Why I’m so grateful someone pushed through awkwardness to serve

As I studied the Bible during my youth and on into adulthood before I visited Israel—the modern nation that encompasses the Holy Land, where Jesus lived and ministered—I too had questions about events described in the Old and New Testaments. I used maps of Palestine and Jerusalem to try to follow the storylines in the Bible and to try to discover where these sacred events unfolded. At an even more basic level, I wondered what remnants of ancient Israel could be seen in the modern nation of that same name.

Thurl Bailey didn't come to Utah looking for religion. But growing up in a Baptist home laid the groundwork for his spiritual journey later in life and his future relationship with Jesus Christ.

In the last installment of a four-part series from Church News on the essential role of councils in the Church, Young Women General President Bonnie H. Cordon shared some insight into the development of the Children and Youth program.

In 2008, David Archuleta released his hit debut single “Crush.” Today, 13 years later, it remains one of Archuleta’s most popular songs with over 128 million views on YouTube. The 30-year-old even recently joked on Twitter that despite his new music release—on July 28, he came out with the single “Movin”—fans really just want him to sing “Crush.”

Editor’s note: “This week from the Pulpit” highlights recent messages by General Authorities, General Officers, and leaders of the Church.

Elder Jacob Herr knew he wanted to immerse himself in the culture of Georgia, a country that sits at the intersection of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. But he never imagined his efforts would lead to a video of him going viral on TikTok and an appearance on one of the country’s morning talk shows.

The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square will stream a special 20th anniversary broadcast commemorating 9/11. The broadcast will feature award-winning journalist Jane Clayson Johnson, who will narrate the 30-minute special.

While it’s impossible to choose just one favorite episode, several of the people behind All In shared one of their favorite episodes.

For the first time, the releases of Area Seventies (regional leaders) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have been publicly announced prior to general conference, which is scheduled for October.