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In the News
In the Almanac
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Rachel Sterzer Gibson

Rachel is a reporter for the Church News, sharing stories intended to inspire, enlighten and build faith.

Members of the First Presidency sit and smile at the beginning of the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional in the Conference Center.
Leaders & Ministry
First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional 2023: Read talk summaries, see photos
Messages were given by President Russell M. Nelson, Elder Gerrit W. Gong, Elder Paul V. Johnson and Sister Tracy Y. Browning.
Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in a red scarf during his message as he spoke during the 2023 First Presidency Christmas Devotional
Leaders & Ministry
Elder Gerrit W. Gong: ‘Christ, Our Savior is Born’
Traditions can deepen love for Jesus Christ, Elder Gong taught, and shared three favorite family traditions.
Elder Paul V. Johnson of the Presidency of the Seventy speaks during the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional.
Leaders & Ministry
Elder Paul V. Johnson: ‘Christ Was Born to Save’
Sharing the words of his daughter who died of cancer, Elder Johnson invited listeners to recognize the Savior’s gifts this Christmas season.
A view of the St. George temple in process of being stuccoed on Feb. 28, 1876. Standing on parapet are Aaron McDonald, Robert McQuarrie (with saw in hand), and George Laub (wearing apron).
Temples
The story of the original dedication of the St. George temple — ‘a beautiful testimony of faith’
The history of the St. George temple is the story of “common, everyday people who ... [gave] their all to the kingdom of God.”
File photo of Elder James M. Paramore with his wife, Sister Helen Paramore.
Members
Sister Helen Paramore, widow of Elder James M. Paramore, remembered for life of dedicated service
Sister Paramore, wife of the late Elder James M. Paramore, died Sunday, Nov. 26, at age 91.
Presiding Bishop Gérald Caussé speaks from the pulpit of the auditorium of the I–Center on the Rexburg, Idaho, campus.
Living Faith
‘Find the Mozarts among us,’ Bishop Caussé invites during BYU–Idaho devotional
“We all have talents, gifts and abilities that ask for nothing more than the opportunity to blossom and thrive,” the Presiding Bishop taught.
Faith Vui from Samoa plays during the New Zealand Women’s Amateur Golf Championship.
Members
Latter-day Saint young woman becomes first Samoan to win golf competition
A scripture helped remind her “that my Heavenly Father was with me every shot along the way.”
Cynthia Jensen, Elayna Hellewell and Karlee Haws, left to right, sit in desks at the Salt Lake Institute of Religion.
Members
What an increase in institute enrollment says about the strength of the rising generation
A recent invitation issued by President Nelson to attend institute “is just another example ... of how much Heavenly Father loves His young adults.”
Sitting at his desk in his office, President Nelson invites young adults to attend institute classes.
Leaders & Ministry
President Nelson issues special, personal invitations to youth and young adults
In two videos released globally, President Nelson promised this invitation would help them address the difficult challenges in their lives.
Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles sits next to his wife, Sister Mary Cook, on a podium in the Marriott Center.
Leaders & Ministry
Elder Cook addresses 5 key concerns for young adults in the Church
During the worldwide devotional, Elder Cook shared that young adults around the globe “share similar longings, aspirations and concerns.”
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf makes his hands into a heart following his talk at the Ensign College devotional at the Conference Center Theater.
Leaders & Ministry
Elder Uchtdorf teaches of freedom, constraints and the art of becoming
During an Ensign College devotional, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf also paid tribute to his “dear friend” President Ballard.
An exterior photo of the Okinawa Japan Temple with trees in the foreground and blue skies in the background.
Temples
Okinawa temple dedicatory prayer: Elder Stevenson expresses gratitude for the gift of peace
In the Okinawa dedicatory prayer, the Apostle acknowledged the many who suffered “deprivation, hardship, even loss of life through the tragedy of war.”
Elder M. Russell Ballard, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, sits in his office in Salt Lake City.
Leaders & Ministry
President M. Russell Ballard dies at age 95 after a lifetime of service as an energetic, diligent disciple of Jesus Christ
President Ballard served for 47 years as a general Church leader, and was the longest serving general authority in the Church.
BYU professor Jenet Erickson stands in a living room to deliver a message to BYU–Pathway students.
Living Faith
Despite unfulfilled yearnings in family life, Christ’s Atonement makes it possible for ‘our eternal family’
BYU professor Jenet Erickson testifies of “The Grand Story of Our Eternal Family,” during BYU–Pathway Worldwide devotional.
An aerial photo of the Kanton Atoll in Kiribati, with several green and sand rimmed islands in a blue ocean.
Global
How the Church is helping address one of the biggest issues in Kiribati
The Church and the Kiribati government recently partnered to help some of the outer islands get clean drinking water.
A giant Christmas wreath hangs from the pipes of the organ in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City during the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional.
Leaders & Ministry
How to watch or attend First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional this year
The First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional will be held on Sunday, Dec. 3, with music provided by The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square.
President Eyring sits with his arm around his wife, Sister Kathleen Eyring.
Leaders & Ministry
Following his wife’s death, President Eyring expresses gratitude, hope on social media
President Eyring wrote he was both “humbled and grateful” for the prayers and service rendered to him and his family since Sister Eyring “passed onto the other side of the veil.”
John S. Tanner and Susan W. Tanner speak side by side at the pulpit of the Marriott Center.
Living Faith
What Halloween has to do with ‘fulfilling the dream’ of BYU
Brother and Sister Tanner speak during Halloween forum about honoring the dead — or the past builders of BYU.
The St. George Utah Temple when it was under construction in April 2021.
Temples
Read the original St. George temple dedicatory prayer and why Brigham Young was not the one who gave it
Knowing its importance, did Brigham Young dedicate the St. George temple? The answer is complicated
The Mou Tham family pose for a photo in front of the Hamilton New Zealand Temple in 1963.
Global
Family featured in President Monson address returns to Hamilton New Zealand Temple
The Mou Tham family, featured in President Monson’s 2011 conference address, recently returned to the Hamilton temple to celebrate the 50th anniversary of being sealed there.
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Leaders & Ministry
Sister Kathleen Johnson Eyring remembered as beloved wife, mother and ‘true woman of God’
In a written tribute, President Nelson said Sister Eyring’s matchless life is a cause for “celestial celebration.”
President Henry B. Eyring and his wife, Sister Kathleen Eyring leave the Conference Center.
Leaders & Ministry
Funeral information for Sister Kathleen Johnson Eyring
A public viewing will be held on Friday, Oct. 20, with the funeral held on Saturday, Oct. 21.
Sister Tracy Y. Browning, second counselor in the Primary general presidency, speaks to BYU–Pathway Worldwide students during a devotional broadcast.
Leaders & Ministry
Like Moses, God will give His children the vision needed to accomplish His work, Sister Browning testifies
Sister Browning taught BYU–Pathway Worldwide students lessons, principles and truths from Moses’ face-to-face experience with God.
A campus sign at the entrance of Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.
Living Faith
Today is BYU’s 148th birthday. Here are 9 quotes from Church leaders about its prophetic destiny
Brigham Young University, originally known as Brigham Young Academy, was founded Oct. 16, 1875.
President Henry B. Eyring and his wife, Sister Kathleen Eyring, pictured in 2009 at the Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple dedication
Leaders & Ministry
Sister Kathleen J. Eyring, wife of President Henry B. Eyring, dies at age 82 following a life of deep conviction to the gospel
Sister Kathleen Johnson Eyring — a wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother — is remembered for a life of serving others, strengthening family.
Elder Eduardo Ayala and Sister Blanca Espinoza de Ayala pose for a photo on Temple Square
Members
Sister Blanca Espinoza Gonzalez de Ayala, widow of Elder Eduardo Ayala, dies at age 84
After a life of service to her family, the Church and community, Sister Ayala passed away in Valparaíso, Chile.
Young Women General President Bonnie H. Cordon speaks with a devotional attendee.
Members
Bonnie H. Cordon named new president of Southern Virginia University
The former Young Women general president, who finished her general Church service on Aug. 1, will serve as the university’s 10th president.
Young Women’s President Emily Belle Freeman, Elder D. Todd Christofferson and Elder Kevin W. Pearson, a General Authority Seventy, laugh.
Leaders & Ministry
Church leaders encourage Latter-day Saint youth in Utah to ‘dream big’ in regards to education
Elder Christofferson, President Freeman, Elder Pearson and Elder Gilbert participate in education devotional broadcast throughout all of Utah.
Elder Ronald A. Rasband and Elder D. Todd Christofferson applaud after installing President Alvin F. Meredith as the 18th president of BYU–Idaho.
Leaders & Ministry
Elder Meredith inaugurated as 18th president of BYU–Idaho
During the installation, Elder D. Todd Christofferson tasks President Meredith with preserving the hallmarks of a BYU–Idaho education.
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Members
As a newcomer to BYU–Idaho, President Meredith shares his impressions of the university
As he prepares for his inauguration, President Alvin F. Meredith talks about what he’s learned and what he loves about the the school he’s been called to lead.