It hardly seems likely, but the end of the year, and thus the first of the new 2013 curriculum cycle for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is fast approaching. Are you ready? This year, there are some big curriculum changes in the youth program and if you teach or work with youths, I’d suggest clicking in to get a glimpse of what is in store. Plus view the Primary "Outline for Sharing Time: I am a Child of God" and find out which prophet the Relief Society and Melchizedek Priesthood will be studying.
In one fell blog swoop, Larry Richman links to many of the “LDS Curriculum for 2013” resources including the overview document “Instructions for Curriculum 2013” that highlights the upcoming changes. Note that the adults will be studying the Doctrine and Covenants this year in their Sunday School classes. Relief Society and Melchizedek Priesthood will be studying from “The Teachings of Lorenzo Snow” on the second and third Sundays (not online yet, but purchasable in the link below).
But the biggest news is the youth curriculum changes, the “Come, Follow Me” outline will be used in both Young Women/Young Men and the associated Sunday School courses. And, it will be mostly accessed online. The instructions document explains, “Printed copies will be provided as determined by area leaders.” And check out this how to “Learn More about Come, Follow Me” introduction page, which includes a video that describes “Teaching the Gospel in the Savior’s Way.” I echo their invitation to come in and explore this new program. Oh, and the FAQ section can also be very helpful, especially for youth leaders curious about how to correctly implement the program.
Many of these curriculum resources will be available in app form. Richman explains, “Most of the materials can be viewed and downloaded online at lds.org/manuals or accessed in classrooms on mobile devices using the LDS Church’s Gospel Library mobile application.” Cool. Or, if you would like hard copies, click here.
Now let’s explore other great Bloggernacle posts:
Power pick: It begins with images of destruction along the coast. Devestation from Hurricane Sandy. Then suddenly people in yellow vests appear, ready to roll up their sleeves and work. One man explains "I didn't know what they were until they came over to the house and asked me if I needed any help. It's a great thing. And they are helping hundreds of homeowners here." And then a missionary chimes in, "Honestly that's why I came on a mission, to help the people of New York, whether it be to preach the gospel, or unflood a basement." Oh, listening to those helping and as well as those being helped brings tears to the eyes. Please watch this powerful video, share it, and click into the links below the video for ways you can help with the "Mormon Helping Hands: Hurricane Sandy" effort.
Power pick 2: On the one-year anniversary of two missionaries deaths, this mission president’s wife reflects in “Sometimes You Weep.” The entire mission held a training conference over the weekend and they took a moment to remember the elders: “November 8, 2012, marked the one year anniversary of the bike/auto accident that took the lives of two dedicated missionaries, Elder Derek Walker and Elder Trevor Strong. Our assistants, President Trayner, and I spent the day training nearly ninety missionaries. It was the last day of a three-day training. By the time the meetings were over, we all agreed that they were among the best training meetings that we had had in a long time ... As we finished the last meeting, we acknowledged the anniversary of the accident and bore testimony that Derek and Trevor live on, doing what they loved doing in the Texas McAllen Mission — teaching others the gospel of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 4:6). We felt Elder Strong and Elder Walker's influence with us that day. Elder Harris (who survived the accident) bore testimony of the strong commitment of his companions.” And then, “That evening, President and I visited the scene of the accident. A local bikers club has erected a memorial at the site. We added our flowers to the monument and reflected on the good that these missionaries did during their short lives. Even after their deaths, hearts were touched, and families were brought into the church. Now — yes, even now, a year later — not a day goes by when I don't think of them.” So touching.
Techie tip: I’ve mentioned the opportunity you have to order patriarchal blessings of your early ancestors from the LDS Church, and I just loved the idea as spotlighted by this blogger. He shares some of the powerful spiritual language found within his ancestor’s blessing — who happened to be an apostle — and then says, “The prophetic elements of today's blessings ... have to be considered remarkable. That LDS youth continue to seek out patriarchs in order to be guided by these ‘life roadmaps’ bears testimony that patriarchal blessings are powerful personal documents. And that I, as an adult, continue to be occasionally moved by my own — and now my ancestor's — patriarchal blessing(s), shows the value to be found in them as well.” Wow. Click in to see more and to find the more information about “Ordering Patriarchal Blessings” of your own early ancestors. Awesome.
Emily Warburton Jensen loves searching through the LDS blog world for developments and testimonies that best capture the ever-evolving LDS online experience. Email: ejensen@desnews.com