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.

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. 

primary presentation 2018

oh my word. kids. who would have them?!

 we had our primary presentation today, very inconveniently the day after madeline's dance concert, and joseph being out late at the woolworths head office christmas party.

well. they were both exhausted when i woke them up and dressed them and were highly unimpressed, especially joseph, who was sooo tired the night before that he'd had a full blown tantrum - at dom of all people! i could barely believe it, then another one when we finally got him home. but. they got up, got dressed and we got them there on time.

madeline got up, rattled her long part off at top speed, pretty much by heart and then sat down again. joseph on the other hand, got up, stared at his teacher when she tried to prompt him, didn't say a word, so she eventually said it into the microphone herself and then they sat down. little monster! he had practiced his part over and over at home and was (or so we thought) good to go. he even knew it off by heart. sigh. but, that is life and that's what we signed up for isn't it. thank goodness he's cute or i'd knock his head off. 

i must admit though, the funniest bit of the day was when i asked them after church if i could take a picture, and this is seriously what they did. i nearly died laughing. i then pulled the old, oh well i guess everyone that wants icecream had better sit up and smile.

done.

and i am so done.

if i've said it once, i've said it a hundred times. lucky they are cute

primary presentation 2017

once a year, the primary children (4-12 years old) take over the main meeting at church and speak about what they have learned during the year and sing the songs they have been taught. this years one was held yesterday. it is the cutest thing and as much as i am sure anyone who doesn't have children or grandchildren in it wants to bang their head against the wall, i genuinely gained an appreciation for it the year i was the primary music leader in dianella ward. after teaching the kids the songs all year, i was keen as mustard to watch them perform! then my madeline was old enough... and now i'm hooked i guess. next year joseph will be in there too. fun times!

maddie did great, got up there and busted out her one line "we are blessed when we follow the prophets counsel" without batting an eyelid. thank goodness! a wonderful improvement in comparison to years gone by. ♥

grandma kendall and madeline had a great time taking this picture, oli turned up to church with the exact same dress (in an adult version) as maddie. oh did we laugh! i totally posted it online with the caption "when grandma tries to steal your thunder and turns up to church on primary presentation day in the same outfit as you."

these kids are amazing. sometimes these two yell at each other. sometimes they hit and throw things and take things just to annoy the other one. but sometimes they love each other madly. and today was one of those days. while madeline sat out the front during the primary presentation, joseph kept turning to me and saying i want to go and sit with madddddddie! then she would look in our direction, grin and give a discreet wave and his little (good) arm would pop up into the air, waving madly at her to say hello. i am so glad they are friends... some of the time.

i don't know how impressed this kid was about being buttoned into a shirt and vest with a sling on, but we succeeded and made it through the day.

plus in todays news... it is off! after a visit to princess margaret hospital a week after his arm as broken, it was decided that the sling they gave him wasn't enough to keep the arm immobile enough to heal, so the dr gave him one that was ziptied to hang in the optimal position. he hated it and constantly asked for it off. there was no play equipment, trampolines or water for the last 4 weeks and i know he is thrilled it's off. we were having to stand him in the bath and wash him with a wet flannel, then tip his head as far forward as we could in the laundry sink to wash his hair. :( thank goodness that's over. he's being a little funny about anyone looking at it and still wants to keep it inside his shirt and bent, but i am sure he'll be right as rain in a few days. the best news from the dr was, that no matter what he does now, it will heal perfectly, as the arm naturally falls to where it should be and in 1, 3, 10 years time, if for any reason he needs to have an x-ray, you would never even know it had been broken. yay! let's hope the years to come with this kid are accident free!

primary presentation 2016

another year, another primary presentation - and we are so proud of our girl who got up there today brave as anything, said her part and sang smiling away. a lovely change from the girl that didn't want to do it at all yesterday! we loved watching her and the other children in our primary as they spoke of their love for the scriptures.

maddie's part was "we really love lehi's wife sariah. she was a loving wife and when heavenly father told them they had to leave their home and travel into the wilderness, she was obedient."

we love our girl ♥

and this monkey too, who decided today was a good time to climb a tree. we have really been blessed with gorgeous children. 

primary presentation 2015: take 2

"my name is madeline and i know my saviour loves me because he gave me a family who loves me and we can be together forever!" 

she did it! after suffering unnatural stage fright at the dianella presentation,this time around, maddie got up and bravely delivered her part for everyone to hear. we were so proud of our little girl.

i always miss having pictures with madeline (because i am always the one taking them...) but managed to get someone to snap one of the two of us today. so here is me and my little girl. ♥

oh how i love her! 

maddie has settled beautifully into primary at our new ward, especially since "aunty dom" is there to run to every sunday. we love this girl and how much she loves our kids!

and just because he is adorable... here is the cutest little boy i know! looking more and more like his namesake (my grandfather joseph) every single day. ♥ 

dianella primary presentation 2015

today was madeline's first primary presentation! we technically moved out of the ward a month ago, but our bishop gave us permission to keep coming until it was over, so she could be with her friends, plus i felt mean ripping her out so close to it, when each ward has a few songs of their own.

she sang beautifully, but we did run into a little bit of trouble... when we went to practice yesterday, she suddenly decided she was frightened of the microphone and cried and cried and cried when they asked her to say her part. it was awful! we coached and coaxed her all afternoon, then she woke up and cried again and said she didn't want to do it. so we recited her part all the way to church, where she finally said she would do it if sister tash held her hand... but it wasn't to be. she got stage fright and went back to her seat without doing it. but it doesn't matter. it is only the first of many and i am sure next time she will be ready.

madeline and her best friend leiara. we are so sad to be leaving her and her lovely family behind as we go off to ellenbrook ward next week. they love each other so much, so we are going to have to make sure they still see each other just as much.

leiara, madeline and leigh, the three amigos.

madeline and her friend faith... faith is one of the senior primary girls and maddie just adores her, when madeline suddenly became uncharacteristically shy, faith was happy to hold her hand, sit with her and make her smile. it was lovely to see the friendship they have and i know we will miss her very much too!

after church madeline went into the chapel with faith and went up to the pulpit and gleefully delivered her line to an empty chapel hahaha "my name is madeline and the holy ghost is my special friend!" what a crack up. fingers crossed that in 5 weeks time at her new ward (we have just found out their primary presentation hasn't happened yet...) she will be happy to get up and say her line. plus aunty dom is in the primary presidency, so that should help!

and this little boy? oh he is the light of my life. he is so adorable isn't he? look at that sweet smile!

we had the best day and this guy here and i loved seeing our little girl smiling. uncle isaac even joined us at church (for the first time in years i might add!) which added to our day. can't wait for the next one! 

♥

primary presentation 2014

(theme photo courtesy of latterdaychatter.blogspot.com)

a big sigh of relief, our primary presentation "families are forever" is over. phew. all the hard work that our kids have put in over the last year has come to this... and they were amazing! i am not just saying that... they really did put in a lot of effort and this big fat softie looked at them during one of the songs and got completely overwhelmed and emotional... and had to hold back the tears (which of course set off another one of the leaders...) i can't help it, i just love them all so much.

it was especially amazing to hear the two "music leader choice" songs that i picked myself "the things jesus asks of me" which you can buy here and "teach me about the temple" which you can get here. they are such beautiful songs and i am so grateful for people who spend their time writing music for us to sing praises to our father in heaven. there are very few things sweeter than hearing children sing. 

i am feeling so inspired now and couldn't wait to get into next years music and see what we'll be doing... one of the pick your own song themes is "jesus christ is the son of god, and he is a god of miracles" i did a bit of hunting and came across a song called "the miracle" by shawna edwards - which i have purchased for our primary to sing. it is amazing. i listened to it once and can't get it out of my head... go and have a listen here. i am so excited to teach it to them. i can't wait to get into the new music! :) bring on 2015!