A Special Photo Event for Families of Primary Age Children

 

   There's no temple lesson more valuable than one taught at an actual temple -- and remembering that experience with a photograph will bring back the importance of that experience. On November 5  a primary activity was held on the grounds of the Sacramento Temple. Families with primary age children were invited to come and be together where photographer Ben Carlston (also a counselor in the bishopric) would take their picture.  Above are two examples of the twelve families who participated in this event.  These are pictures that will be treasured for a lifetime. 

       Primary secretary Teresa Sroufe helped the children make a frame for their picture and enjoy a white donut as a treat. They received the pictures the next day at primary.

      The real treat was the message Brother and Sister Wilcox gave.  They are temple ordinance workers and had the opportunity to share their thoughts and testimonies of the temple.  Brother Wilcox encouraged the children to help gather Israel by encouraging their parents to come to the temple often.  As he spoke he felt a great love for the children and their parents. He said, "God loves you and I know that the Holy Ghost carries that message to the hearts of many, perhaps all."  He said it was a message  he can't  describe, but "It fills my soul.  I now know," he said.

   Sister Wilcox taught that God loves all his children and wants us all to return to live with Him. She said, "To do that we need to make and keep covenants with Him.  Our first covenant of baptism starts us on the path.  We promised to obey and always remember Jesus. Heavenly Father promises to send the Holy Ghost to guide us.  In the temple those same covenants can be made by us for our deceased ancestors who did not have the chance in this life to make them.  Also in the temple we make additional covenants with Heavenly Father.  He promises us blessings for each covenant.  The highest blessing is that we can be together forever as families as we live the gospel and keep our part of the covenant." 

  Brother and Sister Wilcox both said "The temple is God's house.  His presence is felt there, and He directs the service performed there.  It was a special experience to be able to share this with the children and their families."

   This activity was an effort to strengthen children's faith and desire to be in the temple.  What was said or done may not be remembered very long, but we hope that they will remember the feelings they had while on the temple grounds.