February: How can I use Church music to learn about the plan of salvation?

All Printables Found HERE

1. Introduction

• Display list of music genres. What do these words have in common?
• Have the class think about their favorite type of music. Why is it your favorite?
• I talked about my favorite type of music and why. I also let those in my class share.
• Display Topic Poster.

2. Learn Together

• Pass out hymn books to each class member and have them turn to the First Presidency Preface in the front of the book.
• Read the 1st paragraph and discuss the scripture from D&C. Why do you think that music is important in the Gospel?
• Read the remaining sections in the preface, while discussing what blessings are promised.
• I shared this example from Elder Dallin H. Oaks' talk, "Worship through Music"
• When the Lord’s Apostles meet in modern times, the singing of hymns is still part of their meetings. The weekly meetings of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in the Salt Lake Temple always begin with a hymn. Elder Russell M. Nelson plays the organ accompaniment. The First Presidency, who conduct these meetings, rotate the privilege of selecting the opening song. Most of us record the date each hymn is sung. According to my records, the opening song most frequently sung during the decade of my participation has been “I Need Thee Every Hour”. Picture the spiritual impact of the Lord's servants singing that song before praying for his guidance in fulfilling their mighty responsibilities.
• What ways can church music help us in our lives? Do you have any special experience where church music helped you or invited the spirit?

3. Likening the Scriptures

• Can you think of any church songs that teach us about the Plan of Salvation?
• Direct the class to the Topical Guide in the back of the hymn book and find the section titled "Plan of Salvation".
• Musical Notes Matching Game
• I chose 5 hymns from the topical guide to discuss. To make it a little more exciting I created a memory match game. (I left two music notes blank, if you want to add more.)
• Once they found a match, we turned to the hymn, read the scriptures and skimmed through the lyrics. 
• While reading, have them look for things they learn about the Premortal Life, Mortal Life, and Life after Death? I wrote these on the board under the appropriate heading.

4. Making it Personal

• The index card for this week had them answer the question - What did I learn about the plan of salvation from the words of the hymns?

February: Why is learning an important part of Heavenly Father's Plan?

All Printables and Videos are found HERE

1. Introduction

• Plan of Salvation Activity
• Since this was the first lesson they would be having on this topic, I thought it would be a good idea to review.
• I cut out the pieces of the Plan of Salvation beforehand and the class glued them onto a piece of paper in the correct order.
• Then I had the class help me put larger cut outs in the right order at the top of the board.
• Discuss what the Plan of Salvation is. Why is it important? 
• Hopefully, someone mentions learning. If not, you can ask more directed questions, such as "Why must we come to earth?"
• Display Topic Poster.

2. Liken the Scriptures / Teach Others

• I printed out one of these scriptures on the back of each Plan of Salvation activity paper, just so they wouldn't have too many papers to juggle. 
• 2 Nephi 28:27-30
• D&C 98:11-12
• Alma 12:9-11
• D&C 50:40
• D&C 88:77-80
• D&C 109:7
• D&C 88:63
• Have the youth read the scripture, then draw a picture of what the scripture teaches about learning. 
• Then have them share with the class what their drawing represents.

3. Making it Personal

• Read the Education section in the "For Strength of Youth". I had each youth read one paragraph. Have them look for things that Heavenly Father wants them to do and the blessings that he promises.
• My class is usually full of energy, (benefits of one o'clock church), so I brought multiple pieces of chalk and had the kids come up and write what they found under the headings "Things Heavenly Father Wants Me to Do" and "Blessings He Has Promised".
• Discuss why learning is so important during our time here on earth? Are there things that you can work on?

4. Conclusion

• My team teacher would like the class to write down something they learned or a goal each week.  My team teacher is planning to compile these at the end of the year. So I passed out cards for the youth to write down a goal that they can work on to become a better life long learner of the Gospel.
• Watch the video "You Know Enough" from Elder Neil L. Anderson
• If you still have time, you could discuss the following questions.
• What would you say to a friend who is struggling because he or she does not understand everything about the gospel?
• How would they help their friend understand the role of learning in Heavenly Father's plan?