The band Ofi (pronounced oh-fee) is an American pop rock artist from Victorville, California, featuring frontman/vocalist/songwriter Burke “Ofi” Laidler,  bassist/songwriter/backing vocalist Jessie Gomez, and Nate Smeding on drums.  They are currently being produced by Grammy nominated Randy Slaugh. Their first six singles are being mixed by Grammy nominated Zakk Cervini and mastered by Grammy award winning Ted Jensen.
The band is based out of SLC, and will be debuting their new singles, tour, music videos, and album this year.

OFI Episode 701 The Cultural Hall

A place for members and non-members, mormons and non-mormons to discuss ANYTHING to do with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Religion & Spirituality

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Christianity

Buddhism

Hinduism

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Religion

Listen to the Hymn
“And behold, there shall a new star arise, such an one as ye never have beheld; and this also shall be a sign unto you. And behold this is not all, there shall be many signs and wonders in heaven. And it shall come to pass that ye shall all be amazed, and wonder, insomuch that ye shall fall to the earth.”
Helaman 14:5–7
 
Composer: Lorin Farrar Wheelwright
Year of Composition: 1959
Key Lines: “The heavens with light o’erflowing A story of love will tell.  A new star will shine in glory When Jesus comes on earth to dwell.”
Historical Context:

Composer’s Background: Lorin Farrar Wheelwright, born on December 20, 1909, was a distinguished musician, educator, and publisher. He studied at the McCune School and the University of Utah, earning advanced degrees from the University of Chicago and Columbia University. His contributions to LDS music are substantial, including founding Pioneer Music Press. He served on the Sunday School general board and as an associate editor for The Instructor magazine. He passed away on November 4, 1987.
Lorin Farrar Wheelwright wrote several hymns and songs for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including:


“O Love That Glorifies the Son” (#295)
“Help Me Teach With Inspiration” (#281)
“Oh, May My Soul Commune with Thee” (#123)
“Come, All Ye Saints and Sing His Praise” (included in previous Church hymnals)
“Mother, I Love You” (included in the Primary Children’s Songbook)

Cultural and Religious Significance
Commonality Outside LDS Culture:
“Starbright” is primarily known within the LDS community and is not commonly found outside this culture.
Central Theme and Doctrine:
The hymn focuses on the anticipation of the signs of Christ’s birth from the perspective of Book of Mormon believers, teaching faith in prophetic signs and the joy of Christ’s coming.
Hymn Selection Criteria:

Increase faith in and worship of Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ: The hymn reflects the faith of believers awaiting Christ’s birth, reinforcing the importance of prophetic fulfillment and divine guidance.
Teach core doctrine with power and clarity: It emphasizes the doctrine of Christ’s birth and the signs that heralded this event as recorded in the Book of Mormon.
Invite joyful singing at home and at church: Its simple, evocative melody and hopeful lyrics make it suitable for children’s singing both in worship services and at home.
Comfort the weary and inspire people to endure in faith: The hymn provides comfort by recounting the fulfillment of divine promises, encouraging endurance and faith.
Unify Latter-day Saints and others throughout the world: By focusing on a unique Book of Mormon narrative, it strengthens a shared identity and belief among LDS members.

Inclusion Rationale
Why It’s Now Included:

Unique Focus: “Starbrite” enriches the hymnbook by introducing a perspective from the Book of Mormon, offering a fresh narrative not extensively covered by other hymns.
Cultural Enrichment: It adds to the diversity of hymn narratives, particularly those aimed at children, enhancing the teaching of Book of Mormon stories through music.

Impact and Reception
Initial Reactions:
The inclusion of “Starbrite” is likely to be well-received due to its child-friendly focus and the emotional connection it fosters with the Book of Mormon stories.
Potential Impact:

Worship Services: The hymn can be used in Primary programs and Christmas celebrations,

812 Hear Hymn “Starbright” Hymn 1204

Jeni Brockbank lives with her six children in Northern Utah. She delights in applying the gospel of Jesus Christ to everyday life, loves to floating on lazy rivers, snuggling her children, and having long lunches with amazing friends. Jeni loves the color red because it reminds her that she is individually important to her Heavenly Father.

Buy the Book


811 Jeni Brockbank – Healing In Christ’s Light

The new batch of hymns for the LDS church in “Hymns for Home and Church” offers a rich blend of traditional favorites, newly composed pieces, and beloved classics, enhancing the spiritual and worship experience. Here are the highlights of the selected hymns

*  **Come Thou Fountain of Every Blessing** – A cherished Christian hymn from 1758, greatly requested for its return. It has been popular among Latter-Day Saints but was omitted from the 1985 hymn book, sparking a renaissance over the last two decades. It’s celebrated for its classic appeal and deep spiritual resonance.

 

*  **When the Savior Comes Again** – Newly composed by Lane Johnson, who teaches choral composition at BYU. This hymn is noted for its beautiful melody and is expected to become a favorite due to its uplifting message about the Second Coming.

 

*  **It Is Well with My Soul** – Authored by Horatio Spafford in 1876 amidst personal catastrophe, including financial ruin and the tragic loss of his daughters at sea. This hymn is a powerful testament to maintaining faith in God despite overwhelming adversity.

 

*  **I Will Walk with Jesus** – A 2019 children’s song by Steven P. Shank that quickly gained popularity in primary programs and sacrament meetings. It is designed to inspire young listeners to follow Christ’s teachings and walk his path.

 

*  **His Eye Is on the Sparrow** – Composed in 1905 by Charles H. Gabriel and Civilla D. Martin, this hymn draws from Matthew 10 to emphasize God’s omnipresence and care for all creatures, assuring believers of His constant vigilance.

 

*  **Think a Sacred Song** – A playful and reverent children’s hymn from 2013 by Marlene Summers Merkling, encouraging young singers to express their faith through joyful singing.

 

*  **As Bread Is Broken** – Introduced in 2018 by Steven A. Reynolds, this new composition for sacrament meetings focuses on themes of spiritual sustenance and communion with Christ.

 

* **Bread of Life, Living Water** – Annette W. Dickman’s 2011 composition integrates deep Latter-Day Saints theological elements, such as the atonement, with sacramental worship, enhancing the spiritual experience during the sacrament.

 

*  **Gethsemane** – Popularized by a viral video, Melanie F. Hoffman’s 2007 composition captures the solemnity and significance of Christ’s atonement in Gethsemane, making it particularly poignant during Easter celebrations.

 

*  **Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise** – A traditional hymn by Charles Wesley from 1739, celebrated for its joyous “Alleluia” chorus, which powerfully commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

 

*  **He Is Born, the Divine Christ Child** – This traditional French carol has been part of the Christian Christmas repertoire since 1812, celebrating the birth of Christ with a lively and joyful melody.

 

*  **What Child Is This** – A profound Christmas hymn set to the melody of “Greensleeves.” Written in 1867, it combines a historical English tune with a text that captures the awe and wonder of the nativity scene.

 

*  **Starbrite** – Composed by Lauren F. Wheelwright in 1959, this children’s song from the perspective of the Book of Mormon believers waiting for the signs of Christ’s birth enriches the Latter-Day Saints hymnal with its unique focus on Book of Mormon narratives.

 

810 13 New Hymns For Home and Church

Saints who Sport
NFL
Draft – 2024

Sione Vakie, RB

From Antioch, CA
University of Utah
Detroit Lions traded up to get him in 4th round
Served in Tonga during Covid


Devaughn Vele, WR

From San Diego
University of Utah
Drafted by Broncos in 7th round
Served mission in Samoa


Undrafted

Noah Atagi, Weber State

Chicago Bears


Clark Barrington, BYU and Baylor

Las Vegas Raiders


Dallin Holker, BYU and CSU

New Orleans Saints


Ryan Rehkow, BYU

Kansas City Chiefs


Isaac Rex, BYU

Detroit Lions


Max Tooley, BYU

Houston Texans


Kedon Slovis, BYU

Indianapolis Colts


Aidan Robbins, BYU

Cleveland Browns





 
NHL 

Only known Member in NHL
Edmonton Oilers
Married his wife as a nonmember
Played in Europe, Hurricanes, Flames, Oilers

Serving mission 
 

Rachel Jepsen

Plays Volleyball for University of Pittsburgh
Got to Final Four last season
Serving a mission in Paris


Jake Clifton

Kansas State linebacker, Junior
36 tackle across 19 games



Olympics
Paris, France
26 July 2024 to 11 August 2024

Courtney Wament

3000m Steeplechase

Track race (~7.5 laps), jumping 28 hurdles and 7 water pits


BYU grad

Won NCAA champs in 2022

Broke school record

5th best in US






Qualifications in Oregon on June 27
Missed quals last time due to poor finish

“I would say the thing that’s on my mind as it comes up is faith over fear. That was my motto, ‘Faith over fear,’ going into that race…whether I make a team or I don’t, having faith in the process and having fun with the journey of it.”





Famous Members In The NBA
 

809 Please Excuse This Episode for Being Tardy

Title and Number: “Amazing Grace,” Number to be assigned in the upcoming LDS hymnbook.
First Line or Chorus: “Amazing grace! How sweet the sound / That saved a wretch like me!”
Historical Context:
“Amazing Grace,” one of the most recognized hymns globally, was penned by John Newton in 1772. Newton, a former slave trader who became an Anglican clergyman, wrote the hymn as a testimony to his own transformation and the redeeming power of God’s grace. The hymn reflects Newton’s deep repentance and gratitude for salvation, with lyrics capturing the essence of his journey from sin to redemption.
Purpose and Message:
The hymn’s purpose is to highlight the transformative power of grace and forgiveness. It speaks to the theme of personal redemption, offering hope and solace to those who feel lost or burdened by guilt. The melody associated with “Amazing Grace,” often set to “New Britain,” evokes a sense of peace and reassurance.
Controversies and Criticisms:

Criticism of “Amazing Grace” in relation to John Newton’s life mainly revolves around his history as a slave trader before his conversion. Despite Newton’s eventual remorse and active role in the abolitionist movement, some critics highlight the paradox of a hymn on grace and redemption being authored by someone who was once complicit in such a dehumanizing trade. Critics argue that the legacy of his involvement in the transatlantic slave trade casts a shadow on the hymn, suggesting that it reflects a sense of guilt rather than genuine transformation.

However, defenders emphasize Newton’s later work, such as his collaboration with William Wilberforce to end the British slave trade, as evidence of his true repentance and reform. They argue that “Amazing Grace” serves as a testament to the power of God’s grace to transform even the most sinful lives, and that Newton’s life exemplifies the hymn’s message of redemption and change.

Christian Community: The hymn’s vivid portrayal of human sinfulness, expressed in phrases like “saved a wretch like me,” has sparked some debate. Some critics argue that this language is too harsh, while others believe it accurately conveys the depth of repentance.
LDS Community: Although widely accepted and loved within the Christian world, “Amazing Grace” hasn’t historically been included in LDS hymnbooks. This absence has been a topic of discussion, with some suggesting that its exclusion might be due to doctrinal nuances or differing interpretations of grace. However, its anticipated inclusion in the upcoming LDS hymnbook and its performance in the recent LDS General Conference signify a shift in its reception within the LDS Church.

 

Previous Hymnbook Inclusions: “Amazing Grace” has not been included in previous LDS hymnbooks.
Inclusion in Emma Smith’s Original Hymnbook: It was not included in the original hymnbook compiled by Emma Smith.
Origin: Written by John Newton, a former slave trader turned abolitionist, in 1772. The melody most commonly associated with it, “New Britain,” was likely derived from an American folk tune.

Cultural and Religious Significance:

Commonality Outside LDS Culture: Extremely popular in Christian communities worldwide, “Amazing Grace” is sung across various denominations and has been covered by numerous artists in both sacred and secular contexts.
Central Theme and Doctrine: The hymn emphasizes redemption and God’s grace, portraying the transformative power of divine forgiveness and mercy.
Hymn Selection Criteria:

Increase Faith in Jesus Christ: Directly emphasizes the grace of Christ that redeems individuals.

OFI Episode 701 The Cultural Hall

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