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Saturday Afternoon Session | April 2025 General Conference

Apr 6, 2025

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195th Annual General Conference - Saturday Afternoon Session

Overview

  • Date & Location: Held at the Conference Center, Salt Lake City, Utah.
  • Participants: Leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
  • Music: Provided by a choir of young men and young women from Northern Utah.
  • Session Conducted by: Elder Ulyses Suarez.

Opening Remarks

  • President Russell M. Nelson viewed the session from home.
  • Invocation by Elder Alan T. Phillips.

Keynote Speakers and Messages

Elder Neil L. Andersen

  • Main Theme: Sanctity of Life.
  • Story: A young woman's unexpected pregnancy and the love and support from her church community.
  • Principles:
    • Ministering with love is key for disciples of Christ.
    • The church opposes elective abortions except in specific circumstances (rape, incest, mother's health, and severe fetal defects).
    • Emphasized the importance of the repentance process and the miracle of atonement.

Elder S. Mark Palmer

  • Main Theme: Returning to Faith.
  • Story: The metaphor of a fallen willow tree that was revived reflects the journey of returning to faith.
  • Encouragement: Invites those who have left the church to return and feel the joy and love within the community.
  • Key Points:
    • The journey back to faith is challenging but rewarding.
    • Support of family and community is crucial in this process.

Elder Sandino Roman

  • Theme: Faith in Jesus Christ as Trust.
  • Personal Experience: Saving a friend from drowning was likened to reaching out for the Lord’s power.
  • Principles:
    • Trust in Jesus is developed through recognizing His blessings.
    • Building a personal relationship with God involves sincere prayer and covenant making.
    • Faith is shown by being loyal and keeping commandments.

Elder Dale G. Renlund

  • Main Theme: Preparation for the Second Coming.
  • Parables of Preparation:
    • The Ten Virgins: Be wise by accepting the gospel and avoiding deception.
    • The Talents: Magnify God-given abilities without comparison.
    • The Sheep and Goats: Serve others, especially the most vulnerable.
  • Encouragement: Trust in Jesus and be optimistic about His return.

Elder Hans T. Boom

  • Theme: Faith of Generations.
  • Personal Accounts: Stories of his parents' and in-laws' faith.
  • Message: Encourages the younger generation to learn from the faith of their ancestors and to continue building their testimonies.

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

  • Theme: Community and Belonging in the Church.
  • Story: A visit to a small branch in Germany demonstrated the power of love and unity among church members.
  • Encouragement: All are welcome in the Church, and diversity within the Church is a strength.

Closing

  • Acknowledgment of speakers and musical performances.
  • Benediction by Sister Jannette Dennis.

The session emphasized themes of faith, repentance, love, community, service, and preparation for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Each speaker highlighted different aspects of these themes, sharing personal stories and testimonies to encourage and uplift the congregation.

Full transcript