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Elder Gary E. Stevenson, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, addressed more than 270 government leaders at an event in Salt Lake City on November 19, 2025. The gathering, held at the Salt Palace Convention Center, was organized by JustServe—a community service platform sponsored by the Church—and coincided with both the National League of Cities (NLC) annual summit and the JustServe National Advisory Council conference.
In his remarks to mayors, aldermen, and city officials from across the country, Elder Stevenson emphasized that service is key to unity and bridges faith with civic responsibility. “When you are in the service of your fellow beings, you are only in the service of your God. This includes the professional service that you are rendering,” he said. “True disciples build, lift, encourage, persuade and inspire, no matter how difficult the situation.”
He encouraged leaders to elevate faith traditions in a pluralistic society and highlighted JustServe’s role in bringing together people who share a desire to help others. “That’s why we are so enthusiastic about JustServe,” Elder Stevenson stated. “It does this by providing service, and it puts us elbow to elbow with others who are likeminded in their desire to help others.” He thanked NLC members for their efforts and urged them to continue serving others.
Elder Stevenson also noted that helping young people keep commandments to love God and neighbor is among the Church’s highest priorities. “It’s part of society’s ethos that comes from the Judeo-Christian tradition that is the backbone of so much of what is taking place in society today that is good,” he said.
A panel discussion followed Elder Stevenson’s remarks. Sharon Eubank, Director of Church Humanitarian Services, led discussions with other Church leaders including Elder Hans T. Boom—Chairman of the JustServe Steering Committee—who clarified that JustServe focuses solely on service rather than proselytizing or politics. “It’s just a wonderful, meaningful way to render Christlike service,” he said.
Blaine R. Maxfield, managing director for Welfare and Self-Reliance operations at the Church, added: “Serving as the Savior would is at the heart of who we are. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints strives to care for those in need, and JustServe helps us live that in practical, meaningful ways. That shared commitment leads to something remarkable: service becomes the great unifier, strengthening families and bringing communities together.”
Sharon Eubank encouraged attendees to connect during their time in Salt Lake City: “You come from different cities and different towns, but because of the work that you do, because of the heart you have when you do that work, you are neighbors,” she said.
On Thursday morning following these discussions, NLC members participated in a JustServe-sponsored project assembling hygiene kits for adults and babies served by Crossroads Urban Center—a local organization supporting Utahns with low incomes as well as people with disabilities and communities of color. Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson joined this effort alongside city leaders.
“It’s the heart and soul of what we do as Relief Society sisters — to bring relief to our sisters and brothers everywhere,” President Johnson said. “This is an opportunity to fulfill that covenant responsibility and a privilege to provide temporal care to our sisters and brothers in an organized fashion through JustServe.”
Local mayors also shared their experiences using JustServe within their communities. South Jordan Mayor Dawn Ramsey described how her city began using JustServe during a 9/11 day of service event in 2021 where about one thousand people participated despite rainy weather conditions. She encouraged others: “Just put your projects on [JustServe.org]. When there’s a need, put them on there. It’s free. It takes no time. And you open the door to countless people who are looking for ways to give back.” In recognition for its engagement with community volunteering efforts via JustServe since 2021—including large-scale events—South Jordan was named a JustServe Global City in 2023.
Kaysville Mayor Tami Tran spoke about how JustServe has become an important tool for building connections across religious lines within her city: “People from all religions across the communities look to that website and post opportunities to serve,” she said. “It’s not just for Church members or churchgoers. It’s for everybody who wants to be involved in their community.”
President Johnson concluded by encouraging wider participation during holiday seasons: “I encourage everyone — particularly during this season when we think about the needs of others and looking outward and sharing the light of Jesus Christ — I hope that we will reflect upon the needs of those that are closest to us in our own communities and look for ways to just serve,” she said.
More information about volunteer opportunities can be found at JustServe.org.
