Saturday evening session of conference

[Tacenda]

On 7/31/2021 at 9:06 PM, mfbukowski said:

Once we used to have an annual music fest on a Friday night in the chapel - we invited several congregations from neighboring churches to send choirs, soloists, small groups, etc. All the music was "sacred" but pretty wild for us, to hear drums, trumpets, applause, and the audience chiming in with the choirs etc LOTS of fun!

But it DID feel pretty strange!

That sounds glorious!!

Years ago my stake invited the Calvary Baptist Choir who are well known in the Salt Lake area and had several ward choirs from our stake take turns singing various songs for a Christmas celebration. Our stake did this for maybe three or four years in a row. And it's the first time I'd seen or heard clapping in the chapel and then seeing our stake leaders standing up clapping and swaying on the stand in the chapel to some of the songs. They did say beforehand that this was a special occasion and clapping is fine to do. It was very strange but I don't think I've felt the spirit more than I did during those gatherings. I especially felt a bolt of spirit during the song, "Go Tell It On The Mountain". And don't know if I'll ever get it back again. 

Edited August 22, 2021 by Tacenda

[Logan]

2 hours ago, 2BizE said:

Wait, it was off, then back on for everyone, now that has changed back to separate priesthood and women meetings?

This is confusing.

The separate meetings were canceled. Then it was announced later that another coed general session was added to replace the canceled separate meetings.

[Rain]

5 hours ago, Tacenda said:

Don't know if you or Scott have seen this, but pretty cool. Hopefully not a derail. It's an ice cream truck rather than a food truck that carries both Utah State ice cream and BYU ice cream. The owners travel to both places and then bring it back to cater events etc. 

https://www.udderrivals.com/

That's great!  (As long as they don't come through my neighborhood with the annoying music). 

[JustAnAustralian]

9 hours ago, Logan said:

So you really don't think there was any benefit to having a meeting with talks dedicated specifically for men and another specifically for women, other than child care?

If I was regularly seeing things that were actually dedicated specifically to men or women then sure keep the sessions. 

Maybe the Women's sessions were different, but since the "stop watching porn, and start getting married to the single sisters" talks stopped, I remember very few talks (if any) that were specifically directed at me being a male, rather than me who just happens to be male. And only a couple that were hard-core priesthood focused, rather than general good-behaviour/worthiness that ties in with it.

So back to your question. If the sex segregated sessions were focused on things that actually varied between the sexes then yes. Have the separate sessions as separate sessions. Otherwise talks can just be focussed if  and when needed.

[Bernard Gui]

18 hours ago, Logan said:

Yes it was a cherished tradition. I loved going with my father. There was also an incredible feeling of unity among all the men in the ward or stake as we gathered for the meeting. 

Plus it was nice to hear messages specifically for men and boys about honoring your priesthood, serving, etc. It seemed that the best and most relevant talks for me always came from the priesthood session.

It's all over now. And I really want to know why. What was the reason?

My thoughts exactly. 

[Bernard Gui]

19 hours ago, JustAnAustralian said:

If I was regularly seeing things that were actually dedicated specifically to men or women then sure keep the sessions. 

Maybe the Women's sessions were different, but since the "stop watching porn, and start getting married to the single sisters" talks stopped, I remember very few talks (if any) that were specifically directed at me being a male, rather than me who just happens to be male. And only a couple that were hard-core priesthood focused, rather than general good-behaviour/worthiness that ties in with it.

So back to your question. If the sex segregated sessions were focused on things that actually varied between the sexes then yes. Have the separate sessions as separate sessions. Otherwise talks can just be focussed if  and when needed.

I agree with Logan - it was more than the talks.

As a deacon in the late 1950s, I rode with Priesthood brothers over 100 miles to our stake center in Albuquerque to hear the session over an amplified telephone line. We always stopped in Santa Fe on the way home for green chile burgers. Looking out the car window at the stars above the desert, conversations on the way there and back, and being with stake members that we saw at no other time had a huge influence on me.

In my first year at BYU, I attended Priesthood session in the Smith Fieldhouse  I had never seen so many Priesthood brothers in one place before. At that meeting I received a powerful witness that David McKay was a true prophet of God. I will never forget that experience.

As a young man and then as a young married, I learned so much there about fatherhood, how to honor and respect the sisters, how to be a good husband, how to use the Priesthood in righteousness, how to stay unspotted from the world, how the Brethren related with us and each other. I remember President Lee would often set aside his notes, look into our faces, and talk with us man to man about manly things.

In one session in the Marriott Center after my mission, I was alone having recently been given the boot by a young lady I had hoped to marry, wondering about my future, when I observed two men sitting in front of me to the left, one with his arm around the other in tears, as they listened to the Prophet, and the Spirit whispered to me, “There is great safety in the Priesthood.”

As they came of age, I included the Gui lads in the Priesthood session and its traditions…session, burgers, etc. My dad was able to join us for several years, and they carried that over to their sons. Where there once were just my Dad and I to carry on the Gui name and traditions, now there are 16! I hope my Grandpa Piotr is happy with us.

We even shared the traditions with our Queensland friends when we lived in Brisbane! 

 In our last ward, one good brother offered his large home, sirloin burgers, and homemade root beer to the ward Entmoot for almost 20 years. I brought the salsa and green chiles. We saw deacons become missionaries and then come for burgers with their sons. There is something deeply satisfying in that. 

Over these decades the Priesthood Sessions have had great impact on me, my family, and my friends. At one time I had the goal of never missing one no matter where I might be. Now we don’t even have to leave our recliners. Call me a nostalgic old geezer set in his ways, pining for the olden days…I’ll own that. Days never to be forgotten.

Edited August 23, 2021 by Bernard Gui

[Bernard Gui]

Nevertheless, the Church is true. 

Edited August 23, 2021 by Bernard Gui

[Bernard Gui]

Delete

[Calm]

It is easier at times to change or to stick to a goal when it is an outside structure being imposed to attach it to rather than simply your own personal choices, but why not come up with another tradition that yields the same benefits?  

Edited August 23, 2021 by Calm

[Bernard Gui]

9 hours ago, 2BizE said:

Wait, it was off, then back on for everyone, now that has changed back to separate priesthood and women meetings?

This is confusing.

No. Now it’s another general session.

[Bernard Gui]

10 hours ago, The Mean Farmer said:

I'd rather cut all Saturday sessions and have Quarterly General Conference.

I probably watch 10 hours a television (including streaming etc...) in a 2-3 week period.

10 hours over a weekend is...a lot.

 

At least they are not out in the Bowery. And you say you are a Mean Farmer! 🥸
 

https://www.intermountainhistories.org/items/show/421

 

Edited August 23, 2021 by Bernard Gui

[2BizE]

6 hours ago, Logan said:

The separate meetings were canceled. Then it was announced later that another coed general session was added to replace the canceled separate meetings.

Yes, now in The Liahona it says the priesthood and women sessions are back on and alternating again with priesthood in April and women conference in October I believe is what it says. So, there no longer is a Saturday evening general session.

Edited August 23, 2021 by 2BizE
Spelling

[2BizE]

12 minutes ago, Bernard Gui said:

No. Now it’s another general session.

The printed version of the Sept 2021 Liahona indicates the alternating priesthood and women sessions are back on.

[Bernard Gui]

16 minutes ago, 2BizE said:

The printed version of the Sept 2021 Liahona indicates the alternating priesthood and women sessions are back on.

Oh well. Absolutely nothing surprises me anymore, but I don’t see it in the LDS Newsroom.

Edited August 23, 2021 by Bernard Gui

[Bernard Gui]

20 minutes ago, Calm said:

It is easier at times to change or to stick to a goal when it is an outside structure being imposed to attach it to rather than simply your own personal choices, but why not come up with another tradition that yields the same benefits?  

I’m 74. Not much time left to establish new traditions. Takes a while to get them going.That’s why they are called traditions. 
 

tra·di·tion

/trəˈdiSH(ə)n/

noun

• 1.the transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to generation, or the fact of being passed on in this way.

Edited August 23, 2021 by Bernard Gui

[Hamba Tuhan]

Direct quote from Elder Bednar to our regional priesthood leadership training meeting in 2014 (give or take one year):

'Brethren, there is far, far, far too much tradition in this room'.

[Bernard Gui]

1 hour ago, Hamba Tuhan said:

Direct quote from Elder Bednar to our regional priesthood leadership training meeting in 2014 (give or take one year):

'Brethren, there is far, far, far too much tradition in this room'.

Oh, come now, Brother Hamba. I think you know what I am talking about. 

Edited August 23, 2021 by Bernard Gui

[mfbukowski]

10 hours ago, Tacenda said:

That sounds glorious!!

Years ago my stake invited the Calvary Baptist Choir who are well known in the Salt Lake area and had several ward choirs from our stake take turns singing various songs for a Christmas celebration. Our stake did this for maybe three or four years in a row. And it's the first time I'd seen or heard clapping in the chapel and then seeing our stake leaders standing up clapping and swaying on the stand in the chapel to some of the songs. They did say beforehand that this was a special occasion and clapping is fine to do. It was very strange but I don't think I've felt the spirit more than I did during those gatherings. I especially felt a bolt of spirit during the song, "Go Tell It On The Mountain". And don't know if I'll ever get it back again. 

+1!

[Logan]

3 hours ago, 2BizE said:

The printed version of the Sept 2021 Liahona indicates the alternating priesthood and women sessions are back on.

I don't see it. Do you have a link?

[Logan]

4 hours ago, Bernard Gui said:

I agree with Logan - it was more than the talks.

As a deacon in the late 1950s, I rode with Priesthood brothers over 100 miles to our stake center in Albuquerque to hear the session over an amplified telephone line. We always stopped in Santa Fe on the way home for green chile burgers. Looking out the car window at the stars above the desert, conversations on the way there and back, and being with stake members that we saw at no other time had a huge influence on me.

In my first year at BYU, I attended Priesthood session in the Smith Fieldhouse  I had never seen so many Priesthood brothers in one place before. At that meeting I received a powerful witness that David McKay was a true prophet of God. I will never forget that experience.

As a young man and then as a young married, I learned so much there about fatherhood, how to honor and respect the sisters, how to be a good husband, how to use the Priesthood in righteousness, how to stay unspotted from the world, how the Brethren related with us and each other. I remember President Lee would often set aside his notes, look into our faces, and talk with us man to man about manly things.

In one session in the Marriott Center after my mission, I was alone having recently been given the boot by a young lady I had hoped to marry, wondering about my future, when I observed two men sitting in front of me to the left, one with his arm around the other in tears, as they listened to the Prophet, and the Spirit whispered to me, “There is great safety in the Priesthood.”

As they came of age, I included the Gui lads in the Priesthood session and its traditions…burgers, etc. My dad was able to join us for several years, and they carried that over to their sons. Where there once were just my Dad and I to carry on the Gui name and traditions, now there are 16! I hope my Grandpa Piotr is happy with us.

We even shared the traditions with our Queensland friends when we lived in Brisbane! 

 In our last ward, one good brother offered his large home, sirloin burgers, and homemade root beer to the Entmoot for almost 20 years. I brought the salsa and green chiles. We saw deacons become missionaries and then come for burgers with their sons. There is something deeply satisfying in that. 

Over these decades the Priesthood Sessions have had great impact on me, my family, and my friends. At one time I had the goal of never missing one no matter where I might be. Now we don’t even have to leave our recliners. Call me a nostalgic old geezer set in his ways, pining for the olden days…I’ll own that. Days never to be forgotten.

Thank you for sharing that.

[Hamba Tuhan]

2 hours ago, Bernard Gui said:

Oh, come now, Brother Hamba. I think you know what I am talking about. 

I think I do. And what exactly do you think Elder Bednar was talking about?

[Bernard Gui]

13 hours ago, Hamba Tuhan said:

I think I do. And what exactly do you think Elder Bednar was talking about?

You have me at an advantage. I wasn’t there. Exactly what was he talking about? You were there, right?

Certainly not what I was talking about. I described that in detail.

If I get your direction correctly, it may be bordering on cruelty. I hope not. 

 

Edited August 23, 2021 by Bernard Gui

[Tacenda]

17 hours ago, Bernard Gui said:

I agree with Logan - it was more than the talks.

As a deacon in the late 1950s, I rode with Priesthood brothers over 100 miles to our stake center in Albuquerque to hear the session over an amplified telephone line. We always stopped in Santa Fe on the way home for green chile burgers. Looking out the car window at the stars above the desert, conversations on the way there and back, and being with stake members that we saw at no other time had a huge influence on me.

In my first year at BYU, I attended Priesthood session in the Smith Fieldhouse  I had never seen so many Priesthood brothers in one place before. At that meeting I received a powerful witness that David McKay was a true prophet of God. I will never forget that experience.

As a young man and then as a young married, I learned so much there about fatherhood, how to honor and respect the sisters, how to be a good husband, how to use the Priesthood in righteousness, how to stay unspotted from the world, how the Brethren related with us and each other. I remember President Lee would often set aside his notes, look into our faces, and talk with us man to man about manly things.

In one session in the Marriott Center after my mission, I was alone having recently been given the boot by a young lady I had hoped to marry, wondering about my future, when I observed two men sitting in front of me to the left, one with his arm around the other in tears, as they listened to the Prophet, and the Spirit whispered to me, “There is great safety in the Priesthood.”

As they came of age, I included the Gui lads in the Priesthood session and its traditions…burgers, etc. My dad was able to join us for several years, and they carried that over to their sons. Where there once were just my Dad and I to carry on the Gui name and traditions, now there are 16! I hope my Grandpa Piotr is happy with us.

We even shared the traditions with our Queensland friends when we lived in Brisbane! 

 In our last ward, one good brother offered his large home, sirloin burgers, and homemade root beer to the Entmoot for almost 20 years. I brought the salsa and green chiles. We saw deacons become missionaries and then come for burgers with their sons. There is something deeply satisfying in that. 

Over these decades the Priesthood Sessions have had great impact on me, my family, and my friends. At one time I had the goal of never missing one no matter where I might be. Now we don’t even have to leave our recliners. Call me a nostalgic old geezer set in his ways, pining for the olden days…I’ll own that. Days never to be forgotten.

I fear that the church changing things like this and many other changes is sucking the life out of being a member and losing so many wonderful traditions that I still long for. These matter!

[Bernard Gui]

8 hours ago, Tacenda said:

I fear that the church changing things like this and many other changes is sucking the life out of being a member and losing so many wonderful traditions that I still long for. These matter!

I know change happens, but there needs to be more than just pulling in. 

Edited August 24, 2021 by Bernard Gui

[bOObOO]

18 hours ago, Bernard Gui said:

I agree with Logan - it was more than the talks.

As a deacon in the late 1950s, I rode with Priesthood brothers over 100 miles to our stake center in Albuquerque to hear the session over an amplified telephone line. We always stopped in Santa Fe on the way home for green chile burgers. Looking out the car window at the stars above the desert, conversations on the way there and back, and being with stake members that we saw at no other time had a huge influence on me.

In my first year at BYU, I attended Priesthood session in the Smith Fieldhouse  I had never seen so many Priesthood brothers in one place before. At that meeting I received a powerful witness that David McKay was a true prophet of God. I will never forget that experience.

As a young man and then as a young married, I learned so much there about fatherhood, how to honor and respect the sisters, how to be a good husband, how to use the Priesthood in righteousness, how to stay unspotted from the world, how the Brethren related with us and each other. I remember President Lee would often set aside his notes, look into our faces, and talk with us man to man about manly things.

In one session in the Marriott Center after my mission, I was alone having recently been given the boot by a young lady I had hoped to marry, wondering about my future, when I observed two men sitting in front of me to the left, one with his arm around the other in tears, as they listened to the Prophet, and the Spirit whispered to me, “There is great safety in the Priesthood.”

As they came of age, I included the Gui lads in the Priesthood session and its traditions…session, burgers, etc. My dad was able to join us for several years, and they carried that over to their sons. Where there once were just my Dad and I to carry on the Gui name and traditions, now there are 16! I hope my Grandpa Piotr is happy with us.

We even shared the traditions with our Queensland friends when we lived in Brisbane! 

 In our last ward, one good brother offered his large home, sirloin burgers, and homemade root beer to the ward Entmoot for almost 20 years. I brought the salsa and green chiles. We saw deacons become missionaries and then come for burgers with their sons. There is something deeply satisfying in that. 

Over these decades the Priesthood Sessions have had great impact on me, my family, and my friends. At one time I had the goal of never missing one no matter where I might be. Now we don’t even have to leave our recliners. Call me a nostalgic old geezer set in his ways, pining for the olden days…I’ll own that. Days never to be forgotten.

Change of some sort is inevitable while we are mortal.  Sounds like you carried on the tradition of always watching at least one general conference session with people you enjoyed watching it with.  The locations changed and while you enjoyed your tradition in all those locations the fact that locations changed did not deter you.  I know what it is like to not be able to go back to a particular place, or to always be with the same people, but at least there are still general conference sessions every 6 months. And you can still get together with other people to enjoy those sessions, and eat whatever foods you want to eat with those people.