Sabbath Day Observance at Church and in the Home

Sabbath Day Observance at Church and in the Home PURPOSE: Our most fundamental doctrine is that we are children of our Father in Heaven and His “work and [His] glory [is] to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39). As we more effectively worship on the Sabbath day, we will increase our faith in Heavenly Father and His plan of happiness and in Jesus Christ and His Atonement.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES PRINCIPLES

Scriptures •• Effective Sabbath day worship will strengthen faith in Heavenly Father and in Jesus Christ and His Atonement and in the plan of salvation. An Exodus 31:13 understanding of this glorious plan provides answers to life’s most important questions. Ezekiel 20:20

Isaiah 58:13–14 •• The most important part of our Sabbath day worship at Church is the sacrament meeting and the ordinance of the sacrament. Doctrine and Covenants 59:9–10 •• Sabbath day worship in the home is essential to building faith in individuals and in families. General Conference Talks Russell M. Nelson, “The Sabbath Is a APPLYING THESE PRINCIPLES Delight,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2015, 129–32 •• Teach and testify continually of the vital importance of strengthening faith in Heavenly Father and in Jesus Christ and in the plan of salvation and of the Dallin H. Oaks, “Sacrament Meeting indispensable role of the Sabbath day as a “perpetual covenant.” and the Sacrament,” Ensign or Liahona, November 2008, 17–20 •• Help leaders and members understand our responsibility to create a worshipful atmosphere at church so the sacrament, the sacrament meeting, Videos and the other meetings can provide the opportunity for the Holy Spirit to inspire us and motivate change. Video below can be found at: LDS.org/ broadcasts/archive/general-conference- leadership-training/2015/10 •• Help individuals and families understand our responsibility and opportunity to use the Sabbath day for personal and family worship. Teach the need to April 2015 General Conference Leadership make our Sabbath activities a “sign” between us and the Lord. Leaders must not create lists of “dos and don’ts” but should encourage members to do so October 2015 General Conference Leadership for themselves, considering their personal circumstances. TEACHING OTHERS

•• Councils, leaders, and members should continually be considering this doctrine and these principles. This is not a program and will not have an end. Teach how the Sabbath day can be used to increase our understanding of God’s eternal plan of salvation for His children.

•• Ward and branch councils should regularly consider how to best create a worshipful atmosphere at church and teach members how they can most effectively prepare for the ordinance of the sacrament and the Sabbath day meetings.

•• All leaders should seek personal improvement and regularly teach the importance of Sabbath day worship in the home. Help and inspire individuals and families without becoming prescriptive in directing activities.

QUOTATIONS

“What did the Savior mean when He said that ‘the sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath’? I believe He wanted us to understand that the Sabbath was His gift to us, granting real respite from the rigors of daily life and an opportunity for spiritual and physical renewal. God gave us this special day, not for amusement or daily labor but for a rest from duty, with physical and spiritual relief.” Russell M. Nelson, “The Sabbath Is a Delight,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2015, 129

“The ordinance of the sacrament makes the sacrament meeting the most sacred and important meeting in the Church. It is the only Sabbath meeting the entire family can attend together. Its content in addition to the sacrament should always be planned and presented to focus our attention on the Atonement and teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Dallin H. Oaks, “Sacrament Meeting and the Sacrament,” Ensign or Liahona, November 2008, 17