It’s always a good time to talk about temple and family history work, but in this season when we celebrate the Savior's birth and His gift of salvation, it is especially meaningful. Two recent Come, Follow Me lessons have made it easy to discuss the topic with members of our wards and branches. And temple and family history consultants and leaders will find that Ordinances Ready makes it easy to turn conversation into action.
The first lesson, “A Voice of Gladness for the Living and the Dead” (November 3–9), focuses on baptism for the dead and reminds us that neither we nor our ancestors can be made perfect without one another (see Doctrine and Covenants 128:15).
The second lesson, “The Vision of the Redemption of the Dead” (December 1–7), reviews the glorious doctrines revealed to President Joseph F. Smith in his expansive vision of the spirit world (see Doctrine and Covenants 138). This lesson discusses the opportunity Church members have to provide loved ones with essential temple ordinances, thus bringing all closer to Christ.
With these teachings fresh on the minds of your ward members, and with the family gatherings the holiday season is sure to bring, now is an opportune time to help members experience the joy of extending the blessings of temple ordinances to their family members. Taking family names to the temple can make temple worship more meaningful and personal and can bring members closer to Christ.
Do Your Ward Members Know How to Use Ordinances Ready?
Ordinances Ready has been available for several years, but research indicates that many members are still unaware that this tool can help them receive the names of family members who need temple ordinances.
Is there something you as a temple and family history consultant or leader can do to help others learn how to use Ordinances Ready to prepare for temple worship?
Ordinances Ready on FamilySearch.org and in the Family Tree app quickly provides the names of deceased ancestors who need temple ordinances. Names come from the person’s own family tree or from the trees of those in the person’s ward or stake. Printing family name cards is simple and can be done at home or at the temple.
Resources for Teaching Others about Ordinances Ready
Providing ordinances for others helps us offer the blessings of the Atonement of Jesus Christ to them and allows us to become more like Him through our service. With these easy-to-follow instructions and video, you can assist others in using Ordinances Ready to receive names they can take to the temple.
