(by Kim Bode in Champaign Third Ward, Illinois)
We are one of the wards that do birthday coupons and they work well.
Whoever has a birthday is presented with a coupon in closing exercises (we also sing a birthday song)…they are reminded to go to the bishop’s office and reverently knock or wait at the door for the bishop when church is over. I took the words from some of the birthday songs in the Primary Songbook….”You’ve had a birthday, shout Hooray!” Redeem this coupon at the bishop’s office for a handshake and treat. Signed,_____ or… “This month is such a special one, it’s birthday time for you!” (I’m sure you get the idea…) To make things easier, I provided the bishop with the treats (air head taffy from Sam’s Club or Costco is pretty inexpensive, or I’ve bought candy the day after Halloween like individually wrapped licorice…) I’ve found the treat is not as important as the special recognition coming from the bishop, in fact when our bishop is out of town, the children save their coupon until the next week, even when a bishopric member offers to redeem.
I thought this was a great idea, so I have made a couple different coupons.
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