LDS Apostle Sighting

LDS President Gordon B. Hinckley dies at age 97

2008-01-28T07:47:00.000-07:00

President Gordon B. Hinckley, who led The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through explosive growth during his more than 12 years as president, died 7 p.m. Sunday at home of causes incident to age, surrounded by family. He was 97.

http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,695247765,00.html

A highlight of General Conference

2007-04-01T02:44:00.000-06:00

Elder Robert D. Hales

2006-04-29T23:18:00.000-06:00

Elder Robert D. Hales, a member of the church's Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, encouraged this year's graduates of Brigham Young University to avoid going into debt.

Elder Hales told the crowd in the Marriott Center for Thursday's (April 27, 2006) commencement rites they should perform "plastic surgery" on their credit cards. Unless you can pay off the balance every month, he told graduates, the plastic cards should be cut up and discarded.

"If you had to go into debt to obtain your education, I encourage you to repay your debts as soon as possible," he said. "Then go forward with commitment not to finance on credit any item of any kind, except perhaps a house and vehicle that are well within your means."

Presiding Bishop H. David Burton

2006-04-29T23:06:00.000-06:00

In a luncheon, the United Way of Salt Lake on Wednesday, April 26, 2006, honored businesses and individuals that helped support the organization during the past year.

Presiding Bishop H. David Burton of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints received the day's most prestigious award, the United Way's compassionate leader of the year. In presenting the award, last year's winner, developer Kem Gardner, called Bishop Burton "a champion whose service to this community is unequaled and whose tireless efforts to help people of this community and their families is unsurpassed."

Elder Yoshihiko Kikuchi

2006-04-29T23:03:00.000-06:00

Elder Yoshihiko Kikuchi, a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy since 1977, shared words of encouragement and a powerful testimony during special meetings on April 20 with Korean and Japanese students at BYU-Hawaii.

Elder Kikuchi, the first native-born Japanese to be called as a General Authority, and his wife, Sister Toshiko Kikuchi, stopped over for the meetings in Laie en route to an stake conference assignment. He is currently serving in Salt Lake City, Utah, on the Church temple and curriculum committees, but previously was a member of the Asia North Area Presidency that includes Japan and the Korean peninsula, and also president of the Tokyo Temple and the Hawaii Honolulu Mission.

http://www.byuh.edu/whatsnew/index.jsp?whatID=4981

Elder Russell M. Nelson

2006-04-29T22:59:00.000-06:00

Elder Russell M. Nelson and 49 religious leaders from around the country have signed a letter that calls for a U.S. constitutional amendment to define marriage as a union between one man and one woman.

Elder Russell M. Nelson, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, signed on behalf of the LDS Church. The letter is intended to help sway the U.S. Senate, which is expected to vote in June on a resolution that calls for the marriage amendment.

http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,635202305,00.html

First Presidency

2006-04-29T22:54:00.000-06:00

Temple announced

Cebu, Philippines
April 29, 2006

Construction of a new temple in Cebu, Philippines, has been announced by the First Presidency. The announcement was made by a letter dated April 18 to Philippines priesthood leaders. The new temple will be the second for the Philippines and located in an area that will reduce travel for many of the members in the southern islands. Currently, 122 temples are operating in the Church, and an additional 10, including this one, have been announced for construction.

"We are confident this will be a blessing to the many faithful saints in this and surrounding areas who have had to travel long distances to enjoy the blessings of the temple," the letter stated. "Specific stakes to be included in the temple district will be announced at a later date."

The letter invited members who desire to contribute financially toward the construction of the temple to do so as their circumstances permit.

"In harmony with the spirit of the local unit budget allowance program, priesthood leaders should not conduct fund-raising efforts or establish assessments or goals for this purpose. "Members who would like to donate should simply indicate 'temple' on the 'other' line of the donation receipt. Wards will then transfer these funds to the nearest Presiding Bishopric Administrative Office on a monthly basis.

"We commend the saints for their devotion and faithfulness and are thankful for the blessings that will come to them through the construction of this new temple."

http://www.desnews.com/cn/view/1,1721,445005995,00.html

Elder Harold G. Hillam

2006-04-12T20:07:00.000-06:00

Elder Harold G. Hillam, an emeritus member of the First Quorum of the Seventy and current president of the Boise Idaho Temple, addressed Brigham Young University–Idaho students during devotional on Tuesday, April 4 about the importance of the temple.

Elder Russell M. Nelson

2006-04-12T19:38:00.000-06:00

Elder Russell M. Nelson, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was married in the Salt Lake Temple on Thursday, April 6, to Wendy Watson, a professor of marriage and family therapy at Brigham Young University.

http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,635197769,00.html

General Conference

2006-03-29T18:59:00.000-07:00

(SALT LAKE CITY, UT, March 29, 2006) - Gordon B. Hinckley, the 95 year-old leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will address the 12 million members of the Church in five "General Conference" sessions on April 1 and 2. President Hinckley along with other top church leaders will deliver their remarks via satellite transmission from Salt Lake City, Utah.

Church members around the globe will take part in the meetings by attending local church buildings or even in their own homes via the Internet at http://www.lds.org/ or via the BYUTV television station.

The four conference sessions will air from 10 am to 12 noon and 2 to 4 pm (Mountain Time) on both Saturday and Sunday, April 1 and 2. A general priesthood session will also be held for all priesthood holders Saturday evening at 6 pm Mountain Time.

In addition to the inspirational spoken messages, the world-renowned Mormon Tabernacle Choir will provide the music at the conference sessions. The talks will be simultaneously translated into over 50 languages for broadcast around the world. A likely theme of the conference will be finding peace and happiness by living gospel principles and by having faith in Jesus Christ.

During his 11 years as president of the Church, Gordon B. Hinckley has guided it through a period of dynamic growth, with membership now more than a third higher than it was when he assumed leadership in 1995. Despite his age and a recent bout with cancer, he maintains a vigorous schedule, including a recent trip to Santiago, Chile for a temple dedication. His remarks are typically the most-anticipated part of the semi-annual conference. In closing the most recent conference last October, he referred to the meetings as “an inspirational feast at the table of the Lord.”

http://www.ldstoday.com/home/level2/2006-03-29conference.php

Elder Merrill C. Oaks

2006-03-29T18:21:00.000-07:00

A Family Expo will be April 3-4 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Brigham Young University conference center. The aim of the conference is to strengthen family ties.

Elder Merrill C. Oaks, a former member of the Second Quorum of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will speak at the expo. Other speakers include Josephine Ann C. Oaks, Mary Ellen Edmunds, John Bytheway, Paula Fellingham, Mindy Gledhil and Daniel K. Judd.

First Presidency

2006-03-27T22:58:00.000-07:00

On March 17, 2006, President Gordon B. Hinckley and his counselors joined Relief Society General President Bonnie D. Parkin in a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the historic Relief Society Building in Salt Lake City.

Commemorating the upcoming 50th anniversary of the dedication of the building and celebrating the completion of a months-long renovation project, President Hinckley and Sister Parkin used silver scissors to cut a gold ribbon hanging in a doorway between the Presidents' Room and the Reception Room on the ground floor of the white stone and marble building.

Accompanying President Hinckley at the ceremony were his counselors in the First Presidency, President Thomas S. Monson and President James E. Faust. Also present were several members of the Quorum of the Twelve, other Church leaders, and current and former auxiliary leaders.

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin

2006-03-27T22:52:00.000-07:00

Elder Wirthlin recognized for life of contributions

March 18, 2006

The University of Utah Alumni Association honored Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the Twelve with its Distinguished Alumni award Feb. 22.

The award, given to graduates who have "distinguished themselves professionally, served the local and national communities, and supported the university in its mission," is the highest honor the alumni association can bestow, said Mary Thiriot, senior event coordinator for the association. Each recipient is nominated from a pool of more than 200,000 living alumni worldwide.

Elder Wirthlin was recognized for his work as the first chairman of the Church's Humanitarian Service Committee. In addition, Elder Wirthlin, a former Ute running back, was recognized as a "lifelong supporter of Utah football," according to the alumni association Web site.

The awards were presented at a dinner held at the Little America Hotel in downtown Salt Lake City during the university's Founders' Day 2006 events. As part of the events, Elder Wirthlin and Garry Flake, director of Church Emergency Response, discussed the humanitarian efforts of the Church during a lecture Feb. 22 hosted by the Bennion Service Center.

General YW Meeting

2006-03-27T22:28:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, March 25, 2006, the Church had its General Young Women meeting. Among those who spoke included President Faust, Sister Susan W. Tanner, general president of the Young Women, Sister Julie B. Beck, first counselor in the Young Women presidency, and Sister Elaine S. Dalton, second counselor.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

2006-03-27T22:15:00.000-07:00

On February 23, 2006, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles dedicated the Lao People's Democratic Republic for the work of the gospel.

A small group of local Latter-day Saints, humanitarian missionaries, and visiting Church leaders were in attendance as Elder Holland invoked God's blessings upon the people of Laos. He prayed that the government, its leaders, the Laotian people, and the entire land would be blessed with peace.

Elder Holland was accompanied on his visit to Laos and other Asian nations by his wife, Patricia. Also traveling with them were Elder Donald L. Hallstrom of the Seventy, First Counselor in the Asia Area Presidency; his wife, Diane; President Scott F. Hansen of the Thailand Bangkok Mission; and his wife, Suzanne.

Elder James E. Faust

2006-03-27T22:11:00.000-07:00

As reported by the Deseret News, the Brigham Young University Management Society on Wednesday March 22, 2006 honored President Faust, second counselor in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' First Presidency, with its annual award as family, church officials, business leaders and educators celebrated a man who, as Management Society Utah Valley Chapter president Marc Arnoldsen said, has given "many years of distinguished leadership and service in our community."

Elder Paul E. Koelliker

2006-03-27T22:07:00.000-07:00

Elder Paul E. Koelliker, a member of the First Quorum of Seventy, was in Ridgecrest, CA over the weekend of March 11-12, 2006 to set apart a new stake presidency.

New Mission Presidents

2006-03-27T21:59:00.000-07:00

Every July, a whole new crop of mission presidents begin their three year service. This July, there are 108 new mission presidents. This lds.org article describes some of the preparation these couples go through prior to formally entering the MTC and the mission field.

Elder Quentin L. Cook

2006-03-27T21:56:00.000-07:00

Elder Quentin L. Cook, a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy, addressed Brigham Young University–Idaho students during his devotional address on Tuesday, March 14 about strengthening faith through seeking knowledge.

Elder Stephen A. West

2006-03-27T21:54:00.000-07:00

Elder Stephen A. West, former member of the Second Quorum of the Seventy, stressed the importance of paying tithing in his Brigham Young University–Idaho devotional address on Tuesday, March 7.

President Gordon B. Hinckley

2006-03-27T21:50:00.000-07:00

During the weekend of March 11 - 13, 2006, Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley was in Santiao, Chile to rededicate the Santiago, Chile temple.

First Presidency

2006-02-12T17:53:00.000-07:00

The First Presidency issued the following press release regarding Archbishop George H. Niederauer:

Archbishop George H. Niederauer, a Faithful Friend
A Message from the First Presidency
7 February 2006

SALT LAKE CITY — From time to time, we are blessed with religious leaders whose influence transcends denominational boundaries to lift and inspire people of all faiths. Archbishop George H. Niederauer is such a leader.

His exemplary service will long be remembered not only by the Catholic faithful of the Diocese of Salt Lake City but also by many others among all religions in Utah. Government officials and leaders of community agencies will also reflect with gratitude on his labors to make life better in the cities and towns of our state.

He is a man of quick wit and good humor, unyielding integrity and immense capacity. Above all, he is our friend. His presence in Salt Lake City will be greatly missed as he answers the call to shepherd the work of the Catholic Church in San Francisco, northern California, Utah and Nevada.

Ecclesiasticus wrote, “A faithful friend is a strong defense: and he that hath found such an one hath found a treasure.” Archbishop Niederauer has been a faithful, treasured friend in defending all that is good, those values and virtues which the Apostle Paul described as true, honest, just, pure, lovely and of good report.

In an environment where religion is sometimes used as an excuse to divide, he always led with a voice of respect and common decency. With wisdom and compassion, he reached out in meaningful, heartfelt ways to help us better understand one another.

Especially noteworthy were his tireless efforts as a founding member of the Alliance for Unity, a leadership group committed to improving relationships within Utah’s increasingly diverse population. He has a gift for bringing people with differing views into harmonious agreement. He builds consensus and cooperation through patience, humor, kindness and meekness.

Through many community initiatives, he demonstrated his sound judgment, sharp mind and gentle stewardship. His leadership was the catalyst to bring together religious, community and law enforcement leaders to fight pornography addiction.

His sincere concern and compassion for the disadvantaged, regardless of religious affiliation, is readily apparent in the hands-on assistance he has given personally and in the relief work he has directed through Catholic Community Services. It has been our privilege to cooperate with him on a number of these humanitarian projects.

Archbishop Niederauer, a faithful friend, will be dearly missed. We know that many will be blessed in the Archdiocese of San Francisco by his able leadership and caring service. Our prayers, love and best wishes go with him.

THE FIRST PRESIDENCY
Gordon B. Hinckley
Thomas S. Monson
James E. Faust

http://www.lds.org/newsroom/showrelease/0,15503,3881-1-22898,00.html

Sister Cheryl C. Lant

2006-02-12T17:42:00.000-07:00

Cheryl C. Lant, general president of the Primary organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will speak Tuesday, February 14, 2006 at 11:05 a.m. in the Marriott Center for a Brigham Young University campus devotional.

Lant was sustained as the 11th general president of the Primary in April 2005. Live broadcasts are available on KBYU-TV Channel 11, BYU-Television, KBYU-FM 89.1, BYU-Radio and byubroadcasting.org.

http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,635183319,00.html

Elder John B. Dickson

2006-02-12T17:40:00.000-07:00

Elder John B. Dickson, a member of the First Quorum of Seventy, presided over the Beaumont Texas Stake conference on Febraury 11-12, 2006.

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin

2006-02-12T17:36:00.000-07:00

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin presided over stake conference at the Taylorsville West (Utah) Stake on February 4-5, 2006.

Elder W. Rolfe Kerr

2006-02-12T17:19:00.000-07:00

Elder W. Rolfe Kerr of the Seventy gave the CES fireside to young adults ages 18-30 on Sunday, Feb. 5.

Elder David A. Bednar

2006-02-12T17:17:00.000-07:00

Elder David A. Bednar gave a worldwide fireside to Church Educational System employees on Friday, Feb. 3, 2006.

President Gordon B. Hinckley

2006-02-12T17:16:00.000-07:00

Recovering well, hoping to travel

While recovering at home from surgery, President Gordon B. Hinckley has been conducting meetings with his counselors in the First Presidency, President Thomas S. Monson, first counselor, and President James E. Faust, second counselor. President Hinckley returned home from the hospital Jan. 30, after having undergone surgery Jan. 24 to remove a cancerous growth in the large intestine. He looks forward to resuming his usual schedule soon, and hopes to preside over the rededication of the Santiago Chile Temple on March 12.

http://www.desnews.com/cn/view/1,1721,445005519,00.html

Elder Todd Christofferson

2006-02-12T17:12:00.000-07:00

Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Presidency of the Quorum of the Seventy spoke at a BYU devotional on Jan. 31, 2006.

President Boyd K. Packer

2006-01-30T20:51:00.000-07:00

With little advance notice, 2,200 young adults gathered Jan. 20, 2006 in Guatemala City for a historic fireside by President Boyd K. Packer, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve, and Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Presidency of the Seventy.

President Packer was also accompanied by Elders Spencer V. Jones and W. Douglas Shumway of the Seventy, who are the president and first counselor of the Central America Area, as well as Elders Nelson Altamirano and Poloski Cordon, Area Seventies.

President Gordon B. Hinckley

2006-01-30T20:48:00.000-07:00

Church spokeswoman Kim Farah said that although President Gordon B. Hinckley remains hospitalized, his attending physicians’ note that his progress is good and it is anticipated he will soon be released from the hospital.

Elder W. Rolfe Kerr

2006-01-30T20:43:00.000-07:00

There seems to be conflicting information on the Church websites about the CES fireside scheduled for February 5, 2006. Here, ldsces.org states that Elder W. Rolfe Kerr will be speaking. However, here, the Church states that M. Russell Ballard will be speaking.

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

2006-01-30T20:36:00.000-07:00

Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Presidency of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will speak at a Brigham Young University campus devotional on Tuesday, January 31, 2006, at 11:05 a.m. in the Marriott Center.

Elder L. Tom Perry

2006-01-30T20:33:00.000-07:00

Elder L. Tom Perry, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, spoke at the Brigham Young University-Idaho devotional Tuesday, January 24. He counseled listeners to remain strong in the gospel in spite of the ever-changing values in the world.

President Gordon B. Hinckley

2006-01-30T20:26:00.000-07:00

LDS Church President Gordon B. Hinckley was hospitalized Tuesday, January 24, 2006, after doctors discovered and removed a cancerous growth in his large intestine.

Elder L. Tom Perry

2006-01-15T23:50:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, January 11, 2006, LDS Apostle L. Tom Perry Jr. told an overflow crowd at the dedication of the newly refurbished 124-year-old Cache County (Utah) courthourse, on the corner of 200 North and Main Street in Logan that this event was remarkable - and not only because it marked the preservation of the community's pioneer heritage.

The 124-year-old Cache County Courthouse in the heart of downtown Logan on the corner of 200 North and Center Street was refurbished for $2.5 million and unveiled Wednesday afternoon. The courthouse was designed in 1882 by Truman Angell, Jr., who also built the Logan Temple and tabernacle buildings. It is is the oldest building in the historical territory of Deseret Ð from the Sierra Nevadas to the Continental Divide to Southern California - to have been in constant governmental use.

The article mentioned that "two old friends, named after fathers L. Tom Perry Sr. and Newel Daines Sr., were reunited for the dedication of the Cache County Courthouse Wednesday in the very room where, as young children, they watched their fathers practice law - often on opposite sides of a case."

Elder Richard G. Scott

2006-01-15T22:40:00.000-07:00

Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve was in Provo, UT at the MTC on January 10, 2006 during the first day of the 2006 Seminar for New Missionary Training Center Presidents and Visitors Center Directors.

Elder Richard G. Scott emphasized the importance of Preach My Gospel as he taught them about their responsibilities and how they should coordinate with other leaders with whom they will be working.

First Presidency

2006-01-15T22:33:00.000-07:00

As stated in the Church News:

"The First Presidency wishes to convey their gratitude to those who have sent letters, cards, and mementos to the Office of the First Presidency sharing their experiences and testimonies resulting from reading the Book of Mormon before the end of 2005. The Brethren regret that they are unable to respond personally to these letters but express their sincere gratitude that so many have been blessed as a result of this effort."

Elder Richard G. Scott

2006-01-15T22:07:00.000-07:00

The Church recently announced that members have been provided with a new way to share the gospel using pass-along cards. Those who have businesses, offices, or stores frequented by the public can now display pass-along cards using new upright displays that are available for purchase through Church distribution centers.

Elder Richard G. Scott, a member Quorum of the Twelve apostles and a member of the Missionary Executive Council, said: “We have found that pass-along cards are an easy way for members to invite those who are not of our faith to learn more about the restored gospel. They are an effective tool for members and missionaries all across the world. We anticipate that these displays will make pass-along cards more readily available to those who would be blessed by hearing the gospel.”

President Gordon B. Hinckley

2006-01-15T21:59:00.000-07:00

Sometime during the week of January 1-7, 2006, Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley attended the annual Deseret Morning News Board of Directors Holiday Dinner. Reporter Jerry Johnson of the Deseret Morning News, and Mr. Johnston's wife, had the wonderful (random) opportunity to sit by Pres. Hinckley while they ate.

This delightful article shares some of the dinner conversation shared between the Johnstons and Pres. Hinckley.

One of my favorite sections of the article was the following:

"At one point the conversation turned to high school. I asked President Hinckley if he'd played sports. He said, 'no.' I asked if he performed in high school plays. 'No,' he said.

"I asked what he'd done in high school.

"There was a twinkle. 'I went to school,' he said."

Elder Cecil O. Samuelson

2006-01-15T21:41:00.000-07:00

President Samuelson (President of BYU and general authority) is getting around. Two days after he spoke to the students at BYU in Provo, he did a devotional for the students at BYU-Hawaii. The devotional at BYU-Hawaii occurred on Thursday, January 12, 2006.

Elder Cecil O. Samuelson

2006-01-15T21:31:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, January 10, 2006, Elder Cecil O. Samuelson and his wife welcomed BYU students back from Christmas vacation at the Marriott Center during the first devotional of the new semester, which began Monday.

His message was that wisdom and a healthy self-esteem should be qualities cultivated by Brigham Young University students.

President Gordon B. Hinckley and Elder M. Russell Ballard

2006-01-10T23:11:00.000-07:00

President Gordon B. Hinckley of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints spoke at today's funeral for Elder Morgan Young. He was the missionary killed in Virginia last week. Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles also spoke.

Elder Cecil O. Samuelson

2006-01-10T23:00:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, January 8, 2006, Elder Cecil O. Samuelson, BYU University President and a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy, presided over and spoke at a 40 minute sacrament meeting at the BYU Wilkinson Center with several BYU football recruits (and their families) present. BYU conditioning coach, Jay Omer, conducted the meeting. Two current football players also spoke at the meeting.

Member of the First Presidency and Elder M. Russell Ballard

2006-01-07T15:05:00.000-07:00

Elder M. Russell Ballard of the LDS Church's Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and a member of the church's First Presidency will speak at the funeral of Elder Morgan W. Young, the missionary that was shot and killed in the Deep Creek area of Chesapeake, Va. while serving his mission.

The funeral for Morgan Young will be held at noon Tuesday, January 10, 2006 at the Bountiful 31st Ward, 585 E. Center St., Bountiful, Utah.

Elder M. Russell Ballard

2006-01-07T14:55:00.000-07:00

Elder M. Russell Ballard was interviewed on Friday, January 6, 2005, by the Deseret Morning News in Salt Lake City regarding the recent missionary deaths.

The slaying of Elder Morgan W. Young on Monday in Chesapeake, Va., and the deaths of two LDS missionaries in New Zealand Friday prompted Elder Ballard to discuss missionary safety with members of the news media Friday afternoon.

President Cammon Arrington

2006-01-07T08:28:00.000-07:00

Cammon Arrington, president of the California Santa Rosa Mission, reported that all missionaries, members, and facilities belonging to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in California are reported safe after more than 10 days of storms, mudslides, and severe flooding.

The string of storms claimed two lives, caused damages topping $200 million and left 7 counties in California in a state of emergency, with 16 more declared as disaster areas.

LDS Church Statement

2006-01-04T21:17:00.000-07:00

Church Expresses Sympathy in Missionary Incident

4 January 2006

SALT LAKE CITY — The Church released the following statement following the tragic death of one of its missionaries and the wounding of another in Chesapeake, Virginia, on Monday, 2 January 2005:

“We are deeply saddened at the death of Elder Morgan Winslow Young. Our hearts reach out in sympathy, love and appreciation to his parents, family members and friends at this difficult time. We pray that they will find peace and comfort in the promises of the Lord concerning those who give their lives in His service.

“We have been heartened by the many expressions of sympathy and regret by the good people of Virginia who join with us in mourning his loss.“We likewise express our sympathy and love for Elder Joshua Dirk Heidbrink, who sustained serious injuries in the same incident. We are grateful that his life was spared and pray for his complete recovery.

“We assure those currently serving missions or who are contemplating missionary service that the Church will continue to make every effort to safeguard the health and safety of missionaries throughout the world.”

M. Russell Ballard

2006-01-03T17:36:00.000-07:00

A CES Fireside for Young Adults will be transmitted over the Church satellite system on February 5, 2006, with subsequent rebroadcasts to many areas of the world. The speaker will be Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The broadcast will originate from the Marriott Center on the Brigham Young University campus.

President Gordon B. Hinckley

2005-12-26T09:53:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, December 23, 2005, while in Sharon, VT for the commemoration of the 200th year of Joseph Smith's birth, President Hinckley was joined by one of his sons, six of his grandchildren and two great-grandchildren when he paid an early visit to the 38 1/2-foot monument built for Smith. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints built and dedicated the monument -- one foot of granite for each year of his life -- in 1905.

Elder W. Rolfe Kerr

2005-12-21T21:29:00.000-07:00

Elder W. Rolfe Kerr, Commissioner of the Church Educational System and a member of The First Quorum of the Seventy, accompanied Elder Packer to the BYU-Hawaii commencement and told the graduates they had the opportunity to study at a "special institution that was created under prophetic vision."

First Presidency

2005-12-21T20:36:00.000-07:00

Bishop George Niederauer, currently the Bishop of the Utah Archdiocese of the Catholic Church, who is about to become the new Archbishop of San Francisco, was congratulated by the First Presidency on his new assignment.

President Boyd K. Packer

2005-12-21T20:32:00.000-07:00

President Boyd K. Packer, Acting President of The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was in Laie, Hawaii on December 17, 2005 giving a commencement address to over 250 BYU-Hawaii graduates.

Elder Packer used some of his own experiences in the Pacific 60 years ago to emphasize the increasing need for personal revelation in modern times.

Presidents James E. Faust and Thomas S. Monson

2005-12-21T20:26:00.000-07:00

As mentioned below, President Hinckley will be in Vermont for the fireside celebrating the bicentennial anniversary of the birth of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Friday, December 23.

The rest of the First Presidency, President Thomas S. Monson, First Counselor, and President James E. Faust, Second Counselor, will be at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City.

Elder F. Arthur Kay

2005-12-18T19:30:00.000-07:00

Elder F. Arthur Kay, 89, a former member of the First and Second Quorum of the Seventy, died Dec. 13, 2005, in Kirkland, Wash.

President Gordon B. Hinckley

2005-12-18T19:12:00.000-07:00

The television broadcast celebrating Joseph Smith's birthday will originate from the Joseph's birthplace, Sharon, Vermont, on Friday, December 23, 2005. President Gordon B. Hinckley will be at the Vermont site. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir will provide music from the church's conference center in Salt Lake City.

Elder J. W. Marriott, Jr.

2005-12-18T14:03:00.000-07:00

Elder J.W. Marriott, Jr. conducted the Christmas light ceremony on November 30, 2005 at the Washington D.C. Temple.

Elder Monte J. Brough

2005-12-18T13:22:00.000-07:00

Elder Monte J. Brough of the Presidency of the Seventy and Church Education System Administrator Roger Christensen were the featured speakers during fall graduation at Brigham Young University-Idaho on Friday, Dec. 16.

Elders Michael J. Teh and Edgardo E. Fernando

2005-12-12T19:52:00.000-07:00

Members of the Third Quorum of the Seventy (Phillipines Area) Elder Michael J. Teh and Elder Edgardo E. Fernando, were interviewed on December 11, 2005 regarding the Christmas lights on the Manila Phillipines temple.

Sister Susan W. Tanner

2005-12-12T19:44:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, Dec. 8, 2005, Southern Virginia University was privileged to host John & Susan Tanner who visited campus as special guest speakers. Dr. John S. Tanner is the Vice-President of Academics at Brigham Young University, and Sister Susan W. Tanner is General Young Women's President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Donald J. Butler

2005-12-11T12:09:00.000-07:00

Donald J. Butler, member of the Fifth Quorum of the Seventy (Utah South area), was mentioned in an article by the Deseret News regarding the assistance of the LDS Church of local food drives in the Salt Lake area.

Elder Alexander Morrison

2005-12-10T20:33:00.000-07:00

International Conference on Prejudice and Conflict was conducted in Salt Lake City last week. At the conference, Elder Alexander Morrison, executive director of the local Alliance for Unity and an emeritus general authority of the LDS Church, opined that Utah's religious divide is not really about religion, but about power and who wields it. Below is a picture of Elder Morrison:

Elder Gary J. Coleman and D. Chad Richardson

2005-12-10T20:06:00.000-07:00

Elder Gary J. Coleman (member of the First Quorum) and D. Chad Richardson (member of the Sixth Quorum, North America Southwest Area) were at the Friendswood, Texas Stake on the weekend of December 3-4, 2005 selecting a new stake presidency.

The new Stake President is Jonathan S. Schmitt, an attorney practicing with the law firm of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP in Houston, TX.

Elder Russell M. Nelson

2005-12-08T18:33:00.000-07:00

Elder Russell M. Nelson spoke at the Orem Institue of Religion on the campus of UVSC on November 18, 2005. He spoke about the importance of families and how this will be the first Christmas without his wife, who passed away earlier this year.

Lagos Nigeria West Stake President Charles Oyewole

2005-12-07T18:36:00.000-07:00

Although it doesn't appear any general authority attended this event, Lagos Nigeria West Stake President Charles Oyewole, attended an event where the Church was congratulated for its humanitarian service to the Nigerian people.

Elder Sheldon F. Child

2005-12-07T18:26:00.000-07:00

Elder Sheldon F. Child, a member of the First Quorum of Seventy, was in Accra, Ghana on December 6, 2005 for the Christmas lighting program at the Accra, Ghana temple.

Elder Robert C. Oaks

2005-12-07T18:16:00.000-07:00

On December 1, 2005, Elder Robert C. Oaks, a member of the Presidency of the Seventy, spoke at a news conference in Salt Lake City and gave a statement in support of World AIDS Day.

Schedule of General Authorities during Christmas season

2005-12-06T21:15:00.000-07:00

So who knows the Christmas season schedule for the apostles and general authorities? Do they get the week off? What are your thoughts? Anyone have any first-hand visual experience with this?

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

2005-12-05T22:58:00.000-07:00

Elder Ronald A. Rasband gave a fireside to the students at LDS Business College on November 30, 2005.

First Presidency Devotional

2005-12-05T22:19:00.000-07:00

Last night was the First Presidency Devotional. Of course, the entire First Presidency was there, along with most other general church officials.

There was much emphasis on the Book of Mormon and its testimony of Christ.

Besides the inspiring words from the speakers was an interesting event immediately before the devotional began.

It went unnoticed by many, but some lady, right as Pres. Hinckley stood up to begin the meeting, stood up, shouted something about her being a descendant of Joseph Smith, and him allegedly being a false prophet, blah, blah, blah.

In the corner of the screen, you could see church security pounce on her immediately.

News reports say that church security immediately determined she had no weapon, and was handed off to city police. The police charged her with a couple of misdemeanor and let her go.

She told the police she had missing pages of the Book of Mormon that she meant to deliver to Pres. Hinckley. I got the impression the police thought this lady was a bit senile.

Although last night's episode was pretty minor, it brings back memories of Cody Judy and the Marriot Center incident where Judy said he had a bomb and asked Pres. Hunter to read a statement annointing Judy as Prophet.