Mormon Life - Church Leadership tag

Elder Steven E. Snow called as Church Historian

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 10:05:00 -0700

source: news.lds.org

The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently announced the call of Elder Steven E. Snow of the Presidency of the Seventy as Church Historian and Recorder, a role previously filled by Elder Marlin K. Jensen of the Seventy.

New companion book to President Monson's biography, other books announced at LDS Booksellers

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 10:48:00 -0600

source: deseretnews.com

“Teachings of Thomas S. Monson,” a companion to last year’s biography, “To the Rescue,” is scheduled to be on store shelves Sept. 23, Deseret Book officials announced Thursday at the LDS Booksellers Association conference.

“There’s probably not been a prophet that has had more time teaching in the church,” said Laurel Christensen, Deseret Book's vice president of product development. “There are 50 years worth of sermons from President Monson.”

Other new books and products were also announced Thursday.

Christensen also announced the Sept. 27 release of “Life’s Lessons Learned,” a book by Elder Dallin H. Oaks. In the book, Elder Oaks uses personal stories from his childhood to illustrate principles.

“Elder Oaks isn’t necessarily known for being overly personal when he speaks, particularly in general conference, and these are stories that are very, very personal,” Christensen said.

Church Leader to Scottish Parliament: “I Bless You”

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 10:40:00 -0600

source: Newsroom.lds.org

Cecil O. Samuelson Jr., president of Brigham Young University and a General Authority of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was given the honor to address members of Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, Scotland, on Wednesday.

President Samuelson blessed members of parliament and their families and loved ones. “God honors those who serve with integrity and humility,” he said.

Read President Samuelson's entire remarks below:

I appreciate very much the high honor of this privilege to share my reflections with you this afternoon. At the outset, I confess that I consider myself a “son of Scotland” if somewhat removed. My maternal grandfather, Joseph Mitchell, was born and reared in Dalry, Ayrshire, and I lived in Scotland for two years while serving as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and have returned multiple times. My love and admiration for this nation and its people are deep and abiding.

Mormon leadership positions strictly volunteer

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 10:02:00 -0700

source: shreveporttimes.com

Ross Smith has two full-time jobs.

Although each job consumes a significant amount of his time, he only gets paid for one of them.

In addition to his professional job as music instructor at Centenary College, Smith also is a bishop over The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Second Ward, which includes congregations in Shreveport and Bossier City. Smith is among the many lay leaders who make up the Mormon church's unpaid, or volunteer, ministry, which includes stake president, bishops, counselors and apostles.

Kay Loftin, director of public affairs for Shreveport Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said everybody in a leadership position has a full-time job somewhere else.

Interview with Elder David A. Bednar (Mormon Messages)

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 12:47:00 -0700

source: MormonLife.com

Church leaders release new administrative handbook

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 13:36:00 -0700

source: Newsroom.lds.org

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a new administrative handbook to hundreds of thousands of its lay leaders in a worldwide leadership training meeting Saturday.

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.

Church leaders say that one of the major aims of the new handbook is to reduce the administrative workload on the Church’s bishops, who put many hours of service into their church duties in addition to managing their full-time occupations and their families.

Thomas S. Monson, president of the Church, has said that as the faith continues to grow and more lay leaders need to be trained, it is important to maintain the integrity of policies, procedures and programs contained in the handbook.

President Monson Breaks Ground for Rome Italy Mormon Temple

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 10:37:00 -0600

source: Newsroom.lds.org

Reviewing the Lessons of the Past (Mormon Messages for Youth)

Wed, 20 Oct 2010 10:58:00 -0600

source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: This message from Elder Perry with some great footage from a youth trek.

Pres. Monson's biography released

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 11:34:00 -0600

source: MormonTimes.com

The mission president's wife was making cookies in England when the jaw-dropping phone call came.

The ensuing conversation changed Heidi S. Swinton's life.

LDS Church President Thomas S. Monson was on the line and he wanted Swinton to write his biography.

"I was shocked," Swinton said.

She had met President Monson a few times but didn't know him well. She could think of a hundred other people more qualified to do the project. She was in Europe. She felt overwhelmed, but how do you say no to the prophet? The award-winning author and screenwriter was about to climb the Mount Everest of Mormon literature.

"President, I would be honored," Swinton said.

Exactly 26 months later, on Aug. 18, Swinton was smiling as she stood next to the tall church president as he pressed the button to fire up the printing press for a 588-page book titled "To The Rescue: The Biography of Thomas S. Monson."

"What an incredible experience to spend your time studying such a great man," Swinton said. "There is nobody in the world right now just like him."

'Judge not,' President Monson counsels women

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 10:48:00 -0600

source: ldschurchnews.com

In a hundred small ways, all Latter-day Saint women wear the mantle of charity, said President Thomas S. Monson.

"Rather than being judgmental and critical of each other, may we have the pure love of Christ for our fellow travelers in this journey through life. May we recognize that each one is doing her best to deal with the challenges which come her way, and may we strive to do our best to help out," said President Monson while offering the closing address at the General Relief Society Meeting on Sept. 25.

Thousands of women attended the meeting, held in the Conference Center in downtown Salt Lake City and translated into 82 languages. Talks given by President Monson and Sister Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president, and her counselors, Sister Silvia H. Allred and Sister Barbara Thompson, were sent, via satellite, to 175 territories, nations and countries around the world. Music for the event was provided by a choir made up of women from stakes in Kearns, Utah, directed by Cathy Jolley and accompanied by Linda Margetts.

President Monson began his address by asking Latter-day Saint women worldwide to not judge one another. "Are we making judgments when we don't have all the facts? What do we see when we look at others? What judgments do we make about them?"

To The Rescue: President Monson and Warm Fuzzies

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 09:06:00 -0600

source: MormonLife.com

Judge not, President Thomas S. Monson counsels women

Sat, 25 Sep 2010 23:03:00 -0600

source: deseretnews.com

In a hundred small ways, all Latter-day Saint women wear the mantle of charity, President Thomas S. Monson said Saturday evening.

"Rather than being judgmental and critical of each other, may we have the pure love of Christ for our fellow travelers in this journey through life. May we recognize that each one is doing her best to deal with the challenges which come her way, and may we strive to do our best to help out," President Monson said while offering the closing address at the General Relief Society Meeting for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Held in the Conference Center in downtown Salt Lake City, the meeting was translated into 82 languages and sent via satellite to 175 territories, nations and countries around the world. In addition to President Monson, Sister Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president, and her counselors, Sister Silvia H. Allred and Sister Barbara Thompson, also spoke.

President Monson began his address by asking Latter-day Saint women worldwide to not judge one another.

"None of us is perfect," he said. "I know of no one who would profess to be so. And yet, for some reason, despite our own imperfections, we have a tendency to point out those of others. We make judgments concerning their actions or inactions."

President Monson said there is really no way a person can know the heart, the intentions or the circumstances of another.

Pres. Monson, Elder Ballard, R.S. Pres. Beck speak at Barbara B. Smith's funeral

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 08:47:00 -0600

source: deseretnews.com

Family members and friends celebrated the life of Sister Barbara B. Smith, former Relief Society general president, during her funeral held Monday at the Ensign Second Ward chapel.

During the service, President Thomas S. Monson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as well as Elder M. Russell Ballard, of the Quorum of the Twelve apostles, and Sister Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president, spoke.

"I've never heard an unkind word spoken of Barbara," President Monson said. "I've never heard her speak an unkind word of anyone else. ... Everyone was her friend."

President Monson spoke of Sister Smith's great ability to lead as she served in callings in the church. He said that she had the capacity to meet leaders throughout the world and still be herself.

"She never turned anyone away, she never shirked her duty," he said. "She preferred the kingdom of God and his righteousness and was an example for all of us."

Elder Ballard cited the great impact Sister Smith had on issues related to the family.

"No one has more influence over boys and girls, young men and young women, and families of the church, even of the whole world, than do the sisters of the church," Elder Ballard said. "Barbara had a mothering, mentoring nature that was unparalleled, in my judgment. Barbara had the gift of a gentle love and caring and at the same time the strength and courage to be firm in the cause of righteousness."

Elder Oaks speaks on the U.S. Constitution

Sat, 18 Sep 2010 11:39:00 -0600

source: Newsroom.lds.org

An apostle for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said today the United States Constitution is a singular document whose fundamental principles must be understood, valued and protected.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks made the remarks in his keynote address at the Constitution Day Celebration held in the Tabernacle on Temple Square. The event was presented by the University of Utah’s Hinckley Institute of Politics and America’s Freedom Alliance.

Elder Oaks’s interest in and understanding of the Constitution is the product of a legal career that spanned more than 50 years. He is a former professor of law and Utah Supreme Court Justice and widely considered an expert on the U.S. Constitution.

Elder Oaks stressed that his remarks were focused on the “long view” and were not an endorsement or condemnation of actions or specific proposals on current issues. “I know that some will apply what I say — one way or another — to issues currently being reported in the media,” he said. “But I do not seek to be heard for the short term.”

Elder Robert D. Hales: Our essential spiritual agency

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 17:12:00 -0600

source: ldschurchnews.com

It is by making right choices today, tomorrow and for the rest of an individual's time on earth that he or she is able to follow the Savior and return to His presence, said Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve during the BYU campus devotional in a crowded Marriott Center on Tuesday, Sept. 14. All must carefully consider how Heavenly Father is preparing them for things He wants them to do, and then they must make choices accordingly.

"Before coming to this earth we lived with Heavenly Father," Elder Hales said. "He gave us the incomparable gift of agency. We had an opportunity to use that gift in a grand council with all His children. ... Today each of us has the opportunity of continually making the same choice to follow Him and return to His presence."

A major part of looking at the eternal perspective includes using one's agency to choose to follow the commandments Heavenly Father has outlined for His children, he said. It is by using one's God-given agency to keep the commandments that individuals qualify for the life Heavenly Father wants them to have.

"There must be opposition in all things," Elder Hales said. "Because of that opposition, we have the essential spiritual agency to choose spiritual life here and eternal life in the world to come."

Elder Richard G. Scott praises family, home as pillars of happiness

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 12:25:00 -0600

source: MormonTimes.com

Two vital pillars in God's plan of happiness are the family and the home, the significance of which is underscored by the devil's relentless efforts to undermine them, an LDS apostle told college-age Mormons Sunday night in a broadcast carried by satellite to locations throughout North America and many parts of the word.

Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, spoke in the Marriott Center at Brigham Young University for the monthly Church Educational System fireside.

Besides trying to undermine the family, Satan attempts to undermine the significance of LDS temple ordinances "which bind the family together for eternity," Elder Scott said.

"He does this by constant encouragement to promote promiscuity and to defile the sacred intimate expression of love between a husband and wife that results in the birth of children."

As part of his address, Elder Scott in a discussion setting conversed with Rebecca and Ben Marlowe, a recently married couple. He asked them questions such as how they determine what should be the highest priority for their marriage and how they resolve disagreements.

"We've determined that our priorities are, first, the Lord and the gospel — and that has really helped our marriage — and then each other and the family that we've created together," Rebecca said, "and then everything else just kind of falls into place when you put those things first."

President Boyd K. Packer to celebrate 86th birthday

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 15:24:00 -0600

source: deseretnews.com

President Boyd K. Packer, president of the Quorum of the Twelve of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, celebrates his 86th birthday Friday.

He was born Sept. 10, 1924, in Brigham City to Ira Wight and Emma Jensen Packer.

President Packer was sustained as president of the Quorum of the Twelve on April 5, 2008. He had been set apart as acting president of the Twelve on June 5, 1994, and again on March 12, 1995.

BYU devotional: 'Correctly focused zeal'

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 01:14:00 -0600

source: ldschurchnews.com

Individuals must learn to balance the appropriate amount of zeal in all aspects of life, President Cecil O. Samuelson said Tuesday, Sept. 7, during the first campus devotional of the 2010-2011 school year at Brigham Young University. During the devotional, President Samuelson of the Seventy and president of BYU, and his wife, Sharon, each spoke, welcoming students and faculty to the new school year.

"We are in favor in correctly focused zeal," President Samuelson said. "We admire courageous leaders and those who are willing to sacrifice or stand for what they know is right."

Drawing from examples in the scriptures, President Samuelson spoke of the need for individuals to use the proper amount of zeal — to avoid being over or under zealous — as they approach all activities in which they are involved.

"The scriptures are replete with references to zeal and the word is often attached to Deity. Without zeal and other associated virtues and courageous leaders and followers of previous days we would not have this nation or this university. The gospel would not have been restored and many other events of extreme importance would not have happened."

Elder Cook responds to bishop slaying

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 05:09:00 -0600

source: ldschurchnews.com

Mormon Life says: Love how he says "all that is unfair about life can be made right through the Atonement." Our hearts go out to Bishop Sannar's family and we mourn with and pray for them, together with their friends and ward members. It is a tragic event. We are confident that the extended family, friends, ward members, the community and the Church will stay close to this family and bless them in every possible way.

Some have asked about security at our Church meetings. Let me assure you that participation in Church meetings and Church service is not only spiritually rewarding but the right thing to do. It is also exceptionally safe. While rare incidents occur, Church attendance and Church service have a long history of being among the safest activities in which we can engage.

It is also important to understand that principles grounded in moral agency sometimes result in heartbreaking consequences in this life. Our Church history is evidence that other faithful leaders have been subject to tragic events.

The ultimate safety in all that we do in life is the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Our doctrine is clear. Through his Atonement, Jesus Christ fulfilled his Father's purpose and made it possible for each of us to enjoy immortality and eternal life. The Savior's Atonement not only provides for the assurance of eternal life and reunion with our loved ones, but all that is unfair about life can be made right through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the primary security in this life.

Celebrating Kyiv Ukraine Temple

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 13:45:00 -0600

source: ldschurchnews.com