Hello again, everyone! I have mentioned in the past that, per the official page for the Greater Guatemala City Guatemala Temple, the name was revealed to be the Miraflores Guatemala City Guatemala Temple. A short time ago either late this morning or early this afternoon, an official announcement from the First Presidency confirmed that detail. I knew the official confirmation was simply a matter of time and am grateful that it has been confirmed today.
That official confirmation also reiterated the official details for that temple, including its' location, size, and rendering, which had originally been announced in mid-to-late September of last year. The confirmation of the official name gives me hope that a groundbreaking announcement might follow soon. I am similarly hopeful for groundbreaking announcements on the other three temples for which the official information (including exterior renderings) were released on that same day.
And given the Church's recently-reported progress on clearing the sites for the Montpelier and Teton River Idaho Temples (the latter being the temple announced for the Rexburg North area), announcements on potential groundbreakings could follow soon for both of those temples as well. I continue to monitor all such updates and will be sure to pass those along to you all here as those reports are provided.
In the meantime, that does it for now. All comments are, as always, welcome and appreciated, on any post at any time, as long as the offered feedback is made per the established guidelines. Thank you for the privilege of your time. I hope any of you who would like to share anything will take your opportunity to “sound off” in the comments below. 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.
The Church News has shared 3 updates on the ongoing ministry of our apostles. Those reports include a visit to Kazakhstan by Elder Quentin L. Cook, a visit to the Philippines by Elder Dale G. Renlund, and Acting President M. Russell Ballard accepting on behalf of the Church a handwritten copy of Doctrine and Covenants Section 11, which was given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to his brother, Hyrum Smith, President Ballard's great-great grandfather:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2022-07-01/elder-cook-meets-with-government-officials-in-kazakhstan-259968
https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2022-07-01/elder-renlund-visits-filipino-saints-temple-ready-people-259111
https://www.thechurchnews.com/history-revisited/2022-07-01/hyrum-smith-handwritten-copy-doctrine-and-covenants-11-donated-to-the-church-260238
My thanks once again to you all.
The Church News provided a report earlier this evening about the official name of the second temple in Guatemala City Guatemala:
Deletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/temples/2022-07-01/greater-guatemala-city-temple-name-miraflores-260308
And the third quarter of 2022 is off to a great start in terms of temple construction progress. Updates have been provided today on the statuses of the Red Cliffs and Smithfield Utah Temples and the Phnom Pehn Cambodia Temple, the latter of which is beginning full-scale construction just under 10 months after its' groundbreaking ceremony. The Phnom Pehn Cambodia Temple now sits in the queue between the Pago Pago American Samoa and Grand Junction Colorado Temples:
https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/red-cliffs-utah-temple/
https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/smithfield-utah-temple/
https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/phnom-penh-cambodia-temple/
My thanks once again to you all.
And this weekend also marks the rededication of the Tokyo Japan Temple by President Henry B. Eyring. Stay tuned for reports on that as they are provided. It's already Saturday afternoon there, so the youth devotional will likely get underway in the next 5 hours. And with the last rededictoary session likely to conclude around 5:00 PM in Tokyo on Sunday, which will be 2:00 AM Sunday here. In the meantime, my thanks once again to you all.
DeleteThis is James Stokes, the author of this blog. I just wanted to post a note here because a recent comment of mine posted on the Church Growth Blog in response to an earlier comment from someone else was replied to on another recent thread here, since the comment was not approved there. The nature of the reply in question was highly critical of me and of the Church, so I deleted it as soon as I discovered it. So I just wanted to post a reminder here that there are parameters for the comments contributed to this blog. Those parameters are outlined in the comment form that is viewable by anyone prior to their posting a comment here. Any comment that violates those parameters, particularly those that are disrespectful in any way to me, other commenters here, or the Church, will be subject to deletion upon their discovery, and additionally, those whose comments violate those parameters may also be blocked from commenting here further. I just wanted to clarify that, given the recent issue. This comment does not pertain to most whose comments have been featured here, as I have no concerns about comments made by longtime followers and contributors to these threads. But for any who do not contribute regularly and desire to do so here at any point, please remember the comment parameters and ensure your comments are compliant therewith before you post them here. And if the substance or tone of those comments do not comply, please don't post them. Anyone with concerns or questions about this reiteration of those guidelines can post those here or contact me privately using the information on my blogger profile. Thank you all again for your cooperation with and understanding of this matter.
ReplyDeleteOn this Saturday, the Church News has posted a biographical article for Sister Susan H. Porter, the outgoing First Counselor in the Primary General Presidency who, at the beginning of next month, will serve as the new Primary General President:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2022-07-02/primary-general-president-susan-h-porter-hopes-to-help-strengthen-the-faith-of-children-259581
And in view of the upcoming observation of Independence Day here in the United States, the Church News has looked back on 9 patriotic moments with the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square (formerly known as the Mormon Tabernacle Choir):
https://www.thechurchnews.com/history-revisited/2022-07-02/9-patriotic-moments-with-the-tabernacle-choir-260298
My thanks once again to you all.
It's also worth noting that it is currently nearing 5:00 AM Sunday in Tokyo Japan, so the youth devotional was likely held around 10-12 hours ago, and the first rededicatory session for that temple will be underway in just over 4 hours from now. As previously noted, the final session is likely to wrap up at 5:00 PM Sunday in Tokyo, which will be around 2:00 AM here in Utah. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteSeveral hours ago, the Church News shared the text of the message that will be given as part of the Independence Day special edition of "Music & the Spoken Word" tomorrow:
Deletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/spoken-word/2022-07-02/music-and-the-spoken-word-self-control-liberty-and-law-richard-l-evans-cecil-b-demille-260221
And oddly enough, the Church News only published the latest edition of "This Week on Social today:
https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2022-07-02/this-week-on-social-a-joyful-future-founded-on-the-savior-260010
The newest installment in that ongoing series only featured one apostle, Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The other post were from the following General Officers of the Church: outgoing Relief Society General President Sister Jean B. Bingham and her outgoing counselor, Sister Reyna I. Aburto; Sister Michelle D. Craig, First Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency; Sister Amy A. Wright, the outgoing Second Counselor and incoming First Counselor in the Primary General Presidency; Young Men General President Steven J. Lund and his Second Counselor, Brother Bradley R. (Brad) Wilcox.
Having shared those updates, it's worth noting that it is now around 1:15 AM in Tokyo Japan, so the second rededicatory session for that temple is now likely more than half over. I imagine that, due to the time difference and the need to craft the necessary news releases for the Newsroom or to submit new articles online to the Church News that the reports on the youth devotional and rededication may only come through sometime tomorrow. In the meantime, my thanks once again to you all.
Sorry. I meant to say above that it is now around 1:15 PM, not AM. I apologize for that error in my comment.
DeleteOn this Sabbath Day, the Newsroom has provided two new reports related to the rededication of the Tokyo Japan Temple. President Henry B. Eyring, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, was sent to rededicate that temple, which was originally dedicated by his uncle, President Spencer W. Kimball. President Eyring also has ties to Japan due to business connections there are several apostolic ministry trips. He was accompanied in that assignment by Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who served his full-time mission in Japan, came back to that nation as a mission president, and then served for several years as a counselor and then president of the Church's Asia North Area, which is headquartered in Tokyo. Here are the Newsroom reports:
ReplyDeletehttps://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/president-eyring-rededicates-tokyo-japan-temple-longest-operating-in-asia
https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/latter-day-saints-reflect-on-history-of-tokyo-japan-temple
The Church Newws also covered the temple's rededication this morning:
https://www.thechurchnews.com/temples/2022-07-03/eyring-stevenson-japan-tokyo-asia-temple-dedication-rededication-history-260402
Additonally, the Church News shared information about the reorganization of 22 existing stake presidencies worldwide:
https://www.thechurchnews.com/callings/2022-07-03/22-new-stake-presidents-mexico-brazil-colombia-japan-taiwan-guatemala-argentina-bolivia-260381
Those reorganizations occurred between November of last year and May of this year. And in honor of the upcoming anniversary of Independence Day here in the United States, which also involved the granting of freedom of religion, the Church News shared 12 quotes from former Church leaders ranging from the Prophet Joseph Smith to Elder Bruce R. McConkie of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on the subject of religious freedom:
https://www.thechurchnews.com/history-revisited/2022-07-03/religious-freedom-church-history-joseph-smith-bruce-r-mcconkie-john-taylor-wilford-woodruff-james-talmage-12-quotes-259317
And the latest edition of "In Case You Missed It" was also published, highlighting the top 9 developments reported by the Church News this week:
https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2022-07-03/week-in-review-president-nelson-mission-leaders-doctrine-and-covenants-11-rain-cabo-verde-260303
If there are any other temple construction updates, I will pass those along here to you all later today. Thanks again, everyone!
A new report from the Church Temples site indicates that the renovation work has concluded for the Columbus Ohio Temple. I am assuming we may get an official announcement on the reopening arrangements and rededication will be forthcoming within the next couple of weeks, with the rededication likely to follow at some point in September or October:
Deletehttps://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/columbus-ohio-temple/
And the Church Temples site also provided a new update on the Salt Lake Temple, but the update doesn't seem to make sense:
https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/salt-lake-temple/
It's a little odd that the mention is made of an open house being underway when, as far as I know, the temple is still decomissioned and work is still underway on the necessary elements pertaining thereunto. The fact that a rededication estimate of 2025 or 2026 is still featured leads me to conclude that the update about an open house being underway is in error. If and when that is fixed, I will bring you word of any new update. My thanks once again to you all.
The Church News has shared one new report:
Deletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/temples/2022-07-03/latter-day-saints-reflect-on-history-of-tokyo-japan-temple-260452
My thanks once again to you all.
I think I heard that during the last year of original construction that the Salt Lake temple conducted tours. I don't see that happening so much today due to safety regulations but could
Deletethat still happen?
DeleteI don't think so. The temple has been decommissioned, is empty of all furnishings and artwork, and, per the latest updates from the Church, the foundation is still being strengthened by a jack-and-bore process, making the temple proper structurally unsafe to enter currently until that process is complete. The report from the Church Temples site is likely therefore in error.
DeleteAnonymous, as corroboration for what I noted in my comment yesterday night, the Church Temples site updated the status of the Salt Lake Temple at some point between then and now:
Deletehttps://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/salt-lake-temple/
The updated status shows nothing about an open house, which more or less verifies my theory that the update yesterday was in error. Hope that information is helpful. To whom might I offer thanks for this inquiry?
Here is one more update from the Church News:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2022-07-03/elder-uchtdorf-at-provo-freedom-festival-citizenship-in-gods-kingdom-is-the-highest-hope-for-humanity-260162
My thanks once again to you all.
The Newsroom provided an update today on the same Church News report from yesterday:
Deletehttps://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/citizenship-in-gods-kingdom-is-brightest-hope-for-humanity-elder-uchtdorf-freedom-festival
And the Church News has shared the following additional reports on this Independence Day in the United States:
https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2022-07-04/religious-freedom-13-times-church-leaders-importance-religious-liberty-past-year-oaks-bednar-cook-gong-christofferson-259589
The thirteen quotes from Church leaders included 2 each from President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency and from Elders Quentin L. Cook and Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; and 1 apiece from Elders David A. Bednar, D. Todd Christofferson, Ronald A. Rasband and Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, along with one each from Sisters Sharon L. Eubank and Reyna I. Aburto, the respective outgoing First and Second Counselors in the Relief Society and Camille N. Johnson, outgoing Primary General President and incoming Relief Society General President.
And one other new report from the Church News speaks for itself:
https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2022-07-04/monthly-potluck-luncheons-help-justserve-flourish-in-arizona-259944
Happy Independence Day, everyone!
The Church News has also featured an article about New Zealand's first service missionary:
Deletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/members/2022-07-04/new-zealand-first-service-missionary-elder-murphy-260113
My thanks once again to you all.
Yesterday, I reported that the renovation on the Columbus Ohio Temple had wrapped up. That report was apparently also incorrect:
Deletehttps://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/columbus-ohio-temple/
My thanks once again to you all.
As we mark the day after Independence Day here in the United States, I was made aware of one new report from the Church News and a report from the Newsroom that had been added on July 3. Each of those reports speak for themselves:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/history-revisited/2022-07-05/where-did-the-ysa-ward-come-from-lds-living-article-260201
https://news-ca.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/ukrainian-refugees-find-open-arms-and-generous-hearts-in-western-canada
It also appears that the Church Temples site has made massive updates in the queue of temples currently under construction. I will have the updates on those changes ASAP. My thanks once again to you all.
As I mentioned in my comment above earlier this afternoon, massive updates have been noted on the queue of temples now under construction, with similar changes noted for temples undergoing renovation. The following general estimates apply for the following temples, and I will note where applicable which ones are undergoing renovation:
DeleteMid-to-late 2022: Columbus Ohio (Renovation)
Late 2022: San Juan Puerto Rico, Feather River California, Saratoga Springs Utah, Brasilia Brazil, and Helena Montana
Late 2022-early 2023: Lima Peru Los Olivos, Richmond Virginia, Bentonville Arkansas, McAllen Texas,
Early 2023: Layton Utah, Bangkok Thailand, Okinawa Japan
Early-to-mid 2023: Casper Wyoming, Orem Utah, St. George Utah (Renovation)
Mid-2023: Taylorsville Utah, Abidjan Ivory Coast, Urdaneta Philippines
Mid-to-late 2023: Salta Argentina, Red Cliffs Utah
Late 2023: Tallahassee Florida, Coban Guatemala
Early 2024: Deseret Peak Utah, Puebla Mexico, Auckland New Zealand, Mendoza Argentina
Early-to-mid 2024: Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, Syracuse Utah, San Pedro Sula Honduras
Mid-2024: Salvador Brazil, Elko Nevada, Manti Utah (Renovation), Alabang Philippines, Nairobi Kenya
Mid-to-late 2024: Antofagasta Chile, Pago Pago American Samoa, Phnom Pehn Cambodia
Late 2024-early 2025: Grand Junction Colorado, Farmington New Mexico
Early 2025: Burley Idaho
2025 (no general estimate currently provided): Davao Philippines, Bengaluru India, Harare Zimbabwe, Lindon and Smithfield Utah
The updated general estimates will impact my more-specific estimates previously offered, and I will provide those updates as I can finalize them. For now, my thanks once again to you all.
2025 or 2026: Salt Lake (Renovation)
With reference to the Salt Lake Temple, the last official word from the First Presidency stated that that temple would be completed sometime in 2025. But with the progress of that renovation thus far, and taking into account the likely length of the anticipated open house and rededication period, it would not shock me if a 2025 opening overlapped into 2026 for that temple.
I've noticed that Quito is still ahead of Belém in the que, even though it's been established that Belém's dedication will occur before Quito's. It may be listed that way because of the open houses?
DeleteThat's exactly right, Noah. The open house dates determined the order there. Thanks for that great question.
DeleteIt's also worth reiterating something I said earlier: According to a comment on the Church Growth Blog, there are apparently reportedly some supply chain issues that are delaying the completion of several temples that should be close to having opening arrangements announced. One of those affected was the Saratoga Springs Utah Temple. An earlier comment on the Church Growth Blog from the same individual who mentioned the supply chain issue had indicated that the Church originally hoped to open that temple in August or September, with a dedication being held that same month. But in mentioning the supply chain issues impacting the temple timing. that same individual indicated recently that the opening of the Saratoga Springs Utah Temple could be delayed until November or December. So those are some of the factors I'm trying to account for as I work on revising more specific dedication estimates I offered as part of my report on temple construction progress during the first half of this year. Just wanted to note that here as well.
DeleteHello again, everyone! I just wanted to share a brief personal update: I will be undergoing another minor same-day procedure on Thursday as we continue to do what we can to improve my health. I will find out information about the time of the procedure sometime tomorrow, and it will be done in Salt Lake. The nature of the procedure will require a few days of at-home recuperation after it is done. While I don't anticipate that impacting any reports on this blog beyond Thursday, I just wanted to mention it here in case it does impact reports here beyond Thursday. My thanks once again to you all.
ReplyDeleteI also failed to provide two new updates from the Church News:
Deletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/temples/2022-07-05/tokyo-japan-temple-dedicatory-prayer-president-eyring-260532
https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast/2022-07-05/episode-91-pioneer-day-managing-director-church-history-department-matt-grow-importance-of-celebrating-past-present-pioneers-260519
My thanks once again to you all.
Hello again, everyone! After taking the day yesterday to focus on other things that needed attention, and following my minor medical procedure this morning, I am pleased to be able to share the following updates from the Church News which were reported yesterday and today, and speak for themselves:
Deletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/global/2022-07-06/church-provides-grant-wateraid-clean-water-sanitation-hygiene-malawi-mozambique-260594
https://www.thechurchnews.com/global/2022-07-06/ukraine-refugees-donating-essentials-to-making-pierogies-western-canada-welcomes-260668
https://www.thechurchnews.com/global/2022-07-06/hundreds-of-baptisms-in-mozambique-africa-covid-19-pandemic-restrictions-ease-260708
https://www.thechurchnews.com/members/2022-07-06/new-zealand-basketball-rivals-to-missionary-companions-sophie-dil-tyla-tuala-260750
https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2022-07-07/tabernacle-choir-orchestras-summer-love-they-neighbor-concert-guest-artist-shea-owens-how-to-watch-260735
https://www.thechurchnews.com/callings/2022-07-07/madrid-spain-temple-president-and-matron-hernandez-260677
https://www.thechurchnews.com/global/2022-07-07/first-latter-day-saint-branch-in-gambia-africa-organized-260727
https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2022-07-07/president-henry-b-eyring-to-speak-at-byuidaho-commencement-graduation-in-july-260901
I will continue to provide new updates over the next few days as my recovery permits. For now, my thanks once again to you all.
Ran across some anecdotal information that said the stakes near Richmond have begun some very preliminary work for the Richmond Virginia Temple open house. Nothing official however.
ReplyDeleteThere has been more on the front of future announcements. No places, or other information, just that first the remarks of Elder Pearson at Lindon about the possibility of there being 500 temples at least announced by April 6 2030, and some additional statements that some heard where at least two seventies at stake conferences told those attending that the goal eventually was to have a temple within an hour's drive of 95% of the members of the Church, and that was said to have come out of this April's general conference leadership training, but again nothing is confirmed.
That goal replaces the 1990s or so goal of members within 200 miles of a temple, largely met save for newer and more remote Church areas. Was reminded of that by a sealer I know in my ward.
So the question must be asked in making predictions of where we think temples will go next is, what locations will be announced first, or the next time, and the next. 500 means that there will be double-digit numbers every conference, but as we have seen, that could easily accelerate into the larger goal.
Jim Anderson, I apologize for my 25-hour delay in acknowledging your comment. There have certainly been an increased number of reports on the evolution of temple construction under President Nelson's direction, haven't there? And it seems like each report moves the goal posts ever closer to an ultimate objective of having no undue hardship for any Church member anywhere in the world to reach the nearest temple. I am not quite sure what to make of your report on the Richmond Virginia Temple. As I've mentioned, on the one hand, we know general timeframes can change, as can the order of completion and eventual dedication. Right now, the Feather River California Temple is in the queue only behind San Juan Puerto Rico. But I also incorrectly predicted that Puerto Rico's first temple and several others in the US might be dedicated before a dedication occurred for either the Quito Ecuador or Belem Brazil Temples.
DeleteBased on your report and on the recent status updates for other temples of which I''ve made mention in the comments on this post, my assumption would be that the next major temple announcements would be the rededication of the Columbus Ohio Temple and the dedications of the temnples in San Juan, Feather River, Saratoga Springs, Brasilia Brazil, and Helena Montana Temples. Whether or not the Church is actually able to get each of those dedications done before the end of the year might be a different question. But in an era when the prophet has been more inclined to send his fellow apostles out for most dedications and rededications, I don't think we can rule out the prospect that any of those temples could be dedicated/rededicated on the same dates.
With the fluctuation in the queue lately, I will be intrigued to find out how many other new temples will be dedicated by the end of this year. The question is, would any other dedications or the Columbus rededication be scheduled to occur on or prior to November 20? So that will be intriguing to watch. Interesting to think about what might be coming down the pike for new temples as well. If what you've described is the new goalpost for the time being, I'd be shocked not to see double-digit numbers of new temples announced every six months for the next several General Conference.
Thinking about the prospects, time-frames, and potential future of temple construction, especially with recent advancements accelerating construction in many ways, I have a feeling we have no idea what's ahead for the temple construction program of the Church, and I can't rule out the possibility of multiple temples being dedicated every month from November of this year through the foreseeable future. Sister Nelson has often stated that there is an urgency attending her husband's ministry and efforts to prepare the Church for the future, and we are seeing that occur in a very real, very palpable way that will likely continue to defy expectations. Thanks, Jim Anderson, as always for taking time to share this report. We now have even more to think about regarding temple construction.
As I continue to recuperate here at home, I forgot to mention that yesterday I found updates on the construction statuses for the Red Cliffs and Syracuse Utah and Elko Nevada and Burley Idaho Temples:
ReplyDeletehttps://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/red-cliffs-utah-temple/
https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/syracuse-utah-temple/
https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/elko-nevada-temple/
https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/burley-idaho-temple/
Additionally, the Church News published a few new reports yesterday and today, which speak for themselves:
https://www.thechurchnews.com/global/2022-07-07/service-mission-areas-in-mexico-double-to-meet-current-needs-260828
https://www.thechurchnews.com/global/2022-07-08/recent-church-wheelchair-donation-commemorates-16-years-of-partnership-in-argentina-260878
https://www.thechurchnews.com/history-revisited/2022-07-08/pioneers-salt-lake-valley-175-years-ago-matthew-grow-church-history-faith-in-every-footstep-260554
https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2022-07-08/president-ballard-pioneer-heritage-remembering-sesquicentennial-260681
My thanks once again to you all.
https://www.thechurchnews.com/global/2022-07-07/service-mission-areas-in-mexico-double-to-meet-current-needs-260828
On this second Saturday in June, the Church News has shared a belated edition of "This Week on Social":
Deletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2022-07-09/this-week-on-social-finding-inspiration-in-others-260936
This installment featured content from the following general leaders of the Church: Acting President M. Russell Ballard and Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; outgoing Relief Society General President Sister Jean B. Bingham; Sister Amy A. Wright, the outgoing Second Counselor and incoming First Counselor in the Primary General Presidency; Brother Milton Camargo, First Counselor in the Sunday School General Presidency; Young Men General President Steven J. Lund and his Second Counselor, Brother Bradley R. (Brad) Wilcox.
The Church News also shared an article introducing Sister Amy A. Wright, who, as noted above, now serves as Second Counselor in the Primary General Presidency to the incoming Relief Society General President, Sister Camille N. Johnson. Sister Wright will serve as First Counselor to new Primary General President and outgoing First Counselor Sister Susan H. Porter:
https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2022-07-09/sister-amy-a-wright-enters-new-primary-call-with-years-experience-perspective-and-emphasis-on-childrens-relationship-with-the-savior-258889
And although previous Church News editor Gerry Avant has been taking a personal look back at highlights of her storied career with new articles regularly featured in the Church News, her successor, Sister Sarah Jane Weaver, took an opportunity to pen a tribute from herself to thank Sister Avant for her mentorship:
https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2022-07-09/sarah-jane-weaver-after-50-years-writing-for-the-church-news-the-former-editor-gerry-avant-can-say-i-told-you-so-260804
The text of the message that will be delivered tomorrow during "Music & the Spoken Word" has also been published:
https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2022-07-09/music-and-the-spoken-word-who-is-my-neighbor-good-samaritan-260928
https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2022-07-09/sarah-jane-weaver-after-50-years-writing-for-the-church-news-the-former-editor-gerry-avant-can-say-i-told-you-so-260804
And a new video featuring Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Sister Sharon Eubank, outgoing First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency are featured in a new video addressin how music helps refugees in their time of need:
https://www.thechurchnews.com/global/2022-07-09/music-helps-refugees-video-features-elder-holland-sister-eubank-amar-foundation-windsor-261188
The Newsroom also covered that development:
https://news-uk.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/how-music-helps-refugees
The Newsroom also provided information on how Ukranian refugees, fleeing from their war-torn country, found help, relief, and support through the generosity of Church members and friends of other faiths in Canada:
https://news-ca.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/ukrainian-refugees-find-open-arms-and-generous-hearts-in-western-canada
If there are any new temple updates, they will be published later today. In the meantime, my thanks once again to you all.
Hope everyone is having a happy and inspiring Sabbath Day. The Church News has posted the following new reports today:
Deletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/members/2022-07-10/pioneers-in-every-land-rio-de-janeiro-brazil-to-the-prairies-of-north-dakota-sister-martins-faith-254842
https://www.thechurchnews.com/callings/2022-07-10/new-stake-presidents-st-george-africa-alpine-idaho-massacusetts-lehi-nigeria-angola-arizona-ghana-260920
https://www.thechurchnews.com/callings/2022-07-10/new-stake-presidents-st-george-africa-alpine-idaho-massacusetts-lehi-nigeria-angola-arizona-ghana-260920
https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2022-07-10/week-in-review-president-eyring-tokyo-temple-elder-uchtdorf-freedom-festival-260625
If there are any additional Church News or Newsroom reports published or temple construction updates provided, I will pass those along here to you all later today.
For now, thanks again, everyone!
Here is one more Church News update:
Deletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/history-revisited/2022-07-10/temple-district-in-historic-nauvoo-recognized-with-award-of-excellence-from-national-historical-association-260754
My thanks once again to you all.
The Church News has provided 3 new reports:
Deletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/history-revisited/2022-07-11/map-church-historic-sites-us-new-york-pennsylvania-ohio-vermont-illinois-missouri-iowa-utah-california-261009
https://www.thechurchnews.com/global/2022-07-11/san-bernardino-justserve-project-helps-answer-prayers-for-haiti-school-260941
https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2022-07-11/elder-rasband-president-johnson-primary-devotional-anchorage-alaska-260946
Any new temple updates will follow shortly. In the meantime, my thanks once again to you all.
Sister Susan Banks, wife of Elder Ben B. Bank an Emeritus General Authority, passed away recently. https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/deseretnews/name/susan-banks-obituary?id=35664885
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing that here. I assume that the report will be verified by the Church News in the next day or two. To whom might I offer thanks for this information? You can mention an alternate name or nickname rather than your given name if that would be your preference. I just want to ensure that my readers and I have the opportunity to give the credit for such updates to those gracious enough to provide them, Thanks again for mentioning this development here.
DeleteThe Church News just confirmed your report:
Deletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/members/2022-07-11/sister-susan-k-banks-obituary-wife-of-elder-ben-b-banks-dies-261292
Again, whom may I thank for providing this report? I appreciate hearing from you.
I didn't even notice that I posted as anonymous. I have lately taken to keeping an eye on the obituaries in the Deseret News. Sometimes they have the news first there.
ReplyDeleteScott, thanks for sharing that update. It is a little weird how some of my regular commenters here are sometimes listed as "Anonymous" or "Unknown" very randomly. Probably some glitch with the blogger commenting system. Anyways, thanks again for this update. Nice to know you're keeping your eyes on that.
DeleteAlthough no new updates have been reported on the statuses of any temples currently under construction or undergoing renovation, the Church Temples site has noted an update on the status of the Teton River Idaho Temple:
ReplyDeletehttps://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/teton-river-idaho-temple/
At this point, I am not sure what to expect in terms of the next temple that will have a groundbreaking announced. The Teton River Idaho Temple is a strong candidate, as are the Montpelier Idaho and Miraflores Guatemala City Guatemala Temples. But that could also apply to any of the other 4 Latin American temples for which sites have been confirmed and renderings released. And if my Pacific Area contacts are correct, it may not be long at all before we get an announcement for 1 or more of the 3 Pacific Island temples for which sites have been confirmed and renderings released.
I will track all of these developments to the best of my ability and pass them along to you all here as I become aware thereof. For now, my thanks once again to you all.
The Newsroom has provided one new report today:
Deletehttps://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/for-the-strength-of-youth-conferences-expand-to-us-and-canada
If there are any additional Newsroom, Church News, or temple construction updates, I will pass those along later today as time and circumstances allow. My thanks once again to you all.
And the Church News continues to provide reports in the lead-up to Pioneer Day:
Deletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/history-revisited/2022-07-12/9-places-in-salt-lake-city-to-visit-to-learn-more-about-pioneers-257742
As a reminder to my readers, July 24 falls on a Sunday this year. The official Utah state observation of that holiday will be Monday July 25, but this year's traditional Days of '47 KSL Parade will actually occur on Saturday July 23. My thanks once again to you all.
Here is one other new report:
Deletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/global/2022-07-12/church-solea-water-develop-new-drinking-water-system-for-people-in-darien-panama-261304
Thanks again, everyone!
Two new reports have been pubished by the Church News:
Deletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/global/2022-07-12/church-solea-water-develop-new-drinking-water-system-for-people-in-darien-panama-261304
https://www.thechurchnews.com/podcast/2022-07-12/episode-92-church-historian-recorder-elder-legrand-r-curtis-jr-vital-role-of-church-history-pioneers-salt-lake-time-capsule-261298
And the United Kingdom Newsroom page featured a new report as well:
https://news-uk.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/elder-quentin-l--cook-participates-at-united-kingdom-parliament-to-promote-religious-freedom--supporting-global-conference
As far as temple construction goes, new updates have been noted today on the Casper Wyoming, Red Cliffs Utah, Coban Guatemala, and Deseret Peak Utah:
https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/casper-wyoming-temple/
https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/red-cliffs-utah-temple/
https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/coban-guatemala-temple/
https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/deseret-peak-utah-temple/
My thanks once again to you all.
With reference to today's Church News podcast, featuring Church Historian and Recorder Elder LeGrand R. Curtis Jr., I should also note that he will be turning 70 on August 1, so I'm more than slightly surprised that nothing's been said yet about releasing him from that assignment and calling someone else. I suppose it's not impossible that he might continue to serve for the next year or two even if he is granted emeritus status in October, since Elder W. Rolfe Kerr continued to serve as Commissioner for the Church Education System for a year or two after his release from active service, but right now, under President Nelson's leadership, we have more of a precedent for GA Seventies to be granted emeritus status the year they turn 70, and being relieved from active service as part of those releases. Just wanted to share that here as well, FWIW. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteThe Church News has shared a summary of remarks given by Bishop L. Todd Budge, Second Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric, at a BYU-PW devotional held earlier today:
Deletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2022-07-12/drill-set-in-reverse-bishop-budge-byu-pathway-devotional-ambition-christ-261411
My thanks once again to you all.
On this Wednesday, the Newsroom has shared a report about a new institute class available that helps young adults know how to find answers to their gospel-related questions:
ReplyDeletehttps://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/new-institute-class-teaches-young-adults-how-to-find-answers-to-their-gospel-questions
Additionally, the Church News has confirmed the report I shared here earlier about the simplification of the categories on Church donation slips (both physical and electronic):
https://www.thechurchnews.com/members/2022-07-13/church-donation-categories-simplified-general-offerings-category-261396
And another article in the "Pioneers in Every Land" series has been featured today as well:
https://www.thechurchnews.com/members/2022-07-13/pioneers-in-every-land-priscilla-yellowhead-tobey-canada-book-of-mormon-260261
And, continuing the tradition established earlier this year (featuring 8 quotes from a female General Officer of the Church on their birthdays), a new article has been published honoring Sister Michelle D. Craig, First Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency:
https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2022-07-13/sister-michelle-d-craig-young-women-general-presidency-birthday-8-quotes-261511
There are also apparently temple updates to pass along today, which I will share as time and circumstances allow. In the meantime, my thanks once again to you all.
Here is one more Church News report:
Deletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/history-revisited/2022-07-13/photo-gallery-sesquicentennial-pioneer-trek-reenactment-1997-261258
My thanks once again to you all.
FamilySearch is hosting a booth at an international book fair in Sao Paulo Brazil:
Deletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/global/2022-07-13/familysearch-booth-at-sao-paulo-international-book-fair-261549
And given the fact that it has been 12 days since this post was published and there have been no other major developments reported within that time, I'm assuming that any other major announcements might be deferred at least until after Pioneer Day (Sunday July 24). I'd gladly embrace being mistaken on that, but time will tell. I am keeping my eyes out for any such announcements and will keep you all informed on those as I can.
In the meantime, it's worth noting that I have the next apostolic milestone updates prepared for publication here on Sunday, so stay tuned for that. My thanks once again to you all.
I've previously mentioned that David Sturt, now serving as the president of the Kenya Nairobi Mission, is a dear friend of my family. He and his siblings are like a bunch of extra uncles and aunts for my family, and their children are as close to me and my siblings as cousins ever could be. What I may not have mentioned is that his younger sister married my mom's youngest brother, so there is that direct relationship there as well. In any case, their parents are as close to us as a third set of grandparents could be. In the early 2000s, when then-Elder Dallin H. Oaks was sent to oversee the Philippines Area of the Church as its' president, those "bonus" grandparents served as missionaries assigned to that area office. Ever since that time, new reports of Church growth in the Philippines have always fascinated me. I was therefore beyond intrigued by the following article from the Church News, which features major growth milestones for the Church in the Philippines on several fronts:
Deletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/global/2022-07-14/philippines-chapel-dedication-whats-the-shortest-distance-between-two-meetinghouses-cebu-philippines-50-feet-261420
The Church News has also continued to cover stories about the upcoming Pioneer Day:
https://www.thechurchnews.com/history-revisited/2022-07-14/keith-erekson-pioneer-day-tell-true-stories-260940
And the following 3 reports cover important developments from New Zealand, Peru, and the United Kingdom:
https://www.thechurchnews.com/global/2022-07-14/justserve-launches-in-new-zealand-with-large-quilt-project-261631
https://www.thechurchnews.com/global/2022-07-14/stakes-in-peru-hold-blood-donation-events-four-weeks-in-a-row-261487
https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2022-07-14/elder-cook-europe-leaders-participate-in-u-k-conference-on-preventing-violence-promoting-religious-freedom-261673
The United Kingdom Newsroom had provided coverage on that last development 5 days ago:
https://news-uk.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/elder-quentin-l--cook-participates-at-united-kingdom-parliament-to-promote-religious-freedom--supporting-global-conference
Also, a report from 6 days ago, covering an update from the Pacific Newsroom, has been featured prominently on the main Newsroom page, and I'm not sure whether or not I've shared that here before, so here's that article:
https://news-nz.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/helping-a-fiji-village-feed-its-families
One other thing: For the past few days, I've mentioned that if there are any new temple updates, I would share them here. There appear to be a number of those, as reflected on the news page from the Church of Jesus Christ Temples site:
https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/news/
While I am still hoping to pass along new reports on specific changes and the temples to which those apply, for the last several days, as I have continued to recover from my recent procedure, I've also been trying to reevaluate and update my estimates for known temple events. As I've mentioned in the comments here recently, at one point, I heard that the Church was hoping to open the Saratoga Springs Utah Temple sometime in September. But due to recent supply chain issues, a revised update on that temple indicates that there are supply chain issues impacting temple construction worldwide currently in a variety of ways. As a result, it's possible the dedication of the Saratoga Springs Utah Temple might not occur until December at earliest.
So I've kind of been focusing more lately on trying to update the estimates I've provided rather than on the construction status of temples. I apologize for that. Hopefully I will get temple construction updates compiled and reports about the affected temples posted here at some point in the next day or two. My wife's nephew is getting married tomorrow, so I will be focusing attention on that for part of tomorrow. Anyways, stay tuned for those updates here once I can publish those. In the interm, just wanted to provide that update. My thanks once again to you all.
I did some quick work this evening and dug up a bunch of new temple updates. Before I shared those, I had failed to mention that an update had been provided towards the end of June on the Harare Zimbabwe Temple. I nevver shared that update, so here it is:
Deletehttps://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/harare-zimbabwe-temple/
So far this week, updates have been provided on the Alabang Philippines, Farmington New Mexico, Burley Idaho, Davao Philippines, Lindon and Smithfield Utah, Columbus Ohio, and Teton River Idaho Temples:
https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/alabang-philippines-temple/
https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/farmington-new-mexico-temple/
https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/burley-idaho-temple/
https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/davao-philippines-temple/
https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/lindon-utah-temple/
https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/smithfield-utah-temple/
https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/columbus-ohio-temple/
https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/teton-river-idaho-temple/
My thanks once again to you all.
Having shared that, so far this week, updates have been noted for the Alabang Philippines, Farmington New Mexico,
Hello again, everyone! The Church News has published 2 new reports:
Deletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2022-07-15/brigham-young-university-museum-of-art-christian-symbolism-souls-sacraments-exhibition-261661
https://www.thechurchnews.com/members/2022-07-15/pioneers-in-every-land-norbert-k-ounleu-ivory-coast-africa-church-growth-260526
And there is also one new update from the Newsroom:
https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/empowering-women-feeding-refugees-and-building-schools-service-from-latter-day-saints-around-the-world
Any new temple updates available will be shared later today. My thanks once again to you all.
Although I am not aware of any new temple updates, a few hours ago, the latest installment of "This Week on Social" was published:
Deletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2022-07-15/this-week-on-social-relief-society-primary-farewell-messages-savior-testimony-261872
In covering these summaries each week, more often than not, I list those featured hierarchically by position, starting with First Presidency members (if there are any), then the members of the Quorum of the Twelve in seniority order, then each of the General Officers featured by the organizations they lead (Relief Society, Young Women, Primary, Sunday School, and Young Men). Because there are specific sectional divisions in this week's edition by topic, I will be listing the leaders by topic order, then in hierarchical order.
As most of you likely recall, during the April 2022 General Conference, President Oaks noted that the changes presented at that time in the Relief Society and Primary General Presidencies would not be effective until August 1. As of today's edition, August 1 is two weeks and three days away. I was surprised, therefore, that this week's edition of social media posts featured "farewell" messages from the outgoing Relief Society General Presidency (Sister Jean B. Bingham and her respective First and Second Counselors, Sisters Sharon L. Eubank and Reyna I. Aburto) and, from outgoing Primary General President and incoming Relief Society General President Sister Camille N. Johnson, a retrospective look back at what she's learned from leading the Primary this year, and what she hopes to instill in Relief Society sisters worldwide as she begins her new assignment.
The article next shares videos from the following members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: Elders Jeffrey R. Holland, David A. Bednar, and Ulisses Soares. And the final section features posts on trials and testimonies from Elder Ronald A. Rasband, also of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, along with Sisters Michelle D. Craig and Rebecca L. (Becky) Craven, the respective First and Second Counselors in the Young Women General Presidency; and Sunday School General President Brother Mark L. Pace and his Second Counselor, Brother Jan E. Newman.
DeleteAs I noted above, I was surprised by the fact that this edition included farewell messages from the outgoing Relief Society General Presidency. My assumption would be that the Church will be transferring account rights for social media off to the incoming members of the Relief Society and Primary General Presidencies a little early. As someone with some degree of familiarity about user account rights, it would make sense to me if the Church wants to ensure the incoming leaders have proper access to the accounts tied to their positions so that any issues with those permissions can be addressed before those assignments go into effect on August 1.
Since Utah is preparing to mark Pioneer Day next weekend (with the traditional Days of '47 KSL Parade set to occur on Saturday July 23, Pioneer Day will follow on Sunday, and Utah's traditional state holiday for the Pioneer Day observance will occur on Monday July 25), I will be intrigued to see whether any of the incoming Relief Society or Primary General Presidency members will have content featured in the newest installmment on this series one week from today (unless that edition is held over until Sunday and then featured as "This Pioneer Day on Social").
That being said, I did want to note one other thing: For several years, up through the end of 2020, the August issues of the Ensign and the Liahona not only included a copy of the area leadership assignments originally announced the previous April, but also generally reflected any changes in the magazine editors and advisers. I believe that last year, the August edition of the Liahona did not include a page showing the leadership assignments or reflecting the changes in magazine advisors. We received our copy of the August 2022 Liahona yesterday or the day before, and it doesn't include the list of changes in area leadership, nor does it show any changes in the editor or advisers to the magazine.
I would assume, therefore, that the Newsroom release on area leadership will be provided in lieu of including it in the Liahona, and that changes in the editor and advisers' list will not be noted until next month. I am particularly anticipating that Elders Randy D. Funk and Walter F. Gonzalez will be replaced as the respective editor and adviser to the Liahona because both will likely be released and granted emeritus status in October, and that Sister Sharon Eubank, in view of her forthcoming release on August 1, will also be released as an adviser to the Liahona.
My thanks once again to you all.
On this Saturday, the Newsroom and the Church News both reported on the first live concert featuring the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The concert took place as the Church is preparing to celebrate Pionneer Day, marking the anniversary of when Brigham Young, the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (who, at that time, was also the de facto Acting Church President) first entered the Salt Lake Valley:
Deletehttps://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/tabernacle-choir-performs-love-thy-neighbor-summer-concert
https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2022-07-16/tabernacle-choir-orchestra-temple-square-love-thy-neighbor-concert-pioneer-day-261924
The Newsroom also shared a new report on FamilySearch from Brazil:
https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/familysearch-unites-generations-during-book-fair-in-brazil
And the Church News has covered the biography of Sister Tracy Y. Browning, who will begin serving in just 2 weeks as thee Second Counselor in the Primary General Presidency:
https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2022-07-16/sister-tracy-browning-primary-general-presidency-counselor-conversion-family-new-york-253564
The Church News has now featured all new leaders sustained to new assignments during the April 2022 General Conference. Three additional new Church News updates speak for themselves:
https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2022-07-16/for-the-strength-of-youth-what-i-learned-at-fsy-university-of-north-georgia-260994
https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2022-07-16/ronald-k-esplin-how-brigham-young-was-the-indispensable-pioneer-salt-lake-valley-joseph-smith-261607
https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2022-07-16/music-and-the-spoken-word-as-the-dew-from-heaven-distilling-closing-refrain-94th-year-261697
Any new temple updates will follow later today. For now, my thanks once again to you all.
New status updates were noted today on the Saratoga Springs Utah and Bangkok Thailand Temples:
Deletehttps://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/saratoga-springs-utah-temple/
https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/bangkok-thailand-temple/
Additionally, the Church Temples site has updated estimates and ordering in the queue of temples under construction. The general estimates have been altered for the following temples to the following windows:
Late 2022: San Juan Puerto Rico, Saratoga Springs Utah, and Feather River California
Late 2022-early 2023: Bentonville Arkansas, Brasilia Brazil, Lima Peru Los Olivos, Richmond Virginia, and Helena Montana
Early 2023: McAllen Texas, Layton Utah, Bangkok Thailand, and Okinawa Japan
Early-to-mid 2023: Moses Lake Washington
Mid-2023: Orem Utah, Taylorsville Utah, Casper Wyoming, Abidjan Ivory Coast, and Urdaneta Philippines.
This will, of course, also change the more specific estimates I have previously offered, so stay tuned for more on that as I figure it out. My thanks once again to you all.
I failed to mention that, earlier this evening, the Church News provided one new report on how Elder Uchtdorf unexpectedly surprised groups of youth at an FSY gathering in Northern Utah today:
Deletehttps://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2022-07-16/your-strength-is-jesus-christ-elder-uchtdorf-tells-youth-during-surprise-visit-at-fsy-261974
My thanks once again to you all.