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Mary Richards
Mary Richards

Mary Richards is a reporter for the Church News. Before that, she was a morning reporter/anchor for KSL NewsRadio in Salt Lake City. She graduated from BYU with a degree in journalism, and she and her husband have five children. Email her at mrichards@deseret.com.


“I wrote it for him in the hope that he will always remember that Heavenly Father is never far away," Sally DeFord said.

Written at a military academy, the energy and cadence of R. Kelso Carter’s hymn have been known by other faiths since 1886.

In a devotional at the Provo Missionary Training Center, Sister Tamara W. Runia spoke about God’s love, prayer and Jesus Christ’s Atonement as things that might feel too good to be true but are true.

While in the Philippines in September, Primary General President Rosemary K. Chibota spoke in several meetings and devotionals and helped with the Church’s efforts to care for women and children.

"The members are glad to become a ward. I feel that the Lord did a lot to help us," said the bishop of the Hendersonville 2nd Ward (Pohnpeian) in the Asheville North Carolina Stake.

The Latin American culture celebration in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City is now in its 24th year.

This special conference edition of the Church News podcast features excerpts from each conference address, including President Dallin H. Oaks' invitation for all to come unto Jesus Christ.

Apostles and general authorities spoke of the law of the fast, tithing and offerings, gambling and leading a virtuous life.

“Jesus Christ has the power to change us, purify us and unite us,” said President Dieter F. Uchtdorf.

“I plead with you, as disciples of Jesus Christ, to pray to see others as He sees them and to treat them accordingly,” said Primary General President Rosemary K. Chibota.

Here are nine Church News stories from the week of Sept. 27-Oct. 3.

“As we build our spiritual immunity, we develop the strength and courage to withstand the challenges of life,” said Elder Christian C. Chigbundu.

“Bearing witness is a foundational responsibility of discipleship,” said Elder Gérald Caussé.

Kaleb Jones’ efforts have rippled out as he invites friends who then invite their friends to the Utah Valley Institute of Religion and see their lives change.

A youth concert in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines, had the theme "Walk with me" and is one of several options for youth theme experiences this year.

In Ohio, Arizona, Nevada and Utah, stake leadership, disability activity leaders and youth counselors help the Church's disability activity program.

President Marcelino Sanchez discusses what has happened in the past year and what is ahead.

The lyrics and music work together to show turmoil, then peace, explained the songwriter and composer.

Here are 10 stories from the Church News the week of Sept. 20-26.

The new Sunday format is helping Church members focus on Jesus Christ, strengthen learning at home and increase belonging and connection at Church.

Siblings serve with siblings, and parents have children serving together in another mission years later.

The Church recently donated educational supplies in Tonga, Brazil, Paraguay, Rwanda, Guatemala and the Philippines.

"The Spirit was so sweet and strong. People felt it. People were happy, and it extended through the dedication. The future is bright," said a longtime stake member.

Opportunities are all around to serve each other, whether through organized efforts or individual acts.

Temporal caring and spiritual caring, ministering, tithing and fast offerings are ways "God is helping us to care for one another, to love each other greater."

The celebration was not merely a look at the past but also a call to the rising generation to look to the future of an African nation where the Church is quickly growing.

Mammography equipment, dental care, incubators and other support from the Church will strengthen healthcare efforts.

The newest members of Relief Society who are coming from Young Women can find belonging through ministering, teaching, activities and friendships.

"This is Jesus Christ’s Church. He will guide us and help us find answers to better address the needs of the youth and serve them."

Choose prophecy over projections, do not fear, and aim high and fly, invited Elder Rubén V. Alliaud, General Authority Seventy.