Apostle Shares Message of Unity, Service with National League of Cities Leaders

Elder Gary E. Stevenson told 270 government leaders gathered in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, that service fosters unity and bridges faith and civic responsibility.

“When you are in the service of your fellow beings, you are only in the service of your God. This includes the professional service that you are rendering,” the Apostle in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints told members of the National League of Cities (NLC). “True disciples build, lift, encourage, persuade and inspire, no matter how difficult the situation.”

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Wednesday night’s gathering of mayors, aldermen and city officials was hosted by JustServe (a Church-sponsored online community service platform) and held at the Salt Palace Convention Center. The event coincided with the NLC’s annual summit taking place in Salt Lake City (November 20–22) and the JustServe National Advisory Council conference (November 19–20).

Elder Stevenson urged leaders to “elevate faith and faith traditions” because our pluralistic world requires it.

“That’s why we are so enthusiastic about JustServe,” he said. “It does this by providing service, and it puts us elbow to elbow with others who are likeminded in their desire to help others.”

The Apostle thanked NLC members for their service and encouraged them to “have your heads up and to be serving others.”

He said one of the Church’s highest priorities is helping the rising generation keep the two great commandments to love God and their neighbor.

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“It’s part of society’s ethos that comes from the Judeo-Christian tradition that is the backbone of so much of what is taking place in society today that is good,” Elder Stevenson said.

In addition to Elder Stevenson’s remarks, NLC members heard from several others during a panel discussion led by Church Humanitarian Services Director Sharon Eubank.

Elder Hans T. Boom, a General Authority Seventy and Chairman of the JustServe Steering Committee, said JustServe is not about proselytizing or politics. It is all about service.

“It’s just a wonderful, meaningful way to render Christlike service,” he said.

“Serving as the Savior would is at the heart of who we are,” added Blaine R. Maxfield, managing director of the Church’s Welfare and Self-Reliance operations. “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints strives to care for those in need, and JustServe helps us live that in practical, meaningful ways. That shared commitment leads to something remarkable: service becomes the great unifier, strengthening families and bringing communities together.”

Sister Eubank urged NLC members to connect during their time together in Salt Lake City so they can see themselves as neighbors in the scriptural sense.

“You come from different cities and different towns, but because of the work that you do, because of the heart you have when you do that work, you are neighbors,” she said.

Another opportunity for NLC members to forge friendships came Thursday morning during a JustServe-sponsored service project. The Church’s Relief Society General Presidency joined NLC members in assembling hygiene kits that will benefit adults and babies at the Crossroads Urban Center, which serves Utahns with low incomes, people with disabilities and communities of color.

“It’s the heart and soul of what we do as Relief Society sisters — to bring relief to our sisters and brothers everywhere,” said Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson. “This is an opportunity to fulfill that covenant responsibility and a privilege to provide temporal care to our sisters and brothers in an organized fashion through JustServe.”

Two leaders of cities in Utah — South Jordan Mayor Dawn Ramsey and Kaysville Mayor Tami Tran — shared how JustServe has helped lift their communities.

South Jordan has used JustServe since 2021, when they held a 9/11 day of service using the JustServe app. A thousand people showed up to help, even on a rainy day.

“Just put your projects on [JustServe.org],” Mayor Ramsey encouraged. “When there’s a need, put them on there. It’s free. It takes no time. And you open the door to countless people who are looking for ways to give back.”

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In 2023, South Jordan was named a JustServe Global City.

Mayor Tran said JustServe has become an important tool to bring people in her community together, bridging religious divides.

“People from all religions across the communities look to that website and post opportunities to serve,” she said. “It’s not just for Church members or churchgoers. It’s for everybody who wants to be involved in their community.”

President Johnson said she hopes more people will consider using JustServe during the holidays.

“I encourage everyone — particularly during this season when we think about the needs of others and looking outward and sharing the light of Jesus Christ — I hope that we will reflect upon the needs of those that are closest to us in our own communities and look for ways to just serve,” she said.

Visit JustServe.org to find service opportunities near you.

See this related story from the Church News Relief Society general presidency joins in service with city leaders from across the country