With Sacrament meeting first, the last 20 minutes of Primary should follow the agenda in the Primary Handbook, p 234, using the suggested order for closing exercises:
- Prelude music
- Quiet song
- Message by a member of the bishopric/branch presidency (as often as possible)
- Song
- Talks by children
- Song or two (as time allows)
- Summary message by a member of the primary presidency
- Scripture by one of the children (child's choice)
- Prayer song
- Closing prayer
- Postlude music
Closing exercises also provide an opportunity for the children to learn how to prepare and give talks. The following articles from the Ensign and Friend can give you ideas for helping children and their parents prepare and give more meaningful talks. The information in these articles could be used to plan:
Activity for all children
Activity Day for Girls and Scouting activities
5th Sunday lesson for parents and adults
Relief Society mid-week class
Simple instructions to be included in assignment reminders
or another forum coordinated by the Primary presidency and/or ward council
These are the basic steps for children (and adults) to prepare talks, just remember I EAT:
Introduce the gospel principle you will talk about.
Explain the principle by using a scripture or scripture story.
Apply the principle by giving an example of how it has been used in your life.
Testify about the importance of this principle by telling how you feel about it.
Closing exercises can become an important part of preparing children for participating in sacrament meeting, giving talks, and being a missionary.
Review of Stake Auxiliary Training class – "Improving Closing Exercises"
