Hundreds of young singles adults gathered in conferences across Japan as they built faith and friendships.

This week’s study guide includes the Creation story.

Here are 10 stories from the Church News the week of Jan. 4-10.

Eighty-one-year-olds Virginia Hawkins Bryant and Kathleen Moessing will be companions in the Micronesia Guam Mission, continuing a friendship that began when they were toddlers.

How seeking and acting on God’s wisdom can bring peace and increase faith, observes Derrick Porter in this week’s “Music & the Spoken Word” with The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. Watch it here.

“As we start this new year, let us ... recognize what to take with us and what to leave behind.”

Ahead of Sunday’s dedication, members of the Church in the area share how they’ve seen the Lord’s hand in preparing them for temple blessings.

Speaking at a BYU–Pathway devotional to students around the world, President and Sister Ashton testified of the Prophet’s teachings on the family.

“As long as the scriptures are pointing us to Jesus ... they’re doing what they should do,” said Josh Sears, a professor of ancient scripture at BYU.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Switzerland will take part in a national day of mourning after a New Year's fire killed 40, injured more than 100.