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In the Almanac
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Kaitlyn Bancroft

Kaitlyn Bancroft is a reporter with Church News. Previously, she’s written for KSL.com, The Salt Lake Tribune, The Spectrum & Daily News (part of the USA TODAY NETWORK), The Denver Post, Deseret News and The Davis Clipper. She’s a 2019 graduate of Brigham Young University’s journalism program, where she worked at The Daily Universe for four years. Follow her work on Twitter @katbancroft or on Instagram @katbancroftreports, and email her at kbancroft@deseretnews.com.

W. Bradford Wilcox, a sociology professor at the University of Virginia and director of the National Marriage Project, stands at a podium while speaking at a Brigham Young University forum.
Living Faith
What the King Midas myth teaches about happy marriages
W. Bradford Wilcox spoke at BYU about how the “Midas mentality” prevents people from choosing family life.
A spotlight illuminates the icon of the apostle John in a catacomb in Rome, Italy.
Living Faith
‘Come, Follow Me’ for Nov. 27-Dec. 3: What have Church leaders and scholars said about 1-3 John and Jude?
This week’s study guide includes writings from John the Beloved and from Judas, the brother of Jesus.
A family gathers around a table for Thanksgiving dinner.
Living Faith
What have Church leaders taught about gratitude?
As U.S. families gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, here’s a look back at what Church leaders have taught about gratitude.
Turkey and gravy, cheesy stuffing, buttery mashed potatoes, sweet and sour glazed carrots, and green beans are shown in Concord, N.H. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
Living Faith
Expressing gratitude this Thanksgiving? Try indebtedness, instead
A new BYU study reinforces previous research on how the principle of indebtedness elevates gratitude practices.
Young single adults sit on steps while attending the 2023 Weekend in Washington event, a young single adult conference held Oct. 13-15 in Washington, D.C.
Living Faith
How research and real-life events support President Nelson’s recent promise to youth and young adults
President Nelson said attending seminary and institute will increase youth and young adults’ sense of belonging — and research agrees.
The apostle Peter is depicted in the New Testament video series.
Living Faith
‘Come, Follow Me’ for Nov. 20-26: What have Church leaders and scholars said about 1 and 2 Peter?
This week’s study guide includes the apostle Peter’s declaration that Church members are “a peculiar people” (1 Peter 2:9).
A screenshot demonstrating FamilySearch’s new “Your Impact” feature.
Members
New FamilySearch feature Your Impact shows users the fruits of their indexing labors
The feature, which finished launching this week, shows users how many names went to the temple as a result of indexing and review work that they contributed to.
Sister Andrea M. Spannaus speaks to the missionaries during a devotional at the Provo Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah.
Leaders & Ministry
What Sister Spannaus said during an MTC devotional about choosing Christ
Sister Andrea Muñoz Spannaus, second counselor in the Young Women general presidency, discussed the choice each person makes between light and darkness.
“Joseph Smith’s First Vision” (stained glass, 7 by 5 feet) in the Palmyra Temple, Palmyra, New York.
Living Faith
‘Come, Follow Me’ for Nov. 13-19: What have Church leaders and scholars said about the Epistle of James?
This week’s study guide includes James 1:5, the scripture that helped usher in the Restoration.
Artists perform a sound check before the Church Music Festival at the Salt Lake Tabernacle in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023.
Living Faith
Photo gallery: Church Music Festival from Temple Square
See photos from the 2023 Church Music Festival, which this year focused on Kenya.
Brother Bradley R. Wilcox, first counselor in the Young Men general presidency.
Leaders & Ministry
Brother Wilcox teaches how to escape the ‘worthless’ trap of pornography
Brother Bradley R. Wilcox was a keynote speaker during the Utah Coalition Against Pornography’s 4th Annual Rally for Hope & Healing on Nov. 11, 2023.
The Utah Valley Institute Singers perform during the 2021 Church Music Festival broadcast Sept. 17, 2021.
Living Faith
How the 2023 Church Music Festival is different than ever before
The festival typically features original compositions by members, but this year, the focus is on worldwide music.
A man speaks during a Church council meeting. Several other adults look at him while listening.
Living Faith
What to know about teacher council meetings for parents
Church News sat down with the Sunday School general presidency to learn what teacher council meetings for parents are, how wards should conduct them and how these councils can bless parents.
A screenshot of FamilySearch’s North American website homepage.
Living Faith
FamilySearch launches changes to its North American website
FamilySearch implemented record search changes a year ago but those changes are now feature prominently on the website’s homepage.
Melchizedek ordains Abraham in this Gary L. Kapp painting found in the Old Testament DVDs set.
Living Faith
‘Come, Follow Me’ for Nov. 6-12: What have Church leaders and scholars said about Hebrews 7-13?
“Come, Follow Me” for Nov. 6-12 covers Hebrews 7-13, which includes writings on faith, chastening and the Melchizedek priesthood.
A young girl and boy play outside.
Members
Why people are talking about this 13-year-old BYU study on sibling relationships
Conducted in 2010, millions of Instagram users are learning about the study in 2023.
A Jack-o’-lantern sits on a hay bale.
Members
A BYU professor is hunting ghosts this Halloween — but not the spooky kind
BYU business professor Jeff Bednar recently helped research the impact of “organizational ghosts.”
Delia Rochon, right, and Camille Fronk Olson stand at a new pioneer memorial in the Murray City Cemetery in Murray, Utah, Oct. 28, 2023.
History Revisited
New memorial honors pioneers, reunites 2 family branches
Delia Rochon’s research led her to family she didn’t know she had. On Oct. 28, the cousins honored their shared ancestors with a new pioneer memorial.
A family in Paraguay having home evening together.
Members
What this BYU study found about how religious hope strengthens families
David Dollahite, a professor in BYU’s School of Family Life, is a co-author of a new study exploring connections between religious practices and hope.
A man confers the priesthood upon another man by the laying on of hands in this depiction of priesthood authority in ancient times.
Living Faith
‘Come, Follow Me’ for Oct. 30-Nov. 5: What have Church leaders and scholars said about Hebrews 1-6?
“Come, Follow Me” for Oct. 30-Nov. 5 includes writings on hope, the priesthood and how Jesus Christ “is able to succour them that are tempted” (Hebrews 2:18).
The Orem Utah Temple.
Temples
How the Orem Utah Temple will bless local students, young adults, community members
With nearby Utah Valley University and Brigham Young University boasting a collective 80,000 students, young adults are particularly excited about the new Orem Utah Temple.
Statues of Christ and the Apostles are displayed in the Rome Temple Visitors’ Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Rome, Italy.
Living Faith
‘Come, Follow Me’ for Oct. 23-29: What Church leaders and scholars say about 1 and 2 Timothy; Titus; and Philemon
“Come, Follow Me” for Oct. 23-29 includes the apostle Paul’s teachings on bishops, endurance and overcoming fear through faith.
Boxes of food donated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints wait for distribution at the Rowan County Service Building in September 2023.
Living Faith
Church donates 33,000 pounds of food to 20 Kentucky organizations
The donations “are bringing the name of the Church... out of obscurity here in eastern Kentucky,” said JustServe specialist Samone Ratcliff.
A young family walks together outside with the father holding a child.
Members
Family research: What this BYU study found about which parent a school is more likely to call
BYU economics professor Olga Stoddard and researchers from two other universities conducted the study.
A portion of the walls of Thessaloniki, Greece.
Living Faith
‘Come, Follow Me’ for Oct. 16-22: What have Church leaders and scholars said about 1 and 2 Thessalonians?
“Come, Follow Me” for Oct. 16-22 includes the apostle Paul’s writings on loving all men, abstaining from fornication and being “children of light.”
Volunteers with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gather during cleanup efforts after Hurricane Idalia hit Florida’s Big Bend area in August 2023.
Members
Hurricane Idalia volunteer disaster relief by the numbers
The storm caused billions of dollars worth of damage, but thousands of Latter-day Saints joined disaster relief efforts.
Bishop L. Todd Budge, second counselor in the Presiding Bishopric, speaks during a BYU–Hawaii devotional on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023.
Living Faith
BYU–Hawaii devotional: Bishop Budge outlines 5 things both President Nelson and prophet Mormon taught
Anciently and modernly, prophets testify of the same eternal truths, said Bishop L. Todd Budge.
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, in white, and Sister Harriet Uchtdorf, left, talk with Gabrielle and Christylee Jara and their children — Gabrielle, 10, Sarai, and Jasmine — prior to the the McAllen Texas Temple’s dedication on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023.
Temples
McAllen Texas Temple dedication bridges borders, Elder Uchtdorf says
In the U.S.-Mexico border town where families are sometimes divided by literal and figurative walls, the temple represents peace and unity.
The Kirby family gathers for a gospel study at home around their table.
Living Faith
‘Come, Follow Me’ for Oct. 9-15: What have Church leaders and scholars said about Philippians and Colossians?
This week’s study guide includes the apostle Paul’s writings on doing “all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
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Temples
From 24 hours of travel to 15 minutes: How the McAllen Texas Temple is bringing blessings home for local members
The new temple will be dedicated Oct. 8, 2023, but the Church’s history in McAllen goes back much further.