Church Update

The goal is the same—to help members become lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ, but how to do that has changed according to the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They have made adjustments to the Sunday class meeting schedule which will begin the first Sunday in September, 2026. 

According to the letter the First Presidency issued:

“In the new schedule, sacrament meeting will continue to be no longer than 60 minutes. After a 5-minute transition, youth and adults will attend a 25-minute Sunday School class each week. Following another 5-minute transition, they will attend a 25-minute priesthood quorum, Relief Society, or Young Women meeting. Primary will continue to meet weekly and will now last 55 minutes. 

“Sunday School and Primary classes will study the scriptures using Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church. Elders quorums and Relief Societies will continue to study messages from the most recent general conference. Youth will use a new and expanded edition of For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices, supported by material available in Church magazines. Quorums and classes will no longer counsel together about a specific topic prior to these lessons.”

In January 2019, the Church implemented a two-hour Sunday schedule to provide individuals and families with increased opportunities for home-centered gospel study. Members across the world have embraced these changes with faith and enthusiasm. Additional adjustments will be introduced to further enhance learning, fellowship, and worship.

“Gathering weekly in every class helps deepen gospel learning by connecting it more closely to personal and family study,” said President Paul V. Johnson, Sunday School General President. “It also enhances the spiritual support that members get. Though the schedule looks different, the amount of time spent learning together remains the same.”

“Come, Follow Me” Alignment

Every age-group will continue participating in “Come, Follow Me” lessons that directly support home study. 

Sunday School classes will continue using “Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church.”

Youth Curriculum: “For the Strength of Youth”

An updated “For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices”—now available in the Gospel Library—features 12 chapters that align with monthly study. Physical copies are being shipped to units and do not need to be ordered by local leadership.

Beginning September 6, 2026, this guide will become the curriculum for Young Women classes and Aaronic Priesthood quorums. Additional supporting content will be provided through the “For the Strength of Youth” magazine, starting with the September 2026 issue.

“Living prophets have given us the FSY guide. It’s simple but powerful. It will help young men and young women focus on Christ, know His doctrine, and listen to the Spirit,” said President Timothy L. Farnes, Young Men General President. “This guide will help youth walk in confidence, rely on His power, and move forward with hope in a challenging world. I find it helpful as a daily part of my scripture study.”

The desired outcomes for youth who study this guide are that they will:

1. Become lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ with a firm understanding of His gospel.
2. Be prepared for the endowment with a deeper understanding of priesthood ordinances and covenant promises.
3. Be prepared for a mission with a desire to serve the Lord.
4. Be focused on their future family with an understanding that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Father’s plan.
5. Know Jesus Christ is their strength.

Young women, young men, their parents, and leaders are encouraged to subscribe their household to the “For the Strength of Youth” magazine at no cost. Those who would like to receive additional copies can purchase current issues at store.ChurchofJesusChrist.org or at retail stores. Current and past issues can be accessed digitally on ChurchofJesusChrist.org or the Gospel Library app. If members need help with subscriptions, they may contact their local magazine representative or ward clerk.

Relief Society and Elders Quorum

Weekly Relief Society and elders quorum meetings will continue to focus on messages from the most recent general conference. These discussions emphasize understanding prophetic teachings and applying them in daily life.

“There is additive strength that comes when we meet each week to counsel, learn, and support one another,” said President Camille N. Johnson, Relief Society General President. “When we gather in His name, the Spirit is there to teach us, testimonies are strengthened, and we lift each other in discipleship. This weekly time for connection will help us draw closer to the Savior and each other. We find joy in walking the covenant path together.”

Strengthening Worship in Sacrament Meeting

While the length of sacrament meeting remains unchanged, leaders are encouraged to deliberately consider ways to strengthen the quality of worship and help sacrament meeting become more central in the lives of Latter-day Saints. Members are invited to seek meaningful ways to enrich their own worship experience. Sacrament meeting is a time of joy, reverence, and welcoming fellowship centered on the Savior Jesus Christ.

The fifth Sunday in August 2026 will be dedicated for preparation and discussion by youth, their parents, and their leaders. Additional preparation and discussion for members will take place during the second hour on September 6, 2026. Resources, training materials, and answers to common questions will be made available in the coming weeks.