Why Pres. Oaks has kept this painting in his office for over 40 years

The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced the closure of the Columbus Ohio Temple for extensive renovation.

Did you know that the first temple of this dispensation, the Kirtland Temple, was dedicated on March 27, 1836—183 years ago? In light of that anniversary and the recent announcement that all temples are temporarily closed because of COVID-19 concerns, here are a few things we learned from another time in history when life was uncertain and temple worship was not always an option.

As long as you’re talking with someone else speaking a common language, it’s easy to assume that the words you’re both using mean the same thing. But in the polarized atmosphere of America today, that has become less and less true about more and more words.

This week marks the third week of suspended Church meetings. If you are needing a little help to teach your family or make your Sabbath experience better, look no further. Whether you need a study group, some "home" teacher help, a video for your lesson, or a special guest speaker, we have you covered for this week's Come, Follow Me lesson on Enos–Words of Mormon.

If you’re anything like us, this week you might have received a notification that read: “Don’t Miss This – SPECIAL EDITION FOR MISSIONARIES.”

Editor's note: "This Week from the Pulpit" highlights recent messages by General Authorities and General Officers of the Church.

President Russell M. Nelson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has extended an invitation to all people worldwide to participate with him for a day of fasting and prayer on Sunday, March 29.

President M. Russell Ballard, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, was 13-years-old when he learned from his mother that Pearl Harbor had been bombed. It was December 7, 1941, and the attack precipitated the United States' involvement in World War II. Ballard recalls feeling afraid but eventually “things resolved themselves.” No stranger to significant hinge points in history, the 91-year-old Church leader told the Church News on Tuesday that the world will win this “war on the coronavirus.”

Two weeks ago I walked out of a temple session and powered on my phone to a smattering of notifications: a Utah Jazz player had tested positive for COVID-19, large gatherings at CES institutions including graduations had been canceled, and it looked like I was going to be working remotely for some time.