Hello again, everyone! Much sooner than I had anticipated, I am pleased to bring you now my first blog post of this new year, 2020. Before I get to my main reason for posting now, I wanted to just offer a brief reminder: Although I cannot anticipate evyerthing thatt will wind up being covered on this blog during the course of this year, I do have a fair few known blog projects which I am planning on publishing here as scheduled on the dates indicated. Those posts will, of course, be in addition to covering all major (and especially breaking news) developments reported via the Church News, the Church Temples site and the official Church website (which includes those from the Newsroom thereof.
Having shared that information, we now move on to the main reason for this post: I have completed my reanalysis of the temples which are most likely to be renovated in the near future. That list, as previously mentioned, has been further annotated and adjusted based on new information that included those temples which had closed for an extended period last year, and those that will do so at any point during this year. The one thing I would add is that, as noted on the list itself, the timing of temple renovations is and ever will be in the hands of the Lord, as He conveys that direction to His prophet. I am also not entirely sure how (if at all) the closure of larger temples (those in Hong Kong China, St. George Utah, and now Salt Lake) or the planned closures (in the cases of the Logan Utah and Manti Utah Temples) might possibly impact the timing of any of the temples on the list I have put together.
That said, because it seems likely that around 19 temples could potentially have groundbreakings within the next 12-18 months (just from what we know so far), I am satisfied that, in considering the Church's 2020 budget, the Council on the Disposition of the Tithes set aside more than sufficent for all existing current and anticipated future projects. And if we see President Nelson continuing to announce temples every six months, and making announcements on other temples this year (which I have no doubt will be the case), we may be in for another windfall of temple announcements on a variety of fronts.
For my part, I remain committed to continuing to bring you updates on every facet of the developments which have characterized the tone of this blog for the last 3-4 years. In the meantime, as I begin another year of covering such things, I'd be remiss if I failed to thank you all for your continued interest, for your onoging support, and for the privilege of your time. That does it for now. Any and alll comments are, as always, welcome and appreciated, on any post at any time, as long as such comments are made in accordance with the established guidelines. Until my next post, I wish each one of you all the best and pray that the Lord will bless you all in everything you do.
Friday, January 10, 2020
First Blog Post of 2020: Updated List of Temples Which May Be Renovated in the Near Future
I have had a lifelong love for Church history, which has extended to ongoing reports of the ministry of our apostles and prophets, General Conference, and all temple developments. This blog enables me to share that love with all who read my thoughts on these developments, which are sometimes reported multiple times per day as needed.
21 comments:
In addition to my life-long love for the subjects which I cover in the posts of this blog, I have long held the belief that we can disagree without becoming disagreeable. Differences of opinion are natural, while being disagreeable in expressing those differences is not. And in that sense, I have no desire to close the door on anyone who earnestly desires to contribute to the ongoing dialogue on subjects covered in the posts on this blog.
At the same time, however, I recognize that we live in a time when incivility, discourtesy, unkindness, and even cyber-bullying has regrettably become part of online interactions. With that in mind, while anyone who wishes can comment on anything if they choose to do so, I hereby reserve the right to immediately delete any comments which are critical, unkind, lack civility, or promote prodcuts, services, and values contrary to either the Church, or to the rules of online etiquette.
I'd also like to remind all who comment here that I try to respond personally to each individual comment as I feel is appropriate. Such replies are not meant to end the conversation, but to acknowledge earnest feedback as it is submitted.
And in order to better preserve the spirit and pure intentions for which this blog was established, I also hereby request that anyone not commenting with a regular user name (particularly those whose comments appear under the "Unknown" or "Anonymous" monikers, give the rest of us a name to work with in addressing any replies. If such individuals do not wish to disclose their actual given names, a pseudonym or nickname would suffice.
Any comments made by individuals who opt to not give a name by which they can ber identified may, depending on the substance and tone of such comments, be subject to deletion as well. I would respectfully ask that all of us do all we can to keep the dialogue positive, polite, and without malice or ill-will. May the Lord bless us all in our discussion of these important matters.
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Found this on the Jamaica ChurchNewsroom site, is in reference to the Puerto Rico earthquake, has a scan of the letter on the page
ReplyDeletehttps://www.mormonnewsroom.org.jm/article/the-church-invites-its-members-to-unite-their-faith-in-favor-of-puerto-rico?fbclid=IwAR3-xkmGh1VumP4Pp8R8RPbmN1lqjq5s8PVTh15Rr44tf_gPckb9RVuPZ48
Thank you, James Anderson, for taking time to share that here. As I noted in a prior thread, all citizens in Puerto Rico are suffering in the aftermath of the many natural disasters that have struck there. But as the Church has reported recently, the members of the Church in the area are, in the midst of their own devastating losses, making efforts to reach out and help their neighbors. I continue to hope that the Lord will temper the elements and give the people there a bit of a break, which would hopefully allow construction to begin on the San Juan temple. Ijt will be interesting to see what happens as recovery efforts in the region continue. Thanks again, James Anderson, for stopping by to share this article. I always appreciate hearing from you.
DeleteHello again, everyone! Sister Sarah Jane Weaver, the editor of the Church News, has provided some insight into what happens when Church members "do something" about their faith, basing her thoughts on what she observed while covering President Nelson's 2018 visit to Bangkok Thailand:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2020-01-12/faith-thailand-church-welfare-service-children-laughter-2004-tsunami-171425
I continue to monitor all such developments, and will do my level best to bring word of those to you all as I become aware of any additional new Church news updates or temple developments. In the meantime, my thanks once again to you all.
And the Church News has published a report on the remarks given by Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Katherine J. Christofferson, at the first 2020 Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults, which was held earlier this evening:
Deletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2020-01-12/elder-christofferson-worldwide-devotional-young-adults-fear-commitment-choice-171611
My thanks once again to you all for your continued interest and ongoing support.
Hello again, everyone! I have two additional updates from the Newsroom to pass along at this time. Firstly, the Newsroom provided additional coverage of Elder Christofferson's remarks at the Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults on Sunday evening:
Deletehttps://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/elder-christofferson-worldwide-devotional-summary-january-2020
Meanwhile, Elder Christofferson's immediate senior apostolic seatmate, Elder Quentin L. Cook, is currently in the Philippines on assignment. His planned itinerary has taken him to the greater Manila area, where his schedule was disrupted by the threat of volcanic ash, which is posing a danger to the region for the first time in roughly 43 since its' last eruption:
https://www.mormonnewsroom.ph/article/elder-cook-philippines-volcano
Now, while I don't know exactly what his assignment in the region specifically entalied, a part of me did wonder if part of the reason he was there was to assess how soon the temple site in Muntinlupa City might be ready for a groundbreaking. Of course, nothing is official until the Brethren make it so, but that is a possibility that crossed my mind. I should perhaps also note that Elder Cook just happening to be there at the same time when the volcanic eruption and its' aftermath would be impacting Church members, leaders, and friends of other faiths, might not be entirely coincidental. I have strong memories of times when apostles have spoken about being where the Lord needed them to be when He needed them to be there, and I have no doubt that this will prove to be the case in relation to this visit to the Philippines at this time by Elder Cook.
I do continue to monitor all Church news and temple developments, and will endeavor to continue to bring you all word of such developments as I become aware of them. In the meantime, I should also mention that, with tomorrow marking the second anniversary of President Nelson's prophetic administration, I am planning on publishing a new post in honr of that milestone within the next 36 hours or so. So be on the lookout for that. And for now, my continued and ongoing thanks again to you all for your interest and support.
And the Church News has also reported on Elder Cook's visit to the Philippines:
Deletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2020-01-13/elder-cook-offers-prayers-alters-travel-schedule-as-volcano-erupts-in-the-philippines-171666
My thanks once again to you all for your continued interest and ongoing support.
Hello again, everyone! A new update has been provided on the Salt Lake Temple. The latest information I have indicates that trees, concrete, and pavers are being removed from the temnple's south side, and that the statues of the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum, which have been part of Temple Square since 1911, have been moved as part of the renovation process.
ReplyDeleteI continue to monitor all temple updates, in addition to Church news, and will pass word of those along to you all as I become aware of such developments. In the meantime, I would not be at all shocked if, within the next week or two, there was an official announcement regarding the open house and dedication information for the Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple, and if there was also an announcement on the first temple groundbreaking(s) for 2019, which could then subsequently take place in late January-early February.
As I have previously noted a few different times, by all appearances, President Nelson determined to "start slowly" last year, with groundbreakings held for 11 new temples. If what I have heard is correct, we could very well see that many temples have a groundbreaking within the first half of 2019. All of that will depend on how quickly the proper approvals can be obtained.
But I remember what President Nelson has said repeatedly in his travels and ministry to various Saints worldwide, that it is easier for the Church to build a temple than it is to build a people who are ready for the temple. When the people in any of the 35 locations in which the Church has a temple announced are ready for that prospect, the work of construction will begin, which applies by extension to temple announcements as well. Once again, my continued and ongoing thanks to you all.
Hello again, everyone! The Church News has shared two articles which provide insight into the process General Authority Seventies use as they tour missions worldwide. Those tours are done by assignment from the Missionary Department, with the approval of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/members/2020-01-13/mission-tours-what-most-latter-day-saints-dont-know-171184
https://www.thechurchnews.com/members/2020-01-13/how-annual-mission-tours-impact-missionaries-mission-leadership-couples-171187
Also, around 13-15 hours or so from now, President Nelson will be observing his second anniversary as Church President. The Church News has provided a look back on the major highlights of his ministry during that time:
https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2020-01-13/nelson-2-years-president-church-latter-day-saints-videos-ministry-temples-general-conference-policy-171700
That article provides a more excellent summary of the last two years than I would have been able to. Although I had hoped to be able to post a tribute in honor of that milestone, I am still dealing with continued illness, and am in the process of recovering from a minor bacterial infection, so I may consider the Church News article a sufficient enough tribute to that milestone, given my personal circumstances at this time. I will do my level best to continue to pass word of all Church News and temple updates along to you all here as I become aware of them. In the meantime, my thanks once again to you all.
And in conjunction with the aforementioned anniversary, Elder Michael T. Ringwood, who serves as the Executive Director of the Priesthood and Family Department, and as a member of the Priesthood and Family Executive Council, (and also happens to be the son-in-law of Church President Russell M. Nelson), was assigned to speak at today's devotional at BYU. Elder Ringwood focused his remarks on a question: If the prophet asked what he could do for you, how would you respond? You can read a summary of his remarks (for which a trasncript will be made avaiable within the next week or two) at the following web address:
Deletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2020-01-14/byu-devotional-gifts-living-prophet-elder-ringwood-171774
Once again, my thanks to you all for your continued interest and support.
Hello again, everyone! The latest update on the Winnipeg Manitoba Temple (which, as previously noted, is anticipated to be dedicated before the end of this year) indicates that the spire has been attached to the temple tower. I continue to monitor all temple developments and Church News updates, and will endeavor to do my best to keep bringing word of those to you all here as I become aware of them. In the meantime, thanks again, everyone!
ReplyDeleteHello again, everyone! Sister Jean B. Bingham (Relief Society General President), Sister Joy D. Jones (Primary General President), and Sister Becky Craven (Second Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency) recently returned from a visit to the Mexico Area, and the Church News shared the following report on their visit:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2020-01-14/latter-day-saints-mexico-temple-rising-generation-church-leaders-170990
In the meantime, another update has been reported on the Quito Ecuador Temple, where crews are preparing to pour the walls for the base of the temple tower. I continue to monitor all Church news and temple updates and will be sure to pass word of those to you all here as I become aware of it. Aside from that, and from noting that Presideet Nelson has now officially been Church President for two years, my thanks once again to you all for your continued interest and ongoing support.
A newly-provided Church News report shares a summary of remarks offered by President Henry J. Eyring, BYU-Idaho President, earlier today as part of the university's first Winter Semester 2020 Devotional:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2020-01-14/president-henry-j-eyring-3-truths-faith-doubt-171824
My thanks once again to you all for your continued interest and ongoing support.
A report has also been provided on the first Winter Semester 2020 BYU-Hawaii Devotional:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2020-01-14/elder-vai-sikahema-announces-new-byu-hawaii-scholarships-education-171837
The devotional featured area seventy Vai Sikahema, who announced that he was funding two new scholarships, in honor of his mother and his mother-in-law, who made great sacrifices in order to ensure their families would be able to obtain a good education. Once again, my continued and ongoing thanks to you all.
Hello again, everyone! The following additional Church news stories have been reported:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.mormonnewsroom.ph/article/elder-cook-meets-philippine-president-duterte
https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2020-01-15/9-ldsbc-students-faith-jesus-christ-agency-mormon-name-church-171935
My thanks once again to you all for your continued interest and ongoing support.
Hello again, everyone! Another update has been reported on the Salt Lake Temple. New information indicates that monuments are being moved and that trees and concrete are being removed from the south side of the temple. I continue to monitor all such developments and Church news reports and will bring you word of them as I hear about those. In the meantime, my thanks once again to you all.
ReplyDeleteAnd the Church News shared a report around an hour ago on the recent passing of Sister Shirley W. Thomas, who served as a counselor in the Relief Society from 1978-1983:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2020-01-15/former-counselor-relief-society-general-presidency-shirley-anne-wilkes-thomas-dies-94-172009
My thanks once again to you all.
Hello again, everyone! The Church News has reported the following additional articles:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/members/2020-01-15/multicultural-choir-general-conference-april-2020-172061
https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2020-01-15/elder-renlund-shares-3-ways-missionaries-should-treasure-up-continually-the-words-of-life-171983
Elder Renlund's remarks were apparently given yesterday as part of the 2020 MTC Leadership Seminar. I continue to monitor all Church News and temple updates and will do my level best to bring word of those to you all here as I become aware of such things. My thanks once again to you all.
Did any of that on the multicultural choir at general conference backlink to this page on the Church website? This has been up for about a week according to what I have heard.
Deletehttps://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/church/news/apply-now-to-be-in-multicultural-choir-at-unique-april-2020-general-conference?lang=eng&fbclid=IwAR0GNpDFvGTcysiI6LrysWNAXvmIKjBH7uYEsZt4FfoxAvimZ1cr9rZAB4M
James Anderson, great question. What was published on the Church website (which I shared earlier in the threads of either this post or the previous one) was just the initial information. The Church News article provides more detail and context as far as the choir, along with details that that initial release may not have provided to the same extent.
DeleteThere appears to always be some degree of overlap between information provided on the official Church News & Events page and what is noted in the Church News, and at times, one is more detailed than the other (and vice versa). In this case, the Church put the initial information out on the official website, then the Church News staff published their article on it after taking time to provide additional context.
It's similar in scenario in some ways to what happens on this blog, for which I can cite the example of the recently-released rendering of the Bengaluru India Temple. I happened upon that and started working on my analysis for a new blog post covering the development minutes before a comment on this thread below shared the same news. And because I was working on that post, I was unaware of the comment until after the post was published.
Hopefully that answers your question coherently enough. Thanks for stopping by to ask it, and for sharing the original information from the Church website. I always appreciate hearing from you, James Anderson.
Bengaluru India Temple rendering and location announced!
ReplyDeletehttps://www.mormonnewsroom.in/article/location-rendering-bengaluru-india-temple
Hello, Eric! I found that announcement not long after the information was published to the Newsroom, and when your comment was being published, I was hard at work on a post covering that. Thanks for making sure everyone knows wwhere to find it. I always appreciate hearing from you.
ReplyDelete