Conference Talk:
For more information on this topic read “Doing the Right Thing at the Right Time, Without Delay,” by Elder Jose L. Alonso, Ensign, Nov 2011, 14.
Thought:
We have a responsibility and a great opportunity. There are many who need to once again experience the sweet savor of happiness and joy through activity in the Church. That happiness comes from receiving the ordinances, making sacred covenants, and keeping them. The Lord needs us to help them. Let us do the right thing at the right time, without delay.
(Elder Jose L. Alonso, “Doing the Right Thing at the Right Time, Without Delay,” Ensign, November 2011, 14.)
Song:
“The Things I Do,” Children’s Songbook, p. 170.
Scripture:
"And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God" (Mosiah 2:17).
Object Lesson:
Materials needed: A balloon.
Procedure: Ask your group if they have ever tried to blow up a stiff balloon. It’s difficult at best and sometimes impossible. By stretching and working with the balloon, we can make the process of blowing it up much easier.
We can liken this to fellowshipping nonmembers and less-active members.
Trying to convert them or change them can be a difficult, nearly impossible task. By friendshipping them, serving them, and setting a good example we can prepare them to receive the gospel in their lives.
(Beth Lefgren and Jennifer Jackson, More Power Tools for Teaching, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1991], p. 19.)
Story:
When I was a bishop, I received a telephone call from Elder Spencer W. Kimball. He said, “Brother Monson, in your ward is a trailer court, and in a little trailer in that court—the smallest trailer of all—is a sweet Navajo widow, Margaret Bird. She feels unwanted, unneeded, and lost. Could you and the Relief Society presidency seek her out, extend to her the hand of fellowship, and provide for her a special welcome?” This we did.
A miracle resulted. Margaret Bird blossomed in her newly found environment. Despair disappeared. The widow in her affliction had been visited. The lost sheep had been found. Each who participated in the simple human drama emerged a better person.
In reality, the true shepherd was the concerned apostle, Spencer W. Kimball, who, leaving the ninety and nine of his ministry, went in search of the precious soul who was lost.
(Thomas S. Monson, Inspiring Experiences That Build Faith: From the Life and Ministry of Thomas S. Monson, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1994].)
Activity:
Have everyone stand in a circle or boundary drawn on the ground. Toss an inflated balloon into the air. Everyone must keep it in the air by hitting, batting, or swatting and not let it hit the ground. The players must stay within the boundary.
The score for each round is the number of hits before the balloon hits the ground.
Refreshment
Orange Rolls
1⁄2 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 cup sugar
3 tablespoons grated orange peel
Frozen white bread dough, thawed
Mix butter, sugar, and orange peel in a small bowl to make orange butter.
Divide dough and roll into rectangles about 8x12 inches on a floured board. Spread with orange butter. Roll up into a long log and slice into 1-inch rounds. Place on a sprayed or greased baking sheet, sides touching. Drizzle on any remaining orange butter. Let rise until double in size. Bake according to recipe or frozen dough directions.
Variable servings.
(Janet Peterson, Remedies for the “I Don’t Cook” Syndrome, [Salt Lake City: Eagle Gate, 2001], p. 90.)
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