Church News

Mia Kemppaala, a Finnish Latter-day Saint and community speaker, shares her inspiring journey of faith. She discusses the power of personal revelation and how her service as a ward translator has deepened her spiritual understanding. Mia highlights the challenges of expressing faith in a culture with declining religious affiliation. Her anecdotes reveal the complexities of translating sacred messages in real time and the significance of stepping out of comfort zones for spiritual growth, ultimately emphasizing the importance of trusting in the Lord during life's trials.

Excerpts from the 2024 Seminar for New Mission Leaders focus on inviting others to come unto Christ through faith, repentance, and enduring to the end. The importance of agency, following God's commandments, and the power of faith in missionary work are highlighted. Guidance on mission leadership councils and empowering young leaders is discussed. Embracing optimism and faith during turbulent times and the transformative power of the Book of Mormon for missionaries are emphasized.

Elder Dale G. Renlund, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, oversees the production of the ‘Book of Mormon Videos’ series. He discusses the significance of reaching the milestone of distributing 200 million copies of the Book of Mormon and launching its final season. The producers share behind-the-scenes stories, including miraculous challenges faced during filming and the emotional dedication of the cast. They dive into personal connections to scripture and how its teachings inspire hope and faith in contemporary life.

The First Presidency has asked the Relief Society organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to take the lead in a global initiative for women and children. This initiative seeks to provide the Savior’s relief through maternal and newborn care, child nutrition efforts, immunizations and education. Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson and her counselors, Sister J. Anette Dennis and Sister Kristin M. Yee, join guest host Mary Richards, a Church News reporter, on this episode of the Church News podcast to talk about how Relief Society sisters around the world are part of this global initiative. The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Host Sarah Jane Weaver, reporter and executive editor for The Church News for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen.

The welcoming sound of bells has heralded celebration and worship for centuries of Christian worshippers. This includes the music of The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square since its pioneering start in 1847. In 2005, the inclusion of a handbell ensemble was officially organized under the auspices of the choir; the handbell group has evolved to 32 musicians who enhance choir concerts and recordings, as well as perform two handbell concerts each year.  From its inception, LeAnna Willmore served as associate conductor until she was named director in June 2011, until her final concert in June 2024. Willmore holds a Master of Music degree from the University of Utah, has served in many state and national music leadership positions, and, importantly, fostered a love for music as a choir teacher for decades of students across Utah’s Wasatch Front. She joins this episode of the Church News podcast to discuss the importance of music in worship and daily life. The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Host Sarah Jane Weaver, reporter and executive editor for The Church News for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen.

For more than three decades, Lloyd D. Newell has served as the voice of “Music & the Spoken Word” with The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square. In recent years, he has been joined by his wife, Karmel Newell, who has served as the choir’s director of member support. They have traveled the world sharing the gospel through inspiring words and music. Now, the pair’s work with the choir is coming to an end as they embark on a new adventure. The Newells will begin serving as leaders in the California Los Angeles Mission on July 1.  The Newells join this episode of the Church News podcast to share their joyful experience with the Tabernacle Choir, working on the weekly “Music & the Spoken Word”  broadcast, and their continued service in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Host Sarah Jane Weaver, reporter and executive editor for The Church News for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen.

Elder D. Todd Christofferson reflects on his missionary experiences in Argentina, the growth of the Church in the country, and the emotional temple dedications. He discusses his spiritual growth, mentorship, and the impact of the Book of Mormon in Spanish. The conversation also touches on faith in Christ, finding joy in the present, and making a positive impact through small actions.

Leaders from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints discuss the ongoing hymnbook project and the release of 13 new hymns in four languages. They highlight how sacred music plays a vital role in worship and connecting members with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

During April 2024 general conference, President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said, “The temple is the gateway to the greatest blessings God has in store for each of us.” Part of this continual focus on temple service is the extensive renovations of pioneer-era temples, including the iconic Salt Lake Temple, which closed in January 2020 for extensive renovations. This episode of the Church News podcast features an update on the renovations of the Salt Lake Temple and Temple Square with Brent Roberts, managing director of the Church’s Special Projects Department, and Andy Kirby, director of historic temple renovations. The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Host Sarah Jane Weaver, reporter and executive editor for The Church News for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen.

As early members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints fled persecution in the mid-1800s and settled in the Salt Lake Valley, they put a printing press in a wagon and moved it across the United States — publishing the first edition of the Deseret News on June 15, 1850. The legacy of that newspaper continues today with editors and writers who still work to spread light and truth around the world on Deseret.com. Jay Evensen, the opinion editor of the Deseret News, joins this episode of the Church News podcast to talk about the legacy and mission of the Deseret News to inform and influence. He also addresses the power of forgiveness, becoming peacemakers and disagreeing better in a divisive and polarized society. The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Host Sarah Jane Weaver, reporter and executive editor for The Church News for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen.