Primary leaders and teachers who have a firm understanding that they are children of God are better prepared to teach children that there is a Father in Heaven who loves them and who is there for them.

That, in essence, is what the Primary general presidency hopes is happening this year in the months preceding the annual Sacrament Meeting Presentation.

During the fourth quarter of the year, children throughout the Church will present the 2008 Sacrament Meeting Presentation, based on the theme, "I Am A Child of God," to members of their wards and stakes. By that time, Primary General President Cheryl C. Lant hopes these little ones "really have a feeling of the love that their Father in Heaven has for them, that He knows them and that He is there for them because He is their Father."

Meeting with the Church News, Sister Lant and her first counselor, Margaret S. Lifferth, whose responsibilities in the general presidency include the sacrament meeting presentation, expressed their hope that through the precepts and music included in the current sacrament meeting presentation outline, the children of the Church and, in turn, their families will better learn the doctrines of the Father and His promised blessings. "If leaders can get in their minds the different roles of the Father and the Son and how they work together to bring us home, that would be a blessing for leaders and children," Sister Lifferth added.

The 2008 outline contains "Instructions for Sharing Time" as well as "Guidelines for the Sacrament Meeting Presentation." Themes are divided by month. For example, the theme for March is "Jesus Christ Is My Savior." Each theme includes four "Weekly Gospel Principles" and suggestions for Sharing Times and musical selections. The suggested song for March is "If the Savior Stood Beside Me," from page 11 of the outline or from The October 1993 Friend.

Sister Lant and Sister Lifferth emphasized the importance of children sharing with their branches and wards what they have learned or times they've felt the Holy Spirit throughout the year, not memorizing something new.

"Sometimes we go to those programs to be entertained instead of recognizing the profound doctrines those children know," said Sister Lifferth. "It's really a miracle what those children know and what they feel."

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