Lesson #2: Getting Started with the Help Center

I teach the Family History Sunday School class in our LDS Ward. These are the lessons that are taken from the Member's Guide to Temple and Family History Work. But I also add a bit to the lessons to create a more informative lesson to my students. I present them here on my blog to share this knowledge with everyone who can benefit from them. Thank you - Jill

Lesson #2: Getting Started with the Help Center

Remember that there are three things that will help you take your ancestors names to the temple:

1. Gather Information (from your own closets, families and online)

2. Record Information (use FamilyTree to record the information you have learned)

3. Perform Temple Ordinances (use FamilyTree to reserve names for the temple and then attend the temple)

FIRST VIDEO “Begin Your Family History” (3:24)

SECOND VIDEO “Follow the Spirit” (6:35)

This weeks videos. You will be able to view them right in your browser.

Here are the talks recommended for reading that will enrich the lesson:

• Boyd K. Packer, “The Candle of the Lord,” Ensign, Jan. 1983.

• “Holy Ghost,” in True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference.

• “Family History Work and Genealogy,” in True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference.

Navigating around FamilySearch

HELP OPTIONS: Give a man a fish, you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime… That is what the Help Center is all about. Teaching you how to use FamilySearch for a lifetime. All can be found in the Get Help portion of FamilySearch. Located in the upper right hand corner of FamilySearch.

Call Support: 1-866-406-1830

Email: support@familysearch.org

HELP CENTER or https://familysearch.org/ask/

Help and Learn, Call Us, Live Chat, In-Person Help and Send a Message. There is also Help and Learn Home, Product Support, Research Assistance, Getting Started Guides, Learning Center Video Courses and Research Wiki.

Fan Chart, Photos, Family Tree, Search, Indexing and Get Started. Click on each one to start to familiarize yourself with the site. It starts with navigation and knowing where to go for certain areas. Remember to Sign-In for a more personalized experience.

I have included in your packets a pedigree chart and family group record to help you to start recording the information you already know and to start interviewing your family members.  Click on the links below if you need to print additional copies:

Pedigree Charts  https://familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/images/b/bb/Pedigree_Chart.pdf

Family Group Records  https://familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/images/e/e0/Family_Group_Record.pdf

Here is also a link to the Family History Sunday School Manual.  This link includes the instructor & student manual with video presentations.  I would suggest you view them.  They are truly inspiring.  Here is the link: Member’s Guide to Temple and Family History Work.

Refer to your handout Ancestor's Sources Checklist in your packet.  It will give you some ideas on where to look for family history clues and documents.

HOMEWORK for next week:

Read over Lesson 3 for next week in your manuals, 'Gathering Information from Home'.  Prayerfully continue to think about what name(s) you want to take to the temple.

Follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost as you begin gathering family history information. Do the following:

• See what information you can find about families. Navigate around FamilySearch.org and be familiar with the different screens, including the Help Center, Pedigree and Fan Chart.

• Printing a family pedigree and one or more family group records for your family from the FamilySearch Internet site is not available at this time but will be coming shortly.

• View The Getting Started with your Family History videos, Step 1, Step 2, and Step 3.

1. Step 1. Discover Your Story
2. Step 2. Explore Your Family Tree
3. Step 3. Find Your Ancestors

• Use the ‘Get Help’ (access to that after you sign in, upper right hand corner) to navigate around and be familiar with both the Help Center, Product Support (FamilySearch Account, Temple, Searching Records, Indexing, Family Tree & Photos and Stories), Research Assistance, Getting Started and Learning Center. Remember that learning how to Get Help will help in the long run... be familiar with this area of the site so when questions arise, you will know to find them.

A few scriptures and quote to help you through your journey:

Doctrine and Covenants 8:2

“Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart.”

1 Nephi 4:6

“And I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do.”

“Set aside those things that don’t really matter in your life. Decide to do something that will have eternal consequences. Perhaps you have been prompted to look for ancestors but feel that you are not a genealogist. Can you see that you don’t have to be anymore? It all begins with love and a sincere desire... This is...a monumental effort of cooperation on both sides of the veil where help is given in both directions. It begins with love. Anywhere you are in the world, with prayer, faith, determination, diligence, and some sacrifice, you can make a powerful contribution. Begin now. I promise you that the Lord will help you find a way. And it will make you feel wonderful.” Richard G. Scott, Ensign, Nov. 1990.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Enjoy,

Jill Holmes