Solemn assemblies: What to know before conference

Years ago, our family had the opportunity to visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, DC. If you haven’t had that opportunity yet—take it. It’s likely something you will never forget. Overlooking the city, this marble sarcophagus has these words inscribed on the back:

Jennie Taylor remembers the evening of November 2, 2018, so well. It was the first time she had seen many of her college girlfriends in what seemed like forever. Their overnight reunion included plenty of laughs and shared stories about each other’s kids and husbands. Jennie was convinced that her mom was right when she encouraged her to leave her seven children and take an overnight trip with the girls a few hours from their Utah home.

On April 5, 2020, during the Sunday morning session of general conference, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints watched a prerecorded video of President Russell M. Nelson in the Sacred Grove.

Each summer, single Latter-day Saints between the ages of 18 and 25 are called to serve in Nauvoo. These missionaries sing, dance, play instruments, and work on set to make sure that visitors to the Illinois town Latter-day Saints once called home have a memorable experience. But this summer there will be no young performing missionaries in Nauvoo due to the recent pandemic. The young performing missionaries who were set to serve in Nauvoo this summer will have the opportunity to serve again in 2021.

The latest Piano Guys music video, featuring puppets, is the first of its kind on their YouTube channel. And the love story that came to be during the making of the video? Also one of a kind.

For Scott Barrick, general manager of the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, it came as no surprise to see Salt Lake City and Provo as top Spotify listener locations for the Choir’s new recording of the Star Wars song, “Duel of the Fates.” What was surprising were some of the other locations topping the list: Instanbul, Taipei, London, New York City, Madrid, and Sydney.

At the start of the year, the First Presidency announced an adjustment to the clothing worn in temple ceremonies. The changes included simpler designs for the veil and robe, removing the tie of the cap and veil, and using more durable material.

Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles recently shared that because the pandemic has different effects on everyone, personal revelation becomes an “incomparable gift.” He has witnessed this in the Church's response to the present worldwide situation. Latter-day Saints can look to senior Church leaders as an example of how to act on revelation rather than being held back by fear.

Ramadan Mubarak! For our Muslim friends and neighbors around the world, April 23 through May 23 is the holy month of Ramadan. Serving on the board of directors for the Interfaith Leadership Council of Metro Detroit and in my capacity as public affairs director for the Church in my stake, I have had some incredible opportunities to explore the rich religious landscape of my diverse community. One of my favorite experiences has been celebrating Ramadan with my wonderful Muslim friends and neighbors.