195th Annual General Conference - Saturday Evening Session

General Information

• Location: Conference Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
• Music: Provided by a combined choir from Brigham Young University
• Session Conducted by: Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Opening Remarks

• Elder Neil L. Andersen expressed gratitude and prayers for blessings upon participants.
• President Russell M. Nelson was observing from home due to health reasons.
• Invocation by Elder Edward Dubet emphasized gratitude for the Easter season and blessings on leaders and attendees.

Keynote Speakers & Topics

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

• Theme: Light of Christ and its global impact
• Shared a personal story about a customs officer's reaction to a picture of the Savior.
• Emphasized the importance of focusing on Christ in church symbols, names, and celebrations.
• Encouraged intentional and Christ-centered Easter celebrations.

Sister Amy A. Wright

• Theme: Discipleship and the Sermon on the Mount
• Shared son's experience with moral compass rooted in Jesus Christ.
• Discussed lifelong discipleship beginning in homes and primary.
• Stressed belief in, belonging to, and becoming like Jesus Christ.

Elder James R. Rasband

• Theme: Mercy and the Temple
• Shared insights from studying the dedicatory prayer of the Kirtland Temple.
• Emphasized the temple as a place of mercy and spiritual empowerment.
• Encouraged seeking the Lord's mercy as a way to receive the Holy Ghost.

Elder Serio R. Vargas

• Theme: Spiritual Journey and Divine Guidance
• Related life lessons learned from observing salmon's life cycle.
• Stressed spiritual nourishment and the importance of covenants and the temple.
• Emphasized covenant relationship with God and overcoming life's challenges.

Concluding Remarks by Elder D. Todd Christofferson

• Theme: Worship and Emulation of Deity
• Discussed what constitutes worship in actions and attitudes.
• Stressed exclusivity of worship to God and Jesus Christ.
• Urged emulation of divine attributes as an ultimate form of worship.

Musical Performances

• Choir performed "Hail the Day that Sees Him Rise," "Sweet is the Peace the Gospel Brings," "Were You There?" and "Rejoice the Lord is King."

Closing Remarks

• Gratitude expressed for the spirit of the session.
• Reminder of upcoming Sunday Morning Session and Music and the Spoken Word broadcast.
• Benediction by Elder Gregorio E. Casillas.

Key Messages

• Focus on Jesus Christ in personal and communal worship practices.
• Importance of living a covenant life and being true disciples of Christ.
• Encouragement for a deeper, more intentional observance of Easter and other religious celebrations.