We constantly seek direction from the Lord
on how we can help our members keep the commandments of God,
especially those two great commandments,
to love God and our neighbors.
We will implement a newer, holier approach
to caring and ministering to others.
The First Presidency and the Twelve are united.
Gratefully and prayerfully, we open this new chapter
in the history of the Church.
What we intend is for the Lord's Church
to be more effective in carrying out
its divinely assigned mission to bring
to pass the eternal life of God's children.
We have learned that the Lord intends
for there to be greater, more focused
caring for others in His Church by His chosen shepherds.
As the work of quorums and auxiliaries
matures institutionally, it follows
that we should mature personally as well, individually
rising above any mechanical function-without-feeling
routine to the heartfelt discipleship articulated
by the Savior at the conclusion of His earthly ministry: "Love
one another; as I have loved you."
Sometimes we think we have to do something grand
and heroic to count as serving our neighbors.
Yet simple acts of service can have profound effects on others
as well as on ourselves.
What did the Savior do?
He also smiled at, talked with, walked with, listened to,
made time for, encouraged, taught, fed, and forgave.
He served family and friends, neighbors and strangers alike.
And He invited acquaintances and loved ones
to enjoy the rich blessings of His gospel.
Those simple acts of service and love
provide a template for our ministering today.
Ministering looks like going for a walk,
getting together for a game night,
offering service, or even serving together.
It looks like delivering a birthday card
and cheering at a soccer game.
In addition to whatever schedule you establish
for actual visits, that calendar can
be supplemented with telephone calls, written notes, texts,
emails, video chats, conversations
at Church meetings, shared service projects,
social activities, a host of possibilities
in the world of social media.
It looks like sharing a scripture or quote
from a conference talk that would be
meaningful to that individual.
It looks like discussing a gospel question
and sharing testimony to bring clarity and peace.
It looks like becoming part of someone's life
and caring about him or her.
I warn you: a new name, new flexibility, fewer reports
will not make one ounce of difference in our service
unless we see this as an invitation
to care for one another in a bold, new, holier way.
Another blessing of these inspired
announcements is the opportunity for young women ages 14 to 18
to participate in ministering as companions to Relief Society
sisters, just as young men their age serve
as ministering companions to Melchizedek Priesthood
brethren.
May we labor side by side with the Lord of the vineyard,
giving the God and Father of us all a helping hand
with His staggering task of answering prayers, providing
comfort, drying tears, and strengthening feeble knees.
If we'll do that, we will be more
like the true disciples of Christ we are meant to be.
Our message to the world is simple and sincere.
We invite all of God's children on both sides of the veil
to come unto their Savior, receive
the blessings of the holy temple, have enduring joy,
and qualify for eternal life.