LDS News/Around the Church

Peoria Stake Pitches In to Help Others

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

Members of the Peoria Arizona North Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently combined two community service projects into one large project to benefit the city of Peoria as well as a food bank in Avondale and the Waste Not food collection agency.

Christmas on Temple Square Celebrates Birth of Christ, Welcomes Holiday Visitors

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

The Friday after Thanksgiving not only attracts multitudes to local shopping centers but also brings thousands to Christmas on Temple Square—a monthlong event focused on the birth of Jesus Christ that draws hundreds of thousands of guests and tourists each year.

L.A. Family History Library: A Much-Anticipated Reopening

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

The Los Angeles Family History Library celebrated a much-anticipated reopening on November 8. Refurbished for the first time since its official opening in 1965, the library is California's most comprehensive genealogical library and is one of the largest family-search resource centers in the world.

Pioneer Trail Database

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

When Mel Bashore hired on with the Church History Department in 1975, "strictly tasked to create finding aids for research," he noticed a deficiency that he set about to correct. Now, 30 years later, a national historic trails association has honored Brother Bashore for the database he launched in that pre-Internet age and has built up over the years into a convenient online resource.

Church Creates Official News Site

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

The Church News and Events page (news.lds.org) makes it easy to find official news of the Church online. Along with providing original content, Church News and Events brings together headlines from each of the Church's official news sources, including Public Affairs, Church magazines, Mormon Channel, and Church News. Church News and Events can already be found at news.lds.org and can be subscribed to via an RSS feed. The current Around the Church site on LDS.org and associated e-mail and RSS feed will no longer be updated beginning November 30, 2010, when LDS.org is replaced by the current beta site.

Life's Quizzes: "Learn, Listen, and Walk"

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

Life is full of quizzes and exams and individuals must learn, listen, and walk to pass the different tests, Elder Walter F. Gonzalez of the Presidency of the Seventy said during the Brigham Young University-Idaho devotional November 16. "Each of us is in this school called life to show our God that we will be faithful in all things. In this process we go through life taking quizzes and exams," he said.

Missionaries on the Move

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

Opening your front door, you're met by two clean-cut young men. They stand out from the crowd, if for no other reason because of the conservative way they're dressed. They wear dark trousers and suit coats and white dress shirts. Both sport ties, one with red stripes, the other a blue print. A name tag on their lapel gives their surname, with the appropriate title and the name of the church they represent. They grip the Book of Mormon in their hands.

Selling Bananas to Pay His Way

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

Like many young LDS men, Sedrick Tshiambine is going on a mission. He has a testimony of the restored gospel. He's been active in the Church for years, and he's been faithful as a new elder. Unlike most young LDS men, however, Sedrick has been selling bananas to earn money for his mission.

Laie Hawaii Temple "Shines as a Beacon to All Who Will Follow Its Light"

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

Long ago defeated warriors or fugitives in ancient Hawaii sought sanctuary in the area that is now Laie. Locals say the walls of that Puuhonua, or city of refuge, marked by white flags, beckoned to all who desired protection and cleansing. And, they add, a renovated temple, standing on the land of the ancient Puuhonua, is a symbol that this is still a city of refuge.

Jane Clayson Johnson Doesn't Regret Leaving Career for Family

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

So this is what Jane Clayson Johnson traded fame and fortune for. She traded them for casseroles, car pools, Cookie Monster, laundry, ballet lessons, a house in the suburbs, a minivan, five children, and a husband. "I wouldn't trade it, and I would make the same choice in the same way at the same time. No regrets," she said.

Youth Present Cultural Celebration—"The Gathering Place"

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

In the moments before a production staged to celebrate the rededication of the Laie Hawaii Temple, 2,000 youth stood shoulder to shoulder and listened to President Thomas S. Monson. The event, titled "The Gathering Place," marked the completion of the renovated Laie Hawaii Temple and celebrated Laie as a "gathering place" for early Church members and others.

Church Apostle Visits Topeka

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

For the first time since 1987, an Apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints visited the Topeka area. Elder Richard G. Scott met with single adults Friday in Lawrence, held training meetings for full-time missionaries and local priesthood leaders on Saturday in Topeka, and addressed Church members during the general session of the semiannual conference of the Topeka Kansas Stake Sunday.

Teens Use Their Weekend to Help Others

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

More than 100 teenagers ditched shopping, listening to the radio, and playing basketball on Saturday and instead chose to help others. The youths, who were members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and some friends of other faiths, took part in the service project at the St. Clair Associated Vocational Enterprises, or S.A.V.E., building in Belleville.

Mormon Teens Beautify 20 Homes

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

About 500 Mormon teens repainted 16 Maryvale homes and landscaped 4 more Saturday as part of their church's annual tri-stake service project. "Our goal is just to be good neighbors, teach the kids how to work," said project coordinator Walt Farnsworth. "Just let them be out in the community and see how it feels to help somebody else."

SVU Students Serve—Inside and Out—at the Washington D.C. Temple

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

More than 250 students participated in Southern Virginia University's sixth annual Temple Service Day in October at the Washington D.C. Temple. Students, along with some faculty and staff members, spent the day performing temple ordinances, planting tulip bulbs, and helping to prepare the temple grounds for the 33rd Annual Festival of Lights.

Laie Hawaii Temple Rededicated by President Monson

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

President Thomas S. Monson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, rededicated the Laie Hawaii Temple Sunday after an extensive closure for renovation. The Laie Hawaii Temple has been the centerpiece of Latter-day Saint faith in the Hawaiian Islands since its initial dedication in 1919.

Faith, Perseverance Makes Show Go On in Naperville

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

Bette Haskin has been a seamstress for 40 years. Because she was born with Streeter's dysplasia, she's also had to relearn that skill several times throughout her career. "I always felt I can do hard things," she said, standing among hundreds of costumes she designed for the performance run of Savior of the World, which began Wednesday night. The show is being put on by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Naperville.

Major New Study of Religion Has Much to Say about Mormons

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

A new and important study of religion in America has, among other things, a good deal to say about members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Recently published under the title American Grace: How Religion Divides and Unites Us, the sociological study was conducted by scholars Robert D. Putnam and David E. Campbell and yields valuable insight to the nature and social effects of American religion.

Carl Bloch Exhibit at BYU: "The Master's Hand"

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

Even if Church members aren't familiar with the name Carl Heinrich Bloch, once they take one look at the new exhibit housed in the BYU Museum of Art, they will recognize many of his works. The Danish artist, who lived in the 1800s, is well known today for his artwork used in Church books and materials and LDS meetinghouses and temples around the globe.

Laie Temple Open House

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

More than 45,000 people visited the renovated Laie Hawaii Temple—the Church's first temple constructed outside the continental United States—during a public open house that began October 22 and concluded November 13. Elder Scott D. Whiting, an Area Seventy and coordinator of the Church's local temple committee, said everyone who saw the temple were complimentary of the renovation work, which began almost two years ago.

Gleaning Project Benefits Others

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

At the fourth annual chili gleaning of Randy Haas's chili field in Bonita, Arizona, young men and women from all over the Gila Valley gathered and collected the peppers left from the mechanical picking process. The peppers, which would have been otherwise plowed back into the field, were then sold, and the money raised was donated to the Perpetual Education Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Mormons Trek through Oskaloosa

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

When you see them walking down the street, their appearance tells you who they are and what they're up to. Neatly dressed with name tags and almost always in pairs, missionaries with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are hitting the pavement in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Eric Van Wagoner and Trapper Crockett, both just 20 years old, are going door-to-door to spread the message of their church.

Ohio Ward Renovates Playroom at Women's Shelter

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

Safer Futures Women's Shelter of Portage County recently hosted the dedication of a newly renovated playroom affectionately called "Bo's Place." A special plaque was hung dedicating the play area to the memory of Robert "Bo" Biltz, who worked at the shelter for many years and passed away this past May. Volunteers from the Rootstown Ward, Youngstown Ohio Stake, where Bo was a member, installed new flooring and trim and repaired and painted the walls and ceiling.

Community Volunteers for Neighborhood Work Day

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

It was the perfect weather for people who came out to volunteer for the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation's Neighborhood Work Day on Saturday. The agency wrapped up some final projects that needed to be done before the end of the year. "It feels great," said Kyle Strong, a volunteer from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. "I'm glad we can be part of it."

Mormon Apostle: "Open Eyes to Beauty"

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

With its many attractions, displays, products, goods, and services, Deseret Book's flagship store in downtown Salt Lake City has become a destination venue in and of itself. One of its current attractions is a display of artwork by Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Life Skills Are Learned on Mission

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

Just about anywhere you travel, you'll find young men in white shirts, dark pants, and ties wearing a name tag identifying themselves as missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. From August 2008 to August of this year, 22-year-old Sebring resident Timothy Wheaton was one of them.

Worldwide Leadership Broadcast: New Church Handbook Introduced

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

The Church issued a new administrative handbook during a worldwide leadership training meeting November 13. The handbook was introduced in a special training meeting originating at Church headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah, and broadcast to 95 countries in every time zone and in 22 languages during the course of the day.

Day of Rejoicing at Gilbert Temple Site

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

In the early 1980s, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ambitiously accelerated its worldwide push to build temples, opening them in faraway nations such as Japan, Sweden, and Chile. With Saturday's groundbreaking of a new temple in Gilbert, those expansion efforts have reached the Phoenix area. The Gilbert Arizona Temple, expected to take 24 months to complete, will join one in Mesa, just 13 miles away, as the second in metro Phoenix.

Temple Presidents, Matrons Gather for Instruction, Training, Counsel

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

In preparation to begin service this November, new temple presidents and their wives gathered in the Salt Lake Temple for the 2010 Seminar for New Temple Presidents. During the seminar, held October 13–15, the 53 new temple presidents and matrons received instruction, training, and counsel from President Thomas S. Monson, his counselors in the First Presidency, and other General Authorities.

Primary Leader Walks the Path "We Are All On"—to Heavenly Father

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

During a recent trip to New Delhi, India, Sister Rosemary M. Wixom, Primary general president, walked a long path leading through Munirka, a three-block area that is a maze of dwellings inhabited by 400,000 to 500,000 people. And although it was crowded, she wasn't frightened. She felt a "spirit of humanity, of love and respect."

Elder Richard G. Scott Artwork Goes on Display

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

Deseret Book has a new art exhibit in its downtown Salt Lake City store. The man who created the works is very well-known to Latter-day Saints, but not as an artist. A campfire at sunset, the African plain—Elder Richard G. Scott is sharing his watercolors with the public.

Serving in the Line of Duty: President Boyd K. Packer

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

A young Boyd K. Packer, now President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, enlisted in the United States Air Force in the spring of 1943. He was trained to fly bombers and was assigned as a pilot in the Pacific. Boyd was stationed with the American occupation forces in Japan for nearly a year. During that time, he was instrumental in baptizing the first Japanese family that joined the Church after the war.

Jubilee Year: Toronto Ontario Stake Turns 50

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

The 300th stake of the Church was organized in Toronto, Canada, in 1960 by Elder Mark E. Petersen of the Quorum of the Twelve during President Thomas S. Monson's tenure as president of the mission there. Now, half a century later, Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve attended the jubilee conference October 23–24 and extended the love and best wishes to the members from President Monson and his wife, Frances.

LDS Church Donates $341,000 to Provo Homeless Shelter

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

Brent Crane's Christmas wish came early this year. On Monday morning the executive director of the Food and Care Coalition received an e-mail from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Humanitarian Services and LDS Charities announcing a donation of $341,000 to be given to the coalition immediately to go toward its transitional housing center in south Provo.

Young Women: "Carry On," Build on Firm Foundation

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

Members of past and present general Young Women presidencies and boards gathered October 29 to pay tribute to Sister Ardeth G. Kapp and the late Sister Elaine A. Cannon. The two former Young Women general presidents laid a foundation that Church leaders continue to build upon today, said Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who attended the event with his wife, Wendy.

Elder M. Russell Ballard Outlines Gospel Principles

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

Keep the gospel of Jesus Christ simple and avoid the enticements of Satan, an Apostle advised college-age Mormon men and women on Sunday. Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles addressed members gathered for one of the periodic Church Educational System satellite broadcasts originating from the Marriott Center on the Brigham Young University campus.

Apostles Bless Two African Nations

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

Two African countries—Angola and Burundi—have been dedicated for the preaching of the gospel after two Apostles traveled a combined distance of 120,000 miles—34,000 of them in seven African countries. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland and Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles traveled for two weeks visiting and instructing Church members gathered throughout the Africa Southeast Area.

Auditions Held Worldwide for New Testament Movie Casting

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is looking for cast members for a large film project re-creating important stories from the New Testament. To help re-create the world of ancient Jerusalem and tell the stories of the New Testament, the Church Audiovisual Department is looking for individuals who could be made to look as if they'd stepped out of the pages of the New Testament.

FamilySearch Publishes First Records from Ghana

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

The first digital images of records from Ghana have been published on beta.familysearch.org, according to a news release from FamilySearch. The 458,716 images are from the 1982–84 census. The records were part of more than 2 million records from five countries that were recently published.

Mormons Help Neighbors Prepare for Emergencies

Fri, 05 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

Helping others and preparing for an emergency are two things held in high regard by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In the spirit of both, the Newbury Park California Stake organized a free emergency-preparedness expo October 23 for members of the public.

Church Helps Former NFL Player Sort Out Spiritual Puzzle

Fri, 05 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

Minutes after two Mormon missionaries walked out his door, Stacey Miles was on the phone with his attorney. His mind was swimming with skepticism. "Have you ever heard of John Smith? I need you to run a background check on this John Smith," Miles said into the phone. For 22 of the next 25 days, the former NFL lineman learned about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, developed priceless friendships, and eventually was baptized. The gospel was a major missing piece in the puzzle of his life.

Sacramento Stake Is Honored as Civic Organization of the Year

Fri, 05 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

On October 29 the Volunteer Center of Sacramento recognized the Sacramento California Stake with the 2010 Volunteer Spirit Award as the Civic Organization of the Year. The award is presented to a service or faith-based organization that has made a significant contribution to the community. The Sacramento California Stake was recognized for its Mormon Helping Hands project that took place on May 8, 2010.

Elder Ballard to Speak at CES Fireside

Fri, 05 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

On Sunday, November 7, a CES fireside for young adults will be held, with Elder M. Russell Ballard as the speaker. The broadcast will originate from the BYU campus in Provo, Utah, at 6:00 p.m. mountain time, with subsequent rebroadcasts to many areas of the world.

Hope Is Essential, Former Young Women President Says

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

Twenty-five years ago, on November 10, the Young Women values, colors, and logo were introduced via satellite to an audience of 450,000. At the time, Sister Ardeth Kapp was the Young Women general president. "This was a very spiritual time for all involved as we worked diligently, prayerfully, fervently, and tirelessly and received revelation for a program presented and received with enthusiastic approval by the Brethren," Sister Kapp said.

Elder Claudio R. M. Costa: "Ships Are Not to Remain in Harbor"

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

An inscription on the bottom of a painting of a 16th-century ship in a harbor was the theme of a BYU devotional address by Elder Claudio R. M. Costa November 2. It read, "A ship is safe in harbor, but that's not what ships are for." Elder Costa observed, "I was reminded that ships are meant to navigate the oceans and to experience adventure. I was reminded that it is the same with us."

New Temple Underway in Cordoba, Argentina

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

On Saturday, October 30, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in South America broke ground for a temple in Cordoba, Argentina. Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles presided at the event, which commenced construction. Elder Andersen was joined by his wife, Kathy.

Mormon Radio Show Being Inducted into Hall of Fame

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

Music and the Spoken Word, the longest-running radio broadcast in history, will be inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame on November 6. Following an online balloting process, the selection was announced in August. Induction ceremonies will take place at WTTW studios in Chicago.

Personal Progress Online for Latter-day Saint Young Women

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

In order to connect with Young Women worldwide in a medium they embrace, the Church has launched online Personal Progress. "We live in a connected society, a very connected society, where we can connect with nearly anyone in the world, anytime we want," said Sister Elaine S. Dalton, Young Women general president. "What we are trying to do is connect these young women with the Spirit, with their parents, their leaders, with priesthood, and with righteous role models and mentors."

Peoria Neighborhood Pride Event Gathers 350 Volunteers

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

The 15th annual Peoria Neighborhood Pride event took place October 23, and an army of volunteers gathered to help their neighbors. Las Palmaritas Drive was a blur of bright yellow as 350 Mormon Helping Hands workers from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints trimmed, shoveled, and painted. The group included teenagers and younger children working alongside their parents to improve the community.

President Uchtdorf Salutes U.S. Military Personnel

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

Calling men and women in military uniform "the pick and flower of the United States," President Dieter F. Uchtdorf on Sunday addressed U.S. military personnel and their families gathered in a local chapel and—via the Internet—in Iraq. President Uchtdorf was the featured speaker at a special military fireside held in the Draper Utah Stake Center. The event drew members of four branches of the military.

Behind the Scenes with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 MST

At 9:30 sharp on Sunday morning, the cue is given and soft music caresses the Tabernacle: "Gently raise the sacred strain, for the Sabbath's come again, that man may rest, that man may rest." For the next half-hour, the Tabernacle will be filled with the glorious sounds of Music and the Spoken Word. They make it look easy, but it takes a dedicated staff of producers, directors, sound and light technicians, camera operators, and more to put together the weekly broadcast.