It Great To Be Eight

It's Great To Be Eight!

CTR Towel
CTR 8 Learning Experience
Baptism Towel Poems
CTR Soap
Here is some stuff from past Friend Magazines
Holy Ghost: 2 Great poems
It Great To Be Eight Fireside
It Great To Be Eight Poem
Letter on Baptism from Prophet (May 1998)
OLD/NEW Penny Handout
Our Prophets Places of Baptism
Printable Baptism invites and more
Program Outline for Baptism (Basic)
QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE RELATED TO BAPTISM
Road to Baptism Signs
TAKE-great way to teach about how to remember convents.

Okay, I'll give you my feeling on the Baptism Fireside or preview, which ever you want to call it!
I think they are great! It really is not a night about learning about getting baptized as much as it is a night for them to understand all that is going to go on, since they are learning about this all year long, from their family and at church.
Things we do are,
~ We have had the Bishop talk about what happens at the interview the kids have with him, so they are not scared
~ We show then the clothes they will be wearing
~ We show them the font.
~ We have one of the dad's and kids show how you get Baptized
~ We then spilt up, the boys are told about Cubs, they get info on what they will need to get, (we also show them and tell the parents a little about the Cub Booklet we give to them when they enter the cub program .(Click here to see that book) we find the parents really like that, then they can get some of the stuff for the boys for there birthday presents, the girls learn about Activity Days.
~We also have had a child that was Baptized the year before give a 30 sec or so talk on how they felt when they got Baptized.
~We also take pictures of each child and have used one of the bulletins boards in the hallway and place all their pictures on there, with their name and the date they will Baptized. We put a heading which says something like It's great to be Eight! (different for each year, we try to base it around the years theme) I am not in Primary anymore, but they still are doing it and the kids love it!
~ We also have handouts to give out, one set for the Parents and one for the child. Click here for those
~ Plus we tell and show the kids about the Baptism booklet they will be getting on there birthday

Here is the letter from back in May of 1998 from the church, about making Baptism Service more simple.

Letter on Baptism.zip

"It's Great to Be Eight" Poem

By Diane Barker (thanks for sharing)

We attached the poem to a cellophane bag that help a package of Trident White chewing gum. The poem refers to being dressed in "White" and "Chewsing". We also gave the children the picture of Jesus Christ being baptized by John the Baptist in a simple two dollar frame.

Thank You for coming to “It’s Great to be Eight”

Your Baptism is a day to eagerly await

For that big day you’ll know how to prepare

Make sure that all White is what you wear

This gum can remind you of what you are “chewsing”

The gift of Free Agency is what you are using

Put this picture nearby so it can remind you

That Christ is our example in all we do

The Ordinance of Baptism is what we all need

So on the path back to God we can proceed

To gain salvation this is ordinance number one

By Authority of the Holy Priesthood it will be done

When confirmed you’ll receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost

We hope he becomes the one you listen to the most

You’ll also be joining the only true church on the earth

Your membership throughout your life will be of great worth

Then partake of the Sacrament at church each week to renew

The covenants made between Heavenly Father and you

Prepare every day with the scriptures you read

Say your prayers morn and night for help that you need

Both at home and at Primary, remember all you’ve been taught

We hope you’ll be giving your Baptism a lot of thought.

Written by Diane Baker

CTR SOAP

I printed a CTR shield on tracing paper, cut them out, then put it on a bar of soap, I just bought the cheap bar of soap, then dipped the front only into the melted wax, it sealed the shield on to the soap, I put it little bags then put the following topper on the bag, we used it for an invitation to a baptism fireside.

I used it in Young Women for a "clean Hands, pure heart" soap. CLICK TO SEE IT

Road To Baptism

From Heidi in Fl, I got this for all of us to use! Thanks

When I was searching my documents I found this set
of street signs for the "Road to Baptism" I remade them from a children's
friend--so I could print in black and white instead of the color signs (also
made them much bigger than the original)

Baptism Street Signs.pdf

Here is some stuff from past Friend Magazines

Boyd K. Packer penned this
Washed Clean (Friend, Apr. 1999, inside front cover)
If we could only understand
All we have heard and seen,
We'd know there is no greater gift
Than those two words-"Washed clean!"
-------------
Baptism (Friend, Oct. 1974, p.5)
"Me, my Lord, baptize Thee?
Why comest Thou to me?"
And John the Baptist bowed his head
In deep humility.
But Jesus said with a gentle smile,
"Let your heart be still.
Suffer it to be so now,
All righteousness fulfill."
So down the Jordan's shallow bank
Christ went with humble grace.
Into the stream John lowered Him
With wonder on his face.
When from the water Jesus came,
The heavens opened above.
God's holy Spirit came to earth,
A gift of His great love.
And now, my child, your turn has come,
You have been baptized too.
The Light of Christ is in your face
For all the world to view.
-----------------
My Baptism (Friend, May 1996, p.46)
Today I took a closer step
to be with Heavenly Father.
I humbly walked down five white steps
and into clean, clear water.
My loving daddy took my hand
to help me stand up straight-
Just as he has through all my life
till now when I am eight.
My daddy showed me what to do-
breath deep, then hold your nose-
And baptized me with priesthood power
and smiled when I arose.
Tomorrow I'll take another step
to be with Heavenly Father.
My daddy, uncles, grandpas, too,
will all around me gather.
They'll lay their hands upon my head,
bless me, and say, "Amen,"
Then the Holy Ghost will be my guide
If I but follow Him

QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE RELATED TO BAPTISM

1. What do I wear to the baptism service?
Sunday clothes

2. What do I need to have with me?
a towel
a comb
dry underwear
your recommend/certificate from Bishop
white socks
white baptismal clothes

3. Who may come to see me be baptized?
Mom and Dad
brothers and sisters
Grandmas and Grandpas
aunts, uncles, friends, teachers, anyone!

4. Can I hold my nose when I go under the water?
Yes. The person baptizing you will show you how.

5. What happens if some of my hair or one of my toes doesn't go all the way under the water?
You will be immersed (put under water) a second time.

6. What promise or covenant do I make with Heavenly Father when I am baptized?
You promise that from now on you will choose the right and obey all of his commandments. You will take upon yourself the name of Christ (that is, to become one of his true followers), and always remember to do what he has taught us to do.

7. What does Heavenly Father promise me?
That his Spirit (the Holy Ghost) will always be with you. This will help you do what is right so that you can always be happy. If you do this, you can return and live with him again.

8. What does it mean to be baptized by "immersion"?
This means that your whole body is put completely under the water and then brought back up out of the water. Being under the water is a likeness of Jesus' death and burial. Being brought up out of the water is a likeness of Jesus' resurrection to a new life, and a likeness of your being born to a new, clean life of righteousness.

9. Why must I be baptized and confirmed only by a man who holds the priesthood?
A man who holds the priesthood has some of the same powers on earth that Heavenly Father and his son Jesus have. Jesus says that if a man is a priest in the Aaronic Priesthood, or holds the Melchizedek Priesthood, he has the right or authority to baptize people in Jesus' name. A man who holds the Melchizedek Priesthood has the right to confirm people members of the Church of Jesus Christ. If a man doesn't hold the priesthood, he doesn't have the right to do these special things for Heavenly Father and Jesus.

10. How shall I remember the promises I make at baptism?
By reverently partaking of the sacrament each Sunday, and by listening to prayers offered over the bread and water.

Our Prophets Places of Baptism

By William Hartley; updated by Rebecca Todd
The Friend , August 1997

Joseph Smith - was baptized in the Susquehanna River, May 15, 1829
Brigham Young - was baptized in his own millpond near Mendon, New York, April 14, 1832
John Taylor - was baptized in Black Creek in Georgetown, Ontario, Canada, May 9, 1836
Wilford Woodruff - was baptized in an icy stream near Richland, New York, Dec. 31, 1833
Lorenzo Snow - was baptized in the Chagrin River, which runs through Kirtland, Ohio, June 3, 1836
Heber J. Grant- was baptized in a wagon box rigged up as an outdoor font behind Brigham Young's school in Salt Lake City, Utah. On June 2, 1864
George Albert Smith - was baptized in City Creek in Salt Lake City, Utah. June 6, 1878
David O. McKay - was baptized in Spring Creek in Huntsville, Utah, September 8, 1881
Joseph Fielding Smith - was baptized by his father , on July 19, 1884, in Salt Lake City Utah, but records do not say where. It was a hot summer day so he was probably baptized outdoors in City Creek.
Harold B. Lee - was baptized in Bybee Pond, an old limekiln in Clifton, Idaho. June 9, 1907.
Spencer W. Kimball - was baptized in Thatcher, Arizona, March 28, 1903, in the hog scalding tub that was also used as the family bathtub. His father stood outside the tub, which some people felt was not a correct way to baptize. To be sure that Spencer was properly baptized, he was baptized again when he was
twelve years old, in the Union canal just a block away from his home.
Ezra Taft Benson - was baptized in the Logan River Canal near his home in Whitney, Idaho.August 4, 1907.
Howard W. Hunter - was baptized, after finally getting permission from his father, April 4, 1920 at age twelve, in the Natatorium, a large indoor swimming complex, in Boise, Idaho.
Gordon B. Hinckley - was baptized by his father on April 28, 1919, in a ward house baptismal font in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Of the fifteen Latter-day Saint prophets

2 - baptized in rivers
1 - baptized in an outdoor baptismal font
1 - baptized in an indoor baptismal font
1 - baptized in a stream
5 - baptized in creeks
2 - baptized in ponds
1 - baptized in a swimming pool
1 - baptized in a canal
1 - baptized in a tub and then in a canal

Though they were baptized in different places, all the prophets made the same promise we make at baptism; the promise to follow Jesus Christ. All fifteen of our prophets have kept this promise; they have followed the Savior and in time were called to be special witnesses of Him.

How can we keep the promises that we make to Heavenly Father when we are baptized?

How can we be special witnesses of Him?

Baptism Towel Poems

My Baptism Towel

This baptism towel is to help remind you
Of your baptism day all the years through.
When you come out of the water all clean and pure,
Dry off with this towel and you can be sure,
That you are as clean as this towel is white.
And the Holy Ghost will be with you both day and night.
For the Holy Ghost is your gift after the laying on of hands,
And will be a comfort and a guide if you obey God's commands.
This CTR emblem will help remind you to be strong
As you continue to learn right from wrong.
When your towel becomes soiled, remember that we, too,
May sometimes make mistakes and we've been taught just what to do.
Just as you can wash your towel so it can again be clean,
The wrongs you make can be washed away and never again be seen.
Your Heavenly Father loves you, remember always to pray,
And He will be beside you for forever and a day. "

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When I come from the water all wet and clean,
My sins will have been washed away,
And then I will want to be wrapped in the warmth
of my towel, this baptism day.
I'll dry and I'll wait for the gift that will come,
I'll wait for the words as we pray.
I'll wait and I'll want to be wrapped

in the warmth of the Holy Ghost, this special day.
When I reach for my towel to dry my wet skin,
May I always remember these days.
These days that I chose to follow the Lord,
To be wrapped in the warmth of His ways.

CTR Towel

Check out these great gift for anyone getting Baptized

Baptism Bracelet

Here is an invitation that can be personalized for a child who will be getting Baptized

Baptism Socks

(I am not sure who wrote this poem it was given to me, if you know who did please let me know! Email Me)

Here a poem that I typed up on cute paper and attached to a new pair of white socks that we gave each of the children when they attended a Baptismal Fireside.

Everyone who turned 8 that year, attended and got socks.
The girls got lacey pretty socks and the boys got crew socks... They all loved them and kept them until they were baptized.
That way we weren't really giving them "a gift" for their baptism. As stated in the handbook. It was something that fit in our budget, fit the guidelines, and was a great handout for our fireside.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"I am making some important covenants on my Baptismal day.
I'll wear these socks to remind me that I'm choosing the right way.
As I go into the Waters of Baptism, these socks will be first to enter in.
Just as these socks are clean and white, I too will be cleansed from sin."

BAPTISM BAG 1

Put the items in a bag or small box
(shared by Jennifer Lefftler)
Congratulations on your baptism day! This Baptism bag will help remind you that being baptized is one of the most important things you can do in your life.
The white bag is a symbol of how pure and clean you are now that you have been baptized. Let it remind you that dirt can stain the bag just as sin can stain your soul. Always remember that repentance can keep you pure and clean and should always be your goal.
The picture of Jesus and John the Baptist will remind you that Jesus was baptized when He lived on earth because He wanted to obey Heavenly Father's commandments and set an example for each of us to follow. He knew that everyone must be baptized to be able to live in the Celestial kingdom.
The sacrament cup: When we are baptized we make a promise to Heavenly Father and He in turn makes a promise to us. This is called a covenant. When you partake of the Sacrament you will be renewing your baptismal covenant. The chart will help you remember what these promises are.
Small gift box: After you were baptized you received one of God's greatest gifts, the Gift of the Holy Ghost. You received this by the laying on of hands by an Elder of the Church. As you open the small gift representing the Holy Ghost you will discover the many ways the Holy Ghost can help you in your life if you live worthy.
The heart stands for the great love our Heavenly Father has for you and His desire that you return to live with Him. It also stands for the love you show Him by obeying His commandments.
Candle: As you gain a testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and live worthy so Heavenly Father's spirit can be with you, you will feel the peace and joy the gospel brings and have the light of the Holy Ghost. Let the candle represent this light which will lead you back to the presence of your Heavenly Father.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
COVENANT (make a card with this written on it)
I Promise:
I will follow Jesus
I will always remember him
I will keep his commandments
Heavenly Father Promises:
He will forgive me
He will give me the help of the Holy Ghost
He will give me eternal life
These are the word strips that go in the "Gift of the Holy Ghost" box:
Gives us our Testimony
Warns us of danger or evil
Comforts us (Galatians 5:22)
Inspires us (Luke 12:12)
Teaches us (John 14:26)
Helps us remember things (John 14:26)
Helps us understand things (D&C 6:15)
Helps us know and choose the right (D&C 11:12)
Guides us in important decisions (2 Nephi 32:5)
Helps us recognize truth (Moroni 10:5)
Helps us understand and communicate with each other (Alma 12:3)

Baptism Bag 2

(to help the children understand how important their baptism is)
The WHITE BAG is to remind you of how PURE AND CLEAN you are now that you have been baptized.
The WASHCLOTH is to remind you that you have been washed free of all your sins.
he WATER will remind you that you were baptized by IMMERSION, just like Jesus was. After your baptism you received a special GIFT, the gift of the HOLY GHOST.
The little MOUTH is to help you remember that the Holy Ghost will SPEAK to you in a still small voice.
The SOAP is to remind you that you must have clean thoughts and actions to feel the Holy Ghost.
The EAR in the bag will remind you to always LISTEN to the Holy Ghost so that you can always choose the right.
The Holy Ghost will COMFORT you like a warm BLANKET. The Holy Ghost will comfort you and give you strength when you choose the right and have to stand alone.
The RULER will help you remember that the Holy Ghost is a TEACHER. The Holy Ghost will help you understand and know the truth as you study the scriptures and learn.
The Holy Ghost will LIGHT YOUR WAY like a CANDLE and help you walk along righteous paths.
The HEART shows how much Jesus loves you. He wants you to show your LOVE for Him by obeying the commandments. Always stay close to Him and you will be truly happy." I include a laminated card with what each item represents so they can remember.
This Baptism bag
(to help the children understand how important their baptism is)

Baptism Bag 3

Two weeks before a child turns 8, they receive their Baptism Bag. It is a paper produce bag (with a handle) and with colored markers, their name is written on the front, a VIP badge is stapled to it, and a big raffia bow is tied to the handle. In the bag, they find:
a Gospel in Action card attached with a letter for the parents to read to the child;
a CTR ring;
Sticker(s);
A little Baptism book that has games, stories, lessons, songs, guest book, journal and a place for a picture;
also a list of what the child needs to bring with them to their baptism,
an Achievement Days book (for the girls) or the Faith in God card (for the boys who enter Cub Scouts) along with the corresponding leaders names and numbers.
Sit down with the child to discuss the contents of the bag and answer questions if they have any. You should see their eyes light up when they see their beautiful Baptism Bags!"

Baptism Bag 4

(by Keri in California)
This BAPTISM BAG is to help you understand how important your baptism is.
The WHITE BAG is to remind you of how PURE and CLEAN you are now that you have been baptized.
The WASHCLOTH is to remind you that you have been washed free of your sins.
The WATER is to remind you that you were baptized by IMMERSION, just like Jesus.
The EVERGREEN TREE represents that we are able to live forever because of Jesus Christ.
The RED DROPLETS represent the blood that Christ shed for us.
The KEY represents baptism as the key to entering the gate to the Kingdom of Heaven.
The SACRAMENT CUP reminds us that each Sunday we can renew the covenants (promises) that we made with the Lord when we take the sacrament.
The WHITE BOARD represents you. The marks on the board represent "sins" that you commit.
The ERASER represents repentance and how it erases the "sins".
After you are baptized you receive a very special GIFT - the gift of the Holy Ghost.
The SOAP reminds you that you must have clean thoughts and actions to feel the Holy Ghost.
The RADIO reminds you that you must be "in tune" to hear the still small voice of the Holy Ghost.
The ROCKY ROAD CANDY BAR reminds you that you will have hard times in your life, but with the help of the Gospel and especially the Holy Ghost you will make it.
The HEART shows how much Jesus loves you. He wants you to show your LOVE for Him by obeying the commandments. Always stay close to Him and you will be truly happy.
The PICTURE OF JESUS to remind you to always remember Him and be like Him.

See also some poems written about Missionaries and Sealing by this author, to see those click here

As You Are Baptized

You have chosen to be baptized

To start your life anew,

Following in Christ’s footsteps

For you know the Gospel’s true,

When our lives are clean and spotless,

The Holy Ghost can guide;

A companion and a prompter

He’ll stay always at your side.

For your reflections of today,

I give a gift to you

Symbolic of these sacred vows,

and of the Gospel true.

So clean and white, this hanky-

Like you’ve become today;

When you vowed to follow Jesus

and your sins were washed away.

To follow in Christ’s footsteps

The commandments to obey,

To remember His atonement

and for repentance, pray.

Remember God is near you

His love for you is great

Stay near the Straight and Narrow Path

Where lasting blessing wait.

By Kathy Carrico Himle

These great poems were written by Mimi Hancock and she has graciously let me place them on my web site for others to enjoy. If you use either of these poems, please make sure you include her name as author.

GUIDANCE BY THE SPIRIT
I come in a still small voice
or you could even say a whisper
I can belong to every brother
and also every sister.
And really; all you have to do
to keep me there with you
is listen to the Father and always, obey.
For, it's then, I'll not be far away.
I'll be there to comfort you
when you are sad or you are blue.
It's really hard to hear me,
I come only in a whisper
so listen ever so closely,
for it's only then, you will hear the answer.
I am your earthly guide-
I'll help you find the way back home,
to the Father and the Son.
Come with me dear brother
(if it is a lady getting baptized you could change that brother to sister)
our journey has just begun.
~Author Mimi Hancock

A TINY LITTLE GIFT
A tiny little gift is placed in your hands
A gift so small, and yet, it fills us all.
A gift given-heart to heart
will stay with you always
and all you have to do
is continue down the path
that the Father so gently laid.
A tiny little gift; to comfort, to teach, to testify.
A tiny little gift-to guide you through life.
A tiny little gift; doesn't even have to be opened...
all you really have to do is listen.
A tiny little gift is placed in your hands
through the hands of the Priesthood;
the authority from God.
A tiny little gift; your constant companion.
A tiny little gift; your friend, your guide...
The Holy Ghost.
~Author Mimi Hancock

Here is a very generic program outline:

Presiding
Conducting
Chorister
Piano
Opening Hymn
Invocation/ Opening Prayer
Speaker on Baptism

Baptism of :

Musical Number
Speaker on Holy Ghost
Confirmation
Closing Song
Benediction/Closing Prayer