Yesterday was the Primary Program in our church. Our Primary presidency and bishopric decided to approach the program differently this year. Since the program is a great day to invite friends and acquaintances to Church, they decided to cancel classes following the program and hold an open house instead. Each auxillary set up a table to show ward members and visitors what goes on in that program. Children collected stamps on a card from each table to make it fun.
Also, instead of assigning rote lines and speaking parts, the presidency spent months speaking with each child and each class about what they wanted to share. What had that child, personally, learned in Primary? The theme was "I Know the Scriptures are True". Many of the children's comments were centered on favorite scripture stories and heroes. They chose the songs they wanted to sing. Then they made some beautiful invitations to give to family and friends.
Lainy and Leah were so excited. They each invited a friend and we invited our neighbors. Lainy's sweet friend, Gwyn, and her mom came! It's interesting to watch the program with someone who has never experienced anything in our church. You see it with new eyes.
I could tell that Gwyn's mom was particularly moved by all those children singing: "I want my life to be as clean as earth right after rain. I want to be the best I can to live with God again."
Lainy talked about the Stripling Warriors who were just teenage boys, but had enough faith to fight for their beliefs. Leah talked about Nephi who didn't know how to build a ship, but Heavenly Father helped him make tools and showed him how. They both sang their sweet little hearts out.
It was a beautiful program with a sweet spirit. Children are amazing. Mine make me a better person.
