Weekly Family History Activities

1 and 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon

“Be Thou an Example of the Believers”

1 Timothy 4:10–16

From Come, Follow Me:

Timothy was relatively young, but Paul knew that he could be a great Church leader despite his youth. What counsel did Paul give to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:10–16? How can this counsel help you lead others to the Savior and His gospel?

Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity (1 Timothy 4:12).   

Can one young man or young woman striving to live the gospel and be a worthy example of the believers make a difference in the world?” We know with all our hearts that the answer is a resounding yes! We believe that as you are pure in your thoughts, conversation, and actions, you will make a difference. We believe in you! An Example of the Believers 

Youth Gathering Israel on Both Sides of the Veil

Quotes:

"Would you like to be a big part of the greatest challenge, the greatest cause, and the greatest work on the earth today?”

“My dear extraordinary youth, you were sent to earth at this precise time, the most crucial time in the history of the world, to help gather Israel.”

"There is nothing happening on this earth right now that is more important than that. There is nothing of greater consequence. Absolutely nothing. This gathering should mean everything to you. This is the mission for which you were sent to earth."

"So now, I am inviting every young woman and every young man between the ages of 12 and 18 in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to enlist in the youth battalion of the Lord to help gather Israel."

"Now, participating in the gathering of Israel will require some sacrifice on your part. It may even require some changes in your life. It will definitely take some of your time and energy and your God-given talents. Are you interested?"

"As you pray about this sacrifice of time, you will be guided to know both what you can give up that week and what you can do instead to help gather Israel." 

“You are among the best the Lord has ever sent to this world. You have the capacity to be smarter and wiser and have more impact on the world than any previous generation.”

President Russell M. Nelson, Worldwide Youth Devotional

Check out the Latter-day Saint Youth Page (see categories below). Many activities can be done as families.

Family History Ward Activities

“If you pay attention to the recent adjustments in the Young Women classes and in the Aaronic Priesthood quorums, they have exactly the same responsibility, all under the direction of the bishop--but Relief Society, elders quorum, Young Women class presidencies, Aaronic Priesthood quorum presidencies, quorums and classes. And they're not planning activities in Aaronic Priesthood quorums and in Young Women classes to take up time, to fill a check box, because we're supposed to do this every week, or because we want to entertain people. You focus on the work of salvation, learning and living the gospel, sharing the gospel, uniting families, and helping the poor and the needy. Period, exclamation point, end of sentence--that's it! 

This is really simple. Now, all of this prepares us to hear what I want to express now. Can you see? Can you, can we begin to see what happens when the elders quorum, the Relief Society, the Aaronic Priesthood quorums and the Young Women classes are all laser-beam, singularly focused on the work of salvation? The miracles that will occur, the advancement of this work in the earth will be astronomical. 

And I have this one admonition. Do not underestimate the capacity of these young men and these young women. They don't just need to sit and listen to adults tell them how great it is. They don't need to have adults saying, "Well, when you get a little older, you'll have your turn." They need to be anxiously engaged in this work right now, and they will help identify things to do, ways of accomplishing this work that will majestically move this work all over the earth. Please do not underestimate what those Aaronic Priesthood quorums and those Young Women classes can accomplish. David A. Bednar, Youth Responsibility in the Work of Salvation 

See also: You've Got This! Ideas, Resources, And Encouragement For Those With Ward Temple And Family History Callings And Responsibilities (Youth Included)  

Ward Family History Activities Examples

(see more here): 

Rockin’ the Fifties

This activity is a fun way to celebrate family connections, go "back in time" to see what life was like in the 50's, discover tools to learn about our ancestors (including the 1950 census), enjoy gathering as a ward, and have a blast! See Rockin' the 50's!

Crack the Case

This is a family history mystery by the ward youth, for their parents (siblings could also be invited). This activity is co-sponsored by the youth and the Temple and Family History committee. Beware—it is a highly detailed strategy for solving even the toughest family mysteries.

See this document for "top-secret" instructions and ideas to help crack the case. 

Senior Dinner - "A Night To Remember"

"A Night to Remember" is designed to recognize the seniors in a ward, to help them feel remembered while recording their memories. It is a great way for the youth to get to know them and their stories. See photos of one ward's "A Night to Remember" event here.

The entire ward can be blessed by the youth battalion!

“On behalf of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve to you young people, we have confidence in you. You are the Lord's battalion. 

We know, we witness, we testify that you will contribute to helping great things happen in this work all over the earth. We expect you to surprise the adults. We expect you to seek inspiration and revelation . 

And as you do that in your youth in a world that is increasingly wicked and ever more chaotic, we promise you, you will be safeguarded, you will be guided, you will be protected. What you learn about receiving revelation about others will bless you in magnificent ways.” David A. Bednar,  Temple and Family History Leadership

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Philemon 1:17–21

From Come, Follow Me:

What was Paul willing to do for Onesimus? How is this similar to what the Savior willingly did for us? (see also 1 Timothy 2:5–6; Doctrine and Covenants 45:3–5). How can we follow the examples of Paul and the Savior?

Gathering the Family of God

"The work of gathering Heavenly Father's family is not just for young people, and it is not just for grandparents. It is for everyone. We are all gatherers." 

"God knew that you would feel drawn to your ancestors in love and that you would have the technology necessary to identify them." Henry B. Eyring, Gathering the Family of God 

View the full video here, or watch the clip below.

Gathering Your Ancestors

Check out the new fan chart options on FamilySearch with a view of up to 7 generations. The fan chart is color-coded to show family lines, sources, stories, photos, birth countries, research helps, and ordinances for your ancestors.

Find instructions to print on the TreeSeek site where you can use your FamilySearch account and print your family tree in many varieties for free. Hang one on your wall or place it under a plastic tablecloth on your kitchen table! See this blog post for more ideas. If you are new to FamilySearch, you will find step-by-step instructions to set up your account here.

Learn about the Ordinances Ready feature on the Family Tree app. Check out this blog post. This article and video explain how to verify names you have found.  Make plans for a family trip to the temple if possible to give others this gift.

Elder and Sister Bednar give an overview and encouragement in the video clip below:

Video   link is here: Week 38

Learn more about how The Family History Guide can help you gather Israel on both sides of the veil.

When serving others, we are blessed in our own lives. You may want to count the promises in the following addresses and videos: 

• The Joy of Redeeming the Dead
• The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn
• Family History and Temple Work: Sealing and Healing