In speaking on the Sabbath Day, James E. Faust shared an excerpt from the First Presidency Message announcing the consolidation of church meetings into the block schedule we have today. He said,

“I am concerned that many in our generation are missing great blessings by not honoring the Lord’s day. 

On February 1, 1980, when the First Presidency announced the consolidated Sunday meeting schedule, the following counsel was given: “A greater responsibility will be placed upon the individual members and families for properly observing the Sabbath day. More time will be available for personal study of the scriptures and family-centered gospel study. 

Other appropriate Sabbath activities, such as strengthening family ties, visiting the sick and the home-bound, giving service to others, writing personal and family histories, genealogical work, and missionary work, should be carefully planned and carried out. It is expected that this new schedule of meetings and activities will result in greater spiritual growth for members of the Church. It is hoped that priesthood leaders and members of the Church will honor the spirit of more family togetherness on Sunday. “

James E. Faust, Conference Report, Oct. 1991, p. 45