Editor’s note: We are now providing summary reports on the “Classics” presentations above the original program description, which is below.

Sister O’Dell and Sister Robinson represent the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and have been on their mission in Penn Yan since early in 2018. After introducing themselves through an overview of their backgrounds and families, they explained the process of being selected and trained to undertake a mission for as much as a year away from home.

After deciding to go on a mission, individual young people in the church must apply to a committee that reviews and prays over their applications. They also have to raise the money to support their own missions. The Rochester area mission currently has about 100 active missionaries, some of whom may also be retired people or couples. The Sisters, one from Arizona and one from Texas, were strangers until they began living and working together here in Penn Yan.

Family is central to Mormon life and is part of God’s plan for us. God’s word is very important in their work, and Jesus Christ, as the greatest prophet, is the biggest part of their beliefs. The Sisters discussed the different roles and responsibilities men and women have in the Latter Day Saints and in the family, where men are providers and women are nurturers. Only men can be prophets; they have authority from God and are the mouthpiece of God.

The Bible and the Book of Mormon are companion scriptures, treated as complimentary guides for a virtuous life. The Sisters reviewed the history of the church, from Joseph Smith’s early days in New York and his vision and receiving the tablets from the Angel Moroni.

Monday December 3, in the Classics in Religion series. This group is open to all and meets Mondays at 11 a.m. at the Penn Yan Public Library.

Sisters O’Dell and Robinson are in Penn Yan on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Come ask questions and find out more about their service. Why do they do what they do here in Penn Yan? They will share stories about what they have learned so far and the foundational beliefs of the church.