The two biggest announcements (in my opinion) at Conference: A new general Relief Society Presidency (they tend to rotate the sisters around to different presidencies just like my former wards, and my current stake RS presidency: Pam is Stake RS President, Janice was Stake YW President...Janice is Pam's 1st counselor, and Pam was Janice's 1st counselor)The new RS president was the 1st Counselor in the general Primary. Also, 5 new temples: BrasÃlia, Brazil; greater Manila, Phillippines area; Nairobi, Kenya; Pocatello, Idaho; and drumroll... Saratoga Springs, Utah! I have been predicting Saratoga Springs for 4 years!
President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency, and President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, wave to the crowd as they leave the General Women’s Session. (Photo courtesy LDS Church)
The 187th Annual General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints began last weekend with the Women’s Session of conference and continued again Saturday morning.
General Conference lasts for a total of six sessions totaling 12 hours. While the LDS Church leaders give specific instruction and teach gospel principles during conference, here is a quick overview of the messages shared by each of the speakers.
Women’s Session
Sister Bonnie H. Cordon, second counselor in the Primary General Presidency
“When we spiritually lean to our own understanding, we lean away from our Savior.”
Sister Carol F. McConkie, first counselor in the Young Women General Presidency
Choose to be holy and let your actions reflect that holiness.
Sister Linda K. Burton, Relief Society General President
The scriptures have accounts of “certain women” and we need “certain women” today.
President Henry B. Eyring, first counselor in the First Presidency
Even in times of trial, you can feel peace from the Spirit.
Saturday Morning Session
President Henry B. Eyring, first counselor in the First Presidency
As families are the “basic unit of the eternal realms,” the work of our generation is to be gatherers that tie families together through family history and temple work.
Brother M. Joseph Brough, second counselor in the Young Men General Presidency
“Heavenly father does lead us, guide us and walk beside us,” and with that knowledge, we can be “Heavenly Father’s care package for others.”
Elder Weatherford T. Clayton, Of the Seventy
“There is so much more to our existence than what happens between birth and death” because of the Savior.
Elder Dale G. Renlund, Quorum of the Twelve
“We should not be guilty of persecuting people within or outside the church,” which should motivate us to love one another by humbling ourselves and recognizing we too are sinners.
Elder Ulisses Soares, Presidency of the Seventy
We receive strength from the Savior which will help us keep from wavering.
Elder Mark A. Bragg, Of the Seventy
Even in this darkening day, we can find light in the the church, the gospel and the Light of Christ.
Elder Russell M. Nelson, Quorum of the Twelve
As we stretch ourselves to become more like the Savior, He will reach out to us.
Saturday Afternoon Session
Outgoing Relief Society general president Linda K. Burton welcomes incoming president Jean B. Bingham during the Saturday afternoon session of the April 2017 general conference. (Photo courtesy LDS Church)
Elder Robert D. Hales, Quorum of the Twelve
“We are all called to be disciples of our Savior.”
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, Quorum of the Twelve
There is room for everyone in the church.
Elder Gary B. Sabin, Of the Seventy
Be firm in your commitment to the gospel by choosing to be “all in.”
Elder Valeri V. Cordon
We must become fluent in the language of the gospel.
Elder Neil L. Andersen, Quorum of the Twelve
As members of the church, we must “overcome the world” and put off the natural man.
Elder M. Russell Ballard, Quorum of the Twelve
Our plans should lead us to achieve our goals, and our ultimate goal is to return to Heavenly Father and receive our promised blessings.
Priesthood Session
President Thomas S. Monson
“Let us examine our lives an ddetermine ot follow the Savior’s example by being kind, loving and charitable.”
Elder David A. Bednar
Your missionary assignment is not based on a location, but rather it is focused on the labor you give in the Lord’s vineyard.
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency
Leaders in the church do not seek for personal recognition, but instead means we are looking outward and seeing those we serve through God’s eyes.
President Henry B. Eyring, first counselor in the First Presidency
Walk with the Lord in your priesthood service.
President Thomas S. Monson leaves a session of the April 2017 general conference. (Photo by LDS Church)
Sunday Morning Session
President Thomas S. Monson
“A strong testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and of His gospel will help see us through to safety,” and we can gain that testimony through the Book of Mormon.
Sister Joy D. Jones, Primary General President
In order to rear our children in “the light and truth” of the gospel, we must be an example for them and instruct them in gospel doctrines.
Elder Yoon Hwan Choi, Of the Seventy
“Inviting others to come unto Christ is our purpose and we can fulfill that purpose by looking up to Christ.”
Elder Ronald A. Rasband, Quorum of the Twelve
Be a “first responder” to the nudges from the Holy Ghost by striving to live worthy of the Spirit, receiving the Spirit, recognizing the Spirit and acting on the first prompting.
Elder L. Whitney Clayton
Commit to doing whatsoever the Lord directs you to do.
Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Quorum of the Twelve
Understand the nature of the Godhead and the three separate roles each plays in our lives.
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency
God does not motivate through fear, but through love, persuasion, long-suffering, meekness and gentleness.
Sunday Afternoon Session
Elder D. Todd Christofferson, Quorum of the Twelve
We need to raise a warning voice of the truths we know without shaming others but instead by speaking with love.
Elder Joaquin E. Costa, Of the Seventy
On your road to baptism, meet with the missionaries, go to church, read the Book of Mormon and repent.
Elder S. Mark Palmer, Of the Seventy
We need to see others as the Lord sees them — even when others don’t live up to our expectations — and learn to love like our Heavenly Father loves His children.
Elder Gary E. Stevenson, Quorum of the Twelve
Know the nature of the Holy Ghost: he is the third member of the Godhead, a person of spirit and is given through the laying on of hands.
Elder C. Scott Grow, Of the Seventy
“God knows you and invites you to know Him” through scripture study, keeping your covenants and keeping the commandments.
Benjamin De Hoyos, Of the Seventy
We must allow our light to shine and be a standard for the nations.
Elder Quentin L. Cook, Quorum of the Twelve
