On a March announcement from the First Presidency, the lds church outlined a new Sunday second-hour structure that replaces the alternating weekly pattern with weekly 25-minute class meetings beginning September 6, 2026. The change is designed to align weekly class time more closely with home-centered study and to keep the total time members spend learning together the same.
What is changing in the Sunday class meeting schedule?
The new plan shortens and regularizes the second hour of Sunday for most age groups. Sacrament meeting remains 60 minutes. After a brief transition period, adult and youth Sunday School will meet for 25 minutes, and Relief Society, elders quorum, Young Women and Aaronic Priesthood quorums will also meet for 25 minutes each week. Primary will meet for 55 minutes during the second hour. A five-minute transition period is scheduled between each block. The alternating weekly schedule for Sunday School and quorum or class meetings will be replaced so that each class gathers weekly.
How will the Lds Church implement the new schedule?
The First Presidency communicated the change in a March 30 letter and accompanying news release, setting September 6, 2026, as the date the updated schedule begins. The lds church will continue to use the “Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church” lessons for Sunday School and Primary. For youth, an updated edition of “For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices” is now available in the Gospel Library and will become the curriculum for Young Women classes and Aaronic Priesthood quorums beginning September 6, 2026. Physical copies of the guide are being shipped to units and do not need to be ordered by local leadership. Additional supporting content will be provided through the “For the Strength of Youth” magazine starting with the September 2026 issue.
Who spoke for the change and what outcomes do leaders expect?
Church leaders framed the adjustments as a way to deepen gospel learning in homes and congregations and to enhance spiritual support. Sunday School General President Paul V. Johnson said, “Gathering weekly in every class helps deepen gospel learning by connecting it more closely to personal and family study. It also enhances the spiritual support that members get. Though the schedule looks different, the amount of time spent learning together remains the same. “
Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson emphasized the value of weekly fellowship: “There is additive strength that comes when we meet each week to counsel, learn, and support one another. ” Young Men General President Timothy L. Farnes described the FSY guide as a tool for youth to focus on Christ and to rely on spiritual guidance: “It will help young men and young women focus on Christ, know His doctrine, and listen to the Spirit. ” The March 30 letter was signed by President Dallin H. Oaks and his counselors, President Henry B. Eyring and President D. Todd Christofferson.
Leaders also specified that Relief Society and elders quorum weekly meetings will continue to focus on messages from the most recent general conference, emphasizing understanding prophetic teachings and applying them in daily life.
Practical details include the end of pre-lesson counseling together by quorums and classes prior to lessons; each second-hour meeting is to begin and end with prayer. Primary and Sunday School will continue to study the same home-and-church curriculum that supports family scripture study.
Back in the chapel where the announcement will take effect, the change reframes how congregations move through the second hour: regular, shorter class periods intended to reinforce home study and provide weekly opportunities for connection, counsel, and spiritual encouragement. The announcement frames the transition as both administrative and pastoral—an effort to keep weekly learning consistent while supporting families and youth with updated materials and rhythms of worship.
