by Melinda Turner, Stake Primary Music Leader
Autumn is a beautiful time of year with all of the changes in our surroundings. It is also a special time of year because of an annual happening in our wards and branches – the Children’s Sacrament Meeting Presentation! Historically, this meeting is one of the best attended Sacrament Meetings of the year and probably the most enjoyable. We look forward to our testimonies being strengthened by the voices of the Primary children sharing the gospel in both word and song!
A lot of preparation goes into preparing the songs for the Children’s Sacrament Meeting Presentation. The children learn at least eight songs to present and many times it will include a new song not found in the Children’s Songbook. The song they learn each month ties in with the Primary Sharing Time theme for that month and helps to reinforce the gospel principle being taught.
The purpose of music in Primary is to teach children the gospel of Jesus Christ. Primary songs make learning the gospel more enjoyable, invite the spirit, and create a reverent and learning atmosphere. They are learning not only a song but also a gospel principle. The children are testifying as they sing and we have all felt the Spirit because of that testifying during the Children’s Sacrament Meeting Presentation!
Learning gospel truths in a musical setting can play an important part in developing a child’s testimony. Gospel songs teach the heart as well as the mind – often better than just words alone. Elder Boyd K Packer stated, “We are able to feel and learn very quickly through music … some spiritual things that we would otherwise learn very slowly” (“The Arts and the Spirit of the Lord,” Ensign, Aug. 1976, p. 61). President Dallin H. Oaks has said, “Our sacred music prepares us to be taught the truths of the gospel … we … need to keep singing that we may draw even closer to Him who has inspired sacred music and commanded that it be used to worship Him” (Church News, Oct. 8, 1994, p. 8).
May our testimonies to be strengthened through the speaking and singing of the Primary children during the Children’s Sacrament Meeting Presentations this year!
Akron Ohio Stake News 