Primary Programs

Yes, that title was correct!  We got to watch three Primary Sacrament Meeting programs in a week!!  It was very sweet and fascinating to see the way the same program was done in three different ways.  (Just to explain that further, we have been trying to attend those three wards which have the largest number of military families each Sunday.  We have gone to the 8:30, 10:30, & 3:00 Sacrament Meetings and then whichever other meetings-Sunday School, Relief Society, Priesthood or Ward Council-that we could squeeze in!  I know the Lord helps His missionaries because I couldn't have done this at home!)

One ward had all the children and leaders wear white for the program. Needless to say, everyone looked very angelic!  One thing they did that I really liked was have each child state his or her name before they said their part.  They had also listed each child's name in the program so I was able to put families together and get some idea of who was who.  They also had a young girl who accompanied one of the songs on the piano and another girl who did the same on the violin.

The next ward had gotten a different lei for each class of children.  There were purple, orange/yellow, pink, red, green and then shell and kukui nut.  It was a fun way to differentiate the ages of the children.  One of the songs was "Scripture Power" and each time the children sang that phrase, they would pump their fists.

The last ward made one of the songs into a duet between the teachers (who stood to the side for this song) and the children.  It was lovely and special. We talked to one of the families later whose one son (about 5 years old) had walked up to the microphone, looked at the congregation, and then moved on to join his class.  They said that in past years he had refused to stand up and be part of the program, so his stepping up to the microphone was a big accomplishment for him.


It was also fun to see the various choristers working with the children. They had all taught them so very well.  I have always liked the Primary Program (especially when I got to see my own children or grandchildren performing!!).  I was involved in the "production" of them many times in one way or another so I know that it is a huge undertaking  for all involved.

All in all, I think I enjoyed the children's program more rather than less for seeing it repeated.  Each one brought its own special flavor and each one definitely brought a sweet and loving spirit to our Sunday.