Children’s Sacrament Meeting Presentations

A CTR 5 runs to his parents in the congregation and announces, "I did it!"; an eleven-year-old boy quotes from memory James 1:5 and tell of Joseph Smith's search for answers; and a Sunbeam makes a fist and raises it into the air with a triumphant "yes". These are some of the familiar scenes from the annual Children's Sacrament Meeting Presentation. Personal growth and spiritual understanding are realized through a year's experiences in Primary focused on one meaningful gospel theme. The music that they have learned will be remembered throughout a lifetime. They will sing the songs to their own children and the words will come into their minds when important decisions are made. What an awesome tool for spiritual preparedness.

For most of you, this year's presentation is completed and now it is time to begin preparing for next year. I have emphasized several things you need to start in the beginning of 2010.

The following information is in the 2010 Outline for Sharing Time: I Know My Savior Lives, p 1.

1. The Sacrament Meeting Presentation is under the direction of the bishop or branch president.
   
2. Meet with the counselor in the bishopric or branch presidency who oversees Primary early in the year to discuss preliminary plans.
   
3. Obtain approval when the plans are completed.
   
4. Plan for the presentation to be based on the monthly sharing time themes.
   
5. Keep notes throughout the year of children's talks and personal experiences for possible use in the presentation.
   
6. Think of ways to help the congregation focus on the gospel doctrines the children are teaching.
   
7. As you prepare the presentation, remember the following guidelines:
   
   • Practices should not take time away from classes or families unnecessarily.
     
   • Visuals, costumes, and media presentations are not appropriate for sacrament meeting.
     
8. It is not necessary to give each child a scripted speaking part.
   
9. Effective presentations involve the children in a variety of ways.