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In the News
In the Almanac
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Rachel Sterzer Gibson

Rachel is a reporter for the Church News, sharing stories intended to inspire, enlighten and build faith.

BYU professor Jenet Erickson stands in a living room to deliver a message to BYU–Pathway students.
Living Faith
Despite unfulfilled yearnings in family life, Christ’s Atonement makes it possible for ‘our eternal family’
BYU professor Jenet Erickson testifies of “The Grand Story of Our Eternal Family,” during BYU–Pathway Worldwide devotional.
An aerial photo of the Kanton Atoll in Kiribati, with several green and sand rimmed islands in a blue ocean.
Global
How the Church is helping address one of the biggest issues in Kiribati
The Church and the Kiribati government recently partnered to help some of the outer islands get clean drinking water.
A giant Christmas wreath hangs from the pipes of the organ in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City during the First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional.
Leaders & Ministry
How to watch or attend First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional this year
The First Presidency’s Christmas Devotional will be held on Sunday, Dec. 3, with music provided by The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square.
President Eyring sits with his arm around his wife, Sister Kathleen Eyring.
Leaders & Ministry
Following his wife’s death, President Eyring expresses gratitude, hope on social media
President Eyring wrote he was both “humbled and grateful” for the prayers and service rendered to him and his family since Sister Eyring “passed onto the other side of the veil.”
John S. Tanner and Susan W. Tanner speak side by side at the pulpit of the Marriott Center.
Living Faith
What Halloween has to do with ‘fulfilling the dream’ of BYU
Brother and Sister Tanner speak during Halloween forum about honoring the dead — or the past builders of BYU.
The St. George Utah Temple when it was under construction in April 2021.
Temples
Read the original St. George temple dedicatory prayer and why Brigham Young was not the one who gave it
Knowing its importance, did Brigham Young dedicate the St. George temple? The answer is complicated
The Mou Tham family pose for a photo in front of the Hamilton New Zealand Temple in 1963.
Global
Family featured in President Monson address returns to Hamilton New Zealand Temple
The Mou Tham family, featured in President Monson’s 2011 conference address, recently returned to the Hamilton temple to celebrate the 50th anniversary of being sealed there.
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Leaders & Ministry
Sister Kathleen Johnson Eyring remembered as beloved wife, mother and ‘true woman of God’
In a written tribute, President Nelson said Sister Eyring’s matchless life is a cause for “celestial celebration.”
President Henry B. Eyring and his wife, Sister Kathleen Eyring leave the Conference Center.
Leaders & Ministry
Funeral information for Sister Kathleen Johnson Eyring
A public viewing will be held on Friday, Oct. 20, with the funeral held on Saturday, Oct. 21.
Sister Tracy Y. Browning, second counselor in the Primary general presidency, speaks to BYU–Pathway Worldwide students during a devotional broadcast.
Leaders & Ministry
Like Moses, God will give His children the vision needed to accomplish His work, Sister Browning testifies
Sister Browning taught BYU–Pathway Worldwide students lessons, principles and truths from Moses’ face-to-face experience with God.
A campus sign at the entrance of Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.
Living Faith
Today is BYU’s 148th birthday. Here are 9 quotes from Church leaders about its prophetic destiny
Brigham Young University, originally known as Brigham Young Academy, was founded Oct. 16, 1875.
President Henry B. Eyring and his wife, Sister Kathleen Eyring, pictured in 2009 at the Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple dedication
Leaders & Ministry
Sister Kathleen J. Eyring, wife of President Henry B. Eyring, dies at age 82 following a life of deep conviction to the gospel
Sister Kathleen Johnson Eyring — a wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother — is remembered for a life of serving others, strengthening family.
Elder Eduardo Ayala and Sister Blanca Espinoza de Ayala pose for a photo on Temple Square
Members
Sister Blanca Espinoza Gonzalez de Ayala, widow of Elder Eduardo Ayala, dies at age 84
After a life of service to her family, the Church and community, Sister Ayala passed away in Valparaíso, Chile.
Young Women General President Bonnie H. Cordon speaks with a devotional attendee.
Members
Bonnie H. Cordon named new president of Southern Virginia University
The former Young Women general president, who finished her general Church service on Aug. 1, will serve as the university’s 10th president.
Young Women’s President Emily Belle Freeman, Elder D. Todd Christofferson and Elder Kevin W. Pearson, a General Authority Seventy, laugh.
Leaders & Ministry
Church leaders encourage Latter-day Saint youth in Utah to ‘dream big’ in regards to education
Elder Christofferson, President Freeman, Elder Pearson and Elder Gilbert participate in education devotional broadcast throughout all of Utah.
Elder Ronald A. Rasband and Elder D. Todd Christofferson applaud after installing President Alvin F. Meredith as the 18th president of BYU–Idaho.
Leaders & Ministry
Elder Meredith inaugurated as 18th president of BYU–Idaho
During the installation, Elder D. Todd Christofferson tasks President Meredith with preserving the hallmarks of a BYU–Idaho education.
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Members
As a newcomer to BYU–Idaho, President Meredith shares his impressions of the university
As he prepares for his inauguration, President Alvin F. Meredith talks about what he’s learned and what he loves about the the school he’s been called to lead.
The McAllen Texas Temple on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
Temples
McAllen Texas Temple dedicatory prayer: Read Elder Uchtdorf’s blessing upon the Saints
“Bless Thy faithful sons and daughters in this part of Thy vineyard with Thy love and Thine encircling arms of mercy.”
President Russell M. Nelson speaks through video message during the 193rd Semiannual General Conference.
Leaders & Ministry
Read invitations from the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles from October 2023 general conference
“I invite you to take the long view — an eternal view” and “put Jesus Christ first,” says President Nelson during recent conference.
President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency shakes the hand of Samoa’s Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa.
Leaders & Ministry
Members of First Presidency meet with prime minister of Samoa
President Oaks, President Eyring and Elder Soares greeted Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa of the Independent State of Samoa, in the Church Administration Building.
A photo of the exterior of the renovated St. George Utah Temple, which will be rededicated in December 2023.
Temples
An inside look at the newly renovated St. George Utah Temple
What’s changed and what’s original following the renovation of the historic St. George Utah Temple, which will be rededicated in December.
President Henry B. Eyring, second counselor in the First Presidency, speaks during the Sunday morning session.
General Conference
What President Eyring wants his family to know about the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost
President Eyring has pondered “what I might teach my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren about how to have that crucial guidance.”
President Henry B. Eyring, second counselor in the First Presidency, speaks during the Sunday morning session
General Conference
President Henry B. Eyring: ‘Our Constant Companion’
“If you have felt the influence of the Holy Ghost today, you may take it as a sweet evidence that the Atonement is working in your life,” said President Henry B. Eyring.
Brother Jan E. Newman of the Sunday School general presidency speaks from the Conference Center pulpit.
General Conference
Brother Jan E. Newman: ‘Preserving the Voice of the Covenant People in the Rising Generation’
“Let us accept the Savior’s invitation and bring our children to Him,” said Brother Jan E. Newman.
Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles speaks at the pulpit of the Conference Center in downtown Salt Lake City.
General Conference
Elder Neil L. Andersen: ‘Tithing: Opening the Windows of Heaven’
“Being honest in our tithes is one way we show our willingness to put the Lord first in our lives,” Elder Neil L. Andersen taught.
The sun shines on Temple Square during the Saturday morning session of October 2023 general conference.
General Conference
Saturday morning session: See photos, read summaries from the opening of October 2023 general conference
President Eyring noted the absence of President Nelson and Elder Holland in the Conference Center and the recent death of Sister Patricia Holland.
Christus statue stands in front of a night sky background
Living Faith
Rachel Sterzer Gibson: Things to remember when we feel like we’re forever falling short
Two lessons to remember when we feel weak or mistake-prone or sinful or want to “hide ourselves” from God
A depiction of Jesus is displayed on the wall while a young service missionary stocks shelves with canned goods in the bishops’ storehouse
Members
Young service missionaries to be integrated into teaching missions, Church announces
The integration will begin in January 2024.
Kahului Hawaii West Stake President Benjamin Hanks and his wife, Nanci Hanks, pose for a photo with a BYU–Hawaii student.
Members
Maui stake president shares miracles and lessons learned from Lahaina fires
During a BYU–Hawaii devotional, Kahului stake president shared four ways to remember to find Jesus — and recognize His miracles — “as we go.”
BYU President C. Shane Reese hugs his wife, Sister Wendy Reese, after being installed as president of Brigham Young University while President Dallin H. Oaks looks on.
Leaders & Ministry
Church leaders inaugurate C. Shane Reese as the 14th president of BYU
President Oaks, Elder Christofferson, Elder Rasband and President Johnson participated in the inauguration for BYU’s next leader.