Far West, by Al Rounds

October 11–17

Doctrine and Covenants 115–120

“His Sacrifice Shall Be More Sacred unto Me Than His Increase”

Let the Spirit guide you to the principles that the children need the most. You may find helpful ideas in the activities for younger children or for older children.

Record Your Impressions

Invite Sharing

On occasion, it might be good to talk to the parents of one of the children in advance and suggest that the child come to class prepared to share something he or she has learned at home. The child may enjoy leading in class an activity he or she has done with family members.

Teach the Doctrine: Younger Children

Doctrine and Covenants 115:4–5

I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

How can you help the children recognize the blessings of being part of the Church of Jesus Christ?

Possible Activities

• Ask the children if any of them can say the full name of the Church. Show them the Church logo (on a Church publication or missionary name tag), write the name on the board, or read it to them from Doctrine and Covenants 115:4. Ask the children to say the name with you as you point to each word. Point out significant words in the name, and help the children understand why these words are important (see “Chapter 43: Jesus Christ Names His Church,” Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 164).

  Chapter 43: Jesus Christ Names His Church: April 1838

• Sing together “The Church of Jesus Christ” (Children’s Songbook, 77), and share with the children how you feel about being a member of Jesus Christ’s Church. Let them share how they feel about the Church.

• Invite the children to stand when you read the word “arise” in Doctrine and Covenants 115:5. Invite them to stretch out their fingers like rays of sunlight when you read “shine forth.” Sing together a song about being a light to others, such as “I Am like a Star” (Children’s Songbook, 163). Remind the children that our light comes from Jesus Christ, and help them think of ways they can “shine forth.”

Doctrine and Covenants 117:6

Jesus Christ made the earth and everything that is in it.

To encourage William Marks and Newel K. Whitney to sacrifice their property and move to Missouri, the Lord reminded them that He created all things on earth. How might the children be blessed by knowing this truth?

Possible Activities

• Bring or draw pictures of the creations in Doctrine and Covenants 117:6 that the Lord said He made (or invite the children to draw their own pictures). Invite the children to hold up or point to the pictures as you read the verse. Tell the children why it is important to you to know that Jesus Christ created these things.

• Sing together a song about the Lord’s creations, such as “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” (Children’s Songbook, 228–29). Let the children talk about some of the things God has created that help them feel His love.

Doctrine and Covenants 119–20

Tithing helps the Church do God’s work.

Many of the children you teach are probably too young to earn money and pay tithing, but it’s good for them to understand how tithing contributes to the great work the Church does throughout the world.

Possible Activities

• Explain how we pay tithing and what it is used for (see “Chapter 44: Tithing,” Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 165–66, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Draw 10 coins on the board, and ask the children to help you count them. Determine how many to give the Lord for tithing.

  Chapter 44: Tithing: July 1838

• Sing together a song about tithing, such as “I Want to Give the Lord My Tenth” (Children’s Songbook, 150), and tell the children why you choose to pay tithing. If possible, share a personal story.

Teach the Doctrine: Older Children

Doctrine and Covenants 115:4–6

My example can help others come to Christ and find safety.

The children you teach likely know people who are being affected by the storms of life and need the “refuge” (verse 6) provided in the Church. Consider how you will inspire the children to “arise and shine forth” (verse 5) and share their light with these people.

Possible Activities

• Pass around a flashlight, a picture of the sun, or something else to represent the light of the Savior’s gospel. When it’s their turn to hold the light, invite the children to read Doctrine and Covenants 115:4–5 and name something they can do to “shine forth” like a light for others (see 3 Nephi 18:24).

• Invite the children to draw a picture depicting Doctrine and Covenants 115:6. For example, they could draw a storm, with people taking refuge in a Church building. What are some things the storm might represent? How does the Church provide refuge from these things?

Doctrine and Covenants 117

My sacrifices are sacred to the Lord.

In section 117, the Lord counseled William Marks and Newel K. Whitney to sacrifice their possessions in Kirtland for greater blessings in Missouri. He also honored Oliver Granger for the sacrifices he made. What do you feel the children can learn from their examples?

Possible Activities

• Invite the children to imagine that they were a successful store owner in Kirtland, like Newel K. Whitney. How would they feel if the Lord asked them to leave their store and move someplace new? Read to the children Doctrine and Covenants 117:1–11, and ask the children to stop you when they hear something that would help them have the faith to make sacrifices and obey the Lord. What do we sacrifice today to obey the Lord?

• Briefly tell the children why the Saints had to leave Kirtland, or let one of the children do so (see “Chapter 41: Trouble in Kirtland,” Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 158–60). Explain that the Lord asked Oliver Granger to stay in Kirtland and pay the Church’s debts. Why would that be a difficult job? What did the Lord say in Doctrine and Covenants 117:13 that could help Oliver—or any of us—make sacrifices to obey the Lord?

  Chapter 41: Trouble in Kirtland: 1837–1838

Doctrine and Covenants 119–20

Tithing helps the Church do God’s work.

Ponder how you will help the children understand how tithing—even the small amounts they might pay—contributes to the building up of the Lord’s kingdom (see True to the Faith, 180–82).

Possible Activities

• Invite the children to imagine that a friend sees a Church building and asks, “How does your Church pay for that building?” How would we explain tithing to this friend? Suggest that the children refer to Doctrine and Covenants 119:4; 120:1 as they consider this question.

• Help the children think of things the Church is able to do because of tithing. How do these things bless our lives? Share your feelings about the law of tithing and how it has blessed you.

  

  By paying tithing, we can show our love for God and help in His work.

Encourage Learning at Home

Invite the children to notice what they felt in their hearts or thoughts that came to their minds during Primary today. Encourage them to share those feelings and thoughts with their families.

Improving Our Teaching

Support parents. Find ways to share with parents what their children are learning in Primary, and ask them how you can support their efforts as parents (see Teaching in the Savior’s Way, 25).