Communal worship
Communal worship
Communal worship in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is rather informal and doesn't involve ceremonials or priests. It takes place in a simple Chapel, which doesn't have religious statues or pictures.
The service is organised and conducted by unpaid lay members of the congregation, as the Church does not have clergy.
Communal worship ©
Most Mormon families will spend about three hours with their local community each Sunday. Some of this time is taken with adult learning or Sunday School, and with various meetings.
The heart of the Sunday is the Sacrament Meeting.
The Sacrament Meeting
The Sacrament Meeting lasts 70 minutes, and involves the whole community together. It's very much a family affair, so there are usually lots of children present.
During the service the members receive a sacramental communion of bread and water, during which they remember the Last Supper, the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and their own baptismal promises to serve the Lord and keep his commandments.
A deacon distributes the sacrament ©
The sacrament is distributed by Deacons.
The service is led by the bishop, and his two counsellors. (The bishop is the ecclesiastical leader of the local Church, and is a lay minister.)
The service begins with hymns followed by prayers.
There will be a number of short talks or sermons given by members of the congregation chosen by the bishop. These talks range from quite formal doctrinal lectures, to more informal chats about the application of faith to family life. Talks can be given by church members right across the age range.
Mormons always make a point of dressing smartly and respectfully for services.
Attending a Sacrament Meeting
Non-Mormons are welcome to visit Mormon services.