Elder John C. Pingree (Oct. '23): "Eternal Truth"

-

 What an important topic addressed here.  We know that the adversary acts in subtle ways to get us just a bit off course.  Over time, that small deviation has tremendous consequences.  To combat this we must constantly check ourselves to make sure that we are in line with the scriptures and the living prophets.  Elder Pingree here offers us great counsel to help us do just that.

The Activity:

  1. Make sure that every class member has access to a copy of the talk either digitally or  physically.
  2. Invite the class members to take 4-5 minutes to look over the talk and mark the parts that really stand out to them.
  3. After the time has elapsed, ask them to turn and talk with a neighbor about one thing they noted as being impactful.
  4. Afterwards, come together as a class and ask the class members to share a quote they found meaningful.
  5. With each quote shared, ask the one who shared why they chose it and then discuss each quote for a moment.

Using the Activity:

This is an activity that demands a good amount from you as the teacher since any quote may be chosen.  Remember, though, that you do not need to be a master of every nuance in this talk.  You know the gospel and be willing to turn the bulk of the sharing over to the class members themselves while you simply direct the conversation.  In fact, this is one of the calling cards of this activity-- it turn a lot of control over the members of the class.  This is one way to help create a home-centered, church-supported gospel learning environment.  By including the class members more you are helping them to exercise faith so that they are more open to the Spirit.  

I pray that this activity will be of use to you.  God bless.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Elder Ronald A. Rasband (Apr. '23): "Hosanna to the Most High God"

-
 Like Elder Stevenson's talk, a quick reading of this talk might appear as if the talk were really about a holiday (Palm Sunday in this case).  However, it is really about so much more.  This is a powerful talk on coming to Christ and being prepared for His coming. The Activity: Make sure that everyone has access to a copy of the talk either digitally or physically. Read par. 24-25 "We, like the . . . Father in Heaven." Discuss this passage briefly as a class. Point out that Elder Rasband mentions four ways to fill our lamps with oil. Divide the class into four groups and assign each group one of the doctrines that Elder Rasband discusses: Prophecy (par. 13-15:  "First, prophecy.  For . . . shall rise again.'") The Gift of the Holy Ghost (par. 16:  "Second, the companionship . . . of all things'") Discipleship (par. 17: "Third, discipleship.  True . . . cried, 'Crucify Him'") The Atonement (par. 18-19:  "Fourth, the Atone
Read more

Elder David A. Bednar (Apr. '23): "Abide in Me, and I in You; Therefore, Walk with Me"

-
 I have mentioned in other places in this blog that I am a newly called Elders Quorum president.  As such, this talk really struck home.  I feel woefully inadequate in fulfilling my calling.  This talk gave me comfort and confidence in moving forward.   The Activity: Explain Enoch's reaction to his calling and share your own experience with receiving a calling that overwhelmed you at first and/or invite some class members to share their experiences like this. Invite the class members to read paragraph 5 ("And the Lord . . . give thee utterance'") silently and ask them to identify 1) what God asks of Enoch and 2) what God promises Enoch.   Allow class members a moment to read the passage. Come back and discuss as a class what they found. Ask them to think about how these same commands and promises could apply to various callings (including those they currently have and/or those talked about at the beginning). Invite the class members to share experiences/testimonies
Read more

Bishop W. Christopher Waddell (Oct. '23): "More Than a Hero"

-
 This talk is custom made for today.  All around us we can see people who choose worldly heroes to focus on and follow with little, if any, thought given to Christ and Father.  The results are perilous to us and to society.  This talk in some aspects reminds me of some of Pres. Kimball's teachings ( here , for example).   The Activity: Draw a line down the middle of the board. Read par. 23 "For us on . . . Savior and Redeemer." Ask the class members to consider what would characterize too much trust placed in "the politician, the musician, the athlete, or the vlogger" or anyone. Invite them to share their ideas.  As they do, list them on one side of the board. Invite the class members to look over the list they have created and consider how they can either safeguard against these things or walk back from perilous positions. Allow a moment to think and then discuss. Point out that if this is too much attention placed on people, in what ways could we do the same t
Read more