LDS News/Around the Church

Families Depict the Mormon Story in Hill Cumorah Pageant

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:00 MST

A week of 13-hour rehearsal days is drawing to a close for the Hill Cumorah Pageant cast of 739. Friday marks opening night for the annual production, which features scenes from the Book of Mormon and the Bible and draws tens of thousands of people to the northern edge of Ontario County every summer. This year's pageant boasts its largest cast in 10 years.

Book of Mormon Plays Vital Role in the Work

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:00 MST

It is vital that missionaries know that their president is committed to and has a testimony of the Book of Mormon, said Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve. "They must know this first to be effective missionaries, but second, and even more important, they must know it as a fortification for life," he said at the 2009 New Mission Presidents Seminar.

LDS Missionaries Call Grand County Home

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:00 MST

The first thing that strikes you about Joseph Petersen and Austin Holden is their sincerity. There is no sarcasm, no cynicism, no doubt. Just a whole-hearted belief in what they are doing. They are on a mission—in every sense of the word.

Emotional Ties Run Deep for Actors in Nauvoo Pageant

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:00 MST

Emily Castleton brought her family from Provo, Utah, to Nauvoo for the summer, but it's no vacation. It's a chance for the voice teacher from Brigham Young University to live the story of her faith, portraying Emma Smith, the wife of the Prophet Joseph Smith, for the first time in the Nauvoo Pageant.

Changes Made to Brazil Missions

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:00 MST

Along with changes to mission presidents in more than 100 missions in July, the Church has made changes to three missions in Brazil.

Building Hope and Families in Ukraine

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:00 MST

The meeting did not go as expected. Mormon humanitarian missionaries Brent and Charlene Lee thought that the Ukrainian official would be excited about their plans for another international conference on foster care and orphans. But the official wasn't interested. She had a new mandate from the president of Ukraine: "Strengthen the family."

New Mission Presidents Begin Service

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:00:00 MST

The majority of the following new mission presidents and their wives began serving on or around July 1, 2009, as assigned by the First Presidency.

A Trek through Time

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:00:00 MST

The young men donned their hats and, with great effort, grabbed hold of a cart handle and began to pull it up the mountain trail. A scene straight out of the Mormon migration of the 1800s? Not quite. While the clothing styles were authentic and the handcarts were really loaded with supplies, the "pioneers" were modern-day teens from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Youth Group Puts Faith into Action

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:00:00 MST

Sporting neon green "Extreme Makeover" shirts, 125 teenagers from the Redlands California Stake recently spent a weekend doing service as part of their annual youth conference. "The whole goal of the conference was to generate a mindset in the kids to look for others around them that they can serve," said Cray Carlson, stake young men's president and cochairman of the conference.

Church Advances as Missionaries Perform Labor

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:00:00 MST

During his June 29 talk at the 2009 New Mission Presidents Seminar, President Boyd K. Packer marveled at the growth of the Church he has witnessed since he served as a mission president more than four decades ago.

Farming for the Needy

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:00:00 MST

If ever the Lord had reason for making folks so different, Dave Baldauf might be it. Living among polished professionals and their modern gadgets, Baldauf prefers to work in the dirt. Baldauf is one of two full-time farmers who raise wheat, corn, and alfalfa on the western shore of Utah Lake at Saratoga Crops, part of the welfare arm of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

New Zealand School Leaves Legacy of Leadership

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:00:00 MST

When the Church College of New Zealand closes its doors later this year, when the youthful bustle falls away, the high school's enduring legacy of leadership will continue in the lives of its alumni. "CC is a nursery of leadership that provided the country and the Church so much," said Elder Lindsay T. Dil, a former Area Seventy.

Freedom Award to President Boyd K. Packer

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 00:00:00 MST

President Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was a Freedom Festival Award recipient at the annual gala Thursday, July 2. President Packer was one of four individuals honored at the Freedom Gala, an annual event of the America's Freedom Festival in Provo.

Young Hispanic LDS Singles Enjoy Conference

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 00:00:00 MST

A young single adult conference for Mormon Hispanics in Salt Lake City Thursday and Friday provided many with opportunities to reflect on what it means to be a Latino Mormon and how it is they can be a blessing to their communities.

Divine Companion: Teaching by the Spirit

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 00:00:00 MST

"My assignment tonight is to address the very broad subject of the role of the Holy Ghost in missionary work, with special emphasis on 'teaching by the Spirit,' " said Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve, speaking to nearly 600 missionaries in the Provo Missionary Training Center and another 100 mission presidents and their wives attending the 2009 New Mission Presidents Seminar on June 26.

Build Mission Spirit, President Monson Urges

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 00:00:00 MST

The 2009 New Mission Presidents Seminar offered scores of new mission presidents and their wives a priceless opportunity to come together and receive four days of training prior to embarking on their three-year assignments. The seminar concluded with words of encouragement and counsel from President Thomas S. Monson, himself a former mission president.

Interfaith Quilting Bee Brings Hope for Nine Years

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 00:00:00 MST

This summer marks the ninth year of the annual Interfaith Quilting Bee. Hosted by the Relief Society organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the quilting bee has produced almost 3,000 quilts over the last nine years. These handmade blankets are donated to charitable organizations, such as Birthright, Family Time Foundation, and Humble Area Assistance Ministries.

Mormon Tabernacle Choir's Range Awes, Entertains

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 MST

The 162-year-old Mormon Tabernacle Choir proved Monday night at Red Rocks Amphitheatre that it still knows how to put on a show. As the 360-member choir worked its way through a sprawling set that covered world music, folk songs, musical-theater selections, and Latter-day Saint hymns, the choral group covered the emotional gamut with class, precision, and expertise.

Changing Lives through YSA Service Project

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 MST

Changing lives was the goal. Could that be best accomplished with another boating trip, or was there a better way? Contemplating those questions led the youth leaders of the Kaysville Utah Stake young single adults to pick a service project over another trip to Hyrum Lake in northern Utah for a summer activity.

Curious Find Ancestors, Answers at Family History Center

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 MST

On a given day, about 75 people come to the Mesa Regional Family History Center with a common query: "Who am I, and who are my ancestors?" They couldn't have chosen a better place to ask. Run by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the center offers personalized help, along with 20,000 books, 500 maps, 200,000 rolls of microfilm, and 52,000 microfiche to help people draw their family tree.

It's Been 40 Years of Teaching the Gospel in Spain

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 MST

The visit last month of two Spanish government officials to Madrid's Temple Square capped the Church's celebration of the 40th anniversary of Spain being dedicated to the preaching of the gospel.

Serving Mission Set Proper Priorities for Life

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 MST

Of all the things that relatively recent convert James B. Martino had to set aside to serve a full-time mission in 1970, most troubling was leaving behind his longtime girlfriend, Jennie Marie Baron. But choosing the right has led to great blessings in his life, said Elder Martino, who was sustained as a member of the Second Quorum of the Seventy in April general conference.

2009 Choir Tour: Transporting Sounds to Delight Audiences

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MST

Audiences are frequently amazed to hear what sounds like the Tabernacle organ accompanying the Mormon Tabernacle Choir during performances on its concert tour. Simple logic says that the 50-ton Tabernacle organ is about as unmovable a musical instrument that exists, but its sound is transported fairly easily. In fact, all it takes is two men and a truck. And a lot of technical know-how.

Mormon Missionaries Seek to Teach Their Faith and Help Others

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MST

Dressed in the familiar uniform of dark pants, white shirt, and necktie, two young men walk the streets of Keene as missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Elders Ryan McDaniel and Jared Cline of Provo and Farmington, Utah, respectively, talk to people about their faith and baptize those who repent and accept the teachings of the Mormon faith.

Ex-wrestling Champ on Mission to Russia

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MST

Former Florida state high school wrestling champion Trey Dunn is grappling with the intricacies of the Russian language as he begins a two-year mission assignment for his faith. "This is the only thing I ever planned on in my life," Dunn said. "I felt like it was a really good way to serve."

Conferences Aid Priesthood Leaders

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MST

The Gospel of Mark teaches that the Savior chose and ordained twelve apostles "that he might send them forth to preach" (Mark 3:14). That apostolic charge to "go forth" into the world to instruct and support those who serve continues today as the Quorum of the Twelve travels the globe to conduct priesthood leadership conferences with stake presidents, bishops, and other priesthood leaders.

Celebrating 50 Years of the Gospel in Taiwan

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MST

Sultry weather failed to dampen the spirits of hundreds of Church members and full-time missionaries gathered on Saturday, June 13, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Taiwan's dedication for the preaching of the gospel.

Churches Team Up to Feed Those in Need

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MST

More than 12,000 pounds of food collected and donated by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was picked up Wednesday by volunteers with Catholic Charities of Central Florida. The partnership is expected to ease the economic crunch for struggling families for the next three weeks.

Teens Take On Pioneer Spirit

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MST

Teens from Topeka congregations of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gained a new appreciation for their forebears in faith last week when they went on a two-day trek through a 22-mile stretch of rural Nebraska.

The Making of a Miracle

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MST

For many families, attending the Mormon Miracle Pageant is a tradition. For one family, however, it has become a tradition to perform. For the past four years, the Cottam family of Wales, a small town near Manti, has been participating in the Mormon Miracle Pageant.

Pressing Forward on Caribbean Island

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MST

Almost six months after the Church sent missionaries to begin work in the Turks and Caicos Islands, a branch was created on the island of Provedenciales on May 24, 2009. The Church gave permission to send the first missionaries to begin the work in the Turks and Caicos Islands in December 2008.

Mormon Channel iPhone Application

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MST

A free Mormon Channel iPhone application is now available that allows iPhone and iPod Touch users to listen to Mormon Channel broadcasts, general conference addresses, magazine articles, and audio recordings of the scriptures.

New Church History Library Is About Sharing

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MST

The recently dedicated Church History Library features everything from freezing storage vaults that are rarely frequented to public reading areas meant to be warm and inviting. It's designed to not just protect treasured material, but meet all aspects of the Church Historian Office's mandate to collect, preserve, and share Church history.

Mormon Missionaries Work with Dominicans to Help All Islanders

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MST

By installing programs all over the Dominican Republic, humanitarian missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints work with Dominicans and Dominican companies to help people on the island.

Gunnison Valley Residents Reenact Pioneer Trek

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MST

It was a different month of the year and took a slightly different route. Nonetheless, about 90 people who participated in a recent covered-wagon trek got a glimpse of what their pioneer ancestors went through—wind, rain-slick trails, thick brush at their feet, and finally a panoramic view of the Gunnison Valley.

Vision Leadership Propels New Seventy Member

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MST

Conversing with Elder Bradley D. Foster, one is apt to receive bits of wisdom, distilled from life's experience into one-line capsules. Elder Foster, 60, was sustained April 4 at general conference as a new member of the Second Quorum of the Seventy.

FamilySearch Expands Canadian Census Collection

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MST

Family Search recently added the 1851, 1861, and 1871 Canada Census indexes to its online collection, which already included the 1881 and 1916 Canada censuses. There are plans to add the 1891 Canada census shortly.

Young Mormons Prepare for Missions

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MST

High school graduation in Gilbert last month signaled that many of Andrew LeBaron's classmates were just a few months away from their first day of full-time college. But for 18-year-old LeBaron and many other Mormon men his age, the diploma meant it was time to prepare for a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Choir Begins Tour with "Pops" in Cincinnati

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MST

The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra opened its concert Thursday with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir by playing "Celebration Fanfare." There was plenty to celebrate on the first stop of the choir's 13-day tour. The Cincinnati concert was part of a series celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Riverbend Music Center, located on the north bank of the Ohio River.

Leaders Tour Central America

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MST

A pair of Church auxiliary leaders recently spent several days touring Central America, where they taught scores of women of all ages the importance of service and gospel living. Relief Society General President Julie B. Beck and Sister Mary N. Cook, second counselor in the Young Women general presidency, also spent time in the homes of local families to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing women living in the Central America Area.

President Thomas S. Monson Dedicates Church History Library

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MST

President Thomas S. Monson dedicated the new Church History Library Saturday after 15 years of planning and four years of construction. He was joined by his counselors in the First Presidency and members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles at the event, which was attended by hundreds of community leaders and Church History Department employees.

Church Offers “Comfort” from Floating Hospital

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MST

Dozens of LDS humanitarian volunteers rotated on and off the United States Naval Ship Comfort on a four-month humanitarian mission this summer as part of a government-sponsored mission to provide medical care to countries in the Caribbean and Central and South America.

First Meetinghouse Dedicated in Croatia

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MST

During a tour of the five countries of the former Yugoslavia, Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve dedicated a meetinghouse in Zagreb, Croatia, the first in the country and the second meetinghouse in these southeast European countries.

An Army of Singers Delivers Mormon Tabernacle Sound

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MST

Brigham Young arrived in the Omaha region in 1846 and set up winter camp with nearly 3,000 of his followers. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, which performs Tuesday at the Holland Performing Arts Center, won't bring nearly as many Mormons into Omaha. Nevertheless, this legendary ensemble will bring an enormous vocal and instrumental force to town.

Stepping Up to Bat in Missionary Work

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MST

A call to serve in the Italy Milan Mission was a mere formality for Massachusetts Institute of Technology baseball star Creed Mangrum. His missionary zeal has been evident throughout the school year in Cambridge, according to Bishop Patrick O'Loughlin of the Cambridge University Ward.

Oquirrh Mountain: Visitors May Find Uncommon Features

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MST

Open-house visitors to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple will view a variety of features similar to those found in many Latter-day Saint temples. Guests also may see less-familiar items. For example, there is a water fountain that responds to weather, two wall hangings cut out from another temple's mural, and a baptistry where it's possible to see from the font into the confirmation rooms.

Mormon Tabernacle Choir Launches 2009 Summer Tour

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MST

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square begin their summer tour Thursday with a performance in Cincinnati, Ohio. Given the choir's latest chart-topping CD release, Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing, and most recent inclusion in National Geographic's "USA101" as one of America's top icons, the choir's musical message of hope, strength, and joy seems timelier than ever.

Treasured Materials Get Tender Loving Care at New Library

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MST

The new Church History Library has made room for the past—and the future. The 230,000-square-foot archival facility houses more than 179 years' worth of history, everything from Book of Mormon manuscript pages to modern-day patriarchal blessings; antiquated wax cylinder recordings to advanced digital technology. And each year, the collection of a million-plus records grows by approximately 6,000 items.

Conference on Family History and Genealogy at BYU

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MST

The 41st annual Brigham Young University Conference on Family History and Genealogy, "Strengthening Ties That Bind Families Together Forever," will offer more than 140 classes, allowing participants to acquire new skills and helpful information in family history research July 28–31.

Name That Bible Verse

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MST

You've got 10 seconds to chase down the right scripture. Can you do it? The 154 Mormon high school students who recently gathered in Rancho Santa Margarita to compete in Scripture Chase 2009 can. The competition drew students from local high schools who attend early morning seminary before school, Monday through Friday, starting between 5:30 and 6:00 a.m.

Salt Lake City Man Crosses Iowa on Mormon Trail Trek

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MST

Lynn Cleland is slowly making his way across Iowa on foot, pulling a 217-pound cart. The 59-year-old Cleland says he's making the trip on the old Mormon Trail in honor of his grandmother Sarah Goode Marshall, who was one of almost 3,000 handcart pioneers who traveled on foot from Iowa City to Salt Lake City between 1856 and 1860.