Come Follow Me: Ephesians (part 2) September 30–October 13

With General Conference we are covering Ephesians for 2 weeks.  Last week we talked about prophets and apostles and this week we are covering the rest.  I loved Conference and the special spirit that it brings to our home and the renewed commitment it brings to my heart.

As always I try to use the the individual and family and primary manual to direct my study and preparation.  

First we are going to learn more about the Armor of God. Ephesians 6:10–18 There is a great video in the individual and family manual that your family may enjoy. I made this cute labeling activity.  Print the knight of your choice and the page of labels and quotes.  The quotes come from the Friend article referenced in the primary manual.  As you read through the scriptures label the different parts of armor and read the quote that goes with it.  I'm hoping this will help my kids visualize what we are talking about.

 Next we are going to talk about ways we put on the armor of God.  They can decorate this shield with ways they can put on their armor.

Next up is a match game.  We are going to match up the different pieces of armor and try to avoid the dragon!  Print 2 of the game (preferably on cardstock).  Cut apart and flip over.  If you find a match you get to go again.  If you find one of the dragons your turn ends.  Try and find the 5 pieces of armor before you find both dragons (the breastplate and girdle are one one picture but make sure to mention both!).  The dragons represents obstacles or trials that we meet.  These are the reasons we need to make sure we put on the armor of God and that there are no weaknesses (there is a great quote that goes with this in the sunday school manual).  I love that president Uchtdorf mentioned facing dragons in his talk today.  If possible we may watch or read some of his talk this week :)

Next are a few activities that go with Ephesians 2:19. "Members of the Church should be friends and “fellowcitizens.” We are going to talk about ways we can be friends with the others in our class and ward.  I remember when I was a young teenager my family was called attend the Spanish branch in our town.  I did not really know anyone, did not speak Spanish, and it was difficult to leave my friends and ward.  I will forever be grateful for the kindness and love that the branch members showed me.  They opened their arms and hearts to me and my family.  I learned and grew so much from knowing them.  while I haven't seen them in years I still think of my branch family often miss them very much.  This is something I hope to teach my children.  To open their hearts to others and help others feel welcome and loved.  First I have a letter template they can write/draw a letter to a friend they missed at church.  If you are teaching primary this may be something you can to together as a class.  

 Another idea that is more for a primary class but can certainly be done at home is a get to know you game.  Before class print and assemble to dice.  Cut along the solid lines and fold on the dotted lines.  I like to tape mine together but glue would work too.  Sit in a circle and take turns rolling the dice.  Have the person answer the question with the coordinating color.  If they have already rolled that color let them roll again.

 this week would also be a great time to discuss or take the time to reflect on talks that were shared during General Conference.  I included a journal page for notes.

Last we are going to talk about obeying our parents.  Ephesians 6:1–3.  There  is a cute video in the primary manual about a little girl named Chloe.  It teaches why we need to obey and why we have rules.  Last year we had a lesson on obedience that I thought would go perfect with this topic.  I love the first story and the x marks the spot game.  You can find these and more ideas in this post.

That's all for this week!  Thank you so much for stopping by.  as always if you have any questions or trouble with the download please let me know :)

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