The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is perhaps unique among Christian faiths in that its theology is inextricably connected with comparatively recent history.

Locales such as Palmyra, N.Y.; Kirtland, Ohio; Independence and Far West, Mo.; Nauvoo, Ill.; and Winter Quarters, Neb.; are as important to our religious self-identity as are Sinai, Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Judea and Palestine. Church members are apt to find as much religious significance in the Lord's preservation of His modern-day covenant people in the face of persecution by wicked mobs as in His miraculous deliverance of ancient Israel from the armies of Pharaoh.

Much of our scriptural canon is linked to such momentous events of latter days as the First Vision, the restoration of the priesthood, the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, divine manifestations attending the Kirtland Temple dedication, and the westward trek of the pioneers.

As later Nephite prophets saw typology and symbolism in their ancestral history (see, for example, Alma 37:45), we draw meaning and instruction from the events of our earlier history.

And so it is that we are disposed to note landmark anniversaries of historic events with celebrations such as this past year's observance of the handcart chapter in Mormon pioneer migration. Not only do we find inspiration in the fortitude, sacrifice and heroism of those 19th century Church members, but we can draw lessons and parallels therefrom regarding what it means in any age to be a Latter-day Saint.

In this special themed issue of the Church News, guest and staff writers have explored the principle of sacrifice as reflected in the experiences of the handcart pioneers. We have concluded that there are lessons to be drawn that transcend time and setting, lessons that pertain to the sacrifice it takes to gather to Zion; to rescue those who find themselves in peril; and to welcome and fellowship those who have made the courageous decision to unite themselves with us.

In truth, we each are wayfarers and sojourners on a journey through mortality. We are called to gather and unify ourselves as the people of God, charting our course toward our heavenly home and eternal life with our Father as joint-heirs with Christ of all that God has.

"Come to Zion, Come to Zion, And within her walls rejoice," is the invitation in one of the more popular selections in our hymnbook ("Israel, Israel, God Is Calling," No. 7). Among British and European Church members in 1856 that usually meant making the trek by sail, rail and trail to the Salt Lake Valley. Today, it ideally means affiliating oneself with the stake or district of Zion nearest to one's home. In all ages, it has meant leaving behind the worldliness and wickedness of spiritual Babylon and embracing the doctrines, teachings and commandments of the restored gospel of Christ.

Along the way, some may be prone to stumble or stray, perhaps even losing sight of their goal and spiritually imperiling themselves. Then is the time when more securely situated Church members must reach out to and rescue them, perhaps enduring personal hardship as did the rescuers of the Willie and Martin handcart pioneers. Indeed, at various times in our lives, we may find ourselves in the role of rescuer or one needing to be rescued.

In all cases, those who come to Zion — or, perhaps, return after a season apart from it — need to be welcomed and cared for, as better-situated Latter-day Saints welcomed the newly arrived handcart pioneers.

"Every member of the Church needs to be loved and nourished, especially during the first few months after baptism," the First Presidency admonished in a May 15, 1997, letter. "When new members receive sincere friendship, opportunities to serve, and the spiritual nourishment that comes from studying the word of God, they experience enduring conversion and become 'fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God' ((Ephesians 2:19)" Quoted in "Helps for the Teacher," New Testament Gospel Doctrine Teacher's Manual).

If nothing else, let this year's observance of the handcart sesquicentennial foster in our hearts a greater resolve to be a Zion people.