LDS Church kicks off 'Worldwide Day of Service'


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SALT LAKE CITY — Did you hear it? See it? Experience it? Or follow it on social media?

Almost two dozen Utah musicians hit various venues across the valley Wednesday to kick off The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Worldwide Day of Service.

The day of service begins the Church's Light the World 2016 Christmas campaign. The month-long initiative encourages people to participate in any kind of service on each of the 25 days before Christmas.

Wednesday morning, a group of musicians started at the Salt Lake International Airport, greeting travelers with Christmas music and a little holiday spirit. Local actress/singer Monica Moore Smith said, "We're singing songs to kind of light the world, one song at a time ... kind of simple ways to brighten people's days."

But the songs of the season didn't just ring out at the airport. Musicians took their talents to local businesses, warehouses, firehouses and schools. Songs rang out all across the valley and the internet as the musicians live streamed their performances across social media.

At Granite Park Jr. High they put on a full concert for student refugees. Musician Shaun Barrowes even took online song requests from those watching the live stream.

Bloggers, Nephi and Bethani Garcia, also known as "Designer Daddy," came from California to participate in today's events.

"It's hard to change people, but it's easier for them to see examples from others," Nephi Garcia said.

"We travel a lot so basically, so wherever you go, make it better. Just make it happier, and the best thing you can sometimes give people is hope," Bethani Garcia said.

So what does initiative"Light the World" mean to these stars?

"Going around and making the best of every situation, including things like service just to emote goodness," singer Lexi Walker said.

"I feel like lighting the world is just our way of giving, our way of using our talents and abilities to brighten everyone else's life," Barrowes said.

Dec. 1 is the official "Worldwide Day of Service," which kicks off the month-long Christmas Campaign, "Light the World in 25 ways. Over 25 days." The goal is to have more than 100,000 people provide some kind of service on Thursday and promote it on social media using the hashtag #LightTheWorld.

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Erin Goff

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