Now is the Time of Gathering

At General Conference, Saturday, April 1, 2017 President Eyring reminded us that we are in the midst of a great gathering of the Family of God.

"The Savior gives no commandment, save he shall prepare a way for it to be accomplished. . .  We do not know what marvels God will inspire people to create in gathering His family, but whatever the marvelous inventions be that come, their use will require the spirit working in people like you and me.  . . He will send whatever inspiration is needed to give them the opportunity to return to Him. . . This work saves not just the dead, it saves all of us. . .  The work of gathering Heavenly Father's family is not just for young people, it is not just for grandparents, it is for everyone. We are all gatherers.  This is the work of our generation."  Henry B Eyring, General Conference, Saturday, April 1, 2017     Click here for complete talk

To Stake and Ward Temple and Family History Consultants

We are encouraged to emphasize One-on-One teaching.  We as the Area Temple and Family History Consultants are responsible to train the Stake Temple and Family History Consultants.  Please give us a call.  We look forward to meeting with you!  480-313-0169

Mesa FamilySearch Library    Closed at 5 pm through April 14th
Training Center                              for the Easter Pageant
464 E. 1st Ave.                     Call 480-964-1200                              Mesa, AZ                              for information

Mon: 9 AM - 5 PM

Tues: 10 AM - 8:30 PM

Wed, Thurs, Fri: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Please note: All the films that were in the Library will be returned to the Salt Lake Library on May 1. To get a film you will need to submit a request.
Click Here 

New Power Point Leadership and Member Training Online

Click Here

Tucson Temple Open House Announced

The free public open house begins Saturday, June 3, and continues through Saturday, June 24, 2017, except for Sundays. Starting May 15th the public can make reservations at templeopenhouse.lds.org.

RootsTech Training is still available Click Here

Visit the Media Library for Inspiring Videos

Click Here

Sink Your Taproots Deep--Feed the Living Tree

What is a Taproot?

The Merriam Webster gives this definition:

 "A primary root that grows vertically downward and gives off small lateral roots."

 Thus a taproot provides the nourishment to a growing plant.   Without it the plant will not survive!

"To anchor our children against the winds of the world, we mush help them to see themselves in God's great plan of Salvation."  (Rosemary M. Wixom, former primary General President, February Ensign 2017, page 41.

Nephi understood the Tree of Life represents the Love of God.  Your ancestors are the Roots.  The Tree above ground is you and the living member of your family.  The very essence of our life--who we are, our characteristics and our heritage is a direct result of the 'roots'.  The 'Fruit'  of the 'Tree' is the love that flows from your ancestors to fill your own heart and fortifies you and your family to face life's challenges.  The following article teaches you how to nourish the 'Roots', that the tree might grow and bear 'Fruit'.

Feed the Living Tree

Deep taproots are the key to building a tree that fortifies your family.  FamilySearch.org provides the place you can build your Family Tree.  As you build it think of those stories, photos, audio clips and documents that bring ancestors to life, building faith through their life experiences that create a bond between descendant and ancestor. 

Here are some suggestions to "feeding your living tree':

• Add missing names, dates and places
• Add documents
• Add stories
• Add photos
• Add audio clips

For those who need help with these tasks, do the following:

1.  Sign into FamilySearch.org

2.  Watch the "Getting Started" training lessons.  Follow this link: https://familysearch.org/ask/gettingStarted or click "Getting Started" under "Get Help" in the upper right hand corner.

3.  Learn how to add documents, photos and audio files to FamilySearch by typing into the google search box any question you need help with.  How to add documents to FamilySearch?  How to add photos to FamilySearch?  How to add audio files to FamilySearch?  There are links to videos, written instructions, etc., returned by Google.  Here is an example:

Helping Someone Without a Tree

The Media Library can help click here

1) Start with the My Family Booklet click here
2) Create a free sign-in account click here
3) Build the Tree by first adding living ancestors and then finding deceased ancestors click here
4)  Look for ancestors that need Temple Ordinances click here
5) Reserve the name
6)  Take the name to the Temple and Teach someone else how to do it.
For more information, check out The Family History Guide

Did you go to Rootstech?  If you missed it, here are some links to keep you informed as to what happened.

Classes and Opening Ceremonies:  https://www.rootstech.org/
Family Discovery Day Speakers:  Click here
LDS Track classes:https://www.rootstech.org/videos/lds-track-sessions
Priesthood Leadership Session (Calling Name Change introduced):  Click Here

New Consultant or Priesthood Leader over Family History

Next Training Class in May

Tuesdays in May, 7:00 to 8:30 pm
Mesa FamilySearch Library Training Center (464 E. 1st Ave., Mesa, Arizona) 
(2017 - No classes in March, April, July and December or 5th Tuesdays)
Call 480-964-1200 for more detailed class schedule information

Mesa FamilySearch Library   Will be Closed During the 
Training Center                               Easter Pageant
464 E. 1st Ave.                     Call 480-964-1200                              Mesa, AZ                              for information

Mon: 9 AM - 5 PM

Tues: 10 AM - 8:30 PM

Wed, Thurs, Fri: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

New Reports for Stake Presidents

The report form for Stake Presidents has recently changed.  Here is an explanation of how to read the report.

You can follow this link to get a printable form of this explanation sheet:
                      Click here

New Consultant Portal/Planner

From the FamilySearch Arizona User Group:

". . . thanks to those of you who tried the Consultant Portal/Dashboard last year, and provided feedback . . .  That tool has now been released . . ."

"You will find the new tool now named "Consultant Planner" by logging into FamilySearch.org and clicking Get Help (upper right).  You will see a new Help Others link at the bottom of the list."

If you have the desire to get involved with the Arizona User Group, you are welcome to attend their meetings at the Mesa FamilySearch Training Center at 7:30 pm on the fourth Thursday of each month.  For more information you can contact Mike Ostler at 480-331-7172 or michaelostler@gmail.com. 

FamilySearch has an exciting year planned for 2017

              1.   Personalized Dashboard

·        Recommended Tasks. 

·        Ancestor Hints. 

·        Recent Ancestors. 

·        To-do Lists. 

·        To-do Cards. 

             2.  New and improved Mobile Apps

Download FamilySearch FamilyTree and FamilySearch Memories Apps and enjoy the convenience of searching your tree and adding memories from your phone or tablet. 

             3. Improved Searching

The FamilySearch.org search engine is already best-in-class, but in 2017, users will notice even faster search results from newly published historic records worldwide, and quicker hints from those new records and user-contributed trees. 

             4.  New Indexing Tools

The web based program is to be released!  You will be notified when it happens! 

             5.   New Discovery Experiences  The Salt Lake FamilySearch Library will open a new Discovery Area. Other areas will be having Libraries opened with Discovery Areas.  

             6. More Free Historic Records

Enjoy reading the whole blog:  Find and share this release easily online from the FamilySearch Media room.

Unable to Attend Roots Tech in Person?    Now you can participate virtually!

You can still attend Roots Tech from anywhere in the world!  Check out this blog to find out what is available and when.  Click Here

 Saturday February 11th is Family Discovery Day.  Check out how to participate online: RootsTech Online

 Temple News

The Mesa Arizona Temple re-opens on February 14th.

The Gilbert Arizona Temple is closed for maintenance February 13-27.

To print out Handouts or Register for the Glendale Conference Click Here

For a list of classes go here

Have you updated your training lately?

click here

Family Search Users Group: 

The monthly webinar for the FamilySearch User Group will now be presented the last Thursday of each month at the Mesa FamilySearch Library Training Center. FamilySearch User Group When: Thursday, Feb 23 Time: 7:30pm Place: Training Center, 464 E. 1st Ave, Mesa. For more information, contact Mike Ostler:  michaelostler@gmail.com

TIPS and TRICKS:   AUDACITY 

CLICK HERE FOR A VIDEO DEMO

Vision brings forth Blessings

What is Your Family History Vision for 2017?

Having a vision for the vital work of Family History serves those on both sides of the veil.  "Where there is no vision the people perish" (Proverbs 29:18) But where there is a vision the people flourish. Here is a link to a presentation that will inspire and enlighten you as you prepare to accomplish not just a goal, but a vision during this New Year.
Click Here to enjoy a discussion with Elder Bradley D Foster, Executive Director of FamilySearch and the other Brethren that serve as assistant executive directors of FamilySearch.

Mesa FamilySearch Library

REMINDER:  Please remember to register for the Family History Conference to be held Saturday, January 21, 2017, from 9-4:20, at the Red Mountain Institute, 7126 E McKellips Road, in Mesa.  Register online NOW at www.mesafsl.org.

CLASSES ARE BACK:  Yes, attached is a list of classes to be taught during January at the Mesa FamilySearch Library Training Center, 464 E 1^stAvenue in Mesa.  FREE.  Please join us!

Class Schedule

WEST VALLEY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY SEMINAR:  Attached is information about a seminar sponsored by the West Valley Genealogical Society on Saturday, February 18, 2017, in Sun City.

For Information Click Here

HEADS UP:  The Library is sponsoring its second Family History Conference of 2017 on Saturday, February 25, 2017, at the Glendale Arizona Stake Center, 8602 N 31^st Avenue, Phoenix.  Registration begins online at www.mesafsl.org on January 21^st.  

Upcoming Events

Click Here for more information

Click Here for More Information

The Mesa Arizona Temple is closed  all of January 2017 through February 13, 1017.  It reopens Tuesday, February 14th.

Gilbert Arizona Temple:                                

• 3301 South Greenfield Road Gilbert, Arizona 85297
• Telephone:  480-822-5000          (No Clothing Rental)
• Endowment Sessions:
•          Tuesday - Saturday:  Every 45 minutes:  5:30 am to 7:30 pm
• Baptistry:
•          Tuesday - Saturday:  5:30 am to 8:30 pm
• _______________________________________________________________________________________   

Phoenix Temple

5220 W Pinnacle Peak

Phoenix, Arizona

623-474-9500

Endowment Sessions:

          Tuesday through Thursday:      6 am (Wednesday only), 7:30 am, 9:00 am, 10:30 am

                                                          4:30 pm, 6 pm, 7:30 pm

           Friday:  Every 90 minutes:  7:30 am to 7:30 pm

           Saturday: Every 90 minutes: 6 am to 6 pm

Baptistry:

            Tuesday through Thursday;     7 am to 11:30 am and 4 pm to 8 pm

            Wednesday:         6 am to 11:30 am and 4 pm to 8 pm

             Friday:               7 am to 8 pm

             Saturday:           6 am to 7 pm

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TIPS AND TRICKS: Click here to learn about "The Gear"

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Media Library:

Discover Your Story






Other Great Resources

The Gear

"The Gear" is a new feature in Family Search.
This is what the "Gear" looks like:

You will find it located on the right hand side of the "person" page in Family Search.  It has some great features as shown on this short video.  Click below to get the video

VIDEO OF THE GEAR

Light the World through Family History Work

LIGHTtheWORLD The Lord has never, to my knowledge, indicated that His work is confined to mortality. Rather, His work embraces eternity. I believe He is hastening His work in the spirit world. I also believe that the Lord, through His servants there, is preparing many spirits to receive the gospel. Our job is to search out our dead and then go to the temple and perform the sacred ordinances that will bring to those beyond the veil the same opportunities we have.  ( Thomas S. Monson, “Hastening the Work,” Ensign, June 2014, 4-6) you can Light the World this Christmas Season through helping someone find a name to take to the temple. What Happens in FamilySearch for a Recently Deceased Person? I.  Ordinances for a recently deceased person appear as Not Ready           A.  Information for Members: Family Tree does not make a name ready for ordinances until one year and one day after the date of death. Below are steps you can take if you know that the ordinance status should indicate the person is ready for ordinances:                                                                                                                         The system uses the information that appears on the Person page to determine whether you can do temple ordinances for a person. If the death date is incorrect, you can edit the date to see if the ordinance status changes.  If the death date contains only a year or a month and a year (for example, 2010 or September 2010), change the date to reflect the actual death date (for example, 15 September 2010). If the date is at least one year plus one day from the current date, the ordinances should appear as either Request or Request (Permission Required). If the Sealing to Parents ordinance is required and the person has been dead for less than a year, the system does not allow you to print family ordinance cards or a Family Ordinance Request even if you have a letter of worthiness from the person's bishop. You need to have a member of the temple presidency contact Special Services in the Temple Department.  Click HERE II.  Official LDS Church Membership records are separate from Family Tree records.        When an LDS Church member dies, each person below must complete some tasks:               1.  The ward or branch clerk of the deceased member.                 2.  The patron who has a record of the person in the private space of their Family Tree.        3.  The Church Membership department.           Actions to take:        1. Notify the ward or branch clerk where the deceased member lived, and provide                        supporting information, such as a death certificate, obituary, funeral program, or official                  death index.                       2. Find your copy of the person in your private space in Family Tree. Add the death                    information to your copy of the person. This moves the record out of private spaces              and into public Family Tree space. Then add sources to the record which clearly                    show the death—death certificate, obituary, newspaper article, or other sources.         3. Check for possible duplicates, and merge records as appropriate. If an LDS                              Church Membership record is found, please ensure it is the surviving record in a                    merge process.  For More Information Click Here _________________________________________________________ Merging Duplicate Records in FamilySearch Do you ever find more than one record of a person in FamilySearch?  If you want to learn more about the process of merging, you will want to read this blog post from Leslie Albrecht Huber.  This post was well written and easy to understand.  To find out more information Click Here.   __________________________________________________________ Resources for Leaders by Lisa McBride

New pages on LDS.org give priesthood and auxiliary leaders resources and information concerning family history in wards, stakes, districts and branches. These pages can help you in your calling as a family history center director. Understanding the doctrine and promised blessings of family history can strengthen your faith in the importance of the work you do, help you support local priesthood leaders, and work more effectively with others in your unit who have family history callings.

To access these pages, either click here or go to LDS.org and select Families and Individuals on the blue tool bar. 

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Indexing Grows the Tree by Devin Ashby Thank you for helping to spread the message of indexing. In October 2016, 772,728 new individuals were added to the Tree as a direct result of indexed records on FamilySearch.org! These are new people who weren’t in the Tree before who were added from indexed records and are now available to have their temple work completed.  See complete blog post HERE. _________________________________________________________ Dates to Remember: December 23-26   Mesa Family Search Library will be closed December 23 (after 10 am session)-24 and December 31-Mesa Arizona Temple closed January 14th: January 21st:  The Mesa AZ FamilySearch Library is pleased to announce a Family History Conference to start off the New Year.  The conference is FREE and will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2017, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:20 p.m. at the Red Mountain Institute building on the Maricopa Community College Red Mountain campus.  This facility is located near the Loop 202 and McKellips Road, at 7126 E McKellips Road, Mesa.   Our keynote speaker will be Dr. Duane Roen, the founding coordinator of the Project for Writing and Recording Family History in the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts at ASU, where he serves as Dean.  Attendees can choose from 7 classes each hour.  Registration begins online at mesafsl.org on Thursday, December 15th.  Registration begins 15 Dec 2016 at mesarfhc.org  Click Here January 3rd- February 14th:  The Mesa Arizona Temple will be closed for maintenance.  Take advantage of performing the ordinances you have reserved in December before the Temple closure!

February 25th:  The Mesa FamilySearch Library will again sponsor a conference on the west side of the valley.This conference will be at the Glendale Stake Center, 8602 N 31st Ave, Phoenix. Registration begins 21 Jan 2017 at mesarfhc.org

February 8-11th  -  The largest genealogy conference is just around the corner.  Click Here to purchase tickets

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Mesa FamilySearch Library

The Mesa FamilySearch Training Center at 464 E. 1st Ave (West of the Mesa Temple) is open for patrons. Films and fiche can now be accessed and viewed, books are available, and photo scanners are waiting to be used.  For more information call 480-964-1200 or 480-962-9611

OPEN: • Monday - 9:00am to 5:00pm
             • Tuesday - 10:00am to 8:30pm
             • Wednesday - 10:00am to 6:00pm
             • Thursday- 10:00am to 6:00pm
             • Friday - 10:00am to 6:00pm
• New Consultant and Priesthood Leader training on Tuesday nights at 7:00pm. (4 week course

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Enjoy some Christmas music this year  Click Here