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2024 SA Nauvoo MEGA Conference
KEYNOTE & WORKSHOP SPEAKERS

PRESIDING AREA AUTHORITY: 
ELDER JEREMIAH MORGAN

     Elder Jeremiah J. Morgan was called as an Area Seventy for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in April 2020. In that capacity he has ecclesiastical responsibility for Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, and Iowa. As a young boy, Elder Morgan grew up in the small town of Lamoni, Iowa. As a teenager his family moved to Independence, Missouri. He earned his college degree from the University of Central Missouri, where he played football. He also played violin in the University symphony.  After college, Elder Morgan received his law degree from Brigham Young University. He then clerked for the United States  court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit and practiced law with the international law firm of Bryan Cave LLC. He served as Deputy Solicitor General for the State of Missouri, arguing numerous cases before the Missouri Supreme Court and many other appellate courts. He also served as General Counsel to the Supreme Court of Missouri. In 2019, Elder Morgan accepted the appointment as Deputy Attorney General for Missouri, where he currently serves. Elder Morgan previously served as a full-time missionary for the Church in the Micronesian islands, as well as a Bishop, Branch President, and Stake President.

     Sister Rebecca Morgan enjoys serving alongside her husband as they travel and meet members of The Church throughout the North America Central Area.   Sister Morgan grew up in the Independence, Missouri area as the oldest of 6 children. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Brigham Young University and a Master’s Degree in Information Systems from Boston University. She worked for 15 years as a software engineer for Optum, working part-time from home while raising young children. She now works full-time and leads a team as Vice President of Product Management for Mitchell International, a software company serving the Property & Casualty Insurance industry headquartered in San Diego, California. Sister Morgan previously served as Stake Technology Specialist, Stake Employment Specialist, and Stake Family History Specialist. Sister Morgan enjoys kickboxing, family history and spending time with their 5 children and 6 grandchildren.

ELDER KIRT L. HODGES, Area Seventy
The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has  Kirt L. Hodges as an Area Seventy of the Tenth Quorum. He is married to Shawna Lyn Porter Hodges.  They have, four children and live in the Idaho Falls 19th Ward, Idaho Falls North Stake. The announcement came Thursday, Sept. 28, during general conference leadership meetings.   Elder Hodges most recently served as the first counselor in the Stake Presidency of the Idaho Falls YSA Stake. Brother Hodges is a former bishop, high councilor, mission president, stake presidency counselor, Scoutmaster, and served a full time mission in the Thailand Bangkok Mission..  . Born in Preston, Idaho, to Thayne K Hodges and Karen Ruth LaMont Hodges.

DAN
CLARK

THURS. KEYNOTE

Seas the Day--
No Matter What Your Past Has Been You Have A Spotless Future

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SCOTT
ALGOOD

WORKSHOP:


Alternate Families Created Through Faith

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The government defines family as a group of people living together who are related by blood, marriage, or adoption.  This description is very limiting as there are an increasing number of people who are “creating” alternative families.  These alternative families (called fictive families in the professional literature) can provide the same emotional, behavioral, and social supports as the families meeting the government description.  Examples of this include the older sisters who adopted my daughters, a brother who became a widower, and a branch in Alabama.  The difference between good friends and these people is that they became family.  They met social, emotional, and behavioral supports in the same way that our parents and siblings did.  These created fictive families can help us find a new way to fit into society and meet unfulfilled needs and we provide the same function for them. 

JODY VANDRIMMELEN

WORKSHOP:

FEARLESSLY DATING:  You learned last year how to Fearlessly Flirt… but now what? 

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This class will help you to navigate how to find that special someone.  You will learn powerful yet simple principles that make dating for a great marriage not only possible but also full of opportunity.

Come learn how to embark on a great adventure and pursue your own promised land with optimism!  This class is not for the passive observer… fearlessly dating is not a spectator sport.  It requires serious effort, study and commitment.   Come find out how to become a confident and fearless dater. 

SCOTT
ALGOOD

WORKSHOP:


If you can’t do a do-over, Can you live with your past?

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Life experiences can often be unsettling as we reflect back on them.  Learning to learn from our past can provide a way to rethink the less than pleasant experiences and give significant insight into ways to address future challenges.  These learning experiences involve giving grace to yourself and devoting time, effort, and faith into the process.  For most people this will involve rethinking boundaries and priorities.  Committing to, and following through with the insights require time, commitment, and a commitment to receive needed revelation.  Lastly, Elder Bendar posed a question a few years ago wondering how it was that the Savior would forgive us, but that sometimes we could not forgive ourselves.  Learning to forgive ourselves for sins that have been repented of is a freeing and life changing experience.

KIMBERLY JO SMITH

WORKSHOP:
 

Nauvoo Lonely Hearts Club: The Single Life in Old Nauvoo

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The single life today has never been so difficult to navigate, but what was like in 19th century Nauvoo among single Latter-Day Saints? Kimberly Jo Smith, 2nd great granddaughter of Joseph and Emma Smith, will be sharing insights about the single life in old Nauvoo, including how her grandmother Emma managed being a widow and then remarrying after the death of her husband Joseph.

ED

CUNNINGHAM

WORKSHOP:

Opening, Recognizing & Mastering your Beliefs and Thoughts
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As a child you were taught and domesticated to believe, think, and be what others taught you to be. Through punishment and reward you fell into that role and have created your life from those foundational beliefs. Through owning your part in this, you will rediscover the power of the truth that you were born perfect, still are perfect but learned flaws. As you recognize and rewrite your agreements and beliefs to be centered on truth, on the gospel, you will find your mind more clear and your creations more…..perfect. We will explore some of the most common thinking flaws and use them to chart your way back to the perfection you were created in.

SCOTT
SUMNER

WORKSHOP:

SEE WITH EYES TO SEE THROUGH THE EYES OF THE
BEHOLDER

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As a professional photographer you get to tell stories through the images you capture. Your eyes and talent in doing so become refined through many years of experience.  I have come to learn that seeing with eyes to see, through the eyes of the beholder, not only can one capture a story but you can capture feelings and emotions that permeate from the image captured. There is a spirit in those images that resonates and talks to our spirits.  Photography is often defined as a manipulation of light.  Lighting determines not only brightness and darkness, but also tone, mood, and atmosphere.  One of my favorite quotes says “There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.” – Edith Wharton  My presentation is about seeing with eyes to see through the eyes of the Beholder.  When the Light of Christ is the light source by which your life’s story is defined you come to see what the Savior sees, the way He sees you, those around you, and the worth and eternal value of all that is good. His light never fails.

 PAUL
JENKINS

FRIDAY KEYNOTE

How to Stay Positive When Everything is Burning Down Around You

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 You've heard it before right? "Just think positive." It's time to get past the trite, fluffy, version of positivity that we hear from motivational speakers or gurus on the stage to the actual science and psychology behind what it means to choose positivity. Dr. Paul Jenkins is a leading expert in the psychology of positivity. You're about to discover what many consider to be the operating instructions for the equipment of your own mind. In addition to understanding the psychology, you will also see the connection between positivity and faith. As a result of attending this session, you will come away with two actionable steps that you can implement immediately, no matter what your current circumstances are.     

ED

CUNNINGHAM

WORKSHOP:

THE FAT POLAR BEAR DATING
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Are you ready to learn how to write an A++ online dating profile? In this workshop, we will show you what makes a profile great and what makes it a total disaster. We will also discuss the most common scams on social media and text. But wait, there's more! We'll share unique ideas for meeting people with similar interests.  Finally, there will be a Q&A session where men can ask an unbiased woman all the burning questions about why woman behave the way they do, and the woman will have a similar opportunity with a male coach. So, grab your popcorn, get ready to laugh in this fun and informative class, and let's get you a date!

JODY VANDRIMMELEN

WORKSHOP:

GRIEF 101: Help for the Grieving Journey for the Widow/Widower 

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Being new to the grief process can be overwhelming and confusing.  How do I navigate this new path in my life?  What is normal, what is not?  This workshop will help you understand and help you to navigate your grief journey. 

DAN
CLARK

WORKSHOP:

The Law of Attraction

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Join me in this workshop where we will delve into the intriguing topics of self-love, authenticity, and connection through real love. My objective is to assist you in discovering the various ways in which you can cultivate profound sense of love and acceptance for yourself, leading to the development of healthier relationships with others. We will explore how true love transcends the superficiality of romance and equip you with the tools and knowledge necessary to establish meaningful connections in your life.  I look forward to embarking this journey of self-discovery and love with you.

JODY VANDRIMMELEN

WORKSHOP:

NOW IS THE TIME TO SEIZE THE DAY: Living with real intent! 

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Too often we passively follow patterns and habits that have been developed through the years—we just go through the motions without carefully considering where those motions are taking us. Living with real intent adds focus and purpose to our lives and can make all the difference. Living with real intent means understanding the “why”—the motives behind our actions. Come and let Jody help you find the path to a more intentional life and help you to “Seize the day” each day!   

DOUG

MOCK

WORKSHOP:


Savvy Social Security Solutions for Sagacious Single Adults

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In this 45 minute class you will learn the basics that will help you make better decisions regarding your Social Security benefits.  As a single person it's often a complex decision, but when you add in a divorce or if you're widowed the decision becomes more complex.    Everyone wants to maximize their benefits, but you need to know the rules and the strategies to help you do that. Learn about FRA, PIA, spousal benefits, survivor benefits, divorced-spouse benefits, and divorced-spouse survivor benefits.  Do you know where to get a record of your earnings and how to get a projection from the Social Security Administration?  We will cover all this and more. 

ISAAC
FREESTONE

WORKSHOP: 


Techniques of Physical and Spiritual Survival: Lessons learned from a former undercover operative

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Isaac Freestone, a former undercover operative, will be sharing his real-life professional experiences to teach attendees practical techniques for physical safety combined with gospel principles for spiritual protection. The session will include limited hands-on learning and sharing actual experiences, including video footage of one of his operations. Attendees will gain valuable insights and skills to help them stay safe in their daily lives. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a seasoned professional

This is not an official website of
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Three friends started the NMC with a vision to bring LDS single adults from around the US together. Beginning in 2022, the North American Central Area Presidency stated they wanted to “wrap their arms around us” to support and sustain us as we plan the conference. We have been notified by President Bennett of the North American Central Area Presidency that we will once again been assigned someone under his direction to preside at the conference.  We donate our time and talents as we strive to provide a quality conference, which has now grown to international attendance, at fair prices allowing large groups of single saints to gather and learn, grow, serve, fellowship, and worship. Latter-day Saint standards for dress and behavior apply and that all divorces must be final.

 2025 Nauvoo MEGA Conference

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