Family Home Evening™ Quick Tips
From Your Meetinghouse to Your Home
Ensign, Jan.
2003, 69
Many
families have discovered how useful the resources in their meetinghouse
library can be in teaching gospel basics in the home. They check out materials
from the library to enhance family scripture study and family home evening
lessons. Following are some items to enhance gospel instruction.
Videocassettes. One videocassette
available in the meetinghouse library is Book of Mormon Stories.
It is a companion to the Book of Mormon Stories reader and teaches
children about Book of Mormon prophets and events. For example, parents
might show the segment on “Abinadi and King Noah” as part
of family scripture study. They could then talk with their children about
Abinadi’s great faith and courage and ask how we can show this kind
of faith and courage today. Finally, they could read from the Book of
Mormon and testify how the story of Abinadi can open our hearts to the
Holy Spirit as Alma’s heart was opened by Abinadi’s teachings.
Pictures. Many families also use gospel-oriented
pictures available in the meetinghouse library. For example, a lesson
on the Book of Mormon could be enhanced by showing the pictures “Moroni
Hides the Plates in the Hill Cumorah” and “Joseph Receives
the Gold Plates,” then discussing Moroni’s role in bringing
forth this sacred record. Both of these pictures are part of the Gospel
Art Picture Kit.In preparation for general conference, one family checked
out pictures of the General Authorities. The family then learned about
these leaders during several family home evenings.
Books. The meetinghouse library has
a variety of books on topics such as the priesthood, temple and family
history work, Church history, and teaching.
Church leaders have repeatedly emphasized that the
home is the most important place to teach gospel principles. In a letter
to members, the First Presidency said: “We call upon parents to
devote their best efforts to the teaching and rearing of their children
in gospel principles. . . . The home is the basis of a righteous life,
and no other instrumentality can take its place . . . in carrying forward
this God-given responsibility” (11 Feb. 1999). The materials available
in meetinghouse libraries can help families live the gospel more fully.
—Jeff Orr, Lakeridge 14th Ward, Orem
Utah Lakeridge North Stake
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