Hello again, everyone! This afternoon, the First Presidency announced the opening arrangements for the Red Cliffs Utah Temple and groundbreaking arrangements for the Kaohsiung Taiwan Temple. Let's get right into the details: Media tours will be held for the Red Cliffs Temple on Monday, January 29, 2024, with VIP tours held for the next two days. The public open house will occur from Tuesday, January 30-Saturday, March 2, 2024 (marking the first time that both VIP tours and public tours will be held at the same time).
The Red Cliffs Utah Temple will then be dedicated in two sessions (at 10:00 AM and 1:30 PM) on Sunday, March 24, with President Henry B. Eyring, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, presiding over those sessions. I had assumed Elder Holland would preside at this dedication, but it could be he will be the apostolic companion to President Eyring, if he is able to be well enough to do so by that time. Since I had projected that the Red Cliffs dedication would only occur in May, this suggests an accelerated timeframe for temple dedications than what I had projected.
That being said, opening arrangements are easier to set for Utah temples than for many of their counterparts, so that's not surprising. Hopefully, by the end of this month, we see at least two more temple dedications set. In the meantime, if that wasn't reason enough for this post, as I stated, the Church has also set a groundbreaking for the Kaohsiung Taiwan Temple. That will occur on Saturday, November 23, 2023, with Asia Area President Elder Benjamin M. Z. Tai presiding.
I also was surprised by the announced timing for the groundbreaking of Taiwan's second temple. I had projected that the groundbreaking would be in mid-2024 at the earliest. But I am grateful that the Lord once again proved to me today that His timing trumps any mortal reasoning or projections I might offer. So I am going back to the drawing board on those projections. I will have updated thoughts published here in some form as soon as I can make that happen.
I am grateful for today's landmark announcements. I continue to monitor all Church News, Newsroom, and temple construction updates and will be sure to pass those along to you all here as I become aware thereof. 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.
I hope any of you who would like to share anything will take your opportunity to “sound off” in the comments below. Please subscribe if you liked what you read here and would like to be informed of newly-added posts and comments. Thank you for the privilege of your time. Until my next post, I wish you all the best and pray that the Lord will bless you all in everything you do.
The Church News has also covered the news about the Red Cliffs Utah and Kaohsiung Taiwan Temples. My thanks once again to you all.
ReplyDeleteToday marks 145 years since Brigham Young University was established. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteThe Middle East/Africa North Area presidency has released a statement about recent earthquakes in Afghanistan. Leaders of the Church in the Africa Central Area met with the prime minister of Burundi. A video tribute to Sister Kathleen J. Eyring has been provided. The Glee Clubs from Morehouse College and Spellman College will join the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square in Sunday's "Music & the Spoken Word". Elder David A. Bednar and his wife, Susan K. Bednar, spoke to students at a recent Snow College devotional. And in the latest editon of the Church News podcast, Ronald K. Esplin and other Church historians talked about the ongoing Brigham Young Papers project. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteThe Newsroom also reported the update about the two Glee Clubs joining the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteAnd an update on the Bengaluru India Temple has seen it shift from being the first temple anticipated to be completed in late 2025-early 2026 to being the last temple anticipated to be completed in that same general time frame. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteThe Church News has also covered the aforementioned statement from the Middle East/Africa North Area Presidency on the earthquakes in Afghanistan. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteOne new report has been shared by the Church News. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteThe Newsroom release about the passing of Sister Kathleen J. Eyring has been updated with the funeral arrangements. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteA status update has been noted on the Manti Utah Temple. Although the update is more general, hopefully it means the renovation is proceeding on schedule. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteOn this Wednesday, Nicaraguan Latter-day Saints are celebrating 70 years since the Church has had a presence there. The Church has donated 33,000 pounds of food to 20 organizations in Kentucky. In Oklahoma, Latter-day Saints and their friends of other faiths rendered community service in Oklahoma. Church News editor Sister Sarah Jane Weaver described how a smile from Sister Kathleen Eyring blessed her life, and the same funeral information from the Newsroom release has been shared by the Church News as well. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteI have a late temple construction update to pass along to you all: Full-scale construction is now officially underway on the Torreon Mexico Temple, which has been assigned a general completion estimate of late 2025-early 2026, and is now in the queue between the Port Vila Vanuatu Temple (with a completion estimate of late 2025) and the Smithfield Utah Temple (with a completion estimate of late 2025-early 2026). The number of temples with full-scale construction pending is now down to 3 (Lubumbashi Democratic Republic of the Congo, Heber Valley Utah, and Port Moresby Papua New Guinea). My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteFollowing the Church News podcast episode that featured Rabbi Joe Charnes, who discussed the power of General Conference, the Church News has shared his advice about how people can be changed through the messages of General Conference.
DeleteThere have been a few more updates to the queue of temples under construction, mostly in terms of their general time-frames and their places in the queue. Among those changes are that the Elko Nevada Temple has moved ahead of the Grand Junction Colorado Temple, with both retaining their general completion estimates of early 2025; that the Torreon Mexico Temple has moved from being the first temple estimated to be completed in late 2025-early 2026 to being the last one estimated to be completed during that time frame (which puts it behind the Smithfield Utah, Pago Pago American Samoa, Neiafu Tonga, Managua Nicaragua, and Bengaluru India Temples); and that the Miraflores Guatemala City Guatemala Temple, (for which the status has also been updated) has shifted from being the first of two temples anticipated to be completed in early-to-mid 2026 to now being the second of three temples anticipated to be completed in early 2026 (it is now sandwiched between the Yorba Linda California and Montpelier Idaho Temples).
Finally, while I was preparing this comment for publication, the Church News published one new report, which speaks for itself. My thanks once again to you all.
Primary General President Susan H. Porter, Sister Tamara W. Runia, First Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency, and Sister Kristin M. Yee, Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, recently visited Illinois and Iowa, where they ministered to Church members, held devotionals, and conducted organizational training. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteIn the wake of the ongoing war in Israel, students from the BYU-Jerusalem Center will return home in late October. And the funeral service set to be held on Saturday for Sister Kathleen J. Eyring will be broadcast by the Church. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteHere is one new report from the Newsroom. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteOn this Friday, the Church News has shared two new reports: Five couples will assume oversight for Church historical sites, and helpful tips have been provided for fifth Sunday Primary lessons, which are to focus on the covenant path. My thanks once again to you all.
ReplyDeleteA new major update on the Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Temple now puts that temple in the "Approaching Completion" category. That update, along with any others between now and the end of the year will be included in my temple construction progress 2023 final report. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteA new Church News report provides coverage of the same Newsroom update I shared yesterday. And Elder D. Todd Christofferson is in Brazil, where he spoke at an Earth Conference about the Church's ongoing efforts to be good global stewards. He was accompanied by Presiding Bishop Gerald Caussee and Sister Jenica Sedgwick, who serves as the Church's Sustainability manager. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteThe latest installment of "This Week on Social" has been published. In the newest edition of this ongoing series, social media posts were featured from the following general leaders: Elders Quentin L. Cook, Ronald A. Rasband, and Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Young Women General President Emily Belle Freeman.
DeleteElder Rasband spoke about his recent Asia ministry, which included his first visit to Vietnam. It occurred to me to wonder if he had perhaps been sent to gauge the readiness of the people for a temple in that nation. I have had Hanoi down as a temple prospect for a while, so hopefully this visit means we could hear about such a prospect soon, perhaps in April of next year. My thanks once again to you all.
Also, here is a Youtube link to the funeral services for Sister Kathleen J. Eyring, which will be held tomorrow morning at 11:00 AM. That link may be more accessible than going through the Church's webcast page to which I linked earlier. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteThe Church News also covered the Earth conference in Brazil that I mentioned in one of my comments above. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteOn this Saturday, the funeral services were held for Sister Kathleen J. Eyring as scheduled. Although President Nelson was unable to attend in person, he sent a message, which was read by President Oaks, who presided at the funeral service today. Also in attendance were President Eyring's immediate apostolic seatmates, Elders Jeffrey R. Holland (who may be beginning a slow transition back to his assignments and was looking better) and Dieter F. Uchtdorf, along with Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (who may have taken over President Nelson's role as the general physician for the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles). Numerous other GA Seventies and General Officers were also in attendance. It was a lovely service, and I will bring you all reports on that when they are available.
ReplyDeleteIn the interim, a few new Church News reports have been shared. The Glee Clubs of Moorehouse and Spelman Colleges shared their thoughts about preparing to perform with the Tabernacle Choir tomorrow. The Church News is also requesting submissions of pictures and experiences of those who will participate in tomorrow's Worldwide Day of Testimony for youth. And the text of the message that will be given in English and Spanish during tomorrow's "Music & the Spoken Word" broadcast. My thanks once again to you all.
It is now past 3:00 AM in Bangkok Thailand right now, so the first session of the Bangkok Thailand Temple's dedication will be underway in less than 7 hours. It will be the 185th operating temple of the Church. This means that, for the Church to have 200 operating temples by the 200th anniversary of the Church's restoration (Saturday April 6, 2030), the remaining 115 temples will need to be dedicated in the 6.45 years between tomorrow and that day, which works out to 17.83 temples per year. And that average will continue to go down as more temple dedications occur in the days ahead. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteSummaries of the funeral services for Sister Kathleen J. Eyring have been provided by the Newsroom and the Church News. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteThe Church News has also published a preview look at the Bangkok Thailand Temple dedication. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteIt is now just past 10:00 AM Sunday in Bangkok, so the first dedicatory session for the temple in that city is now underway. Since the second session is set to be held at 1:30 PM Bangkok time, it will likely have concluded by 3:30 PM. With that in mind, that will be at 2:30 AM Utah time. Depending on who the Church News sent out to cover that, we very well could have an official report on that dedication by then. I may still be awake at that time, so if such a report comes in before I actually turn in for the night, I will be sure to pass that along here. For now, my thanks once again to you all.
DeleteHere is one new report from the Newsroom about Elder Rasband's first ministry visit to Vietnam, which he made while en route to dedicate the Bangkok Thailand Temple. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteOn this Sabbath morning, the Newsroom and the Church News have covered the dedication of the Bangkok Thailand Temple. The Church News also provided an overview of 22 new stake presidencies and the latest edition of "In Case You Missed It: Week in Review". My thanks once again to you all.
ReplyDeleteThe Church News has provided insights from Church leaders and Bible scholars about 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon, which comprise the "Come Follow Me" passages for this week. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteThe Newsroom reported on the 3 choirs who performed during today's "Music & the Spoken Word" broadcast. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteNot only did today mark the dedication of the Bangkok Thailand Temple, but it was also the Worldwide Day of Testimony for the youth, who gathered to hear pre-recorded remarks from Church President Russell M. Nelson, Young Women General President Emily Belle Freeman and Young Men General President Steven J. Lund, after which youth were invited to share their testimonies with one another following the video.
DeleteJust a comment on that: President Nelson's remarks were recorded from his office in the Church Administration Building. I believe they were recorded recently, which may indicate that President Nelson is able to come in to some degree. During the funeral services for Sister Eyring, President Oaks referenced he fact that President Nelson's message was first presented in a First Presidency meeting that week. So he may be able to still be at Church headquarters to some degree. I hope all of this means he is recovering well from his recent fall, and I hope we see him at General Conference as usual in April. My thanks once again to you all.
With the open house for the Orem Utah Temple getting underway this week, I had wondered if that and the dedication of the Bangkok Thailand Temple would be the only temple construction news this week. But given the early release of information for Orem, I now have no doubt we'll get other news at 2:00 PM today. I will cover whatever that update is ASAP once it is reported. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteThe Church News also covered the Orem Utah Temple opening. As I said, I don't believe this will be the only big update today. Stay tuned for more covereage in about an hour. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteIt appears that the updates about the Bangkok Thailand Temple dedication and the open house for the Orem Utah Temple are the major updates for this week. I'm surprised by that. Hopefully the next temple opening will be set next week. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteThe Church has donated $1 million to a Florida food bank. The Church News has shared a photo gallery from yesterday's "Music & the Spoken Word" broadcast, which featured the glee clubs of Morehouse and Spelman Colleges. And the text of the prayer offered by Elder Rasband to dedicate the Bangkok Thailand Temple yesterday. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteTwo new reports were published by the Church News on Monday. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteOn this Tuesday, the Church News has shared a report on Elder Rasband's recent ministry in Vietnam; the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square has announced the guest artists for their 2023 Christmas concert; a new video shows the Church's efforts to feed the hungry (with the Newsroom also sharing that update); a couple who works with the Orchestra at Temple Square joined the Church News podcast; Sister Kristin M. Yee, Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, spoke at this week's BYU-Provo devotional; and Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke to Young Adults in Cedar City Utah. Also, a new update on the Manti Utah Temple indicates that renovation activities are nearing completion, and the estimate for it has been changed to late 2023-early 2024. Based on that, I think the rededication of the Manti Utah Temple will follow the dedication of the Coban Guatemala Temple and will precede the dedications of the Mendoza Argentina and Abidjan Ivory Coast Temples. My thanks once again to you all.
ReplyDeleteOn this Wednesday, the Church News has reported the donation of nearly $1 million to a Florida Food Bank. The PDF version of the November 2023 Liahona is not yet available, but hopefully will be in the next few days. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteThe Church News has shared thoughts from Boyd C. Matheson on how he knows the Savior stands with open arms to receive His people. My thanks once again to you all.
DeleteI failed to mention that a change has been noted on the general completion estimate and completion order of the Pago Pago American Samoa Temple. Previously, that temple sat between the Smithfield Utah and Neiafu Tonga Temples, as the second temple estimated to be completed in late 2025-early 2026. It is now estimated to be the second temple now estimated to be completed in late 2025, and now sits between the Bacolod Philippines and Willamette Valley Oregon Temples. My thanks once again to you all.
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