FHE Lesson on Sabbath Day – What Is Stake Conference?

This FHE lesson on sabbath day goes over what stake conference is and why it is important. 

Scripture

3 Nephi 22:2

Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thy habitations; spare not, lengthen thy cords and strengthen thy stakes;

Hymn

Sabbath Day | Hymn #148
1. In sweet remembrance of thy Son,
We gather in thy house as one
To join in prayer, to sing thy praise,
To worship thee and learn thy ways.
Father, on this the Sabbath day,
Be with us gathered here, we pray.

2. And may our thoughts still turn to thee,
With loved ones, friends, and family.
In all we do till day is gone,
May worship still continue on.
Father, on this the Sabbath day,
Be with us in our homes, we pray.

3. Help each to seek a quiet hour
To read thy word and feel thy pow’r,
To hear thy voice, though small and still,
Renew our strength to do thy will.
Father, on this the Sabbath day,
Be with us in our hearts, we pray.

Lesson

FOR CHILDREN

Begin the lesson by asking: What are some reasons we go to church?

Read aloud: Heavenly Father has given us a church family to help us grow closer to Jesus Christ. Together, we study the scriptures, teach one another, and, most importantly, take the sacrament. Meeting together is so important that twice a year we have stake conference.

Stake conference is a time for everyone in the church stake we live in to meet and be taught by our leaders. Every Sunday, the people we meet with is called a ward. A stake is many wards in the same city or town.

We go to stake conference to be strengthened together. When we support one another, we can build God’s kingdom.

Here are some things you can expect at stake conference:

• There will be a lot of people
• It will be longer than church normally is
• They will not pass the sacrament
• Different leaders will stand up and give talks
• A choir will sing beautiful music
• We will sustain church leaders

Finish the lesson by sharing experiences you’ve had at stake conference and how your family can get more out of it.

FOR TEENS & ADULTS

Begin the lesson by creating two columns on a board or sheet of paper. Discuss what you enjoy about stake conference and what you struggle with.

Ask: What is the purpose of us meeting together as a stake?

Read aloud: Stake Conference is a time to conduct stake business and receive counsel directly from our stake presidency. It is an important part of our history. Since Brigham Young arrived in the Salt Lake Valley, stakes, formed of multiple congregations, gathered together. We continue this practice today to strengthen one another and learn of God. If we go to stake conference seeking revelation, we can find it.

Ask: What are some ways we can get more out of stake conference?

Finish the lesson by sharing experiences you’ve had at stake conference and how your family can get more out of it.

FOR SINGLE STUDY

Go over past notes and counsel from your Stake Presidency. See how you have implemented their counsel in your life. Prepare for any upcoming stake conferences by pondering what questions you have for the Lord.

Featured Products

Treat

Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels

Ingredients: 

for the pretzels:
2 cups warm milk
1½ tablespoons yeast
¼ cup brown sugar
4 tablespoons butter, melted
2 teaspoons salt
4½ cups flour, more or less as needed

for the topping:
⅓ cup baking soda
3 cups warm water
4 tablespoons butter, melted
½ cup sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon

Directions:

1. In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk. When the mixture is bubbly, mix in the brown sugar, butter, one cup flour, and salt, and mix until combined.
2. Add the remaining flour, one cup at a time, and mix until a smooth and slightly sticky dough forms. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rise about one hour, until doubled in size.
3. After the dough has risen, preheat the oven to 450. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside. Divide the dough into twelve equal sized pieces, and roll each piece into a long skinny rope. Twist into a pretzel shape.
4. In a medium bowl, mix together the warm water and baking soda until dissolved. Dip each pretzel into the baking soda mixture and place on the prepared baking sheets. Bake 7 to 11 minutes, or until golden brown.
5. In a shallow dish, whisk together the sugar and cinnamon. Brush the pretzels with melted butter, then dip them in the cinnamon sugar mixture.

(Courtesy of onelittleproject.com)

Spoons

Gather together spoons (or pens) and a deck of cards. To play, place all the spoons in the center of the table.  The number of spoons should equal the number of players minus one. Shuffle the deck and deal out four cards to each player. Then, give the deck to the starter person. To play, that person lifts up a card and chooses to keep it or discard it. If they keep it, they must discard another card, passing it to the person on their right. The goal is to try and get four cards of the same number or suit. Once you do, you grab a pen. When someone grabs a pen, everyone does. The person without a pen is out.