FHE-Melchizedek Priesthood
by Shauna Gibby

The priesthood is not really so much a gift as it is a commission to serve, a privilege to lift, and an opportunity to bless the lives of others. ~ President Thomas S. Monson

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Conference Talk:

For more information on this topic read “Faith and the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood,” by Henry B. Eyring, Ensign, May 2008, 61–64.

Thought:

I am a personal witness that priesthood service pursued in faith has an effect in changing our hearts and our feelings. (Henry B. Eyring, “Faith and the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood,” Ensign, May 2008, 61–64.)

Song:

“Rise Up, O Men of God,” Hymns. # 324.

Scripture:

All they who receive this priesthood receive me, saith the Lord. (Doctrine and Covenants 84:35)

Lesson:

Play the “hangman” game using the word Melchizedek. After your family has guessed the word, ask if anyone can explain why the priesthood is called “Melchizedek.” Invite your family to read D&C 107:1–4. Ask:

• What was the priesthood called before Melchizedek?

• Why was it changed?

Have your family turn to “Melchizedek” in the Bible Dictionary (page 730) and read it to learn more about this great high priest. Invite your family to suggest a definition for the word priesthood. Then read the following: “The priesthood is the power and authority of God delegated to man.” (Merrill J. Bateman, Ensign, November 2003, 50.) (Dennis H. Leavitt and Richard O. Christensen, Scripture Study for Latter-day Saint Families: The Doctrine and Covenants, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2004], p. 237.)

Story:

by Paul H. Dunn

Another father told me of a great experience. He said he was sitting in his living room, visiting with his family late Sunday afternoon, when his little eight- year-old son asked him this question: “Daddy, are you going to sacrament meeting tonight?” The father replied, “Yes, son.” The son then asked, “Why?”

And while the father contemplated what profound answer he might give to the question, the little seven-year-old sister who was sitting also at the father’s knee said very quickly and simply, “Because he is a priesthood man, that’s why.” The father could not have been more proud.

And may I say tonight, brethren, that more important than being a Princeton man, a Yale man, a Harvard man, or any other kind of man, is the honor of being a “priesthood man.” That is the great lesson I have learned tonight again as I have listened to the testimony of President McKay, who has exemplified these very principles in deed. (Leon R. Hartshorn, Outstanding Stories by General Authorities, vol. 1, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1970].)

Activity:

Play “What’s My Line.”

1. Have everyone in the room silently think of an occupation.

2. Have each person in turn pantomime the type of work involved in his occupation. For example, a dentist might pretend to pull a tooth; and airline pilot might pretend to fly around the room; a construction worker might act out using a jackhammer.

3. When a player completes his demonstration, all the other layers try to guess his line of work. (George and Jeane Chipman, Gams! Games! Games!, [Salt Lake City: Shadow Mountain, 1983], p. 59.)

After everyone has had a turn, remind the family the most important “occupation” for a man is to be a “priesthood man.”

Refreshment:

ELIZA’S BANANA-NUT BREAD

1/2 cup butter or margarine

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

2 cups mashed ripe banana

2 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup walnuts, chopped

Cream together butter, sugar, and eggs. Stir in mashed bananas. Stir or sift together flour, baking soda, and salt. Add to banana mixture, and mix thoroughly. Stir in nuts. Pour into greased and floured 9x3x5–inch loaf pan or three small loaf pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 45 minutes. Turn out on rack and cool before slicing.

(Paula Julander and Joanne Milner, Utah State Fare, [Salt Lake City: Shadow Mountain, 1995], p. 151.)

Deseret Book

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