Hello, everyone! I have sad news to report. At 12:15 PM, Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles passed away. He was surrounded by family at the time of his passing. As previously noted, he turned 85 years old on August 24. More information will be provided as it becomes available. Rest well, Elder Hales! You've earned it. I know this good man merited the greeting from the Savior: "Well done, thou good and faithful servant. Thou hast been faithful over a few things. I will make you a ruler over many. Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."
Funeral arrangements will be announced in the near future. That does it for this post. Any comments are welcome and appreciated. Thank you for the privilege of your time, and may the Lord bless you all in all that you do.
Sunday, October 1, 2017
BREAKING NEWS: Elder Robert D. Hales Passes Away
I have had a lifelong love for Church history, which has extended to ongoing reports of the ministry of our apostles and prophets, General Conference, and all temple developments. This blog enables me to share that love with all who read my thoughts on these developments, which are sometimes reported multiple times per day as needed.
Report on the Sunday Morning Session
Hello, everyone! I am back with my report on the Sunday Morning Session, which concluded less than an hour ago. It was another wonderful session. Conducted by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, it featured an invocation offered by Elder Michael T. Ringwood (President Nelson's son-in-law who was sustained to the Seventy in April 2009) and a benediction by Elder Jose A. Teixeira (the last currently-serving GA Seventy who was among the first group called in President Monson's first General Conference as Church President).
The session was absolutely wonderful. We first heard from Jean B. Bingham, Relief Society General President. She was followed by Elder Donald L. Hallstrom, recently released from the Presidency of the Seventy, who now is the second most senior GA Seventy currently serving. It is interesting that both Elder Maynes and Elder Hallstrom spoke during this General Conference following their release from the Presidency of the Seventy. I honestly don't know if we will be hearing from any current members of the Presidency of the Seventy, or if these two outgoing members will cover the two usual talks from members of that Presidency. It will be interesting to see. Rounding out the first half of that session was Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (the only member of that Quorum to speak during this session, which means that we most likely will not hear a second time from President Nelson).
Following the congregational hymn, we heard from Bishop W. Christopher Waddell, the Second Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric, who gave his second talk in that capacity. Oddly enough, 1.5 years ago (in April 2016), when he gave his first talk as a new member of the Presiding Bishopric, he spoke in the Sunday Morning Session as well. After Bishop Waddell's address, we heard from Elder W. Craig Zwick, who, as noted previously, was granted emeritus status in the Saturday Afternoon Session. The Church doesn't often have GA Seventies speak after being granted emeritus status, but it happens periodically.
As the session came to a close, President Eyring offered his remarks. The reason why I asserted in my last post that we would likely not see any new temples announced in this General Conference is that, in President Monson's absence, he would have authorized one of his counselors to make that announcement, and President Eyring's concluding remarks in this session mark the last time we will hear from a member of the First Presidency in this General Conference.
So, what do we have to look forward to in the Sunday Afternoon Session? While we typically hear from the final three members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in the last session of General Conference, in Elder Hales's absence from the conference, there are only two members of the Twelve left to speak, Elders Ballard and Andersen. Unless they have President Nelson give a second talk to conclude the conference (which is unlikely), then either Elder Andersen or Elder Ballard will be the first speaker in the session, and the other will be the last. There have typically been seven total speakers in that session, which has meant that four other speakers have been featured between the three apostles. With only Elders Ballard and Andersen left to speak, to fill time that would have been taken by the third apostolic speaker in the session, the Church may call on 2-3 additional speakers.
But who might be speaking today between Elders Ballard and Andersen? Well, unless I am incorrect, one of those 5 or 6 speakers will be Tad R. Callister, the Sunday School General President. The Church could call upon a current member of the Presidency of the Seventy, and if that happens, there are 4 possibilities: either Gerrit W. Gong or Patrick Kearon, who last addressed us in the Sunday Afternoon Session of the April 2016 General Conference, or Craig C. Christensen or Juan A. Uceda (both of whom spoke in the Saturday Morning Session of General Conference in October 2016.
There is an equal possibility that the Church could also call upon one of the female auxiliary leaders (which would be a member of the Primary General Presidency), or that the Church could call upon however many General Authority Seventies that would be needed to fill up the time.
Whatever might actually happen, you can depend on my report of it, which will be coming in 3 hours or so. That does it for this post. Comments are always welcome and appreciated. For now, thank you for the privilege of your time, and may the Lord continue to bless each of you in all that you do.
The session was absolutely wonderful. We first heard from Jean B. Bingham, Relief Society General President. She was followed by Elder Donald L. Hallstrom, recently released from the Presidency of the Seventy, who now is the second most senior GA Seventy currently serving. It is interesting that both Elder Maynes and Elder Hallstrom spoke during this General Conference following their release from the Presidency of the Seventy. I honestly don't know if we will be hearing from any current members of the Presidency of the Seventy, or if these two outgoing members will cover the two usual talks from members of that Presidency. It will be interesting to see. Rounding out the first half of that session was Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (the only member of that Quorum to speak during this session, which means that we most likely will not hear a second time from President Nelson).
Following the congregational hymn, we heard from Bishop W. Christopher Waddell, the Second Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric, who gave his second talk in that capacity. Oddly enough, 1.5 years ago (in April 2016), when he gave his first talk as a new member of the Presiding Bishopric, he spoke in the Sunday Morning Session as well. After Bishop Waddell's address, we heard from Elder W. Craig Zwick, who, as noted previously, was granted emeritus status in the Saturday Afternoon Session. The Church doesn't often have GA Seventies speak after being granted emeritus status, but it happens periodically.
As the session came to a close, President Eyring offered his remarks. The reason why I asserted in my last post that we would likely not see any new temples announced in this General Conference is that, in President Monson's absence, he would have authorized one of his counselors to make that announcement, and President Eyring's concluding remarks in this session mark the last time we will hear from a member of the First Presidency in this General Conference.
So, what do we have to look forward to in the Sunday Afternoon Session? While we typically hear from the final three members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in the last session of General Conference, in Elder Hales's absence from the conference, there are only two members of the Twelve left to speak, Elders Ballard and Andersen. Unless they have President Nelson give a second talk to conclude the conference (which is unlikely), then either Elder Andersen or Elder Ballard will be the first speaker in the session, and the other will be the last. There have typically been seven total speakers in that session, which has meant that four other speakers have been featured between the three apostles. With only Elders Ballard and Andersen left to speak, to fill time that would have been taken by the third apostolic speaker in the session, the Church may call on 2-3 additional speakers.
But who might be speaking today between Elders Ballard and Andersen? Well, unless I am incorrect, one of those 5 or 6 speakers will be Tad R. Callister, the Sunday School General President. The Church could call upon a current member of the Presidency of the Seventy, and if that happens, there are 4 possibilities: either Gerrit W. Gong or Patrick Kearon, who last addressed us in the Sunday Afternoon Session of the April 2016 General Conference, or Craig C. Christensen or Juan A. Uceda (both of whom spoke in the Saturday Morning Session of General Conference in October 2016.
There is an equal possibility that the Church could also call upon one of the female auxiliary leaders (which would be a member of the Primary General Presidency), or that the Church could call upon however many General Authority Seventies that would be needed to fill up the time.
Whatever might actually happen, you can depend on my report of it, which will be coming in 3 hours or so. That does it for this post. Comments are always welcome and appreciated. For now, thank you for the privilege of your time, and may the Lord continue to bless each of you in all that you do.
I have had a lifelong love for Church history, which has extended to ongoing reports of the ministry of our apostles and prophets, General Conference, and all temple developments. This blog enables me to share that love with all who read my thoughts on these developments, which are sometimes reported multiple times per day as needed.
No New Temples Announced
Hello again, everyone! I will post my report of the Sunday Morning Session in a few minutes here, but I just wanted to note that no new temples were announced during this General Conference. The Sunday Morning Session just concluded, and that means there will be no other talks by the First Presidency. I can understand why there have not been any new announcements. Between the five announced last April, and the fact that the First Presidency has announced several temple renovations this year alone, along with looking at where other temples are in the process, there may not have been time to give due consideration to potential locations. I feel certain that we can look forward to new temples next April, if not between now and then.
That does it for this update. Any comments are welcome and appreciated. In the meantime, thank you for the privilege of your time, and may the Lord bless you all in all that you do.
That does it for this update. Any comments are welcome and appreciated. In the meantime, thank you for the privilege of your time, and may the Lord bless you all in all that you do.
I have had a lifelong love for Church history, which has extended to ongoing reports of the ministry of our apostles and prophets, General Conference, and all temple developments. This blog enables me to share that love with all who read my thoughts on these developments, which are sometimes reported multiple times per day as needed.
Saturday, September 30, 2017
Report on the Priesthood Session
Hello again, everyone! The priesthood session of General Conference ended about an hour ago. It was conducted by President Henry B. Eyring as anticipated. Offering the invocation was Elder Kevin W. Pearson, and Elder Rafael E. Pino offered the benediction. Both of those brethren were also among the first General Authority Seventies called during the first General Conference over which President Monson presided.
Two years after their calls to the apostleship, the Church has begun calling on the first of our three newest apostles to speak in the Priesthood Session. Tonight we heard from Elder Dale G. Renlund. He was followed by two General Authority Seventies, David F. Evans (who is the second-to-last General Authority Seventy called in 2005 to give his third General Conference talk), and Elder Richard J. Maynes (just released from the Presidency of the Seventy and, with the release of Elder W. Craig Zwick, is the most senior General Authority Seventy).
Following an intermediate hymn. we heard from the two counselors in the First Presidency, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, who gave a great talk about the importance of walking in the spiritual light we have. The session concluded with a great address by President Eyring, who testified that the call of any Church leader is directed by the Lord, who actively leads His Church through those called, set apart, and authorized to exercise such callings.
So where does that leave us for tomorrow's sessions? With Elder Hales and President Monson being absent from the conference. we have three apostles that have not yet spoken to us (Elders Ballard, Bednar, and Andersen). We could have one of them speak tomorrow morning and the other two that afternoon. Or two of them could speak in the morning, and the other one could be joined by President Nelson giving a second talk at the conclusion of the conference.
We have also not yet heard from a member of the Presidency of the Seventy and a member of the Presiding Bishopric, and according to the usual rotation of auxiliary speakers, our Sunday School General President, Tad R. Callister, is due to speak. Additionally, there is a possibility that we could hear from another female auxiliary leader.
President Eyring is due to speak in one of the two sessions as well (most likely the Sunday Morning Session, where he may represent President Monson in announcing any new temple locations). I imagine we will hear from at least 4 and possibly as many as 6 additional General Authority Seventies. And, given past precedent, there is a chance that President Nelson, as President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles may have been asked to speak a second time. If he has, then he may be the very last speaker in this General Conference.
Just wanted to share those additional thoughts on what might happen during the remainder of this General Conference. That does it for this update. Any comments are, as always, welcome and appreciated. For now, thank you for the privilege of your time, and may the Lord bless you all in all that you do.
Two years after their calls to the apostleship, the Church has begun calling on the first of our three newest apostles to speak in the Priesthood Session. Tonight we heard from Elder Dale G. Renlund. He was followed by two General Authority Seventies, David F. Evans (who is the second-to-last General Authority Seventy called in 2005 to give his third General Conference talk), and Elder Richard J. Maynes (just released from the Presidency of the Seventy and, with the release of Elder W. Craig Zwick, is the most senior General Authority Seventy).
Following an intermediate hymn. we heard from the two counselors in the First Presidency, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, who gave a great talk about the importance of walking in the spiritual light we have. The session concluded with a great address by President Eyring, who testified that the call of any Church leader is directed by the Lord, who actively leads His Church through those called, set apart, and authorized to exercise such callings.
So where does that leave us for tomorrow's sessions? With Elder Hales and President Monson being absent from the conference. we have three apostles that have not yet spoken to us (Elders Ballard, Bednar, and Andersen). We could have one of them speak tomorrow morning and the other two that afternoon. Or two of them could speak in the morning, and the other one could be joined by President Nelson giving a second talk at the conclusion of the conference.
We have also not yet heard from a member of the Presidency of the Seventy and a member of the Presiding Bishopric, and according to the usual rotation of auxiliary speakers, our Sunday School General President, Tad R. Callister, is due to speak. Additionally, there is a possibility that we could hear from another female auxiliary leader.
President Eyring is due to speak in one of the two sessions as well (most likely the Sunday Morning Session, where he may represent President Monson in announcing any new temple locations). I imagine we will hear from at least 4 and possibly as many as 6 additional General Authority Seventies. And, given past precedent, there is a chance that President Nelson, as President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles may have been asked to speak a second time. If he has, then he may be the very last speaker in this General Conference.
Just wanted to share those additional thoughts on what might happen during the remainder of this General Conference. That does it for this update. Any comments are, as always, welcome and appreciated. For now, thank you for the privilege of your time, and may the Lord bless you all in all that you do.
I have had a lifelong love for Church history, which has extended to ongoing reports of the ministry of our apostles and prophets, General Conference, and all temple developments. This blog enables me to share that love with all who read my thoughts on these developments, which are sometimes reported multiple times per day as needed.
Report on Saturday Afternoon Session
Hello again, everyone! The Saturday Afternoon session wrapped up about 45 minutes ago (it ended early). As predicted, President Uchtdorf conducted the session. The invocation was offered by Elder Lawrence E. Corbridge, and the benediction by Elder All F. Packer (son of President Boyd K. Packer), both of whom were among the first General Authority Seventies sustained in the first General Conference over which President Monson presided.
In addition to the sustaining of Church officers about which I have already posted, there were a couple of interesting things about this session: It featured 7 speakers rather than the 8 I predicted, and it featured Stephen W. Owen, Young Men General President, as one of the speakers. This surprised me because we just heard from his second counselor, Brother M. Joseph Brough, last April. The only other speaker that was not a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles was Elder O. Vincent Haleck, General Authority Seventy. Elder Gary E. Stevenson was the first speaker from the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Then, as already mentioned, Brother Owen spoke. We then heard from Elder Quentin L. Cook. The second half of that session was filled with addresses by Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, then the previously mentioned address by Elder Haleck. The session ended with a talk by Quorum President Russell M. Nelson, who, if I am correct, will be giving a second address at some point in this conference. Though I had originally said that that second address would likely happen during the Sunday Morning Session, it now seems more likely that if he does speak a second time, it will be as the final speaker in the Sunday Afternoon Session.
If these first two sessions are any indication, the remainder of this General Conference will be full of surprises. And you can count on my continuing reports after the remaining three sessions. That does it for this General Conference update. Any comments are welcome and appreciated. For now, thank you for the privilege of your time, and may the Lord continue to bless you all in all that you do.
In addition to the sustaining of Church officers about which I have already posted, there were a couple of interesting things about this session: It featured 7 speakers rather than the 8 I predicted, and it featured Stephen W. Owen, Young Men General President, as one of the speakers. This surprised me because we just heard from his second counselor, Brother M. Joseph Brough, last April. The only other speaker that was not a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles was Elder O. Vincent Haleck, General Authority Seventy. Elder Gary E. Stevenson was the first speaker from the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Then, as already mentioned, Brother Owen spoke. We then heard from Elder Quentin L. Cook. The second half of that session was filled with addresses by Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, then the previously mentioned address by Elder Haleck. The session ended with a talk by Quorum President Russell M. Nelson, who, if I am correct, will be giving a second address at some point in this conference. Though I had originally said that that second address would likely happen during the Sunday Morning Session, it now seems more likely that if he does speak a second time, it will be as the final speaker in the Sunday Afternoon Session.
If these first two sessions are any indication, the remainder of this General Conference will be full of surprises. And you can count on my continuing reports after the remaining three sessions. That does it for this General Conference update. Any comments are welcome and appreciated. For now, thank you for the privilege of your time, and may the Lord continue to bless you all in all that you do.
I have had a lifelong love for Church history, which has extended to ongoing reports of the ministry of our apostles and prophets, General Conference, and all temple developments. This blog enables me to share that love with all who read my thoughts on these developments, which are sometimes reported multiple times per day as needed.
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