Give Thanks...For The Primary Program

 Today, I almost stayed home from Sacrament Meeting because we have a few family members recuperating from various issues. When I checked the chorister schedule this morning, I forgot that I was scheduled to conduct the music today. 

I'm glad I decided to go.

It was the annual Primary program.

If you're unfamiliar with the our religion, we have an organization that focuses on children ages three to twelve. It's call the Primary. Around this time of year the congregations have one meeting dedicated to the kids. They give short (very short...) talks--sometimes only a sentence or even less--and they sing their little hearts out. I sat on the front row and got to see the program close up. Since my children graduated from Primary, I haven't been as interested in the program. Today, it was just magical.

I'll bet I could be in any Primary program across the world and feel the same thing. I might not understand the words, but I would definitely recognize the spirit that surrounds those children. I'm sure every Primary program would have the embarrassed few, the children searching for their parents/grandparents/siblings, and those amazing souls who stand as tall as possible and belt out the songs regardless of whether or not they can hit the note. 

Pure wonder.

Pure innocence.

Perfection.

The picture above is a visual depiction of the First Primary founded in Farmington, Utah in 1878. The mural is in the Memorial Rock Church in the building where I grew up. Every Sunday I saw that painting, memorized faces, studied the poses and the expressions on that wall. Just seeing it brings back a flood of memories.

Today, I along with everyone else in the hall, felt that special feeling that can only come from children. I'm thankful I decided to go this morning. I'm thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the program...part of the congregation. I'm thankful for the Primary program.

Missed One Of My Favorite Programs...The Primary Program

 A week ago, our congregation turned the program over to the children. The children's organization within the church is called Primary. So, last Sunday was the Primary Program. 

It's one of my favorite programs of the year.

Too bad I missed it.

Because of a Halloween gig I'm currently involved in, I am missing church, even though I get to watch part of the broadcast from home. I'll be able to go back after October. They usually do the Primary Program in the fall...just my luck.

So, what is a Primary Program?

Basically, the children in the congregation sing and give short talks--some, only a few words long. If you can't enjoy watching the most precious among us stand in front of parents, friends, and extended family, then, something's wrong.

All our children participated in Primary Programs over the years. They're all long removed from the days when they filled the choir seats and looked at us all the while we looked at them. Memories of watching our own kids came back. I remember one program looking up and seeing not my son's face, but his feet as he was inverted in his chair.

Good times.

Of course, as parents, friends, and extended family, it's fun to watch. For the adults in charge of the program, I'm sure they love it, too, and I'm sure they love having it be over for another year. It's one of the best and most spiritual meetings we have. Glad I was able to watch.

The Annual Primary Program...

If you live in my neighborhood and you've ever had a child between the ages of 3 and 11, chances are you know what I'm talking about...that one program in church when the children take over. Yes, I'm talking about...

The Primary Program.

Today was that day. This year, we had but one child participating in the Primary program. The last time that happened was back in 2001. Our youngest is the only one left in Primary...our last.

 

For those of you unfamiliar with the program, the church instruction for children ages 3 to 11 is called Primary and once a year the Primary puts on the church program. Basically, each child gets a chance to say a few words over the pulpit in between songs. This particular event brings out grandparents by the minivan full. We sat in the congregation and watched our lone youngster--he was highly entertaining (thank goodness for patient Sunday school teachers...).

When you're dealing with little kids, anything can happen. Even when things go smoothly, anticipating the possibility of spontaneity keeps us all watching. And when it's all said and done, the ones most relieved are not the kids or their parents, but the adults in charge--the leaders, the teachers, and those in charge of the music. It's an exhausting experience to be in charge of such a production. I'm sure they'll sleep well tonight. They all did a great job.