Sacrament Meeting Program Worksheet ~ 2013

This is a worksheet that allows leaders to let Primary children “write” the Sacrament Meeting Program themselves.  Each child/class is given a topic (see below) and invited to share his or her feelings about the topic, with some guidance by leaders and teachers.  A leader then types up the program and gives a copy to each leader and teacher.  Individual parts are given to parents of children to practice at home.  

Those children giving “talks” may need more time or prefer to write their talks at home.

HOW TO USE THIS WORKSHEET: Print out two copies of this document.  Cut one up and assign the scriptures, talks, and short speaking assignments out to the children in your Primary.  Add or remove topics as needed.  Some younger children may simply restate the topic, and that's fine.  You may wish to assign older children the discussion-style questions.  

The leader that came up with this method held 2 classes behind each Sunday after opening exercises for 10 minutes and let them work on their parts (reminding teachers in advance).  In that way, working on the program didn’t take time away from Sharing Time and was minimally intrusive on class time.  You can have the same child or an adult leader read all the scriptures. You might also have someone hold up a sign that has the monthly theme on it before each new section.

This is the method shared with me by J. Larsen.  She provided a copy of her 2005 version, and I have adapted it for this year's theme.  ~ Jenny Smith

I am a Child of God

The primary children sit quietly and hum I am a Child of God
as the leaders stand at the podium together saying each of their parts.

Primary Leader: This year the children in our Primary had the opportunity to study the scriptures and learn more about their relationship with Heavenly Father. your children have studied and applied the principles taught during Primary – both at church and at home -- they have learned about Heavenly Father’s plan, the mission of Jesus Christ, missionary work, the role of prophets, the Restoration of the Church, and their relationship with Heavenly Father. They are learning to feel the influence of the Holy Ghost. That influence will help every Primary child be able to say, “I am a Child of God.”

Primary Leader: To prepare for this sacrament presentation, each child has been given a topic from this year's theme, “I am a Child of God.”  Your children's answers to those questions will be as unique as they are.  Some might share a personal experience while others have framed a brief response in their own words.  We invite you to ponder these eternal truths as you listen to the testimonies of the youngest members of our church, who are learning they are indeed children of the Most High God.

*: “I am a Child of God” (page 2 CS)

Scripture Reading: “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God” (Romans 8:16). 

Speaker:   Because I know that God is my Heavenly Father and He knows and loves me, I ______________.

Speaker:  Heavenly Father’s plan is a plan of happiness.  This means ____________.

Talk:  “ I have agency, and I am responsible for my choices. ”

Song: “My Heavenly Father Loves Me ” (p –29  CS)

Scripture Reading: “We will make an earth whereon these may dwell; and we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them” (Abraham 3:24–25). 

Speaker: Jesus Christ created the earth under the direction of Heavenly Father.   My favorite creation Jesus made is ___________ because _____________.

Talk:   The Fall was part of God’s plan. _______(explain what the fall is and why it was necessary)_____.  

Speaker: I have been sent to earth to gain a body and to be tested.  I am learning to overcome my trials by ___________.

Speaker:  If I keep the commandments, I can live with Heavenly Father again.  I think we will feel ______________________ when we are able to return Heavenly Father because __________________.

Song: “If the Savior Stood Beside Me” (28 in the outline) 

Scripture Reading:  “Hearken ye to these words. Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world” (D&C 43:34). 

Speaker:   Jesus Christ taught the gospel and set an example for us by _________________. 

Speaker:  Because of Christ’s Atonement, I can repent and live with God again. This makes me feel __________________________. 

Speaker:   Because Jesus Christ was resurrected, I will be too. I know this because ___________________.

Speaker: Jesus Christ is our Savior. Savior means _______________________.

Scripture Reading:  “I have sent forth the fulness of my gospel by the hand of my servant Joseph” (D&C 35:17). 

Talk:  After Jesus Christ and His Apostles died, gospel truths were lost. (Student will briefly explain the apostasy and its effects.)  

Talk:    Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith. (Student will briefly explain the First vision.)

[11-year old boy] Speaker: The priesthood has been restored by heavenly messengers.  I am preparing to receive the priesthood myself by __________________________.

Speaker:  Smith translated the Book of Mormon and restored gospel truths.  I have a  of the Book of Mormon because  ______________.

Scripture  reading: “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7). 

Talk: The living prophet leads the Church under the direction of Jesus Christ.  I know this is true because _______________________________.

Speaker:   Prophets teach me to pay tithing.  I know that if I pay tithing, ______________.

Speaker:  Prophets teach me to live the Word of Wisdom.  Obeying the Word of Wisdom means that we ________________.

Song: “When I Am Baptized” (CS, 103) 

Scripture reading:“Come unto me, and be baptized in my name, that ye may receive a remission of your sins, and be filled with the Holy Ghost” (3 Nephi 30:2). 

[baptized child] Speaker: I will follow Jesus Christ by being baptized and confirmed and keeping my baptismal covenants. I keep my baptismal covenants when I __________________________.

Speaker:  If I live worthily, the Holy Ghost will help me choose the right. He has helped me choose the right before when ________________.

Speaker: When I take the sacrament, I renew my baptismal covenants. It is important to take the sacrament each week because  __________.

Speaker: When I repent, I can be forgiven. I know this is true because __________.

Song: “Families Can Be Together Forever” (CS, 188) 

Reading: “The family is ordained of God” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” paragraph 7). 

Speaker:  Heavenly Father planned for me to come to a family.  My family is special because ___________.

Speaker:  Family prayer, family scripture study, and family home evening can strengthen my family. My family is stronger because we  __________.

Speaker:  The priesthood can bless and strengthen my family. I know this is true because  _________________.

[eldest Primary girl] Talk: Heavenly Father wants me to marry in the temple and have an eternal family.  “I am preparing to go to the temple by”.

Song: “A Child’s Prayer” (CS, –13) 

Scripture Reading: “Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers” (D&C 112:10). 

Speaker:  The scriptures teach me how to pray.  When I pray I  ____________.

Speaker:  Heavenly Father wants me to pray to Him often―anytime, anywhere.   I can even pray to him in/at ________________.

Speaker:  Answers to prayers come from Heavenly Father in many ways.  Heavenly Father answered my prayer for ___________________ by  _____________________.

Talk: “I have learned I am a Child of God because we studiee _________ Primary.”

Closing remarks: by Bishopric, Branch Presidency, or Primary Presidency.