How to Build Zion in Student Apartments
Teach students how to build Zion in their apartments. Help them understand ways they can invite light into their lives by living the gospel principles.
Step 1: Ponder
Step 2: Discuss
Step 3: Activity
Step 4: Invite & Follow-up
Step 1: Ponder
Step 2: Discuss
Step 3: Activity
Step 4: Invite & Follow-up
Preparation
In preparation for this meeting, read and answer the following:
- The Prophet Brigham Young declared, "I have Zion in my view constantly. We are not going to wait for angels, or for Enoch and his company to come and build up Zion, but we are going to build it" ("Building Up and Adornment of Zion By the Saints," Journal of Discourses, Volume 9(56),
pp. 282-285). - How can you help your residents see the benefit of building Zion in their apartments?
Discussion Options
Select one of the three options below to lead residents in a group discussion. This discussion will help residents identify how they can build Zion in their own apartments. As you prepare, consider additional questions that will enhance the discussion. Remember to allow residents time to think and participate.
Building Zion
Read Moses 7:18-19 and discuss the following questions and quote:
- After reading the verses, what should Zion look like in your apartment?
- Collectively, as roommates, what do you need to do today to build Zion in your apartment?
- Share the following quote: "Zion is Zion because of the character, attributes, and faithfulness of her citizens. . . . We cannot wait until Zion comes for these things to happen - Zion will come only as they happen" (Elder D. Todd Christofferson, "Come To Zion").
- Some roommates may not have an interest in having Zion in their apartment or prioritizing roommate relationships. What can a resident do to build Zion in this situation?
Apartment of Light
Watch the video and discuss the following questions:
- What principles did you observe the residents practicing in this that contribute to Zion?
- How can an apartment be righteously unified and guided by the Holy Ghost when so many differences exist among roommates?
- If your roommates don't understand the value of an apartment filled with light, how can you help them?
- When conflict and/or contention occurs, what can you do to restore the light in the apartment?
Principles of Zion
Watch the video and discuss the following questions:
- Why is it important to take ownership of building Zion?
- What can roommates who are struggling to get along do to build Zion in their apartment?
- Share practical ways you and your roommates can implement the principles of Zion together in your apartment.
Work Together to Build Zion
The following activity is intended to help residents work together using the principles they have discussed to see how they can “build Zion.”
- Break into small groups and provide each group with the same building materials of your choice (some examples are: basic wooden blocks, marshmallows & toothpicks, etc.). Have them compete in a timed race to see which group can build the tallest structure without it collapsing.
- At the conclusion of the activity, invite residents to share what they learned.
Establish Zion in Your Apartment
Invite everyone to have an apartment council to discuss with their roommates how they want to establish Zion in their own apartments. Follow up in person, email, or text about what they established.