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In the Almanac
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Kaitlyn Bancroft

Kaitlyn Bancroft is a reporter with Church News. Previously, she’s written for KSL.com, The Salt Lake Tribune, The Spectrum & Daily News (part of the USA TODAY NETWORK), The Denver Post, Deseret News and The Davis Clipper. She’s a 2019 graduate of Brigham Young University’s journalism program, where she worked at The Daily Universe for four years. Follow her work on Twitter @katbancroft or on Instagram @katbancroftreports, and email her at kbancroft@deseretnews.com.

The reconstructed Smith log home in Palmyra, New York, is shown in 2009. The log home is where Joseph Smith lived at the time of the First Vision and of the angel Moroni’s first visit.
History Revisited
How the Palmyra New York Stake commemorated 200 years since angel Moroni’s visit to Joseph Smith
Local Church members met near the Smith family farm for a special devotional that included music, personal reflection and remarks about Moroni’s life.
Paul sitting at a table and writing an epistle to the Corinthians in a Bible video.
Living Faith
‘Come, Follow Me’ for Sept. 25-Oct. 1: What have Church leaders and scholars said about Galatians?
This week’s study guide includes the apostle Paul’s writings on dissension, adoption and the fruits of the Spirit.
An aerial view of a large crowd of young adults walking through a wide hallway.
Living Faith
Here’s how the Utah Area Young Single Adult Conference went
From a concert and a dance to a devotional given by an Apostle, young single adults in Utah had plenty to enjoy throughout the month of August.
Elder Gary E. Stevenson stands and speaks at a podium with others on seated on the stand and in the audience in Iceland conference.
Leaders & Ministry
Be ‘of one heart, of one mind,’ Elder Stevenson says during Iceland, Scotland, England ministry
Elder Gary E. Stevenson is the first Apostle to ministry in Iceland in over 20 years.
A statue of Ellis Reynolds Shipp was dedicated at This Is the Place Heritage Park in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023.
History Revisited
This Is the Place Heritage Park honors medical career of Ellis Reynolds Shipp with new statue
Ellis Shipp became a doctor in 1878, then returned home to train hundreds of women as midwives and deliver thousands of babies.
BYU–Pathway Worldwide President Brian K. Ashton, right, and his wife, Sister Melinda Ashton, sit in armchairs with a table between them, during a devotional.
Living Faith
Keep covenants to receive ‘divine help,’ BYU–Pathway president and wife tell students
By keeping covenants, individuals can achieve what was previously impossible, BYU–Pathway Worldwide President Brian K. Ashton and his wife, Sister Melinda Ashton, said during a Sept. 19 devotional.
Actor Sean Astin speaks with emcee Kirby Heyborne at the final day of the 2023 RootsTech conference at the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City.
Global
2024 RootsTech registration now open
The annual family history conference takes place Feb. 29-March 2, 2024, in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Paul writes about Jesus Christ in this scene from the Bible Videos series.
Living Faith
‘Come, Follow Me’ for Sept. 18-24: What have Church leaders and scholars said about 2 Corinthians 8-13?
This week’s study guide includes the apostle Paul’s writings on grace, the third heaven and God’s “unspeakable gift.”
JustServe volunteers pack meals for the National Day of Service and Remembrance in Phoenix, Arizona.
Members
How volunteers took part in 9/11 Day of Service around U.S. and Canada
Volunteers gave countless hours of service on the National Day of Service and Remembrance, which honors those who died during the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001
Brigham Young University–Idaho President Alvin F. Meredith III and his wife, Sister Jennifer Meredith, make heart shapes with their hands during the opening devotional for fall semester on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023.
Leaders & Ministry
Rely on Jesus Christ and become more like Him through principles in the Honor Code, BYU–Idaho president and wife teach
Brigham Young University–Idaho President Alvin F. Meredith III and his wife, Sister Jennifer Meredith, gave the opening devotional for fall semester.
Two women sit outside and study the “Come, Follow Me” manual together.
Living Faith
‘Come, Follow Me’ for Sept. 11-17: What have Church leaders and scholars said about 2 Corinthians 1-7?
This week’s study guide includes the apostle Paul’s teachings on personal conversion and “godly sorrow.”
BYU–Hawaii President John S.K. Kauwe III, right, sits next to his wife, Sister Monica Kauwe, during the opening devotional for fall semester at Brigham Young University–Hawaii on Tuesday, Sept. 5.
Living Faith
Know Jesus Christ and live by Honor Code, BYU–Hawaii president and wife tell students
BYU–Hawaii President John S.K. Kauwe III and his wife, Monica Kauwe, gave the opening devotional for fall semester.
A family has scripture study using the “Come, Follow Me” manual.
Living Faith
‘Come, Follow Me’ for Sept. 4-10: What have Church leaders and scholars said about 1 Corinthians 14-16?
This week’s study guide includes the apostle Paul’s teachings on the resurrection and celestial glory.
Latter-day Saint Charles Downey knits hats for newborn babies. Downey knit over 500 hats before he passed away in July 2023.
Living Faith
How this Latter-day Saint in Kentucky found a unique way to serve while on dialysis
Health challenges didn’t stop Charles Downey from finding ways to serve his community.
Natalie Nilsen helps a guest at the Project Connect event in Mesa, Arizona.
Living Faith
How these young single adults in Arizona served the homeless
Local YSA stakes provided food, clothing and other resources during a one-day special event called Project Connect.
In this Bible image from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Paul is depicted writing to Church members.
Living Faith
‘Come, Follow Me’ for Aug. 28-Sep. 3: What have Church leaders and scholars said about 1 Corinthians 8-13?
This week’s study guide includes the apostle Paul’s teachings on charity, resisting temptation and “the body of Christ.”
Sunday School General President Mark L. Pace speaks during a BYU Education Week presentation on Aug. 21, 2023.
Leaders & Ministry
Sunday School general presidency shares changes to 2024 ‘Come, Follow Me’ during BYU Education Week
Starting next year, “Come, Follow Me” will feature one consolidated manual rather than four separate study guides.
Becky Hinchcliff talking to young adults from the front of a large room.
Leaders & Ministry
Mental health professionals offer life help during young single adult conference
Topics included anxiety, depression, perfectionism and emotional resilience.
A large room full of young people and experience booths with family history displays.
Family History
YSAs connect with their ancestors, each other in family history events at the Utah Area YSA conference
Young single adults at Gather Together Conference on Aug. 19 connected with each other and their own family history in the conference’s Family History series of events.
The super moon rises in the sky in front of the Apollo’s temple at ancient Corinth, about 80 kilometers (50 miles) southwest of Athens, Sunday, Aug. 10, 2014.
Living Faith
‘Come, Follow Me’ for Aug. 21-27: What have Church leaders and scholars said about 1 Corinthians 1-7?
This week’s study guide includes the apostle Paul’s teachings on unity, marriage and the sacredness of bodies.
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Living Faith
Here’s what Church leaders and others taught during ‘Christ Daily’ talks at young single adult conference
The 30-minute TED Talk-style messages were given by a variety of Latter-day Saints such as Sister Kristin M. Yee and former Utah congresswoman Mia Love.
President Camille N. Johnson speaks at the Gather Together Conference, part of the Utah Area YSA Conference, at the Salt Palace Convention Center.
Leaders & Ministry
Seek living water, let Jesus Christ ‘mind the gap,’ President Johnson tells young single adults
Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson opened the Gather Together Conference with a keynote address focused on covenants and the Savior.
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Members
Latino Latter-day Saints celebrate 100 years of Spanish-speaking congregations in Utah
Hundreds of community members enjoyed Latin American food, dancing and music at “Celebración de 100 Años.”
Single adults participate in the Utah Area YSA Conference 5K sunset fun run at the Saratoga Springs Utah Temple on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023.
Members
Young single adults run toward the temple — literally and figuratively — during ‘Together in Christ’ conference
Thousands of YSAs gathered at the new Saratoga Springs Utah Temple on Aug. 12 for a 5K symbolizing the gospel path.
A woman sits on a couch while reading scriptures. This week’s “Come, Follow Me” study guide includes the apostle Paul’s writings on grace, the third heaven and God’s “unspeakable gift.”
Living Faith
‘Come, Follow Me’ for Aug. 14-20: What have Church leaders and scholars said about Romans 7-16?
This week’s study guide includes the apostle Paul’s teachings on God’s love, the divinity of bodies and how the Savior changes human nature.
Sunday School General President Mark L. Pace, left, and his wife, Sister Anne Marie Pace, speak with a missionary
Leaders & Ministry
President and Sister Pace teach importance of prayer, scripture study at MTC devotional
Sunday School General President Mark L. Pace and his wife, Sister Anne Marie Pace, taught from the “Preach My Gospel” manual during an Aug. 8 devotional at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah.
A man sits cross-legged while reading the scriptures.
Living Faith
‘Come, Follow Me’ for Aug. 7-13: What have Church leaders and scholars said about Romans 1-6?
This week’s study guide includes the Apostle Paul’s teachings on repentance, justification and grace.
A group of young single adults walk together.
Members
Utah Area YSA Conference: New registration deadline, sold-out events, Jordin Sparks replaces Tori Kelly
Young single adults attending the Utah Area YSA Conference should be aware of several event updates.
Sashika Baunchand stands in the ocean wearing a white dress and sunflowers in her hair.
Members
How this woman lost her job, returned to Church and started a nonprofit for girls
Sashika Baunchand founded Outstanding Mature Girlz in 2013 after a variety of trials and blessings.
The Temple Mount and Old City in Jerusalem on Sunday, April 23, 2023.
Living Faith
‘Come, Follow Me’ for July 31-Aug. 6: What have Church leaders and scholars said about Acts 22-28?
This week’s study guide includes Paul’s return to Jerusalem, his meeting with King Agrippa and his journey to Rome.