Church Stories
Church Newsroom
See the latest news in the LDS world.
Gathering the latest stories
Pulling fresh articles from Church Newsroom
Mount Shasta Ward
Church Stories
See the latest news in the LDS world.
Gathering the latest stories
Pulling fresh articles from Church Newsroom
Church Stories
The latest from Church Newsroom and Member News, gathered for the ward.
Earthquake Response
On August 10, a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck near San José del Palmar, Colombia. In response, the South America Northwest Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released a statement expressing deep sadness for those affected by the disaster. They conveyed their love and support for the families and communities impacted by the earthquake. The Church is coordinating with government agencies and other organizations to provide necessary assistance. They also offered prayers for the affected families, hoping they find strength and comfort during these challenging times.
Celebrating Leadership
President Dallin H. Oaks of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints celebrated his 94th birthday on August 12, 2026, with family in Utah. This year marks his first birthday since becoming the Church’s 18th President in October 2025. Church social channels shared photos and messages that highlighted his invitations to be peacemakers and to follow Jesus Christ. As a long-serving member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles since 1984, President Oaks has consistently encouraged individuals and families to choose peace and avoid contention. In his recent messages, he emphasized the importance of forgoing contention and adopting the language of peacemakers, a theme he reiterated during the April 2026 General Conference.
Global Temple Updates
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continues to expand its global presence with several recent temple milestones. The Phnom Penh Cambodia Temple has opened to the public, while President Oaks is set to dedicate the Belo Horizonte Brazil Temple. Groundbreaking ceremonies have also taken place for new temples in Naga, Philippines, and Santos, Brazil, marking significant progress in these regions. Additionally, updates include renovations at the historic Salt Lake Temple and upcoming dedications for the Cody Wyoming Temple and the Lindon Utah Temple. These developments reflect the Church's ongoing commitment to providing sacred spaces for worship and community across the world.
Temple Dedication Announcement
President Dallin H. Oaks will dedicate the Belo Horizonte Brazil Temple on Sunday, August 16, 2026. The dedicatory session will begin at 10 a.m. local time and will be rebroadcast at 2 p.m. for congregations in the temple district. This marks the second temple dedication by President Oaks this year, following the Burley Idaho Temple in January. The Belo Horizonte Temple will be the Church’s 12th dedicated temple in Brazil. Prior to the dedication, the public was invited to tour the temple from June 13 to June 27, with over 1,300 opinion leaders and invited guests participating in earlier tours. The temple's design reflects cultural elements from Minas Gerais, featuring stained glass inspired by traditional Portuguese tilework.
Temple Announcements
The First Presidency has announced important dates for two new temples: the Fort Worth Texas Temple and the Barcelona Spain Temple. The Fort Worth Texas Temple will hold a public open house from November 5 to November 21, 2026, with dedication set for January 10, 2027. This temple will be the sixth in Texas, joining others in Dallas, Houston, Lubbock, McAllen, and San Antonio. In Spain, the groundbreaking for the Barcelona Spain Temple is scheduled for September 19, 2026. This temple will be the second in the country, complementing the Madrid Spain Temple dedicated in 1999. With nearly 72,000 members in Spain, this new temple will serve a growing community of Latter-day Saints.
Volunteer Opportunities
Applications are now open for individuals and groups interested in participating in the Salt Lake Temple Celebration, scheduled from April 5 to October 1, 2027. This historic event will feature music, dance, storytelling, and personal interactions focused on Jesus Christ and the purpose of temples. Everyone, regardless of background or experience, is encouraged to apply. Volunteers aged 16 and older can assist in various roles, including welcoming guests, guiding visitors, and supporting behind-the-scenes activities. Additionally, music and dance groups, as well as artists, are invited to contribute their talents. This celebration promises to be a joyful experience for all involved, creating memorable moments for guests from around the world.
New Temple Groundbreaking
On August 8, 2026, a significant milestone was achieved with the groundbreaking of the Naga Philippines Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Naga City, Camarines Sur. This event marks an important step in the growth of the Church in the Philippines and serves as a source of inspiration for members in the region. The new temple will provide a sacred space for worship and service, enhancing the spiritual lives of the local community. Members are encouraged to participate in the upcoming temple preparations and to uplift one another during this exciting time.
