ellenbrook ward primary presentation 2021

it's finally done and dusted. after not being able to have a presentation at all last year due to covid restrictions (even though there was none in our state at all? weird...) it was so nice to see the kids rocking it this year. i actually wrote the presentation myself this year (due to our primary president starting a new job and being caught up a lot and run off her feet) and i was pretty darn proud of it too!

we included 10 songs and practiced for a few weeks leading up before doing our complete run through last week, which made me incredibly nervous as we still had quite a few kids missing, but on the day, every single one of them was there - raring to go. it went completely without a hitch, every single child got up, said their part and didn't bat an eyelid, even my joseph who bailed every single time we practiced. i nearly cried, because i honestly thought he wasn't going to do it.

my biggest compliment however, was when the stake primary president found me afterwards to chat about how it went. she said we had the best content in our presentation, that it flowed beautifully from topic to topic, including the content of the songs and that it was by far the best of all those in our stake, and considering it was the last one, it made it the actual best! i was especially thrilled when she said what a good idea it was when i got up each time and stood to one side, adjusting the microphone to make sure that each child was speaking directly into it, instead of risking half of them going unheard. i was so happy to think it was enjoyed so much - we got a lot of compliments from people in our ward too. hooray!

i was so happy with these two, they did so well, especially super shy joseph. they really killed it. so proud of my kids! so now that's over and done with - on to the christmas rush! ❤

and just to add: handy tip for next time around - the smartest thing i have ever done in primary is to print a song booklet for all the kids that are old enough to read (saves them complaining they don't know the words to the songs) and a full program print out for every adult on the stand. they follow along, nudging children up to the stand as they are needed and can offer all kinds of support. amazing. 

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Opening Hymn:

Teach Me to Walk in the Light – LDS Hymns 304

Teach me to walk in the light of his love;

Teach me to pray to my Father above;

Teach me to know of the things that are right;

Teach me, teach me to walk in the light.

Come, little child, and together we’ll learn

Of his commandments, that we may return

Home to his presence, to live in his sight—

Always, always to walk in the light.

 

Father in Heaven, we thank thee this day

For loving guidance to show us the way.

Grateful, we praise thee with songs of delight!

Gladly, gladly we’ll walk in the light. 

Child 1: Good afternoon and welcome to our Ellenbrook ward primary presentation for 2021. This year in primary we have been learning about the Doctrine and Covenants.

Child 2: What is the Doctrine and Covenants?

Child 3: The Doctrine and Covenants is a collection of modern revelations from God received mainly through the Prophet Joseph Smith. Many of these revelations were given in answer to questions that Joseph and other early members of the Church asked of God.

Child 4: Why was the Doctrine and Covenants made?

Child 1: During the early days of the Church, there were only a few handwritten copies of these revelations. In 1831, Church leaders decided to print and publish the revelations in a Book of Commandments. At a November 1831 conference discussing the Book of Commandments, Joseph received the revelation that is now section 1, the preface to the Doctrine and Covenants.

Child 2: Why is it called the Doctrine and Covenants?

Child 3: The first collection of revelations was called the Book of Commandments. Later collections were called the Doctrine and Covenants because they added a series of lectures “on the doctrine of the church,” known as the “doctrine” for short (which is now called the Lectures on Faith). Since the 1921 edition, the Lectures on Faith were no longer included, but the title Doctrine and Covenants stayed the same.

Child 1: The remainder of the book contained revelations received by Joseph Smith. This portion was known as the “covenants and commandments of the Lord” or “covenants” for short. The early Saints used “covenants” or “commandments” to refer to these revelations received by the Prophet in order to tell them apart from Joseph Smith’s other writings, such as inspired sermons and his translations of the Bible.

Child 4: So why is the doctrine and covenants important today?

Child 3: The Doctrine and Covenants contains revelations from Jesus Christ to His people. It teaches us that God knows each of us by name, that He hears our prayers and answers our questions, and that God still speaks today. It also teaches valuable doctrine about the plan of salvation and gives us additional insight into Jesus Christ’s Atonement. It provides comfort by illustrating how God loves us and still calls us to come to Him even when we make mistakes.

Song: I feel my Saviours Love

I feel my Savior's love

In all the world around me

His Spirit warms my soul

Through everything I see

He knows I will follow him

Give all my life to him

I feel my Savior's love

The love he freely gives me

Child 5: Recently, our prophet has asked us as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to use the whole name of the church when we talk about it. One of the reasons the name of the church is so important is because it tells everyone that this church belongs to Jesus!

Child 6: He is in charge of our church. Listen to this quote from President Nelson: “Thus, the name of the Church is not negotiable, when the Savior clearly states what the name of His Church should be.”

Child 7: The Lord even made a declaration which we can read in Doctrine and Covenants section 115 verse 4, when he said, “Thus shall my church be called in the last days, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”  He is serious. And if we allow nicknames to be used and adopt or even sponsor those nicknames ourselves, He is offended. “I am proud to belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! I know you are too!

Child 8: Let's do our best to use the full name Jesus taught when we talk about our church.

Song: The Church of Jesus Christ

I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I know who I am.

I know God’s plan.

I’ll follow him in faith.

I believe in the Savior, Jesus Christ.

I’ll honor his name.

I’ll do what is right;

I’ll follow his light.

His truth I will proclaim.

Child 9: In Doctrine and Covenants Section 63 verse 64, Jesus Christ taught, “That which cometh from above is sacred, and must be spoken with care. That means we should show respect and love to Heavenly Father and the things that are important to Him.

Child 10: Some ways we can show reverence are: waiting quietly outside primary, sitting and listening in sacrament meeting, keeping the Sabbath day Holy, showing love for Gods house and being respectful during prayers and other church meetings.

Song: Reverence is love

 Rev’rence is more than just quietly sitting:

It’s thinking of Father above,

A feeling I get when I think of his blessings.

I’m rev’rent, for rev’rence is love.

When I’m rev’rent, it shows in my words and my deeds.

The pathway to follow is clear.

And when I am rev’rent, I know in my heart

Heav’nly Father and Jesus are near.

Child 11: In Doctrine and Covenants Section 8 verse 10 it says:  Remember that without faith you can do nothing; therefore ask in faith. Have you ever seen Heavenly Father or Jesus Christ? I have seen paintings at church and videos about them. I have read about God and Jesus in the scriptures. I even pray to Heavenly Father each day! But, I have never actually seen them in person with my own eyes or touched them with my hands.

Child 12: Even though we can’t see them, we know they are real. That is called Faith. Faith is the first principle of the Gospel. There is evidence of God and Jesus if we look for it.

Child 13: Jesus created the beautiful earth. Joseph Smith saw them in the Sacred Grove. Many prophets have heard their voices. Miracles happen every day that point to their priesthood power! When we learn about Jesus and Heavenly Father, we can feel the Holy Ghost testify of their goodness.

Child 14: The love we feel in our hearts helps us to know that they are there. I am glad that I have faith. It makes me happy to know that I have a Heavenly Father who loves me and a Saviour who died for me!

Song: Faith

Faith is knowing the sun will rise,

lighting each new day.

Faith is knowing the Lord will hear

my prayers each time I pray.

Faith is like a little seed:

If planted, it will grow.

Faith is a swelling within my heart.

When I do right, I know.

Child 15: To gain a testimony, we need to first have faith, then we need to search the scriptures, ponder their words and pray to know for ourselves.

Song: Search, ponder and pray

 I love to read the holy scriptures,

And, ev’ry time I do,

I feel the Spirit start to grow within my heart-

A testimony that they’re true.

Search, ponder, and pray

Are the things that I must do.

The Spirit will guide, and, deep inside,

I’ll know the scriptures are true.

Child 16: When we have faith and a testimony of our own, we are able to share truth with others. In Doctrine and Covenants Section 8 verses 1-4 it says-

Now behold, a marvellous work is about to come forth among the children of men.

Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day.

Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work;

For behold the field is white already to harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul.

Child 17: We love and respect the missionaries serving our Heavenly Father and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. I can’t wait until it’s my turn!

Song: I hope they call me on a mission.

I hope they call me on a mission

When I have grown a foot or two.

I hope by then I will be ready

To teach and preach and work as missionaries do.

Child 18: In Doctrine and Covenants section 20, verse 37 it says: All those who humble themselves before God, and desire to be baptized, and come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits, and witness before the church that they have truly repented of all their sins, and are willing to take upon them the name of Jesus Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end, and truly manifest by their works that they have received of the Spirit of Christ unto the remission of their sins, shall be received by baptism into his church.

Child 19: This year I was baptised. I am now officially a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I know that Jesus was baptised and all of us need to be too!

Song: When I am Baptised

 I like to look for rainbows whenever there is rain

And ponder on the beauty of an earth made clean again.

I want my life to be as clean as earth right after rain.

I want to be the best I can and live with God again.

Child 20: As children, we learn first and foremost in our home, from parents who love and guide us. Sister Joy D Jones who served as the primary general president once said, “Children are great imitators, so give them something great to imitate.”

Child 21: One of the first songs we learn as a primary child is I am a Child of God. “Lead me, Guide me, Walk beside me, help me find the way. Teach me all that I must do, to live with Him someday.”

Child 22: Mums and dads, we are so grateful for gospel centred homes where we can be guided, ask questions, learn and grow.

Child 2: Learning love at home, helps us to learn to love others.

Child 4: I’m so grateful to live in a home full of love.

Child 23: We learn the best from your example!

Song: Love is Spoken Here

 I see my mother kneeling with our family each day.

I hear the words she whispers as she bows her head to pray.

Her plea to the Father quiets all my fears,

And I am thankful love is spoken here.

Mine is a home where ev’ry hour

is blessed by the strength of priesthood pow’r,

With father and mother leading the way,

Teaching me how to trust and obey;

And the things they teach are crystal clear,

For love is spoken here.

 

I can often feel the Savior near

When love is spoken here. 

Child 24: In Doctrine and Covenants section 88, verse 119 Jesus Christ commanded His people to build temples in the latter days.

Child 16: "Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God. . . . " The first temple of this generation was the Kirtland Ohio temple. We have learned about many temples this year. There are 168 dedicated temples, 45 under construction, and 52 announced but not yet under construction, for a total of 265!

Child 25: Some took a long time to build, like the Salt Lake City temple, which took forty years! In our next song, we learn that the temple is a special and holy place. I want to go to the temple when I grow up!

Child 1: Did you know that there are other holy places? Jesus said, “But my disciples shall stand in holy places and shall not be moved.” We can stand in holy places each day when we choose to keep the commandments.

Child 26: Your home can be a holy place. How do you feel at home when you pray or talk about Jesus in family lessons? Do you have a picture of Jesus or the temple hanging on your wall? Does it make you feel good inside to see it?

Child 27: When you serve your family, listen to good music, and say kind words, you make your home a holy place. Jesus wants us to stand in holy places.

Child 3: I challenge you to make wherever you are a holy place and strive to be worthy to go to the temple.

Song: I love to see the temple

I love to see the temple

I'm going there someday

To feel the holy spirit

To listen and to pray

For the temple is a house of God

A place of love and beauty

I'll prepare myself while I am young

This is my sacred duty

I love to see the temple

I'll go inside someday

I'll covenant with my Father

I'll promise to obey

For the temple is a holy place

Where we are sealed together

As a child of God, I've learned this truth

A family is forever

Primary Presidency Speaker:

In January 2019, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints introduced a new study program for its members. Known as the Come Follow Me program, it was to be a home centered, gospel focused program. Little did we know what life had in store for us at that time, what bumps would be in the road, but the Lord prepared a way for us to continue to learn and to grow within the safety of our homes.

The Lord loves his children. Jesus set all things aside, so that people could “bring him their little ones” whom he loved and blessed. These children on the stand seated behind me are the same “little ones”, todays little ones, learning and growing from our example as parents, families and friends.

As one of our children said earlier, quoting sister Joy D Jones, “children are great imitators, so give them something great to imitate.” Learning love at home, helps children (and adults) to learn to love others. We are so grateful to be able to have these beautiful spirits with us, who have learned in a home full of love.

Above all else, we strive to teach kindness. Being kind to others and to yourself. Today’s world truly needs more kindness. We need to raise children that treat others as Jesus himself would. In Proverbs 22:6 it says, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

It has been an honour to work with your children this year. We are so grateful for each and every one of them. I bear testimony that a gospel centered home will keep our children close to our Father in Heaven. I know that the gospel is true and will bring us such wonderful blessings when we count it as the most important thing in our lives. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Song: I’m trying to be like Jesus

I’m trying to be like Jesus;

I’m following in his ways.

I’m trying to love as he did, in all that I do and say.

At times I am tempted to make a wrong choice,

But I try to listen as the still small voice whispers,

“Love one another as Jesus loves you.

Try to show kindness in all that you do.

Be gentle and loving in deed and in thought,

For these are the things Jesus taught.”

 

I’m trying to love my neighbour;

I’m learning to serve my friends.

I watch for the day of gladness when Jesus will come again.

I try to remember the lessons he taught.

Then the Holy Spirit enters into my thoughts, saying:

“Love one another as Jesus loves you.

Try to show kindness in all that you do.

Be gentle and loving in deed and in thought,

For these are the things Jesus taught.”

Closing Hymn:

I am a Child of God – LDS Hymns 301 

1. I am a child of God,

And he has sent me here,

Has given me an earthly home

With parents kind and dear.

 

Lead me, guide me, walk beside me,

Help me find the way.

Teach me all that I must do

To live with him someday.

 

2. I am a child of God,

And so my needs are great;

Help me to understand his words

Before it grows too late.

 

Lead me, guide me, walk beside me,

Help me find the way.

Teach me all that I must do

To live with him someday.

 

3. I am a child of God.

Rich blessings are in store;

If I but learn to do his will

I’ll live with him once more.

 

Lead me, guide me, walk beside me,

Help me find the way.

Teach me all that I must do

To live with him someday.

relief society ward history: a rs birthday celebration

i love being able to attend our ward relief society activities. after being the ward relief society president and knowing what kind of effort (and stress!) go into each and every one of them, i try never to miss a single one as i remember how much i would worry for the entire day that people wouldn't come.

this was an exceptional activity. each year we celebrate the founding of the relief society (march 17th 1842) with an activity to gather the sisters of our wards together. this was a celebration of the sisters of our ward particularly... with photos of all of our past relief society presidents in one of the displays. i was so honoured and incredibly humbled to be counted among these incredible women. i know and love so many of them and would never have expected to be placed alongside them. it is amazing what the lord can do with us when we are ready and willing to serve.

we played relief society bingo, which was an absolute riot. i can never get over how competitive these women can be.

some absolutely beautiful displays showed the talents and hobbies of some of our sisters

and days of relief society in the beginning

and there was a pile of throwback photos from days gone by.

the hall was set up to make us all really feel at home, like we were relaxing in the lounge

and of course when the relief society sister are involved, there is always the best refreshments! 

i truly love being part of the largest womens organisation in the world! ❤

the gift that keeps on giving

yesterday we had our end of year primary activity at the local water playground. it was just hot enough and lovely to run about in the water and on the grass. we didn't have all the kids, which is to be expected in december as everyone always has so many plans, but those who were there enjoyed themselves, especially with the bbq dinner at the end.

i am a member of an lds primary presidencies group on facebook and over time have seen so many amazing ideas on there for things that can be done with the kids to improve their spirituality and relationship with the lord. one that really struck me was that one ward had ordered a copy of the lds friend magazine as a year long subscription to be delivered out to each family for a year! best.idea.ever. i jumped on it and put it to our president and bishopric who also loved it and that was our gift to all our primary families. quite literally the gift that keeps on giving, all year long! 

we handed out their subscription cards at the activity and some at church and the last few to letterboxes, but all the parents loved it and were super stoked with the gift. i'm hoping this is the beginning of something amazing and we can do it each year if it continues to be so well received. 

merry christmas to our primary peeps!

 

ward father's day gifts

father's day is almost upon us again, and seeing as we still can't really do anything exciting (even though covid restrictions in wa are fairly relaxed due to a extremely long period without any community transmission) we wanted to do something cool for the primary dads and drop it to each of them. i had seen this awesome little "man" keyring made from nuts and bolts, so we decided that would be the way to go.

after a stop to bunnings to grab supplies, i got to work and whipped up 20 of these bad boys. they were not easy... the wire chain especially was a bit hard on the hands - and there was multiple pairs of pliers involved to get the bolts tight enough, but it worked... and they look awesome!

packaged up in a little cello bag from the local reject shop (side note, i always have at least one pack of these on hand, they are 30 for $1.50 and have about a billion different uses)

with a card made on the canva app... perfect! ready for delivery. we are doing the best we can with what we can, to ensure our primary children and their families know that they are loved. 

 

ward christmas party

our ward knows how to throw an awesome party. that's for sure. for the second year in a row, we have had a party in the car park, but it was so much fun. our bishop and co organised the same inflatable waterslide we had last year and the kids were in heaven!

look at them go!

so happy to be there.

then they got to hang out with some animals in the travelling petting zoo. maddie loves animals, whereas joseph more likes to look at them, but they were very happy!

my favourite were these very festive looking goats complete with santa hats. i was very sad that my fellow goat loving friend emily wasn't here to enjoy them with me.

and alex? he was happy just to chill with his grandma and watch the world go by. cutest kid.

primary presentation 2019

today was our annual primary presentation for the kidlets. once a year the children run the main meeting where they sing songs and read a small paragraph (or sentence, depending on their age) to tell about our beliefs and what they have learned during the year. it is so cute, especially when there is always one or two that are either over excited or refuse to participate. cute that is, until yours is one of them. ugh. this year joseph again refused to do his part, but not only that, wouldn't even get out of his seat! he seriously just sat up the front the whole time looking miserable and in the end actually crying. he is super smart, but super shy and in the end just wanted me. :( but i guess we still have time, madeline's first two went much the same.



madeline got up and completely nailed her part.
"i love it when we read scriptures together as a family. we learn more about jesus christ and the things he taught. i like to listen to other peoples testimonies so that my testimony can grow. this year i was baptised which has allowed me to become closer to the saviour."



and this is what joseph was meant to say. i know he knew it well and was ready as he had rattled it off this morning to dougs dad who wasn't well enough to come and watch.
"my favourite story in the new testament is when jesus was born. i like that the wise men came to visit him and bought him gifts. we can give a gift to the saviour by obeying his commandments."
ughhhh. maybe it will be third time lucky with this kid.

but no matter what happened... i am lucky to have two happy kids who love to laugh. 

i love these little monkeys. 

ward christmas party

what a cracker of a ward christmas party we had this year! the bishopric went all out on the fun - and organised a giant inflatable waterslide (which we found out was even big enough for adults when our mate hamish decided to give it a go - so good!), a petting zoo and a food truck that served breakfast burgers, sausages in buns and snow cones. we were set!

it took a while to get joseph on there (he can be so shy and hesitant about things) but once he had a go, you couldn't stop him and the kids were having the time of their lives.

it was a super hot day, so they were glad to be getting wet and slurping down ice afterwards.

baby alex spent most of the morning cuddling with ashley, but was thrilled to have a feed under a nice damp towel when it was super hot. i always feel sorry for babies, they don't seem to heat and cool the same way adults do, but he made it through okay.

emily and i were in fits of laughter when we saw the petting zoo had goats, we have had a long standing joke about goats between our families, so we decided that getting some pics with the goats was an absolute must and we loved every minute of it. seriously, look at our faces - and that was when we had finally calmed down enough to take the photo!

awwww baby goats!

and one more for luck. awww. ♥

we even managed to get doug there - and he even looks like he's having a good time too haha.

when the heat got too much for anyone, the cultural hall had been set up kind of like a cafe, with gift wrapped tables (i wish i had have gotten a picture of that, they covered them with wrapping paper for a tablecloth and put a bow in the middle, with some christmas trees set up too, including a gingerbread tree, which you could of course eat the ornaments off. yummmm. i love gingerbread - and this stuff was delicious!

we had such a fun morning, i love that so many people in our ward make so much effort to make sure that people want to come to activites, because they look cool, they have great food and they are super fun. how lucky are we? 

merry christmas ellenbrook ward!