FAMILY FUN SERVICE
For CHURCH & HOME
“Where we love is home, home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes
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
Part 2 Planning to SERVE
Part 3 SERVING Family
Part 4 SERVING Outside Family
Part 5 SERVICE Ideas
Find all of our YOUTH CAN TEACH blog posts (HERE) with more QUICK-AND-EASY gospel lessons.
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 and motivate children and youth how to Spread a Little Sunshine using this planner. On the sun ray wordstrips 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:
PRAYER is the best way to start any act of service. YOUTH can teach that asking Heavenly Father WHO needs help and WHAT to do will help you know specifically HOW to Spread a little sunshine.
IDEA! A fun way to encourage others is to make some fun treats such as lemonade, cake, or cookies. Maybe visit your local nursing home (be sure to make an appointment). Perhaps sing some fun “sunshine” songs. Or, sit and chat with the residents. If visiting seniors check to see what kinds of treats to bring.
LEMONADE.
• 4 medium lemons -1 cup
• 1 cup sugar
• 6 cups water
• Optional: ADD 1 cup sliced fresh or frozen strawberries.
SIMPLY, mix 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in saucepan on medium heat till sugar is dissolved. Set aside for 10 min. Pour into pitcher, add remaining 5 cups water and 1 cup lemon juice. Add sliced strawberries if desired. Pour into cups of ice. Serve.
Talk about, “If life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”
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 that EVERYONE IS WORTH serving, and serving in secret is especially fun!
This SECRET SERVICE with GIVEAWAY HEARTS is an easy way for children to leave behind a bit of love for the person they serve.
ACTIVITY:
With these SECRET SERVICE heart-shaped notes, children can leave notes next to the service deed, making it fun to serve (secretly or anonymously).
Tell them they can hide (wear the hearts inside their shirt or place them in a pocket, sack, or purse/wallet) to keep it a SECRET!
IS IT OKAY TO BRAG ABOUT MY SERVICE, OR NOT?
YOUTH CAN TEACH children to serve humbly as Jesus did, not bragging about what He did for others. Unlike the priests who stood upon the Rameumptom telling others how wonderful they are, and that they are better than the poor Zoramites who helped build their temple (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.
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 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
“The Lord has opportunities near you to feel and to share His love. . . . As you help children of God in their troubles, your own troubles will seem lighter. Your faith and your hope will be strengthened.” – President Eyring See “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”).
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? HEAVENLY FATHER!
Our Father hears our prayers but we must be patient and remember that sometimes HIS answer is NO.
(show a string of pearls or beads) This string of pearls represents beautiful blessings our Heavenly Father gives to us. (family, friends, sunlight, etc.) What is not seen? (the string that holds them all together – Heavenly Father). We can trust our Father is there and will bless us with what is best for us, when it is the right time, and if it is His will. We need to believe and be obedient.
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 a few friends. SERVICE brings unexpected blessings.
11 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. AND do odd jobs for MONEY!
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.
ACTIVITY:
BEFORE you play this “Serv”ant” toss and tell:
• Have the youth close their eyes and remember the last time they were served by someone.
• Then ask them to remember the last time they served someone.
Say to them, “This pondering service that was given to us and our serving someone is a REMINDER that we are either:
• An actively busy serv”ant” or maybe …
• A slower not so quick serv”ant.”
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 say:
– “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, their talents, and 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 “crown of righteousness.”
What can you offer?
“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the appreciation of honest critics, and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; 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 SOMETHING TO SACRIFICE goal planner that those who sacrifice their time, talents, and means to build up the kingdom of God upon the earth will find great blessings. See 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.” The quote on the planner explains the sacrifices to make to earn these blessings.
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 trough 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 TO UNDERSTAND
“God expects us to rise and shine.”
• We help build the kingdom of God by living righteously.
• Individuals and families are strengthened by activity in the Church.
• We should willingly serve wherever we are.
• Blessings come as we serve in the kingdom of God.
HOW DO I MAKE TIME FOR SERVICE?
YOUTH CAN present this COMFORT, HELP, AND “BEAR” ONE ANOTHER’S BURDENS planner to others any time of the year to give service and fulfill their baptismal promise found in Mosiah 18:7-10.
ACTIVITY:
PONDER THE PROMISES: Read Mosiah 18:7-10 out loud or silently together. Give some time (three minutes) to ponder the promises found there.
DISCUSS what it means to be redeemed of God, be numbered with those of the first resurrection, and to have eternal life.
SCRIPTURE CHASE bearing another’s burdens, for example, Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
Part 3
SERVING Family
“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
“This heaven-inspired program … can bring spiritual growth to each member of the family…” President Thomas S. Monson
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, and to assign responsibilities to family members. Sundays are great to have a lesson, keeping the Sabbath day holy, and Mondays are super to have an activity.
ACTIVITY:
Family Home Evening lessons are best if all family members take turns giving it. As the family gets older Mom and dad can be encouraged to take a backseat and enjoy watching their children create.
With this chart they can either rotate the peanuts for the next week or put them in a bag and draw.
IDEAS:
•play “Baby Elephant Walk” to call everyone to FHE.
•Serve peanuts in a bag for the lesson. Or 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 and laminate it. Make someone’s bed and place “baby elephant” on the bed. Then its that person’s turn to do a kindness leaving “baby elephant” behind, and so on.
HELPING MAKES ME HAPPY
YOUTH CAN TEACH the children “When We’re Helping” using this song visual. This song helps them think of ways to help “mother” and they can sing it “father” and “brother” and “sister” and “grandmother” and “grandfather” or any person they want to help. 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 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 really get the “scoop” on service when they serve their family. This will help them learn to serve others outside their family too. 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 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 and talk about how they might work together to “scoop” up and 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:
We need to love and care for our families. President Gordon B. Hinckley tells us to “love each other, respect each other, to treat each other with love, kindness, and respect.”
“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” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World.”)
Do you really know what your mother and father do for the family?
ASSIGNMENT: After this activity take a pen and paper and interview your mother and father and ask them what they do for the family. You may be surprised just how much time, money, and hard work they put into your happy, healthy, and safe family.
WHY IS PET CARE A GOOD WAY TO PRACTICE SERVING?
YOUTH CAN TEACH children that caring for a dog or cat is a good way to learn to care for people (family and friends). Laminate these SERVING ANIMALS cat and dog spoons and post them next to their dog/cat pets as reminders OR use them as bookmark reminders. DOGS you know 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 teas with a string.
ACTIVITY:
Animals are a beautiful part of our world. Heavenly Father created them to serve us and to help us learn kindness and gentleness. To take care of a puppy or a kitty is a big job.
DISCUSS: different pets the children have and ask them to tell others how they care for them.
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
WHAT ARE WAYS TO HONOR YOUR MOM & DAD?
YOUTH CAN TEACH others ways to honor their parents knowing they have a promise found in Exodus 20:12, that “thy days may be long upon the land.” With 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 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 that loving others is a way of loving Jesus. We show our love by listening to them, by being kind, and by helping them. Matthew 25:40 says “…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.”
ACTIVITY:
Loving others makes us feel warm and good inside. It brings joy to those who receive the love you offer. EVERYTIME we show love to someone we show love to Jesus!
Love is not what you say it is what you do!
GATHER in a circle and think of all the ways to show love. (make a bed, give a hug, smile at a stranger, 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 help teach this song and talk about how service can CHEER AND BLESS AND BRIGHTEN.
ACTIVITY:
Help children share ways to serve after singing each verse. Then, singing 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 above).
WHAT ARE WAYS MY FAMILY CAN SERVE?
YOUTH CAN TEACH others not to monkey around but go bananas when it comes to service! With GO BANANAS OVER SERVICE Action-Reaction match they will understand why. Because by serving others they are free to serve. Turn banana pieces over to match up names to learn who does what. Then hang them on the monkey. See treat idea with the activity.
ACTIVITY:
We desire to serve others as we learn of the reaction others feel when we offer an act of service. SERVICE IS CATCHING! When we do unto others as we would have others do unto us we understand how service to others is easy and fun.
Simple service is quick and easy, e.g. taking your plate to the sink after you eat, putting things away after you get them out, or being extra quiet when someone is napping.
Super service takes more time and effort but the feelings are wonderful, e.g. offering to feed a neighbors pet while they are on vacation or mowing the lawn for your brother when he is sick.
Super fun treat ideas: Banana bread, munch on bananas, peanut butter and banana sandwiches or banana splits!
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) Themselves as they improve their countenance and feelings of self-worth.
ACTIVITY:
King Benjamin’s example of 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.
See MORE ⇒
*See King Benjamin featured in this Serve Like a Prophet Guessing Game (HERE or below)
HOW CAN I SERVE OTHERS OUTSIDE MY FAMILY?
YOUTH CAN TEACH other youth 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. The ideas can be written here. The reactions of the person served can be recorded. Goals for future service opportunities can be listed. It’s great for brainstorming and planning.
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.
HOW CAN I FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE OF FAITHFUL PROPHETS?
YOUTH CAN TEACH others that we can follow the examples of prophets regarding service. These prophets show us how to serve. They show us why it is important to serve the Lord. SPOTLIGHT IS ON: Moses, King Benjamin, Joseph Smith, Thomas S. Monson, and Russell M. Nelson. Simply match up the arrow word strips with the prophet.
ACTIVITY:
“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.” Jacob 4:6
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. They receive revelation for the Church. They encourage us to seek, receive, and act on personal revelation.
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.
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.
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 about simple acts of service at home, school, and church that bring true happiness. While they imagine gassing up at the Jalopy “Junk”tion – Lovey’s Service Station, they will soon be Ready-to-Roll! on their next service project.
ACTIVITY:
“Heavenly Father and Jesus want us to serve and help others without asking for something in return. They know that this is the only way we can be happy. When Jesus and his Apostles walked the dusty roads of Judea, Samaria, and Galilee their feet got very dirty. Jesus washed their feet (John 13:1–7). Through this service, they knew Jesus loved them. We can show our family, friends, neighbors, and those at Church that we care about them.
With LOVEY’S SERVICE STATION let’s find cars that need repair and people that need care…
Brainstorm a list of ideas. Using a white board and dry erase marker list the headings, HOME, SCHOOL, CHURCH and place ideas under each heading.
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, example the bean reads “I will cheer up the sad and make someone feel glad by ‘bean’ kind.”
ACTIVITY:
Service habits are easy to start! Begin by asking in your morning prayers who you can serve that day. It could be a member of your family that is having a difficult time, a neighbor who needs help, or a friend who is struggling. Start by being aware of what is going on around you. Stop thinking of yourself and look outward to others. Ask for inspiration.
A young mother was shopping at the market one day and the thought came to buy a few extra cans of food. She started the habit of buying one or two extra cans or packages of food and before she knew it her pantry was full. A few months later her husband was laid off at work. While he looked for work elsewhere they ate well from their pantry. She was even able to serve her neighbors when they were in need during this difficult time.
WHAT CAN I DO FOR MY COMMUNITY?
YOUTH CAN TEACH others about their community and what the needs may be. Service projects can be done in small or large groups. This activity can be a fun planning session to evaluate the needs of the community and as they play the game decide on what is most pressing and organize the service event.
ACTIVITY:
Using this to invite youth to an activity where they can SHINE! (1) SHINE up a senior’s house by washing windows, dishes, floors, dusting, etc. (2) SHINE by sharing their talent at a talent show or the telling of: interests, hobbies (telling of them briefly). (3) Spotlighting SHINE-ing Examples. Youth can tell briefly why they admire a chosen individual.
MIRRORS OR WINDOWS: 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. What is not cute is when they are 15 and they still think everything is about them. Turning those mirrors of self into windows of opportunity to see the needs of others is important.
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 game to see if we are doing as good as Jesus did.
WHAT IS MY ATTITUDE ABOUT SERVICE?
YOUTH CAN TEACH using this SERVICE WITH STYLE fashionable match game. Youth can match these cards to make fashion statements and statements to themselves of how to treat others. Follow the 2 Corinthians 9:7 scripture telling how to give “for God loveth a cheerful giver.”
ACTIVITY:
Attitude is everything!
THINKING
If you think you are beaten, you are.
If you think you dare not, you don’t.
If you’d like to win but you think you can’t,
It’s almost a cinch you won’t.
If you think you’ll lose, you’re lost,
For out of the world we find
Success begins with a fellow’s will –
It’s all in the state of mind.
If you think you’re outclassed, you are.
You’ve got to think high to rise;
You’ve got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win a prize.
Life’s battles don’t always go
To the stronger or faster man;
But soon or late the man who wins,
Is the one who thinks he can.
-Walter Wintle
IMPROVEMENT “Your task; 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 useless am. There’s nothing I can do.” But God, with all his wisdom said, “Just build a better you.”
Part 1
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 #28 above) for Activity Days Ages 1-8 (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
