That does it for now. Any and all 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. Thank you for the privilege of your time. If you enjoyed what you read here and would like to stay informed of newly added content, please feel free to subscribe. 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.
Sunday, July 12, 2020
UPDATED: Current Apostolic Statistics
Hello again, everyone! Recently on this blog, it has become traditional for me to publish updated apostolic statistics relating to both the age and tenures of our current apostles roughly every 7 weeks. Since I last did so on Sunday May 24, it is now time to do so again today. Those updates, as has also been customary, the information will be featured in two parts: the first and the second. The information speaks for itself. I continue to monitor all Church news and temple updates and will be sure to pass word of those developments along to you all as I become aware of any such reports.
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.
20 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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Hello again, everyone! On this Sabbath Day, I found myself awake just before 9:30 AM and was able to watch the episode of "Music & the Spoken Word" as it aired. I mentioned in another thread that that episode originally aired in mid-July of last year on the Sunday closest to the 90th anniversary of that program. I enjoyed watching that again today.
ReplyDeleteAbove and beyond that, however, former Church News editor Gerry Avant continued her look back at her lengthy career covering the news of the Church. Today, she reflected on previous interviews with President James E. Faust, in which the longtime General Authority, apostle, and Second Counselor to Church President Gordon B. Hinckley, spoke about his experiences as someone in the religious minority during active duty in the military. President Faust had particularly recalled doing his Sunday worship all on his own for weeks and months at a time. Sister Avant noted that his experiences uniquely paralleled what most Church members are now experiencing with COVID-19, so she mused that his accounts could help many of us currently:
https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2020-07-12/covid-19-sabbath-worship-elder-faust-gerry-avant-188638
My thanks once again to you all.
As previously noted, the Deseret News recently provided an update on the renovation process for the Salt Lake Temple:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.deseret.com/faith/2020/7/8/21310235/mormon-temple-square-demolition-latter-day-saints-project
Based on information from that article, the Church of Jesus Christ Temples site has shared the following status change for the Salt Lake Temple:
https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/salt-lake-temple/
Thanks again, everyone!
On this Monday, I am pleased to report news that is no longer breaking but is still siginificant As has been the case for the last several Mondays, the Church today announced that 7 additional temples will reopen under phase 1 (allowing minimally-attended living husband-and-wife sealings):
ReplyDeletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/temples/2020-07-13/lds-temples-open-worldwide-phased-reopening-183918
The seven temples that will open under phase 1 next Monday are as follows: Fortaleza Brazil, London England, Manaus Brazil, Oakland California, Recife Brazil, São Paulo Brazil, and Suva Fiji Temples.
In that same article, the Church News also shared new statistical data regarding the number of temples open vs. the total number in each major world area, also highlighting those temples which remain closed due to COVID-19 or as a result of undergoing renovation.
I continue to be grateful to the Brethren in the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for the remarkable way in which they are monitoring all COVID-19 developments and adjusting accordingly. It is inspring that, during a time when COVID-19 has thrown every religious entity for a loop, the Church has carefully and consistently rolled with the punches.
I also wanted to acknowledge here that, over the weekend, I became aware of some new information which may point to necessary changes in thoughts I have previously offered about temple subjects, including, but not limited to, the timing whereby some temples may have a groundbreaking, how COVID-19 may impact temple dedications and rededications in the future, and what may be coming down the pike as far as new temples being announced. I will be analyzing that new information in the coming days and ltering my previously-offered thoughts on those subjects accordingly as a result. In the meantime, my thanks once again to you all.
And the Newsroom has today shared the inspiring story of how the Church originally acquired the property where, until just recently, the Yuba City California Stake Center sat, and how the recent need to dismantle the building and disperse anything inside the building served as a blessing and answer to prayers from many leaders of other faiths in that community:
ReplyDeletehttps://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/california-community-welcomes-construction-of-temple
My thanks once again to you all.
The Newsroom also provided the following COVID-19 updates as well:
ReplyDeletehttps://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/multimedia/file/church-distribution-retail-stores.pdf
https://www.deseretindustries.org/reopen
https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/first-presidency-limited-reopening-temples
My thanks once again to you all.
Here's an interesting development: According to a report from the Church News, with corroboration from two updated news releases on the Newsroom website, the Church noted that approval for the aforementioned name change of Washington County's second temple had been granted in mid-June, one month before any public mention was made about the change:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/temples/2020-07-14/first-presidency-approves-name-change-washington-county-red-cliffs-utah-temple-188920
https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/renderings-released-three-temples-western-united-states
https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/temple-site-announced-for-washington-county-utah-temple
The two Newsroom releases note the change in italicized text above the relevant mentions to this temple, so it is important to note that the date of the two releases is not updated, just the note on the temple itself. My thanks once again to you all.
Another temple update has been reported. Apparently, the Church's current goal is to have the groundbreaking for the Tooele Valley Utah Temple occur at the end of August, which would be between the previously-announced Salta Argentina Temple groundbreaking on August 15 and that of the Orem Utah Temple on September 5. A referendum under consideration for the votes in Erda would, if it gets sufficient support from the signatures of citizens in the area, put the entire plan for the development set to surround the temple on the ballot in November. And if that occurs, then the groundbreaking could potentially be delayed until nearly the end of the year or early next year. Read more in the Tooele Transcript Bulletin article below:
Deletehttp://tooeleonline.com/church-submits-permit-application-for-temple/
The Church News has reported on the hope provided to health care workers and citizens in Bucaramanga Colombia through the efforts of Relief Society sisters from that region:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/members/2020-07-14/mask-making-relief-society-colombian-city-protection-hope-188938
And a new update has been provided on the status of the Praia Cabo Verde Temple:
https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/praia-cabo-verde-temple/
My thanks once again to you all.
And a couple more Church news updates have been provided:
Deletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2020-07-14/women-priesthood-covenant-participating-work-lord-wendy-ulrich-188561
https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2020-07-14/elder-uchtdorf-heroes-byu-pathway-devotional-188912
https://www.byupathway.org/speech/call-for-heroes?pk_campaign=devotional&pk_kwd=jul2020&pk_source=churchnews&pk_medium=article
My thanks once again to you all.
The Newsroom also covered Elder Ucthdorf's BYU-Pathway Worldwide address:
Deletehttps://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/byu-pathway-uchtdorf-devotional-july-2020
My thanks once again to you all.
The Church News and the Newsroom have both covered the publication of discourses given by Sister Eliza R. Snow, a plural wife of both the Prophet Joseph Smith and his successor, Brigham Young, who served as the secretary to the Female Relief Society of Nauvoo, and was sked by Brigham Young to serve as the second Relief Soiety General President of the Church. Sister Snow also had a hand in helping to establish what we now know today as the Primary and Young Women organizations of the Church. Read more about her life and teachings in the following articles:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/history-revisited/2020-07-15/eliza-r-snow-discourses-speaker-poet-relief-society-188887
https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/eliza-r--snow-discourses-published-online
Additionally, updates have been reported on the following temples:
Winnipeg Manitoba:
https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/winnipeg-manitoba-temple/
Pocatello Idaho:
https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/pocatello-idaho-temple/
Abidjan Côte d'Ivoire:
https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/abidjan-cote-d'ivoire-temple/
Additionally, while I thought at one point that COVID-19 conditions had eased enough in Muntinlupa City Philippines (where the Alabang temple will be built), it appears instead that the area covering Urdaneta is no longer under a government-imposed quarantine, while Muntinlupa City is, so construction continues to be stalled there.
Based on what I reported a few days ago in relation to the Tooele Valley Utah Temple, if the signature-gathering process does not result in success towards a referendum that would appear on the NOvember 2020 ballot in Erda on the subject of the temple development, or if the Church can deal with the current objections to the development surrounding the temple, then it seems likely that a groundbreaking for the Tooele Valley Temple could be held on the last Saturday of next month, which is what the groundbreaking committee is currently hoping and planning for.
On the other hand, if the referendum impacts the planned development, and by extension, the temple design process itself, then a groundbreaking on that temple could be delayed into the final months of this year or even early next year. I hope for the former outcome rather than the latter.
It is also worth noting that it seems likely that the Church could very soon set arrangements for the Red Cliffs and Taylorsville Utah Temples to have a groundbreaking, perhaps anytime in September or October. I am still in the process of evaluating all of that. Stay tuned for updates there as I can make them happen. In the meantime, my thanks once again to you all.
Hello again, everyone! The update I shared earlier today on the Winnipeg Manitoba Temple, among other elements, showed that the Angel Moroni statue had been installed atop the temple. I received word a short while ago that there has been an error with that installation process, as reflected in the following update:
ReplyDeletehttps://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/winnipeg-manitoba-temple/
Additionally, per information from the Church of Jesus Christ Temples site, the following temples' general completion estimates have been adjusted, as reflected in the status updates for each:
Pocatello Idaho:
https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/pocatello-idaho-temple/
Note: The completion estimate shifted up from late 2021 to mid-to-late 2021.
Belem Brazil:
https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/belem-brazil-temple/
Note: In addition to this temple's estimate shifting up from mid-2022 to early-to-mid 2022, it has been moved ahead of the Urdaneta Philippines Temple, which now has a general completion estimate of mid-2022, as seen in the following page
Urdaneta Philippines:
https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/urdaneta-philippines-temple/
Note: See note above on Belem Brazil Temple
Saratogra Springs Utah:
https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/saratoga-springs-utah-temple/
Note: That temple's estimate has shifted up from late 2022 to mid-to-late 2022
I am evaluating what these changes might mean for information I have previously offered and may now need to adjust and correct. In the meantime, my thanks once again to you all.
Today, several new Church news articles have been reported:
ReplyDeletehttps://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/new-resources-to-support-parents-with-children-and-youth-program
https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2020-07-16/covid-19-pandemic-delays-book-of-mormon-videos-filming-2021-2022-alma-helaman-moroni-189088
https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2020-07-16/how-embracing-the-gospel-and-moving-past-social-tensions-elevated-the-life-of-this-new-general-leader-189061
https://www.thechurchnews.com/members/2020-07-16/original-copies-book-of-mormon-donated-collection-byu-ingersoll-189092
https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2020-07-16/video-sheri-dew-history-serving-latter-day-saint-women-relief-society-189126
https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2020-07-16/pioneer-day-sister-joy-jones-primary-children-women-pioneer-trail-188860
And minor updates have been reported on the following temples:
Winnipeg Manitoba:
https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/winnipeg-manitoba-temple/
Layton Utah:
https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/layton-utah-temple/
I continue my analysis and adjustments to thoughts I had previously offered about temples on several fronts and will pass that analysis along ASAP. In the meantime, thanks again, everyone!
Hello again, everyone! The Church News and Newsroom have reported one new inspiring article apiece:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2020-07-17/valerie-johnson-sealed-during-covid-19-pandemic-189035
https://news-ph.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/familysearch-ph-logs-over-three-million-indexed-records-in-four-months
Acting President M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has provided his written contribution to the ongoing "How I #HearHim":
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/inspiration/how-i-hear-him-in-still-and-quiet-moments?lang=eng
And another update has been reported on the Salt Lake Temple:
https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/salt-lake-temple/
My thanks once again to you all.
Hello again, everyone! The latest installment of “This Week on Social” has been published:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2020-07-17/this-week-on-social-love-lord-yourself-others-189173
The most recent edition of this series was another short one, and consisted solely of posts from those we sustain as prophets, seers, and revelators. Featured this week were brief insights from Church President Russell M. Nelson, and Elders Dieter F. Uchtdorf and Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
As I read the brief article covering these posts, it occurred to me that this pandemic must truly be an unusual scenario for our apostles. Not only has their ability to travel extensively been eliminated for the time being, but, by extension, that means that the typical July recess taken annually by the General Authorities of the Church looks markedly different for these Brethren as well.
And I was also led to marvel at how well equipped our current group of 15 apostles seems to be to deal with the conditions of this period of time. The Church has been able to adjust and adapt in this situation in a way that is unique by comparison to how other religious denominations and sects have done so.
Just wanted to share those thoughts, for whatever they may be worth to you all. The Church News has also covered the upcoming concert for the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square: the prerecorded event that will pay tribute to 90 years of “Music and the Spoken Word”:
https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2020-07-17/90-year-celebration-music-and-spoken-word-broadcast-tabernacle-choir-189179
The Newsroom also covered the upcoming concert:
https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/tabernacle-choir-celebrates-90-years-broadcasting-special-concert
My thanks once again to you all.
Hello again, everyone! On this afternoon of Saturday July 18, today was the day on which the gorundbreaking for the Feather River California Temple was scheduled to occur. I have not yet been able to find any sources detailing what time that private event was going to be conducted, and given that it is roughly 1:30 PM here in Utah, it is 12:30 PM in California. Unless the groundbreaking winds up being held later this afternoon or evening, it very well might have already taken place. Whether or not it has already occurred, it seems more likely than not that that temple could be dedicated sometime in 2023.
ReplyDeleteAs I have mentioned previously, I have received some new insights and information relating to temple construction from a few of the sources I regularly use when analyzing my own thoughts on that subject. I will continue to analyze that new information and update some of my files tracking such developments, and I hope to have something on that posted in the early part of this upcoming week, if not sooner. Stay tuned for all of that. In the meantime, my thanks once again to you all.
Hello again, everyone! The Church's official Newsroom just confirmed the groundbreaking for the Feather River California Temple has taken place:
Deletehttps://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/ground-broken-for-feather-river-temple
Due to COVID-19 restrictions from the state and local government, it was a small-scale event. As a result of those same restrictions, it appears that no general Church leaders were in attendance, as a result of which area seventy Elder Paul H. Watkins presided at and offered the dedicatory prayer for this groundbreaking. He becomes the first non-general authority Church leader to preside at such an event since 1955 (when 3 Church missionaries represented the Brethren in breaking ground for the Hamilton New Zealand Temple (which is currently being renovated), unless I am mistaken. My thanks once again to you all.
The Church News also covered the Feather River California Temple groundbreaking:
Deletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/temples/2020-07-18/covid-19-temple-groundbreaking-california-feather-river-yuba-sacramento-lds-church-189215
My thanks once again to you all.
I had the privilege this evening of watching the Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square's "Music for a Summer Evening" broadcast that served as the capstone to the celebration of the 90th anniversary year for "Music and the Spoken Word". For any who missed it, information about when it will be available through rebroadcasting or streaming on-demand can visit the following web address:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.thetabernaclechoir.org/articles/how-to-join-the-celebration-of-music-and-the-spoken-word.html
My thanks once again to you all.
On this Sabbath evening, the Church News has shared the following report:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2020-07-19/saints-by-the-sea-familysearch-campaign-family-history-work-indexing-188879
And the Newsroom has published a video and written post shared on social media by Acting President M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in the continuing "How I #HearHim" series:
https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/elder-ballard-emphasizes-the-need-for-quiet-moments-to-hearhim
And updates have been reported on the following temples:
Yigo Guam:
https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/yigo-guam-temple/
Quito Ecuador:
https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/quito-ecuador-temple/
I'd just add here that I'm cautiously optimistic that I will have my updated thoughts on temple construction efforts this year ready to post early next week. In the meantime, my thanks once again to you all.