Week 17: The Restoration of the Priesthood

Song: The Fifth Article of Faith (CS. 125)

Thought: Nearly 70 years ago President David O. McKay, then serving as a counselor in the First Presidency of the Church, asked this question to a congregation gathered for general conference: “If at this moment each one [of you] were asked to state in one sentence … the most distinguishing feature of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, what would be your answer?”
“My answer,” he replied, “would be … divine authority by direct revelation.”
That divine authority is, of course, the holy priesthood.
(Our Most Distinguishing Feature: Jeffrey R. Holland)

Object Lesson: Have the priesthood holder in your family hold up an open umbrella.  Gather the family under it.  Squeeze in tight so everyone fits under the umbrella.  Tell your family that the umbrella is like the priesthood.  When a worthy man holds it, his whole family is protected by that special gift from Heavenly Father. (found here)

Video: Restoration of the Priesthood

Lesson Activity: For younger children consider this coloring page while the older members of your family do the following activity.
Write out several scripture references about how and why the priesthood was restored (such as D&C 13; 27:12–13; Joseph Smith—History 1:66–72; Articles of Faith 1:5). Invite your family to read the scriptures and write on the board a summary of each passage. What do these scriptures teach them about the restoration of the priesthood? How has the restoration of the priesthood influenced their lives?

This Week's Challenge: Invite your family to memorize the 5th Article of Faith this week!