Small and Simple Things

2012

June 2012

“Small and Simple Things,” Ensign, June 2012, 72–73

Small & Simple Things

“By small and simple things are great things brought to pass” (Alma 37:6).

Choosing Music for Church Meetings

For sacrament meetings, consider the spirit that each hymn will bring. Opening hymns in sacrament meeting express praise and gratitude to God and for the Restoration of the gospel. Sacrament hymns reflect on the sacrament or on the Savior’s sacrifice. Closing hymns can inspire the congregation to recommit to the covenants they have renewed and can testify of the gospel principles members have learned.
For Relief Society or priesthood meetings, consult with the instructor. He or she may want to suggest a hymn related to the lesson. If the instructor does not have a preference, leaders could suggest a hymn that will supplement the topic of the lesson.
Before the meeting, make sure that the presiding authority approves the music that has been selected.
Several days in advance, contact the accompanist so he or she knows which hymns to practice for the meeting.

Left, top: photograph by Busath Photography; other photographs © IRI, except as noted; photograph of choir outside Sydney Australia Opera House © Deseret Morning News; right: detail from Road to Bethlehem, by Joseph Brickey © 2000; Sariah, Wife of Lehi, by Nathan Pinnock; The Substance of Hope (Anna), by Elspeth Young, may not be copied; detail from Adam and Eve Kneeling at an Altar, by Del Parson © 1988 IRI; detail from Oh, Blessed Jesus, by Walter Rane; detail from Being in the World but Not of the World, by Paul Mann; Queen Esther, by Minerva Teichert © William and Betty Stokes; Mary Heard His Word, by Walter Rane © 2001; Emma Hale Smith, by Lee Greene Richards © 1941 IRI; detail from Ruth and Naomi, by Judith Mehr © 1992