Ask the Bishop Activity
Secretly wash the bishopric's cars.  After you wash them, put a note under their wiper that says: "Because of your faithfulness in serving in our ward, you will be blessed to "see" more clearly. Thanks for serving so lovingly."
Stump the Bishop by Celeste Casey
We had a great activity a couple of weeks ago. We had the Bishop's favorite dessert, strawberry shortcake, and the girls sat around and asked him questions. We also made a small poster with all (well most) of the girls' pictures on it and then they signed it around the border. Our Bishop loves basketball so I bought a $5 basketball and all the girls signed it. We blindfolded him and had him sit in a chair in the gym and then the girls ran in dribbling the basketball and screaming. It was kind of corny, but everyone seemed to love it. I cut the questions into strips and this gave them something to get them started. Several had questions of their own. (Joanne Perry)



These forms were created to make issuing a call more effective.  Review with the person being called, the  responsibilities their new calling will entail and then give them the paper upon leaving (which will have contact information for those serving in the organization they are being called to). 

Primary Teacher
Relief Society Teacher
Young Women Advisor/Teacher



Thank you bishop! (green)
Thank you bishop! (pink)
Thank you bishop! (purple)



Family Home Evening Lesson on Bishops by Deseret Book



Play a game to illustrate how we should follow the bishop. Choose a child to be the leader and have the rest of Primary follow his or her directions. When the leader says, “Bishop says,” the Primary takes one step forward. For example, the leader says, “Bishop says, ‘Pay your tithing.’ ” Or, “Bishop says, ‘Prepare for a mission.’ ” However, if the leader gives a direction without saying “Bishop says” first, the Primary stands still. For example: “Jump up and down.” Or, “Stomp your feet.” Children who move forward without being told “Bishop says” must return to the starting point. The first child to reach the leader becomes the next leader. (Idea taken from the September 2002 Friend Magazine)



Bishops Humor
 

Explain that one way we honor the bishop and other priesthood leaders is by calling them by their correct title. It is a sign of respect. Write the offices listed in Articles of Faith 1:6 on the chalkboard: apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists. Write the following titles on separate pieces of paper: elder, president, bishop, brother, and patriarch. Place the papers in random order on the chalkboard. Sing “The Sixth Article of Faith” (p. 126). As you get to each title, stop and have a child match the correct title to the office until all titles and offices are matched. Apostles are addressed as “Elder.” The prophet is called “President” because he is the President of the Church. A pastor is now called “bishop.” “Teacher” does not refer to a teacher in an auxiliary but to someone who holds that office in the priesthood; he should be called “Brother.” The Prophet Joseph Smith explained that evangelists are our patriarchs.  Write a letter from the Primary to the bishop to thank him for his service. Include a commitment from the children to keep the commandments and to live worthy to attend the temple. Have each child sign his or her name or draw a picture of himself or herself. (Idea taken from the September 2002 Friend Magazine)
What are the responsibilities of a bishop??



A wise bishop... - An idea for helping create reverence in Sacrament Meeting
All about the Bishop and his calling
Bishop Appreciation - I know a primary president who asked the bishops wife for one of his shoes (it was a surprise) then they filled the shoe with hugs and kisses and attached a card that said something like it hard to fill your shoes. (Paulette)
Bishop Appreciation Ideas
Bishop Candy Gram
Bishop Singing Time
Bishop's Birthday - We had the Primary chorister teach a month before his birthday the song "He's Our Bishop" We also bought a funny old tie at a thrift store and had the kids sign their name with fabric paint on the tie (we have a small primary) Or you could have each class do their own and present the bishop with a whole new wardrobe of ties. (Idea by Alison Lilburn)
Bishop's Birthday Idea - We made a Bishop's Storehouse... a basket filled with goodies for the bishopric to keep in the office and eat during their long hours of meetings and interviews. Every so often we'd go back in and fill it up. (Idea by Megan)
Bishop's Treat Bag

Chocolate for the Bishop's Wife Soul (2007 BYU Women's Conference)



(Sung to "Once there was a snowman")
"Once there was a bishop, bishop, bishop.
Once there was a bishop, tall, tall, tall!
He loved all the children, children, children
He loved all the children, small, small, small"



Bishop Get-to-Know You Questions



A Day With the Bishop
Bishop Thank You - I started by playing the song "when we're helping" and asked the kids to tell me what the main word was in this song (helping) and then played "Give said the little stream" and asked what the main idea was (giving). I wrote those on the board. Then we talked about when you are giving and helping you are serving.  I explained how there is someone in the ward that serves the most in the entire ward. This person is here almost every night of the week and comes in early on Sundays and cares about everyone. etc. It was the bishop and most of the kids guessed who it was. Then in the lesson it says to make flowers so ahead of time I had 100 flowers cut out and straws to tape on the back. And in their classes I asked them to make a flower then give it to the bishop on the way out and tell him thanks for serving our ward. They kids LOVED it and loved giving him the flowers. The bishop was so shocked. I left primary a few minutes early so I could watch his expression when he got all the flowers. (Idea by Rebecca Skinner)
"My sister in law gave me this idea and it worked very well as a sharing time. I had each of the brethren give me an outline of their profile on black paper. (usually done by tracing the shadow of the head like in grade school). I then mounted it on white paper. They also each gave me 15 or so facts about themselves (birth date, place, hobbies, mission etc.) During sharing time the kids had to match each of the tidbits of information to the profiles, and eventually figure out which member of the bishopric it was. It was a good way for all of us to get to know these men in a fun way." (Idea by Leslie in Idaho Falls, Idaho)
"We made a scrapbook calendar. We took pictures of each class and put a different class on each monthly page. We used scrapbook supplies,...i.e. die cuts, stickers, stamps, etc...And I must say it turned out really cute. I think the Bishop really appreciated it."  (Idea by Camille)



“How to Sustain Your Bishop,” Ensign, Mar. 1994, 23
The Mantle of a Bishop by Robert D. Hales



Tracking Sheets for Bishops - Jeanne Kluse created this one of a kind tracking sheet.  They are helpful for bishops to keep track of each youths progress, staying on top of interviews, seminary, Duty to God and YW Recognition Awards.  The first document is for Young Men and the second document is for Young Women.

  Check your church library to see if they have any of these videos...

Doctrine and Covenants and Church History Video Presentations - Caring for the Needy. President Thomas S. Monson speaks about the office of bishop and caring for the needy. Includes selections from the Videocassette Caring for the Needy.  8:55 min. (Video Clip 7)