FHE for Young Single Adults

Gavin Parker, Nebraska, USA

As part of my calling in a student ward in Lincoln, Nebraska, USA, I help plan and coordinate weekly family home evenings for the entire ward. Here are examples of some of our more successful ideas:

• General Conference Testimonies: After general conference, we have an informal testimony meeting of what we learned or impressions we had during general conference, then play “General Conference Jeopardy.”

• Skit Night: We bring a variety of random props and divide members into different groups. We give them a theme, and then they act out an improvised skit using the props they have been given.

• Lesson on the Iron Rod: After discussing the need to hold to the word of God, each of us goes through the “iron rod” obstacle course. We are blindfolded and follow a string line (the iron rod) around various physical obstacles in order to safely reach the finish.

• Service Auction: Members donate “services” they are willing to offer that can be auctioned off. The currency with which they bid is “earned” through things they’ve done in the preceding week: reading the scriptures, writing in journals, and other tasks all earn “money” that can be used in the auction.

• Sports: We enjoy popular sports like soccer or basketball, but variations on these games, such as “chair soccer,” are also fun.

We try to maintain a balance of activities that include service, physical activity, arts and culture, and spiritual instruction. And of course, we always include a hymn, opening and closing prayers, a spiritual thought, and ward announcements at each activity.

I am convinced that family home evening is an essential part of the Lord’s work in our day, even in a young single adult setting. It strengthens the valiant, encourages the apathetic, develops positive friendships, and attracts the pure in heart to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

For more ideas, see ensign.lds.org/FHE

Illustration by Beth Whittaker