Primary general presidency invites children to share Jesus' love through service

02/11/25 • 35 min

Since the Primary organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organized in August 1878, Primary children have served other children. Now the Primary general presidency is inviting wards and branches worldwide to organize annual service activities for children beginning in 2025. Church News reporter Mary Richards hosts this episode featuring Primary General President Susan H. Porter; Sister Amy A. Wright, first counselor; and Sister Tracy Y. Browning, second counselor. The presidency discusses this sacred responsibility and previews a Friend to Friend broadcast on the topic airing Feb. 15, 2025. Through this worldwide effort, children can realize they are an important part of the Church and can contribute in meaningful ways.

The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Hosts Jon Ryan Jensen, editor of the Church News, and Church News reporter Mary Richards share unique views of the stories, events, and people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen.

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The Sunday School general presidency on studying the ongoing Restoration with ‘Come, Follow Me’ in 2025

After being sustained in the April 2024 general conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the new Sunday School general presidency began serving on Aug. 1, 2024. Sunday School General President Paul V. Johnson and his first counselor, Brother Chad H Webb, and second counselor, Brother Gabriel W. Reid, join this episode of the Church News podcast to introduce themselves as well as share how studying the ongoing Restoration can help shape stronger testimonies of Jesus Christ and His restored gospel. They discuss what they hope Latter-day Saints will learn from this year’s “Come, Follow Me” curriculum and the Doctrine and Covenants.

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BYU’s Laura Padilla-Walker on the power of service on teen flourishing

Pew Research Center findings show many parents and teens think it’s harder being a teen today than it was 20 years ago. They point to technology, especially social media, as having a particularly negative impact on teen life. But how can parents and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ease the pressures on today’s youth and help them to flourish during their teen years?

Laura Padilla-Walker, dean of Family, Home and Social Sciences at Brigham Young University, has pondered this question in her research as she focuses on parenting and media influences during adolescence and young adulthood. Padilla-Walker joins this episode of the Church News podcast to help parents and leaders discover how positive behaviors can both replace and protect against negative behaviors and how sacred living strategies can help families stay stronger and happier.