A new program is being developed for the adult classes held each Sunday in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and may be implemented soon, the faith's new Sunday School general president said this weekend.

In a recent article outlining the religious breakdown of the current Congress, The Washington Post made specific note of the Latter-day Saints in the group (noted on the map below in orange).

This two-part episode focuses on the unique experience of Mormon missions–their wonderful, powerful, light aspects, as well as those elements that can lead things to go wrong and be potentially unhealthy. Panelists Derrick Clements, T.K., and Rory Swensen join Mormon Matters host Dan Wotherspoon in sharing about their mission experiences (two of them quite recently completed, the other two more than twenty years ago), how they interpreted what they were going through then versus now with post-mission lenses that are influenced to some degree by their faith journeys since the time of their service. Knowing what they know now, or viewing the LDS Church and gospel as they currently do, how would they serve differently? Would they still choose to go? Should their children want to serve, would they support that decision? And, if so, how would they frame for their child some of the potential negative aspects of mission life–the pressures to reach goals, to teach things in a certain way, to testify to things they may not fully be converted to themselves, to live rules to the letter (sometimes pushing themselves in ways that are detrimental to physical and spiritual health), etc.–in ways that might mitigate potential damage? What would they encourage their children to focus on instead? Whether one’s mission is a wonderful or negative experience, it is certainly a pivotal experience in one’s life–one worthy of much reflection and consistent revisiting.

"We need to embrace God’s children compassionately and eliminate any prejudice, including racism, sexism, and nationalism," Elder Ballard said at the Sunday afternoon session of general conference this weekend.

"Establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God."

Making and keeping promises is a highly valued trait in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In fact, the first official act of every member of the Church (sometimes inadvertently called “Mormons”) when we are baptized is to make a covenant—a two-way promise with our Heavenly Father—to live as He has directed through the example of His Son. In return, God promises that His Spirit will be with us always.

On June 20, 2010, Rick Vellinga made a choice that would not only change his belief in God but that would eventually help his family cope with tragedy.

Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are urging Mormons around the world to improve their observance of the Sabbath day. In local and regional leadership training meetings this year, leaders are receiving instruction on the topic of strengthening faith in God by observing the Sabbath day with greater purpose.

This generation of Mormons represents future church leaders, who will carry the kingdom of God on their shoulders, LDS apostle M. Russell Ballard told nearly 5,000 young Latter-day Saints on Tuesday evening. “We want you to see yourselves as bishops, Relief Society presidents. … [even] seated on the stand as an apostle,” Ballard told the single Mormons between ages 18 and 30, gathered in the Conference Center in downtown Salt Lake City. “We need you to be prepared.”

Disciples of Jesus Christ have always been under the obligation to take His gospel to the world (see Mark 16:15–16). Nevertheless, sometimes it is difficult to open our mouths and speak about our faith to those around us.