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The following comes from the Church Newsroom. To read the full report, CLICK HERE.

Instruction to leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continued Thursday in leadership meetings associated with general conference. Leaders spoke about service, repentance, the new program for children and youth, ministering, the correct use of the name of the Church, and the faith’s home-centered, Church-supported model for learning. The following are highlights from their messages to the General Authorities and General Officers of the Church.

Service

Noting the importance of the second great commandment to love our neighbor, Acting President of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles M. Russell Ballard said, “Imagine what good our members can do in the world if we all join together, united as followers of Christ, anxiously and busily responding to the needs of others and serving those around us—our families, our friends, our neighbors, our fellow citizens.”

“Service to Heavenly Father’s children is another opportunity to follow the example of His Beloved Son. Some service opportunities are formal. Many other opportunities to serve are informalï»żâ€”without assignmentï»żâ€”and come as we reach out to our neighbors in life’s journey.”

President Ballard spoke of serving others through missionary work, seeking to help those who do not regularly attend our worship services and helping new members feel welcome, participate in worship services and learn more about the gospel of Jesus Christ. President Ballard taught of how service helps develop positive relationships with faith and community leaders and helps others to understand the true nature of the Church and its members. He specifically focused on JustServe.org, a community service initiative to help Church members and our fellow citizens follow the Savior’s admonition to “love thy neighbor as thyself.”

After sharing examples of how service blesses members of the Church, missionaries and all of God’s children, he concluded by teaching “service is pure religion, and 
 can be done right where we live; it doesn’t have to be a long way from home.”

To read the full report, CLICK HERE.