Stokes Sounds Off: BREAKING TEMPLE NEWS: Exterior Rendering Released for the Syracuse Utah Temple

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Tuesday, February 16, 2021

BREAKING TEMPLE NEWS: Exterior Rendering Released for the Syracuse Utah Temple

Hello again, everyone!Breaking news has been reported by the Church within the last hour. As some of you might recall, in late August of last year, groundbreakings were set and renderings released for the Bentonville Arkansas and McAllen Texas Temples. In that same announcement, the location and preliminary details were revealed for the Syracuse Utah Temple. Fast forward to around half an hour ago. The Church News noted that the exterior rendering for the Syracuse Utah Temple has been released. Interestingly enough, on the Newsroom, rather that providing a new press release specifically relating to this temple's new rendering, it appears that the late August release, which showed information about that temple, has since been updated with the exterior rendering.

The Syracuse Utah Temple was announced in April of last year. The site location for it was then confirmed in August, and the rendering has been released now in February, so four months passed between the temple's announcement and the release of the preliminary information, with four more months passing between the release of that preliminary information and today's release of that rendering. As I have previously mentioned, it is currently anticipated that the Syracuse Utah Temple will be one of the first (if not the very first) to have a groundbreaking this year.

The Church News update on this temple notes that no groundbreaking date has been set yet, but given that a window for that is anticipated in the spring, we might hear of formal arrangements being set for that temple within the next month or two, with the groundbreaking itself perhaps set for April, May, or June. In 2019, as some of you might recall, there were several cases where the Church released a rendering for a temple a few weeks prior to subsequently announcing the groundbreaking information for it, so something similar could happen here.

The one difference between most of the temples that had that happen 2 years ago and the Syracuse Utah Temple is that the latter is going to be a comparatively larger temple. Set to rise at the intersection of 2500 West and 1025 South in Syracuse, plans call for a three-story temple of roughly 89,00 square feet. The rendering in this case shows yet another temple that will not feature the angel Moroni, suggesting that the new trend will be towards not including it in most cases for future temples of the Church.

A couple of additional thoughts, if I may offer them. I know that I am one who has been surprised that no groundbreakings have been set to occur this year yet. Last year, the first groundbreakings were announced in mid-to-late January, and set to occur in April and May, but wound up occurring in April, May, and June, due to COVID-19 conditions. 

Last year also saw several other groundbreaking arrangements reshuffled. So while I am surprised no arrangements have been formally announced thus far, I understand that it may be wiser to factor in COVID-19 conditions when making those arrangements. And the way things worked out last year, the Church had originally planned to conduct 18 temple groundbreakings (per Elder Bednar's remarks in the April 2020 General Conference). That number was increased to 20 (per President Nelson's opening remarks in October), and the Church actually wound up being able to carry out 21 groundbreakings by the end of the year. Of those 21, 16 wound up occurring during the final 4 months of the year.

My reason for mentioning that is that, even if the Church does not wind up announcing the first groundbreaking(s) this year for another month or two, a slow start on announcing them may not equate to a smaller number of groundbreakings occurring during this year.  In fact, I think the opposite may turn out to be true. For the upcoming April General Conference, among other things, I have predicted that Elder Bednar may be one of the three members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles who might speak in the final session thereof.

If that happens, I think it may also be safe to assume that Elder Bednar might mention an exact number of temples for which the Church is hoping to break ground by the end of this year, and that, as President Nelson speaks to close out the conference, he may then announce several new temples. Given what we know about the potential for temple events this year, there are at least 8 thus far that will almost certainly have a groundbreaking, and I have at least 6 or 7 others on my radar as well.

As a result, I think we might safely anticipate new temples being announced in the double-digits this time around, marking the first time since October 2018 that more than 10 temples might be announced. It will be interesting to see all of that unfold this year. I continue to monitor all temple developments, major Church news, and many other factors as well, and will do my best to continue to bring word of those to you all as I become aware of all such updates.

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.

49 comments:

  1. Hello again, everyone! The Church News has also shared the following additional reports:

    https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast/2021-02-16/rootstech-2021-global-virtual-family-history-elder-hamilton-steve-rockwood-204146

    https://www.thechurchnews.com/global/2021-02-16/rootstech-2021-virtual-event-global-steve-rockwood-jen-allen-203929

    My thanks once again to you all.

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    1. The Church News has today provided a report on a YSA devotional for Latter-day Saints in the North America Southwest Area. At that devotional, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve presided, and he was accompanied by Elder Ruben V. Alliaud, a General Authority Seventy who serves as Second Counselor in the presidency of that area; Bishop L. Todd Budge, Second Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric, and Sister Michelle D. Craig, the First Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency. The leaders used a question-and-answer format to address the concerns of their audience:

      https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2021-02-16/elder-holland-alliaud-craig-budge-ysa-dating-lgbt-love-of-god-204080

      Incidentally, it appears that, this upcoming Sunday, 6 apostles will be speaking at devotionals broadcast in 6 languages to areas of the Church. Though the identity and audience of the other 5 apostles has not been noted yet, the Pacific Newsroom reports that Elder Neil L. Andersen will offer remarks in French to Saints in the South Pacific Islands of New Caledonia, Vanuatu, and French Polynesia. His wife, Sister Kathy W. Andersen, will also offer remarks:

      https://news-nz.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/apostle-to-address-french-speaking-young-adults-in-the-south-pacific

      My thanks once again to you all.

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    2. I have some additional temple updates to pass along now for the Yigo Guam and Saratoga Springs Utah Temple:

      https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/yigo-guam-temple/

      https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/saratoga-springs-utah-temple/

      My thanks once again to you all.

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  2. It could be that the Moroni statue is such a significant percentage of the cost of new temple that the church is finding the leaving one off can give you, perhaps six temples for the price of five.

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    1. Ben, thanks for stopping by to share your thoughts on this. You may be right. I think that the fact the Church seems to be trending away from the angel Moroni could be three-fold: First, there is the issue of properly undersocring the fact that we worship Jesus Christ, not the angel Moroni. Second could be the issue you mentioned of cost, snd third, I think that it goes back to something Sister Nelson ahs observed about her husband on several different occasions as he makes decisions on Church-related matters, and that is that he wants to focus on the question of what is needful. Perhaps part of that process is deciding that it is not needful for a majority of temples to have the angel Moroni going forward. That could be something that might be spelled out in the future, unless of course, it may not be needful for any of us outside of those disussions to know the reasoning there.

      Just some thoughts from me, for whatever they might be worth. Thanks again, Ben, for taking time to weigh in here. I appreciate hearing from you.

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    2. I have researched the statues/cost of statues extensively. A temple is tens of MILLIONS of dollars. An Angel Moroni statue is around $2,000 in materials (steel, fiberglass, and gold leaf), under $10,000 in labor, and is the cost of crane rental and labor for installation. All in all, tens of THOUSANDS. The statues typically have to be refurbished every 10-20 years. This refurb is significantly less in the cost of materials, more in the cost of labor, and about the same in installation. (sources for this information are listed on page 292 of this ebook: http://photogent.com/free-ebook-know-your-moroni-2021/ (free)) For the cost I have been able to identify for for the construction of recent temples, And assuming the total installation and construction of the statue is around $50,000 (A HUGE overestimate,) Then, on average, you could replace the statue on a temple with a completely new statue every year for 500 years before matching the original construction cost of the temple. My research indicates that President Nelson has asked the the architects to stop using the statue (likely as part of his focus on Christ.)

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    3. Hello, Brian. Thanks for taking time to weigh in here on this matter. In view of your expertise on temple design and construction, you'd obviously be in a position to know what you're talking about here. I appreciate the insights you shared. It would make sense if both the cost and a focus on Christ were the reasons President Nelson is phasing out the angel Moroni. Additionally, in view of the monetary figures you noted, I can see how excluding the angel MOroni in almost all cases would allowe the Church to have more resources on hand, which could then be funneled into other temple construction projects. And if that's true, then it's also probably another example of President Nelson looking at the status of the Church, weighing whether an angel Moroni would be needful for most temples going forward, and determining that it is more important for the Church to have more temples overall than a smaller number with more angel Moroni statues being used.

      Statements from Presidnt Nelson, his apostolic colleagues, and his wife have indicated that President Nelson's ultimate goal is a ten-fold increase in the current number of temples. Opting to not use the angel Moroni in most cases would not only trim costs, it will likely also expedite approvals for construction. And if construction approvals accelerate, that in turn allows temples to move from the queue of announced temples to those under construction, which in turn will allow more temples to be announced, which can the be designed and constructed without increased costs that would be incurred through the use (and subsequent replacements) of the angel MOroni. Again, Brian, I appreciate those isniights. Thanks for stopping by to share them here. Always a pleasure to hear from you.

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  3. Hello again, everyone! On a couple of different occasions recently, I have made reference to the 6 devotionals that are set to be held in the future, and which would feature apostles, among other speakers. Today, the Church released official details on each of those six devotionals, which each will take place on different days this month and next month, with each involving a different roster of general Church leaders, being broadcast to different parts of the world, and with each being carried in different languages. The target audience for each of these devotionals will be young adults of the Church. The details can be found in the following articles:

    https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/area-devotionals-february-march-2021

    https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2021-02-17/six-devotionals-young-adults-every-continent-oaks-ballard-holland-christofferson-andersen-rasband-soares-204069

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    1. Let's break down the details here: First, on February 21, Elder Neil L. Andersen and his wife will address all French-speaking Latter-day Saints around the world in French. Elder Andersen served a mission in France, and a few decades later, he and his wife served together as leaders of another French mission.

      A couple of weeks later, on March 7, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles will be joined by Presiding Bishop Gerald Causse and Young Women General President Sister Bonnie H. Cordon, and the 3 will be speaking to young adults in nations throughout the Europe and Europe East Areas and the African continent. That devotional will be carried to its' audiences in a total of 17 languages.

      On that same day, Acting President M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles will be joined by Elder Brent H. Nielson of the Presidency of the Seventy and Sister Sharon Eubank, First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, and they will be participating in an English-language adevotional that will be broadcast throghout North America (the United States and Canada) to an audience of young adults.

      The folllowing Saturday (March 13, which, given the time difference, will be Sunday March 14 in the areas to which the devotional will be broadcast), Elder Ronald A. Rasband, accompanied by his wife, Sister Melanie T. Rasband, will share a devotional message with young adults throughout Asia and the Pacific Islands. Those addresses will be broadcast in a total of 12 languages.

      On Sunday March 14, President Dallin H. Oaks, FIrst Counselor in the First Presidency and his wife, Sister Kristen M. Oaks, will be joined by Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Sister Katherine J. Christofferson, in a devotional address that will be broadcast in Spanish to young adults in Latin America and Spain.

      One week later, on Sunday March 21, the final devotional in the series of six, will feature Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Sister Rosana M. Soares, will be featured in a devotional that will originate in Portuguese, to an audience of young adults in Brzil, Africa, and Europe.

      I have previously remarked on the fact that, with COVID-19 preventing Church leaders from personally traveling to various nations and meeting with Latter-day Saints worldwide, modern technology has enabled them to lead virtual meetings and devotionals. As I previously mentioned, in several Church News articles which have recently covered thoughts from our apostles and other Church leaders about the effects of COVID-19, a lot of them have agreed that the current global pandemic has caused them to rethink what is needful, but more than that, how the adjustments that have been necessary in their ministries due to the pandemic may lead to continued adaptations as being the "new normal" psot-pandemic.

      One way that might occur is that the apostles will likely still travel for face-to-face interactions with the Saints, and in order to conduct some Church business. But in other cases, where the opportunity presents itself, it may be more practical for Church leaders to take care of some obligations virtually.

      I am not quite sure how, in what way, and to what extent things might change in that respect going forward, but I do think it is safe to say that the current pandemic has changed a lot in terms of what the Church has considered to be the necessary status quo. I will be sure to monitor all such developments and bring word of those to you all as I become aware of them. For now, my thanks once again to you all.

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    2. The Church News has also shared one other report:

      https://www.thechurchnews.com/members/2021-02-17/will-hopoate-rugby-league-rootstech-connect-keynote-speaker-204108

      My thanks once again to you all.

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    3. And another:

      https://www.thechurchnews.com/members/2021-02-17/oklahoma-altus-ward-community-support-after-chapel-fire-204248

      Thanks again, everyone!

      Delete
  4. Hello again, everyone! The Church News has shared the following additional reports:

    https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2021-02-18/elder-angel-abrea-dies-first-latin-american-general-authority-204392

    https://www.thechurchnews.com/archives/2021-02-18/missionaries-arizona-feed-my-sheep-pandemic-204310

    https://www.thechurchnews.com/members/2021-02-18/bless4-japan-rootstech-connect-keynote-speaker-204103

    Additionally, the Newsroom has released the newest installment of "Latter-day Saints Around the World":

    https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/latter-day-saints-around-the-world-country-newsroom-websites-february-18-2021

    Today's edition highlights content from Brazil, Canada, the Pacific Islands, Peru, and the United States.

    Additionally, a new report indicates that, following a delay of almost 5.5 months due to a variety of factors, the Church has finally been able to begin full-scale construction efforts on the San Pedro Sula Honduras Temple:

    https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/san-pedro-sula-honduras-temple/

    That temple is anticipated to be completed in late 2023-early 2024. There are now only 7 temples for which full-scale construction is pending, all of which had their original groundbreaking ceremonies in the last two months of last year. If all goes well, at least 2 of those 7 could be underway in the next few weeks. And hopefully, either before or not long after the April General Conference, that queue may be completely cleared out. My thanks once again to you all.

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    1. The Church News has also shared an inspiring story from Orlando Florida. The Bishop's Storehouse there found themselves shorthanded when a lot of their senior missionaries/senior volunteers had to step away (or be released from) that assignment due to COVID-19 conditions and their vulnerability to ite. In a bind, the manager of that storehouse reached out to the Florida Orlando Mission President to see if, in the midst of pandemic conditions that were limiting normal missionary activities, the mission would be able/willing to help staff the Storehouse in this time of need. The mission president embraced that opportunity right away, and a few days later, several teams of missionaries were sent to help out there:

      https://www.thechurchnews.com/members/2021-02-18/pandemic-orlando-bishops-storehouse-missionaries-service-204275

      I am grateful to have heard of this development. I have never had the opportunity to serve a full-time mission, but I do know that, with the opportunities I did have serving in the temple and working with Welfare Services, that having young people assisting in such opportunities was in many cases a literal godsend. And with so many senior missionaries having to step back or be released, and with the pandemic impacting normal day-to-day missionary activities, it is so wonderful to hear accounts like this that demonstrate missionaries being willing to step up and fill a need outside of their usual functions in the midst of very unusual circumstances. My thanks once again to you all for your continued interest and ongoing support.

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  5. Hello again, everyone! The Church News has shared a report indicating that missionaries in Texas and Oklahoma following a major winter storm that has swept the area. Local and regional Church leaders in those states are hard at work on coordinating relief efforts:

    https://www.thechurchnews.com/members/2021-02-19/texas-storm-relief-missionaries-oklahoma-204581

    And an article with a specific focus on temple reopenings has been published as well:

    https://www.thechurchnews.com/temples/2021-02-19/phase-3-temples-204245

    That article links back to the temple reopening status tracker, which was updated this morning to include links to each currently-operating temple. Those links lead to scheduling options for ordinances for the living and also proxy work (where those temples are now open in phase 3):

    https://www.thechurchnews.com/temples/2021-02-15/temple-reopening-status-tracker-worldwide-199279

    My thanks once again to you all.

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    1. Updates have been reported on two temples in the Philippines, Urdaneta and Alabang:

      https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/urdaneta-philippines-temple/

      https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/alabang-philippines-temple/

      My thanks once again to you all.

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    2. Another Church News update:

      https://www.thechurchnews.com/members/2021-02-19/bruna-benites-soccer-olympian-brazil-rootstech-connect-keynote-speaker-204115

      Thanks again, everyone!

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    3. The South African Newsroom has shared the following report:

      https://news-za.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/church-donates-227-000-worth-of-covid-19-supplies-in-botswana

      My thanks once again to you all.

      Delete
    4. The Church News continues to provide insight into the lives of those who will be featured keynote speakers at the RootsTech Connect gathering. The latest such article shares the story of two-time Olympian Bruna Benites, who hails from Brazil:

      https://www.thechurchnews.com/members/2021-02-19/bruna-benites-soccer-olympian-brazil-rootstech-connect-keynote-speaker-204115

      Additionally, in keeping with their general pattern, 8 days or so after the last biographies for temple presidents were shared, 8 more have been shared this afternoon:

      https://www.thechurchnews.com/callings/2021-02-19/temple-presidents-matrons-8-guatemala-brazil-mexico-australia-missouri-argentina-oquirrh-mountain-arizona-203941

      Those new leaders will begin their assignments in August. With 8 more biographies for these new leaders shared, the total number of new temple presidents whose calls have been announced now rises to 32. And given that no temples nearing completion have had their first presidents announced, my list still notes the 8 that are likely to have construction wrap up before the end of this year, in addition to the other 6 which may be completed by late next year or early in the year following that. Given that the Church tries to hold a training for new temple presidents and matrons every year, when this year's training is held, the Church may want to have many of the first-time presidents and matrons attend, even if the completion of the temple over which they have stewardship may not occur until the initial months of next year. That way, those couples can hit the ground running when their temples are ready and their assignments formally begin. Also remaining on my list are at leat 29 additional temples which are currently in operation, any ore all of which could see new presidents called. It will be interesting to see how all of that comes together in the coming weeks.

      In the meantime, for those who want to keep track of the newly-announced temple leaders, I have created the following list, which is being continuously updated as each new group of temple leaders are highlighted in Church News articles:

      https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MpJO3ESKh0h0fvU93GcYOn1M6dIFmY7QnJ67sIeij_A/edit?usp=sharing

      It may also he of interest to some of you if I note that, while these new temple leaders have served extensively in the Church both as individuals and together as couples, the following additional notes apply about the new presidents specifically: 1 is a former area seventy; 1 is a current area family history consultant who formerly served as an area seventy; 1 is currently a counselor in a temple presidency (though it is not clear whether that is for the same temple for which he will assume oversightor a different one); 1 is a temple selear/ordinance worker who previously served in a temple presidency (though it is not clear whether or not that was for the same temple over which he will now have oversight); 1 is a temple sealer and Primary activity days leader; 1 is a temple sealer and Elders' Quorum President; 1 is a mission presidency counselor and institute teacher; and 1 is a current member of the stake high council who formerly served in the stake presidency.

      My thanks once again to you all.

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    5. Jerold Ottley, who directed the Tabernacle Choir from 1972-1999, passed away this morning at the age of 86, as a result of complications due to COVID-19. At this point, no funeral arrangements have been announced, and those services may be scaled back from normal funerals for prominent Latter-day Saints, due to COVID-19 conditions. It will be interesting to see what happens in that respect. The Church News has provided the following tribute:

      https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2021-02-19/jerold-ottley-tabernacle-choir-director-dies-covid-related-illness-204708

      I have some updates on temples to provide, which I will note shortly. For now, my thanks once again to you all.

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    6. As far as temple updates are concerned, nothing on the status of any temples has changed since I last posted an update earlier on on this thread. But I have reevaluated the progress (or the lack thereof) of several temples anticipated to be completed in 2022. And in contrast to the Abidjan Côte d'Ivoire Temple, the progress on the Urdaneta Philippines, Bangkok Thailand, Richmond Virginia, and Layton Utah Temples has been far more profound, consistent, and noteworthy.

      As a result of further analysis, I present the following adjustments I have personally made to the status of temples anticipated to be completed at some point in 2022.

      Late 2021-early 2022: San Juan Puerto Rico and Belem Brazil
      Early-to-mid 2022: Saratoga Springs Utah
      Mid-2022: Urdaneta Philippines
      Mid-to-late 2022: Bangkok Thailand, Richmond Virginia, and Layton Utah
      Late 2022: Abidjan Côte d'Ivoire Temple

      A disclaimer: These changes are only based on my personal analysis, and are not currently supported by any of the sources I use for temple information. So at this point, they are no more and no less than what I have chosen to do on my list based on the progress (or the lack thereof) as has been reported to-date. As I have mentioned previously, the queue of temples under construction or undergoing renovation is always subject to change, but time will tell whether or not any of these changes wind up being warranted or necessary. I will be sure to also make other changes or updates as the need arises going forward. In the meantime, thanks again, everyone!

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    7. The Newsroom has published an update on the renovation process for the Salt Lake Temple:

      https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/salt-lake-temple-renovation-project-updates-february-2021

      And tonight, updates have been provided on the Quito Ecuador and Moses Lake Washington Temples:

      https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/quito-ecuador-temple/

      https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/moses-lake-washington-temple/

      My thanks once again to you all.

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  6. Hello again, everyone! This morning, the Church held the first-ever Friend-to-Friend event for Primary-aged children. The event, broadcast live in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, with plans underway to make it available in many other languages ASAP, featured two Primary-aged hosts, along with messages from the Primary General Presidency (General President Sister Joy D. Jones and Sisters Lisa L. Harkness and Cristina B. Franco) and messages from Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and Church President Russell M. Nelson. The Newsroom and the Church News both provided coverage on that:

    https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/latter-day-saint-leaders-invite-children-to-learn-about-jesus-christ-and-make-a-difference-in-the-world-in-friend-to-friend-broadcast

    https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2021-02-20/watch-friend-to-friend-event-children-primary-elder-soares-president-nelson-204525

    In recent months, Brother Tad R. Callister, an emeritus General Authority Seventy who served as Sunday School General President from 2014-2019, has authored multiple articles which have been published by the Church News. In his most recent one, he tackles the topic of whether it is possible for any common man or woman, especially those who struggle extensively with temptation and sin, to be exalted:

    https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2021-02-20/tad-r-callister-is-it-possible-for-common-man-woman-to-be-exalted-204384

    I have mentioned in recent weeks that the Church News has alternated between publishing the latest edition of “This Week on Social” on the customary Friday afternoon or evening and doing so at some point on Saturday. The newest installment for this week was published this morning, rather than any time yesterday afternoon or evening:

    https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2021-02-20/uchtdorf-holland-jesus-christ-primary-social-media-204636

    Social media posts from the following apostles: Acting President M. Russell Ballard and Elders Jeffrey R. Holland, Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Neil L. Andersen, and Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; and from the following female General Officers of the Church: the entire Primary General Presidency (General President Sister Joy D. Jones and her respective First and Second Counselors, Sisters Lisa L. Harkness and Cristina B. Franco); Relief Society General President Sister Jean B. Bingham and her Second Counselor, Sister Reyna I. Aburto; and Sister Michelle D. Craig, First Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency.

    Following last week’s rebroadcast of a previous “Music and the Spoken Word” episode, the program returns to a hybrid format this week, with previously-recorded performances and a new “Spoken Word” message:

    https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2021-02-20/music-spoken-word-quiet-groundswell-of-love-and-friendship-204488

    Additionally, an update on the Orem Utah Temple has been reported within the last 12 hours or so:

    https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/orem-utah-temple/

    My thanks once again to you all.

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  7. Hello again, everyone! On this Sabbath Day, the Church News has published their weeklly edition of "In Case You Missed It", highlighting the top 9 developments that were reported by the Church News this week:

    https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2021-02-21/in-case-you-missed-friend-to-friend-event-elder-holland-bednar-video-devotionals-204678

    The Church News additionally published a report on the devotional address given by Elder and Sister Andersen today to French-speaking young adults all around the world:

    https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2021-02-21/elder-sister-andersen-french-speaking-young-single-adults-devotional-believe-204840

    shared a video in which Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles offers some thoughts about the pandemic-related temple closures, the reopening process that has since continued to unfold, the fact that 21 temple groundbreakings were able to occur last year, and the fact that, even when COVID-19 has created some delays in construction, all of those under construction or undergoing renovation remain on-schedule towards their completion:

    https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2021-02-21/elder-bednar-temples-video-covid-19-204700

    I have another report about newly-called mission leaders whose biographies were shared by the Church News today, but that requires some additional analysis, so I will comment on that shortly. For now, my thanks once again to you all.

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    1. In recent weeks, the Church News has made it comewhat customary to release the biographies of newly-called mission leaders around 8 days after the last mission leader biographies were published, and generally within 2-3 days of sharing the latest biographies for new temple leadership. Since today marks both 8 days since the last 16 biographies were released, and 2 days since the newest temple leader biographies were published, the Church News has provided the next 16 biographies for new mission leaders today:

      https://www.thechurchnews.com/callings/2021-02-21/new-mission-presidents-companions-philippines-barbados-thailand-brazil-china-hong-kong-canada-cambodia-203985

      As I've noted previously with all newly-announced temple and mission leadership couples, as individuals and together, they have filled a wide range of callings in the Church. Of particular note are the following facts relating to current or recent assignments which have been filled by the new mission presidents:

      3 are current area seventies (with 1 of those having previously served with his wife for a short period as interim mission leaders); 1 is a current mission presidency counselor; 1 is a former mission presidency counselor (who also formerly served as a senior missionary, filling both assignments alongside his wife); 4 are current stake presidents; 3 are former stake presidents (1 current Elders’ Quorum instructor; 1 current branch president; and 1 current seminary teacher); 2 are current counselors in stake presidencies; 1 is a former stake presidency counselor and current counselor in a branch presidency; and 1 is a current district president.

      My thanks once again to you all.

      Delete
    2. Not suprisingly at all, at some point (likely before, around the same time, or not long after the Church News report), the Newsroom published their own coverage of the devotional addresses given to French-speaking Latter-day Saints worldwide today by Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Sister Kathy W. Andersn:

      https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/elder-sister-andersen-french-devotional

      My thanks once again to you all.

      Delete
    3. Updates have been provided on the construction status of two temples in the United States today (Pocatello Idaho and Red Cliffs Utah)

      https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/pocatello-idaho-temple/

      https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/red-cliffs-utah-temple/

      There may also possibly be new information on a few other temples (ammong which is the Taylorsville Utah Temple), but I will need to do more research on that to know for sure. In the meantime, my thanks once again to you all.

      Delete
    4. A stake conference had tech problems as the Church broadcast feed went down on them so they put it on another platform and I found it. Was from North County, and the mission president said that the half of the county from Orem northward saw baptisms double last year and many companionships are teaching so many they ask for more missionaries. A portion of that is in Lehi, so could a Lehi area temple be not far off?

      Another stake in California had the same tech problem and as a result of finding that one we now know the temple that the Elder Bednar BYU devotional spoke of, as another temple president said what temple that was, San Diego.

      Some areas have seen fewer baptisms because of other tech factors, mainly availability overall to tech, the Philippines saw 80 percent of baptisms in 2020 when compared to 2019 numbers, we all remember seeing the 'heavy' aircraft fully loaded with missionaries coming back from there last March, they were one of the areas more hit by the reduction in missionaries so that does make sense.

      Delete
    5. Hello, Jim Anderson. Thanks for taking time to comment. When my stake had a virtual conference (with only few in attendance at our stake center), the president of the Utah Orem Mission spoke, and he talked about how, in the midst of the current pandemic, missionary work has accelerated, specifically in the Orem/Provo area with a high degree of success. The specifics he went on to offer match exactly what you mentioned in your comment above. Not sure whether he mentioned any other cities aside from those two when he spoke to us two months ago, but if he mentioned other locations more recently, I have no reason to doubt that report.

      I know you have previously mentioned cities in Utah that I may want to consider for my list of potential locations in which a temple could soon be announced. My initial list for the upcoming April conference included the following locations, prioritized based on what my research showed: Herriman Utah: Evanston Wyoming; Lehi Utah; Heber Valley Utah; Preston Idaho; Hurricane/Washington City Utah; Mapleton Utah; Holladay Utah.

      I was impressed just now to look back at some of your previous comments that you have shared here. Exactly one week after General Conference, you had noted that Herriman was likely the next Utah prospect to be announced. I had prioritized that city, and had put Lehi as a priority behind Herriman and Evanston.

      I also just now looked back on my record of the areas of the Church in which President Nelson has announced a temple. The Saratoga Springs Utah Temple was announced in April 2017, and then in October 2019, the Orem Utah Temple was announced, followed by the Lindon Utah Temple in October of last year.

      The current queue of announced temples has 4 left in the United States (2 of which are in Utah), with all of them having a site location announced, and 3 of those 4 having an exterior rendering released.

      Additionally, the overall queue of announced temples has gone down from 41 after last October's General Conference to 28 now. And given that at least 4 temples could have a groundbreaking either just before or not long after the upcoming April General Conference, it would not shock me if President Nelson announced a double-digit number of temples again this time around for the first time since October 2018. If that happens, I'm reasonably certain at least 3-4 locations in the United States could have a temple announced, and I wouldn't be shocked if at least 2 of that total were announced in Utah cities. It will be interesting to see what happens there. In the meantime, if you have any recommndations about any adjustments that need to be made to the candidate cities for temples in the Utah Area, please be sure to let me know.

      In the meantime, thanks for stopping by to share these additional observations, Jim Anderson. It's always a pleasure to hear from you.

      Delete
  8. Hello again, everyone! A couple of weeks ago, in an earlier post on this blog, I had mentioned that 6 temples were anticipated to transition to phase 3 in the reopening process today:

    https://stokessoundsoff.blogspot.com/2021/02/breaking-temple-news-6-temples-will.html

    The Church has confirmed this morning that each of those temples has moved into that phase as of today. Additionally, the Buenos Aires Argentina, Panama City Panama, and Redlands California Temples are trasnitioning to phase 2, which allows all proxy ordinances to bw done, with priority given to previously-endowed couples preparing to be married, then to those individuals who departed for the mission field without being able to go through the temple, then to those who are preparing to depart for the mission fieid, then to all others who may need to receive their own ordinances for any other reason.

    Meanwhile, operations have been puased for the Trujillo Peru Temple due to local conditions and regulations. And after being paused for a time due to local conditions, 6 temples are resuming their former operational phases. For three temples in Mexico (Ciudad Juarez, Colonia Juarez Chihuahua, and Hermosillo Sonora), and the Durban South Africa and Concepcion Chile Temple, that means a return to phase 2. These changes go into effect one week from today (Monday March 1). On that date, the Church will have 14 temples in phase 3, allowing all living ordinances in addition to proxy ordinances by appointment; 126 more in phase 2, allowing all living ordinances; 10 remaining in phase 1, which allows for the sealing of living husband-and-wife when both have previously been endowed; and 9 temples in a "paused" status of reopening due to local COVID-19 conditions and government regulations. Due to a variety of factors, the Kyiv Ukraine Temple is the only one in the Church that has remained closed since last year. And, of course, there are 8 more temples currently closed for renovations. As I've previously noted, the Washington D.C. and Tokyo Japan Temples have seen their renovations completed, and are now just awaiting the time when it will be safe to hold open houses and rededication ceremonies for each.

    For any who would like more information on the temple reopening information shared herein, please see the following articles:

    https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/first-presidency-limited-reopening-temples

    https://www.thechurchnews.com/temples/2021-02-22/lds-temples-open-worldwide-phased-reopening-183918

    https://www.thechurchnews.com/temples/2021-02-22/temple-reopening-status-tracker-worldwide-199279

    I will have some additional Church news (and perhaps also some temple construction updates) to pass along to you all, but will do so in a new comment shortly. For now, my thanks once again to you all.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. As mentioned in my comment above, I am back with a few more Church news updates, although there may also be temple updates to pass along as well. For now, let's talk about those other Church news items. First, the Newsroom has shared a report on how hundreds of thousands of individuals and families have been able to participate in RootsTech Connect so far, with more participation anticipated to occur as that continues throughout much of the rest of this month:

      https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/hundreds-of-thousands-attend-all-virtual-rootstech-connect-2021

      In addition to keynote speakers, on Thursday evening of this week, the apostles serving on the Temple and Family History Executive Council (Elder David A. Bednar, who chairs the Council, and Elders Gary E. Stevenson and Dale G. Renlund) will lead the annual Temple and Family History Leadership Instruction:

      https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/event/2021-temple-and-family-history-leadership-instruction

      Then on Saturday, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, also of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and his wife, Sister Patricia T. Holland, will be the featured speakers at the annual RootsTech Family Discovery Day:

      https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/event/rootstech-connect-family-discovery-day

      In connection with the other RootsTech coverage that the Newsroom has provided, the Church Ness continues to take a look at the featured keynote speakers for the event, sharing the following article about a prominent Brazilian soccer player:

      https://www.thechurchnews.com/members/2021-02-22/tita-milton-queiroz-da-paixao-soccer-brazil-rootstech-connect-speaker-204120

      The Church News also provided a report on how several Texans and members of the Church are rising above their own current challenges to help many in their state, whether they be Church members or friends of other faiths, in the aftermath of the recent storms:

      https://www.thechurchnews.com/members/2021-02-22/texas-saints-storm-rascon-power-outages-204877

      Although I can't find the report at present, over the weekend, KSL shared information on-air indicating that several Utahns, particularly Church members, were preparing to head out to Texas to assist in the necessary relief efforts.

      For now, those are the updates I wanted to pass along from the Newsroom and the Church News. I will be back again shortly to pass along temple updates, provided there are any. Either way, I will continue to monitor all such updates and pass them along to you all here. Until that time, my thanks once again to you all.

      Delete
    2. An update has been provided today on the Richmond Virginia Temple:

      https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/richmond-virginia-temple/

      My thanks once again to you all.

      Delete
    3. I made the following comment earlier in this thread:

      https://stokessoundsoff.blogspot.com/2021/02/breaking-temple-news-exterior-rendering.html?showComment=1613768896517#c2655731967138961976

      That comment shared a link from the South African Newsroom about the Church's efforts to provide PPE to the government, medical professionals, and citizens of Botswana. Today, the Church News shared their own article about that development:

      https://www.thechurchnews.com/global/2021-02-22/church-donates-ppe-masks-combat-covid-19-botswana-204926

      Additionally, I had previously shared the Newsroom update on the Salt Lake Temple in the following comment:

      https://stokessoundsoff.blogspot.com/2021/02/breaking-temple-news-exterior-rendering.html?showComment=1613801652731#c3314607527711978470

      The Church News has also covered that development:

      https://www.thechurchnews.com/temples/2021-02-22/salt-lake-temple-renovation-update-roof-upgrades-stone-removal-tunnel-204939

      My thanks once again to you all.

      Delete
    4. Apparently, I failed to note that another Church News article had been published yesterday that may be of interest to some of you here:

      https://www.thechurchnews.com/history-revisited/2021-02-22/books-podcasts-virtual-tours-visits-12-resources-study-doctrine-and-covenants-church-history-department-204987

      Additionally, the following two new updates have been provided by the Church News today:

      https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast/2021-02-23/episode-19-director-church-history-connecting-doctrine-and-covenants-205003

      https://www.thechurchnews.com/members/2021-02-23/astrid-tuminez-uvu-president-the-philippines-rootstech-connect-keynote-speaker-204130

      Construction status updates have been provided on two South American temples, Quito Ecuador and Brasilia Brazil:

      https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/quito-ecuador-temple/

      https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/brasilia-brazil-temple/

      My thanks once again to you all.

      Delete
  9. Hello again, everyone! The Church News has shared the following additional report:

    https://www.thechurchnews.com/members/2021-02-23/youth-music-festival-video-strive-to-be-youtube-204985

    Additionally, several new temple updates have been provided, which have necessitated massive changes to my temple construction progresss report. Although I could have opted to create a brand new version of that report to include here, I have chosen again to just share the link to the current version. I'd just note that the latest version is dated March 14, which is the next date on which I am sharing my latest updates on apostolic data. But all other data aside from the date and the amount of time betweeen that date and the 200th anniversary of the Church's restoration is current as of today. Here is that report:

    https://docs.google.com/document/d/13KK_4EjdzjSIDgRURXF1LcqEIVeZac_H8IArNPNsTwI/edit?usp=sharing

    It looks as though I will again have to reevaluate the updates I've been working on in my other files, so we'll see how things turn out in that respect. In the meantime, my thanks once again to you all.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. As I have previously noted, the Church's current queue of temples under construction has now reached 35. 2 of those have had construction completed, and for 7 others, full-scale construction is still pending following their groundbreakings, which were all held in November and December. For the 26 others in various positions and statuses in the "Under Construction" queue, information ha been known to change rapidly, and we seem to have entered a season where multiple updates will be reported on various temples in that queue every day. With that in mind, in my comment just above this one, I had noted several status updates relative to temples that are under construction, have a groundbreaking anticipated, or are currently undergoing renovation.

      That comment was left just a few hours after my first comment today noted a couple of temple updates earlier. And now, there is a reason for me to post again here with a third update on the status of four additional temples. The updates pertain to the San Juan Puerto Rico, Belem Brazil, Feather River California and Layton Utah Temples:

      https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/san-juan-puerto-rico-temple/

      https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/belem-brazil-temple/

      https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/feather-river-california-temple/

      https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/layton-utah-temple/

      The status changes of each of these temples have been reflected in the temple construction progress report to which I shared the link in the comment just above this one. But above and beyond that, in addition to the obvious fact that I will need to yet again update the temple documents I have relating to future events, the latest changes in the order and timing for the queue of temples under construction have in turn necessitated changes to the list I've been keeping of temples for which a new president has been or may yet be called this year.

      In updating that document specifically, bearing in mind as well that, according to the typical schedule (the biographies for new temple presidents being released roughly every 8 days), the next round of those biographies will likely be shared within the next 3-5 days, I have reworked that list. At the top, I now have currently-operating temples for which a new president might be called, followed by the list of the new temples anticipated to be completed within the next year or less, for which the first presidents are almost certain to be called, then the list of the temples for which the first presidents might be called, if construction continues at its' current steady rate. The document concludes with the list of temples that were previously in any of the other 3 sections, since those in the last section officially did have a newly-called president announced. You can view that list in the following document:

      https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MpJO3ESKh0h0fvU93GcYOn1M6dIFmY7QnJ67sIeij_A/edit?usp=sharing

      My thanks once again to you all.

      Delete
    2. The Church News has shared the following additional reports:

      https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2021-02-24/elder-gay-shares-3-ways-to-serve-god-and-become-your-best-self-205147

      https://www.thechurchnews.com/global/2021-02-24/new-rootstech-connect-website-how-to-navigate-205088

      https://www.thechurchnews.com/members/2021-02-24/how-to-start-prison-ministry-incarceration-inmates-ministering-204430

      And an update has been provided today on the San Juan Puerto Rico Temple:

      https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/san-juan-puerto-rico-temple/

      I have also made a few more adjustments to the queue of temples for which a groundbreaking is anticipated. A new report has been provided on the Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Temple:

      https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/pittsburgh-pennsylvania-temple/

      With that report noting that the concept site plan is currently under review, I needed to reevaluate the queue order for temples for which a groundbreaking is anticipated this year. So, with a groundbreaking anticipated for the Syracuse Utah Temple in spring, that temple is at the top of that section, followed by the Pago Pago American Samoa and Neiafu Tonga Temples, which are in the government approval phase.

      The Neiafu Tonga Temple is now followed by the Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, Port Moresby Papua New Guinea, Lindon Utah, Deseret Peak Utah, Tallahassee Florida, and Phnom Penh Cambodia Temples. Of course, it is a given that subsequent changes will follow as the need arises in the future. I am grateful to have been able to learn about and share these updates here. My thanks once again to you all.

      Delete
    3. The Church News today shared the reactions of French-speaking young adults to the devotional messages that were recently given in their native tongue by Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Sister Kathy W. Andersen:

      https://www.thechurchnews.com/archives/2021-02-24/french-speaking-young-adults-neil-andersen-gratitude-spiritual-impressions-devotional-205207

      My thanks once again to you all.

      Delete
    4. And an update has been provided on the Pocatello Idaho Temple:

      https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/pocatello-idaho-temple/

      My thanks once again to you all.

      Delete
    5. A couple new Church News updates have been provided. The first speaks for itself:

      https://www.thechurchnews.com/members/2021-02-25/byu-vocal-point-brian-courtney-wilson-collaboration-fear-205102

      And sooner than I had anticipated, the Church News has featured the biographies for 8 more couples who have been called to begin serving as temple leaders in August:

      https://www.thechurchnews.com/callings/2021-02-25/new-temple-leaders-california-canada-brazil-texas-manti-redlands-monticello-204635

      As has been the case in previous weeks, the Church has not yet begun to announce the first presidents for temples anticipated to be completed within the next year. But that is likely because there is no way to know for sure how soon any temples nearing completion and awaiting the announcement of opening arrangements will actually be operational, so calling presidents for temples that will almost certainly be completed soon may not be as much of a priority, especially if they may not be dedicated for the better part of this year.

      Here is an updated copy of the list on which I'm tracking these announced presidents:

      https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MpJO3ESKh0h0fvU93GcYOn1M6dIFmY7QnJ67sIeij_A/edit?usp=sharing

      That list is now down to 21 currently-operating temples for which a new president may be called (although others may have a new president announced for other reasons), 7 temples anticipated to be completed (if not also dedicated) by the end of next year, and 7 more which may be completed within the next 12-15 months, if all goes well. And the total number of temples for which a new president has been called is now 40.

      That being said, although each new couple whose biographies were featured today have given extensive Church service, both individually and as couples, the following details may be of interest to some of you: 1 is a former area seventy who currently serves as a temple ordinance worker and Sunday School teacher; 1 is a current temple presidency counselor (for either the same temple or a different one than the one for which he will assume oversight); 1 is a temple sealer who formerly served as a member of a temple presidency (whether the same one or a different one); 1 is a ward Sunday School teacher and current temple presidency counselor (though it is unclear whether he serves as a counselor in the presidency of the same temple or a different one for which he will assume oversight); 3 are former mission presidents (1 of whom currently serves as a stake assistant director of comunications and as a ward Primary teacher; and 2 who currently serve as temple ordinance workers and members of their stake high councils); and 1 is a former associate area legal counsel missionary for the Church who also served as a counselor in a mission presidency.

      My thanks once again to you all for your continued interest and ongoing support.

      Delete
    6. The Newsroom and the Church News have both shared coverage of how Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who chairs the Missionary Executive Concil, and his wife, Sister Harriet R. Uchtdorf conducted a large virtual conference for missionaries worldwide. The conference, styled as a giant Zoom meeting, saw participants from several nations, including parts of the United States. And although Elder and Sister Uchtdorf provided key counsel to the missionaries, they also allowed the missionaries to ask questions from and answer them to one another. The reports on this development can be found at the following web addresses:

      https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/elder-sister-uchtdorf-missionary-devotional-feb-2021

      https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2021-02-25/elder-uchtdorf-sister-missionary-devotional-technology-205086

      If there are any temple updates to pass along, I will do so shortly. For now, my thanks once again to you all.

      Delete
    7. Yet another update has been provided on the Pocatello Idaho Temple today:

      https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/pocatello-idaho-temple/

      My thanks once again to you all.

      Delete
    8. The Church News has shared the following additional report'

      https://www.thechurchnews.com/global/2021-02-25/rootstech-connect-keynote-speakers-nick-vujicic-ladysmith-black-mambazo-205286

      Also, it is worth noting that the Church's Temple and Family History Leadership Training was held this evening. I am in the process of watching that intermittently around handling other obligations tonight, and I will post some observations and insights about that later tonight. I am almost definitely sure that longtime reader and regular commenter Jim Anderson will also weigh in with his thoughts on tonight's training, as he has always been great about doing that previously. If any of the rest of you have any thoughts on that training, I hope you'll feel free to chime in as well. My thanks once again to you all.

      Delete
    9. I am noting this here because it relates to my comment just above this one: The Church News has provided a summary of last night's Temple and Family History Leadership Instruction:

      https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2021-02-26/temple-and-family-history-leadership-instruction-bednar-stevenson-renlund-205247

      I am still intermittently going through that broadcast as time and circumstances allow me to do so. I hope to have some formal observations on that later today. In the meantime, my thanks onc again to you all.

      Delete
  10. Hello again, everyone! The Newsroom and the Church News have both provided similar but separate coverage on a recent humanitarian development:

    https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/latter-day-saint-charities-unicef-covid-19-response

    https://www.thechurchnews.com/global/2021-02-26/latter-day-saint-charities-donation-unicef-covid-19-vaccine-205327

    The Church News has provided the following additional report as well:

    https://www.thechurchnews.com/members/2021-02-26/byu-racism-survey-committee-worthen-christ-205376

    I may or may not have new temple updates to share at some point today as well. But for now, my thanks once again to you all.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Updates have been provided recently on the status of the Taylorsville Utah and St. George Utah Temples:

      https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/taylorsville-utah-temple/

      https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/st.-george-utah-temple/

      My thanks once again to you all for your continued interest and ongoing support.

      Delete
    2. The latest edition of "This Week on Social" has been published:

      https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2021-02-26/social-media-rootstech-connect-ancestors-nelson-uchtdorf-bednar-205445

      In the newest installment of the ongoing series, social media posts were featured from the following apostles: Church President Russell M. Nelson; Acting President M. Russell Ballard and Elders Dieter F. Uchtdorf, David A. Bednar (from whom 2 posts were shared), Quentin L. Cook, D. Todd Christofferson, Neil L. Andersen, Dale G. Renlund, and Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The following female general officers of the Church were also featured: Primary General President Sister Joy D. Jones and her First Counselor, Sister Lisa L. Harkness; Sisters Sharon Eubank and Reyna I. Aburto, the respective First and Second Counselors in the Relief Society General Presidency; and Sister Michelle D. Craig, First Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency.

      My thanks once again to you all.

      Delete
  11. Hello again, everyone! The Newsroom and the Church News have provided the following additional reports for today, which speak for themselves:

    https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/equality-act-statement-february-2021

    https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/texans-receive-aid-following-winter-storm

    https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2021-02-27/elder-holland-rootstech-connect-family-discovery-day-st-george-utah-2-205440

    https://www.thechurchnews.com/members/2021-02-27/our-quest-for-connection-rootstech-connect-youth-young-adults-elder-bednar-205430

    https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2021-02-27/music-the-spoken-word-courage-to-carry-on-wwii-pandemic-205245

    https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2021-02-27/sarah-jane-weaver-missionary-work-technology-baptism-large-world-feel-small-204339

    My thanks once again to you all.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hello again, everyone! On January 8, the Church News noted the calls of 105 new mission presidents who will begin serving on July 1. From that date until now, the Church News has regularly shared the biographies of each new couple. As of yesterday, 96 of those 105 new mission leaders had been featured. Today, the Church News shared the biographies of four others, for a new total of 100. The final 5 have not yet been featured.

    You can find the four biograhpies from today in the following article:

    https://www.thechurchnews.com/callings/2021-02-28/mission-presidents-companions-ukraine-colombia-mexico-spain-204733

    Each of the newly-called leaders who have been featured has served extensively in the Church, both as individuals and as married couples. But the following additional notes may be of interest to some of you: The last biography featured today was that of Elder Juan Pablo Villar, a current General Authority Seventy, and his wife. Although he is currently serving as Second Counselor in the South America South Area, he and his wife will preside over the Spain Barcelona Mission. As a result, Elder Villar's release from his assignment in the area presidency appears to be a given.

    In relation to the other three new mission leaders whose biographies were shared today, it appears that 1 is simultaneously serving as a mission presidency counselor, a district president, and a branch president. 1 other is serving as a mission presidency counselor and institute teacher, while the 1 remaining is a former mission presidency counselor.

    The Church News has also published their latest edition of "In Case You Missed It", highlighting the top 9 developments they covered within the last week:

    https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2021-02-28/holland-family-rootstech-uchtdorf-missionary-devotional-covid-19-vaccination-205494

    Church News staff writer Sydney Walker has reflected on the lessons she learned from participating in the recent RootsTech Connct gathering:

    https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2021-02-28/rootstech-connect-family-history-healing-blessings-sydney-walker-205570

    And in connection with a new (or newly-updated) biography for President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency, that has been or will soon be released, the Church News also highlighted some insights therefrom:

    https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2021-02-28/life-of-president-dallin-oaks-first-presidency-biography-204757

    My thanks once again to you all.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Updates have been provided on the Abidjan Côte d'Ivoire and San Pedro Sula Honduras Temples:

      https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/abidjan-cote-d'ivoire-temple/

      https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/san-pedro-sula-honduras-temple/

      My thanks once again to you all.

      Delete

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.