June 20th will go down as a historic return to St. Louis, Missouri for  Mormon Tabernacle Choir. It’s been 51 years since the 300 voice choir performed here.

The choir’s day started early in the morning, 6 a.m. sharp with a photo shoot at the Gateway Arch for a documentary film – learn more, click here.

True confession here, while I am very proud of our church’s premiere choir, I am not a groupie of the choir. I am appreciative and humbled by the way the choir brings the Christ’s spirit to our world-wide church conferences. But I don’t follow their weekly broadcasts. 

Many at the St. Louis concert, however, were groupies who have listened to the choir for years. I was tickled by their enthusiasm.  

James Dobbs, an older gentleman who was ushering at the venue, grabbed my arm to stop me and share his delight, “they sang one of my favorite songs!” Dobbs beamed. 

Dobbs explained that he has retired from his ushering duties but came back just for this…

A unique opportunity to learn a bit about the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is coming to a movie theater near you. Emma Smith: My Story  tells the story of Emma Smith who was wife to Joseph Smith, founder and prophet of the church.

Photo credit: Candlelight Media Group

The movie starts tonight and shows through May 21st at : Regal St. Louis Mills, 5555 St. Louis Blvd., Hazelwood, MO 63042. Showing at 12 pm, 2,00 4:00, 7:25 & 9:25 pm.

The movie is likely to have highlights of the church history in Missouri.

If you see the film, I would be grateful if you would share your thoughts by commenting to this post.

For more information, please see the website: click emmasmithmovie.com

Learn how the church has partnered with the effort: click here

Did you feel the earth shake?

I grew up in California, I have felt several earthquakes, so when it hit us last week I knew what it was. But I wondered if my Midwestern native friends knew what hit them. Some thought it was a tornado…maybe some thought the sky was falling. It is a scary thought to think we are not only in for tornadoes in the Midwest, but we live close to an active fault line.

At times like these, emergency preparedness comes to the forefront of our minds.

Are we prepared?

My church takes a special interest in emergency preparedness. We have a website — providentliving.org — with resources that can be used by any church or group.

We are not, by any means, the only church preparing its flock for disaster or those events like loss of job or illness that can set a family back.

Recently Fenton ward of The Church of…