Dealing with Confinement and Connecting to Others Using FamilySearch
Contributed By Paul Nauta, FamilySearch Public Relations
FamilySearch livestreams are helping people connect on social media and be a part of a vibrant community to learn, share, and support each other during this time of isolation and increased social media consumption.
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FamilySearch has been exploring some fun and interesting ways to help individuals, families, and friends connect and deal with this difficult period of home confinements and social distancing. Here are a few ideas you can try.
Join FamilySearch Live
FamilySearch livestreams help people connect on social media and invites others to be a part of a vibrant community to learn, share, and support each other during this time of isolation and increased social media consumption. The livestreams deliver warm, welcoming, and informative content from FamilySearch featuring new guests every week.
The livestreams occur three times a week for the foreseeable future. You can find them on Instagram on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 a.m. MDT, and Facebook every Wednesday at 4 p.m. MDT.
Instagram Tuesday guests focus on connecting with living family members, storytelling, and the importance of journaling and record keeping during this unusual time.
Instagram Thursday features guests from FamilySearch. They share tips and tricks and answer patron questions live.
FaceBook Wednesdays are primarily focused on product and research tips and are targeted for a more advanced family history audience.
If you’ve missed any of the past events, you can catch up by watching them on the FamilySearch YouTube playlist.
Watch free Family History Webinars
Throughout April, free online classes will be offered to anyone who wants to attend. These classes include, but are not limited to:
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European Handwriting
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English Seminar
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England Non-Conformist Church Records
No registration for these class is required. Many sessions will also be recorded for later viewing.
For more classes being held this month, visit FamilySearch.
Explore Other Family Activities Online
Creating lasting memories doesn’t require tons of props or pre-planning. In fact, some of the best family activities are just a couple clicks away.
Whether alone, with friends, or family, here are a few ideas you can try.
Whether online or in person, you can use these simple activities and more on FamilySearch to create family memories and connect with family members in meaningful ways.
Work on Your Family History
Elder Dale G. Renlund promised “healing” blessings as we participate in the work of family history. Some of these blessings include:
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Increased understanding of the Savior and His atoning sacrifice
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Increased influence of the Holy Ghost to feel strength and direction for our own lives
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Increased faith, so that conversion to the Savior becomes deep and abiding
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Increased ability and motivation to learn and repent because of an understanding of who we are, where we come from, and a clearer vision of where we are going
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Increased refining, sanctifying, and moderating influences in our hearts
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Increased joy through an increased ability to feel the love of the Lord
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Increased family blessings, no matter our current, past, or future family situation or how imperfect our family tree may be
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Increased love and appreciation for ancestors and living relatives, so we no longer feel alone
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Increased power to discern that which needs healing and thus, with the Lord’s help, serve others
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Increased protection from temptations and the intensifying influence of the adversary
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Increased assistance to mend troubled, broken, or anxious hearts and make the wounded whole
Elder Renlund also promised that “if you have prayed for any of these blessings, participate in family history work. As you do so, your prayers will be answered” (“Family History and Temple Work: Sealing and Healing,” Apr. 2018 general conference.)
