Mormon Life - Easter tag

BYU Students Pull Best Prank Ever

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 09:25:00 -0600

source: youtube.com

Mormon Life says: If you think your pranks are awesome, think again. These guys take the cake.

April 2012 Home Teaching Message: "He Is Risen" - a Prophet's Testimony

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 00:01:00 -0600

source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: This aid comes with links to the First Presidency message for April, as well as supplemental ideas for discussing the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

April First Presidency Message for home teaching:

“He Is Risen”

“The clarion call of Christendom,” President Thomas S. Monson has declared, is that Jesus of Nazareth rose from the dead. “The reality of the Resurrection provides to one and all the peace that surpasses understanding” (see Philippians 4:7).1

In the following excerpts, President Monson shares his testimony of and gratitude for the Savior’s Resurrection and declares that because the Son conquered death, all of the Father’s children who come to earth will live again.

Life beyond Mortality

“I believe that none of us can conceive the full import of what Christ did for us in Gethsemane, but I am grateful every day of my life for His atoning sacrifice in our behalf."

Click here to see the rest of the lesson.

Supplemental ideas:

Share the video "He Is Risen" from the Church's new Bible videos:

Share the following image from the home teaching message with any children in the family you teach. (Click here for a larger version.)

The Ordinary Means of Grace

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 10:40:00 -0600

source: bycommonconsent.com

“…The sure and general rule for all who groan for the salvation of God is this, — whenever opportunity serves, use all the means which God has ordained; for who knows in which God will meet thee with the grace that bringeth salvation?” (John Wesley, Sermon 16)

I just finished a Holy Week full of singing the Anglican music that makes me wonder sometimes if it’s just a cruel joke that I wasn’t born a couple of centuries ago in England.

Sharing the gospel: 'He is Risen' Bible video

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 09:24:00 -0600

source: ldschurchnews.com

Mormon Life says: Members of the Church have been invited to be involved with the campaign. A three-day advertising campaign by the Church over the Easter weekend will take place on YouTube and Facebook. The purpose of the ad campaign is to help people understand the LDS faith and beliefs. Members of the Church are encouraged to share a new Bible video based on the final days, Atonement, death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Easter Resources

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 08:33:00 -0600

source: ldsmediatalk.com

Easter is Sunday, April 8. Below are some resources you may want to consider using with your family to feel the spirit of Easter.

Watch the Church video “His Sacred Name—An Easter Declaration,” which focuses on key words from the scriptural accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John that recount the horrific story of His Crucifixion with words like “rejected” and “mocked.” But it also includes words that portray Christ’s exceptional characteristics, such as “forgave” and “held His peace.”

He Is Risen

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 00:25:00 -0600

source: lds.org

Mormon Life says: The final video of the Church's Bible Videos collection.

Ideas for a Fun and Christ-centered Easter

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 00:10:00 -0600

by LDS Living Staff
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Here are a few ideas for a more Christ-centered Easter, along with a few of our staff's family traditions.

Easter is a fun holiday, filled with celebration of spring renewal, color, and sweet things. But, more importantly, it is a celebration of the resurrection of the Savior.

We talk a lot about Christmas and traditions, but what about Easter? President Gordon B. Hinckley says, "There would be no Christmas if there had not been Easter. The babe Jesus of Bethlehem would be but another baby without the redeeming Christ of Gethsemane and Calvary, and the triumphant fact of the Resurrection."

After discussing it on our Facebook page and hearing some of your ideas (join us on Facebook), we decided to put together a list. Here are a few ideas for incorporating more of a celebration of Christ in your Easter this year:

Read the First Presidency Easter Message with your family or close friends. Click here to get it.

Watch some of the Church's new Bible videos. The Church has produced some beautiful new videos depicting events of the Bible. Watching the resurrection video, in particular, would be perfect for an Easter activity. Click here to see it.

Read through some of the resources in our article "Preparing for Easter: Ideas for Celebrating." The article contains an advent calendar for the weeks leading up to Easter; while it's too late to use it exactly as outlined, it has a great outline for a discussion of the final days of the Savior's life. To find out more about Eric Huntsman's book God So Loved the World: The Final Days of the Savior's Life, click here.

In addition, here are some of our own staff traditions – both fun and Christ-centered:

Alexa Justesen, Intern

In my family we did the standard Easter egg hunt, but my mom would do neat spiritual things with them. Most of the plastic eggs held candy or coins, but some would hold symbolic items such as thorns to represent the crown of thorns the Savior wore or nails to represent him being nailed to the cross, or white cloth to represent his resurrection. After we found all of the eggs we’d get together and talk about each of the symbols. I remember it being really neat.

Mandy Slack, Intern

When I was a kid, my parents hid the Easter baskets. I remember my dad used to make the baskets out of our plastic cereal bowls, which could seem pathetic but is actually a fun memory for me. I remember finding the bowls of candy in the microwave or weird places like that. Also, my grandparents hid little chocolate eggs in their yard and we would go look for as many as we could.

Kate Ensign-Lewis, Online Editor
My favorite thing growing up was the huge Easter egg hunt my grandma would have. Each of us had a big See's chocolate egg deviously hidden somewhere, like inside the peanut butter jar or the air conditioning vent. But since starting my own family, one of my favorite things is reading through the story of the resurrection with my husband. It's a small thing, but I think it's a perfect companion tradition to re-enacting the nativity, which we always do at Christmas.

Brad Hayes, Designer

One of our traditions takes place when we all dye Easter eggs. There is always a contest for the ugliest egg. We do this because in order to create beautiful eggs you need to not be afraid to mess one up.

Ruthann Cunningham, Circulation Director

When I was growing up, we always got church CDs and Mormon Ad posters in our Easter baskets instead of candy.

Kaela Worthen, Associate Editor

My family always does an Easter egg hunt in the morning with all the fun candies and goodies and such, but in the evening, we have a special Easter basket filled with numbered plastic eggs. Each one has a scripture and a small item that represents a part of the Easter story. The last egg is empty, with only the scripture “He is not here: for he is risen” (Matthew 28:6). It’s a great way to connect all the fun of the morning and the secular Easter traditions to the true meaning of what we’re celebrating—Christ’s Atonement for all of us.

Ashley Evanson, Online Editor

Growing up we didn't have many spiritual Easter traditions, but now that I'm grown, I've thought of a few I'd like to incorporate into my own family. One is baking Resurrection Rolls - an idea I got from a cousin. Here's how it works:

Resurrection Rolls

Ingredients

can crescent roll dough

8 large marshmallows

melted butter

cinnamon sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 and read John 19 while it's heating.

2. Roll out the dough and explain how it is like the cloth they wrapped Jesus' body in.

3. Explain how a marshmallow is like Jesus, pure and white without sin, and it represents his body.

4. Roll the marshmallow in the melted butter and then cinnamon sugar, representing the oils and spices they placed on Jesus' body before burying him.

5. Roll the marshmallow in the dough, pinching the edges shut. Explain how this is like wrapping Jesus' body in the cloth.

6. Put the rolls in the oven, or the tomb, for 12 min.

7. While they bake, read John 20:1-18.

8. When baked, open up the rolls to discover the marshmallow is gone, just like Jesus' body was gone from the tomb because he was resurrected.

Your turn: What are some of your favorite Easter traditions? Let us know in the comments below.

Defending the Faith: The gospel truly brings joyful news

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 10:08:00 -0600

source: MormonTimes.com

Mormon Life says: What a great Easter message of missionaries in Switzerland. One of the most memorable experiences of my mission in Switzerland came when the aunt of the Basel Ward mission leader died. Though not a member of the LDS Church, she had asked her nephew to speak at her funeral.

A young returned missionary, he arranged for a quartet of elders to sing at the service, held in the cemetery chapel. I never served in Basel, but I was included in the quartet. That's why I was there.

The chapel was large, drafty and cold, with a high ceiling. Its grim stone walls were draped in black cloth.

LDS Church to blitz YouTube, Facebook with messages of Jesus Christ on Easter weekend

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 09:52:00 -0600

source: deseretnews.com

Mormon Life says: I love that the Church is doing this. Wouldn't it be awesome if all members shared the videos this weekend on their own social media? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is planning to blitz the world of social media this weekend with a new media campaign aimed at helping "those not of our faith understand that we believe in and follow Jesus Christ."

In an email sent from the LDS Church Missionary Department to those who have created profiles on the church's Mormon.org website, officials said the campaign will take place Friday through Sunday on YouTube and Facebook, and will feature "members of the church sharing their beliefs about the Savior."

The campaign will consist of paid advertising on YouTube during the weekend, which they expect to be viewed "a minimum of 15 million times."

Jesus Tried by Caiaphas, Peter Denies Knowing Christ

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 13:59:00 -0600

source: lds.org

First Presidency Easter Message — 2012

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 12:22:00 -0600

source: ldschurchnews.com

Mormon Life says: A sweet letter. This is the season of the year when the Christian world remembers the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Out of love for His Father and for us, the Savior allowed Himself to suffer beyond the capacity of mortal man. He said, "Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit — and would that I might not drink the bitter cup and shrink — Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men" (Doctrine and Covenants 19:18-19).

The Miracle (New Easter song by Shawna Edwards)

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 10:35:00 -0600

source: youtube.com

Mormon Life says: Beautiful

Mesa Easter Pageant starts March 28

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 08:34:00 -0600

source: deseretnews.com

The annual Mesa Arizona Easter Pageant titled "Jesus the Christ" will be March 28-31 and April 3-7 on the north lawn of the Mesa Arizona Temple Visitors' Center, 525 E. Main St. in Mesa. Admission is free and tickets aren't required.

Tacoma LDS stakes to perform 'Lamb of God' Easter oratorio

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 10:26:00 -0600

source: deseretnews.com

The Tacoma Multi-Stake Cultural Arts Committee will present two free performances on April 1 and 8 of the Easter oratorio, "Lamb of God: A Sacred Work for Choir, Orchestra and Soloists."

The 80-minute production by Mormon composer Rob Gardner features a 70-voice choir, 13 soloists and a 27-piece orchestra. The production will include video imagery compiled by Krista Shawcroft.

Erin Guinup, a University of Puget Sound graduate who has appeared in local opera, theater and church productions, will direct the oratorio.

Today in the Bloggernacle: New Mormon Channel website and app tour and 45 gospel ways for reducing stress

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 10:15:00 -0600

source: deseretnews.com

Mormon Channel: One of the newest Mormon Messages videos takes you on a “Mormon Channel Website Tour” that is so handy it makes my job of explaining what you’ll find on the website practically redundant. I love how it shows exactly how to find the newest content. Plus, don’t you love the opportunity to personalize your very own Mormon Channel playlist? Click in to learn more.

BibleVideos.LDS.org releases series of Easter-themed videos, adds e-card function

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 09:25:00 -0700

source: news.lds.org

In the weeks leading up to April 8, 2012, BibleVideos.lds.org plans to release a series of Easter-related videos that relate stories from the Savior’s final weeks—from His triumphal entry into Jerusalem to His Crucifixion and Resurrection.

The Easter-themed videos began with the January 23 release of Jesus Teaches about the Widow’s Mites, which was soon followed by Jesus Teaches a Samaritan Woman and The Parable of the Good Samaritan.

The videos planned for release over the next several weeks will tell several stories, in the following order:

Corpus Christi

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 22:40:00 -0700

source: bycommonconsent.com

Mormon Life says: This brings up a really fascinating point: how do new Mormons with non-Christian backgrounds celebrate traditional Christian holidays like Christmas and Easter? I don’t think it’s insignificant that Mormons do not have religious holidays, even Christmas and Easter are drawn from western Christian traditions; and thus are usually celebrated by Mormons when the rest of Christendom celebrates them according to the region of the world they are in at the time of those holidays. For instance, Easter in Russia is celebrated by Mormons according to the Orthodox calendar, while Easter in Italy is celebrated by Mormons on the date accorded by Catholic tradition.

An Easter Walk in The Holy Land with Truman G. Madsen

Sat, 23 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0600

source: youtube.com

Latter-day Saints join with the rest of the Christian world in celebrating Easter

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 11:17:00 -0600

source: Newsroom.lds.org

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints joins with the rest of the Christian world this week in celebrating Easter and remembering the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The Church’s First Presidency issued this Easter message:

Among the most cherished thoughts and writings in this world is the divine statement of truth: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

{Lifestyle} What Christmas and Easter Have in Common

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 09:13:00 -0600

by Ashley Jones
source: MormonLife.com

No, this isn’t a post about Christmas--if it were, I’d be four months late. Bear with me until I make my point. Every Christmas my mom pulls out her “Christmas books.” I’m not kidding, it’s usually at least one full bookshelf worth of books – picture books for the grandkids to read; Richard Paul Evan’s latest Christmas book (he has one at least every year, doesn’t he?), and books sharing ideas on how to remember Christ during Christmas. The majority of the books on the shelf however, are that last topic: idea books on how to celebrate and remember Christ, despite all the commercialism. Most Americans start celebrating Christmas the day after Thanksgiving; the decorations are usually up in the malls two weeks before that.

Now, to my point.

Eric Huntsman, author of God So Loved the World: The Final Days of the Savior’s Life, shared a powerful quotation from President Hinckley regarding Christmas:

"There would be no Christmas if there had not been Easter…the babe Jesus of Bethlehem would be but another baby without the redeeming Christ of Gethsemane and Calvary, and the triumphant fact of the Resurrection."

Wow. Interesting to think about that, isn’t it? Without Christ’s purpose and mission, which was to overcome spiritual and physical death, why would we celebrate Christmas? Obviously, we’re celebrating Easter this coming Sunday, but I wonder how many people celebrate it the whole month of April? Or at least, the week of Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday? I celebrate His birth, but I think I forget to celebrate the greatest blessings of all: His death and resurrection. I let those two things get buried behind all the chocolate bunnies, unfortunately.

After reading Dr. Huntsman’s book, I’m celebrating Easter a little differently this year. In his book, Dr. Huntsman breaks down each day of Easter week by chapters, and explains what happened on those days. He includes scriptures, historical context, pictures, even suggested hymns, for the family to read (and sing) to celebrate Easter the whole week, and not just on Easter Sunday. It is quite an incredible book--one that will go on my shelf for both my Christmas and Easter celebrations.

Here is a quick event breakdown for you that I got from Dr. Huntsman’s book:

Sunday (aka Palm Sunday)
This is one week before Easter Sunday. Meaningful events that happened on this day include: Christ’s Triumphal Entry and Christ’s cleansing of the temple.

Monday
Cursing of the fig tree; Christ’s pattern of teaching in the temple and his teachings which include parables such as the parable of the two sons and the parable of the wedding banquet.

Tuesday
Lesson from the withered fig tree; more teachings in the temple: attempts to trap Jesus in his words; The Olivet Discourse.

Wednesday
The plot to kiss Jesus; the anointing described by Mark and Matthew; Judas agrees to betray Jesus.

Thursday
The Last Supper; Christ goes to Gethsemane; betrayal and arrest of Jesus; Jesus goes before Jewish authorities.

Friday (aka Good Friday)
Jesus falls in the hands of the Romans; crucifixion and final hours; signs and reactions to Christ’s death; burial of Jesus Christ.

Saturday
Guard is placed at the tomb; darkness prevails among the Nephites; Jesus goes to the spirit world and organizes His work there.

Easter Sunday
The women and the empty tomb; Christ appears to Mary Magdalene; Road to Emmaus; Jesus appears to the disciples; Jesus meets the disciples in Galilee; the Ascension.

--
Ashley Jones practices public relations for Deseret Book. She loves writing, emailing her missionary sister, and making/ eating home-made popcorn.