Embedded Files
Leader Notes
Leader Notes
We took a look at CDOL (Church Directory of Leaders) and found that in over half of the 82 units (wards and branches), there is no Temple and Family History Leader listed, and in about a third of the units, there is no Temple and Family History Consultant listed. There are lots of reasons for it, but we thought that we should bring it to your attention.
We have noticed a wide gap in the percentage of youth who have current temple recommends and the percentage of youth who have submitted names to the temple. Just to clarify: a "name" counts when it is printed to take to the temple, and it is associated with the account from which it is printed. In many cases, a young patron will take a name card to the temple that has been printed by his or her parent, and so it is counted under the parent's account. Youth as young as 8 years of age can now have individual accounts in FamilySearch with parental permission, and youth 13 and older can have their own account without parental permission. With the emphasis we have seen from church leaders regarding youth involvement in gathering activities, and for us to get a handle on how we are doing in that important work, we could encourage all eligible recommend holders to have their own account. We would have better data to help judge how we can improve.
Do you need help with stake leadership training? We know that many of you continue to receive excellent training from your TFH high councilor, but if there is ever a time you are interested, we would be happy to help, in person, via Zoom, or by providing access to a slide deck... just let us know!
Remember when Elder Bednar presented at RootsTech and shared the importance of involving youth in the work of gathering? You can watch the short video below.
Finally, we have a supply of these cards from FamilySearch. The QR code on the back will lead you to Family History Resources, a great place to go if you have a quick question. Would this be something that a bishop or branch president could use?
25th Anniversary
25th Anniversary
The Winter Quarters temple was dedicated on April 22, 2001.
Of course, what an opportunity to Remember Him! We are looking at what the Church has available for videos that will help people who aren't members of the church to understand about temples, what they are, what we do in them, and what value they have in a community. Many of you have been to temple open houses, and you have seen some of these videos that the church produces about the temples, so when you are in your leadership councils, you might think about those things in mind when the topic of the anniversary comes up.
Many of you are involved in plans to commemorate the anniversary. What ideas do you have? Please let us know - we would love to hear from each of you about things that you have in mind. We know many of you have hours of distance to travel before you get from your house to the temple, but think that it's probably as special as it is to those of us who live closer - likely moreso because of the sacrifice it takes to get here. We appreciate your dedication and perseverance!
The temple will be closed for maintenance and construction from April 20 through June 29, so plans are in motion to have a multi-stake commemoration event around the time of Pioneer Day, probably including music. Please continue to plan events in your individual stakes - one of the ideas we have heard is to fill the temple for every session in the month of July. Does that fit any of your plans?
Temple Schedule
Temple Schedule
This is also on the home page, along with a list of dates that the temple will be closed. With the beginning of this month, there is a new schedule for the sealing sessions, so please make a note of that and help members in your units negotiate the change. Click on the pop-out symbol in the upper-right to make it bigger.
temple_schedule - Google Sheets.pdf
FamilySearch is launching an initiative to tie in with the nation's sesquicentennial observance this year.
More is coming on the America 250 initiative, but for now, we know that promotional material will be available soon, including digital and printed resources for FamilySearch Centers and Affiliate Libraries.
Follow the steps listed on the America 250 Celebration poster to try the America 250 challenge!
Social Media for FSC
Social Media for FSC
FamilySearch has provided this guidance for local involvement in social media:
The title of the page should be "Friends of the [insert name of center]." It must come from the community and not FamilySearch or the Church.
The description must have a disclaimer that they do not speak for the church or FamilySearch.
Things that the church and FamilySearch share on their social media channels can be shared, but church content can't be appropriated and then posted as original content.
Logos for the FSC Facebook page should be unique and should not be the same logos that are in use by the church, including FamilySearch.
The Facebook page can be used to engage local (non-church) genealogical societies, so the content should be that which can speak to all constituencies.
As is the case with the FSC itself, the Facebook involvement comes under the purview of priesthood leadership.
Although these guidelines aren't found yet in any church publications, our FamilySearch contact has verified with her colleagues that they are consistent with current church policy. She also said that, of all the FSC centers that she has visited, only 3, she thought, had social media pages, so, even though it's not all that common, at least we aren't alone!
It can be a great way to reach out and let others in our communities know the good that we are doing.
Leadership Instruction
Leadership Instruction
RootsTech 2026 Temple and Family History Leadership Instruction will be led this year by Elder Patrick Kearon. The instruction will be recorded, and the video will be released on March 5 at 10:00 AM CST.
Elder and Sister Rasband will host the Family Discovery Day live session on March 7 at 2:30 PM CST.
See the FamilySearch section below for registration details and for posters for both of these events.
FamilySearch and RootsTech
FamilySearch and RootsTech
FamilySearch Center Connect
Starting January 2026, the current Tech Talk and Center Chatter meetings will merge into one unified monthly meeting called FamilySearch Center Connect.
If you did not receive an email from Katie with this information, please let me know!
Meeting Reoccurring Time/Link?
US Central--2nd Thursday 7:00 PM MST
Teams Meeting Link:
Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 279 496 665 845
Passcode: GG2tb2zU
RootsTech Watch Party
As we continue to support members’ understanding and participation in RootsTech (March 5-7) —whether as leaders, families, or individuals—I wanted to share a resource that could benefit both members of The Church and those outside of it.
RootsTech, the world’s largest family history conference, offers a Watch Party experience that allows groups to gather, learn, and celebrate together. This is a wonderful way for communities to engage with inspiring content, deepen their understanding of family connections, and explore new tools and resources in genealogy. Plus the contnet is available all year long so the watch party can happen anytime!
If you work with or know individuals or organizations actively involved in genealogy—such as:
• Local FamilySearch Centers
• Genealogical societies
• Libraries with genealogy collections/programs
• Community groups with cultural or ancestral interests
• Educators or youth groups exploring family history
…they may find great value in hosting or attending a RootsTech Watch Party.
How to host a RootsTech Watch Party
RootsTech Registration
RootsTech 2026 Registration Is Open! Let’s spread the word!
See attached assets in different file formats, making digital/social media sharing easier. Note the Spanish and French versions of the letter about Elder and Sister Rasband are pictures of the first page of the 3-page letter. The English version is a pdf file of the full letter. Let me know if you need the full version in Spanish or French.
If you need to print one of the pdf files, remember to click on the symbol in the upper right-hand corner of the pdf window to send it to your pdf reader.
Be a part of the world’s largest family history gathering:
Online participation is FREE
In-person early bird pricing:
$99 for a 3-day pass
$69 for a 1-day pass
https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/
Highlights for Members:
Family Discovery Day (Saturday) – Hear a special message and insights from a General Authority.
Latter-day Saint specific sessions offered throughout the conference.
Temple and Family History Leadership Instruction-intended especially for any who have callings specifically influencing Temple and Family History but any can participate.
For All Attendees:
Inspiring Main Stage guests (past speakers include Sean Astin, Ndaba Mandela, LaVar Burton, Kristin Chenoweth, and more!)
Discover new technologies enhancing family history research from FamilySearch and partners like MyHeritage, Ancestry, and Find My Past.
Official Leadership Letter.pdfEnglish-in person RootsTech 2026 Family DIscovery Day In person.pdfFrench online RootsTech 2026 Family Discovery Day.pdfSpanish online RootsTech 2026 Family DIscovery Day.pdfT&FH Leadership Instruction Poster.pdfThese are pretty great activities
These are pretty great activities
...for ward gatherings and Family Home Evening
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