LESSON: How do women and priesthood holders work together to build up the kingdom of God?

There is strength and great capacity in the women of this Church. There is leadership and direction, a certain spirit of independence, and yet great satisfaction in being a part of this, the Lord’s kingdom, and of working hand in hand with the priesthood to move it forward.Gordon B. Hinckley

Object Lesson - taken from a post on Sugardoodle.net ( I LOVE this site)Pass out the following two quotes and have the youth read them aloud.

"Sisters, some will try to persuade you that because you are not ordained to the priesthood, you have been shortchanged.  They are simply wrong, and they do not understand the gospel of Jesus Christ.  The blessings of the priesthood are available to every righteous man and woman.  We may all receive the Holy Ghost, obtain personal revelation, and be endowed in the temple, from which we emerge 'armed' with power.  The power of the priesthood heals, protects and inoculates all of the righteous against the powers of darkness.  Most significantly, the fullness of the priesthood contained contained in the highest ordinances of the house of the Lord can be received only by a man and woman together." - Sheri L. Dew

 "While we sometimes refer to priesthood holders as 'the priesthood', we must never forget that the priesthood is not owned by or embodied in those who hold it.  It is held in a sacred trust to be used for the benefit of men, women, and children alike." - Dallin H. Oaks 

Display a cup of water.  Ask the class how these two quotes can relate to a cup of water.
- The water represents the priesthood and the cup is the holder of the priesthood.  Anyone can drink from it.  The holder's job is to share it and the water benefits all, equally.  If anyone is thirsty, in need of a blessing or saving ordinance, they can drink at any time.  The most important thing about the priesthood (water) are the blessings that come from it, not who holds it.

*Remember, men can't bless themselves, they have to ask for blessings too

Interviews
I wanted the youth to have an active part of this lesson to try and understand personally how the priesthood holders and women in the church are able to work together.  I asked them to each interview one (active) priesthood holder and sister within the church and get their personal stories/testimonies and perspectives on how they have worked closely to fulfill their callings.  I then asked the youth to share what they learned.

Priesthood Ordinances vs. Priesthood Responsibilities

Priesthood ordinances are sacred acts given by God performed through the authority of the Priesthood. The ordinance should be: 

1. Performed in the name of Jesus Christ

2. Performed by the authority of the priesthood

3. Performed with any necessary procedures, such as using specified words or using consecrated oils

4. Authorized by the designated priesthood leader who holds the proper keys, if necessary

Examples:

Naming and blessing children, performing baptisms and confirmations, conferring the priesthood and ordaining to a priesthood office, blessing and passing the sacrament, administering to the sick, father's blessings and other blessings of comfort and counsel, temple ordinances and dedicating graves.

Priesthood responsibilities - define in class with the youth

Shared Responsibilities:

Building up the Kingdom of God - preaching gospel/missionary work

Welfare of Saints (Relief Society, Elder's Quorum)

Ward Council

Families - Family Home Evening, daily scripture study and family prayer

Temple Work

Home Teaching/Visiting Teaching

Callings - accepting and “Magnify your calling”

Conclusion

As youth, how can YOU work together as priesthood holders and young women to help in the building of the Kingdom of God?

Post-it Notes: Write one statement you learned about working together as priesthood holders and sisters and one question you still have. 
(These statements and questions will help guide the following week's lesson.)