Hastening Now: A Weekly Church Report
From the historic Salt Lake Temple reaching a once-unimaginable construction milestone to humanitarian relief flowing to earthquake victims in Venezuela, to the dedication of a new visitors’ center in Nauvoo. Church leaders strengthened relationships with world leaders and preparations continued for the largest missionary force in the Church’s history.
ONE
President Uchtdorf Welcomes the President of Switzerland to Church Headquarters
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Church Leadership
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, welcomed the President of the Swiss Confederation to the Church’s global headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
During the visit, President Uchtdorf and His Excellency Guy Parmelin, president of the Swiss Confederation and head of the country’s Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), discussed shared values, including religious freedom, self-reliance, family, education, volunteerism and civic engagement. READ STORY AND SEE PHOTOS HERE.
TWO
Andy Reid Featured on Tabernacle Choir’s ‘Behind-the-Scenes’ Podcast
Monday, June 29, 2026
Tabernacle Choir
On Sunday, July 5, 2026, The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States with a special performance of “Music & the Spoken Word” with guest narrator Andy Reid, head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs.
In conjunction with the nationwide celebration, the Choir has released a special 30-minute episode of its “Music & the Spoken Word: Behind the Scenes” podcast featuring a conversation between host Derrick Porter and Reid about faith, family, football, how he balances the competing demands of life, and how he sees the “good in everybody.” SEE ARTICLE AND VIDEO HERE.
THREE
Temple Square Renovation Update: June 2026
Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Temples Rising
After two decades of planning and more than six years of construction, the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints now rests on its new base isolation system. “The system is unlike anywhere else in the world,” said Nathan Espinoza, assistant project manager with Jacobsen Construction.
Beginning Thursday, June 25, 2026, crews removed more than 1,500 bolts connecting 392 plates to the base isolators. The plates kept the 98 base isolators, located 20 feet below the temple, stabilized during installation and the weight transfer. “This is a milestone moment for this whole project,” said Brad Bohne, general superintendent with Jacobsen Construction. “The temple is set free,” Bohne continued. “Free to move now during an earthquake, so a big deal for us.” See Article, Photographs and Video HERE.
FOUR
Iam Tongi to Headline 2026 Utah Area YSA Conference in August
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Chosen Generation
Photo Credit: SpideySmith
Iam Tongi will be the headlining concert artist for the 2026 Utah Area Young Single Adult conference, happening August 14–15, 2026, according to the conference’s social media pages on Facebook and Instagram.
Tongi, the 21-year-old Hawaiian-born singer and member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who won Season 21 of “American Idol,” believes music is not just about fun — although it definitely is that. It’s about transformation, according to the concert event page. “I know I’m supposed to be doing this, and sometimes that’s all I know,” he said. “This is what I was meant for.” READ STORY AND SEE PHOTOS HERE.
FIVE
Elder Gong Dedicates New Nauvoo Temple Visitors’ Center
Saturday, June 27, 2026
Apostolic Ministry
Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles dedicated the new Nauvoo Temple Visitors’ Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in historic Nauvoo, Illinois, on Saturday, June 27, 2026. “Nauvoo is central to our history — to our past, to our present, to our future. From the late 1830s, this community has been home, and today we come together as neighbors and friends, as brothers and sisters, as community,” Elder Gong said during the dedication. READ STORY AND SEE VIDEO HERE.
SIX
Tabernacle Choir Returns to Hollywood Bowl as Beacon of Hope and Humanitarian Good
Friday, June 26, 2026
Tabernacle Choir
The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square, in collaboration with the O.C. Tanner Gift of Music Trust, performed two nights at the iconic Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, California, on June 24–25, 2026.
“You could feel the joy and the excitement of everybody,” said Elder Gérald Caussé of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who attended the concerts with his wife, Valérie. “This concert is a way to testify of Christ because caring for those in need is at the center of the gospel.” The Choir was joined by guest artists Donny Osmond, David Foster, Katharine McPhee, Daniel Emmett, Stephanie J. Block, Sebastian Arcelus and the Bonner Family. Each artist performed selections from their own musical and professional repertoire. READ STORY AND SEE VIDEO HERE.
SEVEN
The Church Mobilizes Humanitarian Aid in Wake of Venezuela Earthquakes
Monday, June 29, 2026
Humanitarian Outreach
Following the earthquakes that struck various locations in Venezuela, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints launched a humanitarian response that includes the distribution of approximately 5,000 assistance kits, which are expected to benefit more than 23,500 people in the affected communities.
The response, coordinated by the Church in conjunction with humanitarian organizations and government authorities, aims to assess the most urgent needs and ensure that aid reaches those who need it most quickly. READ STORY HERE.
EIGHT
First Lady and Church Leaders Break Ground on Hospital to Launch Eighth Strengthening Family Conference in Liberia
Monday, June 29, 2026
Humanitarian Outreach
Liberia first lady Kartumu Yarta Boakai joined Elder Adeyinka Ojediran of the Church’s Africa West Area Presidency to break ground for the Duport Road Maternity Hospital on June 18, immediately preceding the eighth annual Strengthening Families Conference (SFC) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While the groundbreaking served as a major highlight ahead of the conference, the main SFC event officially convened from June 19–20 in Monrovia. READ FULL STORY HERE.
NINE
Preparing to Serve as a Full-Time Missionary
Sunday, June 28, 2026
To All the World
At the 2026 Seminar for New Mission Leaders, President Dallin H. Oaks highlighted the continued growth in the number of full-time missionaries serving around the world. Church leaders anticipate that within the next few weeks, the total number of missionaries will reach an unprecedented level — surpassing any previous point in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As this historic milestone approaches, more young men and young women are preparing to begin their service. In anticipation of this continued growth, Church leaders are providing helpful guidance and information for those currently preparing to serve or considering future missionary service. READ STORY AND SEE VIDEOS HERE.
TEN
Venezuelan Flag in War and Disaster Ruins
Church Leaders Express Love and Support Following Earthquakes in Venezuela
Thursday, June 25, 2026
Humanitarian Outreach
The Caribbean Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued the following statement after a pair of powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on June 24, 2026. “We are deeply saddened by the recent earthquakes that have affected Venezuela, causing moments of uncertainty and concern for many people and families… READ ENTIRE STATEMENT HERE.
ELEVEN
Latter-day Saint Youth to Worship, Celebrate Faith Through Local Music Experiences
Thursday, June 25, 2026
Chosen Generation
Before the end of 2026, youth in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be participating in music devotionals or other in-person music experiences as a celebration of their faith. According to a letter sent to local units, “Youth benefit from feeling a sense of belonging and exercising faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Music is a powerful tool to invite those feelings and experiences. “To help provide more of these opportunities, local units and areas can plan in-person music experiences to bring youth together in worship and celebration of their faith.” READ ENTIRE STORY AND INSTRUCTIONS HERE.