The Sunday morning session of the October 2024 General Conference is underway, featuring a lineup of inspiring messages and key announcements from leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As members and viewers tune in from around the world, the conference serves as an opportunity for the global church community to gather and receive spiritual guidance.
This session includes a diverse group of speakers ranging from senior church leaders to auxiliary leaders and emerging voices within the organization. Below are live updates from the Sunday morning session, including notable quotes, talk summaries, and links to speaker bios.
Opening Hymn and Invocation
The session opened with a stirring rendition of “Come, Follow Me” by the Tabernacle Choir, setting a reverent tone for the day’s proceedings. Elder James E. Rudd of the Seventy offered the invocation, asking for blessings on all those participating in and watching the conference.
First Speaker: President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency
President Dallin H. Oaks began the session with a talk focusing on the importance of personal revelation and the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding our lives. “In a world filled with uncertainty and confusion, we must rely on the voice of the Spirit to discern truth,” he emphasized.
Oaks encouraged members to actively seek personal inspiration through prayer, scripture study, and temple worship. “The Lord’s voice is clear, but we must create space in our lives to hear it,” he said, urging members to turn away from distractions and deepen their spiritual practice.
Notable Quote: “In a noisy world, the quiet voice of the Spirit is more crucial than ever. We must listen carefully, or we may miss the guidance that is waiting for us.”
Second Speaker: Sister Reyna I. Aburto, Former Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency
Sister Reyna I. Aburto shared a deeply personal message on the power of forgiveness and reconciliation. Recalling her own experiences of overcoming family estrangement, Sister Aburto spoke about the healing that comes from letting go of anger and seeking unity.
“Forgiveness is not about condoning hurtful actions,” she explained. “It is about freeing ourselves from the burden of resentment and choosing to build bridges of understanding.” Sister Aburto urged members to look for opportunities to mend strained relationships and seek peace within their homes and communities.
Notable Quote: “When we choose to forgive, we choose freedom. We choose to be healed.”
Third Speaker: Elder David A. Bednar, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Elder David A. Bednar’s message centered on the importance of being steadfast in faith during challenging times. Using scriptural examples and personal stories, Elder Bednar highlighted the blessings that come from remaining true to gospel principles, even in the face of adversity.
“Our faith must be rooted deep, like the foundations of a strong building,” Bednar said. “When the storms come—and they will come—it is our deep roots of faith that will sustain us.” He encouraged members to cultivate strong testimonies and seek to be more Christlike in their daily interactions.
Notable Quote: “Faith is not a feeling that changes with circumstances; it is a firm trust in Jesus Christ, unshakable and constant.”
Musical Number: “Be Still, My Soul”
The congregation enjoyed a beautiful musical number, “Be Still, My Soul,” performed by a choir from the local Utah area. The arrangement, combined with the powerful message of the song, brought a spirit of peace to the session.
Fourth Speaker: Elder Garrett W. Gong, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Elder Garrett W. Gong addressed the importance of hope and resilience in times of trial. He shared stories of members who have endured hardships with faith and optimism, reminding the audience that Christ is the source of true hope.
“Even when the path ahead is uncertain, the light of Christ can illuminate our way,” Gong stated. “Hope is not simply a wish; it is the confident expectation that good things are to come because of Jesus Christ.”
Notable Quote: “Hope, like faith, is an anchor for our souls. When we hold fast to that hope, we will never be lost.”
Closing Remarks: President Russell M. Nelson
President Russell M. Nelson concluded the Sunday morning session with a powerful address on the theme of gathering Israel. He urged members to continue reaching out to those who may feel estranged from the church and emphasized the role of love and compassion in missionary work.
“Every soul is precious in the sight of God,” President Nelson said. “As we seek to gather Israel, let us do so with kindness, patience, and an open heart.”
Notable Quote: “Let us be gatherers of light and truth, and by so doing, we will help usher in the Savior’s return.”
Link to President Nelson’s Bio
The session concluded with a closing hymn, “God Be with You Till We Meet Again,” and a benediction offered by Sister Sharon Eubank of the Relief Society General Presidency.