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The post A Whole New Soundtrack for the Old Testament AoN – 1047 appeared first on The Cultural Hall Podcast.
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The post Jenee Wright Prince – 1046 appeared first on The Cultural Hall Podcast.
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emple Announcement Otavalo Ecuador Temple – #385Announced in a Thursday meeting by Juan Pablo Villar with Elder Renlund presiding on the standAudience audible reaction Long history of church in Otalavo, since the 1960s Around 10% of the population is on the church roles3rd Temple in Ecuador, Otalavo isn’t even in the top 35 cities3 stakes in a town pop of 41k or 115k in canton areaAdditional stakes in Ibarra, Esmeraldes, and Pasto (Colombia)Temple Dedications Davao Philippines Temple – #215Dedicated May 3rd, presided by Dale Renlund Fifth Temple in the Philippines (14 planned)Dedicatory Prayer19 stakes, 10 districts in temple districtLindon Utah Temple – #216Dedicated May 3rd, presided by Henry B Eyring7th in Utah County, 23rd in Utah. (32 planned) Dedicatory Prayer17 Stakes in temple districtTemple Open Houses and Dedications Scheduled Yorba Linda California TempleD Todd Christofferson will dedicate the temple on June 7thMontpelier Idaho TempleMedia Day: September 8th Open House: September 10-26Dedication: October 18th by???Caribbean of the rockiesCody Wyoming TempleMedia Day: August 21stOpen House: August 27-September 12thDedication: October 25th by???Wichita Kansas TempleMedia Day: September 21st Open House: September 24-October 10Dedication: November 1 by Patrick KearonSan Luis Potosí Mexico TempleMedia Day: September 21st Open House: September 24-October 10Dedication: November 1 by Dale RenlundTemple Groundbreaking scheduled Santos Brazil Temple August 1st by Ronald M BarcellosTemple rendering released Rapid City South Dakota Temple 11,800 sq foot temple Brown brick exterior with steeple similar to the Fort Collins CO TempleTemple Site announced Rosario Argentina Temple1.59-acre property located on the city block bordered by Güemes, Santiago bis, and Alvear bis streetsDowntown site near the Paraná River, appears to be the site of a former food truck park.Caldwell Idaho Temple19.2-acre parcel located southwest of the intersection of West Orchard Avenue and South Florida Avenue in Canyon CountyLarge farm field located just outside of CaldwellSite originally reported a year agoMulti-story, 82,000 sq ft templeGreenville South Carolina Temple 8.8-acre property located south of the intersection of Independence Boulevard/Ponders Road and Roper Mountain Road in GreenvilleGreen field with a fence Single-story, 18.850 sq ft templeTemple Leaders CalledWichita Kansas TempleBrian Lee Rawson and Linda Christine Glines Rawson of the Derby Kansas StakeConstruction UpdatesCoeur d’Alene Idaho TemplePreliminary Site work underwayMore approvals grantedBakersfield California TempleEnvironmental report draft submittedResidents submit commentsFairview Texas TempleFairview Mayor asks church to reconsider temple height as construction begins.Kevin G Brown holds an interfaith devotional in Duncanville Buenos Aires Argentina City Center TempleLegal injunction overturnedVice President of Argentina weighs inSalt Lake TempleFirst Presidency tours the Salt Lake TempleFirst colored photo of the Holy of Holies publishedPresident Oaks recovering from hip replacement surgery on April 15thMore art glass installed Deseret Voices Podcast with Mckay CoppinsNew Visitors Center opens to the publicOpen house tickets available September 1st OtherLehi TabernacleCity BuildingPlaque commemoration
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The Church’s Expanding Global Identity & $25M UNICEF Donation
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has donated $25 million to UNICEF’s Child Nutrition Fund (CNF), a global initiative aimed at preventing and treating childhood malnutrition.
• Doubled Impact: Thanks to a matching challenge announced in 2025, the Church’s donation will generate an additional $25 million, bringing the total financial impact to $50 million.
• Target & Scope: The contribution is part of an ongoing partnership with UNICEF that began in 2013. The funds will support nutritional programs for mothers and young children—specifically targeting areas like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Nigeria, the Philippines, and Sierra Leone—with the broader goal of helping the fund reach 320 million women and children annually by 2030.
The First Presidency Tours the New Humanitarian Center Ahead of DedicationThis facility is part of the Church’s effort to follow the second great commandment: “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”
On Friday, May 22, 2026, the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints toured the Church’s new Humanitarian Center in Salt Lake City, ahead of its upcoming dedication.
Purpose: Built to support the commandment to “love thy neighbour,” the center serves a dual purpose: providing job training, language courses, and employment counseling to help individuals overcome employment barriers, while also preparing and distributing global humanitarian supplies.
Public Open House: Runs from June 1 through July 23, 2026 (Monday–Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.). Visitors can participate in hands-on service, such as assembling kits or sorting clothes.
Attendance: Visitors are encouraged to schedule a time via the Temple Square app or by calling 801-240-5954, though walk-ins are welcome.
Harvard Global Flourishing Study Compares Latter-day Saints Internationally
The recently released Harvard Global Human Flourishing Study, which surveyed over 200,000 people across 22 countries, reveals that religious service attendance is globally linked to higher levels of overall well-being—and Latter-day Saints are no exception. When analyzing the U.S. data, the study found that Latter-day Saints scored highly on the overall “flourishing index” (which measures happiness, health, meaning, character, relationships, and financial stability), while those with no religious affiliation scored the lowest.
• Highest Church Attendance: Latter-day Saints reported the highest rate of weekly religious service attendance at 65%, outperforming Evangelicals (59%) and Pentecostals (53%).
• Mental Health and Happiness: The group demonstrated remarkably low levels of depression (8.5%) compared to atheists and agnostics (19%). Additionally, 30% of Latter-day Saints reported being “highly happy,” which is roughly double the rate of those distant from faith.
• Family and Spiritual Support: Latter-day Saints reported the highest rates of feeling loved by their mother (94%) and father (90%) while growing up. Furthermore, 89% reported finding immense strength and comfort from their religion.
• The Challenge of Community Criticism: On the flip side, 11% of Latter-day Saints reported feeling that their religious community was critical of them. While this number is statistically identical to other high-expectation faiths (like Baptists and Evangelicals), the article notes it highlights an ongoing need for the culture to shift from judgment to Christlike love, a priority recently emphasized by Church leadership.Diplomatic Relations: Elder Bednar Meets With the President of Chile
Elder David A. Bednar, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held an official meeting with Chilean President José Antonio Kast at the La Moneda Presidential Palace on Monday, May 18, 2026.
• Core Topics: The discussion centered on strengthening families, supporting youth, protecting religious freedom, and fostering cooperation between governments and faith communities.
• Church Initiatives: Elder Bednar highlighted several Church programs designed to help the rising generation develop faith, purpose, and practical skills. These included the For the Strength of Youth program, various youth service and leadership experiences, and the BYU–Pathway Worldwide educational program.Women Leaders Discuss Discipleship and Service at Annual Luncheon
On Monday, May 11, 2026, roughly 200 current and former women leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered for their annual emeritus luncheon at the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City. The meeting brought together past and present general presidencies and advisory councils from the Primary, Young Women, and Relief Society organizations to discuss discipleship, service, and organizational updates.
• Young Women Age-Group Names: Leaders discussed the spiritual meaning behind the newly introduced Young Women age-group names. Former Young Women General President Elaine S. Dalton praised the change, noting that the titles—Builders of Faith (ages 12–13), Messengers of Hope (ages 14–15), and Gatherers of Light (ages 16–17)—give young women a strong identity rooted directly in Jesus Christ.
• Enduring Sisterhood: Attendees, including 93-year-old Joy Sansom (who served on the Young Women general board from 1961 to 1972), celebrated the lifelong bonds, shared memories, and enduring sense of community fostered by their years of joint church service.Bishops and Youth: One-on-One Ministering Supports Better Relationships
During a recent Instagram Live broadcast, the Young Men General Presidency addressed the common question of whether ward-level Young Men presidencies—discontinued in 2020—will ever return. Led by General President Timothy L. Farnes and his counselors, Brother David J. Wunderli and Brother Sean R. Dixon, the presidency clarified that the change is permanent and explained the spiritual and structural reasons behind keeping the responsibility on local bishoprics.
Church Communications Releases Inside Look Video of Provo MTC
With the rise in full-time missionary applications and the creation of more missions worldwide, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has produced a video offering prospective missionaries and their families an inside look at how missionaries are trained. The 21-minute video, titled “What It’s Really Like at the Missionary Training Center,” was released on YouTube on May 17.
short, fun, and heartfelt interviews with missionaries.Volunteers and Performers Needed for Salt Lake Temple Celebration
SALT LAKE CITY— Temple Square volunteer applications are opening ahead of the highly anticipated Salt Lake Temple Celebration and the LDS Church Visitors’ Center opening, where the SLC Temple open house reservation date will be announced. Temple Square is seeking “exceptional volunteers who want to help guests feel welcomed, supported, and inspired throughout the celebration.”
• When to Apply: Volunteer applications will be available starting in June 2026. When the application window opens, Temple Square will share the link and additional details for the application process..
• Eligibility & Shifts: Volunteer roles are open to anyone 16 years old and older from all backgrounds and experience levels, with some assignments requiring specific skills. Some roles are able to accommodate accessibility needs. Volunteers are asked to serve for a minimum of eight weeks. Most roles require standing for many hours. Shifts will last between three and four hours. A variety of shifts are available for people to choose from, but specific roles and requirements will be announced in June.
• Performers Needed: In addition to general assignments, Temple Square is in need of specialized performers for the celebration. Some experiences will include opportunities for young musicians, vocalists, or cultural performers. Details will be shared as plans develop.The post Salt Lake Temple Performers Needed! AoN 1044 appeared first on The Cultural Hall Podcast.
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God’s children are searching in greater numbers for answers and hoping for miracles as they look to Jesus Christ for relief. On ‘Temple Bound,’ hosted by Will Humphreys, explore how temples offer not just solace but also powerful tools for navigating these turbulent times through faith in Jesus Christ. Tune in every Monday to hear Will Humphreys engage with guests who bring inspiring stories, profound teachings, and insights into accessing divine guidance through temple service. Each episode promises to enrich your understanding and strengthen your connection to the Savior in unique and transformative ways. Whether you’re seeking answers, yearning for peace, or in need of a miracle, ‘Temple Bound’ is your weekly spiritual refuge, helping you anchor your soul to the Savior. Join us on this sacred journey to deepen your faith and discover the blessings of temple worship.
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New Temple Announcement Marysville Washington TempleAnnounced by Hugo E Martinez at a devotional at the Marrysville stake center (in Lake Stevens) on Sunday April 19th)More candid reaction PhotosLocated 40 miles north of the temple in Bellvue Seventh Temple in Washington7-8 stakes in north Washington Meanwhile, the church is consolidating meetinghouses in the areaKirkland Temple?Temple open house begins Willamette Valley Oregon TempleMedia day on April 20thInterior Photos ReleasedDesign motifs draw inspiration from the lush Pacific Northwest landscape and features the mountain laurel and repeating prism patterns. Art-glass windows highlight the green vegetation and blue water of the nearby McKenzie and Willamette rivers.Open through May 9thYorba Linda California TempleMedia day on April 27thInterior Photos ReleasedArt-glass patterns use palm elements and rondels inspired by Spanish Mission architecture, along with custom jewels and hues of green, blue, soft white, orange and yellow.Open through May 23rdTemple dedications and open houses announced Lindon Utah Temple Dedication: May 3rd, presided by Henry B Eyring Ephraim Utah TempleMedia Day: August 31stOpen House: September 2nd to 19thDedication: October 11th, presided by Ronald RasbandTemple groundbreakingsTeresina Brazil TempleApril 18th, presided by Ciro SchmeilFirst in the state of Piauí, serving 9 stakes or districts in Piauí and Maranhão.Springfield Missouri Temple Scheduled for June 6th, presided by Aroldo B. CavalcanteTemple rendering released Buenos Aires City Center Argentina TempleUpdated Rendering Previous design had a taller steepleChurch Involved in a Legal dispute New Temple Leaders CalledCody Wyoming TempleJerry Michael Snyder and Clarlyn Ellen Workman Snyder, Worland 1st Ward, Worland Wyoming StakeMontpelier Idaho TempleBart Orr Christensen and Cherie Lynn Bullock Christensen, Grace 3rd Ward, Grace Idaho StakeTemple visitors center dedication announced Nauvoo Illinois TempleDedication on June 27th, presided by Gerrit Gong Construction UpdatesWichita Kansas TempleAnticipated to Open Later this YearCincinnati Ohio TempleGroundbreaking coming soon?Cleveland Ohio TempleFirst full-service temple in the area. Statistics Updated list of the countries without temples and the most church members
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Torn: Why People We Love Are Leaving the Church and What We Can Learn From Them, featuring a compelling foreword by Steve Young. The book will be available on Amazon in paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats. When the official website, tornbyjeffstrong.com, goes live on release day, it will be your main hub to learn more about Jeff, access bonus content, read testimonials from trusted Latter-day Saints, and score special discounts available only during the first 30 days. You can actually head to the site to get a head start by reading the introduction and first two chapters completely free. Be sure to follow @tornbyjeffstrong on Instagram and check out the Facebook page for the latest research insights, endorsements, and updates on the book.
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The post The Last Episode with the News Wizard 1038 appeared first on The Cultural Hall Podcast.
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Salt Lake Temple Renovation UpdatesNew Temple Visitors Center to Open to the publicWest Wing: Christus Statue East Wing: Temple Cutout model with moving wallsBasement: Temples around the world and “Inside a Temple”Press Conference with Dieter Uchtorf and Emily Belle Freeman To Open to Guests on May 18thNow full through JulyMore to open up on June 1st Inside the temple tour requires a reservationDownload the Temple Square appNew Art GlassNew StatuesNew Children’s exhibit7-day a week Open houseOfficial Dates: April 5, 2027 – October 1, 2027Being called a “celebration” instead of an open houseOpen house beginsDavao Philippines TempleMedia day on March 23rdAttended by nearly 100 press membersLocal CoverageInterior Photos Released“Traditional Filipino piña embroidery — a textile woven from fibers of the pineapple plant and often accompanied by local flora and geometric artisan designs”Through April 10thBacolod Philippines TemplesMedia day on April 13thGeneral Authority seventies address mediaLocal CoverageInterior Photos Released“Exterior and interior patterns draw inspiration from Filipino barong shirt designs, with colors from local flora, like the bird of paradise and native lilies.”Through May 2ndOpen House and Dedications scheduledBelo Horizonte Brazil TempleMedia Day: June 10th Open House: June 13th to 27thDedication: August 16th, presided by TBAMiraflores Guatemala City Guatemala TempleMedia Day: August 24thOpen House: August 27th to September 12thDedication: October 11th, presided by Gerritt GongManagua Nicaragua TempleMedia Day: September 7thOpen House: September 10th to 26thDedication: October 18th, presided by Ronald RasbandGroundbreakingHuehuetenango Guatemala TempleMarch 14th, presided by Patricio M. GiuffraMissoula Montana TempleAnnounced for June 6th, to be presided by José TeixeiraTemple Exterior Renderings Vienna Austria TempleTwo-Story building of 15,300 sq ftRectangular floorplan without a steeple or spireCuliacán Mexico TempleSingle-Story building of 10,000 sq ftSquare floorplan, spanish colonial style, terracotta cupulaTemple SitesCharlotte North Carolina TempleSite RELOCATED to 7.7 acres located at 5926 Mathews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill, North Carolina.Previous site in Weddington (25 minutes south)New Temple LeadersSmithfield Utah TempleMichael Lee Staheli and Linda Ann Gardner StaheliNeiafu Tonga TempleTukia-’I-Vava’U Havea and Linita Fekitoa HaveaConstruction UpdatesCody Wyoming Man arrested for threatening to kill construction workers Temple night light neighborhood drama Coeur d’Alene Idaho TempleDesign Review Commission meetingViña del Mar Chile TempleViña del Mar Ward commemorates last Sunday’s service in the current meetinghouse. Which is being prepared for demolition to prepare the temple site. Lubumbashi DRC TempleChristus statue placed outside templeFreetown Sierra Leone TempleWill have a children’s playground equitment Church Units in 2026Stakes22 Opened or formed from Districts9 Discontinued (all in Utah)Districts 6 Opened1 discontinued2025 Statistical Report HighlightsMost convert baptisms ever (passing 1990)New Children of Record continues to flat line or declineTeaching missionaries at a high (except for the age drop years) – 78,5694.9 converts per teaching missionary (highest since 2011 (5.1))94 new stakes, 7 discontinuedNet increase of 370 congregations Countries with biggest gains and losses44 countries with at least a 10% annual growth rateFirst ever year of membership decline in the United StatesNet decrease of 186 (rounds to -0.00% rate)This is despite a 17% growth in converts Membership records don’t take in the full picture
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Emily Susan Pack is a singer-songwriter, comedian, and social media personality known for her humorous and faith-focused music, particularly within the Latter-Day Saint (LDS) community. Based in Mesa, AZ, she creates relatable, often comedic, songs that blend storytelling with heartfelt themes. She has a large following on platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
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The post Cryfest from Richie and Al Carraway appeared first on The Cultural Hall Podcast.
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John C. Giles (born 1960) is an American attorney and Republican politician who served as the 40th Mayor of Mesa, Arizona, from 2014 until 2025. A Mesa native, Giles earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Brigham Young University and his Juris Doctor from Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. In addition to his political career, he is a practicing lawyer at Giles & Dickson and an adjunct law professor.
Giles first entered local politics as a member of the Mesa City Council from 1996 to 2000, which included a stint as Vice Mayor. He was elected Mayor in a 2014 special election and served two full terms before reaching his term limit in 2025. During his tenure, Giles focused heavily on community and infrastructure improvements. His key achievements include leading the “Off the Streets” program to combat homelessness, championing the Mesa College Promise to provide free community college to residents, and securing federal grants to expand electric vehicle infrastructure and public transit.
Though a member of the Republican Party, Giles gained national attention for his willingness to cross party lines. He endorsed Democrat Mark Kelly for the U.S. Senate in 2022 and served as co-chair of the Arizona chapter of Republicans for Harris during the 2024 presidential election, even speaking at the 2024 Democratic National Convention.
Outside of politics and law, Giles is a dedicated athlete who has completed multiple Ironman competitions and Boston Marathons. He also hosts It’s Always Cool in Mesa, a podcast highlighting the city’s culture and history. He and his wife, Dawn, have five children and eight grandchildren.
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A Viral LDS Love Story
TikTok creator Kami Skolmoski recently captured the internet’s attention with a ten-part video series detailing how she fell in love with, and eventually married, her Mormon mission companion. The article highlights both the romance of her story and the complex realities of being a queer person raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS).
Key Highlights of Kami’s Journey:Meeting on a Mission: Kami and her now-wife, Heysell, met in 2018 during their LDS mission in California, where Kami was actually assigned to be Heysell’s trainer.
Personal Struggles: Kami openly shared the hardships of her mission, which included battling an eating disorder, struggling with her mental health, figuring out her sexuality, and eventually being sent home early.
From Roommates to Wives: The two later reconnected as roommates at Brigham Young University in 2020. They eventually realized they were in love, proposed to each other in the summer of 2024, and eloped in Cannon Beach, Oregon in early 2025.
A Nuanced Relationship with Faith: Despite the LDS church’s anti-LGBTQ+ policies, Kami still considers herself Christian and occasionally attends church. She credits this to a deeply supportive local community that never turned its back on her.
Advocacy Over Institution: Kami maintains that she answers to God, not the church. She chooses to stay somewhat connected to her faith roots so she can act as an ally and advocate for other queer members navigating similar paths.
Link to Patreon
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- Visa fler
