Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
(“186th
Semi-Annual General Conference©” )
President Thomas S. Monson presiding — Henry B. Eyring conducted;
Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
Since there are transcripts, summaries, video, plus commentary, ours
are brief/specific. New temples
throughout the world are always celebrated, including an open house and
dedication. Between sessions, BYU TV has LDS News specials of service around
the world, disaster relief includes refugees.
Will there be ‘secular’ comments?
We expect saying, “Jesus, and only Jesus Christ, can solve it all.”
Look to www.ConserveThot.blogspot.com for our secular comments (and some religion
of Christ).
Scroll down herein to link to the online summaries of each of the
sessions of conference!
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
= = = = = = = = = = = =
President Thomas S. Monson presiding — Henry B. Eyring conducting;
Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
Dieter F. Uchtdorf: How blessed
we are to assemble, w/Pres.Monson. In
1994, changed from professional to Church work, including a personal computer.
We were not on the friendliest terms. It was a rocky transition with a block
wall as the learning curve. I have
eMail, Twitter, Facebook, and digital camera.
I do all right.
The more adept we get with technology, the more we take it for granted.
Sadly, we sometimes take such an attitude in the Gospel of Jesus
Christ. Understand that you are a child
of God, and Jesus Christ suffered in the Atonement for your sins. We tread
the path scattered with diamonds—but we can scarcely distinguish them from
pebbles.
I invite you to seek, study, and find the simple truths of the Divine
Plan of Salvation. In Belfast, “What
shall we give in return for such richness.”
Share God’s Plan of Happiness with our fellowman. Some day, every knee shall bow and every
tongue confess, that Jesus is the Christ.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Elder Hales: “Grandfather, if I
loved you more, would you hurt less?”
Love your enemies; pray for them that despitefully use you. Replace contention with love. Our Christian
love and service begins in the home. Schools used to teach moral values. Turn more to forgiveness; teach children to
love one another and serve each other.
Keep my commandments. The Christus
has outstreached hands.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
RS: Shall not God avenge? Nevertheless, when He comes again, will He
find Faith?
This was another fantastic talk, by a sister leader of Primary, or
Young Women or RS.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Choir & Congregation: “Redeemer of Israel”
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Craig Christiansen Antagonists
fought against Joseph Smith; now, raging continues on the Internet.
Consider the fruits and many evidences that came because of the great
prophet, Joseph Smith.
We know that marriage and families are part of God’s Eternal Plan. We
have an unbroken chain of modern-day prophets.
The priesthood of God is once again on the Earth.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Elder Juan Uceda served in Peru, including a near-death experience on
an ancient Inca mountain path.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
J.D. Cornish We are never
‘totally good enough’ but can be ‘acceptable before the Lord.’ Ask HIM what He thinks of us; discouragement
is Satan’s tool. Keep repenting and
don’t rebel. Come back and live with Heavenly Father as families, forever.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Choir: “Take Time to be Holy”
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Neal Anderson: Daniel lived in
captivity, and revealed to the King: “A
stone shall be cut out of the mountain, never to be destroyed but to stand
forever.” Members of the Church today
are few but in all nations on Earth. The Gospel rolls forth to the ends of the
Earth—a miracle set in place a puzzle-piece at a time, little-by-little. [computer-generated
visual] Each of us is a piece of the
puzzle and sets on place other pieces of the puzzle, filling gaps. Then the Great Jehovah will return in great
majesty and glory. “Now is the time” and
it rests upon us all. Strengthen the
Kingdom of God. Stand as a witness of God, at all times and in all places,
reflecting how we live and speak. Speak
of Christ’s incomparable gifts. “He who confessed my name before man, his name
will I confess before Father.” Some
nations have restricted our missionaries, which allows greater courage, like in
Ukraine. To our amazing youth around
the world, I give a special challenge:
you come with online technology: the Lord needs you. “Go ye therefore, teaching all nations…” It is not by chance you live in Asia, Africa,
or North or South America. The Dream is
certain and the interpretation is sure.
Be prepared for the days to come, when the Son of Man comes down in his
glory.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Choir: “ … do not weary by the
way … brighter day!” End of Sat.AM
session.
Postlude while the prophet and general authorities walk out, “Sweet
Hour of Prayer”
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
= = = = = = = = = = = =
Sat.afternoon session: 350
young missionaries sang—usual sustaining by members.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Quinton Cook: “I want to see that power-pole in my vista view—I won’t
have to carry water.” My stumbling block was a strength to him. Do not fall
into doubt and stumbling blocks: like false doctrine and the philosophy of men.
Paul taught with spirit and power, not the words of man. Words in the music “Messiah” comes from 1
Corinthians chapter 15, about Christ.
Prophesied: There will be a great
test of faith and sifting. Deeply held
values are challenged by causes of the moment, many not righteous. A few will
be deceived or offended, the stumbling blocks thereof. The blindness of the Jews came from ‘looking
beyond the mark’ for the Messiah when He was among them. Another example of looking beyond the mark is
extensive end-of-days preparation. Some
elevate a cause above basic devotion to the Savior. Be valiant in the testimony of Jesus Christ
and his atoning sacrifice. Avoid those that lessen belief in Christ.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Gary Stevenson: Mary Rawlings
was not too young to receive a testimony of the Book of Mormon: it is “the most
correct book and the keystone of our religion.”
As a youth, I served my mission in Japan. The Book of Mormon was written for you, and for this day. Prophets then, saw you in visions. Young people spend an average of 7hrs a day
w/electronics: give 10min/day and enjoy
via your device or book.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Choir and congregation: “Called
to Serve Him” theme song of our young and olde missionaries.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Todd Christofferson: God’s Love
is there for you, whether you feel it is deserved or not—for everyone on
Earth. How do we respond to his
love? Repentance is His gift to us,
purchased at great sacrifice. Be the
children of Father in Heaven, and love everyone, even enemies. Final judgment includes the good we have
done, and what we have become.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Mark Bassett: Delight in the
scriptures, those that we have. It is
impossible to find out all of God’s
ways. Seek not to counsel the Lord, but
take counsel from His hand. There is a
Lord’s timetable. Receive personal
revelation in plainness rather than leaning on unknown sources. Human nature has not changed and His pattern
of revelation is timeless. Isaiah
55. All things denote there is a
Creator.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
K. Yamashita: In Northern
Japan, the third temple in Japan has been completed/dedicated. I speak to the young, the older can
listen. Inscription: “Boys, be ambitious for Christ.” Find joy by focusing on Christ.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Choir: “I’ll go where you want
me to go, dear Lord” … “say what you want me to say” … “I’ll be what you want
me to be.” President Uchtdorf thanks the
“handsome and beautiful young missionaries.”
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Dallin Oaks: All Christians are
commanded to go into all nations. God
loves all of his children, and in these last days has bestowed additional
knowledge and power. It is a joyful privilege,
with many resources: TV, radio, and
social media. Be more effective in the
entire world. Share with those who have
never heard His name, those satisfied and those dissatisfied with their
lives. In addition to praying for the
missionaries, pray for what we
individually can do, and then act. Find
those the Lord has prepared. Many who
are suspicious of churches have a love for the Savior—introduce the Gospel of
Christ first. Social Media is a unique opportunity, “loose their thumbs, not
just tongues.”
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Choir closing hymn: “Hope of
Israel” Prayer: “We look forward to the
day we can stand before thee, and be embraced by thy son.”
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Women’s Session (week prior) https://www.lds.org/general-conference/talk-summaries?lang=eng
Saturday evening, Priesthood session, age 12-112 Opening hymn “Ye Elders of Israel”
Invocation and another Hymn:
“Love at Home”
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Jeffrey Holland: The monthly
home teaching program serves all members, where possible. Throughout the world, use wisdom to establish
schedules. Prioritize to those who need it the most. Phone, eMail, social media, visits at church,
etc, to encourage and help. Be emissaries of the Lord to his children. What
matters is to love your assigned people and serve them.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
LeGrand Curtis, Jr: Due to false
information, Ghana closed missionary/church activities in 1989. Members helped each other and others
joined. ‘The Freeze’ was resolved. Read the Book of Mormon and follow its
teaching. It testifies of Christ and
God’s true church on the Earth today. We
see of Christ’s resurrected visit to ancient America.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Choir and congregation: “Now Let
Us Rejoice”
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Dieter Uchtdorf: Alma the
younger sought to destroy the work of his father in the church in ancient
America. He was the Twitter celebrity of
his day, an angel changed him; then he didn’t like seeing people in
contention. He chose to resign from
government and serve in the Church to call repentance. He successed in all but
one city which he left, but an angel told him to return. Another took him in
and became a champion of Truth. How am I like the helper and what can I
do? Alma’s message was not, “Stand
back—I’ll handle this” but rather,
“Come, follow me—together, we can do this.”
Helpers are waiting to hear, “The Lord needs you.”
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Henry Eyring: The Aaronic
Priesthood prepares young men to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood. Raise their sites of themselves via home
teaching and priesthood callings. Help
the young feel they can call on the power of God. Choices are important: watch your thoughts, words, and deeds.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
President Monson: Specific
directions were given Joseph Smith in the ‘Word of Wisdom’ for good health and
added stamina. Blessings will ensue by
living by the Word of Wisdom; may this be true.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Priesthood Choir: “Is there
sunshine in your heart today?”
Benediction
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
= = = = = = = = = = = =
Sunday AM: President Monson
presiding; Dieter Uchtdorf conducing; Tabernacle Choir sings:
Hymn: “In Songs of Praise” The broadcast from the SLC Conf.Ctr goes
worldwide to Stk.Ctrs
and via BYU TV, plus www.LDS.org live on your computer, FYI.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
President Monson: Visited the
Mormon Pavilion at the first showing of “Man’s Search for Happiness: Where did I come from? Why am I here? And Where am I going?” in NYC 1964 World Fair. This is shared by our missionaries throughout
the world. We need to know God’s Laws,
and obey them. Heavenly Father does nothing
that is not for our benefit. I leave you
my love and blessing.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Next president, Russell M. Nelson:
Prophecies have said perilous times come. Many become servants of Satan, with wickedness
in high places: corruption in business
and government—what can help us? Book of
Mormon prophet Lehi, and Nephi, left Jerusalem in 600bc. He prophesied, “Man is that he might have
JOY.” We are here to have Joy? The answer is a resounding YES! In 1838, Saints fled in winter the ‘Mormon
Extermination Order” to the West. Jesus’s Gospel is the source of all joy, “Joy
to the world—the Lord has come!” That is
why our missionaries leave their homes to preach the gospel to the world—it is not to increase LDS Church
membership—but rather to bring the people of the world, Joy. To endure the Atonement, Christ focused on
the joy ahead, including living with the redeemed. Anything that opposes Christ
and his Gospel interrupts our joy. The
unrighteous will experience any number of emotions but will never experience
full JOY. When we forgive and live
heavenly laws, we experience joy. From
Psalms, “I have set God before me; … in his presence is full joy.” I so testify in the sacred name of Jesus
Christ, Amen.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Choir: “On this day of JOY and
GLADNESS” 6/8 time meter. Aah-le-lew-yeh … Children of the promise… “… Singing praises to our Lord
and KING!”
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Peter Meurs: From the sacrament
prayer, “That we always remember Him and keep His commandments…” King Benjamin taught the Natural Man is an
enemy to God. Come to Christ.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Linda Reeves: Sins are
completely gone, with repentance and the Atonement by Christ. She served with
her husband, as Mission-Mom and Mission President of the Riverside California
Mission. However late you think you are,
etc, you have not traveled beyond the reach of Divine Love. The greatest miracles in life are not the
parting of the Red Sea, but in our personal lives.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Choir and congregation: “I am a
child of God” a primary (age 3-11) song
that all reverence!
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Russell Ballard: I led a tour
including the upper room in Jerusalem, “That they might be one, like we are
one.” Our precious relationships with
family, God, friends should be cherished. Today is no different: some struggle
to understand a specific doctrine or practice or history. Others become weary in well doing and vacillate.
“To whom shall I go?” Peter answered Christ when He asked, “Will you
[disciples] leave me also?” Neil
Maxwell, “We must not assume that when something is not explainable to us, that
it is unexplainable.” Where else will
you go to learn what you need to know to return to Heavenly Father? Where will
you go to find living prophets and apostles to lead through the challenges of
the day? Where will you go to find
others with your values you need for your families? Where will you go to experiences the eternal
values of the Temple? There is nothing wrong with ‘pausing on the path’ and
refreshing with refreshing waters of Christ.
Sometimes we just need to trust and hope. My prayer is that we encourage, accept, and
understand, those struggling with their faith—we are all on different levels on
the path. God and Christ are at the helm
of Olde Shipp Zion. He will rebuke the storm, “PEACE, be still!” Even the storms obey His will, and He will
never abandon His Church. There is no
other name and no other way to Salvation. He denieth none that come unto
Him: Black and White, rich and poor,
etc. He can save them all.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Dean Davies: Christ visited
ancient America after the crucifixion, after great destruction through the
whole earth. When He descended from
Heaven, the people fell at his feet. He
invited them to come forward and feel the prints of the names in his hands and
feet. Accept Christ as King. Governments
should also. [(?)] Understand the
purposes of God and His relationship to man.
Observe the ‘Sabbath Day’. It is
impossible to say we love God when we have no charity for those around us.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Lynn Robbins: Christ is the
righteous judge—we should also judge righteously. Pharisees misjudged Christ because he ate
with sinners, as they ignored their own sins. Even James and John wanted fire
to come down and destroy Christ attackers:
He told his disciples, “Ye know not what spirit you have [in this]” to discipline the Lord’s way is to teach and
lead back. The bishop is the common-judge in the Church and holds the keys to
unlock the personal prison. Repentance
can bring “all the Father hath.” Parents
have the daily opportunity to be a righteous judge to children, with
patience. “The way you see a child, is
the way you treat them—and the way you treat them, is the way they will
become”, Goethe. “What manner of men and
women ought ye to be? Even as I AM”,
Jesus Christ in modern scripture.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Choir: “My Heavenly Father Loves
Me” Primary song. “Whenever I see… whenever I touch…”
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Henry B. Eyring: My dear
brothers and sisters of the Church spread out throughout the world. I speak of
Gratitude, particularly on the Sabbath Day. For Latter-day Saints, the Sabbath
is a day of gratitude and love. The early Saints were given a revelation on the
Sabbath Day: “Love the Lord thy God…and
in the name of Jesus Christ, thou shalt serve Him. Offer a sacrifice of a contract heart and a
contrite spirit. … In nothing does man offend God, except they
confess not His hand [and has no gratitude.]”
Be grateful for health to be in the weekly sacrament meeting [in
freedom]. We serve for the Master on the Sabbath day. The Lord is building his Kingdom on Earth
with little fanfare. I served in
Germany. Temples have been built
throughout the world. The love of God
increases throughout the Church, especially in trials from the world. He makes us cheerful, as well as strong. Pray
to know what the Lord would have you do for your family and others. Act on the answers coming to you. Joy will
come to you, I so promise, in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Choir: “Come, Ye Faithful
People, Come” a Thanksgiving hymn, in
special arrangement. 1st Sops rule!
Prayer: “Heavenly Father, we
love thee …” Postlude: “Count Your Many Blessings…See what God Hath
Done.” Everyone stands in reverence as
the Prophet exits, slowly; Apostles and
their wives follow.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
= = = = = = = = = = = =
Each session is allocated 2hrs, with 2yr breaks in between. BYUtv shows MormonNews clips:
Hanoi, Vietnam, recently recognized the LDS Church, meeting in Hanoi
with Elder Cook [smiles!]
Dieter Uchtdorf talks in Rome about supporting religious refugees
throughout the world.
Jeffrey Holland went to London to coordinate with UN leadership to help
refugees going to Italy.
www.MormonNewsroom.org has
video and explanations, including the 2016 World Report.
“There are things worse than death …
Those that live without Freedom” … Joan of Arc, BYU tv movie.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
= = = = = = = = = = = =
Sunday.PM: 186th Semiannual General
Conference. Mormon Tabernacle Choir:
“Oh say, What is Truth?” Invocation; Choir:
“Lead, Kindly Light”
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
David Bednar: He that doeth the
will of the Father enters Heaven: not everyone that saith, “Lord, Lord…” The Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible
changes “I never knew you” to “Ye never knew me.” And for the unprepared virgins at the wedding
of Christ and the Church, “Ye know me not.”
Faith without Works is dead—be doers of the word, not hearers only. We are
never alone when we work in His vineyard, “I will go before your face … angels will
bear you up.” Serving others is serving
God. On a future day, “every knee shall
bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord” and He knows each of
us.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Brian Ashton: Scriptures define the ‘doctrine of Christ’ as faith
in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism [in Christ’s Church],
and receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost—then remaining faithful.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Carl Cook: Serve together in the
Church, like truck compound-gear. [visual] Service is the very fiber of Eternal
Life. The manual, Teaching in the Savior’s Way helped a new convert teach
Primary. Every calling and assignment is
important. Ask your bishop, “How can I
serve?” Serve a mission—serve your
neighbor.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Choir and congregation: “High on
a Mountain Top, a banner is unfurled…”
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Ronald Rasband: Primary song, “Heavenly
Father, are you really there?” You are a
son or daughter of a loving Heavenly Father.
Christ’s final hours were brutal—far beyond our comprehension. Quoting, “When [the devil] sends his mighty
winds, ye shall not fall.” No one wants
to be with [Satan]. Avoid things that do not build or mock your beliefs. “But to
be learned is good, IF they
harken to the Word of God.” Generations
are affected by the choices we make;
record in journals. My ancestors came to America from Denmark, the
father dying at sea. I will remember my heritage and their sacrifice. Cherish
personal inspirations and revelations, “lest we forget.” Avoid counterfeit ‘truths’ and remain
prayerful. Do not forget your Divine Destiny to return to Father—your heritage
as a son or daughter of God.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Evan Schmutz: There can be Godly
purpose in our suffering. Endure trials
well, benefit, and learn. “Why do bad things happen to good people?” Keep
eternal perspective. Help those in need.
Be tutors in the path to eternal life.
My heart was broken in the Philippines. Wade through the furnace of your
own personal struggles: have Faith in
Christ. Rather than us passing through trials, they must pass through us to benefit,
taught Neal Maxwell. Even darkest nights
are temporary. Christ will wipe away all
tears.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Brett Nattress: Do your children
know that you know? And more importantly,
do they know for themselves? Your
children are worth every effort—Mothers in Zion are angels. Motherhood is near to divinity. Our children know the Savior. We teach them to serve others. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is about ‘the one’
— One lost sheep, etc. He knows each of
us by name.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Choir: “I Will Follow Him in
Faith” www.lds.org/liahona/2003/02/ill-follow-him-in-faith?lang=eng
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Dale Renlund: [new Apostle with roots from Sweden] From Doctrine
and Covenants “By this ye shall know
when a man repents: he will forsake his
sins and do them no more, and I, the Lord, remembereth [the sins] no more.” Minimizing our mistakes removes motivation to
change.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Choir: “Let Us All Press
On in the work of the Lord; that when life is o’er we may gain a reward.” Fear
not, though the enemy deride; the Lord
is no our side. We will heed not what the wicked may say, but the Lord alone we
will obey. Etc.” If we do what’s right we have no need to
fear.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
LDS Hymnbook Lyrics : “Let Us All Press On”
1. Let us all press on
in the work of the Lord,
That when life is o'er
we may gain a reward;
In the fight for right let us wield a sword,
The mighty sword of truth.
(Chorus)
Fear not, though the
enemy deride;
Courage, for the Lord
is on our side.
We will heed not what the wicked may say,
But the Lord alone we will obey.
(Chorus: Alto, Tenor,
and Bass)
Fear not, courage,
though the enemy deride;
We must be victorious,
for the Lord is on our side.
We'll not fear the
wicked nor give heed to what they say,
But the Lord, our
Heav'nly Father, him alone we will obey.
2. We will not retreat, though our numbers may
be few
When compared with the opposite host in view;
But an unseen pow'r
will aid me and you
In the glorious cause
of truth.
3. If we do what's
right we have no need to fear,
For the Lord, our
helper, will ever be near;
In the days of trial
his Saints he will cheer,
And prosper the cause
of truth.
(Chorus)
Text and music: Evan
Stephens, 1854-1930
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
