Photo by Jonathan Kland, LDS Architecture: ldsarchitecture.wordpress.com

[dropcap]I[/dropcap]t's the week before General Conference, so naturally, Kurt and Geoff have some thoughts on what might be coming this weekend and how we can best prepare. Don't miss our General Conference rumors, either!

http://thisweekinmormons.com/2019/09/october-2019-general-conference-rumor-roundup/

By Common Consent posted an interesting Twitter rant this week:

One blog's opinion: people don't want less church. They want better church. They want experiences that bring them together. They want to feel like they belong to something bigger and worthwhile. /1

— BCC (@ByCommonConsent) October 1, 2019

Is two-hour church actually working? We're not talking about whether home-centered church or the new youth program are working. We're asking whether the two hours that we do spend together are spent as best as they can. It's easy to argue that it is not the most effective use of our precious time together, but what's your take? Has your ward benefited from the shortened block or do people feel more distant? Do you still get chances to socialize? Is there a spirit of camaraderie?

On September 29, we all enjoyed a broadcast on the new Children and Youth program, which is designed for, uh, children and youth. The broadcast was bereft of any real content or explanation of the structure of the program, but we love that kids will be setting goals and getting ready for FSY every two years.

Another Missionary Training Center is closing, this one in Guatemala. This one wasn't even particularly old. What's up with the slew of MTC closures? Kurt also has a great idea for how to hold fundraisers at the MTC.

Temple news: design revealed for Feather River California Temple, location revealed for Tooele Valley Utah Temple, and groundbreaking date revealed for Puebla Mexico Temple.

http://thisweekinmormons.com/2019/09/temple-predictions-october-2019/

A story went viral last week of a Baptist preacher giving a sermon on the Book of Mormon for 10 solid minutes. Even we loved it! Of course, this is why we can't have nice things, because it turns out the "Baptist" is a baptized member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and isn't recognized as a preacher by his fellow Baptists. Apparently he sees himself as a bridge between the two groups, neither of which embraces him.

Are Latter-day Saints stuck with the Republican Party despite alleged (and decreasingly manifested) discomfort with Donald Trump? The Washington Examiner thinks so, but Kurt, a more traditional Republican, isn't so sure.

James Curran/JTM/James the Mormon is doing the rounds, explaining why 50% of the people are mean to him.

Robert Kirby