Weekly Family History Activities

From Come, Follow Me :

“I prophesy unto you concerning the last days,” Nephi wrote (2 Nephi 26:14). In other words, he was writing about our day. And there’s reason to be concerned about what he saw: people denying the power and miracles of God; widespread jealousy and conflict. But in addition to these latter-day “works of darkness” (2 Nephi 26:10, 22) led by the adversary, Nephi also spoke of “a marvelous work and a wonder” led by God Himself (2 Nephi 27:26). Central to that work would be a book—a book that exposes Satan’s lies and gathers the righteous. That book is the Book of Mormon, the marvelous work is the work of the Lord’s Church in the latter days, and the wonder is—at least in part—that God invites all of us, despite our weaknesses, to participate in the gathering.

“In addition to temple work, the coming forth of the Book of Mormon is a sign to the entire world that the Lord has commenced to gather Israel and fulfill the covenants He made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (see Genesis 12:2–3; 3 Nephi 21; 29). The Book of Mormon declares the doctrine of the gathering (see, for example, 1 Nephi 10:14). It causes people to learn about Jesus Christ, to believe His gospel, and to join His Church. In fact, if there were no Book of Mormon, the promised gathering of Israel would not occur.” President Russell M. Nelson, The Future of the Church: Preparing the World for the Savior’s Second Coming 

See activities centered on the “Gathering” here and here. You can also do a search on The Family History Guide for additional related activities, and check out the Index for Weekly Family History Activities. and Latter-day Saint Youth: Gather Israel.

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2 Nephi 26–27; 29–30

God prepared the Book of Mormon for our day.

From Come, Follow Me :

Why is the Book of Mormon of great worth to you? Think about this question as you read 2 Nephi 29–30. What “marvelous work” ((2 Nephi 27:26) is God accomplishing in the world and in your life through the Book of Mormon? See also Joseph Smith—History 1:62–65.

Gratitude for the Book of Mormon

President Nelson’s invitations prior to October General Conference in 2019 are still wonderful activities for us today.

"Thus, the year 2020 will be designated as a bicentennial year. General conference next April will be different from any previous conference...I hope that every member and every family will prepare for a unique conference that will commemorate the very foundations of the restored gospel."

• Read afresh Joseph Smith's account of the First Vision as recorded in the Pearl of Great Price.
• Ponder important questions such as:
• How would my life be different if my knowledge gained from the Book of Mormon were suddenly taken away?" (Also see The Book of Mormon: What Would Your Life Be Like without It?)
• How have the events that followed the First Vision made a difference for me and my loved ones?
• With the Book of Mormon videos now becoming available, you may wish to incorporate them in your individual and family study.
• Select your own questions.
• Design your own plan.
• Immerse yourself in the glorious light of the Restoration. As you do, general conference next April will be not only memorable; it will be unforgettable.” (President Nelson, October 2019 General Conference)

From Come, Follow Me :

• Read together 2 Nephi 29:7–11 to learn why God wants us to have both books.

What of the various principles taught in the Book of Mormon have touched your family? How has each member of your family come to know the truth of the Book of Mormon? Invite family members to share their testimony of the Book of Mormon. You may suggest each member record their individual testimony in individual journals, a family journal, an audio recording. Recording your testimony will not only help you and your family now and in the future, but can strengthen your posterity for generations to come.

One Great Work of Salvation

"The time has come for us to capitalize more effectively on the potent combination of the mighty change of heart, made possible primarily by the spiritual power of the Book of Mormon, and the turning of hearts to the fathers, accomplished through the spirit of Elijah. A yearning for connection to our past can prepare an individual to receive the virtue of the word of God and fortify his or her faith. A heart turning to the fathers uniquely helps an individual withstand the influence of the adversary and strengthen conversion ... The artificial boundary line we so often place between missionary work and temple and family history work is being erased; this is one great work of salvation." (David A. Bednar [address given at the seminar for new mission presidents on June 25, 2013, Salt Lake City]). Read more in Kathryn Grant's FamilySearch blog post.

You might try the following "practice sharing the gospel" activity using family history as a finding and retention tool. Invite other families to join in the fun if you would like.

1. Divide into companionships and practice door approaches with this guidance from Preach My Gospel: "Talk to people about their families. Help them see how the restored gospel can be a blessing to their families. Offer to help them find the names of grandparents, great-grandparents, or other ancestors. Enlist the help of ward temple and family history consultants."
2. Practice using The Family History Guide as a resource to explain how to find and record information about ancestors and to learn to use FamilySearch.
3. Practice what you might say to new converts about the temple blessings available to them, their families, and their ancestors. Share how the temple has blessed your life and the lives of your loved ones. 
4. See David A. Bednar, Missionary, Family History and Temple Work 

Family History and New Member Retention

You might want to role-play missionary scenarios of helping others find joy in vicarious temple work once they are baptized and confirmed. Find family history stories or stories from those you know and church leaders you look up to, and practice sharing them. Talk about ways these stories might interest someone in doing their own family history, and open their hearts to learn more about eternal families and the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

One Work of Salvation, Part 1

One Work of Salvation, Part 2

One Work of Salvation, Part 3

One Work of Salvation, Part 4

Testimonies of Your Ancestors

You could do research to find and read the testimonies of the Book of Mormon that your ancestors have written. Add to FamilySearch Memories. Find and share stories of your ancestors by using All the Stories, or your FamilySearch fan chart. Read Ten Ways to Discover, Gather and Share Family History Stories for other ideas.

• See missionary stories, tips, and activities.
• Explore this Church History Database.
• See Missionary Journals and Letters.
• Write a thank-you letter to a missionary, past or present (see this blog post).

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Your Personal History

Write (or audio-record) one story about your life as you study each Come, Follow Me lesson to have 52 by the end of the year. Save as a story and add it to your FamilySearch memories to preserve it. Use your own questions, those from (or inspired by) Come, Follow Me, or the #52 Stories Project. For example:

• Think about and write down ways you can show God that you want to receive more of His word.
• Write about why your life is better because of the Book of Mormon.
• Write about the day you were baptized.
• Write the story of why you decided to join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.