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Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Updated Estimates for Future Temple Events: Part One—Overview and Scheduled/Anticipated Events Through 2021

Hello again, everyone! Given the temple progress that has occurred within the last 7 weeks or so, and how much has changed regarding future estimates for known temple events. I thought it would be wise to present those latest updates. For the first time, this will be done in two parts. This first one will discuss those events scheduled or anticipated to occur between now and the end of 2021. The second part will deal with events anticipated between 2022 and 2024. The first part of that information follows below.


In order to not disturb the flow thereof, I will end here as I always do: That does it for now. Any and all comments are, as always, welcome and appreciated, on any post at any time, as long as such comments are made in accordance with the established guidelines. Thank you for the privilege of your time. If you enjoyed what you read here and would like to stay informed of newly added content, please feel free to subscribe. Until my next post, I wish each one of you all the best and pray that the Lord will bless you all in everything you do.

2019:
Sunday November 3: Private rededication of the Asuncion Paraguay Temple (confirmed)
Note: On May 21, 2019, the First Presidency announced the one-week open house and one-session private rededication for this temple. Subsequently, on October 11, an article about the beginning of the temple open house noted that Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles will be presiding thereat.
Monday November 4: St. George Utah Temple Renovation Closure (confirmed)
Note: This temple’s renovation was announced on January 25, 2019. Given the fact that seismic and systemic updates are anticipated to occur, I have set a preliminary general completion estimate of late 2022-early 2023.
Friday November 15-Friday November 22: President Nelson’s Southeast Asia Ministry Tour (confirmed)
Note: On October 9, 2019, this third 2019 leg of Church President Russell M. Nelson’s ongoing Global Ministry Tour was announced. The prophet will travel with his wife, Wendy W. Nelson, and Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Katherine J. Christofferson, with stops planned in Vietnam, Cambodia, Singapore, and Indonesia. It does not seem out-of-the-question to believe that more information could be provided for the Phnom Penh Cambodia Temple, and that there could be some scouting for future temple locations in one or two of the other stops.  
Sunday November 17: Private rededication of the Baton Rouge Louisiana Temple (confirmed)
Note: On May 3, 2019, the First Presidency also announced the one-week public open house for this temple, which will be privately rededicated in one session on this date by Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Saturday November 30: Groundbreaking for the Puebla Mexico Temple

Note: I had heard from my Church member contact in Mexico that the groundbreaking for this temple would occur in November. I had thought at that time that the groundbreaking might be held on Saturday November 9 or 16. But the First Presidency announced on September 24, 2019 that this temple’s groundbreaking would be held on this date, and that Elder Arnulfo Valenzuela, President of the Mexico Area of the Church, would preside thereat. I will be offering my estimate for the completion of this temple later on in this document.

December 15: Dedication for the Arequipa Peru Temple (167th operating temple)

Note: On May 21, 2019, the First Presidency also announced the dedication of this temple.  Given the aforementioned past precedent, any apostle could preside over this temple dedication, with the only question being which of the 15 is most likely to actually do so. Insofar as I am aware, I know of no current apostle who has direct ties to Peru. So at this point, the prospect is too difficult to call. But I would imagine it could be any of the Spanish-speaking apostles.

Sunday December 29: Salt Lake Temple Renovation Closure (confirmed)
Note: On April 19, 2019, President Nelson announced renovation plans for the Salt Lake Temple, identifying this date for its’ closure. I will offer an estimate for its’ completion (which is anticipated in early-to-mid 2024) later in this document. 

Final note on 2019: Groundbreakings have been held so far this year for the Urdaneta Philippines, Bangkok Thailand, Pocatello Idaho, Yigo Guam, Praia Cabo Verde, San Juan Puerto Rico, Quito Ecuador, Lima Peru Los Olivos, Belem Brazil, and Saratoga Springs Utah Temples, with the groundbreaking for the Puebla Mexico Temple having been scheduled as well. Based on what I have heard, it seems likely that 1-3 other temples might also have a groundbreaking before the end of 2019, namely: Harare Zimbabwe, Nairobi Kenya, and Bengaluru India Temples. Even if not all of them have a groundbreaking occur in 2019, many of them will likely have groundbreaking arrangements announced before the end of this year.

2020:
Sunday February 16: Dedication of the Durban South Africa Temple (168th operating temple; confirmed)
Note: On June 18, 2019, the First Presidency officially announced the open house and dedication information for this temple. The only question is who may preside at this temple’s dedication. Given that there will be far fewer temple dedications and rededications in 2020 than there were in 2019, it would not surprise me if a member of the First Presidency or senior member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles was sent to dedicate this temple, with Elder Renlund accompanying the more senior apostle.
Saturday & Sunday April 4 & 5: 190th Annual General Conference
Note: Given that there have been 27 new temples announced during the first 3 General Conferences of President Nelson’s prophetic administration, I believe he will continue to announce temples every six months in General Conference, with the focus between each General Conference centered on doing all that can be done to clear the backlog of announced temples, at least for the time being.
Late April-early May: Dedication of the Rio de Janeiro Brazil Temple (169th operating temple)
Note: Although I had been hoping the dedication of this temple would take place sooner than this, given the fact that, as of late October 2019, there has been no announcement of the schedule for the open house and dedication of this temple, it seems more likely than not that the dedication could occur at around this time. And as noted above on the Durban South Africa Temple, given that only a handful of temple dedications and rededications will be occurring during 2020 (in contrast to 2019), it seems probable that a member of the First Presidency or senior member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles will dedicate this temple, with Elder Soares accompanying the more senior apostle.
Late May-early June: Rededication of the Tokyo Japan Temple
Note: In view of the 2020 Summer Olympics being held in this city between mid-July and early August, I am reasonably certain the Church will want to have this temple rededicated prior to the Olympics so as not to steal the focus away from that. Any senior apostle (from President Nelson to Elder Christofferson) could preside at the rededication of this temple.
Saturday & Sunday October 3 & 4: 190th Semiannual General Conference
Note: Temple announcements are always possible, so it is not hard to believe that a few could be announced during this General Conference.
Mid-to-late October: Dedication of the Winnipeg Manitoba Temple (170th operating temple)
Note: During August 2019, many sources available to me changed the general completion estimate for this temple to mid-to-late 2020. Given that fact, and through regauging the progress (and lack thereof) for this temple, an adjustment to this more specific estimate seems appropriate.
Late October-early November: Rededication of the Washington DC Temple 

Final note on 2020: Based on what I have heard, 2020 seems as though it will be another big year for temple groundbreakings. I am specifically keeping my eyes open for information on the following temples: Brasilia Brazil, Greater Manila Philippines, Richmond Virginia, Layton Utah, Feather River California, Tooele Valley Utah, Auckland New Zealand, and San Pedro Sula Honduras Temples. But it would not at all surprise me in any way if other temples have a groundbreaking during 2020 as well, including some for which there is currently not a lot of information available.

2021:
Mid-February: Rededication of the Mesa Arizona Temple
Saturday & Sunday April 3 & 4: 191st Annual General Conference
Note: Given that there have been 27 new temples announced during the first 3 General Conferences of President Nelson’s prophetic administration, I believe he will continue to announce temples every six months in General Conference, with the focus between each General Conference centered on doing all that can be done to clear the backlog of announced temples, at least for the time being.
Mid-to-late April: Dedication of the Abidjan Côte d'Ivoire Temple (171st operating temple)
Note: At the groundbreaking for this temple (which occurred on November 8, 2018), Elder Neil L. Andersen, who presided at this event and gave his remarks in French, noted that construction of the temple was anticipated to take around two years. Additionally, as previously noted, many sources available to me from which I gather temple information have noted that this temple’s completion might not occur until early 2021. For that reason, I am moving my previous estimate for this temple’s dedication to this point.
June: Rededication of the Hamilton New Zealand Temple 
Mid-September: Dedication of the Praia Cabo Verde Temple (172nd operating temple)
Saturday & Sunday October 2 & 3: 191st Semiannual General Conference
Note: Given that there have been 27 new temples announced during the first 3 General Conferences of President Nelson’s prophetic administration, I believe he will continue to announce temples every six months in General Conference, with the focus between each General Conference centered on doing all that can be done to clear the backlog of announced temples, at least for the time being.
Mid-to-late October: Dedication of the Yigo Guam Temple (173rd operating temple 
Mid-November: Dedication of the Pocatello Idaho Temple (174th operating temple)
December: Dedication of the Quito Ecuador Temple (175th operating temple)

Final note on 2021: If, as anticipated, several more temples are announced in 2019 and 2020, and any which have not yet had a groundbreaking have that occur within that same time period, that in turn will multiply the number of known temple events which will likely occur in 2021 and the years beyond. As more is learned about future temple renovations, that will also have an impact on the number of future events.


Monday, October 28, 2019

November 2019 PDF Version of Ensign Now Available/Results of My Projected Table of Contents

Hello again, everyone! Earlier today, the Church made available the PDF version of the November 2019 Ensign. Much to my great surprise, that edition consists of only 128 pages, as has been usual for such issues, rather than 144 as I thought would be the case. That said, I wanted to take this opportunity to share how my thoughts about the prospective layout for the table of contents of that magazine compared with the actual thing. That comparison follows below.

In order to not disturb the flow of that information, I will end here as I always do: That does it for now. Any and all comments are, as always, welcome and appreciated, on any post at any time, as long as such comments are made in accordance with the established guidelines. Thank you for the privilege of your time. If you enjoyed what you read here and would like to stay informed of newly added content, please feel free to subscribe. Until my next post, I wish each one of you all the best and pray that the Lord will bless you all in everything you do.

Possible Table of Contents for the November 2019 Ensign (Text in parentheses denotes a correction.)
Session
Page
Title
Speaker

2
Conference Summary for the 189th Semiannual General Conference


4
Highlights from the 189th Semiannual General Conference

SAM
6
The Message, the Meaning, and the Multitude
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

10 (9)
True Disciples of the Savior
Elder Terence M. Vinson

13 (12)
Be Faithful, Not Faithless
Stephen W. Owen

16 (15)
The Joy of the Saints
Elder D. Todd Christofferson

20 (19)
Spiritual Capacity
Michelle D. Craig

23 (22)
Unwavering Commitment to Jesus Christ
Elder Dale G. Renlund

26
Trust in the Lord
President Dallin H. Oaks
SAA
30
Sustaining of General Authorities, Area Seventies, and General Officers of the Church
President Henry B. Eyring

32 (31)
Watchful Unto Prayer Continually (Alma 34:39; Moroni 6:4; Luke 21:36)
Elder David A. Bednar

36 (35)
Found through the Power of the Book of Mormon
Elder Ruben V. Alliaud

38
Witnesses, Aaronic Priesthood, and Young Women Classes
President Russell M. Nelson

39 (40)
Adjustments to Strengthen Youth
Elder Quentin L. Cook

43 (44)
Come Follow Me---the Lord’s Counterstrategy and Proactive Plan
Mark L. Pace

45 (47)
Consistent and Resilient Trust
Elder L. Todd Budge

48 (50)
After the Trial of Our Faith
Elder Jorge M. Alvarado

50 (53)
Standing by Our Promises and Covenants
Elder Ronald A. Rasband
GW
54 (57)
Thru Cloud and Sunshine, Lord, Abide with Me!
Silvia H. Allred

57 (60)
Honoring His Name
Lisa L. Harkness

59 (67)
Beloved Daughters
Bonnie H. Cordon

62 (70)
Covenant Women in Partnership with God
President Henry B. Eyring

65 (73)
Two Great Commandments
President Dallin H. Oaks

68  (76)
Spiritual Treasures
President Russell M. Nelson
SUM
77 (80)
Covenant Belonging
Elder Gerrit W. Gong

81 (83)
Finding Joy in Sharing the Gospel
Cristina B. Franco

84 (86)
Your Great Adventure
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

88 (90)
The Savior’s Truth
Elder Walter F. Gonzalez

91 (93_
Deceive Me Not
Elder Gary E. Stevenson

95 (96)
The Second Great Commandment
President Russell M. Nelson
SUA
100 
Holiness and the Plan of Happiness
President Henry B. Eyring

104
Knowing, Loving, and Growing
Elder Hans T. Boom

106 
Giving Our Spirits Control Over Our Bodies
President M. Russell Ballard

110
Power to Overcome the Adversary
Elder Peter M. Johnson

113
Take Up Our Cross
Elder Ulisses Soares

117 (116)
Fruit
Elder Neil L. Andersen

121 (120)
Closing Remarks
President Russell M. Nelson









72 (64)
List of General Authorities and General Officers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints


125 
Conference Story Index
(Not Included in this edition)

127 (123)
News of the Church


135 (127)
Come Follow Me--For Priesthood and Relief Society
(Entitled Come, Follow Me—Learning from General Conference Messages)

144 (128)
Last page of Conference Ensign

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Important Information from the Church As October Concludes

Hello again, everyone! As October draws inexorably closer to its' conclusion, there are a few informational items related to the Church about which I wanted to note here. First, as I may or may not have previously noted, the Utah Area Presidency has announced that the 9th Annual Hispanic Cultural Event Luz de Las Naciones (Light of the Nations) will be held on November 2, 2019 in the Conference Center at 8:00 PM. The celebration has been given a subtitle of “Un Hogar para Todos”, which translates to English as "A Home for All".

The celebration will be an evening of music and dance featured from various regions through Latin America. Although I anticipate several General Authorities (specifically the members of the Utah Area Presidency: Elders Craig C. Christensen, Randy D. Funk, and Walter F. Gonzalez, and likely either or both Elders Carolos A. Godoy and Jose A. Teixeira of the Presidency of the Seventy, who hail from Spanish-speaking regions of the world) will be in attendance, I would not be shocked if at least one member of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve were to preside at that event.

That presiding apostle could be any who are fluent in the Latin American languages of Spanish or Portuguese, which, at minimum, includes Church President Russell M. Nelson and Elders Jeffrey R. Holland (who spent two years from 2002-2004 as the President of the Chile Area), Neil L, Andersen, and Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (the latter of whom is the first Latin American apostle of the Church).  You may note one Spanish-speaking apostle who will not be in attendance at that event. That is Elder D. Todd Christofferson, who will, of course, be in Paraguay that same weekend presiding over the rededication of the Asuncion Paraguay Temple. Any of the other brethren named could be the presiding apostle at this event. Time will tell. 

The Church also released broadcast information, sent out by the Priesthood and Family Department (of which Elder Michael T. Ringwood, one of President Nelson's nine sons-in-law, is the Executive Director), for the Face-to-Face Event for Children and Youth that will be carried worldwide at 4:00 PM MST on Sunday November 17, 2019. The previously-announced broadcast will feature Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (who, among other assignments, serves as a member of the Priesthood and Family Executive Council) alongside the general presidents of the Primary, Young Women, and Young Men (Sisters Joy D. Jones and Bonnie H. Cordon and Brother Stephen W. Owen).

And, as we know, the purpose and intent of the broadcast will be to allow the leaders to explain in more complete detail what the new Children and Youth initiative will involve. I provided earlier analysis on the September 29 broadcast at which President Nelson, Acting President M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and those same general presidents spoke. For those wanting more details on either the broadcast schedule or the Luz de Las Naciones broadcast, with a Church user account, you can find them in the official communications library.

In the interim, I also wanted to note that, according to information provided by the Online Store for the Church's official website, beginning today, the store and all of its' ordering systems will be undergoing routine maintenance for roughly the next week, and, as a result of that, material ordered during that time from the online store may be delayed in shipping to orderees. I imagine this also means that the typical distribution and delivery schedule for the November 2019 Church magazines may be delayed longer than usual in their arrival. That said, the website maintenance of the store should not impact the timing within which the PDF version of those magazines is avaialbe.

As a result, I'd recommend to any of you that do not receive your November magazines within the first 1.5-2 weeks of November to use your location to find the appropriate customer service number to contact someone about that issue. Typically, that period of time is shorter (within a week after the end of the previous month) but given the maintenance that will almost surely impact the printing and distrbution of the November 2019 magazines (since General Conference issues are usually delayed). it seems wise to allow for extra time in this particular case.

With that noted, all that remains is to reiterate my continued commitment to bringing you all all the latest in Church news and temple updates here on this blog as I become aware of them. That does it for now. Any and all comments are, as always, welcome and appreciated, on any post at any time, as long as such comments are made in accordance with the established guidelines. Thank you for the privilege of your time. If you enjoyed what you read here and would like to stay informed of newly added content, please feel free to subscribe. Until my next post, I wish each one of you all the best and pray that the Lord will bless you all in everything you do.