If you were too busy this weekend to catch up on the news, here's a little Monday morning help to get you caught up with what you may have missed.</s>High priests and elders will now be combined into one elders quorum in each ward, announced President Russell M. Nelson in his introductory remarks at the priesthood session of the 188th Annual General Conference on March 31.

“Tonight, we announce a significant restructuring of our Melchizedek Priesthood quorums to accomplish the work of the Lord more effectively,” he said. “In each ward, the high priests and the elders will now be combined into one elders quorum. This adjustment will greatly enhance the capacity and ability of men who bear the priesthood to serve others.”

Prospective elders will be welcomed in and fellowshipped by that quorum.

In each stake, he added, the stake presidency will continue to preside over the stake high priests quorum — “but the composition of that quorum will be based on current priesthood callings.”

President Nelson then noted Elder D. Todd Christofferson and Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles would share additional details on the modifications in subsequent priesthood sessions talks.

The modifications have been under study for “many months,” he said.

“We have felt a pressing need to improve the way we care for our members and report our contacts with them,” he said. “To do that better, we need to strengthen our priesthood quorums to give greater direction to the ministering of love and support that the Lord intends for His Saints.”

The adjustments, he declared, are inspired of the Lord. “As we implement them, we will be even more effective than we have ever been previously.”

Prior to making the priesthood quorums announcement, President Nelson said, “we deeply miss” President Thomas S. Monson and Elder Robert D. Hales, who both died in recent months.

He spoke of his gratitude for each man “who bears the holy priesthood.”

“You are the hope of our Redeemer who desires ‘that every man might speak in the name of God the Lord, even the Savior of the world.’ He wants all of His ordained sons to represent Him, to speak for Him, to act for Him, and bless the lives of God’s children throughout the world to the end that faith also might increase in [all] the earth’.”

Every member of a priesthood quorum, he added, has “a divine mandate to learn and to teach; to love and to serve others.”</s>SALT LAKE CITY — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced Saturday they will discontinue high priests groups and combine elders and high priests in each congregation into one Melchizedek Priesthood quorum.

According to tweets from the LDS Church’s verified Twitter account, LDS leaders made the announcement during Saturday’s Priesthood Session of the LDS Church’s semi-annual General Conference.

“Tonight, we announce a significant restructuring of our Melchizedek Priesthood quorums to accomplish the work of the Lord more effectively,” President Russell M. Nelson stated, according to the tweets. “In each ward, the high priests and the elders will now be combined into one elders quorum.”

Further tweets state that members of elders quorums and high priests groups will be combined into one Melchizedek Priesthood quorum with one presidency.

“This quorum, increased in numbers and unity, will be designated the ‘elders quorum.’ High priests groups are discontinued,” the tweets state.

According to the LDS Church, their priesthood “…is divided into two levels or orders — the Aaronic Priesthood and the Melchizedek Priesthood. Elder and high priest are two of the ordained priesthood offices in the Melchizedek Priesthood.”

The LDS Church states that this move does not rescind any priesthood office a member has been previously ordained to, and elders will continue to be ordained high priests “when they are called to a stake presidency, high council, or bishopric—or at other times as determined by the stake president through prayerful consideration and inspiration.”

President Nelson said the move will strengthen priesthood quorums.

“We have felt a pressing need to improve the way we care for our members,” he said. “To do that better, we need to strengthen our priesthood quorums to give greater direction to the ministering of love and support that the Lord intends for His Saints. These adjustments are inspired of the Lord. As we implement them, we will be even more effective than we have been previously.”

Those called to stake presidencies, high councils or bishoprics will rejoin the elders quorum in their ward when their terms of service end.

A press release states the quorum adjustments will be made by local leaders “as soon as conveniently possible.”

Fox 13 News will update this story as more details emerge.</s>In his priesthood session talk on March 31, Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles offered further instructions on the modifications to Melchizedek Priesthood quorums announced moments earlier by President Russell M. Nelson.

After briefly discussing historical patterns of “significant refinements” to the priesthood organization dating back to Joseph Smith, Elder Christofferson detailed the adjustments for ward high priest groups and elder quorums.

“Members of elders quorums and high priests groups will now be combined into one Melchizedek Priesthood quorum with one quorum presidency. This quorum, increased in numbers and unity, will be designated the ‘elders quorum.’

“High priests groups are discontinued. The elders quorum includes all elders and prospective elders in the ward as well as high priests who are not currently serving in the bishopric, in the stake presidency, on the high council, or as functioning patriarchs.

“The high priests quorum in the stake will be composed of those high priests who are serving in the stake presidency, in bishoprics, on the high council, and as functioning patriarchs.”

So how is the presidency of the elders quorum to be organized?

The stake presidency will release current high priests group leaderships and elders quorum presidencies and will call a new elders quorum president and counselors in each ward, he said.

The new elders quorum presidency may include elders and high priests — and either an elder or a high priest may serve as the quorum president or a counselor in the presidency.

“We expect elders and high priests to work together in any combination in the quorum presidency and in quorum service,” he said. “These quorum adjustments should be implemented as soon as conveniently possible.”

Does the adjustment in quorum structure change the priesthood office held by quorum members?

No, the action does not rescind any priesthood offices to which any quorum member may have been ordained in the past, Elder Christofferson said.

“Elders will continue to be ordained high priests when they are called to a stake presidency, high council, or bishopric — or at other times as determined by the stake president through prayerful consideration and inspiration,” he added. “When their terms of service in a stake presidency, high council, or bishopric are completed, high priests will rejoin the elders quorum in their ward.”

So, who directs the work of the elders quorum president?

“The stake president presides over the Melchizedek Priesthood in his stake,” he said. “Therefore, the elders quorum president is directly responsible to the stake president, who provides training and guidance from the stake presidency and through the high council.”

The bishop, as the presiding high priest in the ward, also meets regularly with the elders quorum president, offering counsel and direction on how to best serve ward members.

The purpose of these changes

Having one Melchizedek Priesthood quorum in the ward unifies priesthood holders to accomplish all aspects of the work of salvation, including the temple and family history work previously coordinated by the high priests groups, explained Elder Christofferson.

“It also allow quorum members of all ages and backgrounds to benefit from the perspective and experience of one another and of those in different stages of life.”

The adjustments were considered by the First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and the Presidency of the Seventy over an extended period of time.

“With much prayer, careful study of the scriptural foundations of priesthood quorums, and confirmation that this is the Lord’s will, we are moving forward with unanimity in what is in reality one more step in the unfolding of the Restoration.”</s>President Russell M. Nelson announced significant changes to the structure of LDS Church priesthood quorums Saturday evening, March 31 — capping a day already defined by historic callings to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

High priests and elders will now be combined into one elders quorum in each ward, announced President Nelson during his introductory remarks at the evening priesthood session of the 188th Annual General Conference.

“Tonight, we announce a significant restructuring of our Melchizedek Priesthood quorums to accomplish the work of the Lord more effectively,” he said. “In each ward, the high priests and the elders will now be combined into one elders quorum. This adjustment will greatly enhance the capacity and ability of men who bear the priesthood to serve others.”

Prospective elders will be welcome in and fellowshipped by that quorum.

In each stake, he added, the stake presidency will continue to preside over the stake high priests quorum — “but the composition of that quorum will be based on current priesthood callings,” including high priests serving in the stake presidency, in bishoprics, in the stake presidency, on the high council, or as functioning patriarchs.

President Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor in the First Presidency, called the modification “a revelatory announcement from President Russell M. Nelson.”

President Nelson’s second counselor in the First Presidency, President Henry B. Eyring, said the announcement is an inspired step forward in the Lord’s organized plan for His Church.

“That plan includes a new structure for priesthood quorums in wards and stakes so that we may better fulfill our priesthood responsibilities. Those responsibilities all have to do with our priesthood care of our Father’s children,” he said.

In his talk following President Nelson’s introductory remarks, Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles offered additional details on the quorum changes.

The stake presidency will release current high priests group leaderships and elders quorum presidencies and will call a new elders quorum president and counselors in each ward or branch, he said.

The new elders quorum presidency may include elders and high priests — and either an elder or a high priest may serve as the quorum president or as counselor in the presidency.

“We expect elders and high priests to work together in any combination in the quorum presidency and in quorum service,” added Elder Christofferson. “These quorum adjustments should be implemented as soon as conveniently possible.”

The adjustment in quorum structure will not change the individual priesthood office held by quorum members.

“Elders will continue to be ordained high priests when they are called to a stake presidency, high council, or bishopric — or at other times as determined by the stake president through prayerful consideration and inspiration,” he added. “When their terms of service in a stake presidency, high council, or bishopric are completed, high priests will rejoin the elders quorum in their ward.”

Elder Christofferson echoed President Nelson’s statement that the modifications will allow for greater service, personal development and brotherhood. “It also allows quorum members of all ages and backgrounds to benefit from the perspective and experience of one another and of those in different stages of life.”

The modifications to the Melchizedek Priesthood quorums have been under study for “many months,” said President Nelson.

“We have felt a pressing need to improve the way we care for our members and report our contacts with them,” he said. “To do that better, we need to strengthen our priesthood quorums to give greater direction to the ministering of love and support that the Lord intends for His Saints.”

The adjustments, he declared, are inspired of the Lord. “As we implement them, we will be even more effective than we have ever been previously.”

In his priesthood session talk, Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said he expects the adjustments to Melchizedek Priesthood quorums to unify the “mighty army” of brethren.

“These adjustments will help elders quorums and Relief Societies harmonize their work,” he said. “They will also simplify the quorum’s coordination with the bishopric and ward council. And they allow the bishop to delegate more responsibilities to the elders quorum and Relief Society presidents so the bishop and his counselors can focus on their primary duties — particularly presiding over the young women and the young men who bear the Aaronic Priesthood.”

Elder Rasband also offered additional information on the stake high priests quorums that will continue to function under the direction of stake presidencies. The quorum will now consist of high priests currently serving in the stake presidency, ward bishoprics, stake high councils and the functioning patriarch. Ward and stake clerks and executive secretaries are not members of the stake high priests quorum.

Speaking to the high priests, Elder Rasband said they continue to play an essential role in the work. They may be presided over by an elder as their quorum president, which is already happening in branches in some regions of the world.

“What a joy it will be for all Melchizedek Priesthood holders to have the blessing of teaching, learning and serving shoulder-to-shoulder with all the members in their ward,” he said. “Wherever you are and whatever your circumstances may be, we invite you prayerfully, faithfully, and joyfully to accept new opportunities to lead or be led and to serve unitedly as a body of priesthood brethren.”</s>President Russell M. Nelson made the following announcement during the final session of the Church's 188th Annual General Conference on April 1:

Brothers and sisters, we constantly seek direction from the Lord on how we can help our members keep the commandments of God, especially those two great commandments to love God and our neighbors.

For months we have been seeking a better way to minister to the spiritual and temporal needs of our people in the Savior's way.

We have made the decision to retire "home teaching" and "visiting teaching" as we have known them. Instead we will implement a newer, holier approach to caring and ministering to others. We will refer to these efforts simply as "ministering."

Affected ministering efforts are enabled by the innate gifts of the sisters and by the incomparable power of the priesthood. We all need such protection from the cunning wiles of the adversary.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Sister Jean B. Bingham, general president of the Relief Society, will explain how assigned brethren of the priesthood and assigned sisters of the Relief Society and Young Women will now function in serving and watching over members of the Church throughout the world.

The First Presidency and the Twelve are united in endorsing their messages. Gratefully and prayerfully, we open this new chapter in the history of the Church, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.</s>As the concluding speaker during the general priesthood session, President Russell M. Nelson began his talk by expressing thanks:

“As a new First Presidency, we thank you for your prayers and for your sustaining efforts,” he said. “We are grateful for your lives and for your service to the Lord. Your devotion to duty and your selfless service are just as important in your callings as ours are in our callings. Through a lifetime of service in this Church, I have learned that it really doesn’t matter where one serves. What the Lord cares about is how one serves.”

The Church’s 17th president expressed his love and gratitude for his predecessor, President Thomas S. Monson. He also thanked President Monson’s counselors in the First Presidency, President Henry B. Eyring and President Dieter F. Uchtdorf.

“I commend them for their service to the Lord and His prophets. Both of these devoted servants have received new assignments. They continue to serve with vigor and commitment. I honor and love them both.”

It is a “remarkable blessing” to serve in the Lord’s “true and living Church” with authority and power, he said. “The restoration of the priesthood of God, including the keys of the priesthood, opens to worthy Latter-day Saints the greatest of all spiritual blessings. We see those blessings flowing to women, men, and children throughout the world.”

President Nelson saluted women who understand the power inherent in their callings and in the endowment and other temple ordinances.

“These women know how to call upon the powers of heaven to protect and strengthen their husbands, children, and others they love,” he said. “These are spiritually strong women who lead, teach, and minister fearlessly in their callings with the power and authority of God. How thankful I am for them.”

Likewise, there are faithful men “who live up” to their privileges as bearers of the priesthood.

“They lead and serve by sacrifice in the Lord’s way with love, kindness, and patience. They bless, guide, protect, and strengthen others by the power of the priesthood they hold. They bring miracles to those they serve while they keep their own marriages and families safe. They shun evil and are mighty elders in Israel. I am most thankful for them.”

“Too many of our brothers and sisters do not fully understand the concept of priesthood power and authority. They act as though they would rather satisfy their own selfish desires and appetites than use the power of God to bless His children.”

Too many men and women do not grasp the privileges that could be theirs, he added. Some of the brethren, for example, act as if they do not understand what the priesthood is and what it enables them to do. They pass up opportunities to utilize the priesthood to bless others.

“We know of brethren who set sisters apart as Primary, Young Women, or Relief Society leaders and teachers but fail to bless them with the power to fulfill their callings. They give only admonitions and instructions. We see a worthy father who fails to give his wife and his children priesthood blessings when that is exactly what they need.

“Priesthood power has been restored to this earth, and yet far too many brothers and sisters go through terrible trials in life without ever receiving a true priesthood blessing. What a tragedy! A tragedy that we can eliminate.”

Holders of the priesthood have the privilege to act in the name of Jesus Christ to bless God’s children according to His will for them, he said.

“Stake presidents and bishops, please ensure that every member of the quorums within your stewardship understands how to give a priesthood blessing — including the personal worthiness and spiritual preparation required to call fully upon the power of God,” he said.

President Nelson invited priesthood holders to inspire their fellow members to keep their covenants, fast and pray, study the scriptures, worship in the temple and serve with faith as men and women.

“We can help all to see with the eye of faith that obedience and righteousness will draw them closer to Jesus Christ, allow them to enjoy the companionship of the Holy Ghost, and experience joy in life.”

President Nelson shared a personal experience from more than 60 years ago when he was a resident surgeon at a Boston hospital. He worked long hours and had limited time for his young family and Church activity. Nonetheless, he was assigned by his branch president to visit the home of Wilbur and Leonora Cox with the hope that Brother Cox might return to Church activity.

He and his companion went to the Cox home, but Brother Cox had little interest in their visit. Knowing Brother Cox was an amateur radio enthusiast, President Nelson asked his reluctant host if could teach him something about his hobby.

Brother Cox agreed. A wonderful friendship developed before the Nelsons moved away. But local leaders continued to nurture the Cox family.

Brother Cox returned to the Church, eventually serving as a stake president, mission president, patriarch and a temple president. Today, the Cox family enjoys a legacy of faith and missionary work.

“Brethren, there are doors we can open, priesthood blessings we can give, hearts we can heal, burdens we can lift, testimonies we can strengthen, lives we can save, and joy we can bring into the homes of the Latter-day Saints — all because we hold the priesthood of God.”</s>In the closing moments of the final session of the 188th Annual General Conference of the Church, President Russell M. Nelson announced seven new temples. Temples will be built in Salta, Argentina; Bengaluru, India; Managua, Nicaragua; Cagayan de Oro, Philippines; Layton, Utah; Richmond, Virginia; and a major city yet to be determined in Russia.

President Nelson noted the Church has 159 functioning temples and more under construction. "We want to bring temples closer to the expanding membership of the Church."

The message of the Church is simple and sincere, President Nelson said. "We invite all of God’s children on both sides of the veil to come unto their Savior, receive the blessings of the holy temple, have enduring joy, and qualify for eternal life."

Construction of temples may not change a life, but time in the temple surely will, the prophet said. "In that spirit, I bless you to identify those things you can set aside so you can spend more time in the temple. I bless you with greater harmony and love in your homes and a deeper desire to care for your eternal family relationships. I bless you with increased faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and a greater ability to follow Him as His true disciples."

President Nelson said at the close of this historic conference, "I join with you in thanking the Lord for His direction and inspiring influence. The music has been beautiful and uplifting. Not only have the messages been edifying, but they have been life changing!"

A favorite hymn summarizes the renewed resolve, challenge, and charge going forward: Let us all press on in the work of the Lord, That when life is o’er we may gain a reward; In the fight for right let us wield a sword, The mighty sword of truth. Fear not, though the enemy deride; Courage, for the Lord is on our side. We will heed not what the wicked may say, But the Lord alone we will obey.

President Nelson asked members to study the messages of conference frequently during the next six months. "Conscientiously look for ways to incorporate these messages in your family home evenings, your gospel teaching, your conversations with family and friends, and even your discussions with those not of our faith. Many good people will respond to the truths taught in this conference when offered in love. And your desire to obey will be enhanced as you remember and reflect upon what you have felt these past two days."</s>Mr. Russell, 50, of Linden, died Wednesday, March 21, 2018. The family chose cremation and will have a private family gathering on the river later this summer to honor his memory. He was born in Santa Rosa, California, the son of the late Jimmie Dallas Russell, Sr., and Laura Clapp Russell. He was also preceded him in death is his sister, Glenna Dorsten. Jimmie grew up enjoying gold mining, camping on the river, and metal detecting. He will always be known for his generosity and willingness to help others. Survivors include his sisters, Susan (Richard) May, Tanitha (Jackie) Dennis, Jennifer (Todd) Corliss; a brother, Timmie Russell; nieces and nephews, Laura Russell, Amber Eastep, Richard May, Jr., and Desmond Enyeart.</s>President Russell M. Nelson announced significant changes to the structure of priesthood quorums in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Saturday, inspiring a number of reactions from people on Twitter.

As LDS Church News explained, “High priests and elders will now be combined into one elders quorum in each ward.”

President Nelson announced the change during the priesthood session of the 188th Annual General Conference for the LDS Church.

“Tonight, we announce a significant restructuring of our Melchizedek Priesthood quorums to accomplish the work of the Lord more effectively,” he said, according to the LDS Church News. “In each ward, the high priests and the elders will now be combined into one elders quorum. This adjustment will greatly enhance the capacity and ability of men who bear the priesthood to serve others.”

The move — which you can read about, in full, here — inspired a number of reactions from people across Twitter. Read more below.
LDS President Russell M. Nelson announces that High Priests Quorum will be merged into Elders Quorum.