Reader’s Guide

Creative ideas for using this issue of the New Era.

Personal Improvement

• President Gordon B. Hinckley’s message on page 4 tells of the healing power of repentance. Decide on a few areas of your life that could use improvement. If you have serious concerns, make an appointment to speak with your bishop.

• Read the Idea List on page 37. If you feel you’re not as grateful for your blessings as you could be, choose a few of the activities and put them into practice over the next week.

Leadership Tip

• One of the best things you can do in your class or quorum is to share your testimony. Read “Everyone Said It” on page 32 for inspiration, and renew your efforts to gain or build your own testimony. Share your thoughts and insights at your next presidency meeting or class meeting.

Family Home Evening

• Read “My Family, My Friends” (page 20) as a family. Discuss the obstacles you need to overcome in building strong relationships with one another—things like limited time, age differences, and different interests. Plan a few activities the whole family can participate in and enjoy together. Some of the most memorable family activities don’t need to cost money or take a lot of time.

Seminary Devotional

• Write the words, “Just A Member,” on separate pieces of paper and hang them in the front of the room. Explain that if we live mediocre lives, we will be merely members of the Church.

Rearrange the order of the words so that the phrase now reads, “A Just Member.” Explain that it was a slight adjustment that made a big difference and changed the meaning of the phrase. Point out that we may need to make changes in our lives in order to become more faithful and just members of the Church. Conclude with D&C 51:19.

Young Men and Young Women Activity Idea

• Amy Valentine is a Church member because she accepted the invitation of a friend to attend church (see “Friend Power” on page 12). Plan a fun evening of games that people would be comfortable inviting their friends to, and ask everyone to invite a friend or neighbor they feel might be receptive to the gospel message. Begin the evening with regular opening exercises and perhaps a brief devotional that introduces some basic gospel principles. Thank your visitors for attending and give them a copy of For the Strength of Youth at the conclusion of the evening.