Sunday Morning Session

Stake Conference Sept. 2025

President Lynn Pace

President Lynn Pace stated that now is the time to prepare for the Second Coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Now is the time to make our discipleship our highest priority.  Jesus Christ will return to the earth with great power and glory. It has been described as the great and dreadful day of the Lord.  How do we prepare for the Savior’s return?  How do we improve our discipleship? He suggested three steps. First, we need to prepare for the Lord's return.  As recorded in the New Testament, when the rich young man asked Jesus, “What lack I yet?” the Savior lovingly replied, “One thing thou lackest.  Go and sell all that thou hast... and come, follow me.” (Matthew 19:21). Ask yourself, and the Lord, what lack I yet?  Pick one thing where you think you can do better and focus on improving that one thing. 

This invitation reminds us that discipleship requires sacrifice, consecration, and a willing heart to follow the Lord above all else. Second, we must listen to and follow the living prophets—those chosen to guide, warn, and protect us—so “that the gates of hell shall not prevail against [us].”  Third, Fear not. Don't be afraid.  Don't fear the future.  Go forward in faith, trusting in the Lord’s promise: “Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.” (Doctrine and Covenants 6:36). Like the Mormon pioneers, we have nothing to fear from the journey.  The blessings you seek are ahead of you, not behind.  As the Lord hastens His work upon the earth, President Pace assured us with confidence and hope that if we follow the Lord, watch and wait for Him, the best is yet to come.  As President Thomas Monson stated, "Fear not.  The future is as bright as your faith."

President Matt Dalton

President Matt Dalton shared a moving story about a homeless man whom his family had befriended while working at his office, teaching a profound lesson about the power of charity. From his father, he had learned that true glory of the Lord comes not from the honors of the world, but from showing compassion toward all of God's children. When we extend kindness and mercy to others, we reflect the light of Jesus Christ and become true disciples of His. President Dalton reminded us that as we strive to live with greater love, our souls are refined and sanctified. The Lord declared, "Sanctify yourselves that your minds become single to God, and the days will come that you shall see him; for he will unveil his face unto you” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:68). 

He also shared the inspiring example of Mary Fielding Smith, who crossed the plains as a widow, facing ridicule and hardship, yet pressing forward with faith, charity, and quiet determination. Her courage was not rooted in recognition but in her conviction to do what was right before God. Through her example, President Dalton illustrated the call to be peacemakers—to treat those around us with gentleness, understanding, and kindness. As we let virtue and charity guide our actions, the Lord’s refining fire purifies our hearts and prepares us to become the disciples He needs us to be.

President Mike Pingree 

President Mike Pingree taught that to increase our discipleship, we must rely upon the counsel of the prophets and seek to build bridges of understanding through love and kindness. He reminded us of the Lord’s charge in the Doctrine and Covenants: "Behold, the watchman upon the tower seeth the enemy while he is yet afar off... and giveth warning to his people." (D&C 101:44 45). As disciples of Christ, we are called to be watchmen— spiritually alert and preparing ourselves and others for the Second Coming of the Savior. 

President Pingree outlined three essential steps for this sacred preparation. First, we must worship regularly in the temple, for it is through sacred service and covenant keeping that we find peace and draw nearer to Him. Second, we must increase our spiritual study, "holding fast to the word of God," as taught in 1 Nephi 15:24, for the scriptures provide strength, light, and direction as we serve and please our Heavenly Father. Third, we are to serve others through acts of kindness, following the Savior's example of ministering love. 

In closing, President Pingree offered a powerful invitation: "Putting Christ allows us to come unto Him with our whole soul." As we do so, our faith deepens, our hearts are purified, and we are made ready to joyfully welcome the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.