Teaching Relief Society & Priesthood

 I appreciated this talk.  Elder Cordon shares some great insight and applies the gospel well in drawing his conclusions.  This is a talk that I will return to again and that I will recommend to my oldest son now that he is a father as well (especially when studied in conjunction with some of the other talks/passages from this conference that addressed parenting). The Activity: Prior to class , choose several phrases from the talk that represent actionable items that class members could apply at home now.  Compile these phrases/passages into a single document and print out a copy for each class member.  Passages might include the following: Par. 5 "Adopting the gospel culture" Par. 15 "Create an environment where our children can feel [God's] influence" Par. 12 "Invite to Act" Par 8 "Teach [the gospel] liberally, generously, and without restraint" Pass out a sheet to each class member. Ask the class members to read over the ideas on the sheet

 What an inspiring story of the sister from Okinawa.  She is a giant.  In practical terms for this blog, this is a talk that I do not see being chosen often to be taught (although we would do well to remember this sister's story).  Not that it is not a great talk, but it would be more difficult to create a lesson for this talk alone.  The activity I share here is focused on the last 20% or so of the talk.   The Activity: Make sure that every class member has something to write with and write on. Read par. 25 "Through temple blessings . . . in his wings." Ask the class members to share any experiences they are comfortable sharing where they have been 'healed' through the power of the temple and temple covenants. Wait a moment for people to share.  This may take a moment and be a wee bit uncomfortable but this time will be important-- even if no one shares. Invite the class members to take a few minutes and either A) record an experience from their own life where th

I really loved this talk.  As with other conference talks it covers familiar ground but does so in a way that helps us to gain greater insight.  The activity I am sharing almost leaped off the page and I feel it is the one I am to share.  But in using it, please be careful to do so in a way that everyone feels loved and encouraged to do/be better and that no one feels attacked. The Activity: Make sure that everyone has something to write on and write with. Read par. 4-5 "When the scribes . . . to each one."  and par. 12-14 "President Russell M. . . . to our Maker!" Invite the class members to silently make a list of the labels that we use to divide people, e.g. Ute fan/Cougar fan (in Utah), liberal/conservative, stupid/smart, freshman/sophomore/junior/senior, etc.  Notice that not every label needs to be something serious. Allow the class members a few moments to create a list Come back together as a class and ask some of the class members to share what they wrote d

 I was profoundly touched by this talk.  It seemed so full of wisdom and gospel plainness.  It is hard to know where to start when designing an activity for it.  I believe any of the five "observations" of Elder Sabin could stand for a good 20 minute discussion.  There simply is not enough time.  My first reaction is to counsel everyone to simply pick one or two and focus on those, ignoring the rest.  However, I also know from first-hand experience that it is not always easy to leave good gospel material untouched (and that is what you would be leaving by picking a focus).  So, this activity presents one way to 'cover' all of the aspects of the talk, while at the same time allowing class members the opportunity to sit with a single topic for a bit longer (sit with a topic = pondering; pondering = preparation for revelation). The Activity: Make sure that every class member has access to a copy of the talk either digitally or physically. Divide the class into five group

 What a brilliant talk.  I know there are many threats to our spiritual lives in these latter days; however, I think we sometimes forget to consider the ideas and values of the world that are disguised to look good even to the elect.  I think the threat to Christ-like humility falls into this category.  Today's world tells people that their value comes from areas other than their divine birthright.  As a result, people are basing the foundation of their sense of self in things that are not able to carry that weight.  The outcome of this looks either like a lack of self-worth or an inflated sense of self.  In neither case, though, is Christ-like humility present.  This talk is a great reminder of what humility truly is and how being humble strengthens us.   The Activity: Read par. 18 "During this conference . . . these chosen leaders." Review the bulleted list in Elder Koch's talk-- inviting the class members to consider how well they are doing with each of these items

 This is a great talk, but it is one that may feel daunting to teach because Elder Phillips covers three very distinct topics-- even though he brings them together under the same umbrella.  How can you cover all of those topics adequately?  Or even inadequately? One approach-- shared here-- is to not try to teach all of the topics and leave the actual choice up to the class members themselves. The Activity: Prior to Class-- Prepare a sheet that has 8-10 quotes on it from Elder Phillips' talk.  These quotes should be what stands out to you as you prayerfully prepare, but there should be at least a couple from each of the three sections.  Possibilities include the following:   Par. 7 "Life is challenging . . . belonging and purpose." Par. 10 "Your life has . . . and redeem you." Par. 17 "Our Savior's mission . . . in the journey." Par. 26 "To anyone burdened . . . our storms still." Par. 28 "Some of the . . . too are real." Par. 3

 I find this talk both challenging and comforting.  As an almost empty-nester this talk pushed me to consider how I'm doing now as I transition in my role as a father and add the role of grandpa to the mix (I have two of the greatest little grandsons the world has ever seen :) ).  I think that is an important note when teaching this talk.  While the responsibility might take a slightly different form, the message of this talk extends beyond parents-- though they are the focus of the talk-- to include extended family members, ministers, sunday school teachers, etc.  In other words, every person can find themselves in this talk. The Activity: Make sure that every class member has access to a copy of the talk either digitally or physically. Explain that while this talk is focused primarily on the role of parents, the responsibility of helping the rising generation to develop faith in Christ is one that we all share. Around the room post 5 posters, labeled "Parents," "Ch

 What a magnificent talk.  There are a few lines that will stick with me for a long time.  Of course, the focus of this talk-- relying on Christ in times of trouble-- is not unique.  We hear it at every conference, usually more than once.  Apparently, this is a lesson that we are still trying to learn. The Activity: Point out that Elder Costa mentions three ways we can intentionally lean on Christ in times of trial. Read the following passages as a class and write the corresponding actions on the board. Remember Him -- par. 11 "When I 'remember . . . of the day!" Keep our covenants-- par. 14 "Our covenants are . . . overcome the impossible." Exercise Faith -- par. 22 "Faith in Christ . . . ship with us." Invite class members to remember times in their lives or a story about someone who used one of these three actions to deal with adversity. Allow the class members some time to think. Invite the class members to share what they thought of. Using the Ac

 This is one of those talks that seems to encapsulate a number of themes from a conference and tie them together.  There are always a couple of these.  Elder Choi's focus on the covenant path is-- based on my reading of the conference talks this time-- needed by all of us as it is found a number of times in the talks. The Activity: Make sure that every class member has access to a copy of the talk either digitally or physically. Give each class member 2 post-it notes and something to write with. Invite the class members to skim the section of the talk entitled "Are You on the Covenant Path?" and then write on one of their post-it notes a few words that convey something Elder Choi teaches in this section. Repeat this procedure with the section of the talk entitled "How Can Keeping Covenants with God Make You Happy?" Draw a line down the middle of the white/chalk board and label each side with one of the titles of the sections. When the class members are done writ

 A friend of mine brought up this talk when asked about his biggest takeaway from conference.  This intrigued me.  I remembered this talk-- vaguely-- but couldn't say it was that great.  Then, I read it.  As often happens to me, this changed how I saw the talk.  This is a talk that directly addresses-- and does so masterfully-- a recurring theme from conference.  Developing a deep relationship with Father and His Son Jesus Christ. The Activity: Ask the class members to consider the two types of relationships described in the following passage. Read par. 9-12 "I tell you . . . my Heavenly Father." Draw a line down the middle of the white/chalk board.  On one side write "face blind" and on the other write "seeing clearly." Discuss with the class the two types of relationships outlined in the quote, recording their comments under the appropriate heading.  During this discussion, you may want to ask questions such as the following: How does having each typ

 This was a powerful talk for me-- on that I pray touched many of us; however, I don't know that it will be a talk that is often chosen as a source for a lesson.  If it is, I would offer this piece of counsel at the beginning:  Be careful that those to whom this talk is directed do not feel attacked or singled out.  That would be counterproductive. The Activity: Read par. 17-20 "President Dallin H. Oaks . . . sorrow and tears?" Discuss briefly with the class what the future cost would be for any who become less diligent in their discipleship and/or those who choose to leave the Church entirely. Read par. 15 "However, as we . . . through Jesus Christ." With this in mind, invite the class members to take a moment to find in the scriptures a favorite verse, passage, or story that speaks of Father's willingness/power to accept, help, and heal us as we come back to him. After a couple of minutes to look, invite the class members to share their chosen passage with

 It is impressive to consider the amazing work the Church carries out around the world to relieve suffering.  More impressive, to me though, can be the change that comes over us as we learn to love God and to love our fellow beings as He does.   The Activity: Point out that when speaking of Christ's feelings when He witnesses suffering, Elder Arden uses the word compassion.  This word is among the most frequently used in the New Testament to describe how Christ felt towards others (see for example Matt. 9:36; Mark 1:41; Luke 7:13). Specifically, Elder Arden mentions two events from Christ's ministry that demonstrate His compassion (John 11:32-35 & III Ne. 17:5-9). Divide the class into small groups (4-5 people per group) Invite the groups to read aloud the two passages Elder Arden mentions and then to 1) identify other passages/stories where Christ shows compassion and 2) discuss how we can act compassionately in our own lives. Allow the groups time to talk When the discuss

 For me, the image of being tethered to God is a powerful way to envision my covenant relationship with Father (I have sat through hundreds, if not more, of lessons and talks that use the image of yoking, but it just doesn't strike the same cord as this one).  Having said that, this feels like a talk very much directed to those among us-- and those parts of each of us-- that are struggling to enter such a relationship.  The activity I outline here is not like the others on my site, but I feel it is appropriate.  While it feels best suited to me to happen at the end of the lesson, it could be used at any point.   The Activity: Prior to Sunday prayerfully choose and invite one or two people from the class (or that have a connection to the class and could attend) to share their testimony of Jesus and the peace and power that come from entering in a relationship with Him-- even in the initial stages of coming back to the fold. During class, read par. 27 "Begin where you  . . . wal

 When preparing the activities for this blog I begin by re-reading each talk and marking those parts that stand out to me as being especially important.  Then, I go back over the talk-- paying the most attention to what I have marked-- and create an activity to help teach the talk.  My problem with Sister Runia's talk is that I underlined large chunks of it (over half of it easily).  This talk is so powerful to me and I think there would be almost no bad way to teach this talk.  What follows is one possiblity. The Activity: Make sure every class member has access to a copy of the talk either digitally or physically. Read par. 10-13 "I went through . . . a happy thing." Point out that Sis. Runia says her dad saw her with an eye of faith.  Discuss how this is similar to and different from seeing God's actions with an eye of faith. After a few moments of discussion, point out that throughout this talk Sis. Runia shares examples of what it looks like to see those we love

 When I first heard this talk (in the car on the way to a soccer game) I thought it was good, but when I returned to read it, I found that it was just what I needed.  I struggle with depression (not to the degree of some others, but enough to know that this is all I can handle sometimes), and several parts of this talk touched me deeply in connection with my own situation.  So, that is what this activity focuses on. The Activity: Make sure every class member has access to a copy of the talk either digitally or physically. Ask the class to read over the talk quickly and choose a passage that they find especially meaningful/impactful.  Given that you may have some who have not read this talk at all, I would probably allow 5-7 minutes (even if they can't read it, that should be enough time to find a passage). Now, invite the class members to stand up and find someone not sitting near them. Give them a minute or so for each person in the new companionship to share their quote and talk

 I find Elder Gong's speaking style so interesting.  For me, I have to sit with his talks and read them a couple of times to see his bigger purpose.  Then, I am moved by the depth of what I find there, and I'm sure there is more there (as there is in probably every conference talk).  This talk was no different.  The activity I have designed aims to highlight my personal biggest takeaways.   The Activity: Make sure every class members has access to a copy of the talk either digitally or physically. Discuss the idea that the ways God loves us differ from the ways we love each other.   Point out that we need to learn to love as Father does. Read par. 30-31 "Interestingly, repeating extensive . . . and covenant belonging." Discuss what this quote teaches about how we can best learn to love as God does. Invite the class members to take a couple of minutes to look back through the talk to the many actions Elder Gong discusses.  In doing so, the class members should consider