Mormon Means Rejoicing in the Birth of Jesus Christ

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Mormons help the less fortunate around Dutchess County

Poughkeepsie Journal

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For many years, Latter-day Saint scholars and travelers -- including Hugh Nibley, Ross Christensen, Lynn and Hope Hilton, Warren Aston, George Potter, and S. Kent Brown -- have studied the question of Lehi's route through Arabia from Jerusalem to Old World "Bountiful," where he and his party built a boat and sailed for the Americas. Their books and academic articles have reached a few interested readers.

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The missionaries' presence in the community evokes varied reaction.

"Around here, I find people really give us a warm welcome," Morin says, "They are very respectful of what we do and what we're here to share. We do encounter all kinds of people, from the really nice to those who are a little more aggressive. But if I'm able to help at least one person and make his life a little bit better by sharing the message with them, that will be worth my while."

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The congregation was informed that a local young man, Jordan Norman, had "received his call to a mission." His assignment will take him to Anchorage, Alaska. The announcement was received by the congregation with an audible note of approval.

Cameras and recording equipment are not permitted in LDS Church meetings. The reason? "To keep the church sacred," Walz says.

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Invited guests fill a multi-purpose theater room for the rededication of the newly renovated visitors center adjacent to the Los Angeles California Temple.

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check out this intriguing discussion that in essence looks at the question of "Were the early Saints devoted to America or not?" In "The Development of Mormon Patriotism and the Crafting of a New Mormon Narrative During the Progressive Era," this blogger reproduces two 1920s letters

[omiolo]

he discovered where "we see not only a Mormonism that had bought into the idea of Americanness, but we likewise see glimpses of a Mormonism that was still struggling to prove itself to the country, as well as to defend its own past." Fascinating!

[omiolo]

Conference reflections: Now that conference is over, the blogs are inviting personal reflections on what was said. Segullah is hosting a "Conference chat" where they ask "What was your favorite talk? Which talk are you the most anxious to read and ponder?" And Times and Seasons has a "Monday Morning QB: GC Edition" where one commenter said: "It simply inspired me to be a better person," and another: "I also really enjoyed the music, especially on Sunday.

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This year's spring 2010 graduating class included 1,305 degrees — 967 bachelors degrees and 355 associate degrees.

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There are many kinds of priesthood blessings. As I give various examples, please remember that priesthood blessings are available for all who need them, but they are only given on request.

Blessings for the healing of the sick are preceded by anointing with oil, as the scriptures direct (see James 5:14-15; Mark 6:13; D&C 24:13-14; D&C 42:43-48; D&C 66:9). Patriarchal blessings are conferred by an ordained patriarch.

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In a priesthood blessing a servant of the Lord exercises the priesthood, as moved upon by the Holy Ghost, to call upon the powers of heaven for the benefit of the person being blessed. Such blessings are conferred by holders of the Melchizedek Priesthood, which has the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the Church (see D&C 107:18, 67).

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"President Uchtdorf talks about when he was a child that Christmas started four weeks before Christmas during Advent."

truly a time to honor Jesus Christ's birth!