LDS 180th Annual Conference, Sunday Afternoon General Session: Genealogy, Parenting, And Judgment

NOTE: Audio and video archives, as well as written transcripts of the 180th Annual Conference in English, are now available HERE. For any other language, go HERE and select the language of your choice.

The Sunday afternoon concluding session of the 180th Annual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints brought forth more counsel, this time on genealogy, parenting, and judgment. General media stories from the Salt Lake Tribune and KSL Channel 5.

Visit my static Conference page for information regarding times and broadcast options for all Conference sessions.

-- Summary of Saturday morning session available HERE.
-- Summary of Saturday afternoon session available HERE.
-- Summary of Saturday evening priesthood session available HERE.
-- Summary of Sunday morning session available HERE.

KSL has videos of all conference addresses on this page.

Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke out about genealogy. God loves all of His children and each one can receive the blessings of the Atonement if they obey the eternal laws and commandments. God provided a way for those who die without the gospel to be part of an eternal family and instituted the ordinance of baptism for the dead before the world began. A natural desire to learn about ancestors dwells in everyone's heart, regardless of age. "When our hearts turn to our ancestors, something changes inside us," Elder Nelson said. "We feel part of something greater than ourselves. Our inborn yearnings for family connections are fulfilled when we are linked to our ancestors through sacred ordinances of the temple."

Elder Nelson also described the New FamilySearch system, which helps members find their ancestors, decide what ordinances to do and prepare the names for the temple. It's accessible wherever the Internet is available and about 60,000 history consultants serve throughout the world who can assist those who need help. Deseret News story HERE.

Elder Bradley D. Foster of the Seventy spoke about the great influence of mothers. He related an anecdote about a cattle drive, where calves kept running off into the shade. The calves kept resisting the efforts by the people to round them up. So they sent the cows after the calves, and the calves ended up following the cows. Elder Foster concluded, "My mother assured me that if I stayed on the road of truth, even when it seemed hot and dusty, even when there were distractions, the end would be better than the beginning." Deseret News story HERE.

Elder James B. Martino of the Seventy discussed how to deal with adversity, citing five examples from the Savior's life, paraphrased below:

-- Did the will of His Father rather than His own will.
-- Avoided unnecessary complaining or murmuring.
-- Sought greater help from God.
-- Served and thought of others even during His time of trial.
-- Forgave others and sought not to pass the blame of His situation to them.

Deseret News story HERE.

Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve spoke of the mission of parents and leaders to the rising generation. Elder Hales suggested that our duty to God as parents and leaders begins with leading by example — consistently and diligently living gospel principles at home. This takes daily determination and diligence. We must walk alongside our children on the gospel path; we must plan and take advantage of teaching moments that make a deep and lasting impression upon their minds and hearts. The greatest influence on a child does not come from an interview with the bishop or some other leader, but from the regular, warm, friendly, caring interaction with parents. Elder Hales also promoted the two youth programs, Personal Progress for Young Women and Duty to God for Young Men, as useful tools, but for maximum advantage, they require parental oversight and interaction. Deseret News story HERE.

Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve brought the focus back directly upon Jesus Christ Himself, saying that young men, young women and children need to know the stories of Jesus Christ — of His love, His birth, His teachings, His miracles and His resurrection — as they develop faith in the gospel. He questioned whether children truly know the stories of Christ, and advised them to read the book of John in the New Testament and discuss it with parents, teachers and friends. He counseled parents, grandparents and those who work closely with children and youth to speak more often of Christ, since doing so can bring spiritual power. He told mothers that speaking often of the Savior will bring the power of heaven into their homes. Deseret News story HERE.

Francisco J. Vinas of the Seventy witnessed firsthand the pain and devastation exacted by the recent earthquake in Haiti as a member of the Carribean Area Presidency. "Immediate help was sent by the Church to members and non-members and was distributed under the direction of the local priesthood and Relief Society leaders," he said. "They not only received medical aid, food, water and other basic supplies, they also received counsel, guidance and comfort from their local leaders." But he pointed out that prophets from all ages have warned of another tragedy that is less perceptible but not less important: the "awful death [that] cometh upon the wicked; for they die as to things pertaining to things of righteousness; for they are unclean, and no unclean thing can inherit the kingdom of God" (Alma 40:26). Parents and Church leaders need to watch over their families and members to help them avoid those things that could lead them to spiritual death. "Teaching our members and families about the things pertaining to righteousness is essential in the process of achieving an enduring conversion since it can lead them to obtain a correct knowledge of the Lord's commandments, the principles and doctrines of the gospel and the requirements and ordinances with which we must comply in order to achieve salvation in the Lord's kingdom." LDS Church News story HERE.

Elder Gregory A. Schwitzer of the Seventy discussed the need to develop good judgment and not judging others. This is particularly useful, because no scriptural verse is more widely misinterpreted than the dictum "Judge not lest ye be judged". Elder Schwitzer said that although the Savior asked us not to judge others, He still expects us to use excellent judgment. He said that one must judge well when making critical decisions in each phase of life; such as choosing friends, finding an eternal companion, or choosing an occupation that will allow one to care for family and serve the Lord.

So what did the Savior really mean when He gave the commandment to "judge not" in terms of fellowmen? "We may often find ourselves making quick judgments about people, which can change or redefine our relationships with them," Elder Schwitzer said. "Often we make incorrect judgments because of limited information, or not seeing beyond that which is immediately in front of us...Good judgment is needed not only in understanding people, but also in facing decisions that lead us to or away from our Heavenly Father...Many missed blessings in life are missed because worldly judgment was applied to what was really a spiritual decision." Deseret News story HERE.

And finally, as is the custom and tradition of every Conference, President Thomas S. Monson closed it out with remarks of his own. You can read the full transcript of his remarks HERE; here's the part I found most pertinent:

My brothers and sisters, today as we look at the world around us, we are faced with problems which are serious and of great concern to us. The world seems to have slipped from the mooring of safety and drifted from the harbor of peace.

Permissiveness, immorality, pornography, dishonesty and a host of other ills cause many to be tossed about on a sea of sin and crushed on the jagged reefs of lost opportunities, forfeited blessings and shattered dreams.

My counsel for all of us is to look to the lighthouse of the Lord. There is no fog so dense, no night so dark, no gale so strong, no mariner so lost but what its beacon light can rescue. It beckons through the storms of life. The lighthouse of the Lord sends forth signals readily recognized and never failing.

I love the words found in Psalms: "The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; ... I will call upon the Lord... so [I shall] be saved from mine enemies" (Psalms 18: 2-3).

The Lord loves us, my brothers and sisters, and will bless us as we call upon Him.

Several on the Bloggernacle live-blogged or discussed the sessions, including Feminist Mormon Housewives, By Common Consent, and Mormon Mentality. Photos of Sunday afternoon session also published at By Common Consent

LDS 180th Annual Conference, Sunday Morning General Session: General Authorities Proclaim The Joy Of Easter And The Risen Savior

NOTE: Audio and video archives, as well as written transcripts of the 180th Annual Conference in English, are now available HERE. For any other language, go HERE and select the language of your choice.

The Sunday morning session of the 180th Annual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was characterized by an Easter theme. Most of the LDS general authorities speaking on Easter Sunday morning at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City reflected on the most glorious, comforting and reassuring of all events of human history — Jesus Christ's resurrection and victory over death. The First Presidency had already disseminated their Easter message worldwide. One Apostle, Quentin Cook, took specific issue with the growing incivility in our society.

Visit my static Conference page for information regarding times and broadcast options for all Conference sessions.

-- Summary of Saturday morning session available HERE.
-- Summary of Saturday afternoon session available HERE.
-- Summary of Saturday evening priesthood session available HERE.
-- Summary of Sunday afternoon session HERE.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency, suggested that we as Latter-day Saints can function as the "hands of Christ". As such, our hands can embrace, comfort, and serve. President Uchtdorf said, "When I think of the Savior, I often picture Him with hands outstretched; reaching out to comfort, heal, bless, and love. And He always talked with — never down to — people. He loved the humble and the meek and walked among them, ministering to them and offering hope and salvation. This is what He did during His mortal life; it is what He would be doing if He were living among us today; and it is what we should be doing as His disciples and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. … As we emulate His perfect example we can become His hands; our eyes, His eyes; our heart, His heart." President Uchtdorf also said that Jesus Christ expects believers to embrace and welcome all God's children, including those who might dress, look, speak, or just do things differently. Deseret News story HERE.

Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve celebrated the value and meaning of Easter to Latter-day Saints, characterizing it as "that holy day designated throughout all Christendom to commemorate the victory of Jesus Christ over death." Elder Scott exclaimed, "How our Father in Heaven must have rejoiced that sacred day when His totally obedient, completely worthy Son shattered the chains of death." He asked, "What eternal purpose would our Father's plan of happiness have had except it be made alive through the infinite and eternal Atonement of His gloriously obedient Son? What eternal purpose would have come from the creation of the earth where intelligences tabernacled with spirits would receive a body if death were the end of existence and none would be resurrected? What a glorious moment that morning was for all who understood its significance." Elder Scott said the Easter season should bring peace and joy to all who love the Lord and show it by obeying His commandments. Deseret News story HERE.

Elder Donald L. Hallstrom of the Presidency of the Seventy counselled people to turn to the Lord when confronted with life's problems. Even a seemingly small slight, if allowed to fester, can infect and destroy a person's testimony. Elder Hallstrom said: "No matter the size of the issue, how we respond can reset the course of our life. … If you feel you have been wronged; by anyone (a family member; a friend; another member of the Church; a Church leader; a business associate); or by anything (the death of a loved one; health problems; a financial reversal; abuse; addiction); deal with the matter directly and with all the strength you have. 'Hold on thy way' (Doctrine and Covenants 122:9); giving up is not an option. And, without delay, turn to the Lord. … Never let an earthly circumstance disable you spiritually." Deseret News story HERE.

Sister Cheryl C. Lant, the former Primary general president who was honorably released on April 3rd, spoke of the need to bring our children to the knowledge of Jesus Christ as Savior. She said, "It is our sacred responsibility as parents and leaders of this rising generation of children to bring them to the Savior so that they might see His face and the face of our Father in Heaven as well. As we do, we also bring ourselves." To do this effectively, we must first learn how to love the Lord and our families; second, visibly strive to become worthy examples; and third, teach our children the truths of the gospel from the scriptures and the prophets, and help them to feel and recognize the spirit. Deseret News story HERE.

Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve continued the Easter theme by suggesting that we contemplate and in appropriate ways emulate what the Savior did the last two days of His mortal life; first, Jesus' introduction of the Sacrament; and second, His emphasis of love and unity and declaration that we would be known as His disciples if we love one another. But Elder Cook also decried the rising incivility in our society, taking place even within the LDS community. Elder Cook said, "Many in this world are afraid and angry with one another. … We need to be civil in our discourse and respectful in our interactions. This is especially true when we disagree. … It is appropriate to disagree, but it is not appropriate to be disagreeable. Violence and vandalism are not the answer to our disagreements. If we show love and respect even in adverse circumstances, we become more like Christ." Deseret News story HERE.

And finally, President Thomas S. Monson joyfully proclaimed "He is risen", in reference to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. But to better understand the meaning of death, President Monson proclaimed that Latter-day Saints must first appreciate the purpose of life. "The dim light of belief must yield to the noonday sun of revelation, by which we know that we lived before our birth into mortality. In our pre-existent state, we were doubtless among the sons and daughters of God who shouted for joy because of the opportunity to come to this challenging yet necessary mortal existence", said President Monson.

He continued, "We knew that our purpose was to gain a physical body, to overcome trials and to prove that we would keep the commandments of God. Our Father knew that because of the nature of mortality, we would be tempted, would sin and would fall short. So that we might have every chance of success, He provided a Savior who should suffer and die for us. Not only would He atone for our sins, but as a part of that atonement He would also overcome the physical death to which we would be subject because of the Fall of Adam. Thus, more than 2,000 years ago, Christ, our Savior, was born to mortal life in a stable in Bethlehem. The long foretold Messiah had come. The Savior was baptized. He called the Twelve Apostles. He blessed the sick and even raised the dead. And then the mortal mission of the Savior of the world drew to its close. A last supper with His apostles took place in an upper room. Ahead lay Gethsemane and Calvary's cross".

At Gethsemane, Christ took upon Himself the sins of the world, At Calvary, Christ yielded up his life for those sins. But by doing these things, Christ alone earned the right to take up His body once again. And by doing so, He broke the bands of death. Deseret News story HERE.

Several on the Bloggernacle continue to live-blog or discuss the sessions, including Feminist Mormon Housewives, By Common Consent, and Mormon Mentality. Photos of Sunday morning session also published at By Common Consent.

LDS 180th Annual Conference, Saturday Evening Priesthood Session: Missionary Selection Confirmed To Be By Revelation, The Virtue Of Patience

NOTE: Audio and video archives, as well as written transcripts of the 180th Annual Conference in English, are now available HERE. For any other language, go HERE and select the language of your choice.

This post summarizes the Saturday evening priesthood session of the 180th Annual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The priesthood session is open only to men and boys 12 years and older. Possibly the most interesting revelation from this session is the confirmation, by one of the speakers who used to participate in the missionary selection process, that missionaries are indeed selected for their various assignments by revelation (some anti-Mormons like to claim it's a "crapshoot"). The selections are made by actual members of the Quorum of the Twelve, not by "staffers" or "aides".

Visit my static Conference page for information regarding times and broadcast options for all Conference sessions.

-- Summary of Saturday morning session available HERE.
-- Summary of Saturday afternoon session available HERE.
-- Summary of Sunday morning session available HERE.
-- Summary of Sunday afternoon session available HERE.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve spoke about healing the sick. His primary purpose was to combat the erroneous notion that Latter-day Saints believe that the use of medical science is at odds with prayers of faith and reliance on priesthood blessings. "Latter-day Saints believe in applying the best available scientific knowledge and techniques," he said. "We use nutrition, exercise and other practices to preserve health, and we enlist the help of healing practitioners, such as physicians and surgeons, to restore health." Elder Oaks also explained that we don't wait until all other methods are exhausted before we pray in faith or give priesthood blessings for healing. In emergencies, prayers and blessings come first. Most often we pursue all efforts simultaneously.

Quoting President Spencer W. Kimball, Elder Oaks said the need of faith is often underestimated and that too frequent administrations may be an indication of a lack of faith or of the ill one trying to pass the responsibility for faith development to the elders rather than self. Deseret News story HERE.

Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Presidency of the Seventy discussed missionary service. He described missionary work as the lifeblood of the Church and as a life-saving blessing to all who accept its message. But Elder Rasband also offered an up-close and personal perspective on how missionary calls are determined - after being called as a Seventy, part of his training as a new General Authority included the opportunity to sit with President Henry B. Eyring, then of the Quorum of the Twelve, as missionaries were assigned to their fields of labor. He reported that Elder Eyring, in a kneeling prayer, asked the Lord to bless him to know "perfectly" where the missionaries should be assigned. Viewing on a computer screen a picture of the missionary to be assigned, Elder Eyring would greet the missionary as though he or she were present in the room.

"He told me that in his own mind, he liked to think of where the missionaries would conclude their mission," Elder Rasband recalled. "This would aid him to know where they were to be assigned. Elder Eyring would then study the comments from bishops and stake presidents, medical notes and other issues relating to each missionary. He then referred to another screen which displayed areas and missions across the world. Finally, as he was prompted by the Spirit, he would assign the missionary to the field of labor." Deseret News story HERE.

David L. Beck, Young Men general president, then delivered an address specifically targeted towards the young Aaronic Priesthood holders. He revealed that the Church is instituting a new Duty to God program, which will be the male counterpart to the Personal Progress program for teenage girls in the Church. Brother Beck said. "As a deacon, teacher, priest, you will participate in activities that will help you build spiritual strength and learn and fulfill your priesthood duties." He also explained that each activity follows a pattern: learning about a gospel principle or priesthood duty, making plans to act on what one has learned, and then sharing with other what one has learned and experienced. Brother Beck warned that Satan would have Aaronic Priesthood holders think they are too young or that there are too few to do significant things with the priesthood. Deseret News story HERE. More after the jump

LDS 180th Annual Conference, Saturday Afternoon General Session: Teaching The Gospel Begins At Home, Avoid Cultural Pollution

NOTE: Audio and video archives, as well as written transcripts of the 180th Annual Conference in English, are now available HERE. For any other language, go HERE and select the language of your choice.

The Saturday afternoon session of the 180th Annual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continued the underlying theme of bucking up the morale of the sisters by reminding them of their unique role and importance. But the value of the scriptures in our everyday lives was also stressed.

Visit my static Conference page for information regarding times and broadcast options for all Conference sessions.

-- Summary of Saturday morning session available HERE.
-- Summary of Saturday evening priesthood session available HERE.
-- Summary of Sunday morning session available HERE.
-- Summary of Sunday afternoon session available HERE.

KSL news video embedded below:

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

First was some "general housekeeping". Seven general authorities, 43 area authority seventies and a new Primary General Presidency have been added to the leadership of the LDS Church. The new leaders were called by the First Presidency and sustained during the Saturday afternoon session. Reflecting the increasing internationalization of the Church, a growing number of the newcomers hail from outside the United States. Read the full list of callings and condensed bios HERE.

Next came the demographic report, current as of December 31st, 2009. The numbers show the Church to be still convert-fueled; 280,106 converts were reported vs. 119,722 new children of record. Here are the pertinent new membership statistics:

-- Stakes: 2,865
-- Missions: 344
-- Districts: 616
-- Wards and branches: 28,424
-- Members: 13,824,854
-- Full-time missionaries: 51,736
-- Total operating temples: 130

Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve then ascended the stand. Elder Perry stressed the importance of teaching the Gospel in the home. "Our teaching in the home prepares us to teach more effectively at Church, and our teaching at Church helps us teach more effectively at home," Elder Perry said. "Throughout the Church there are dining room tables covered with reference materials and notebooks filled with ideas for lessons to be taught." He also opined that there is no such thing as over-preparing to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ; lessons not taught during formal class time can always be taught in the home. And, consistent with the underlying theme of the Conference so far, Elder Perry highlighted the role mothers play in this task, reminding people that since the father tends to be out of the home working, the mother gets more time with the kids. Deseret News story HERE. More after the jump

LDS 180th Annual Conference, Saturday Morning General Session: Making Priesthood More Powerful And Relevant, The Value Of Women In The Church

NOTE: Audio and video archives, as well as written transcripts of the 180th Annual Conference in English, are now available HERE. For any other language, go HERE and select the language of your choice.

The 180th Annual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints began on Saturday April 3rd, 2010. The primary focus during this session was upon magnifying the power of the Priesthood, making it more relevant to the sisters who do not hold it, and motivating the sisters to firm up their special relationships with their daughters. For the first time in quite a while, no new temples were announced. It is also the first time since 1999 that an LDS Conference has taken place on Easter weekend; consequently, a renewed emphasis on Christ the Redeemer was apparent.

The summaries combine highlights from single reports on the session from the Salt Lake Tribune and KSL Channel 5 with individual Deseret News stories on each speaker to provide a broader perspective. Official written transcripts of each address will be posted on the LDS website in about a week from now.

Visit my static Conference page for information regarding times and broadcast options for all Conference sessions.

-- Summary of Saturday afternoon session available HERE.
-- Summary of Saturday evening priesthood session available HERE.
-- Summary of Sunday morning session available HERE.
-- Summary of Sunday afternoon session available HERE.

President Thomas S. Monson began the Saturday morning session of the conference by reiterating the call to Church members to reach out to new converts and to the inactive, to surround them with love and to help them feel at home. President Monson also marked the 25th anniversary of the unification of the Church's humanitarian program with its legendary welfare effort by citing the humanitarian assistance provided in French Polynesia, Mongolia, Bolivia, Peru, Arizona, Mexico, Portugal, Uganda, Haiti and Chile. For once, there was no announcement of new temples, but temples previously under construction in Vancouver, British Columbia, in The Gila Valley, Arizona; and in Cebu City in the Philippines will be dedicated this year. And finally, President Monson provided an update on the health of his wife, Frances, who suffered a fall leaving her with a broken hip and a broken shoulder. After two successful surgeries and several weeks of hospitalization, she was able to return home. She is doing well and continues to make progress toward a full recovery. Read the full text of President Monson's address HERE.
Audio archive below


More after the jump

LDS Young Women Urged To Have The Courage To Stand Out At The March 27th, 2010 LDS General Young Women Meeting In Salt Lake City

Male and female leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints enthralled a capacity congregation of 20,000 teenage girls and their mothers at the Conference Center with a host of motivational stories at the Church's semi-annual General Young Women Meeting. Although it takes place a week before General Conference, it is an appropriate lead-in, and can be considered the female equivalent of the Priesthood Session of General Conference in many respects. Media stories published by the Deseret News, the Salt Lake Tribune, the LDS Church News, and KSL Channel 5. Audio archives will be available later HERE.

Visit my static Conference page for more information on the upcoming 180th Annual General Conference, to include all pertinent links.

KSL video embedded below:

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

One of the most important pieces of advice was delivered by Sister Elaine Dalton, General Young Women President. Sister Dalton urged the teens to remember who they are. She reminded them that they are the elect, the daughters of God. As such, they cannot be content to merely fit in, but must have the courage to stand out.

The world, Sister Dalton said, will have the young women believe that they are not significant — that they are out of fashion and out of touch. "The world places so much emphasis on our physical attractiveness and would have you believe that you are to look like the elusive model on the cover of a magazine," she said. "The Lord would tell you that you are each uniquely beautiful. When you are virtuous, chaste and morally clean, your inner beauty glows in your eyes and in your face."

"...You were born to be a queen."

Another member of the Young Women Presidency, Sister Mary N. Cook, also spoke up. Sister Cook said many people have felt afraid and discouraged as they have faced challenges far beyond their ability. They must take great courage and not give up, she explained. "What will help you follow the plan and be a valiant and virtuous daughter of God? First, gain a strong testimony, step-by-step. Second, seek the help of Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, your family and others who will support you in your decision to follow the plan. And finally, live to be worthy of the companionship of the Holy ghost," Sister Cook said.

Sister Ann M. Dibb asked the young women to follow four guides: prayer, obedience to God's commandments, daily scripture study and a commitment to follow the living prophet. "When applied in our everyday lives, these four small and simple guides from the Book of Joshua will combine to provide the most powerful source of courage and strength there is: faith in our Heavenly Father and in his son, Jesus Christ."

The First Presidency, Thomas S. Monson, Henry B. Eyring, and Dieter F. Uchtdorf, were also in attendance. Only President Uchtdorf gave an address, but he made up for the other two. He spoke at length about adversity, explaining why it exists and how it can become one of our most valued teachers. "Why must all experience sadness and tragedy? Why could we not simply live in bliss and peace, each day filled with wonder, joy and love?" President Uchtdorf asked. "In stories, as in life, adversity teaches us things we cannot learn otherwise. Adversity helps to develop a depth of character that comes in no other way."

President Uchtdorf reminded the young women that when it comes to adversity, none are exempt. Everyone will suffer, be tempted and make mistakes. "You will learn for yourself what every heroine has learned: through overcoming challenges comes growth and strength", said President Uchtdorf.

"It is your reaction to adversity, not the adversity itself that determines how your life's story will develop."

Sampled reaction from attendees was favorable. Natalie Walker of Eden, 13, said she especially liked Uchtdorf's funny stories, because he told of his hapless and long attempt to woo his future wife, Harriet, when they were teenagers in Germany. Amanda Romrell, 15, of Centerville, liked being reminded that she and the other girls are destined to be queens. "It's true," she said. And Carly Hutchings, 18, of Centerville, thought Uchtdorf's use of fairy tales to talk about each young woman's destiny was an awesome analogy. But Dalton's point that beauty does not come from cosmetics hit home, she said. "Young women today, that's what they get hit with," said Hutchings.

180th Annual LDS General Conference To Kick Off April 3rd, 2010, Preceded By General Young Women Meeting On March 27th

NOTE: Audio and video archives, as well as written transcripts of the 180th Annual Conference in English, are now available HERE. For any other language, go HERE and select the language of your choice.

It's that time of the year again, as the next General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is at hand. Preceded by the General Young Women Meeting on March 27th, 2010, the Conference itself will take place on April 3-4. LDS Church Broadcast Schedule available HERE. KSL Channel 5 Conference page now available HERE. Deseret News provides more information on public transit along the Wasatch Front HERE.

-- Primary Location: All sessions originate from the Conference Center Auditorium on North Temple unless otherwise specified. Additional nearby locations will be set up for overflow viewing.

-- Dates:
---- Saturday March 27th, General Young Women Meeting at 6:00 P.M. Attendance limited to young women 12-18, their mothers, and Young Women leaders. Audio and video options outlined HERE.
---- Saturday April 3rd, general sessions at 10:00 A.M. and 2:00 P.M. General priesthood meeting at 6:00 P.M.
------ Summary of Saturday 10:00 A.M. session now available HERE.
------ Summary of Saturday 2:00 P.M. session now available HERE.
------ Summary of Saturday 6:00 P.M. session now available HERE.
---- Sunday April 4th, general sessions at 9:30 A.M. and 2:00 P.M. Audio and video options for Conference outlined HERE.
------ Summary of Sunday 10:00 A.M. session now available HERE.
------ Summary of Sunday 2:00 P.M. session now available HERE.

-- Cable and Satellite Broadcasting: Current information available via Bonneville Communications. Click HERE, then select either Cable/Broadcast or Dish/DirectTV/Satellite TV, depending upon which applies. Follow subsequent instructions to find out the information for your area. Most LDS wards also receive Conference proceedings via the Church Broadcast System.

-- Tickets are required for admission to all sessions in the Conference Center. Contact your local priesthood leader in advance to obtain tickets. Tickets NOT required for admission to other venues.

-- Special Considerations (also includes information from HERE):
---- Admission to the Conference Center is limited to those ages 8 and older for general sessions and 12 years and older for the priesthood session.
---- Those attending are encouraged to park in designated parking areas only, as shown HERE. Better yet, consider leaving your vehicle where you are staying and take public transportation to Temple Square.
---- Sunday dress is encouraged.
---- Cameras, audio and video recorders are NOT allowed. Photographs are not permitted during the event.
---- You will be expected to turn off all pagers, cell phones, and simlar electronic devices while in the Conference Center. "Off" doesn't mean switch from "ring" to "vibrate"; it means "Off" as in O-F-F.
---- You will not be permitted to bring packages, backpacks, food, or beverages into the Conference Center.

For those who are unfamiliar, Wikipedia describes a General Conference as a semiannual meeting where General Authorities and other key church leaders deliver sermons and give guidance to the members of the church. Changes to church leadership are also proposed and sustained through the principle of common consent. General conferences are held on the weekends containing the first Sunday in April and the first Sunday in October. The April conference is known as the Annual General Conference, and the October conference the Semiannual General Conference.

The April conference includes annual statistical and financial reports not included in the October meeting. Both conferences are identified by the number of years since the church was founded in April 1830; thus, the April 2008 meeting was the 178th Annual General Conference, and the October 2007 meeting was the 177th Semiannual General Conference. The conferences have been held in Salt Lake City, Utah since 1848; in the Salt Lake Tabernacle on Temple Square before 2000 and in the Conference Center after that.

For those looking for some activities for kids while watching Conference, here are some sources:

-- Activities for Children from the LDS General Conference page.
-- LDS General Conference Easter Activities from A Little Tipsy
-- General Conference Activity Ideas from 2 Kids And Tired