Issue 29.09
The LDS Church is currently updating the computer systems that are used to record completed ordinances in the temples in Utah and Idaho. This update will be completed by the end of July, and after that time recorded ordinances will no longer be added to the International Genealogical Index (IGI). The system update in the temples is an important step in preparing to introduce the new.familysearch.org web site in Utah and Idaho.
Members who access the IGI and cannot yet use new.familysearch.org will be instructed to meet with a family history consultant or visit a family history center to view newly recorded temple ordinances or determine whether or not temple ordinances have already been performed for deceased ancestors. The LDS Church encourages family history consultants to use the features of the new.familysearch.org web site to help members who want to verify whether or not ordinances have already been performed for an ancestor or to prepare ancestral names for the temple.
Family history center directors and consultants can help members to use the new.familysearch.org web site by signing in as a helper for them. A family history consultant can add or update information about the member’s ancestors as if the member was doing it personally. First the consultants sign into the site, then they sign in as a helper for the member. Then they can search duplicate ancestor records to ensure temple ordinances are needed. If they find needed ordinances, they can select the ordinances for each ancestor needing temple work. Then they can print the Family Ordinance Request.
The nickname for the Family Ordinance Request is FOR. The FOR is taken to the temple by the member. It is simply a piece of paper with a bar code on it, as well as the names that are being submitted. The temple will scan the bar code and print out the temple three x five cards.
Instructions on how to use the helper function can be found in lesson 9 of the New FamilySearch online course that is available to consultants on the Training and Resources tab in the Help Center. To view the lesson: sign onto new.familysearch.org and click the Help Center link. Click on the Training and Resources tab. In the training and other helpful resources section, click on the E-learning Courses link. Under the Family History Consultant – New Family Search Instruction section, click The New FamilySearch and then click 9 for the Helper Function.
Shanna Sullivan Jones is a professional genealogist now accepting new clients. For additional information, Shanna can be reached at (435) 628-4900 or shannasjones@msn.com.