More than a hundred thousand people will crowd into downtown Salt Lake City this weekend
for the annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Religion Specialist Carole Mikita has a preview and some advice on parking and mass transit.
From the roof overlooking the parking lots here on Third West, crews are still working to remove the scaffolding from what was the Medals Plaza. But the northern part of this lot is opening for parking.
And there's a reminder about TRAX, which will run early Sunday for the Conference crowd.
What will the message from church leaders be to those in attendance? Here are some thoughts.
President Gordon B. Hinckley/ Feb. 5, 2002: "WE'VE MADE VERY MANY GOOD FRIENDS, AND I HOPE THAT THOSE FRIENDSHIPS WILL CONTINUE."
Latter-day Saints from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir to members of the army of volunteers, participated in welcoming the world to Salt Lake City.
Everyone agrees the Olympics went well and LDS Church leaders feel the church's image was heightened and improved during the Games.
Some will undoubtedly talk about the Games during this weekend's General Conference.
President Gordon B. Hinckley hopes the lasting legacy will be better community relations. He told Carole Mikita there should not be divisiveness in this community.
President Hinckley: "WE DON'T HAVE TO HAVE ADVERSITY BETWEEN GROUPS. WE DON'T HAVE TO HAVE AN ADVERSARIAL RELATIONSHIP. WE CAN BE FRIENDLY AND RESPECTFUL AND KIND AND GOOD AND NEIGHBORLY."
Speakers may mention the upcoming open house, May 1st, and dedication, June 27th, of the Nauvoo Temple. It has become a travel destination for many church members. Dedicatory ceremonies will be broadcast to chapels and meetinghouses.
A year ago at General Conference, President Hinckley created a new program-- the Perpetual Education Fund.
Through what church leaders call generous donations, already 2,000 young, impoverished church members in third world countries now have money for education or learning technical skills. President Hinckley may comment on the program's success.
And there will likely be remarks and prayers for peace throughout the world but particularly in the Middle East.
The BYU Jerusalem Center remains open but without students because of the crisis. Church leaders and educators have long had positive relations with both the Israelis and the Palestinians.
City leaders are encouraging those of you coming downtown for any reason this weekend to carpool or consider TRAX or UTA.
TRAX will begin its Sunday operations early at 7:10am. The first University trains will begin westbound travel from Rice-Eccles Stadium at 8:31am.
