The Saturday Evening Session of General Conference is back on! After announcing in June that the Saturday Evening session would be discontinued, the brethren saw the need to bring back the session but with a different format.
The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sent the following letter to leaders of the faith around the world.
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
A basic principle of the gospel of Jesus Christ is the blessing of continuing revelation wherein the Lord reveals His will, “giving line upon line, precept upon precept; here a little, and there a little” (Doctrine and Covenants 128:21). The Lord directs His work according to changing circumstances and needs. For example, the format and schedule of general conference have been changed many times over the years. Some sessions of general conference were designated for specific groups of members or leaders, such as the welfare session, the women’s session, the priesthood session, and other sessions designed to address topics pertinent to specific organizations of the Church.
In June 2021, we announced changes to the next general conference wherein the Saturday evening session would no longer be held. This decision was based on changes in technology that make it possible for all members and friends to view each session of general conference, including the women’s session and the priesthood session.
We recognize the increasing challenges facing members of the Church worldwide in our day. An important way to fortify against these challenges comes through hearing the word of God (see Alma 31:5). Therefore, after additional study and prayer, we have felt impressed to continue to hold the Saturday evening session of general conference, albeit in a different format than in the past.
Beginning with the October 2021 semiannual general conference, the Saturday evening session will be continued. All members and friends of the Church are invited to view this session. It will not have a specific theme, nor will it be intended for any particular demographic or leadership group. Holding this session will allow for more gospel topics to be taught and permit more general leaders to address the conference.
We have felt impressed to continue to hold the Saturday evening session of general conference, albeit in a different format than in the past.
We thank the Lord for His direction in this matter. We express our deep love and appreciation for the faithful members of the Church throughout the world and look forward to general conference, when the word of the Lord will be imparted through His servants.
Sincerely yours,
The First Presidency
Russell M. Nelson
Dallin H. Oaks
Henry B. Eyring
When I first saw the headline, it seemed like a reverse course, but the more I think about it, it was definitely a line upon line m0ment. Many times for additional light to come, we need to take a step into the darkness and take action. Only after we do that does additional light, knowledge, and direction come.
We need more of the word of God, but we don’t necessarily need to hear it apart from each other. No more women’s or men’s session. No more priesthood or relief society. We need more of the word of God to all the saints to help us build unity in the body of Christ. How awesome is this going to be!
I’m more excited than ever. October 2021 can’t come soon enough! What are your thoughts on this change?
@Carol Bassist,
I am so grateful for the return change.
I love listening to the leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints give me direction in my life that brings a sense of peace and comfort to my soul. Their messages help me when I’m feeling down, lonely or struggling with my physical challenges. As I’ve gotten older, I forget things more quickly and need reminders frequently to help me remember the words of my Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ. It helps me feel their love for me.
Thank you, President Nelson and all the General Authorities
I love God’s word.
I was hoping they would bring the session back because we need it. In our day and at this time and with all that is happening in the world we need this Session as we do the others.
This is perfect❣️
@Chris,
Cris, President Nelson answered that in his statement; you may want to read it again. He said that the new format is going to be gospel education; that the old format of addressing specifically priesthood, Relief Society, Young Men/Women is done away.
I’m glad you are excited too!
Yeah, my in-laws were also talking about the welfare sessions that used to happen as well.
I am very excited about the change for the Saturday session of General Conference. The more sessions for everyone the better. Back in the 50’s I remember sessions were held on Friday also.
I am inspired, encouraged and feel so blessed to be led by prophets who hear the word of the Lord. They knew and felt a change needed to be made – acted – and then were prompted again by the Lord in the direction they should go. It brought tears to read their letter. I am certain that if we will listen, and respond to personal revelation from the Lord he will continue to do the same for us in our lives.
@Isaac Kweku Essel,
@Ben Arkell,
I am so happy that we are going to have the Saturday night session of the Confenrence. I love Conferene time. I love to watch and hear what the Prophet of God has to tell us being totally direct by the Lord. I love all the talks and the music played. Thanks, Heavenly Father for directing us ,Thy children on Earth!
Great News. Thanks.
Me neither!
Same here!
Yeah, President Nelson won’t disappoint! It should be interesting to see how it unfolds.
Agreed!
This should be a very exciting session! I love conference! Excited to see who gets to speak.
I love it! No separation of men and women, priesthood and Relief Society is another step in the right direction of unification. I am so thankful for ongoing revelation.
I’m excited for General Conference and for the Saturday Evening Session coming back, and I look forward to the new format…
I’m excited to see what the new format will be!
Happy Camper here!
We can’t wait!