Family Home Evening Ideas

This issue contains articles and activities that could be used for family home evening. The following are some examples.

“Why We Share the Gospel,” page 34: Consider reading as a family the missionary purpose statement quoted from Preach My Gospel on page 35 of the article. Suggest that each family member select a word or phrase in the statement that is especially meaningful to them and share why. You could then discuss one or more of Elder Christofferson’s five examples of what happens when we understand our missionary purpose. Consider selecting a video from the “Members and Missionaries” section of hasteningthework.lds.org to watch together. Afterward, have each family member choose one way to keep the missionary spirit during the next week. You could conclude by singing “I Want to Be a Missionary Now” (Children’s Songbook, 168).

“Technicolor Isaiah,” page 60: Prior to family home evening, select a chapter of Isaiah to study and share with your family (you may want to use the study aids listed on page 62 or others). When your family meets, read the chapter together and identify its major themes. Consider marking these themes in different colors as described in the article. Then talk about what you’ve learned. You may want to provide coloring materials for younger children to draw pictures of some of the symbols or images used in the chapter. Close by discussing ideas about studying Isaiah and ways your family can make scripture study more meaningful and enjoyable.

Building Strong Walls

One of our favorite family home evening lessons was one my husband based on the story of the Nephites building strong walls to defend their cities against their enemies, the Lamanites (see Alma 48:7–10). After he read the story to us, we talked about the need to make our home a place of safety from worldly influences. We identified some “stones” to use in building a strong wall of protection: prayer, scripture study, obedience to the commandments, family home evening, attending church and the temple, and so on. Our children loved the lesson and still talk about defending our home from the influences of the world.

Wendee Packard Valentine, Utah, USA