A Glorious Weekend

by Marsha Ward

Mormons all over the world are engaged this weekend in what is termed "General Conference." That is a world-wide broadcast of addresses from the assembly of leaders (General Authorities) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City, Utah, in the huge Conference Center. They speak on religious topics in five sessions over two days: four meetings that are aimed at the general membership of the Church and anyone else who wants to listen, and one meeting for the males members, called the priesthood session.

The four general sessions will be held on Saturday and Sunday at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. mountain daylight time. The priesthood session will be held on Saturday, March 31, at 6:00 p.m. mountain daylight time.

Not only are LDS members gathered in church buildings throughout the nations, some are able to stay in their pajamas and watch the proceedings at home via the BYU Channel. Others listen or watch on the Internet. There are other ways to participate, such as radio broadcasts, but you get the picture.

The words of the leaders--some of whom we members sustain as prophets, seers, and revelators--may be of counsel, exhortation, advice, or comfort. It is preaching of the purest sort, a call to come unto Christ and become the best you that you are capable of being.

I never tire of the twice-yearly Conferences. They are a wonderful opportunity to be reminded of my deepest roots of faith, and of my obligation to others.

I hope that if you are not of our faith, you might avail yourself of the chance to hear a living prophet of God speak to the world. It can't hurt you, and you might hear something to set your soul at rest. Who knows? Well, God does.

For more information on LDS Conference, see LDS.org. Archives of the sessions are posted for viewing or reading several days after the conference, so if you miss this weekend, you can still participate later.

[edited] Words cannot express my joy and sense that my spirit has been fed immensely this weekend. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir sang one of my all-time favorite hymns, "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing," just after the Prophet of God spoke on Sunday Morning.