October 2023 Saturday Afternoon Talk Summaries

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Individual Talk Summaries

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Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said that blessings will come into individuals’ lives as they obey the law of tithing, which is principally a matter of faith, not money.

Speaking at the beginning of the Saturday afternoon session of October 2023 general conference, he said that “being honest in our tithes is one way we show our willingness to put the Lord first in our lives, above our own cares and interest.”

President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency, conducted the session, and President Henry B. Eyring, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, reviewed the sustaining of Church leaders — including a new General Authority Seventy and two new Area Seventies, who were presented in the conference’s Thursday afternoon leadership session.

Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared four guiding principles to invite and recognize the promptings of the Spirit: Stand in holy spaces, stand with holy people, testify of holy truths and listen to the Holy Spirit.

“As we listen and act on spiritual promptings, the Holy Ghost magnifies our abilities and capacities, to far exceed what we can do on our own.”

More members are needed to serve senior missions than are currently serving, said Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles at the conclusion of the session. “The particulars of ways to serve, what best suits you, where you are needed and how you can get ready to go are addressed on the website ‘Senior Missionary,’” he said.

Listing several blessings of service, he said senior Latter-day Saints “are a remarkable force for good, seasoned in the Church, and poised to encourage and rescue God’s children.”

During the session, Brother Jan E. Newman, Second Counselor in the Sunday School General Presidency, spoke of the sacred responsibility “to help children come to know deeply and specifically that Jesus is the Christ.”

Elder Joaquin E. Costa, a General Authority Seventy, said that faith in Jesus Christ is a source of strength. “Trusting God and keeping our covenants with Him brings power to our weaknesses and comfort to our grief,” he said.

“Being happy is really quite simple: Just stay on the covenant path,” said Elder Yoon Hwan Choi, a General Authority Seventy. It’s never too late to turn to Heavenly Father for help.

Elder Alan T. Phillips, General Authority Seventy, said three foundational truths are knowing Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ and our divine identity as God’s children. “How we treat one another truly matters,” he said.

Elder Moisés Villanueva, a General Authority Seventy, offered the invocation, and Sister Andrea Muñoz Spannaus, Second Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency, the benediction.

A multicultural choir from stakes in northern Utah performed in the session, with Alyssa Jenks and Kasey Bradbury as directors and Linda Margetts and Joseph Peeples as organists. The choir opened the session with “O Thou Rock of Our Salvation” (Hymns, No. 258); followed with “Jesus, Once of Humble Birth” (Hymns, No. 196); and closed with “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” (Hymns, No. 72).

The choir and congregation sang the intermediate hymn, “There Is Sunshine in My Soul Today” (Hymns, No. 227).

Summary of the Saturday Afternoon Session

Individual Talk Summaries

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