From the Church

The September issue of The New Era will be dedicated to the young women Personal Progress and young men Duty to God programs. This special issue contains examples of how these programs affect the lives of the youth and also offers suggestions on how to accomplish the goals set forth in these Church programs. "The youth of the Church have been given a great trust and mission," said Elder Shayne M. Bowen of the Seventy. "Their participation in Duty to God and Personal Progress will help them fulfill their responsibilities and reach their full potential. We hope this issue will assist them in these efforts. This issue shares examples of young men and young women who have created plans to meet the needs of their families and communities."

The tens of thousands who recently visited the open house of the San Salvador El Salvador Temple were welcomed to a distinctly Salvadoran edifice. Many of the paintings and artwork inside depict the Salvadoran landscape, while the country's national flower, the Flor de Izote, can be found in many of the temple's interior ornamentation.

The first authorized account of women in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, titled "Daughters in my Kingdom: The History and Work of Relief Society," is more than just a written history. It is "a recipe book for how to be a Latter-day Saint woman," said Sister Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president. A letter from the LDS Church's First Presidency to local leaders, dated Aug. 1, announced the new publication.

One government leader recently complimented The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' welfare program while issuing a day of service proclamation. Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell announced that 24 September 2011 will be his state’s Day of Service, and concluded his proclamation with an acknowledgment of how the Church has helped Virginia.

As we navigate the physical world, most of us have some awareness about accessibility features in place to help the disabled: ramps, elevators and lifts, adapted washrooms, and parking spaces close to buildings. However, far fewer people are aware of the equivalent features for websites. When website accessibility features are neglected, it can prevent people with visual disabilities and the deaf or hard-of-hearing from having a useful browsing experience. Imagine visiting a website and finding the following: * All the images look like a grey square to you, because you are red-green colorblind.

Let me start with a personal story. I was subbing in nursery just this last Sunday and was set to teach the lesson on “I Will Love Others.” It suggested that I tell/read the New Testament story “The Good Samaritan.” I thought, why read it, when the Mormon Messages Channel has that wonderful set of “New Testament Stories” on video, including the Good Samaritan. But, my meetinghouse has no available wireless Internet access. I was able to get around that, however, since I live close enough to the church that I went outside with my laptop, accessed my encrypted wireless, downloaded the video, and then watched the children watch with rapt attention to this important scriptural story so very well told via video.