Monday, May 3, 2010

Family Home Evening Sabbath Day

Advance Prep: Gather paper and pencils.
Opening Prayer:
Family Business:
Scripture: Mosial 13:16 Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
Song: Remember the Sabbath Day (Children's Songbook, page 155)
Poem/Thought: "There is a growing tendency throught the land to disregard the observance of the Sabbath day. The command: ‘Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy,’ is as much the law today as it was when it was given to Israel on Mount Sinai.” President Joseph F. Smith
Lesson: God has commanded us to keep the Sabbath Day holy. Of the 10 commandments given to Moses on Mount Sinai, keeping the Sabbath day holy is number four. What blessings do we receive from keeping this commandment? We can find some answers in D & C 59.
  1. "Keep thyself unspotted from the world" (verse 9). Though there are numberous interpretations, I think spots represent sins. The Sabbath can help us develop our strenghts and help us overcome temptations.
  2. "rest from your labors, . . . pay thy devotions unto the Most High" (verse 10) It is not just a day of rest but a day of rest from our everyday labors. This is the day to show our devotion to God.
  3. Verse 11 says we should be righteous everyday not just on the Sabbath.
  4. "Offer thine oligations . . . unto the Most High" (verse 12) In the 1981 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants says that obligations are "offerings, whether of time, talents or means, in the service of God and fellowman," The Sabbath is a day to offer our time in the service of God. (Home teaching and visiting teaching is a great way to do this).
  5. Verses 16-20 says the fullness of the earth is made available to those who strive to keep the Sabbath holy as well as to obey the other commandments of God.
  6. Verse 23 promises us that righteousness brings "peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come."

Many people focus on the "Can't"s of the Sabbath. Instead of focusing on "I can't do this" or "I can't do that" we should focus on what we can do and what would help us grow closer to God. If we want to keep the Sabbath day holy, what can we do?

Activity: Divide into groups. Give each group a pencil and paper. Give everyone ten minutes to list things that would be appropriate to do on the Sabbath. If you have Finch Family Games you could also play Fishing for Sunday Activities.

Closing Prayer:

Refreshments: No Bake Choco-Peanut-Oatmeal Cookies

Need ideas for Sunday activities? Here is a list of 22.

  1. Write letters to missionaries, grandparents, friends, servicemen, etc.
  2. Read the scriptures, Church magazines and other uplifting materials.
  3. Have Family Home Evening.
  4. Play quiet games as a family.
  5. Prepare lessons and work on other Church materials. (children could prepare FHE using The Friend.)
  6. Visit family members, shut-ins, widows, elerderly neighbors, lonely people, etc.
  7. Prepare and inspirational program. Present it to those listed in #6.
  8. Write in a journal or do other family history work.
  9. Sing songs together and have family talent shows.
  10. Do home teaching and visiting teaching.
  11. Attend Church meetings, including special broadcasts and firesides.
  12. Share lessons taught at church.
  13. Look at family pictures.
  14. Take gifts to those who are sick.
  15. Study the lives and teachings of the prophets.
  16. Hold family council meetings.
  17. Read with the younger children.
  18. Hold interviews with family members.
  19. Visit the temple grounds. (Salt Lake is the only one you can visit, isn’t it?
  20. Watch uplifting videos, movies, etc. at home.
  21. Go on a nature walk.
  22. Do a secret act of service for someone.

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