Welcome to the Church of Joy
Open talk in Gospel LibraryIdeas for Opening the Lesson
- Begin by sharing a personal experience of a joyful moment in church or in your spiritual journey.
- Play a hymn that is centered on joy and ask participants to reflect on the feelings it evokes.
- Ask the class to think about what "joy" means to them and how it relates to their faith.
- Share a quote from President Russell M. Nelson about joy and invite thoughts on its meaning.
- Start with a short video or slideshow of images depicting joyful moments in church settings.
Topics
Embrace the Church of Joy
Elder Kearon emphasized that as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are part of the "church of joy." This joy stems from our Heavenly Father's plan and the mission of Jesus Christ. Despite life's challenges, we can cultivate joy through our hope in Christ and our understanding of the plan of happiness.
We are members of the Church of Jesus Christ. We are members of the church of joy!
- How does being a member of the "church of joy" influence your daily life?
- What are some ways you have experienced joy through your faith?
- How can understanding the plan of happiness bring joy amidst challenges?
- In what ways can you share this joy with others in your community?
- How does focusing on Jesus Christ help you find joy?
Foster Joyful Reverence
Elder Kearon discussed the concept of "joyful reverence" in sacrament meetings, where reverence is more than just physical stillness. It involves a deep love and respect for God, characterized by rejoicing in Christ's love and salvation.
Is that how we would be if the Saviour were with us? No, for "in [His] presence is fulness of joy"!
- What does "joyful reverence" mean to you?
- How can we balance reverence with joy during sacrament meetings?
- In what ways can we show reverence that reflects our joy in Christ?
- How can we help others feel this joyful reverence during church services?
- What changes can you make to bring more joyful reverence into your worship?
Transform Attending into Worshipping
Elder Kearon invited members to move beyond merely attending sacrament meetings to truly worshipping. Worship involves intentional praise and adoration of God that transforms us, rather than just being present.
To attend means to be present at. But to worship is to intentionally praise and adore our God in a way that transforms us!
- How can we shift from attending to worshipping in our meetings?
- What are some personal experiences where worship transformed you?
- How does intentional worship deepen your relationship with God?
- What are practical steps you can take to enhance your worship experience?
- How can you help others in your family or ward focus on worship?
Engage in Joyful Hymn Singing
Elder Kearon encouraged members to sing hymns joyfully, as they are prayers unto God. Singing with joy, regardless of voice quality, is a way to praise and delight the Lord.
The song of the righteous is a prayer unto [God] in which His soul delights.
- How does singing hymns enhance your worship experience?
- What are some ways to encourage joyful hymn singing in your ward?
- How can music bring us closer to God and each other?
- What hymns bring you the most joy and why?
- How can we use music to express our love and gratitude to God?
Reflect on the Sacrament's Joy
The sacrament is a sacred time for spiritual renewal, where we remember Christ's atoning sacrifice. Elder Kearon urged members to focus on the joy and renewal it brings, rather than solely on personal shortcomings.
We can reflect on what it means to "discover the joy of daily repentance."
- How can we find joy in the sacrament each week?
- What does the sacrament mean to you personally?
- How can we shift our focus from guilt to gratitude during the sacrament?
- In what ways can the sacrament help us feel Christ's love and grace?
- How can we better prepare for the sacrament to experience its full joy?
Additional Discussion Questions
- What role does joy play in your personal faith journey?
- How can we create a welcoming atmosphere in our church meetings?
- What are some ways to help those who feel left out experience joy in church?
- How can family councils enhance our church experience?
- What practical steps can ward councils take to foster a culture of joy?
- How can we teach children about joyful reverence?
- In what ways can we express our joy in Christ throughout the week?
- How does joy help us endure life's challenges?
- What does it mean to you to be part of the 'church of joy'?
- How can we help others discover the joy in Jesus Christ?
