Hello Everyone!
I wanted to share a highlight from March.
We were able to take our Primary to the Detroit Temple. Organizing this event was work. But we had lots of help, and it was worth every bit of effort.
Here's how the day played out.
Set up: Anthony was on photo duty, and was using Ira to test things out. These aren't Ira's most "reverent" photos, but since we may as well call him He Who Hates to be Photographed, I decided to keep them. The ham was uncharacteristically on.
Arrival
I took this pic later, as evident by my tiny bare foot.
One of my councilors made these cute name tags for everyone to fill out as they arrived.
The Detroit Temple is an hour away from us, so I was excited so many children attended, and so many families were willing to use their Saturday this way.
Phase 1
I taught the first portion. We compared the temple to other buildings, and highlighted the temple as a place to make covenants, receive blessings, and to serve the Lord.
Then to teach a little about vicarious work, we did an activity where kids found a partner. One of the partners had to stay within a giant rectangle I made with painters tape. The other partner could move freely. Then I whipped out a big bag of candy across the room, and told children that they could come get a piece, but only those outside the rectangle. The kids who were stuck were kind of freaking out. So we met together to brainstorm solutions. "This is a problem! What can we do to help our friends?" And finally one of the kids suggested those outside the rectangle could get candy for those inside. Everyone was relieved. Candy for everyone! Then we brought it back to baptism for the dead, and helping those who cannot help themselves. I'm hoping that it was a powerful and memorable lesson, and that kids weren't too distracted by the intense fear of candy inequity.
Phase 2
The next part, we broke up into groups and had three rotating events.
First was photographs with Anthony. He took pictures of each individual child, and then one with their family members present. Here are a couple.
The second, was the family history center. I didn't get to see what was happening here, but I heard it was pretty great. The Family History workers helped kids do some actual research and introduced fan charts.
The third event was an outside tour of the temple with President Hedquist, the Detroit Temple President. He was very generous with his time. While waiting for the tour to start, each group waited inside the lobby. I'm so glad they got to do this! We weren't so sure it would be possible if it was a busy day at the Temple. But it all worked out, and they were able to go inside and feel peace there. Then President Hedquist walked the children around the temple grounds and would stop to explain what happens inside each part using photographs of rooms inside. For those unfamiliar with LDS temples, typically children aren't able to go inside the temple until they're 12 years old.
President Hedquist referred to this quote below by President Monson,
and asked the children if they'd like to touch the temple.
"As we touch the temple and love the temple, our lives will reflect our faith. As we go to the holy house, as we remember the covenants we make therein, we will be able to bear every trial and overcome each temptation."
Then we took our group photo.
Here I am trying to get everyone photo-ready. The good one is at the top of the post.
Phase 3
Lunch, treats, and closing remarks.
This is our Bishop. He helped a lot as the leader of our ward, and also as the husband of my councilor. :) Somehow she avoided getting in a single picture, but made these awesome bags for children to take home.
Inside, was a family history chart, a cookie, and a little craft.
Our Stake President, President Ward made the closing remarks, and was able to sum everything up beautifully. I was glad that he emphasized some important things that I didn't get to in my opening lesson.
There you have it. It was a beautiful day. If I could do this again, I'd tweak and adjust things a little, but in all, I think it went really well. We're grateful for all the help from teachers, parents, and leaders. I hope this is an experience the children treasure.
