OCR Text |
Show vY y, i $ 4 ', s? s V, r Eric . ' Ajt v v - h '. rV: h heather . . Is Primary Even BY FREDA JOAN and THELMA W. Ann . . . Deana . . . . . for Every Child Targeteer teacher, Mary Cannon listens ns Paige Morton offers prayer. Non-Membe- rs LEE FETZER Pnmary is tor every child that is, every child between the ages of 4 and 11, whether or not he is a member of The Church of Jesus Chnst of Latter-da- y Saints. In I.DS communities around the world, one will find weekly Pnmanes in branch action: ward Pnmaries, Pnmanes, home Pnmaries, and even a non member Pnmary all enriching childrens lives. An interesting story of a Pnmary is found m Palo Alto, Calif. It all began six years ago. Do you have any children between the ages cf 4 and 11? Would ycu like them to have the opportunity to participate with other children in creative and activities spintual ennchment through the Primary program? Tnese were the questions asked families questions which resulted m an expenence that would change lives, an expenence that would prove an answer to the prayers of a cry concerned bishopnc. Special problems were confronting the Stanford Ward. How could the bishopric utilize the many and diverse talents of the members of the ward? How could a greater missionary effort by the members be encouraged? How could the outside community be more involved m the inspired programs of the church Taylor Jr and his counselors Eugene England and L James Ellsworth met to evaluate the progress of the ward during the year, and to discuss solutions for these specific needs. After several meetings of prayerful deliberation and planning, the answer was clear. Bishop Henry D Within the framework of the church was an organization that would meet the needs of these young people and provide activities and satisfaction in their service to others. A Primary was the answ er. of Brother Under the direction Ellsworth, an organization was effected Ann Lowden was called as president, counselors and teachers were chosen and set apart by the bishopric. Directions and materials were provided through the stake Pnmary presidency. Finally, all was ready. But there were no children. Stanford Ward was a singles only ward, consisting of unmarried young men and women. Therefore, there were no children. However, these enthusiastic pioneers were undaunted The solution was found in missionary trading for children in the area. An mit-a- l tore of eight to 10 very apprehensive young women visited the families m the area, taking along a pamphlet explaining the Pnmary program, and listing the names and credentials of the Primary staff Parents were receptive Primary workers were elated by comments from parents, such How piogram for children I'd love my children to learn more about God, said another parent I would like my children to le ,rn to be reverent, said another When the first Primary was held, mne children were in attendance, enthralled by the personal attention of 20 eager Primary officet s and tvachers. The membership grew from week to week. The i hildren brought friends, and fnends brought fnends, and the Pnmary workers continued to tract Out of strange and wonderful places came these children beginning with neighboihood families and fanning out in to years many different ensuing communities. From everywhere Stanford Ward Pnmary workers lived and woi'.ed, children came to Pnmary. Soon, over 35 childten were regularly attending, and workers spmts were high Special skills were needed for the boys 9, 10, and 11 years of age Fortunately, there were a number of young men in the ward who enthusiastically discerned the needs of these boys and who lovingly taught them scouting skills, principles of clean living and a new respect for each other. Many members of the ward began to be involved in special activities which the Pnmary held The missionary spint was as, V wonderful Sami has But the spirit of Pnmary was affecting more than the ward Community response was exciting Many parents of the children who attended Primary and other people in the community wrote letters to the bishopnc, expressing appreciation for the Primary program Articles about the Primary appeared m the local paper. Programs involving Primary activities were presented by the children for their parents Something wonderful was taking place And the children, especially the children, were feeling it I love Primary," sparkled 5 year-olLisa answer to share. d is learning about Jesus, and He loves us and wants us to come back to Him, was the confident statement of James how Pnmary But most touching of all were the sweet voices of 50 children learning for the first time the Pnmary song, 1 Am a Chdd of God," and truly realizing that they are children of God Dunng the months that followed, it was evident from the progress made that Heavenly F, ther was guiding all that was done As Primary children participate in opening exercises. 4 CHURCH 9 WEEK ENDING MARCH 23, 1974 an e ident changes occurred 'stake, Henry D Taylor m Jr , the Palo Alto was called as bishop of the Palo Alto Ward, llemy Eyr-in- g became the bishop of the stanfoid singles ward, with L Jones Ellsworth and Dale Miller serving as This bishopnc continued to encourage and direct the Pnmary Subsequently, Ann Lowden moved away, and Nancy Segerstedt became piesident In 1971, Bishop Eynng was vailed as Dresident of Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho By this time, growth m toe membership of the Stanford Waul had made possible its division into two wards, with Dale Miller and Dean R mdsay as bishops The Pnmary became a shared ven ture, drawing its staff from both ward-am- i serving to bind the two togethei Manlyn Taylor became Pnmary presi dent at that time In the fall of 1972, a commitment was made to involve more families i.i the Pri mary program. Special efforts were made m trading that resulted in an increased enrollment of 55 children, with the attendance growing each week. Jr , 1 Continued on page 5 |