FAMILY FUN SERVICE
“The HOME is to be God’s laboratory of love and SERVICE.”
– Russell M. Nelson
YOUTH CAN TEACH
So, please let them teach as it helps them learn the gospel and grow their testimony as they share it.
WE CAN SHOW LOVE TO OUR FRIENDS & FAMILY THROUGH SERVICE.
SOMETHING MAGICAL HAPPENS WHEN WE SERVE.
#1 Others feel JOY as we serve them.
#2 We feel JOY while serving.
#3 God feels JOY seeing our love and service.
Mosiah 2:17: “When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.”
For this purpose, we have created 31 FAMILY FUN SERVICE activities that YOUTH CAN TEACH.
Part 1 Unselfish SERVICE #1-6
Part 2 Planning to SERVE #7-13
Part 3 SERVING Family #14-19
Part 4 SERVING Outside Family #20-31
Part 5 SERVICE Ideas
Find all of our YOUTH CAN TEACH blog posts (HERE) with more QUICK-AND-EASY gospel lessons.
QUOTE ON SERVICE
“Unless we lose ourselves in service to others, there is little purpose to our own lives,” AND “To FIND REAL HAPPINESS, we must seek for it in a focus outside ourselves.” – Thomas S. Monson
With each of the #1-31 FAMILY FUN SERVICE activities you purchase (below) you will find the following Bright Ideas Lesson Planner to gather INSPIRATIONS!
Part 1
Unselfish SERVICE
“Our Savior teaches us to follow Him by making the sacrifices necessary to lose ourselves in unselfish service to others.” – Dallan H. Oaks, “Unselfish Service” April 2009 general conference
HOW CAN I SHARE AND CARE FOR OTHERS?
YOUTH CAN TEACH children ways to express love for others through kind words and deeds using this I CAN SHARE & CARE Good Samaritan show-and-tell activity. The Good Samaritan story (Luke 10:33-34) can inspire and motivate the children. The older children can write on the back of the activity ways they can serve others.
ACTIVITY:
After reading The Good Samaritan have the children roleplay the story (bring a basket with cloth bandages, a bottle of water, jar of [pretend] ointment).
A young Navajo family traveling through Utah broke down on a lonely road. After dark a farmer came along. He noticed the family was tired. The father explained the problem. The farmer asked the father if he would be comfortable coming to his home for dinner and staying the night. He explained he had tools and could fix their truck in the morning. The young father agreed. The farmer’s wife fed the family soup and bread and they were given a bedroom for the night. The next morning they ate breakfast with the family, the farmer fixed the truck, and his wife packed them lunches for their journey. The grateful little family drove away with full tummies and happy hearts.
Questions: Who was in need? Who helped? What help was given?
HOW CAN OUR FAMILY HELP THOSE IN NEED?
YOUTH CAN TEACH other youth how to see the needs of others and give love to them as Jesus did. Write the words on the cue cards (in your language) to place on the back. For example, “If you don’t” walk or talk as others do I won’t walk away from you. . . . “Jesus walked away from none. He gave his love to everyone. So I will.”
ACTIVITY:
(Bring a bouquet of artificial or real flowers or pictures of different flowers) Talk about how different each flower is and how together they make a BEAUTIFUL BOUQUET. Discuss the unique beauty of each flower.
Explain that friends are unique and different too in their talents, looks, sizes, abilities, ages, etc.).
Discuss the needs of flower seeds (soil, water, sunlight, and nourishment).
Explain that the needs of friends are similar. They need to be nourished with kind words, encouragement, and love. Some friends are easy to love, others take a little more time and effort, and patience.
Sing “I’ll Walk With You” using the visuals.
HOW CAN I BE A PEACEMAKER AND HELP OTHERS TO BE HAPPY?
YOUTH CAN TEACH how to Spread a Little Sunshine using this planner. They can write ways to cheer, bless, and brighten someone’s day. Cut the rays up to the sun so they can be torn off when completed. They can even write on the back things they want to remember about the service. For example, Wyatt liked my teaching him how to throw and catch the ball.
ACTIVITY:
Say, “Prayer is a great way to start any act of service.”
We can ask Heavenly Father WHO needs help, WHAT can you assist them? Plus, HOW can we “Spread a Little Sunshine.”
IDEA! You can do service as a group or individually. If it is a group activity you could:
#1 Make some sunny treats such as LEMONADE or baked goods to share, saying, “When life gives us lemons, let’s share lemonade.”
#2 Make an appointment and visit your local nursing home to share your SUNNY dispositions and chat one-on-one with the residents. Entertain with songs, poetry, jokes, or to share “Let’s Get-to-Know-You” stories.
Share LEMONADE.
4 large lemons (juiced to = 1 cup)
cup sugar
6 cups water
Optional: 1 cup strawberries – fresh or frozen
TO MAKE. Stir sugar and 1 cup of water in a saucepan on medium-medium high heat stirring until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat to cool for 10 minutes. Add the remaining 5 cups of water and lemon juice. Pour into a picture. Plus, optional strawberries (to blend). Pour into cups (serving with ice).
WHAT BAPTISMAL PROMISES DO/DID WE MAKE?
YOUTH CAN TEACH about these five ways to keep our baptismal covenants with this match game having players read the cards and place them under the matching PROMISES posters. As we strive each week to worthily partake of the sacrament, renew our covenants, and remember our promises, over time we will grow to become like Christ.
Jesus Christ is our example of how to keep our baptismal covenants found in Mosiah 18:8-10 (shown on this activity).
ACTIVITY:
Youth can lead players to put the cards under the right poster with the letters on the cards (not telling them why the letters are there). Example: The letter “C” means it is placed under the COMFORT poster.
Our baptismal COVENANTS are:
1) BEAR one another’s BURDENS
2) MOURN with those who mourn
3) COMFORT those in need of comfort
4) STAND as a WITNESS of JESUS CHRIST
5) KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS
DISCUSSION: Ask the youth to give examples of one or more of these five parts of our baptismal covenants. Ask them to commit to memory these Mosiah 18 keywords: BEAR, MOURN, COMFORT, STAND, AND KEEP for when they partake of the sacrament.
HOW TO SERVE WITHOUT BOASTING
YOUTH CAN TEACH children to be brave about giving service. With these notes to leave behind after helping someone (the notes also express their love).
ACTIVITY:
With these heart-shaped notes, children can leave a little love clue that they are their SECRET SERVICE agent. The note also sends a message of love that reads “Because you’re worth it!”
Just leave this in the area where they performed the service.
While they are doing the service they can have the heart notes hidden in their pocket or on their necklace to wear inside their shirt.
SHOULD I BRAG ABOUT MY SERVICE, OR NOT?
YOUTH CAN TEACH
children to serve as Jesus did. Not like the proud Zoramites with their fine clothing, standing on the Rameumpton (a raised platform). It was tall so others could see their fine clothing and hear their prayers that they were better than those who were poor.
Even though the poor helped to build their synagogue (church) they were not allowed to enter. How do you think God felt about this? Read Alma 31-32.
With this humble deeds Secret Service Week activity children and youth can plan what they will do to serve without bragging to their friends and family.
ACTIVITY:
Choose Secret Service Deeds on the card or write others on the back. Slip it into the SECRET SERVICE WEEK pocket. Then read Alma 34:28-29 and be charitable to those in need. As you memorize these verses act out the motions of doing the deeds, e.g., “washing windows.” – Then say, “If I __________, my prayers will be heard.”
Then, do the service secretly, and then on the service scene leave a BUTTON card as evidence of the service. The card reads, “This good deed for you shows my service true.” This is a humble way to button-up our lip and not tell of the good that was done (being humble); God likes that.
DISCUSSIONS. Talk about MOTIVE and CHARITY
President Eyring said, “As you help children of God in their troubles, your own troubles will seem lighter. …” –“Love is the Motive” MORE …
Part 2
Planning to SERVE
As you PRAY with your family, ask to know the needs of others and how to serve. Parents can assign age-appropriate chores to supervised children.
HOW CAN FAMILY PRAYER HELP US SERVE OTHERS?
YOUTH CAN TEACH the children that family prayer helps us stay close to each other and Heavenly Father.
Jesus said if we PRAY with our families in His name, our family will be blessed (3 Nephi 18:21). Praying individually or with our “families” invites the Holy Ghost to guide us, and we can grow closer to Heavenly Father as we pray and receive guidance and protection (we will be “blessed”).
Families can also ask how they can SERVE then God can help them find opportunities to help.
ACTIVITY:
Who knows WHAT is best for you? Who knows WHEN something is good for you? Who knows WHY something is not good for you? Who knows YOU? Your HEAVENLY FATHER who loves you.
Our Father hears our prayers but we must be patient and remember that sometimes His answer is NO.
See to DOWNLOAD our fun YES/NO Prayer Answers activity for ages 4-7 HERE.
STRING OF BLESSINGS.
Show a string of pearls or beads. Tell children/youth that this string of beads represents family, friends, sunlight, and all of our BLESSINGS. What is not seen is the string that holds these beads together; this string represents HEAVENLY FATHER who loves us and wants us to continue to choose the right so He can continue to be with us and bless us (holding us together tightly with His love). He knows what is best for us and the right time, and if it is His will. So, we need to believe and be obedient to enjoy the string of bead BLESSINGS that can continue coming (starting with prayer).
WHO, WHY, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN DO WE SERVE?
YOUTH CAN TEACH other youth with this FAITHFUL SERVANT Service Planner how to organize and carry out service for others. They can record WHOM/WHO needs to be served, WHY they need help, WHAT they need, WHERE to go, and WHEN to serve. To be a faithful serv”ant” they can answer questions to create their plan.
ACTIVITY:
SERVICE can be alone, with a large group, or with a few friends. SERVICE brings unexpected blessings.
Eleven-year-old Jason was an enterprising young man, and he loved to bake chocolate chip cookies. Through the block was an old Victorian home of two elderly sisters, Mable and Margaret. One day Jason took cookies to them as an act of service. They loved them! The next time he brought cookies Mable brought out a large jar filled with money! Jason’s eyes widened as she offered to pay him. He loved visiting them and refused to take payment for his cookies. Jason continued to bring cookies (for free). Then they asked him to help them with odd jobs around the house and they would pay him. This was okay.
HOW DO WE SERVE OTHERS?
YOUTH CAN TEACH that by serving others they are serving God (Mosiah 2:17). See #23 below.
With this SERV”ANT” toss-and-tell sack players can TOSS a bean or a raisin (as it looks like an ant) into the ANT sack and TELL a way to serve someone. This gladdens the heart of the person being served and the one serving.
Remember, “Everybody can be great because everybody can serve.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” – Anne Frank
ACTIVITY:
BEFORE you play this “Serv”ant” toss and tell:
• Ask youth to close their eyes and remember the last time they were served by someone. How did they feel?
• Then ask them to remember the last time they served someone. How did you feel?
Some are QUICK TO SERVE serv”ants” and some are SLOW TO SERVE serv”ants.” Sometimes we become too busy to notice the needs of others which means we are TOO busy.
Also, let’s not get too busy being served by others that we don’t express our THANKS by saying:
– “Thank you …”
– I appreciate your help with …”
– I’m grateful for the effort you put forth …”
– I value your service of …
– I sincerely appreciate …
– Thanks for taking the time to …
– You’re attention to detail …
– You’re effort is greatly appreciated”
HOW CAN I USE MY TALENTS TO SERVE?
YOUTH CAN TEACH that God has given us many gifts and talents; many that we don’t know about or can’t see until we begin to serve others … then these talents begin to appear building our character.
ACTIVITY. With this SERVICE & TALENT SHOW write on the heart journal “The way I treat others.” Write on the smiley face journal “Things I can do.” Then draw on the blank boxes: 1) “A drawing of my service,” and 2) “A drawing of my talent.” Then fill in the scripture blanks Matthew 25:21.
CHARACTER and the use of our talents define us, showing us the good things about us—things we are known for!
Ask yourself:
• What characteristics do I possess?
• What characteristics do I want to possess?
God expects us to share the talents He has given us! Hiding our talents is not fair to us or others.
As we develop our talents sometimes we might feel they are not so special or important. Do not give up. You can pray for help to improve your talents. Ask for strength and to discover more talents.
I have wept in the night
For the shortness of sight
That to somebody’s need made me
blind.
But I never have yet
Felt a tinge of regret
For being a little too kind!
– Anonymous
HOW CAN I BUILD UP GOD’S KINGDOM?
YOUTH CAN TEACH others using JEWELS IN MY CROWN Service List that to give up their time, talents, and means to build up the kingdom of God will bring them a crowning glory and blessings. List ways.
ACTIVITY:
Youth can use a SERVICE LIST to note ways they can give of their time, talents, and means (even possessions) to build the kingdom of God.
We have been taught that if we are true to our covenants we may receive a “crown of righteousness.” How we treat God’s children is important and will determine if we receive a glorious “crown.” A woman said, “While caring for my elderly mother she would say, ‘You are going to get another jewel on your crown for that.’ The daughter then told her, ‘They are falling off as fast as you put them on’ (being humble).“ Yes, we are appreciated for our acts of service, no matter how small.
What can you offer?
“To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
WHAT MUST I GIVE UP TO GIVE TO OTHERS?
YOUTH CAN TEACH with this SACRIFICE goal planner the principles of giving of our TIME, TALENTS, and MEANS to build the kingdom of God and obtain blessings.
D&C 97:28 “I will bless her (Zion) with blessings, and multiply a multiplicity of blessings upon her, and upon her generations forever and ever, saith the Lord your God.”
ACTIVITY:
DISCUSS: “Thou shalt not be idle; for he that is idle shall not eat the bread nor wear the garments of the laborer.” – D&C 42:42
THINK ABOUT IT:
I shall pass through this world but once.
Any good therefore that I can do, Or any kindness I can show to any human being,
Let me do it now.
Let me not defer or neglect it,
For I shall not pass this way again.
– attributed to Stephen Grellet
PRINCIPLES. “God expects us to rise and shine.”
• We build the kingdom of God by living righteously.
• Individuals and families are strengthened by activity in the Church.
• We willingly serve wherever we are.
• Blessings come as we serve in the kingdom of God.
HOW DO I MAKE TIME FOR SERVICE?
YOUTH CAN TEACH with this reminder of our baptismal promises. In Mosiah 18:7-10 we learn of these promises at the time of our baptism to COMFORT, HELP, AND “BEAR” ONE ANOTHER’S BURDENS. By serving God this way, He will “pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you.”
ACTIVITY:
PONDER THE PROMISES, not only having His Spirit to guide us but other blessings. PONDER the PROMISES by again reading Mosiah 18:7-10. Discuss what it means to be redeemed of God, to be numbered with those of the first resurrection, and to have eternal life.
PONDER:
Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
“We may not be able to alter the journey, but we can make sure no one walks it alone. Surely that is what it means to bear one another’s burdens.” – Jeffrey R. Holland, Apostle
Part 3
SERVING Family
START WITH FAMILY HOME EVENING (HERE)
“Weekly* family home evening… adds protection to our homes.” – Sister Linda S. Reeves
“Each family home evening is a brushstroke on the canvas of our souls.” – Elder David A. Bednar
*A “family home evening” is often held weekly on Monday nights with: Prayer, song, scripture, short lesson, and refreshments.
HOW DO I PLAN A FAMILY NIGHT?
YOUTH CAN TEACH other youth how to create this chart to help their family remember family home evening. With this NUTS ABOUT FHE chart, they can assign responsibilities to family members. Any night can be FAMILY NIGHT.
ACTIVITIES. Family Home Evening lessons are best if all family members take turns giving the lesson. As the family gets older, Mom and Dad can be encouraged to take a backseat and enjoy watching their youth create.
With this chart, they can either rotate the peanuts for the next week or put them in a bag and draw.
IDEAS:
• Play the tune or video “Baby Elephant Walk” to call everyone to FHE.
• Serve peanuts in a bag for the lesson. Or serve peanut butter with celery and apples (careful of allergies).
• Do “white elephant” gift exchanges on special occasions.
• Find a small picture of a baby elephant (or reduce the elephant on the Nuts about FHE chart above) and laminate it. Make several baby elephants. Then do a SERVICE, e.g., make someone’s bed and place the “baby elephant” on the bed. Then, it’s that person’s turn to do a kindness leaving a “baby elephant” behind, and so on.
HELPING MAKES ME HAPPY
YOUTH CAN TEACH the children the “When We’re Helping” song using these visuals. The song helps them think of ways to help MOTHER, FATHER, BROTHER, SISTER, and GRANDMOTHER/FATHER.
This song helps them to think about helping others as Jesus would. This will make them happy and their family and friends happy too.
ACTIVITY:
Ask the children questions such as, “Who swept the floor today?” Or, “Who made their bed?” “Who tended baby sister?” This is a way to choose singing helpers.
Lyrics:
When we’re helping, we’re happy,
And we sing as we go;
And we like to help mother,*
For we all love her so.
Tra la la la la la la
Tra la la la la la
Tra la la la la la la
Tra la la la la la
Words: Wallace F. Bennett, 1898-1993
Music: German Folk Song
HOW DO WE WORK TOGETHER TO HELP?
YOUTH CAN TEACH others that they can GET THE SCOOP ON SERVICE when they first serve their family. This will help them learn WHY they serve, HOW they can serve, and WHAT happens when they serve. Then they can serve outside their family (with their family serving with them).
Everyone likes ice cream, and youth will like listening to situations of family needs telling how to serve. They can top off each cone with IDEAS FOR SERVICE.
ACTIVITY:
Every Family member wants a Happy, Healthy, and Helpful family. Being a part of a family takes hard work, patience, love, forgiveness, and repentance.
DISCUSSION. Take a moment and read or talk about Noah and his family building the ark and preparing for their voyage (Genesis 6-8, Moses 8). Also, talk about Lehi and Sariah and their journey to the promised land (1 Nephi 1-18). Both families had to do hard things.
What are the ways children and youth can create family success? Listen to situations of family needs in this SCOOP UP FAMILY SUCCESS activity. Then share how the family (in those situations) might WORK TOGETHER to fill those needs.
HOW CAN I HONOR MY FAMILY?
YOUTH CAN TEACH others by pretending they are an item in the cupboard pantry. What would they be and what would they do to HONOR their family to make it a happy home? For example, “Tommy Tomato helped his brother study …” (match #1) “and catch up on his homework” (match #2).
ACTIVITY:
President Gordon B. Hinckley tells us to “Love each other, respect each other, to treat each other with love, kindness, and respect.”
The Family: A Proclamation to the World states, “Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful … families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.” DOWNLOAD this statement poster/card set HERE.
Do you KNOW what your parents do for the family?
Assignment. Take a pen and paper and interview your mother and father (and grandparents) and ask them what they do for the family. You may be surprised just how much time, money, and hard work they put into making you HAPPY, HEALTHY, and SAFE.
WHY IS PET CARE A GOOD WAY TO PRACTICE SERVING?
YOUTH CAN TEACH children that caring for a pet will also help them care for their family. When caring for a pet follow the instructions on the spoons: DOGS … can be a best friend. CATS lick and purr till the day’s end!
• DOG CARE: Feed, water, run, and wrestle!
• CAT CARE: Fed, water, and tease with a string.
Talk about different pets the children have and ask them to tell others how they care for them.
ACTIVITY:
Animals are a beautiful part of our world. Heavenly Father created them to serve us and to help us learn kindness and gentleness. Taking care of a puppy or a kitty is a big job.
THE WHITE KITTEN
Kitty, my pretty, white kitty,
Why do you scamper away?
I’ve finished my work and my lesson,
And now I am ready for play.
Come, kitty, my own little kitty,
I’ve saved you some milk* come and see,
Now drink while I put on my bonnet,
And play in the garden with me.
– McGuffey’s First Reader
*Note. Kittens should not be fed cow’s milk but kitten milk replacer (from a bottle).
WHAT ARE WAYS TO HONOR YOUR MOM & DAD?
YOUTH CAN TEACH ways to honor parents knowing they have a promise found in Exodus 20:12, that “thy days may be long upon the land.” With this ARE YOU HONOR OFF? Honor Parents vote to cast they can Vote ON or OFF to actions on situation cards.
ACTIVITY.
There are GOOD ways to honor our parents and BAD ways that dis-honor our parents.
Father in Heaven gives parents an important job to care for, protect, nourish, and provide for their children. What word would you use to describe this important job? (Sacrifice) Discuss the different ways parents sacrifice for their children. (sleep, time, money, prayer, education, hard work, etc.)
“Young people, if you honor your parents, you will love them, respect them, confide in them, be considerate of them, express appreciation for them, and demonstrate all of these things by following their counsel in righteousness and by obeying the commandments of God”
– Dallin H. Oaks, “Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother,” Ensign, May 1991
Part 4
SERVING Outside the Family
If you visit this Serving Others Together page, you will discover why it is good to serve as a family, carefully, even prayerfully think of the needs of others close to you to:
• Not give service where it is not needed or wanted.
• Consider giving service anonymously is sometimes easier to accept.
• Let each family member offer ideas and contribute.
HOW IS LOVING OTHERS LOVING JESUS?
YOUTH CAN TEACH children ways to be kind like Jesus. The HOME ACTIVITY (at the bottom of the poster) reads, “Show me how to speak kindly to everyone. Help me so I can please, thank you, I’m sorry, and excuse me.”
ACTIVITIES:
STORY. One day parents came to Jesus and wanted Him to bless their children. His disciples told the people not to bother Him, but Jesus said He wanted them to come to Him and He blessed them (Mark 10:13).
Also, in the Book of Mormon – 3 Nephi 17:21-22 we learn that Jesus again blessed the children.
READ Matthew 25:40 “Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”
ASK “What Does Love Do?
Loving others makes us feel warm and good inside. Our LOVE brings JOY to those who receive our love and service. Every time we show love to someone Jesus knows this, and it makes Him happy.
Love is not just what you SAY; it is also what you DO!
GATHER in a circle and think of all the ways to show love. (make a bed, give a hug, share a smile, sweep a messy floor, feed a hungry pet, pick up your toys, shine daddy’s shoes)
MEMORIZE this…
“Loved you yesterday
Love you still
Always have
Always will!”
HOW CAN I KNOW HOW TO SERVE OTHERS?
YOUTH CAN TEACH others this song and talk about how service can CHEER AND BLESS AND BRIGHTEN.
“Being of good cheer makes it possible for us to turn all of our sunsets into sunrises.”
– Marvin J. Ashton Talk “Be of Good Cheer”
ACTIVITY:
Help children share ways to serve after singing each verse. Then, sing it again and count the blessings that can come by serving this way.
“Have I done any good in the world today?”
• Helped anyone in need?”
• Cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad?
• Lighten a burden
• Help the sick and weary
“When they needed my help was I there? …
Do not let them pass by, saying. ‘Sometime I’ll try’. But go and do something today.” (See #1 Good Samaritan activity above or HERE.)
WHAT ARE WAYS MY FAMILY CAN SERVE?
YOUTH CAN TEACH others not to monkey around but go bananas when it comes to service!
With this GO BANANAS OVER SERVICE Action-Reaction match game they will understand why. Turn banana pieces over to match names to learn who does what. Then hang them on the monkey.
ACTIVITY:
Seeing someone’s reaction to our service increases our desire to serve. SERVICE IS CATCHING! When we do unto others as we would have others do unto us (The Golden Rule) we understand how service to others is easy and fun.
DOWNLOAD the Golden Ruler activity (HERE).
Simple service is quick and easy. For example, taking our plate to the sink after a meal instead of leaving it on the table. Or, being extra quiet when someone is napping. Or, asking, “How can I help?”
Super service takes more time and effort but the feelings are great! Like offering to feed a neighbor’s pet while they are on vacation or mowing the lawn for your brother when he is sick.
GO BANANAS TREAT IDEAS. Banana bread; Banana share; Peanut butter and banana sandwich; Cereal with bananas; Banana Smoothie; Banana pancakes; Banana splits (ice cream treat); Banana Boats (campfire treat)
HOW DOES RAKING SOMEONE’S LEAVES SERVE GOD?
YOUTH CAN TEACH that by serving one person you serve three people at the same time (1) Fellow beings; (2) God; and (3) Self (feeling good).
ACTIVITY:
To teach the value of service have children or youth hold this scripture card and write on the back their goals to serve as you read, “When we are in the service of your fellow beings” they write the names of three people they wish to serve.
Then read, “ye are only in the service of your God” writing the service they want to give to each, picturing God smiling at their good deed.
SPOTLIGHTING SERVICE. When King Benjamin* was nearing the end of his life, he asked his son Mosiah to call the Nephite people together so he could speak to them. They gathered in families at the temple to listen to King Benjamin* (see Mosiah 2:1–9). Read Mosiah 2:10–14, looking for how King Benjamin* served his people. Read MORE on the Church website …
HOW CAN I FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE OF FAITHFUL PROPHETS?
YOUTH CAN TEACH that God wants us to follow the examples of His prophets regarding service. You can see why it is important to serve the Lord in this Do As I’m Doing post-and-present activity.
This PROPHET GUESSING GAME puts the spotlight on God’s Prophets: Moses, King Benjamin, Joseph Smith, Thomas S. Monson, and Russell M. Nelson. See how to serve like them by matching the arrow word strips with the prophet.
ACTIVITY:
The Prophet Jacob, the brother of Nephi (son of Lehi) wrote THE BOOK OF JACOB. This is a telling scripture about faith and why we are to follow the prophets.
JACOB 4:6 “Wherefore, we search the prophets, and we have many revelations and the spirit of prophecy; and having all these witnesses we obtain a hope, and our faith becometh unshaken, insomuch that we truly can command in the name of Jesus and the very trees obey us, or the mountains, or the waves of the sea.”
Note. A prophet is a person who has been called by God to speak for Him. They testify of Jesus Christ and teach His gospel. They teach us God’s will. They warn us of sin and its consequences. If God wills, they prophesy of future events.
Today, a prophet receives revelation representing God’s Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We are taught to seek, receive, and act on personal revelation through the Holy Ghost. See the CHURCH/APOSTASY Index on our website.
HOW CAN I SERVE MY NEIGHBOR?
YOUTH CAN TEACH using this GIVE SERVICE OUTSIDE YOUR FAMILY planner in council meetings with the bishop to plan projects or individually to find opportunities on the JustServe website or app.
Use Planner to Brainstorm
• Ideas can be written here.
• Reactions of the person served can be recorded.
• Goals for future service opportunities can be listed.
ACTIVITY:
“The more we serve our fellowmen in appropriate ways, the more substance there is to our souls…We become more substantive as we serve others – indeed, it is easier to ‘find’ ourselves because there is so much more of us to find!” Saving Your Life – Elder D. Todd Christofferson.
“I have wept in the night
For the shortness of sight
That to somebody’s need made me blind.
But I never have yet
Felt a tinge of regret
For being a little too kind!”
– Anonymous
Jesus Christ is our best example of serving others. Seeing a need and filling it appropriately is serving Him.
DOWNLOAD the Mosiah 2:17 scripture poster/card set (HERE or #23 above).
HOW CAN SERVING MAKE ME HAPPY?
YOUTH CAN TEACH children by turning the smile upside-down when not serving and sunny-side up when they are. It’s a reminder that when we help we are happy and others are happy too. Talk about how serving someone is not easy. CHAT ABOUT:
#1 We don’t know WHO to serve or HOW to serve.
#2 We don’t know HOW to ask someone if we can help.
#3 We don’t know if what we are doing is WHAT is needed.
ACTIVITY:
In the song, “Have I Done Any Good” we sing, “Have I cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad.” Talk about why service brings a smile. See #21 above to find song visuals for this song.
Here is a fun poem to read and discuss…
I LOVE YOU MOTHER by Joy Allison
“I love you, Mother,” said little John;
Then, forgetting his work, his cap went on,
And he was off to the garden-swing,
And left her the water and wood to bring.
“I love you, Mother,” said rosy Nell –
“I love you better than tongue can tell;”
Then she teased and pouted full half the day
Till her mother rejoiced when she went to play.
“I love you Mother,” said little Fan;
“Today I’ll help you all I can;
How glad I am school doesn’t keep!”
So she rocked the baby till he fell asleep.
Then stepping softly, she fetched the broom
And swept the floor and tidied the room;
Busy and happy all day was she,
Helpful and happy as a child could be.
“I love you, Mother,” again they said,
Three little children going to bed.
How do you think that mother guessed
Which of them really loved her best?
WHAT COMES FROM SMALL ACTS OF SERVICE?
YOUTH CAN TEACH by having children and youth roll into Jalopy “Junk”tion – Lovey’s Service Station. There they can pick a car parked in Jelopy “Junk”tion and turn the car over to read the problem/situation written on the back.
Then tell how to fix it through a specific service they can do. Then park the vehicle in the Ready-to-Roll part of the Service Station.
ACTIVITY:
Heavenly Father and Jesus want us to serve others without asking for something in return. This unselfish way makes us and others happy.
One day when Jesus and His Apostles walked the dusty roads of Judea, Samaria, and Galilee, their feet got very dirty. Jesus decided to wash His disciple’s feet. Read: John 13:1–7. Through this act of service, they knew Jesus loved them.
Brainstorm. Park the cars in Jelopy “Junk”tion again. Now, think up situations or problems that might happen at HOME, SCHOOL, and CHURCH. Then have others tell you how to get your car going (solve the problem, gas it up, or give it repair). Now you are Ready-to-Roll again. This is how real service works.
HOW TO “GROW” SERVICE HABITS
YOUTH CAN TEACH others how to plant their SERVICE GARDEN with good deeds (“Don’t grow weeds, plant good deeds!”) With this game, they can learn ways to serve. The vegetables are split into two matching pieces. For example: The bean reads “I will cheer up the sad” (part 1) and “make someone feel glad by ‘bean’ kind” (part 2).
DISCUSSION:
Talk about starting service habits! Begin by asking, in your morning prayers for inspiration. Look to HOME, SCHOOL, and CHURCH needs.
Does someone need a friend? Is there a service needed? Can I assist someone somehow?
By being a friend and observing you can find ways to serve. Always ask before you give: – Do they need my PRESENTS (gifts) or do they need my PRESENCE (time).
A story of HOME Inspiration. A young mother was shopping for food when she thought to buy a few extra cans of food. Each time she would buy extra until her pantry was full. A few months later her husband was laid off from work. But she was prepared. While he looked for work she was able to feed her family and help out a few needy neighbors.
WHAT CAN I DO FOR MY COMMUNITY?
YOUTH CAN TEACH about community service. FIRST, play this match game to view the service ACTIONS and the REACTIONS to the service. SECOND, use these community service ideas to plan service projects for FAMILY or CHURCH members to participate in large or small groups.
ACTIVITY:
Give out the invitation You’re a Star! to invite children/youth to an activity to SHINE!
(1) SHINE a senior’s house.
(2) SHINE by learning new skills and practicing them as you serve.
Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so SHINE before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
HOW DO YOU SEE YOURSELF?
Mirrors? Babies are so cute. They know they are cute. Everything revolves around them. They are the center of attention. They see only themselves, as in a mirror.
Window? Now this is not cute when the baby turns 15 and they are still thinking everything is about them. However, turning those mirrors of self-absorption into windows of opportunity helps youth see the needs of others to practice serving.
With SERVICE AS THEIR GOAL, they can turn the mirror into a window and look outward to see the needs of others.
Ponder This QUESTION: Are you looking into a mirror or out a window?
HOW HAS JESUS TAUGHT US TO SERVE?
YOUTH CAN TEACH that Jesus Christ was our perfect example of how to serve. Here you can match similar actions as you guess the HELPING HANDS. Just say, “I will serve each day in a Christ-like way.”
ACTIVITY:
Ask, “Who has set a good example for you (in choosing the right)?”
Write names on the board, including the name of Jesus Christ. Tell them Jesus is our perfect example. He does everything Heavenly Father commands Him to do.
Jesus wants us to love and serve others. In Acts 10:38, we read Peter’s words, Jesus’s Apostle, saying that Jesus went about “doing good.”
Ask, “What are we doing that’s good?” Then say, “Let’s play this Helping Hands Connection Service Connection match game to see if we are doing as good as Jesus did.”
WHAT IS MY ATTITUDE ABOUT SERVICE?
YOUTH CAN TEACH with this fashionable match game that service can be done in “style.”
The cards show ways to serve. Example: “Hats off to Mom for all she does …” matches with “… and give her a day off household chores.”
TO PLAY
Divide into teams with cards facedown.
Step #1 Take turns turning matching up cards (one point for each match). Add matches for teams giving cards to the leader.
But WAIT! YOU HAVEN’T WON YET!
Step #2 Shout Out. Leader pulls the picture cards to call out the statement, e.g., “Boot yourself out of bed …” Both teams can shout a service. Leader gives point to the best service shouted in 10 seconds. Score keeper announces the overall winning team.
2 Corinthians 9:7 “… for God loveth a cheerful giver.”
GOD’S CHALLENGE
“Your task, is to build a better world,” God said.
I answered, “How? The world is such a large, vast place, so complicated now. And I, so small and helpless am. There’s nothing I can do.”
And God, in His great wisdom said, “Just build a better you!”
– Anonymous
Part 5
SERVICE Ideas
Visit Someone Who Lives Alone
When Jesus was on the earth, He paid special attention to the lonely. He sought out the sick, gave time to the grieving, and noticed those who had been forgotten. How can you do the same? Think of someone in your network or neighborhood who lives alone. Then, plan a time when you can stop by and visit with them. Often just your presence will mean more than you know!
Take a Meal to Someone
You don’t have to wait for a special occasion to reach out in love to friend or family member. Whether it’s an entire meal or just a small snack, bringing food to others is a great way to show them that you care.
When a family has welcomed a new baby into their home or someone is having health problems, the ward looks for ways to help (see Mosiah 18:8). Often, that includes people providing home-cooked meals. Imagine if we turned outward and helped all of our neighbors and friends in the same way.
Send a Thoughtful Message
Something as simple as a text message is often enough to make someone smile. Whether you choose to check in with a close friend or reach out to someone new, one message could make their whole day.
SEE MORE ACTIVITIES (like #29 above) for Activity Days Ages 8-11 (HERE or click poster ⇒
Don’t miss these:
• Good Samaritan Secret Service Project
• Show Respect & Appreciation “Buzz”-illion Thanks! Jot-a-Thought card”
• Create a Nutritious Meal – chef recipes
• Babysitting Basics
• Senior Spotlight – King & Queen (crown and bingo)
• Plan an activity to entertain children: Drive-in Movie, Rally, Red & Green Light
