Follow The Prophet – The Words & Deeds of God's Living Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson

Today President Monson announced the construction of a new temple in Payson, Utah. The announcement came from the Church’s Newsroom website.  The Church’s site notes:

The new temple will help meet the needs of a growing Church membership in the area and will ease the heavy use of the Provo temple, which is one of the busiest in the Church. The Payson temple will bring to 15 the number of operating and announced temples in Utah.

The property for the Payson temple is located on gently sloping ground at approximately 930 West and 1550 South on the southwest side of Payson, a mile from the 800 South I-15 interchange. The property offers scenic views of the area as well as easy access to the freeway.

The new temple will serve approximately 22 stakes from Spanish Fork to Nephi comprising approximately 78,000 Church members. Temple-going members have been driving to Provo or Manti for temple services.

Artists’ renderings, the size of the temple, groundbreaking dates and other information will be released as they become available.

More information is available from the link below:

President Monson Announces New Temple in Payson, Utah

Place: West Jordan Sunset Ridge Stake Center, UT
Purpose: The viewing of Br. William David Miller

A couple weeks ago (Jan 14, 2010) President Monson attended the viewing of one of the missionaries who served under him when he was mission president in the Canadian Mission from 1959-1962.  The brother was William David Miller from West Jordan, Utah.

A member from the stake, Julie Weiss, tells of a special experience that happened that evening: Continue reading

Doctors carefully examine the injured in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. © Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

Most of us are very aware of the terrible earthquake which shook Haiti 10 days ago, and of the massive relief efforts that are underway to help the suffering and Haiti recover from the disaster. Our prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, and counselors Henry B. Eyring and Dieter F. Uchtdorf, in a statement today said:

…we are appealing to members to donate to Church Humanitarian Services as their means allow in order to help our Haitian brothers and sisters.  Many have already contributed and others are anxious to do so.

Members may donate money to the Church’s Humanitarian Services by either filling out a donation slip at church, or may donate by credit card or bank withdrawal by filling out the form on the Church’s Humanitarian Services Emergency Response website at the following link:  http://give.lds.org/emergencyresponse

In addition to donations of money, the First Presidency has asked members to keep the Haitians in our prayers:

We invite our people everywhere to supplicate God for a spirit of calm and peace among the people as urgent aid and reconstruction efforts continue.

See more information at the following links:

First Presidency Statement on Haiti
First Presidency Appeals to Church Members to Help People in Haiti
Despite Challenges, Church Aid Reaching Needy; More Is on the Way
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Partners With Islamic Relief USA to Send Food and Medical Supplies to Haiti – News Release
Church Aid Continues to Arrive in Haiti – News Release
Church Sending Team of Doctors to Assist in Haiti – News Release
Church Sends Additional Aid to Haiti Earthquake Victims – News Release
Church Response to Haiti Earthquake – News Release

President Monson's Office

A few weeks ago I wrote that a lucky couple got a chance to meet with President Monson in his office in the Church Administration Building in Salt Lake City.  They were fortunate to take some pictures during their visit there, and they have graciously allowed me to post some of those photos here.

President Monson has some unique decorations in his office, including a Boy Scout walking stick with every merit badge carved and painted on it. Here is the April 2009 General Conference talk “Be of Good Cheer” when President Monson spoke of the German woman who dug graves for her children with a spoon.

Click on the thumbnails to see the full photos.