COME FOLLOW ME Book of Mormon – SEPTEMBER Lesson 35 “Glad Tidings of Great Joy” Helaman 13-16 – Activities and Song Visuals for Primary and Home, family home evening (individual families), Sunday School, Seminary

Teach the children that while we speak to each other using words, the Holy Ghost can communicate through feelings in our hearts. Invite them to hold their hands over their hearts each time you read the word “heart” in Helaman 13:2–5. Help them decorate heart-shaped pieces of paper that say, “The Spirit speaks to me in my heart.”
DOWNLOAD “The Holy Ghost Speaks to My Heart and My Mind” stand-up card (HERE or below)

Tell the children that when they are baptized and confirmed, they will have the gift of the Holy Ghost to help them know what Heavenly Father wants them to do and say. Help them think of things the Holy Ghost might tell them, and invite them to share what they could do to follow His promptings.
DOWNLOAD “Trail to Holy Ghost Town” Game (HERE or below)

“When we understand our baptismal covenant and the gift of the Holy Ghost, it will change our lives and will establish our total allegiance to the kingdom of God. When temptations come our way, if we will listen, the Holy Ghost will remind us that we have promised to remember our Savior and obey the commandments of God.” – Elder Robert D Hales
DOWNLOAD the ColorQuote activity of the above quote (HERE, shown right)

Show the picture of Samuel the Lamanite in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families, and tell the children, in simple words, about his experience in Helaman 13–16. You could also use “Chapter 40: Samuel the Lamanite Tells about Jesus Christ” (Book of Mormon Stories, 111–13, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org) SEE BELOW. Let the children share things they know about Samuel the Lamanite.
DOWNLOAD Samuel the Lamanite Announces the Birth of Jesus mobile ornament (HERE or below)

Sing together “Samuel Tells of the Baby Jesus” or the seventh verse of “Book of Mormon Stories” (Children’s Songbook, 36, 118–19).
DOWNLOAD “Samuel Tells fo the Baby Jesus” song visuals (HERE or below).
Also, DOWNLOAD “Book of Mormon Stories” song visuals (HERE or below).

Share something you admire about Samuel, and let the children share what they like about his story.

Hide pictures around the room that represent the signs that Samuel prophesied of in Helaman 14:2–7 and 20–25. Read a phrase that describes one of the signs, and ask the children to find the picture of that sign. Explain that these signs helped the Nephites know about Jesus Christ. Testify that, like Samuel, all prophets testify of Jesus Christ.
DOWNLOAD “Prophet Poster Presentation” featuring Book of Mormon Prophets Telling about Jesus” Including Samuel the Lamanite (HERE or below)

Help the children build a small wall with blocks or books. Using a small toy or doll to represent Samuel, let the children take turns helping “Samuel” climb the wall to teach the people about Jesus Christ. (See also this week’s activity page.) Share phrases from Helaman 16:1 and 5 to explain that some people believed Samuel and were baptized. Use phrases from Helaman 16:2 and 6 to show that others did not believe and were angry with Samuel. Testify that people who follow the prophet are blessed.

Display a picture of the Savior, and ask a child to represent the prophet and lead the other children around the room while they sing a few verses of “Follow the Prophet” (Children’s Songbook, 110–11) or another song about prophets.
DOWNLOAD song visuals to teach songs about the prophets:
• “Follow the Prophet” (HERE or below)
• “We Listen to a Prophet’s Voice” (HERE or below)
• “Samuel Tells of the Baby Jesus” (HERE or below)

Then ask the child representing the prophet to lead the children to the picture of the Savior.
DOWNLOAD “Jesus Loves Me” sacrament mini-portrait (HERE)

Testify that if we follow the prophet, he will lead us to Jesus Christ. Share some things our prophet has taught about Jesus recently. How can we follow his counsel?

In the scriptures, prophets are sometimes compared to watchmen on a wall or tower who warn of dangers (see Isaiah 62:6; Ezekiel 33:1–7).

President M. Russell Ballard taught: “Through the centuries, prophets have fulfilled their duty when they have warned people of the dangers before them. The Lord’s Apostles are duty-bound to watch, warn, and reach out to help those seeking answers to life’s questions” (“God Is at the Helm,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015, 25).

As you study and ponder Helaman 13, you could mark the many warnings that Samuel gave. For example, what did he teach about repentance? about humility and wealth? How might these warnings apply to you? What warnings have modern prophets given recently, and what do you feel you should do about those warnings?
DOWNLOAD Cycle of History wheel (HERE) telling of times people listened to the prophet and when they did not.