Teaching Relief Society & Priesthood

 This talk would be an excellent companion talk when teaching about Pres. Nelson's talk from this same conference.  The two overlap in important ways.  And if it comes from the mouths of two or more witnesses, we know it must be true. The Activity: Read par. 15 "I invite you . . . after these things.'" Draw a line down the middle of the board.  Label one side "Christ's actions" and the other side "Reasons not to" Remind the class members that Christ is our perfect example of what to be and how to act toward others.  Explain that you want to think more about the example of Christ in this regard. Read par. 6 "Jesus perfectly exemplified . . . Roman governor marveling."   Point out that in this quote Elder Soares mentions three actions of the Savior's (washing the feet of the disciples; healing the ear of the soldier who came with Judas to arrest him; and not speaking against His accusers in Pilate's presence).  Write each of the

 For me, this was a great talk.  I was especially touched as I re-read it by the principles that Elder Andersen mentions which led me to insights on specific actions I can take to center my life more on Christ. The Activity: Read par. 7 "My prayer at . . . the Savior's love." Invite the class members to share some ways they consciously center Christ in their lives. After some discussion, explain that Elder Andersen shares some principles in his talk for centering Christ in our lives.  Each of these three principles can help us identify some specifics actions we can take to guide our lives and center it on Christ. Divide the class into three groups Assign each group one of the following quotes (all from par. 8): "Filling our mind . . .  and glorious resurrection." "We pray and . . . closer to Him." "We welcome into . . . our busy lives." Ask each group to discuss their assigned quote and to identify some ways to put these principles into pract

 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

 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

 I love my kids, but I am far from a perfect parent, and that bothers me (probably not as much as it should, but it does).  This talk, though, was positive and filled with hopeful statements, which made me feel better about my efforts and the odds of me doing okay as a parent.  This activity is designed to highlight some of these moments of hope. The Activity: Make sure that every class member has access to a copy of the talk either digitally or physically. Read par. 19 "Satan will oppose . . . to discourage you." Discuss why Satan would try to do this with parents. After a brief discussion, point out that this is a gospel of good cheer-- and this talk demonstrates that. Invite the class members to skim over the talk looking for passages/parts that give them hope/peace as parents (or members of families).  Ask them to pick one that really stands out for them. Give the class a few moments of silence to complete this. When everyone has had a chance to find a passage, ask them t