Mormon Life - General Conference tag

Closed captioning added to October 2011 general conference videos online

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 23:02:00 -0700

source: news.lds.org

Closed captioning in English has been added to the October 2011 general conference videos posted online at LDS.org. The release marks the first time that videos on LDS.org have offered closed captioning.

In the past, closed captioning has been offered for the live broadcast on television and satellite, but not on the Church’s website. Archived general conference content on LDS.org has included conference videos in American Sign Language (available by selecting ASL from the language drop-down menu), but not everyone who is deaf or hard of hearing knows or uses ASL, said Christopher Phillips, manager of Disabilities Service for the Church.

Wordles for October 2011 LDS General Conference

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 09:46:00 -0600

source: ldsmediatalk.com

Mormon Life says: This is a cool graphic that reflects frequency of word use in word size. The biggest words? "God," "Lord," "Christ," and "Church." For the last several conferences, we have shown wordles (word clouds) of the text from general conference, which show the frequency of use of words (except words like it, the, and and). Frequency of use determines the word size.

LDS General Conference PDFs and EPUBs Online

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 12:41:00 -0600

source: ldsmediatalk.com

If you are a regular reader of LDS Media Talk, you’ve learned when the talks, video, and audio from the October 2011 LDS General Conference have been posted online. You also know there is a video of highlights from the conference, as well as conference highlights selected especially for youth.

Looking Up to the Brethren

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 11:31:00 -0600

source: mormonmommyblogs.blogspot.com

Mormon Life says: A fun post about how parents' testimonies impact children. My family was on Temple Square during a visit with Utah relatives, when suddenly, my mother grabbed me by the shoulders, and propelled me with alarming urgency towards the Tabernacle. An old man was moving away from an open door there and people were gathering around him. With a degree of determination and boldness uncharacteristic of my mother, she shoved through the crowd until I was standing at his feet.

He looked down at me. His gentle eyes never left mine as my mother panted, “President Tanner, THIS is my daughter, Ramona.” It was certain that I had never heard that kind of awe and pride in her voice.

I was so young, I don’t remember then if he said anything. I don’t remember if I said anything. What I remember most, is how important it was to my mother.

Temple patrons are assisted by special fund

Sat, 15 Oct 2011 17:59:00 -0600

source: ldschurchnews.com

Mormon Life says: This article gives some of the history behind the fund, of which most members only recently became aware. Elder William R. Walker — of the Seventy and executive director of the Church's Temple Department — learned early of the blessings that can be realized when faithful members have access to the temple.

In 1965, Elder Walker was a young full-time missionary serving in Japan. A temple did not exist then in that Asian nation and few of the local priesthood leaders had received temple ordinances. Under the direction of Elder Gordon B. Hinckley of the Quorum of the Twelve, a fund was organized to allow many of the local Japanese leaders to travel to Hawaii and receive their own temple blessings in the Laie Hawaii Temple.

The Church in Japan, said Elder Walker, was never the same.

FHE: General Authorities

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 00:05:00 -0600

by Shauna Gibby
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: As your family prepares to receive and study the printed general conference addresses, discuss the position of general authorities and how we can support them.

Conference Talk:
For more information on this topic read “An Ensign to the Nations,” by Jeffrey R. Holland, Ensign, May 2011, 111.

Thoughts:
In general conference we offer our testimonies in conjunction with other testimonies that will come, because one way or another God will have His voice heard.

(Jeffrey R. Holland, “An Ensign to the Nations,” Ensign, May 2011, 111.)

Song:
“Fifth Article of Faith,” Children’s Songbook, p. 125.

Scripture:
Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor. (Doctrine and Covenants 88:81)

Lesson:
Before scripture study, obtain a copy of the May or November issue of the Ensign magazine (preferably a current one). Find the page with the pictures of the First Presidency, Quorum of Twelve, and General Authorities on one page (usually in the middle of the issue). Read D&C 107:22 and ask:

• Who are the three presiding high priests in this picture?
• How are they “upheld”?
• What do we call them?

Read D&C 107:23–24, 33, 35 and ask:

• Who are the Twelve Apostles in this picture?
• How do they differ from other officers? (They are special witnesses of the name of Christ “in all the world.”)
• The entire Quorum of the Twelve is equal in power and authority to which other quorum? (The First Presidency—see verse 24.)
• What are some of their responsibilities? (See verses 23, 33, and 35.)

Read D&C 107:25–26, 34 and ask:

• Who are the Seventy in this picture?
• How are they different from the other officers?
• Their quorum is equal in authority to which other quorum? (Quorum of the Twelve—see verse 26.)
• What are some of their responsibilities? (See verses 25 and 34.)

Read together D&C 107:27, 30–31 and list the Lord’s counsel to these quorums as they make decisions. Ask:

• How would you describe the Lord’s council to these quorums?
• What promise does the Lord give if they make decisions in His way? (See verse 31.)

To help explain the authority of the different quorums, share the following explanation: “There can never be two or three quorums of equal authority at the same time; therefore in the revelation where it reads that the Twelve Apostles form a quorum equal in authority with the First Presidency, and that the Seventies form a quorum equal in authority with the Twelve, it should be understood that this condition of equality could prevail only when the ranking quorum is no longer in existence, through death or otherwise. When the First Presidency becomes disorganized on the death of the President, then the Apostles become the presiding quorum, or council, of the Church with all the power to organize again the First Presidency, when they fall back again as the second ranking quorum of the Church. So with the Seventies, they would become equal only on the condition that the first two quorums ceased to exist.”

(Hyrum M. Smith and Janne M. Sjodahl, Doctrine and Covenants Commentary, 699–700.)

Ask your family to tell about a time when they were in the presence of one of these men or heard them testify and share how they felt. Testify to your family that these are men whom God has chosen to lead us.

(Dennis H. Leavitt and Richard O. Christensen, Scripture Study for Latter-day Saint Families: The Doctrine and Covenants, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2004], p. 238.)

Story:
“When We Recognize the Priesthood”
Loren C. Dunn

Shortly after being called [as a General Authority] in April Conference . . . , I returned to Boston to get my personal affairs in order so that I could make a permanent move to Salt Lake City. I was released from the New England Mission presidency, and for the first time in five years had more opportunity to attend my own ward in the Boston Stake, since I was usually traveling on mission business every weekend. I can remember going to our ward and, incidentally, if you want to see a picture of frustration, you should see a bishop in whose ward there is a General Authority with no assignment! I went to my own ward and I was invited to sit on the stand, which I did. A counselor in the bishopric was conducting the meeting, and he said these words, and they will forever be in my mind: “Presiding at this meeting is Brother Loren C. Dunn of the First Council of the Seventy, and the meeting will proceed under his direction.” Now, I didn’t have anything to do with the meeting other than just being there and being a member of the First Council of the Seventy. Yet above me and behind me, I felt a force that came down through me and from me out to the audience, and I was given to know that this was a manifestation of the Spirit of the Lord that made itself manifest because the presiding authority had been recognized.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I am not talking about Loren C. Dunn. He will go along, and some day he will pass from the scene and turn to dust and be forgotten. He is not very important really, but the mantle and priesthood and authority that have been conferred upon him are extremely important and this is what the Lord, I am sure, was trying to tell me. When we recognize the priesthood, when we recognize presiding authority, the Spirit of the Lord begins to operate.

(Leon R. Hartshorn, Outstanding Stories by General Authorities, vol. 2, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1971].)

Activity:
Choose a number of topics that General Authorities speak about from page 3 of a May or November issue of the Ensign magazine. Write each topic on a slip of paper and put the slips in an envelope. Family members take turns pulling a slip of paper from the envelope and then drawing clues for the rest of the family to guess what the topic is.

Refreshment
Pumpkin Spice Dessert

Crust

1 cup prepared biscuit mix

1⁄2 cup quick rolled oats
1⁄2 cup brown sugar
1⁄4 cup margarine

Mix biscuit mix, rolled oats, brown sugar, and margarine until crumbly. Press into a 9x13-inch pan. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes.

Middle Layer

1 can (16 ounces) pumpkin

1 tall can evaporated milk
2 eggs
3⁄4 cup sugar
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1⁄2 teaspoon ginger
1⁄4 teaspoon cloves

Beat pumpkin, milk, eggs, sugar, salt, and spices until well mixed. Pour over crust. Return to oven and bake 25 minutes longer.

Topping

1⁄2 cup pecans, chopped

1⁄2 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons butter
Whipped cream

Mix chopped pecans, brown sugar, and butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over pudding. Return to oven and bake 15 to 20 minutes longer. Cool. Serve with whipped cream. Makes 24 servings.

(Lion House Classics, [Salt Lake City: Shadow Mountain, 2003] p. 123.)

To get the PDF version of this lesson, click here.

We Are a Temple-Building People

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 11:18:00 -0600

source: ldschurchnews.com

Just Off the Square: Fall 2011 General Conference

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 00:49:00 -0600

by LDS Living staff
source: ldsliving.com

Mormon Life says: LDS Living went to the streets of Temple Square to ask visitors about their general conference experiences. Make sure you watch to the end to hear how New York Times bestselling author Jason Wright spends his conference weekend!

Click here to check out some of our other Just Off the Square videos.

Little Girl Falls Asleep Watching General Conference

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 13:14:00 -0600

source: youtube.com

Mormon Life says: Very funny and cute. We hope she took a nap.

Members react to general conference via social media

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 12:27:00 -0600

source: deseretnews.com

More and more members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are following the encouragement of leaders and embracing social networking as a means of sharing the gospel.

"It is no coincidence that FamilySearch and other tools have come forth at a time when young people are so familiar with a wide range of information and communication technologies,” said Elder David A. Bednar, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve, during his remarks in the Saturday afternoon session of the church’s 181st Semiannual General Conference. “Your fingers have been trained to text and tweet to accelerate and advance the work of the Lord — not just to communicate quickly with your friends. The skills and aptitude evident among many young people today are a preparation to contribute to the work of salvation.”

LDS Church's General Conference changed by rapid internationalization

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 10:47:00 -0600

source: deseretnews.com

For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, general conference has always been about gathering.

In the early days of the church it was a time of reunion and inspiration, when as many church members as possible would gather to conduct church business, share experiences and receive counsel and instruction from their leaders. As recently as 1960, with church membership at about 1.7 million and all of the stakes of the church English-speaking, general conference was still focused on gathering leaders and members for training and encouragement at church headquarters.

50 Years of Interpreting LDS General Conference

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 09:23:00 -0600

source: ldsmediatalk.com

Twice a year, 58 language teams assemble in the LDS Conference Center to bring live interpretation of messages of the Prophets, Apostles, and other General Authorities to Church members around the world. Other interpreters and translators throughout the world provide language services remotely.

Church News and Events on LDS.org has just published a story noting that the Translation Division marks 50 years of providing interpretation at General Conference.

181st Semiannual General Conference: Sunday photo gallery

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 09:20:00 -0600

source: ldschurchnews.com

Sunday photo gallery

'We are all in this together' Pres. Monson reminds Mormon faithful as conference concludes

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 09:12:00 -0600

source: deseretnews.com

President Thomas S. Monson brought "a most inspiring conference" to a close on a warm-but-breezy Sunday afternoon with a prayer that members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints "realize and understand how close to us (our Heavenly Father) is willing to come, how far he is willing to go to help us, how much he loves us and how much he does and is willing to do for us."

Speaking to the Sunday afternoon session of the 181st Semiannual General Conference of the church in the downtown Conference Center, President Monson offered his assurance to members of the church that "our Heavenly Father is mindful of the challenges we face in the world today. He loves each of us and will bless us as we strive to keep his commandments and seek him through prayer."

He expressed his appreciation to church members for their service to each other, and to the world.

2011 Semiannual General Conference — Saturday

Sun, 02 Oct 2011 13:35:00 -0600

source: ldschurchnews.com

Releases announced for church leaders

Sun, 02 Oct 2011 13:32:00 -0600

source: Newsroom.lds.org

The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced several leadership changes during the Saturday afternoon session of the Church’s 181st Semiannual General Conference on 1 October 2011.

Elder Claudio R.M. Costa was released from the Presidency of the Seventy and Elder Tad R. Callister was sustained as the newest member of the Presidency of the Seventy. In addition, the following releases were announced for members of the First Quorum of the Seventy, the Second Quorum of the Seventy and Area Seventies.

2011 Semiannual General Conference: Saturday photo gallery

Sun, 02 Oct 2011 13:30:00 -0600

source: ldschurchnews.com

Mormon Life says: Were you there? Maybe you're in the photo gallery! 2011 Semiannual General Conference: Saturday photo gallery.

General conference: Highlights from every talk

Sun, 02 Oct 2011 12:47:00 -0600

source: ldschurchnews.com

Mormon Life says: Read quotes and themes from each talk given during general conference.

Saturday Morning

Elder Richard G. Scott: The Power of Scripture

Sister Barbara Thompson: Personal Revelation and Testimony

Elder L. Whitney Clayton: The Time Shall Come

Elder José Luis Alonso: Doing the Right Thing

President Boyd K. Packer: Counsel to Youth

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf: You Matter to Him

Saturday Afternoon

Elder David A. Bednar: The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn

Elder Neil L. Andersen: Children Essential to God's Eternal Plan

Elder Ian S. Ardern: A Time to Prepare

Elder Carl Cook: It Is Better To Look Up

Elder D. Todd Christofferson: The Divine Gift of Repentance

Elder L. Tom Perry: Perfect Love Casteth Out Fear

Priesthood

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland: We Are All Enlisted

Elder Keith B. McMullin: The Power of the Aaronic Priesthood

Elder W. Christopher Waddell: The Opportunity of a Lifetime

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf: Providing in the Lord's Way

President Thomas S. Monson: Dare to Stand Alone

President Henry B. Eyring: I Need Your Help

Sunday Morning

President Henry B. Eyring: A Witness

Elder Robert D. Hales: Waiting Upon the Lord

Elder Tad R. Callister: A Book from God

Sister Elaine S. Dalton: Love Her Mother

Elder M. Russell Ballard: The Importance of a Name

President Thomas S. Monson: Stand...in Holy Places

Sunday Afternoon

Elder Russell M. Nelson: Covenants

Elder Dallin H. Oaks: We are followers of Jesus Christ

Brother Matthew O. Richardson: Teaching after the Manner of the Spirit

Elder Kauhiko Yamashita: Missionaries Are a Treasure in the Church

Elder Randall K. Bennett: Choose Eternal Life

Elder J. Devn Cornish: The Privilege of Prayer

Elder Quentin L. Cook: The Songs They Could Not Sing

President Thomas S. Monson: Until We Meet Again

Background info on newly announced temples

Sun, 02 Oct 2011 12:25:00 -0600

source: Newsroom.lds.org

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continues to build new temples across the globe to meet the needs of an expanding worldwide membership.

Today the president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced six new temples during the morning session of the faith’s 181st Semiannual General Conference.

President Thomas S. Monson said the Church will build temples in Paris, France; Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo; Durban, South Africa; Barranquilla, Colombia and Star Valley, Wyoming. The Church will also rebuild the historic Provo, Utah Tabernacle – which was heavily damaged by fire in December 2010 – and convert it into a temple.

President Monson announces five new temples

Sun, 02 Oct 2011 12:15:00 -0600

source: ldschurchnews.com

During the opening session of the 181st Semiannual General Conference this morning President Thomas S. Monson announced plans to build five new temples, ranging from Utah and Wyoming to Africa and South America.

"The building of temples continues uninterrupted, brothers and sisters. Today it is my privilege to announce several new temples," President Monson said.

He announced that the Provo Utah Tabernacle, which was heavily damaged by fire last December, will be rebuilt to function as a temple, giving that city two temples. He noted that the Provo temple is among the busiest in the Church.