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182nd Annual General Conference * March 23 & March 31 - April 1, 2012 Young Women * Saturday AM * Saturday PM * Priesthood * Sunday AM * Sunday PM
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Priesthood Session
Conducting: Pres. Henry B. Eyring Opening Hymn: Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me Invocation: Elder ? Che Hymn: Carry On Talk: Elder David A Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles The Powers of Heaven How would you respond to the following question: state in one sentence or phrase, the most distinguishing feature of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints The divine authority of the priesthood Priesthood is the authority of God delegated to man on the Earth There can be no true church without divine authority Worthiness and willingness are the prerequisites for priesthood authority We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof. (Fifth Article of Faith) Nothing about the priesthood is self centered, it is always used to serve, bless, and strengthen other people. The priesthood is inherently active rather than passive. To receive priesthood authority but not do what is necessary for priesthood power is unacceptable to the Lord Accordingly, in order to break the covenant we need only do nothing. (Spencer W. Kimball) Touching story about his non-member father Men who bear God's holy priesthood should be different from other men. Men who hold the priesthood are not inherently better than other men but they should act differently. They should become worthy and faithful conduits of God's power. Receiving the authority of the priesthood is an important beginning, but it is not enough. As a young priesthood leader Elder Bednar would ask women what he could do to help them, their response was "Please help my husband understand his responsibility as the patriarch and priesthood leader in our home."

Talk: Elder Richard C. Edgley, Former Second Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric The Rescue for Real Growth One of the most meaningful ways to sustain church growth is to reach out to those wandering in a less active state void of the saving ordinances. Many less active members have loved ones on their knees daily petitioning the Lord for help. It is not all that easy or comfortable for a less active member to just walk back into church.

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182nd Annual General Conference * March 23 & March 31 - April 1, 2012 Young Women * Saturday AM * Saturday PM * Priesthood * Sunday AM * Sunday PM
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They need help, support, and fellowship. They are willing and trying to find the path back to activity. Many less active members will accept callings if asked. They need to be viewed as equals as a son or daughter of God. Reactivation has always been an important part of the work of the Lord The charge to rescue is based on the most basic of gospel doctrine "the worth of souls is great in the eyes of God" (Doctrine & Covenants 18:10) The harvest is truly plenteous but the laborers are few. The lord suffered for all of us. the non member, the less active, and the sinner.

Talk: Adrian Ochoa, Second Counselor, Young Mens Presidency Aaronic Priesthood: Arise and Use The Power of God Perhaps the greatest joy he has experienced is seeing the young priesthood holders around the world exercising the Aaronic priesthood. Sometimes I witness with a sad heart young men not exercising the power they hold. If only they could understand that they have the sacred duty to help their friends find a pathway that leads to the Savior. If only knew that heavenly father would give them understanding above others the principles of the gospel and priesthood. What greater power can you acquire on Earth than the Priesthood of God? You are called to arise and shine forth. Not to hide your light. Only those who are brave will be counted among the chosen. Young men, you are at your best when you are in the Service of God. You are happiest when you are anxiously engaged in a good work. Quote from Elder Holland from last conference, paraphrase: We are looking for men, young and old, who care enough about this battle to sign on and speak out. I am looking for a voice for good, a voice for God. You cannot be passive when Satan seeks to destroy that which is wholesome and pure Stand up proudly, boldly for that which is good. Just Google it. Be careful. Like John the Baptist you are preparing the way for the Lord.

Hymn: Ye Elders of Israel Talk: President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency The Why of Priesthood Service Recently I have been thinking about 2 significant callings I received as a priesthood holder in the Church. The first came as a deacon in Germany. One Sunday he asked to speak with me. My first thought was what did I do wrong? He extended a call to me as Deacons Quorum President. He said this is an important position and then he described why. I dont remember much of what he said, but I do remember well how I felt. A sacred divine spirit filled my heart as he spoke. I remember walking out of that classroom feeling quite a bit taller than before. That was more than 60 years ago and I still

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182nd Annual General Conference * March 23 & March 31 - April 1, 2012 Young Women * Saturday AM * Saturday PM * Priesthood * Sunday AM * Sunday PM
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remember the feelings I had of trust and love. I felt honored and I wanted to serve to the best of my ability and not disappoint the branch president or the Lord. The branch president took time to explain not only the "what", but they "why". We need to be constantly reminded of the eternal reasons behind why we are commanded to do the things we do. The basic gospel principles need to be part of the fabric of our lives even if it means learning them over and over and over again. The "what" is important, but it is the "why" where we find the passion of the priesthood The what informs, but the why transforms. The second calling came after he had a family of his own. He had a job that would require a great deal of his time and was called by Elder Wirthlin to be the Stake President. I had an unsettling worry that he might not have the time this calling would require. I briefly wondered if I could really accept it. I knew that Elder Wirthlin was called of God. What could I do but accept? It was a fleeting thought. I accepted gladly knowing that God would provide a way. Inspired leaders helped us see the "why" and we had to roll up our sleeves and go to work. There were many good thing to do, but not all of them mapttered most. It takes self-discipline to remain focused on the things that will....strengthen families and build the kingdom of God on Earth. How do we know what is most important... listen to prophets, pray continually Preaching is fine but sermons that do not lead to action are like fires without heat or water that cannot quench thirst. Thomas Edisonthe value of an idea is in using it. If there is a family in need of help, even if it is ours, lets not just wait and see. If you do all this, I promise that the Lord will not leave you to walk alone

Talk: Pres. Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency Families Under Covenant That same sociality which exists among us here will exist among us there, only it will be coupled with eternal glory, which glory we do not now enjoy. (Doctrine & Covenants 130:2) A great work ahead is in saving that part of Israel for which we are responsible, our family. The return of Elijah blessed all who hold the priesthood. Lee - I hold the priesthood, you hold the priesthood. While we have authority to baptize.to ordain others, without the sealing power we can do nothing for there would be no validity to that which we did. The higher ordinances.....can only be obtained in certain places. No man has the right to perform except he receives the authority to do it. There is no man on earth that has the right to exercise those keys except the Pres. of the church authorizes it. There are relatively few men on Earth at any given time who hold the sealing power, but no one can get it except it is given to him by the prophet. There is nothing more important than honoring the marriage and family covenants that you have made or will make. There is nothing that will come into your family more important than the sealing ordinance.

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182nd Annual General Conference * March 23 & March 31 - April 1, 2012 Young Women * Saturday AM * Saturday PM * Priesthood * Sunday AM * Sunday PM
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Elder Melvin J. Ballard: paraphrase We may deceive men, but we cannot deceive the Holy Ghost and our blessing cannot be eternal unless they are sealed by the holy spirit of promise.. the Holy Ghost is the one who reads the hearts of the children of men....then it is binding efficacious and in full force. it is the will of the Lord to strengthen the family 4 things you as a priesthood holder can do to strengthen your family; Gain and keep a sure witness that the keys of the priesthood are with us, pray for that every day. Love your wife, it will take faith and humility to put her interests above your own Enlist the entire family to love each other. Salvation is a family affair. Lead your family the Lords way when discipline is needed. D&C 121: 41-44, 46. We must control ourselves and subdue our tempers.

Talk: Thomas S. Monson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Willing and Worthy to Serve Joseph Smith: Priesthood is an everlasting principle and will continue to exist from all eternity to all eternity without beginning of days or end of years Everything that God has done for the salvation of man....has been through the priesthood. Joseph F. Smith: Priesthood is the power of God delegated to men by which men can act in the Earth for the salvation of the human family John Taylor - the priesthood is the government of God. It is by that power, agency or principle that all things are governed on Earth and in the heavens...it governs all things, it directs all things, it sustains all things The call to duty was given to all prophets from Adam to Joseph smith, to prophets succeeding Joseph and now to each of you priesthood holders. At times, the wisdom of God appears to be foolish or just plain difficult...when God speaks and man obeys, that man will always be right. When one becomes a holder of the priesthood, he becomes an agent for the Lord. When faith replaces doubt, the power of God brings to pass His purposes. The call of duty can come quietly Pres George Albert Smith: It is your duty first of all to learn what the lord wants...then so magnify your calling that the people will be glad to follow you. John Taylor - magnify your calling or God will hold you responsible for those you might have saved had you done your duty.

Hymn: Dear to the Heart of the Shepherd Benediction: Elder Larry R Marks