The Saturday evening session of general conference focused on community, hope and new beginnings.
The session opened with a prayer of gratitude for the life of President Russell M. Nelson and expressed hope for the future leader and prophet, who has yet to be announced.
Elder Patrick Kearon seemed to expound on his October 2024 general conference address, “Welcome to the Church of Joy,” with his talk titled “Jesus Christ and Your New Beginning.”
“New beginnings are at the heart of the Father’s plan for His children. This is the church of new beginnings! This is the church of fresh starts!” Kearon said.
Erin Lewis, 8, attended her first conference with her mother, Claire Lewis. Their favorite talk was Elder Kearon’s.
“The idea of new beginnings. He said something about how … these things I struggle with on a daily basis, I can always change.” Claire Lewis said.
All of the speakers either used quotes from President Nelson’s previous addresses or spoke about programs implemented during his tenure as President of the Church.
Sister J. Anette Dennis, first counselor in the General Relief Society presidency, spoke on community.
“Our congregations and families can be gathering places where we cheer each other on — covenant communities fueled by the love of Christ for one another — helping each other overcome whatever challenges we face, giving each other strength and encouragement without judging one another. We need each other.” Dennis said.
Ashley Ovalle, a recent convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, expressed her joy at being able to listen to prophets and apostles.
“I think Anette said a lot about how God is such a compassionate Jesus. And, you know, how the Savior believes it, loves it and rejoices when we come to him and broken hearts to ask for help.” Ovalle said.
Music for the session was provided by a choir made up of members from Utah County, who performed new hymns from the updated Church hymnal.
Elder Steven C. Barlow and Elder William C. Jackson, both of the Quorum of the Seventy, spoke about loving God and loving others. Love was a common theme throughout the evening's messages
Lesen Lawry from Brisbane, Australia, attended general conference for the first time.
“I felt the spirit very strongly, but I think my favorite talk was Elder Jackson. He spoke about the principle of counting and accounting, and I loved his reminder that the gospel is all about people; we just need to remember everyone and help them feel the Savior's love,” Lawry said.
Elder Neal L. Anderson concluded the session with remarks about repentance and forgiveness offered by the Savior.
“Turning from sin, turning toward God and strengthening your faith in Jesus Christ is a beautiful beginning. Humbly submitting your will to God includes acknowledging serious sin to your bishop or branch president, but your full forgiveness comes from the Savior. Forgiveness is a divine gift offered through the grace of Jesus Christ,” Anderson said.
Members eagerly await the Sunday sessions of general conference, where they hope to hear continued messages of hope, healing and love.