April 2020 will be a special General Conference that will commemorate 200 years since Joseph Smith’s First Vision. Here is a list of resources to help you and your family prepare for this special General Conference.
In the spring of 1820, God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to the Prophet Joseph Smith. This vision, which marked the beginning of the Restoration of the gospel, is the most important event since the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Joseph Smith’s humble prayer led to the Restoration of gospel truths, priesthood authority, and saving ordinances.
-The Church of Jesus Christ (churchofjesuschrist.org)
This year makes 200 years since the First Vision. The most important event in history since the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. As you know, President Nelson announced in the last General Conference that, April’s General Conference will be different and very unique. He also said that if we will prepare ourselves, it will not only be memorable, but it will also be unforgettable.
Here is a list of wonderful resources to help you and your family prepare yourselves for the upcoming General Conference.
FIVE EXAMPLES FOR FAMILY STUDY
First, let me share with you 5 examples of what you can do to study with your family using some of the resources below:
1.Watch the movie (1 hour long) with popcorn – “Joseph Smith – The Prophet of the Restoration,” Click HERE
2.Do lesson entitled, “Three Parts to the Restoration,” Click HERE
3.Start with one of the songs below, then do the Storytelling activity at the very bottom of this post HERE. After the Storytelling activity use watercolors, paints, or markers have everyone create a picture or collage depicting the Restoration
4.If possible go to a quiet place with trees, sing the hymn Joseph Smith’s First Prayer, read Joseph Smith’s account of the First Vision and invite family members to bear their testimonies
5.Listen to and discuss one of the listed Conference Talks on the Restoration
SONGS
MUSIC VIDEOS
As a Lamb to the Slaughter by Nashville Tribute Band, Click HERE
My Own Sacred Grove, Click HERE
Joseph Smith’s First Prayer by The Tabernacle Choir (Video @ Conference), Click HERE
Praise to the Man by the Tabernacle Choir (Video @ Conference), Click HERE
EFY Song Praise to the Man, Click HERE
The Joseph Smith Song by Maxine Soakai, Click HERE
SING
Hymn: Praise to the Man pg 27, Click HERE
Hymn: Joseph Smith’s First Prayer pg 26, Click HERE
Hymn: The Spirit of God pg 2, Click HERE
Children’s Songbook: An Angel Came to Joseph Smith pg 86A, Click HERE
Children’s Songbook: On a Golden Springtime pg 88, Click HERE
Children’s Songbook: This is My Beloved Son pg 76, Click HERE
VIDEOS
Church Video: Ask of God: Joseph Smith’s First Vision (6:35), Click HERE
Church Video: (Movie) Joseph Smith – The Prophet of the Restoration (1:01:57), Click HERE
Restoration Class with David Butler – A 5 Part Series; start with Part 1 by clicking HERE
Your Witness of the Prophet Joseph Smith (3:19), Click HERE
Rip Van Wrinkle – Story from Are You Sleeping Through the Restoration (3:06), Click HERE
Those Who Knew Joseph Best D&C 135 (0:50), Click HERE
CONFERENCE TALKS
Miracles of the Restoration by Jeffrey R. Holland, Click HERE
The Restoration of All Things by James E. Faust, Click HERE
The Fruits of the First Vision by Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Click HERE
The Prophet Joseph Smith by Lawrence E. Corbridge, Click HERE
Joseph Smith by Neil L. Andersen, Click HERE
CHURCH MAGAZINES
Celebrating the Restoration, Easy activity ideas, Click HERE
How the Lord Prepared the World for the Restoration By M. Russell Ballard, Click HERE
Seeing the Lord’s Hand – An overview of events, Click HERE
The First Vision: A Pattern for Personal Revelation By Henry B. Eyring, Click HERE
Eight Truths from the First Vision, Click HERE
The Lord Leads His Church through Prophets and Apostles By Dallin H. Oaks, Click HERE
What Church Leaders Are Saying about Why We Need the Church, Click HERE
What, Why, and How: A Breakdown of the Restoration By Faith Blackhurst, Click HERE
AUDIO
Church Podcast: The First Vision: A Joseph Smith Papers Podcast, Click HERE
Listen to Saints, Volume 1 and 2 found in the Gospel Library App under Church History
Joseph Smith: The First Vision & Its Aftermath by Truman G. Madsen (47:53), Click HERE
FHE LESSON PLANS
Three Parts to the Restoration, Click HERE
FHE Lesson on Joseph Smith – The First Vision by LDS Daily, Click HERE
From Ruins to Restoration by LDS Living, Click HERE
The Apostasy and the Restoration by A Year of FHE, Click HERE
PONDER & DISCUSS
What would your life be like without the Book of Mormon?
What would you not know?
What would you not have?
How do you hear Him?
For more great resources, check out these:
P.S. For more gospel related resources, be sure and sign up for my monthly Finding JOY Newsletter. Helping you be the most effective teacher you can be at home or in your calling.
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