Commandment: "Remember the Sabbath Day, to Keep It Holy

Objective: To teach Primary children why and how we can keep the Sabbath Day holy.

Advance Preparation: Divide a large piece of poster board in half, at the top on one side write "Things We Should Do On Sunday," and on the other side write "Things We Should Not Do On Sunday." On several small pieces of paper, write different activities that we should and shouldn't do on Sunday. Examples:

• Should:
• Write letters to friends, family, or missionaries
• Visit family and friends
• Take family walks
• Listen to good music
• Read scriptures, good books, church magazines
• Play games out of the Friend Magazine
• Look at photo albums
• Should Not:
• Play with friends
• Play ball
• Go shopping
• Clean the house

Tape these papers underneath chairs before Primary. Wrap six boxes the same size all the same. Wrap one box differently.

Sharing Time: What's different about these boxes? After the children say that ll the boxes are the same except one, discuss with them that Sunday is also a different day from the other six.

Discussion: Exodus 20:8 - Remember the Sabbath Day, to keep it holy.

The Sabbath provides us with rest for mind and body, with opportunities for worship, and with time to give loving service to others. Have children read and compare Exodus 20:8-11 and Mosiah 13:16-19. Point out that the commandment to keep the Sabbath Day holy is found in both the Bible and the Book of Mormon. The Lord consecrated the Sabbath as a day for remembering the great work of the Creation. We have also been commanded in Doctrine & Covenants 59:9-19 to keep the Sabbath Day holy. Adapt quote by President Kimball to age of children:

"The Sabbath is a holy day in which to do worthy and holy things. Abstinence from work and recreation is important, but insufficient. The Sabbath calls for constructive thoughts and acts, and if one merely lounges about doing nothing on the Sabbath, he is breaking it. To observe it, one will be on his knees in prayer, preparing lessons, studying the Gospel, meditating, visiting the ill and distressed, letters to missionaries, taking a nap, reading wholesome material, and attending all the meetings of that day at which he is expected."

Story: Tell story "The Champion Who Didn't Run by Susan E. Tanner

Activity: Have children look under their seats to see if they have one of the papers, have them come up one at a time and put paper under appropriate heading on poster board. As the children come up have them say why this would be or wouldn't be appropriate for them on Sunday.