Salt Lake City – Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will see a shift in their Sunday meeting schedule beginning September 6, as the First Presidency announced adjustments designed to strengthen gospel learning both at home and within congregations. The changes refine a schedule first implemented in January 2019, which consolidated meetings to a two-hour block with a focus on home-centered gospel study.
The most significant alteration involves Sunday School, Relief Society, elders quorum, Young Women, and Aaronic Priesthood quorum meetings. These classes, previously held on alternating weeks, will now convene each Sunday. This move, church leaders say, is intended to provide more consistent opportunities for spiritual growth and connection. The adjustments aim to support members in becoming “lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ,” according to a news release on the Church’s website.
While the overall time commitment remains the same, the structure of that time is changing. Sacrament meeting will continue to be 60 minutes, followed by brief transition periods. However, Sunday School and quorum/class meetings will each be condensed to 25 minutes. Primary, the Church’s organization for children, will continue to be held every Sunday for 55 minutes, concurrent with the adult and youth classes. Local leaders have the flexibility to adjust the order of meetings to best suit their unit’s needs, potentially beginning with Primary and quorum/class meetings before concluding with sacrament meeting.
Strengthening Gospel Learning Through Consistency
The decision to hold classes weekly stems from a desire to deepen understanding and foster stronger spiritual support. Paul V. Johnson, Sunday School General President, explained that gathering weekly will “deepen gospel learning by connecting it more closely to personal and family study.” He emphasized that while the schedule is evolving, the total time dedicated to learning together will not decrease. “It also enhances the spiritual support that members obtain,” Johnson added. “Though the schedule looks different, the amount of time spent learning together remains the same.”
This emphasis on consistent learning is mirrored in updates to the youth curriculum. A new guide, “For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices,” is now available in the Gospel Library app and will become the standard curriculum for Young Women classes and Aaronic Priesthood quorums starting September 6. The guide features 12 chapters aligned with monthly study themes, and physical copies are being distributed to local units. Additional supporting content will be available through the “For the Strength of Youth” magazine beginning with the September 2026 issue.
Focus on Application and Connection
Beyond the structural changes, the Church is reinforcing the importance of applying gospel principles in daily life. Weekly Relief Society and elders quorum meetings will continue to center on messages from the most recent general conference, encouraging members to understand and implement prophetic teachings. President Camille N. Johnson, Relief Society General President, highlighted the power of consistent connection. “There is additive strength that comes when we meet each week to counsel, learn, and support one another,” she said. “When we gather in His name, the Spirit is there to teach us, testimonies are strengthened, and we lift each other in discipleship. This weekly time for connection will help us draw closer to the Savior and each other. We find joy in walking the covenant path together.”
The Church is also encouraging leaders to focus on the quality of sacrament meeting, emphasizing its role as a time of joy, reverence, and fellowship centered on Jesus Christ. While the length remains unchanged, leaders are prompted to consider ways to make the experience more meaningful and central to members’ lives.
Preparing for the Transition
To facilitate a smooth transition, the fifth Sunday in August will be dedicated to preparation and discussion for youth, their parents, and leaders. Additional preparation and discussion for all members will take place during the second hour of meetings on September 6. The Church has committed to providing resources, training materials, and answers to frequently asked questions in the coming weeks to support members as they adjust to the new schedule.
These changes build upon the framework established in 2019, when the Church shifted to a two-hour Sunday schedule to prioritize home-centered gospel study. The latest adjustments represent a continued effort to balance individual and family learning with the benefits of communal worship and instruction. The Church’s ongoing refinement of its meeting schedule reflects a commitment to adapting to the evolving needs of its members worldwide.
Looking ahead, the Church will continue to evaluate the effectiveness of these changes and gather feedback from members. Further updates and resources will be made available as needed. We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences as the Church implements these adjustments.
