The Haydon family of Melbourne, Australia are happy that this year Easter falls just a few days after their church’s April General Conference—a worldwide gathering of members and friends of the Church that takes place on the first weekends of April and October each year. It means that their observance of Easter and participation in General Conference can both help them focus as a family on the life, ministry, sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
“We listen to General Conference online within the first week it is broadcast and then use ‘Australia Conference Sunday’ as a Conference day at home, watching both Sunday sessions on television, with the news of the Church between sessions,” Clive Haydon says.
Mr Haydon is one of 17 million members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints worldwide, many of whom are enjoying the Christ-centred music and message of the Church’s April General Conference, which took place on 1-2 April in Salt Lake City, United States. With the help of satellites, broadcasts and the internet, the Haydons and many others can watch live or later, or both.
For nearly 20 years, Mr Haydon, his wife Shari, and their four sons have had the family tradition of camping the week of Easter.
“The Saviour provided for us to be with families, so we spend time together,” Mr Haydon says.
Whether it’s camping along the Howqua River, Shipyard Flat, Seven Mile Creek, or anywhere in Grampians National Park, the family enjoys being together, s’mores and all. They will often share this time with another family as well.
“We make sure we go to church on Easter Sunday wherever we are. And we wait until Monday to do our massive egg hunt in the bush so that Sunday can be focused on the Saviour.”
