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| Gathering weekly in every class helps deepen gospel learning by connecting it more closely to personal and family study |
SALT LAKE CITY — In a significant move to bolster gospel learning and community support, the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced adjustments to the Sunday meeting schedule. These changes, set to take effect September 6, 2026, aim to deepen the connection between personal home study and congregational worship.
Since the transition to a two-hour Sunday block in 2019, members worldwide have embraced a more home-centered approach to faith. These latest updates build upon that foundation, ensuring that every member receives weekly nourishment through both Sunday School and their respective priesthood or auxiliary organizations.
The Updated Sunday Schedule
The most notable shift involves moving away from the alternating week format. Under the new guidelines, all adult and youth classes will meet every Sunday. The two-hour block will be structured as follows:
- Sacrament Meeting: 60 minutes.
- Transition Period: Brief interval between meetings.
- Second-Hour Classes: 25 minutes each for Sunday School, Relief Society, elders quorum, Young Women, and Aaronic Priesthood quorums.
- Primary: 55 minutes (held concurrently with adult/youth classes).
- Developing lifelong discipleship.
- Preparing for temple ordinances and missionary service.
- Strengthening the understanding of the eternal nature of the family.
- Finding personal strength through Jesus Christ.
- August 31, 2026 (Fifth Sunday): Dedicated to preparation and discussion for youth, parents, and leaders.
- September 6, 2026: Implementation date, with additional training and discussion during the second hour.
"Gathering weekly in every class helps deepen gospel learning by connecting it more closely to personal and family study," noted President Paul V. Johnson, Sunday School General President. "It also enhances the spiritual support that members get."
Youth Curriculum: A Focus on "For the Strength of Youth"
A cornerstone of this announcement is the integration of the updated "For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices" as the primary curriculum for all youth classes.
Starting in September 2026, the 12-chapter guide will align with monthly study themes, supported by the For the Strength of Youth magazine. President Timothy L. Farnes, Young Men General President, emphasized that this guide is designed to help youth navigate a challenging world by focusing on the doctrine of Christ.
Key Goals for the Youth Curriculum:
Strengthening the Covenant Community
For adult members, the weekly frequency of Relief Society and elders quorum meetings is intended to provide "additive strength." These gatherings will continue to focus on recent general conference messages, fostering a space for counseling together and practical application of prophetic counsel.
President Camille N. Johnson, Relief Society General President, highlighted the power of this weekly connection: "When we gather in His name... testimonies are strengthened, and we lift each other in discipleship."
Preparing for the Transition
While the class schedules are changing, the Church remains committed to the sanctity of the Sacrament meeting. Leaders are encouraged to seek ways to further enrich the worship experience, ensuring it remains a time of joy, reverence, and fellowship centered on the Savior.
To prepare for these changes:
Members are encouraged to visit the Gospel Library to access the new youth guide and review the official letter from the First Presidency for further details.
For more information and resources, stay tuned to the LDS Gospel official communication channels in the coming weeks.
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