Editor’s note: “This week from the pulpit” highlights recent messages by General Authorities, General Officers, and leaders of the Church.
This week, leaders from the Church addressed a variety of topics—from finding moments of stillness to preparing for 2021 to being consistent in our efforts to follow our Savior, Jesus Christ. It is our hope that their messages will help you find peace and comfort.
President Ballard Addresses Ensign College
President M. Russell Ballard spoke during an Ensign College (formerly LDS Business College) devotional this week, which was broadcast virtually, reminding young adults of their important role in the Church. He urged, “Put on the ‘whole armour of God’ and join the battle today, like the sons of Helaman did so many years ago. Don’t wait until you get married or start your lifelong career or get older. The Church needs our young adults now. The Lord needs you now!”
He also highlighted the importance of finding quiet time to be still and remember the Lord in these troubling times. “If your life is void of quiet time, would you begin tonight to seek for some?” President Ballard asked.
During the devotional, he also suggested productive ways to use technology, such as placing cell phones on airplane mode during Church meetings and not using technology as an excuse for avoiding talking to others.
► You may also like: Why having goals for your social media use could make all the difference
Read more of President Ballard’s remarks at Church News.
President Lund and President Cordon Address General Authority Seventies
Because of the recent changes made to the youth programs of the Church, Young Men General President Steven J. Lund and Young Women General President Bonnie H. Cordon reminded General Authority Seventies to begin thinking about January 2021.
“Children used to enter and progress through quorums and classes on their birthdays, but now it all happens in January,” President Lund stated in an article from Church News. “Thus, the month takes on great importance.”
Presidents Lund and Cordon taught that January is an appropriate time to consider ordaining young men, reorganizing classes for young women, making changes in class and quorum presidencies, and making sure any updates are reflected in Church records. They encouraged leaders to make the most of the final months of 2020 by beginning to think about these changes now and preparing as needed.
Read a summary of President Lund and President Cordon’s remarks at Church News.
► You may also like: Young Men and Young Women General Presidencies share lessons from the Salt Lake Temple renovation
Young Women General Presidency reflects on recent changes
This week, in an article for Church News, the Young Women General Presidency reflected on recent changes to the Young Women program. They affirmed that “each adjustment has a unique and vital role in the spiritual progression of each of our precious youth.”
They emphasized that these changes, though not easy to make, serve to foster unity and belonging.
“As we sought the Lord’s guidance, clear, simple direction came to our hearts and minds. We were inspired to simplify and help our dear sisters focus on the power of belonging. The name of ‘Young Women’ has a unifying effect on each class, and their identity is clear,” they stated in the article.
Read more of their remarks at Church News. The article also discusses the significance of the new Young Women theme.
► You may also like: Celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Young Women Organization with the General Presidency
General Authority and General Officer Social Posts
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a majority of my meetings are now held in a virtual format. I am grateful for the... Posted by Jeffrey R. Holland on Sunday, November 1, 2020
Elder D. Todd Christofferson
I was profoundly touched by the funeral of Sister Annabelle Nielsen this past Monday. You may know that Annabelle passed... Posted by D. Todd Christofferson on Sunday, November 1, 2020
Elder Gary E. Stevenson
Lesa and I are excited for the opportunity we have to speak with you young adults in Utah in a virtual and interactive... Posted by Gary E. Stevenson on Sunday, November 1, 2020
Elder Dale G. Renlund
On Monday morning in Asia, Ruth and I met virtually (from Salt Lake City) with all the missionaries of the Church who... Posted by Dale G. Renlund on Sunday, November 1, 2020
Elder Gerrit W. Gong
As I read the comments to one of my recent posts, I was struck by how many people expressed gratitude for being able to... Posted by Gerrit W. Gong on Sunday, November 1, 2020
President Bonnie H. Cordon
"Have you had a rough day during this pandemic? If you’re anything like me, you’ve had had some difficult challenges and circumstances to overcome. One way that I #HearHim—during this pandemic and always—is through joyful music.
"That is why I was thrilled to hear this song, 'Good Day,' which was featured in our Youth Music Festival this July. This song brought me joy during this unique time and reminded me that God knows what we’re going through. “I’ll be okay because it’s going to be a good day," President Cordon posted on Facebook. Read her post here.
Sister Michelle D. Craig
As a young woman I struggled with feelings that I have come to realize are actually quite common—feelings of inadequacy... Posted by Michelle D. Craig on Sunday, November 1, 2020