Saturday morning session: Summaries from Latter-day Saint general conference

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SALT LAKE CITY — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is holding its 191st Semiannual General Conference Saturday, Oct. 2 and Sunday, Oct. 3. This blog summarizes the key points from the Saturday morning session.

Follow along with our blog updates or watch each session live below.

For a glossary of the Latter-day Saint terminology used in this blog, click here.

Saturday, 12:34 pm

President Dallin H. Oaks: The need for a church

President Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, spoke about the importance of attending church. The first part of his talk encouraged religious individuals of all faiths to attend church. Then he talked about the benefits that are unique to attendance in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."Church attendance can open our hearts and sanctify our souls," President Oaks said.He said that in the scriptures, including the bible and modern revelation, the need for a church is taught clearly.He also pointed out that all people need to associate with others and said one of the best ways to do so is in church.

"Attendance and activity in a church help us become better people and better influences in the lives of others." —President @OaksDallinH #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/FttuQ61qdB

— The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (@Ch_JesusChrist) October 2, 2021Attendance in the restored Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, President Oaks said, connects members of the church to the blessings of the priesthood and the "fullness of restored doctrine.""Members who forego church attendance and rely only on individual spirituality separate themselves from these gospel essentials … They forfeit their opportunity to qualify for an eternal perpetuation of their family," President Oaks said.He spoke about the benefits of being a part of the church organization, including learning love and patience from interacting with others, blessings from living commandments, uniting in large service efforts, and receiving counsel from leaders."Church attendance gives us the strength and enhancement of faith that comes from associating with other believers and worshiping together with those who are also striving to stay on the covenant path and be better disciples of Christ," Oaks said.— Emily Ashcraft

Saturday, 12:01 pm

Patricio M. Giuffra: A faithful search rewarded

Elder Patricio M. Giuffra, a General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, began his talk in the Saturday morning session speaking of the pioneers who headed westward toward Zion. He spoke of the adversity they faced as they pressed forward in faith and because of this, he later was able to join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.Elder Giuffra said when he was 14, he began to question religion and faith. He began to attend another church of a different denomination and planned to visit many different churches. He saw two missionaries entering his neighbor's home and began to visit with them. The missionaries began to teach Elder Giuffra and his family.

#ElderGiuffra | #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/A9ZC3UpK2m

— LDS Living (@LDSLivingMag) October 2, 2021The missionaries taught the family of Jesus Christ and a 14-year-old boy named Joseph Smith, a prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, whose story paralleled Elder Giuffra's experience.During that lesson, Elder Giuffra said the Spirit confirmed several truths to him:

God listens to all his children's prayers and heaven is open to all.

God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three separate beings.

Humanity is created in the image of God.

Through Joseph Smith, Jesus Christ restored his gospel and true church to the Earth.

The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ.

Elder Giuffra said that because of the missionaries and their faith in Jesus Christ, he was able to join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints along with his family. He invited everyone to "continually increase our faith in Christ, who has changed the lives of my beloved mother and me and continues to change the lives of all who seek him."—Ashley Fredde

Saturday, 11:49 am

Elder Clark G. Gilbert: Becoming more in Christ — the parable of the slope

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints should care more about the divine potential of God's children and what they do with what they have rather than their starting point, said Elder Clark G. Gilbert, General Authority Seventy."In the Lord's timing, it is not where we start but where we're headed that matters most," he said.

"We believe in the divine potential of all of God's children and in our ability to become something more in Christ. In the Lord's timing, it is not where we start but where we are headed that matters most." —Elder Clark G. Gilbert, Oct. 2021 #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/pLHRYUjtUZ

— The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (@Ch_JesusChrist) October 2, 2021Elder Gilbert explained this concept using a parable based on basic mathematics: the formula for a line. Some people could start at a higher intercept or starting point than others, with an easier, more privileged life. Others could have a lower starting point with more obstacles. But Christ cares more about the slope of the line and whether we are building on what we have or falling short, he said."Our future will be determined far less by our starting point and much more by our slope. Jesus Christ sees divine potential no matter where we start," he said.

"Our future will be determined far less by our starting point and much more by our slope. Jesus Christ sees divine potential no matter where we start." #ElderGilbert | #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/SDVluIxX0V

— Trent Toone (@tbtoone) October 2, 2021Christ sees the potential in the beggar, sinner and infirm as well as the fisherman, tax collector and zealot, Elder Gilbert added. People who are struggling with difficult starting points can know that the Savior knows their struggles and balance acknowledging those circumstances and focusing on the future instead of defining themselves by those starting points.For people with higher starting points, "Can we show some humility for those circumstances we may not have created ourselves?" Elder Gilbert asked.The church creates so much opportunity for its members, no matter their circumstances, to keep their "slopes pointed heavenward" by serving, repenting and becoming better people, he concluded.—Jenny Rollins

Saturday, 11:41 am

Elder D. Todd Christofferson: The love of God

Elder D. Todd Christofferson spoke about the love God and Jesus Christ have for each person and said relying on that love and showing love for God by following commandments will lead to a happier life."His is a father's pure love — universal to all, yet personal to each," Elder Christofferson said.This divine love, shown by God and Christ, can give individuals more confidence in their prayers and in their reliance on the atonement of Christ.

"The commandments of God are strict because His kingdom and its citizens can stand only if they consistently reject evil and choose good, without exception." @ChristoffDTodd | #GeneralConference

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) October 2, 2021Elder Christofferson said repentance allows the Lord to be merciful and just when granting forgiveness. He said that God and Christ's love leads them to want individuals to repent "because that is the path to happiness.""We don't have to attempt the impossible in trying to rationalize our sins away. … Ours is not a religion of rationalization nor a religion of perfectionism, but a religion of redemption — redemption through Jesus Christ," Elder Christofferson said.He encouraged conference attendees to follow commandments for God because of their love for God. Elder Christofferson said the commandments of God "are not grievous," but instead they lead to happiness and joy."You must choose to love them, to serve them, to keep their commandments. Then they can more abundantly bless you as well as love you," he said.Elder Christofferson said that he has felt that the love of prophets and their messages of repentance mirror the love of God because they are sent by God."The commandments of God are strict because His kingdom and its citizens can stand only if they consistently reject evil and choose good, without exception," Elder Christofferson said.— Emily Ashcraft

Saturday, 11:26 am

Elder Ulisses Soares: The Savior's abiding compassion

In his talk, "The Savior's abiding compassion," Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles focused on the Gospel of Luke. He spoke of the woman who entered Simon's home and washed Jesus' feet with her tears. Despite the woman being a sinner, Jesus Christ treated her with love and compassion. Simon reacted with a hardened heart that Elder Soares said "prevented him from showing empathy for that repentant soul."Elder Soares encouraged everyone to act with the compassionate attitude of Jesus, becoming instruments in the Lord's hands.

#ElderSoares | #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/LLy2sx7mSa

— LDS Living (@LDSLivingMag) October 2, 2021He spoke of Jesus Christ's ability to identify people's needs at a distance and the miracles he performed through it. Like the woman who entered Simon's home and those who approached Jesus Christ, Elder Soares advised there are many people who are seeking comfort, attention, inclusion and help in the way those who sought Christ were.He encouraged the audience to strive to provide service and compassion the same way Christ did and would in those circumstances. Part of the compassion includes not making harsh or cruel judgements of one another. Elder Soares referenced Jesus Christ's counsel to twelve Nephite disciples, telling them that the Lord judges those who take it up themselves to judge the imperfections or shortcomings of others.As we begin to model after Christ's behavior Elder Soares said "our communion with God will grow, and certainly our lives will become sweeter, our feelings more tender, and we will find a never-ending source of happiness."— Ashley Fredde

Saturday, 11:20 am

Bonnie H. Cordon: Come unto Christ, and don't come alone

President Bonnie H. Cordon, Young Women general president, reminded those who question whether or not Heavenly Father knows who they are and if they are needed that the answer is yes."We need you. It simply will not be as grand without you," President Cordon said.She spoke about being called to serve as the Young Women general president and how President Russell M. Nelson asked her, "Sister Cordon, what's the most important thing the (youth) need to know?" And she responded, "They need to know who they are.""The Savior's love for us is unfailing — even when we fail. Nothing can separate us from the love of God," she said.

Sister Cardon: "The Savior's love for us is unfailing — even when we fail. Nothing can separate us from the love of God." #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/Ha3rmeq4AN

— Tad Walch (@Tad_Walch) October 2, 2021Patriarchal blessings can be a way to refocus on divine purpose. President Cordon invited speakers to get their blessings as soon as they can.She said when her son, Tanner, was 5, he played his first soccer game as a goalie. As an opposing team member approached the goal, she saw that Tanner had woven his limbs through the net and become entangled."He had forgotten his purpose and what he had been entrusted to do," she said.For us, she said that purpose is to come unto Christ and join his work, but it's important to not come alone; we need to bring others to Christ.President Cordon explained that helping others and doing good, including taking care of the sick and afflicted and offering compassion without limit, is what it means to be like Christ."I love that nothing is too big or too small for Jesus Christ to heal," she said.

"I love that nothing is too big or too small for Jesus Christ to heal." #PresCordon | #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/IGtd1eMGI8

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) October 2, 2021—Jenny Rollins

Saturday, 11:00 am

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland: The greatest possession

At the beginning of Saturday's morning session of general conference, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, encouraged individuals to follow the advice given by Jesus Christ to the rich young ruler and "come completely and wholeheartedly" to follow Christ."I pray we will succeed where that rich young man failed, that we will take up the cross of Christ however demanding it may be, regardless of the issue and regardless of the cost," Elder Holland said.He noted that there are currently many divisions and political identities and asked listeners to seek a holier life. He related the example of the Nephites in the Book of Mormon who were able to have no contention "because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people," the scripture says.

"God is our Father and is exceptionally good at forgiving and forgetting sins we have forsaken, perhaps because we give Him so much practice in doing so." —Elder @HollandJeffreyR #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/zzimDOIvDJ

— The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (@Ch_JesusChrist) October 2, 2021The love of God, Elder Holland said, was the Nephites' breakthrough in reaching a point where there were no divisions and everyone was instead known as children of Christ."When the love of God sets the tone for our own lives, for our relationship to each other and ultimately our feeling for all humankind, then old distinctions, limiting labels and artificial divisions begin to pass away, and peace increases," Elder Holland said.He said that God is "exceptionally good" at forgiving sins and forgetting as we repent. He asked individuals to devote their lives to Christ but said that the path of following him does lead to challenges."If we love God enough to try to be fully faithful to Him, He will give us the ability, the capacity, the will and the way to love our neighbor and ourselves," he said.— Emily Ashcraft

Saturday, 10:38 am

President Russell M. Nelson: Pure truth, pure doctrine and pure revelation

In opening the Saturday morning session of the 191st Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, President Russell M. Nelson reminded listeners that every message from conference both past and present is "the result of earnest prayer and much spiritual preparation."President Nelson said that the speakers' messages would be centered on Jesus Christ's mercy and redeeming power because world conflicts could be resolved if everyone followed Christ's teachings."There has never been a time in the history of the world when knowledge of our Savior is more personally vital and relevant to every human soul," he said.

"There has never been a time in the history of the world when knowledge of our Savior is more personally vital and relevant to every human soul." @NelsonRussellM | #GeneralConference

— GeneralConference (@ldsconf) October 2, 2021He invited participants to listen for three things: pure truth, pure doctrine of Christ and pure revelation.

#PresNelson | #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/b55Zz9vRx6

— LDS Living (@LDSLivingMag) October 2, 2021He also emphasized that there is absolute, eternal truth and that those who are seeking truth can turn to the church's general conference as a place where it can be found.President Nelson invited viewers to ask for the guidance of the Holy Ghost to receive answers to the questions in their hearts.He concluded by blessing those who are searching for that knowledge and truth.—Jenny Rollins

Saturday, 10:01 am

Saturday morning session kicks off church's general conference

Join us as the KSL.com team keeps you up to date with the latest talk summaries, announcements and events during the October general conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The Conference Center is closed to the general public this morning for the first session of @Ch_JesusChrist #generalconference. About 900 people are here, 5% of capacity: @TheTabChoir members and the family and guests of speakers. Here's what it looks like right now: pic.twitter.com/ZBf6OowkTi

— Tad Walch (@Tad_Walch) October 2, 2021

Saturday morning session: Summaries from Latter-day Saint general conference

By KSL.com Staff | Updated - Oct. 2, 2021 at 12:34 p.m. | Posted - Oct. 2, 2021 at 9:57 a.m.

The Conference Center in Salt Lake City is pictured before the Saturday morning session of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ 191st Semiannual General Conference on Oct. 2, 2021. (The Church of Jesus Christ of La)

President Dallin H. Oaks: The need for a church

Patricio M. Giuffra: A faithful search rewarded

Elder Clark G. Gilbert: Becoming more in Christ — the parable of the slope

Elder D. Todd Christofferson: The love of God

Elder Ulisses Soares: The Savior's abiding compassion

Bonnie H. Cordon: Come unto Christ, and don't come alone

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland: The greatest possession

President Russell M. Nelson: Pure truth, pure doctrine and pure revelation

Saturday morning session kicks off church's general conference

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Saturday morning session: Summaries from Latter-day Saint general conference

By KSL.com Staff | Updated - Oct. 2, 2021 at 12:34 p.m. | Posted - Oct. 2, 2021 at 9:57 a.m.

The Conference Center in Salt Lake City is pictured before the Saturday morning session of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ 191st Semiannual General Conference on Oct. 2, 2021. (The Church of Jesus Christ of La)

President Dallin H. Oaks: The need for a church

Patricio M. Giuffra: A faithful search rewarded

Elder Clark G. Gilbert: Becoming more in Christ — the parable of the slope

Elder D. Todd Christofferson: The love of God

Elder Ulisses Soares: The Savior's abiding compassion

Bonnie H. Cordon: Come unto Christ, and don't come alone

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland: The greatest possession

President Russell M. Nelson: Pure truth, pure doctrine and pure revelation

Saturday morning session kicks off church's general conference

Photos

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Freshman Avery Hjelmstad goes for 22 as Utah beats Colorado State on the road

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