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- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced it is encouraging Primary groups worldwide to plan annual service projects.
- Children ages 3 to 11 are invited to help organize and participate in these activities.
- This effort hopes to continue a legacy of Primary children serving other children.
SALT LAKE CITY — Children in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have for decades donated pennies to help care for children at Primary Children's Hospital in Utah.
The Primary organization announced Thursday it plans to expand on a "rich legacy of children serving other children" — since Aug. 25, 1878, when it began — by inviting local Primary groups around the world to plan annual service projects.
"We hope this worldwide effort will help children realize they are an important part of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and can contribute in meaningful ways. ... As the children serve, they will grow in their love for the Savior and feel joy as they share his love with others," a statement from the General Primary presidency says.
Although the service activities are meant to commemorate the August organization of Primary, local church congregations are invited to plan service activities any time of the year. These activities can be planned by individual congregations, wards or branches or by stakes, which include multiple congregations. Thursday's statement recommends that Primary children, including ages 3 through 11, help organize the project.
Primary leaders can ask children for help with ideas and encourage adults to involve the children "as much as possible" in the planning.
"Help them feel ownership in this opportunity to serve as the Savior would," the church said.
It also recommends the children invite other members of the congregations to participate, including parents and older siblings.
"We are excited to see how children throughout the world make a difference in their communities and share the joy the gospel brings," said the Primary presidency.
Church members are encouraged to share their experiences serving in congregation histories and by submitting photos, drawings, stories or videos to the "Friend" magazine.
The statement encourages local congregations to use the website JustServe.org to help plan service opportunities or work with a local non-profit organization.
A letter to local Primary leaders and teachers said a "Friend to Friend" episode available on Feb. 15 would share ideas and inspiration for the activity along with messages from the Primary General Presidency along with Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Sister Susan Bednar.
