The Restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood by Del Parson

Yesterday during the Priesthood session of General Conference, Brother David L. Beck announced an overhaul to the Duty to God program for young men.

Being a Jane, not a Jack, I wasn’t there to get all the details.

However, I do know the new books will be available in June and I know I’ll have all the new requirements on the America Jane website as soon as they become available.

Apparently the new program will have a structure that encourages young men to learn about and then put into action gospel principles and priesthood responsibilities. That’s topped off with opportunities to share what they’ve learned with others.

Sounds interesting! I’m anxious to see it.

I like this quote I found from Brother Beck’s talk: “When God entrusts you with His sacred priesthood, He shows great confidence in you.”

How true that is. As parents and leaders, we should to all we can to instill a sense of reverence for the power of the priesthood and to impress upon the minds of these young men what it means to honor that priesthood in their daily lives.

Happy Easter!

Update: The Church has a site devoted to the new program. Right now it’s just a FAQ section (in about 20 different languages), but eventually the new book will be online. I’ll keep you posted when that becomes available.

Looking for General Conference packets for your kids?

The Church has a new website with a packet, bingo cards, coloring page and fun online matching games kids can play (one for the apostles and one for latter-day prophets). There’s also a handy topical guide to the previous conference as well as a quick link for leader biographies.

Magnify or Simplify is the originator of fabulous packets that spread through the email chains like wildfire. Her packets are pretty extensive and have lots of activities for children of all ages. She always updates to include the most current apostles as well. I’ll go ahead and say this is my favorite packet.

Sugardoodle, naturally, has her own conference packet which (amazingly) is also available in Spanish or Portuguese.

For a cute, little preschool-aged packet, try here.

Now, you’re wondering about those delectable-looking rolls, aren’t you? Aren’t you?

Of course you are.

These rolls are a treat and an Easter lesson all rolled into one, with a little “magic” added in for good measure. We plan on making these Resurrection Rolls on Easter between sessions.

I. Can’t. Wait.

Finally, this post wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t give you a little heads up about the following:

Faith in God Learning and Living the Gospel requirement 4: “Read [or watch] a recent conference address given by the prophet. Decide what you can do to follow the prophet, and do it.”

Personal Progress Faith requirement 1: “The first principle of the gospel is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Learn about faith from the scriptures and living prophets. Read Hebrews 11, Alma 32:17–43, Ether 12:6–22, and Joseph Smith—History 1:11–20. Read two general conference talks on faith. Exercise your own faith by establishing a habit of prayer in your life. Begin by saying your morning and evening prayers regularly. After three weeks of following this pattern, discuss with a parent or leader what you have learned about faith and how daily personal prayer has strengthened your faith. In your journal express your feelings about faith and prayer.”