Teachings for Our Time, 2004

Melchizedek Priesthood and Relief Society meetings on fourth Sundays are to be devoted to “Teachings for Our Time.” Each year the First Presidency determines 10 subjects with designated resource materials to be used in these meetings. Following are the subjects and designated resources for 2004. Two additional subjects are to be selected by stake or district presidencies.

Discussions in fourth-Sunday meetings should be based on one or perhaps two of the designated resources that best address the needs and circumstances of quorum or class members; teachers need not use all of the resources. Leaders and instructors should encourage discussions, rather than lectures or presentations. They should consider ways to stimulate quorum and class members to apply the gospel principles discussed. Suggestions on preparing and conducting quorum or class discussions are found in Teaching, No Greater Call and the Teaching Guidebook.

1. The Family Is Central to the Creator’s Plan

Ex. 20:12; Mal. 4:6; Mosiah 27:14; D&C 93:36–40; Moses 5:4–5, 9–12.

Gordon B. Hinckley, “Family Home Evening,” Liahona and Ensign, Mar. 2003, 2–5.

James E. Faust, “Enriching Our Lives through Family Home Evening,” Liahona and Ensign, June 2003, 2–6.

Boyd K. Packer, “The Golden Years,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2003, 82–84.

L. Tom Perry, “The Importance of the Family,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2003, 40–43.

“The Family Can Be Eternal,” chapter 36 in Gospel Principles, 231–35.

2. Giving Thanks

Luke 17:11–19; Mosiah 26:38–39; Alma 37:37; D&C 78:19; D&C 98:1–3.

David B. Haight, “Were There Not Ten Cleansed?” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2002, 24–26.

Dallin H. Oaks, “Give Thanks in All Things,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2003, 95–98.

“Gratitude,” in For the Strength of Youth, 6–7.

“Developing Gratitude,” lesson 35 in The Latter-day Saint Woman, Part B, 303–11.

3. Laboring in the Lord’s Vineyard

Matt. 16:24–26; John 12:26; 1 Ne. 3:7; Mosiah 2:17; Mosiah 4:27; D&C 123:17.

Thomas S. Monson, “Stand in Your Appointed Place,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2003, 54–57.

Jeffrey R. Holland, “Called to Serve,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2002, 36–38.

Henry B. Eyring, “Rise to Your Call,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2002, 75–78.

“Sacrifice,” chapter 26, and “Service,” chapter 28 in Gospel Principles, 171–77 and 185–91.

4. Spiritual and Temporal Self-Reliance

Mal. 3:8–10; Matt. 6:5–13; Alma 37:37; D&C 88:119.

Gordon B. Hinckley, “To Men of the Priesthood,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2002, 56–59.

Russell M. Nelson, “Sweet Power of Prayer,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2003, 7–9.

Robert D. Hales, “Tithing: A Test of Faith with Eternal Blessings,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2002, 26–29.

“Work and Personal Responsibility,” chapter 27 in Gospel Principles, 179–84.

5. Blessings through the Priesthood

D&C 13; D&C 27:12; D&C 107:39; D&C 110:11–16; D&C 128:20; JS—H 1:68–74.

Boyd K. Packer, “The Stake Patriarch,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2002, 42–45.

L. Tom Perry, “Called of God,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2002, 7–10.

David B. Haight, “Growing into the Priesthood,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2003, 43–45.

“The Priesthood” and “Priesthood Organization,” chapters 13 and 14 in Gospel Principles, 81–93.

6. Exercising Faith during Times of Uncertainty

Heb. 11; James 1:3–6; Hel. 12:1; Ether 12:6; D&C 6:20; D&C 59:21.

Gordon B. Hinckley, “War and Peace,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2003, 78–81.

Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Shall He Find Faith on the Earth?” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2002, 82–85.

Richard G. Scott, “The Sustaining Power of Faith in Times of Uncertainty and Testing,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2003, 75–78.

Robert D. Hales, “Faith through Tribulation Brings Peace and Joy,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2003, 15–18.

“Faith in Jesus Christ,” chapter 18, and “Obedience,” chapter 35 in Gospel Principles, 117–21 and 223–28.

7. Teaching the Children

Jer. 31:15–16; Luke 15:11–32; John 1:43; 3 Ne. 17:11–24; D&C 68:25, 28.

Thomas S. Monson, “Models to Follow,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2002, 60–67.

James E. Faust, “Dear Are the Sheep That Have Wandered,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2003, 61–68.

Jeffrey R. Holland, “A Prayer for the Children,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2003, 85–87.

“Family Responsibilities,” chapter 37 in Gospel Principles, 236–40.

8. Success in Missionary Service

John 21:15–17; 1 Jn. 4:18–19; Mosiah 28:3; D&C 4:5; D&C 88:81.

Dallin H. Oaks, “I’ll Go Where You Want Me to Go,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2002, 67–70.

M. Russell Ballard, “The Essential Role of Member Missionary Work,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2003, 37–40.

M. Russell Ballard, “The Greatest Generation of Missionaries,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2002, 46–49.

Henry B. Eyring, “A Child and a Disciple,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2003, 29–32.

“Missionary Work,” chapter 33 in Gospel Principles, 211–17.

9. The Sacrament and Sacrament Meeting

It is recommended that this subject be taught on a fourth Sunday during the last three months of the year.

Matt. 26:26–29; 3 Ne. 18:1–12; Moro. 4, 5; D&C 59:9–14.

Gordon B. Hinckley, “To Men of the Priesthood,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2002, 56–59.

Russell M. Nelson, “Worshiping at Sacrament Meeting,” Liahona and Ensign, Aug. 2004.

Dallin H. Oaks, “The Gospel in Our Lives,” Liahona, July 2002, 36–39; Ensign, May 2002, 33–35.

Dallin H. Oaks in “Special Witnesses of Christ,” Liahona, Apr. 2001, 14; Ensign, Apr. 2001, 13.

“The Sacrament,” chapter 23 in Gospel Principles, 151–56.

10. Being a Disciple of Christ

Matt. 11:28–30; Gal. 6:8; Alma 38:8–9; D&C 64:34; D&C 101:36–38.

Thomas S. Monson, “Peace, Be Still,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2002, 53–56.

James E. Faust, “Strengthening the Inner Self,” Liahona and Ensign, Feb. 2003, 2–7.

Neal A. Maxwell, “Care for the Life of the Soul,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2003, 68–70.

Richard G. Scott, “To Be Free of Heavy Burdens,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2002, 86–88.

“Repentance,” chapter 19, and “Developing Our Talents,” chapter 34 in Gospel Principles, 122–27 and 218–21.