Reader comments
Celebrating the youth: Events a chance for kids to focus on temple

Mc | 7:19 a.m. May 30, 2009

Tonight is our turn at the Conference Center. It has been hard to set aside the time to take our youth to all the practices, but it has been worth it to be a part of this. The dancing, music, costumes, and staging are all awesome, but best of all is the wonderful spirit we feel as we celebrate the temple and being a part of this great church!

Katy Larsen | 7:25 a.m. May 30, 2009

I heard that the cultural celebration in connection with the Twin Falls temple dedication was to be the last of those events as these celebrations consume inordinate amounts of time, money, and other resources that could be better used elsewhere. Obviously that was not correct as others have been held since. Anyone know anything about this?

True | 8:59 a.m. May 30, 2009

Very impressive. Good job!

Comments continue below

Mc | 9:45 a.m. May 30, 2009

re: Katy Larsen | 7:25 a.m

I know that the church is using the same theme, "Come Up To The Mountain of the Lord" so that many of the production numbers use the same costumes, props, and staging used for other temple celebrations. I am sure that the mountain backdrop was used somewhere in South America because it has green cacti unlike any I've ever seen in Utah or even Arizona. With all of the volunteer hours given and reusing of materials, I doubt that very much money was spent on this event. I have been amazed at the willingness of the kids and leaders who have put so much time into this. We will be glad to get our lives back, but don't regret one minute of the time we've given. I am glad that the Church decided to give the youth of this valley the same opportunity given to those in far away temple districts. It's awesome!

Twin Falls participant | 10:13 a.m. May 30, 2009

Actually what President Monson said at our celebration was something to the effect of... This is spectacular... something you will remember and treasure for the rest of your lives. This is why I have disagreed with those who feel that too much time and money is spent on these Temple Celebrations. I support these celebrations and as long as I am around we will continue to have these youth celebrations. He made it quite clear that there are those who think we shouldn't have them but that he thinks they are worth every penny spent and more!!!

deo | 10:14 a.m. May 30, 2009

What an awesome celebration! It was impressive to see so many youth in bright colored costumes, dance and sing in celebration of the temple! I enjoyed hearing the youth on the screen talk about what gift they would give to the lord. My 3 youth loved everything about this experience and how it adds to their temple experiences even more. As Laurels, my girls were able to be hosts during the Open House phase, and the morning of the first dedication, we were able to sit as a family at the door of the celestial room and see and hear the Prophet dedicate that beautiful temple. Last night's celebration was truly the cherry on top of our temple dedication experience. How blessed they are to be born and raised during this extraordinary time!

Jan | 10:36 a.m. May 30, 2009

Will President Monson speak tonight?

jan | 10:56 a.m. May 30, 2009

Will President Monson be speaking tonight?

jb | 11:53 a.m. May 30, 2009

What a wonderful production! I left with feelings of peace and calm and being uplifted as compared to the feelings when I watch the news or TV. Our daughter participated in it and had a great time--she eagerly anticipated each rehearsal and the many friendships she gained from participating. It was amazing to see 7000 youth with 7000 different levels of talent and capabilities work so well together. Thank you to all of the leaders who are so dedicated to be a light to the youth!

ja | 1:10 p.m. May 30, 2009

Last night Pres Monson said that he strongly supports these type of events. He also said that many have probably questioned whether all the time spent was worth it. He assured them that it was.

I agree, it did take a lot of time from kids & adults, but last night's performance made it all worth it.

Simply Wonderful | 1:33 p.m. May 30, 2009

There's no other word than "wonderful" to describe the celebration. The joy and happiness I saw in every participant's eyes as we left was heartwarming. This will be a memory that my two boys will share with their children and grandchildren. It certainly has given them a special connection to the House of the Lord....what could be better or more important than that? Time? Money? I don't think so!! Congratulations to all the youth and leaders on a job well done.

Clark | 2:46 p.m. May 30, 2009

Many people I know felt very pressured into participating. It is unfortunate that it happened this way a makes, it makes the performance a little uninspiring.

JS | 5:32 p.m. May 30, 2009

Loved every minute of it!!!!!!!!!!! I am glad my children were able to participate and that we were able to see it and feel of the spirit!

Re: Clark | 7:35 p.m. May 30, 2009

Clark, teach your friends how to say no, rather than allowing them to criticize others for "pressuring" them into it.

claudia | 8:30 p.m. May 30, 2009

Marvelous! Wonderful! Inspiring! Uplifting!
What amazing young people we have in the south end of the valley!
It was an unforgettable performance, and President Monson's presence really was the crowning touch to the evening.

em | 10:23 p.m. May 30, 2009

i was in the choir last night and loved every minute of it it was a wonderful experience

Robert | 10:24 p.m. May 30, 2009

Just got back from the Oquirrh Mountain Temple celabration. It was great and I agree with the theme Come let us go up to the Mountain of the Lord.

jessica | 10:47 a.m. May 31, 2009

I was in the 1920's dance for the Oquirrh Mountain temple It was so fun i felt the spirit so strong and i met so many new awesome friends!!!

Abigail | 11:05 a.m. May 31, 2009

I was in the celebration on Friday. It was such a great experience. I was an Irish Immigrant.

Tyler O. | 2:22 p.m. May 31, 2009

it was a great experience I was one of the farmers!

Caitlin Stewart | 3:18 p.m. May 31, 2009

I was in the 50's Dance!!! So much fun!!! Such a great experience.

emily | 8:04 p.m. May 31, 2009

I got to be in the industry/turn of the century dance on saturday. The spirit there was amazing,I will remember this forever! good job to everyone else who participated too, you guys all did such a wonderful job!

Ribbon Dancer | 8:46 p.m. June 1, 2009

i was a ribbon dancer in the asian group i was lucky to participate in such a wonderful thing
i really felt the spirit and every one did a wonderful job!

Betty Whiting | 8:09 p.m. June 2, 2009

My husband and I had some grandchildren in the immigrant dances on Friday night. The entire program was very well choreographed, uplifting, and entertaining! The energy and enthusiasm on stage was amazing, and connected with the audience. I hope the church produces a DVD of both nights.

Baylee | 6:44 p.m. July 4, 2009

I was in the Oquirrh Mountain Temple Celebration and I was a stramer dancer in the Asian Group. It was such a wonderful experience and my testimony really grew. I made so many new friends and enjoyed everything about it.

Native American Dancer | 4:55 p.m. Oct. 18, 2009

i was in the oquirrh mountain celebration and i had a blast!!!!! it was so much fun, a lot of my friends were with me. i really felt the spirit there. i wish i could do it again.

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