Elder Quentin L. Cook (Oct. 18): "Deep and Lasting Conversion"

This is a talk that ostensibly addresses the new changes to the church meetings in much of the world (many places were already doing 2 hour church).  The activity I outline below is an activity designed to begin people thinking about what these changes may mean in their homes and lives.

The Activity:

1. Create a handout for the class members.  It is pretty basic.  Simply create a chart that is 2 rows by 4 columns.  Label the outside columns "In my home . . ."; one of the inside columns should be labeled "guidelines" and the other "blessings."  The second row of the chart should be extended to the bottom of the page, but leave it blank.  This is where the class members will write.
2. Make a copy for each class member and pass it out at the beginning of the lesson.
3. As you discuss the talk, have the class members write down the counsel given by Elder Cook.  Specifically, in the column labeled "guidelines" they should record the guidelines that he gives for what we should do with our Sabbath Days under the new schedule.  In the column, labeled "blessings" they should record any blessings that Elder Cook mentions.  Depending on the discussion during this part of the lesson, you may need to ask them to skim over the talk and jot down anything new they find.
4. When those lists feel complete, ask the class members to silently ponder and record 1) how those guidelines might be carried out in their home and 2) what those blessings might look like in the lives of them and their families.
5. After a few minutes, take time to share some of what was written either in small groups or as a whole class.

Using the Activity:

This is another activity designed to help the class members imagine the gospel in their lives-- how they can accomplish the counsel given and the blessings that will follow.  This is an activity that really could be simply explained at the beginning of the lesson and then just brought up here and there during the planned lesson.  That way the class members could simply fill out the form as the class moves along.  Even in this case, though, I would still take a couple of minutes at least to have them ponder silently how these things might appear in their own homes.  In our world today there is much more need for quiet contemplation than ever before.  

This activity is also valuable, I believe, because it pushes the students to think about this more as they return to their home.  Hopefully, it is a conversation starter for the class members-- they can talk about their ideas with their spouses/roommates or they can simply continue thinking about this as they return home and continue the conversation with themselves and their Father in Heaven.

I hope that this idea is helpful.  I enjoy creating this blog in part because I truly feel like teaching is the most important part of what any of us do, and I hope that in some small way I am helping others.  Please remember how important your calling is; you are making a difference, even when it seems like you are not.  God bless you in your efforts.