w s of truth. T h o s e w h o learn about the plan a n d follow it faithfully c a n s o m e d a y b e c o m e like our F a t h e r in H e a v e n a n d enjoy the kind of life h e e n j o y s . P a r t of the plan w a s for u s to l e a v e h e a v e n a n d c o m e to e a r t h . H e r e w e gain a p h y s i c a l body, l e a r n through e x p e r i e n c e s , a n d p r o v e o u r s e l v e s worthy to live a g a i n in the p r e s e n c e of G o d . W e prove o u r s e l v e s worthy by freely c h o o s i n g to k e e p h i s l a w s . ( S e e A b r a h a m 3 : 2 4 - 2 5 ; 2 N e p h i 2 : 2 7 . ) T o help u s p r e p a r e o u r s e l v e s for life with him, our H e a v e n l y F a t h e r h a s o r g a n i z e d u s into families. F a m i l i e s on earth a r e similar to the families that w e will h a v e in the c e l e s t i a l k i n g d o m .

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Organization of the Family T h e family is the b a s i c unit of t h e C h u r c h , a n d the father is the h e a d or patriarch of the family ( s e e E p h e s i a n s 5 : 2 3 ) . H i s wife Is h i s most important c o m p a n i o n , partner, a n d c o u n s e l o r . T h e y s h o u l d c o u n s e l together o n all family m a t t e r s .

A father w h o h o l d s the priesthood is a b a s i c priesthood officer in the C h u r c h . A s the priesthood l e a d e r in h i s family, h e h a s the responsibility for t e a c h i n g , b l e s s i n g , a n d providing for the m e m b e r s of his family. H e l e a d s his family s o that they a r e p r e p a r i n g to return to the p r e s e n c e of our H e a v e n l y F a t h e r . T h e mother h a s the s p e c i f i c role a n d b l e s s i n g of b e a r i n g c h i l d r e n . S h e i s a partner a n d a c o u n s e l o r to h e r h u s b a n d ; s h e is to help him t e a c h a n d train the children in the l a w s of h e a v e n . If there i s no father, the mother p r e s i d e s o v e r the family. T h e father a n d mother m u s t b e o n e in p u r p o s e . T h e i r g o a l s h o u l d b e to p r e p a r e their family m e m b e r s to return to our H e a v e n l y F a t h e r . T h e y s h o u l d be c o m p l e t e l y united in w o r k i n g ( a s t h e y w o r k ) for this g o a l . T h e father is to s e e that his family Is a c t i v e in the g o s p e l , including the following t h r e e b a s i c priesthood f u n c t i o n s : 1 . P e r s o n a l a n d family p r e p a r e d n e s s , both spiritual a n d t e m p o r a l 2 . S h a r i n g the g o s p e l 3 . F a m i l y exaltation for the living a n d the d e a d

Priesthood and Spiritual Leader T H E F A T H E R P R O V I D E S F O R T H E S P I R I T U A L N E E D S O F HIS F A M I L Y T h e father s h o u l d provide for the spiritual n e e d s of his family by s e e i n g that t h e y a r e taught the g o s p e l of J e s u s C h r i s t . H e s h o u l d do all h e c a n to e n c o u r a g e t h e m a n d help t h e m k e e p the L o r d ' s c o m m a n d m e n t s . "' A worthy a n d eligible father in T h e C h u r c h of J e s u s C h r i s t of L a t t e r - d a y S a i n t s m a y hold the priesthood, w h i c h is the p o w e r a n d authority of G o d . It is with this p o w e r a n d authority that the father b e c o m e s the priesthood l e a d e r of his family. With this priesthood, h e c a n t h u s b l e s s his family m e m b e r s a n d provide for their spiritual n e e d s .

With the priesthood a n d with proper authorization from his priesthood l e a d e r , the father c a n â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 1. '

B a p t i z e h i s c h i l d r e n a n d o t h e r s ( s e e Priesthood Giv/deboo/c, the " O r d i n a n c e s " s e c t i o n ) .

Leader's

2 . C o n f i r m t h e m m e m b e r s of the C h u r c h a n d c o n f e r upon t h e m the Holy G h o s t ( s e e Priesthood Leader's Guidebook, the " O r d i n a n c e s " section).

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3 . C o n f e r the p r i e s t h o o d upon his s o n s ( s e e Priesthood Guidebook, the " O r d i n a n c e s " s e c t i o n ) .

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4 . B l e s s m e m b e r s of his family w h o b e c o m e ill ( s e e p. 2 3 in this guidebook). 5 . B e m a r r i e d in the t e m p l e a n d h a v e his family s e a l e d to him for time a n d eternity. 6. U s e his priesthood to give s p e c i a l b l e s s i n g s a s the n e e d a r i s e s ( s e e p. 2 4 in this g u i d e b o o k ) .

If there is no father or if the father d o e s not hold the priesthood, b l e s s i n g s of the priesthood c o m e to the family through the h o m e t e a c h e r s a s s i g n e d to the h o m e (family). T H E G O S P E L S H O U L D B E T A U G H T IN T H E F A M I L Y H o l d F a m i l y H o m e E v e n i n g at L e a s t O n c e a W e e k U n d e r the direction of the father, the family s h o u l d hold a regular family h o m e e v e n i n g e a c h w e e k . T h e C h u r c h h a s kept M o n d a y e v e n i n g f r e e of other activities s o that f a m i l i e s c a n be together to hold family h o m e e v e n i n g . A s patriarch of his h o m e , the father p r e s i d e s ( a c t s a s president a n d g i v e s direction) at the family h o m e e v e n i n g . T h e father ( h i m s e l f ) c o n d u c t s or appoints a family m e m b e r to c o n d u c t the h o m e e v e n i n g . T h e father either t e a c h e s the l e s s o n or d e l e g a t e s the t e a c h i n g of the l e s s o n to his wife or to children w h o a r e old e n o u g h . E v e r y o n e w h o is old e n o u g h s h o u l d be g i v e n opportunities to participate. S m a l l children c a n help in s u c h w a y s a s leading the m u s i c , quoting s c r i p t u r e s , a n s w e r i n g q u e s t i o n s , holding pictures, p a s s i n g out r e f r e s h m e n t s , a n d p r a y i n g .

W h e r e v e r t h e r e is a family, h o m e e v e n i n g s c a n b e held. A family m a y c o n s i s t of o n e individual or of a m a n a n d his wife; it m a y include children a n d other relatives. W h a t e v e r the individual situation, e a c h family will be b l e s s e d by holding ( a s they hold) h o m e e v e n i n g s . If the father is a b s e n t from the family, the mother s h o u l d a s s u m e the l e a d e r s h i p a n d s h o u l d c a r r y out the family h o m e e v e n i n g responsibilities. T h e following s u g g e s t s a s a m p l e h o m e e v e n i n g p r o g r a m : O p e n i n g s o n g (by family) O p e n i n g p r a y e r (by a child)

P o e m or scripture r e a d i n g (by a family m e m b e r )

L e s s o n (by father, mother, or a n older child) Activity ( a g a m e led by a family m e m b e r a n d p l a y e d by all of the family) C l o s i n g s o n g (by family)

C l o s i n g p r a y e r (by family m e m b e r )

Refreshments

A family c a n hold a h o m e e v e n i n g in m a n y other w a y s . A n y activity that brings the family together a n d s t r e n g t h e n s their love for e a c h other, a s well a s fostering righteous living, fills the function of a family h o m e e v e n i n g . S u c h activities include re ading the s c r i p t u r e s , d i s c u s s i n g the g o s p e l , s h a r i n g t e s t i m o n i e s , performing a s e r v i c e project, singing together, going on a picnic, playing a family g a m e , hiking, a n d o t h e r s . All h o m e e v e n i n g s s h o u l d include prayer. T h e father m a y a s k his priesthood l e a d e r s for help in learning h o w to hold a family h o m e e v e n i n g . ( F o r further information refer to " H e l p s for the F a m i l y " s e c t i o n in this guidebook.) H a v e F a m i l y a n d I ndi vi dual P r a y e r s at L e a s t O n c e ( P r e f e r a b l y T w i c e ) a Day E a c h of u s m u s t le ar n how to talk to our F a t h e r in H e a v e n through p r a y e r . H e l o v e s u s a n d w a n t s u s to talk to him a n d a s k for his help. H e will help u s w h e n w e a s k . W e all n e e d to k n o w h o w to a s k a n d h o w to t h a n k him for all that he gives us. It is not hard to lea rn how to pray if w e r e m e m b e r four important principles. W e begin our p r a y e r s by talking to our F a t h e r in H e a v e n : " O u r F a t h e r in Heaven

..."

W e thank our F a t h e r in H e a v e n for that w h i c h h e g i v e s u s : " W e t h a n k th ee for

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W e a s k him for his help with the things w e n e e d : " W e a s k t h e e . . . " W e c l o s e our p r a y e r in the n a m e of the S a v i o r : " I n the n a m e of J e s u s Christ. A m e n . " O u r p r a y e r s do not a l w a y s h a v e to follow all four of t h e s e s t e p s . T h e beginning a n d the e n d s h o u l d follow the pattern of the first a n d the last s t e p s , but w h a t w e s a y in the middle will d e p e n d on w h a t w e feel is important w h e n w e pray. S o m e t i m e s w e will w a n t to e m p h a s i z e the s e c o n d s t e p , t h a n k i n g our F a t h e r . At other t i m e s w e m a y w a n t to s p e n d most of our p r a y e r a s k i n g him for his help. H o w e v e r , if w e lear n to pray with t h e s e four s t e p s , w e c a n l e a r n more quickly.

Individual Prayers. E a c h p e r s o n s h o u l d pray Individually to our F a t h e r in H e a v e n at l e a s t o n c e e a c h morning a n d e v e n i n g . C h i l d r e n s h o u l d b e taught at a v e r y y o u n g a g e ( a s s o o n a s t h e y begin to talk) to h a v e their individual p r a y e r s . P a r e n t s c a n t e a c h a child how to pray by kneeling with him a n d telling the child w h a t to s a y o n e s e n t e n c e at a time. T h e child then r e p e a t s i w h a t is s a i d . B e f o r e long h e will b e offering h i s o w n p r a y e r s .

Family Prayers. E v e r y family that w a n t s to b e together a s a family in h e a v e n will hold daily family p r a y e r . In family p r a y e r the w h o l e family k n e e l s together a n d the father either offers the p r a y e r or a s k s s o m e o n e e l s e to offer it for the family. E v e r y o n e s h o u l d be g i v e n the opportunity regularly to l e a d the family in p r a y e r . S m a l l children c a n t a k e their turn offering the family p r a y e r with the p a r e n t s helping t h e m . T h i s p r a y e r time is a n e x c e l l e n t o c c a s i o n for t e a c h i n g s u c h principles a s faith in G o d , humility, l o v e , a n d the correct w a y to pray.

Special Prayers. P a r e n t s s h o u l d t e a c h their children that in addition to their regular individual a n d family p r a y e r s , t hey c a n pray a n y time t h e y n e e d s p e c i a l help for a righteous r e a s o n . Most p r a y e r s a r e offered with our h e a d s b o w e d a n d our e y e s c l o s e d , w h i l e w e k n e e l , sit, or s t a n d . B l e s s the F o o d Y o u E a t

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T h e father s h o u l d s e e that his family is taught to give t h a n k s a n d a s k a b l e s s i n g on the food before e a c h m e a l . A g a i n , e a c h p e r s o n s h o u l d be given a turn. C h i l d r e n c a n be taught at a v e r y y o u n g a g e to pray a n d will s o o n w a n t to s a y the b l e s s i n g by t h e m s e l v e s . B y b l e s s i n g the food, w e learn to be thankful to our H e a v e n l y F a t h e r for his b l e s s i n g s , a n d our faith a n d t e s t i m o n i e s a r e strengthened. M a k e T i m e for F a m i l y A c t i v i t i e s C h i l d r e n will be m o r e willing to listen a n d follow the a d v i c e of their p a r e n t s if t hey feel a c l o s e n e s s to the p a r e n t s . T h e father s h o u l d plan t i m e s to h a v e the w h o l e family do things together often. P i c n i c s , c a m p i n g trips, family projects, h o m e a n d y a r d c l e a n i n g , s w i m m i n g , a n d good m o v i e s a r e but a f e w of the m a n y activities f a m i l i e s c a n e n j o y together. A family that e n j o y s activities together will be a c l o s e r family. More love a n d h a r m o n y will e x i s t , a n d t e a c h i n g a n d learning the g o s p e l together will b e c o m e more effective. Study the Scriptures a s a Family "It i s i m p o s s i b l e for a m a n to be s a v e d in i g n o r a n c e " ( D & C 1 3 1 : 6 ) . T o b e c o m e like our H e a v e n l y F a t h e r a n d enjoy the kind of life h e e n j o y s is a great opportunity a n d b l e s s i n g . H o w e v e r , w e c a n obtain that b l e s s i n g only by k e e p i n g the l a w s upon w h i c h it is b a s e d ( s e e D & C 1 3 0 : 2 0 - 2 1 ) . B e f o r e w e c a n live t h o s e l a w s , w e m u s t k n o w w h a t t hey a r e . J e s u s C h r i s t is our l e a d e r a n d l a w g i v e r . H e k n o w s the w a y a n d the l a w s w e m u s t k e e p , a n d h e h a s invited e a c h of u s to follow h i m . H e h a s s a i d , " I a m the w a y , the truth, a n d the life: no m a n c o m e t h unto the F a t h e r , but by m e " ( J o h n 1 4 : 6 ) . T h e r e f o r e , to b e c o m e like our H e a v e n l y F a t h e r a n d return to h i m , w e

m u s t le arn the t e a c h i n g s of J e s u s a n d follow t h e m . W e h a v e b e e n g i v e n the s c r i p t u r e s to help u s lear n about the life, t e a c h i n g s , a n d c o m m a n d m e n t s of J e s u s Christ. ., T h e C h u r c h of J e s u s C h r i s t of L a t t e r - d a y S a i n t s a c c e p t s four b o o k s a s scripture: the Holy Bible, the B o o k of Mormon, the Doctrine a n d C o v e n a n t s , a n d the P e a r l of G r e a t P r i c e . T h e y a r e the s t a n d a r d w o r k s of the C h u r c h . T h e s e four b o o k s of scripture e x p l a i n the g o s p e l l a w s that w e m u s t k e e p a n d the s t a n d a r d s by w h i c h all thoughts, a c t i o n s , a n d t e a c h i n g s c a n b e m e a s u r e d a n d j u d g e d . T h e s e b o o k s c a n help u s lear n about the life a n d t e a c h i n g s of our lea de r, J e s u s C h r i s t . All t h o s e w h o d e s i r e truth a n d love r i g h t e o u s n e s s will w a n t to b e c o m e v e r y familiar with t h e s e four s t a n d a r d w o r k s of the Church. O u r S a v i o r h a s taught u s to s e a r c h a n d study the s c r i p t u r e s ( s e e D & C 2 6 : 1 ; 8 8 : 1 1 8 ; 2 T i m o t h y 2 : 1 5 ; 3 Nephi 2 3 : 1 ) . F a m i l i e s s h o u l d s t u d y the s c r i p t u r e s together e v e r y d a y . F a t h e r s a r e e n c o u r a g e d to gather their f a m i l i e s a r o u n d t h e m at a certain time e a c h d a y to r e a d a n d d i s c u s s the s c r i p t u r e s for at leas t ten to fifteen m i n u t e s . E a c h family m e m b e r w h o c a n r e a d s h o u l d b e g i v e n a n opportunity to r e a d from the scriptures. A short p r a y e r m a y be offered before y o u begin to r e a d . A s k our H e a v e n l y F a t h e r to b l e s s the family s o that e a c h m e m b e r will u n d e r s t a n d w h a t is r e a d a n d will gain a testim ony of it. After the scripture r e a d i n g time is c o m p l e t e d e a c h d a y , f a m i l i e s m a y w a n t to h a v e their family p r a y e r together. A s f a m i l i e s s e a r c h , study, a n d ponder the s c r i p t u r e s , they will c o m e to k n o w the t e a c h i n g s a n d the life of our S a v i o r a n d will be better p r e p a r e d to follow him. A s t h e y follow his w a y s , t hey will enjoy great h a p p i n e s s in their lives a n d will b e c o m e like our H e a v e n l y F a t h e r . ( S e e 2 Nephi 3 2 : 3 . ) H a v e Mealtime D i s c u s s i o n s M e a l t i m e s c a n be good o c c a s i o n s for talking about the g o s p e l . S m a l l children e s p e c i a l l y like to a s k a n d a n s w e r g o s p e l q u e s t i o n s . W h e n they do not k n o w the a n s w e r s , the father or mother c a n briefly g i v e a n s w e r s a n d t e a c h the g o s p e l . Not e v e r y m e a l n e e d b e a g o s p e l d i s c u s s i o n , but h a v i n g s u c h a d i s c u s s i o n two or three t i m e s a w e e k s e e m s to provide e n j o y a b l e e x p e r i e n c e s for most f a m i l i e s .

A n o t h e r w a y to r e v i e w the g o s p e l at m e a l t i m e s is to play the g a m e of " I ' m thinking of s o m e t h i n g . " A family m e m b e r thinks of a p l a c e , p e r s o n , principle, or object c o n n e c t e d with the g o s p e l . T h e other family m e m b e r s a s k him q u e s t i o n s that c a n be a n s w e r e d ' y e s ' or 'no' in order to d i s c o v e r w h a t h e h a s in m i n d . F a m i l y m e m b e r s s h o u l d be e n c o u r a g e d to a s k g e n e r a l q u e s t i o n s first, s u c h a s " I s it a p e r s o n ? " " I s it a p l a c e ? " " I s the p e r s o n living n o w ? " " I s the p e r s o n a m a l e ? " " D o e s the p e r s o n live in our c o u n t r y ? " " D o e s h e live in our w a r d or b r a n c h ? " " I s h e the b r a n c h p r e s i d e n t ? " E v e n v e r y y o u n g children will enjoy this activity. D i s c u s s the G o s p e l While Working Together M a n y opportunities for t e a c h i n g the g o s p e l a r i s e a s f a m i l i e s w o r k together a r o u n d the h o m e . W h i l e c l e a n i n g the h o u s e or y a r d or doing s o m e other work, involve your children a n d talk with t h e m . U n d e r s u c h conditions a child will often a s k q u e s t i o n s about the g o s p e l . A l w a y s t a k e time to give a s i m p l e answer. C o m m e n t s s u c h a s " Y o u a r e a g o o d w o r k e r . I'm s u r e our H e a v e n l y F a t h e r is v e r y proud of y o u , " or " L o o k at the beautiful c l o u d s our H e a v e n l y F a t h e r h a s m a d e , " c a n give children a feeling of t h a n k f u l n e s s to our H e a v e n l y F a t h e r a n d a n a s s u r a n c e that h e is r e a l . S p e c i a l H o l i d a y s a n d O c c a s i o n s C a n B e U s e d to T e a c h the G o s p e l S p e c i a l h o l i d a y s a n d o c c a s i o n s ( s u c h a s C h r i s t m a s , E a s t e r , the restoration of the A a r o n i c P r i e s t h o o d , c o n f e r e n c e s , or births) c a n be e x c e l l e n t opportunities to t e a c h the truths of the g o s p e l . P a r e n t s w h o a r e a w a r e of their responsibility to t e a c h their f a m i l i e s the g o s p e l look for e v e r y opportunity to fulfill this s a c r e d a n d joyful c o m m a n d m e n t . T e a c h by E x a m p l e t h e P a y m e n t of T i t h i n g a n d O t h e r O f f e r i n g s C h i l d r e n a r e influenced by w h a t t hey s e e their p a r e n t s do. T h e r e f o r e , a n e x c e l l e n t time to t e a c h the l a w of tithing a n d other offerings is w h e n y o u p a y y o u r o w n . Le t the children k n o w that y o u a r e p a y i n g your tithing. C h i l d r e n w h o r e c e i v e a l l o w a n c e s s h o u l d be taught to p a y tithing on w h a t they r e c e i v e . Y o u m a y w i s h to h a v e three b a n k s for e a c h child â&#x20AC;&#x201D; o n e for tithing, o n e for a m i s s i o n , a n d o n e for s p e n d i n g m o n e y . E a c h time the child r e c e i v e s m o n e y , t e a c h him to pay 10 p e r c e n t into his tithing b a n k first, then a little into h i s m i s s i o n fund, a n d w h a t is left into his s p e n d i n g b a n k .

W h e n children h a v e s a v e d s o m e tithing m o n e y , t h e y s h o u l d fill out a tithing slip, put it in a n e n v e l o p e , a n d give or s e n d it to the bishop or b r a n c h president. F a m i l i e s that do not live in a w a r d or b r a n c h s h o u l d give their

tithing to the d e s i g n a t e d priesthood leader . A l w a y s remind family m e m b e r s to p a y their tithing before t hey p a y any t hing e l s e . T e a c h the G o s p e l through Bedtime Stories B e c a u s e most children love t h e m , bedtime s t o r i e s a r e a n o t h e r e x c e l l e n t opportunity for t e a c h i n g the g o s p e l by telling or r ea d i n g s t o r i e s from the s c r i p t u r e s . C h u r c h publications, or p e r s o n a l e x p e r i e n c e . S t o r i e s o n h o n e s t y , s h a r i n g , a n d k i n d n e s s t e a c h important g o s p e l principles. Hold P r i v a t e I n t e r v i e w s S o m e p a r e n t s h a v e found private i n t e r v i e w s a n e x c e l l e n t w a y of d r a w i n g c l o s e to their children a n d of t e a c h i n g t h e m the g o s p e l . T h e father e s p e c i a l l y m a y n e e d to plan a s p e c i a l time a l o n e with e a c h child. P r i v a t e i n t e r v i e w s m a y be held often. T h e y m a y begin with a p r a y e r . T h e child s h o u l d b e g i v e n the opportunity to e x p r e s s his f e e l i n g s on a n y s u b j e c t he h a s b e e n thinking about or a n y problem or e x p e r i e n c e h e h a s h a d . Q u e s t i o n s a r e a n s w e r e d if a s k e d , but mostly the p a r e n t listens a n d a l l o w s the child to do the talking. H e then c o u n s e l s a n d a n s w e r s q u e s t i o n s .

If a problem i n v o l v e s other family m e m b e r s , the a n s w e r or solution m a y be h a n d l e d in the next (family) h o m e e v e n i n g . In the private interview, the father or mother tries to get c l o s e to the child a n d e x p r e s s e s his love a n d c o n f i d e n c e . C h i l d r e n contribute greatly to meeting the spiritual n e e d s of the family. T h e y can â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 1 . O b e y a n d honor their p a r e n t s . 2 . R e s p e c t a n d be helpful to brothers a n d s i s t e r s . 3 . A v o i d arguing with family m e m b e r s . 4 . S t u d y the s c r i p t u r e s . 5. L e a r n to pray a n d fast. 6. T r y to b e like J e s u s C h r i s t in all they do a n d s a y . If the p a r e n t s n e e d help in providing for the spiritual w e l f a r e of their family, t h e y m a y contact their priesthood l e a d e r s .

Basic Priesthood Functions P E R S O N A L AND FAMILY P R E P A R E D N E S S , BOTH SPIRITUAL AND TEMPORAL Spiritual N e e d s T h e p r e c e d i n g s e c t i o n , " P r i e s t h o o d a n d Spiritual L e a d e r , " d e a l s with the f a m i l y ' s spiritual n e e d s . Temporal Needs T h e father a n d mother c a n provide for the t e m p o r a l n e e d s of their family by s e e i n g that the family h a s (providing the family with) â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 1. A clean home. 2 . W h o l e s o m e food. 3 . Clothing to w e a r . 4 . P r o p e r dental a n d m e d i c a l c a r e a n d training. 5. E d u c a t i o n a l opportunities. 6. T r a i n i n g in m a n a g i n g f i n a n c e s . 7. Opportunities to grow s o m e of their food. ( T h e y s h o u l d l e a r n h o w to t a k e c a r e of the food a n d h o w to p r e p a r e it. Help c a n be o b t a i n e d from the w e l f a r e s e r v i c e s m i s s i o n a r i e s if t h e y a r e a v a i l a b l e . ) P a r e n t s s h o u l d b e willing to w o r k h a r d a n d s t e a d i l y to provide for t h e s e family n e e d s . " A n d y e will not suffer (allow) your children that they go hungry, or naked" (Mosiah 4:14). P a r e n t s s h o u l d plan a h e a d a n d b e p r e p a r e d to provide for t h e s e family n e e d s in t i m e s of i l l n e s s , d i s a s t e r , job layoffs, or other difficulties. If the father h a s trouble providing for the p h y s i c a l n e e d s of his family a n d if other family m e m b e r s a r e u n a b l e to help, h e m a y s e e k a s s i s t a n c e through his priesthood l e a d e r s . C h i l d r e n c a n help with the t e m p o r a l n e e d s of the family by â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

1 . Helping their p a r e n t s with work. 2 . S t u d y i n g w e l l in s c h o o l . 3 . T a k i n g c a r e of their clothing a n d other p o s s e s s i o n s . 4 . K e e p i n g t h e m s e l v e s a n d their h o m e c l e a n a n d neat. 5. T r y i n g to r e m a i n h e a l t h y by eating good food a n d practicing b a s i c health r u l e s . SHARING THE G O S P E L L a t t e r - d a y prophets h a v e taught u s that e v e r y m e m b e r of the C h u r c h h a s the responsibility for s h a r i n g the g o s p e l with o t h e r s . "It b e c o m e t h e v e r y m a n w h o hath b e e n w a r n e d to ( s h o u l d ) w a r n h i s n e i g h b o r " ( D & C 8 8 : 8 1 ) .

A l m a , a prophet in the B o o k of M o r m o n , e x p l a i n e d that t h o s e w h o a r e bapt ize d p r o m i s e to s h a r e the g o s p e l with o t h e r s a n d to b e c o m e w i t n e s s e s of J e s u s C h r i s t . T h e y s h o u l d be willing "to s t a n d a s w i t n e s s e s of G o d at all t i m e s a n d in all things, a n d in all p l a c e s that y e m a y be in, e v e n until d e a t h , that y e m a y be r e d e e m e d of G o d , a n d be n u m b e r e d with t h o s e of the first r e s u r r e c t i o n , that y e m a y h a v e e t e r n a l life" ( M o s i a h 1 8 : 9 ) . T h u s , e v e r y m e m b e r s h o u l d do all h e c a n to help h i s f r i e n d s a n d n e i g h b o r s learn about the g o s p e l of J e s u s C h r i s t a n d the b l e s s i n g s it c a n bring into their lives. " A n d a g a i n , I s a y unto y o u , I g i v e unto y o u a c o m m a n d m e n t , that e v e r y m a n , both elder, priest, t e a c h e r , a n d a l s o m e m b e r , go to (forth) with his might, with the labor of his h a n d s , to p r e p a r e a n d a c c o m p l i s h the things w h i c h I h a v e c o m m a n d e d . A n d let your p r e a c h i n g be the w a r n i n g v o i c e , e v e r y m a n to h i s neighbor, in m i l d n e s s a n d in m e e k n e s s " ( D & C 3 8 : 4 0 - 4 1 ) . T o be s u c c e s s f u l in s h a r i n g the g o s p e l , f a m i l i e s s h o u l d â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 1. B e good e x a m p l e s by living ( obey ing) all the c o m m a n d m e n t s ( s e e Matthew 5 : 1 6 ) . 2. B e proud of m e m b e r s h i p in the C h u r c h ( s e e R o m a n s 1:16). L e t t h o s e a r o u n d t h e m k n o w in a friendly w a y that t h e y a r e m e m b e r s of the C h u r c h . 3 . P r a y e r f u l l y s e l e c t a family to fellowship. 4 . Invite n o n m e m b e r s to their h o m e for a s p e c i a l h o m e e v e n i n g (other than the regular family h o m e e v e n i n g ) a n d to other C h u r c h m e e t i n g s a n d activities. 5 . A s k a c q u a i n t a n c e s if t hey w o u l d like to k n o w m o r e about t h e Church. 6. Invite n o n m e m b e r f r iends into their h o m e to be taught by t h e missionaries. 7. P r a y often a n d s e e k the L o r d ' s help in all t h e y do ( s e e M a t t h e w 21:22 and Alma 37:36-37). FAMILY E X A L T A T I O N F O R T H E LIVING AND T H E D E A D F a t h e r s a n d m o t h e r s s h o u l d c o m p i l e their o w n p e r s o n a l histories a n d s h o u l d e n c o u r a g e e a c h family m e m b e r to k e e p a p e r s o n a l history.

T h e y s h o u l d gather all the written m a t e r i a l s about their lives that they c a n find, including d o c u m e n t s , c er t if ic at es , important letters, p h o t o g r a p h s , clippings, a n d other items. T h e s e m a t e r i a l s s h o u l d be o r g a n i z e d in large e n v e l o p e s , b o x e s , or a file. W h e n family m e m b e r s h a v e all the m a t e r i a l s they c a n find, the y s h o u l d begin to write their p e r s o n a l histories. P a r e n t s s h o u l d help y o u n g e r children begin their o w n p e r s o n a l histories. F a t h e r s , m o t h e r s , a n d older children s h o u l d k e e p written r e c o r d s of their daily lives. T h e family s h o u l d a l s o c o m p i l e a r e c o r d of their a n c e s t o r s by beginning with the father a n d mother a n d then going b a c k four g e n e r a t i o n s . S o m e t i m e s t h e s e histories a n d r e c o r d s of a n c e s t o r s a r e c a l l e d b o o k s of r e m e m b r a n c e . W h e r e p o s s i b l e , the father a n d mother s h o u l d obtain a t e m p l e r e c o m m e n d from their priesthood l e a d e r a n d go to the t e m p l e to r e c e i v e their o w n e n d o w m e n t . T h e y s h o u l d a l s o return to the t e m p l e a n d do the n e c e s s a r y o r d i n a n c e a n d e n d o w m e n t w o r k for their a n c e s t o r s . W h e r e t e m p l e a t t e n d a n c e is not p o s s i b l e , f a m i l i e s s h o u l d s e n d the appropriate information to the n e a r e s t t e m p l e to h a v e the work d o n e for their a n c e s t o r s .

Leadership Training U n d e r the direction of district, m i s s i o n , or s t a k e l e a d e r s , quorum a n d group priesthood l e a d e r s a r e r e s p o n s i b l e for training e a c h father o v e r w h o m t h e y p r e s i d e . E a c h father s h o u l d be taught s o that he c a n u n d e r s t a n d a n d perform the t h r e e b a s i c priesthood functions in his family. E a c h father s h o u l d a l s o be taught h o w to l e a d his family in operating a s a C h u r c h unit. If the father d o e s not live within a b r a n c h or w a r d , the district, m i s s i o n , or s t a k e l e a d e r s a r e r e s p o n s i b l e to s e e that h e l e a r n s a n d fulfills his responsibilities.

Ordinances T h e following o r d i n a n c e s a n d b l e s s i n g s a r e e x p l a i n e d to help the father magnify his calling a s the patriarch of his h o m e . If your family d o e s not belong to a w a r d , b r a n c h , s m a l l b r a n c h , or group, worthy family m e m b e r s w h o hold the proper priesthood office m a y perform t h e s e o r d i n a n c e s . THE SACRAMENT T h e s a c r a m e n t is a v e r y s a c r e d o r d i n a n c e in the C h u r c h . P a r t a k i n g of the s a c r a m e n t g i v e s a p e r s o n the opportunity to r e m e m b e r the life, t e a c h i n g s , a n d a t o n e m e n t of J e s u s C h r i s t . It is a time to r e n e w the c o v e n a n t s e a c h o n e h a s m a d e with the L o r d at the time of b a p t i s m ( s e e M o s i a h 1 8 : 8 - 1 0 ) . E v e r y priesthood holder participating s h o u l d b e taught that h e i s a d m i n i s t e r i n g this o r d i n a n c e to o t h e r s on behalf of the L o r d . H e s h o u l d b e k e e p i n g all the c o m m a n d m e n t s a n d s h o u l d a p p r o a c h h i s a s s i g n m e n t with a s o l e m n , r e v e r e n t attitude. H e s h o u l d b e well g r o o m e d , c l e a n , a n d d r e s s e d modestly. P e r s o n a l a p p e a r a n c e s h o u l d reflect the s a c r e d n e s s of the ordinance.

A s l i c e of b r e a d s h o u l d be p l a c e d on a c l e a n plate on a s m a l l table. S m a l l individual g l a s s e s or c o n t a i n e r s with a s m a l l a m o u n t of w a t e r in t h e m s h o u l d a l s o be p l a c e d on the table. P r e f e r a b l y there s h o u l d be a s e p a r a t e g l a s s for e a c h p e r s o n p r e s e n t . T h e b r e a d a n d w a t e r s h o u l d be c o v e r e d with a c l e a n white cloth. T h e b r e a d s h o u l d be u n c o v e r e d before it is b l e s s e d , a n d the plate c o v e r e d a g a i n a s s o o n a s the b r e a d h a s b e e n distributed; the s a m e p r o c e d u r e is u s e d with the w a t e r . During the s a c r a m e n t h y m n the priesthood b e a r e r s h o u l d b r e a k the b r e a d into s m a l l p i e c e s . After the h y m n t h e priesthood b e a r e r s h o u l d k n e e l a n d offer the following b l e s s i n g on the b r e a d : " O G o d , the E t e r n a l F a t h e r , w e a s k t h e e in the n a m e of thy S o n , J e s u s C h r i s t , to b l e s s a n d sanctify this b r e a d to the s o u l s of all t h o s e w h o p a r t a k e of it, that they m a y e a t in r e m e m b r a n c e of the body of thy S o n , a n d w i t n e s s unto t h e e , O G o d , the E t e r n a l F a t h e r , that they a r e willing to t a k e upon t h e m the n a m e of thy S o n , a n d a l w a y s r e m e m b e r him a n d k e e p his c o m m a n d m e n t s w h i c h h e h a s g i v e n t h e m ; that they m a y a l w a y s h a v e his Spirit to be with t h e m . A m e n " ( s e e D & C 2 0 : 7 7 ; Moroni 4 ) . T h e b r e a d that h a s b e e n b l e s s e d is then p a s s e d to C h u r c h m e m b e r s . After the b r e a d h a s b e e n p a s s e d , the priesthood b e a r e r s h o u l d k n e e l a n d offer the following b l e s s i n g on the w a t e r : " O G o d , the E t e r n a l F a t h e r , w e a s k t h e e in the n a m e of thy S o n , J e s u s C h r i s t , to b l e s s a n d sanctify this w a t e r to the s o u l s of all t h o s e w h o drink of it, that they m a y do it in r e m e m b r a n c e of the blood of thy S o n , w h i c h w a s s h e d for t h e m ; that they m a y w i t n e s s unto t h e e , O G o d , the E t e r n a l F a t h e r , that t h e y do a l w a y s r e m e m b e r him, that they m a y h a v e his Spirit to be with t h e m . A m e n " ( s e e D & C 2 0 : 7 9 ; Moroni 5 ) . After the w a t e r h a s b e e n b l e s s e d , it is t h e n p a s s e d to t h o s e p r e s e n t . T h e s a c r a m e n t s h o u l d be c l e a r e d from the table a s s o o n a s p o s s i b l e after the c l o s e of the m e e t i n g . W h a t e v e r b r e a d r e m a i n s m a y properly be u s e d for food. P r i e s t s or M e l c h i z e d e k P r i e s t h o o d h o l d e r s c a n b l e s s the s a c r a m e n t .

T e a c h e r s a n d d e a c o n s a r e not a u t h o r i z e d to do s o ( s e e D & C 2 0 : 5 8 ) . D e a c o n s , t e a c h e r s , p r i e s t s , a n d M e l c h i z e d e k P r i e s t h o o d b e a r e r s m a y all b e a s s i g n e d to p a s s the s a c r a m e n t . ANOINTING AND B L E S S I N G T H E S I C K " I s a n y s i c k a m o n g y o u ? let him call for the e l d e r s of the c h u r c h ; a n d let t h e m pray o v e r him, anointing him with oil in the n a m e of the L o r d : A n d the p r a y e r of faith s h a l l s a v e the s i c k , a n d the L o r d s h a l l r a i s e him u p " ( J a m e s 5 : 1 4 - 1 5 ) . C o n s e c r a t i n g the Oil O l i v e oil is u s e d in administering to the s i c k . A g o o d g r a d e of pure olive oil s h o u l d b e obtained, a n d t h o s e holding the M e l c h i z e d e k P r i e s t h o o d s h o u l d c o n s e c r a t e it for its holy p u r p o s e s . A n individual M e l c h i z e d e k P r i e s t h o o d holder m a y s a y the p r a y e r by himself if no other M e l c h i z e d e k P r i e s t h o o d b e a r e r is p r e s e n t : 1 . Hold the o p e n c o n t a i n e r of olive oil. 2 . A d d r e s s our H e a v e n l y F a t h e r in p r a y e r . 3 . S t a t e the authority (the M e l c h i z e d e k P r i e s t h o o d ) by w h i c h the oil i s consecrated. 4 . C o n s e c r a t e the oil for anointing the s i c k . 5 . C l o s e in the n a m e of J e s u s C h r i s t . /â&#x20AC;˘J T h e r e a r e two parts to a b l e s s i n g of the s i c k : the anointing with c o n s e c r a t e d oil a n d the s e a l i n g of the anointing. Anointing 1 . A M e l c h i z e d e k P r i e s t h o o d holder s h o u l d anoint the s i c k p e r s o n by placing a f e w d r o p s of c o n s e c r a t e d oil on top of the h e a d . 2 . H e then p l a c e s both h a n d s on the s i c k p e r s o n ' s h e a d . 3 . T h e priesthood holder then c a l l s the p e r s o n by full n a m e a n d anoints him by the p o w e r of the priesthood a n d in the n a m e of J e s u s C h r i s t . Sealing After the anointing, the M e l c h i z e d e k P r i e s t h o o d holder (or h o l d e r s ) s h o u l d lay his h a n d s on the h e a d of the s i c k p e r s o n . T h e n h e â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

1 . C a l l s the s i c k p e r s o n by n a m e .

2 . S t a t e s the authority by w h i c h the o r d i n a n c e is b e i n g p e r f o r m e d (the Melchizedek Priesthood). 3 . S e a l s a n d c o n f i r m s the anointing w h i c h h a s a l r e a d y t a k e n p l a c e . 4 . G i v e s a b l e s s i n g a s h e i s inspired to do s o by the Spirit of the L o r d . 5. C l o s e s " i n t h e n a m e o f J e s u s Christ. A m e n . "

SPECIAL BLESSINGS S p e c i a l (or f a t h e r ' s ) b l e s s i n g s c a n be g i v e n to family m e m b e r s for r e a s o n s such as â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 1 . T o help a child in s c h o o l .

2. T o s t r e n g t h e n a s o n or d a u g h t e r w h o is l e a v i n g h o m e for a m i s s i o n , c o l l e g e , military s e r v i c e , or other r e a s o n . 3 . T o provide help in s o l v i n g p e r s o n a l p r o b l e m s .

T h e s e b l e s s i n g s c a n b e g i v e n by a father w h o h o l d s the M e l c h i z e d e k P r i e s t h o o d a n d c a n b e a great strength to his family. No oil is n e c e s s a r y . T h e s e b l e s s i n g s u s u a l l y c o n s i s t of the following: 1 . T h e priesthood holder ( o n e or m o r e c a n participate) l a y s h i s h a n d s on the h e a d of the p e r s o n w h o will r e c e i v e the b l e s s i n g . 2. H e c a l l s the p e r s o n by his full n a m e . 3 . H e s t a t e s by w h a t authority (the M e l c h i z e d e k P r i e s t h o o d ) t h e b l e s s i n g is being g i v e n . 4 . H e then g i v e s the p e r s o n a b l e s s i n g . ( W h a t is s a i d in the b l e s s i n g will d e p e n d on w h a t the priesthood holder is inspired to s a y by the Spirit of the L o r d . ) 5. H e c l o s e s t h e b l e s s i n g " i n t h e n a m e o f J e s u s C h r i s t . A m e n . "

How the Family Can Function as a Church Unit SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE S o m e f a m i l i e s do not belong to a group, a s m a l l b r a n c h , a b r a n c h , or a w a r d . In s u c h c a s e s the family s h o u l d hold a S u n d a y w o r s h i p s e r v i c e . W h e n the father holds the priesthood, the family f u n c t i o n s a s a n e c c l e s i a s t i c a l unit of the C h u r c h , a n d the district, m i s s i o n , or s t a k e president s h o u l d give the family p e r m i s s i o n to hold a n official c h u r c h m e e t i n g . T h e father (or a n o t h e r priesthood holder) m a y p r e p a r e a n d b l e s s the s a c r a m e n t . T o do s o , h e m u s t â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 1 . B e worthy. 2 . Hold the office of a priest in t!ie A a r o n i c P r i e s t h o o d or hold the Melchizedek Priesthood. 3 . R e c e i v e p e r m i s s i o n from his priesthood l e a d e r s . A n y priesthood holder c a n b e a s s i g n e d to p a s s the s a c r a m e n t . ( F o r the s a c r a m e n t p r a y e r s s e e D & C 2 0 : 7 7 , 7 9 or p a g e 2 2 in this m a n u a l . ) A s u g g e s t e d S u n d a y w o r s h i p s e r v i c e m a y c o n s i s t of the following: 1 . O p e n i n g h y m n (by family; s o m e o n e m a y l e a d ) 2 . O p e n i n g p r a y e r (by a family m e m b e r ) 3 . Administration ( b l e s s i n g a n d p a s s i n g ) of the s a c r a m e n t 4 . O n e or two of the following: a . O n e or two short t a l k s or t e s t i m o n i e s b. S c r i p t u r e r e a d i n g a n d d i s c u s s i o n a s a family c . A l e s s o n by a family m e m b e r 5. C l o s i n g h y m n (by family) 6. C l o s i n g p r a y e r (by family m e m b e r )

In planning the S u n d a y w o r s h i p s e r v i c e the direction of the Spirit of the L o r d s h o u l d be sought a n d followed. T h e p e o p l e of the B o o k of M o r m o n h a v e g i v e n u s a g o o d e x a m p l e of this t y p e of m e e t i n g : " A n d their m e e t i n g s w e r e c o n d u c t e d by the c h u r c h after the m a n n e r of the w o r k i n g s of the Spirit, a n d by the p o w e r of the Holy G h o s t ; for a s the p o w e r of the Holy G h o s t led t h e m w h e t h e r to p r e a c h , or to exhort, or to pray, or to s u p p l i c a t e , or to s i n g , e v e n s o it w a s d o n e " (Moroni 6 : 9 ) . S u n d a y w o r s h i p s e r v i c e s s h o u l d be c a r r i e d out in a s i m p l e , r e v e r e n t , dignified manner. MEETING FACILITIES T h e family s h o u l d m e e t in the h o m e for S u n d a y w o r s h i p s e r v i c e s . F a m i l y h o m e e v e n i n g s a r e u s u a l l y held in the h o m e , but m a y b e held e l s e w h e r e a s d e t e r m i n e d by the father. CHURCH RESOURCE MATERIALS T h e family s h o u l d u s e t h e s c r i p t u r e s a s the b a s i c guide for the family. T h e y c a n a l s o u s e the m i s s i o n a r y t r a c t s a n d other C h u r c h publications. ACTIVITIES F a m i l y activities during the w e e k a r e e n c o u r a g e d . Activities m a y include h i k e s , p i c n i c s , g o o d m o v i e s , visiting r e l a t i v e s , s p o r t s , m u s i c a l p r o g r a m s , s w i m m i n g , a n d other activities. FINANCES F a m i l i e s that do not belong to a w a r d or a b r a n c h s h o u l d give tithing, f a s t offerings, a n d other d o n a t i o n s to the d e s i g n a t e d priesthood l e a d e r .

REPORTS T h e r e is no written report for a family to submit to the C h u r c h . W h e r e v e r p o s s i b l e , the father s h o u l d h a v e a p e r s o n a l priesthood interview with h i s d e s i g n a t e d priesthood l e a d e r at l e a s t quarterly, in w h i c h h e reports the conditions a n d activity of his family.

Helps for the Family P R E P A R I N G AND P R E S E N T I N G T A L K S During the family h o m e e v e n i n g or the S u n d a y w o r s h i p s e r v i c e , different family m e m b e r s m a y be g i v e n the opportunity of p r e s e n t i n g t a l k s . T h e following g u i d e l i n e s c a n help t h e m in t h e s e a s s i g n m e n t s . Outlining the Talk W h e n a p e r s o n r e c e i v e s a n a s s i g n m e n t to give a talk, h e s h o u l d prayerfully d e c i d e w h a t h e will talk about (for e x a m p l e , faith, b a p t i s m , o b e d i e n c e , or prayer). After c h o o s i n g the s u b j e c t , h e m a k e s a s i m p l e outline, s u c h a s the following: 1 . S t a t e the m a i n principle. 2 . F i n d p a s s a g e s in the s c r i p t u r e s that support the m a i n principle. 3 . T e l l a true story about the s u b j e c t from the s c r i p t u r e s . C h u r c h history, or from p e r s o n a l e x p e r i e n c e . 4 . In c o n c l u s i o n , r e p e a t the m a i n principle, a n d b e a r t e s t i m o n y that it is true. 5. C l o s e in the n a m e of J e s u s C h r i s t .

T a l k s m a y b e l e n g t h e n e d by p r e s e n t i n g additional s c r i p t u r e s , instructions, s t o r i e s , e x a m p l e s , a n d e x p e r i e n c e s to s t r e n g t h e n a n d clarify the m a i n principle. Practicing the Talk O n c e the talk h a s b e e n p r e p a r e d , the p e r s o n s h o u l d find a p l a c e w h e r e h e c a n b e a l o n e a n d pra c t ic e p r e s e n t i n g his talk a s though h e w e r e s t a n d i n g before the family a n d ac t ually giving it. H e s h o u l d s p e a k out c l e a r l y a n d practice until h e c a n g i v e all or most of h i s talk from m e m o r y . Presenting the Talk W h e n p r e s e n t i n g the talk, the s p e a k e r s h o u l d s t a n d straight a n d s p e a k out s o that all c a n h e a r . H e s h o u l d look at the m e m b e r s of the c o n g r e g a t i o n , not at the floor, a n d s h o u l d s p e a k from his heart.

FAMILY SINGING S i n g i n g c a n c r e a t e a good feeling in a family a n d bring family m e m b e r s c l o s e to the Spirit of the L o r d . It s h o u l d be a s p e c i a l part of e v e r y f a m i l y ' s religious activities. T h e L o r d h a s s a i d , " F o r m y s o u l delighteth in the s o n g of the heart; y e a , the s o n g of the righteous is a p r a y e r unto m e , a n d it s h a l l be a n s w e r e d with a b l e s s i n g upon their h e a d s " ( D & C 2 5 : 1 2 ) . S o m e of the a p p r o v e d h y m n s of the C h u r c h h a v e b e e n included in this guidebook.

Summary: The Importance of the Home T h e s u c c e s s a n d strength of the C h u r c h d e p e n d o n h o w well f a m i l i e s l e a r n a n d c a r r y out the b a s i c priesthood functions. T h e following truths e x p r e s s e d by m o d e r n prophets a r e g i v e n for f a m i l i e s to ponder a n d act u p o n : " I k n o w of no other p l a c e t h a n h o m e w h e r e true h a p p i n e s s c a n be found in this life. It is p o s s i b l e to m a k e h o m e a bit of h e a v e n ; i n d e e d I picture h e a v e n to be a continuation of the ideal h o m e " ( D a v i d O . M c K a y , Improvement Era, O c t . 1 9 4 8 , p. 6 1 8 ) . " N o other s u c c e s s c a n c o m p e n s a t e for failure in the h o m e " ( D a v i d O . M c K a y , C o n f e r e n c e R e p o r t , Apr. 1 9 6 4 , p. 5; or Improvement

Era, J u n e 1 9 6 4 , p. 4 4 5 ) .

" A g a i n most e a r n e s t l y w e urge p a r e n t s to gather their children a r o u n d t h e m in love a n d p a t i e n c e a n d u n d e r s t a n d i n g , a n d instruct t h e m in truth a n d r i g h t e o u s n e s s , a n d t e a c h t h e m correct principles by the w o r d s they s p e a k [ a n d by the e x a m p l e of their lives. " T h e h o m e is the first a n d m o s t effective p l a c e for children to l e a r n the l e s s o n s of life: truth, honor, virtue, self-control; the v a l u e of e d u c a t i o n , h o n e s t work, a n d the p u r p o s e a n d privilege of life. Nothing c a n t a k e the p l a c e of h o m e in rearing a n d t e a c h i n g c h i l d r e n " ( " M e s s a g e from the First P r e s i d e n c y , " M/a/k/r7f/?eZjg/7f [family h o m e e v e n i n g m a n u a l . 1 9 7 5 ] , p. 3 ) .

I Am a Child of God M i l d r e d T. Pettit

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sings the brook-let by;

doth soft - ly,

gar - den sweet, Mak - ing

here

be - neath our feet;

sweet - ly

glide

bliss com - plete

Oh, there's One who smiles on

high

3 : ^

^â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

- I

When there's love

at home.

Love

home;

love

When there's love

at home.

Love

home;

love

home;

When there's love

Love

home;

love

home;

home.

Time doth .soft - ly, sweet - ly glide Mak - ing life a bliss com - plete Oh, there's One who smiles on high

When there's love When there's love When there's love

at at at

home;

home. home. home.

196

We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet

William Fowler

Mrs. Norton

Brightly y= 76 ^

;i-44«,

— !^

| . . • • i .

s -»—

1. We

thank thee,

2. When dark 3. We'll

sing

God, for

trou - ble

hang

o'er

good-noss

and

mer - cy.

clouds of of

his

proph - et

And threat - en

guide

our

We'll praise him

EE these

lat - ter

peace

day

days.

- stroy,

and by

night.

for

send -ing

the

There is

thank

hope smil - ing

bright-ly

be - fore

joice

glo - ri - ous

thee

his

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gos - pel

-•-

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us,

gos - pel, -9-

. f ',e? -

-0-

: —

-(9 —

-b—N^^--^!—I

PE—e—I

^ I

J .

1r To

light - en

our minds with

its

rays. We

thank thee for ev

nigh. We

doubt not

And we

know that

de - liv - erance

And

bask

its

life - giv - ing

0^-0-

light. Thus

T-r-

the Lord nor his

0 - 0

- e - ry

e - ter - nal per • 0

0--^rzaz

bless - ing

Be - stowed by

thy boun - tc - ous

good - ness.

We've proved him

in days that are

fee

The

tion

hon - est

and faith - ful

will

hand. We

feel

past. The

wick - ed

go,

While they

it who

a who re -

-9-

y - Âą ^

I pleas - ure to fight a - gainst ject this glad

serve thee, Zi - on mes - sage

And love to Will sure - ly Shall n.-v - er

0 - bey thy com - mand. be smit - ten at last, such hap - pi - ness know.

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3=e=

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THECHURCHOF

JESUS CHRIST OFLATTER-DAY SAINTS