Introductory Message
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What is the new purpose and procedure for the Saturday evening session of general conference?
- How does the Church plan to utilize current communication resources and travel opportunities?
- How does President Oaks emphasize the importance and role of women in the Church?
- What remains constant despite the changes in the Church's methods of communication?
Topics
Understanding the Evolution of Saturday Sessions
President Oaks discusses the history of Saturday sessions and how they have evolved over time. He explains that while the gospel and its doctrines do not change, the meetings and methods of communication do and likely will continue to evolve.
Our Saturday sessions have a history of different purposes and different audiences.
The gospel of Jesus Christ does not change. Gospel doctrine does not change. Our personal covenants do not change. But over the years, the meetings we hold to communicate our messages do change and very likely will continue to change over the years.
- What is the history of Saturday sessions?
- What changes have been made to the Saturday sessions over the years?
- What remains constant despite the changes in the Church's methods of communication?
- How do you feel about the changes in the Saturday sessions?
- How have these changes affected your understanding and appreciation of the gospel?
Emphasizing the Role of Women in the Church
President Oaks stresses the importance and role of women in the Church. He explains that this session is focused on the concerns of Latter-day Saint women, including Church doctrine, policies related to women, and the responsibilities and work of organizations that include women and girls.
Tonight this Saturday evening session of general conference will concentrate on the concerns of Latter-day Saint women.
We honor the daughters of God in this special session by concentrating on their concerns and those of their organizations.
- What is the focus of this session of general conference?
- How does President Oaks honor the women of the Church in this session?
- As a woman in the Church, how do you feel about this focus on women's concerns?
- What can you do to contribute to the work of the organizations that include women and girls in the Church?
Leveraging Technology and Travel Opportunities
President Oaks discusses how the Church is leveraging technology and travel opportunities to communicate messages and conduct training. He expresses gratitude for these resources and opportunities, which enable the Church to reach specific audiences and conduct face-to-face leadership training in the field.
What we are initiating here is responsive to the communication resources currently available to the Lord’s worldwide Church leadership and membership.
We are grateful that broadcast technology now gives Church leaders the capacity to conduct detailed training by addressing specific audiences in the field.
- How is the Church utilizing current communication resources and travel opportunities?
- Why are these resources and opportunities important for the Church?
- How have you benefited from the Church's use of technology and travel opportunities?
- How can you make the most of these resources and opportunities in your own gospel learning and service?
Reaffirming the Work of the Lord
President Oaks reaffirms that the work being done is the work of the Lord Jesus Christ and that Church leaders and members are His servants. He invokes blessings upon the leaders and the faithful women and girls who serve the Lord.
This is the work of the Lord Jesus Christ. We are His servants, directed by His Holy Spirit.
We invoke the blessings of our Lord upon the leaders of these organizations and upon the faithful women and girls who serve the Lord in these organizations and in their individual lives.
- What does President Oaks reaffirm about the nature of the work being done in the Church?
- Who does President Oaks invoke blessings upon?
- How do you see yourself as a servant of the Lord in your Church service and personal life?
- How have you felt the Lord's blessings in your service and personal life?
