Church - For 3 Hours

Yes, we go to 3 hours of church every Sunday. I never realized this was so strange until I got older. I grew up with it, and I only went to other churches a handful of times. My grandparents were Lutheran, and we attended with them some Easters and for special occasions like cousins' confirmations. When it would come up to my friends, they would usually respond with an incredulous face and, "You go to church for THREE HOURS???" (Yeah, and we drove 45 minutes to get there.)

Our church gathers in congregations called wards or branches. Branches are kind of like small wards, and they are organized slightly differently because of their small number. Ward (or branch) boundaries are geographical, so you can find out which ward you would belong to by putting your address into this map.

We have no paid clergy in our church. If you attend an LDS ward near you, every person you see presiding, playing music, teaching lessons, etc. are volunteers. We are extended callings, or responsibilities in the church. Of course, accepting a calling or not is up to you, but those who are extending the callings are instructed to prayerfully consider it and seek inspiration. So, I believe that whatever calling I am given, it is because I am the needed to help someone or to grow personally from it. General Authorities (world-level leaders) are given a stipend because their church responsibilities make it impossible for them to work. All local and regional leaders maintain careers in addition to the hard work they put into the church.

Here are the three meetings.

1. Sacrament Meeting
This is the most important meeting. Everyone gathers together in the chapel, and the main purpose of the meeting is to take the sacrament. The sacrament is basically like communion in other churches. Water (instead of wine) and bread is blessed and passed to the congregation. This is our sacred time each week, to reflect on our Savior's Atonement, to repent, and to renew the covenants we made at baptism. We also pray, sing hymns, and listen to talks. The talks are given by members of the ward or branch. When a member is asked to speak, they are given a topic and a time limit. Youth (12 to 18 year olds) typically are asked to give 3 to 8 minute talks, while adults will usually give 10 to 15 minute talks. Some people are better public speakers than others, but I find that if I attend with a desire to learn something, I always do.

2. Sunday School
For sunday school, we split into several classes. The children and youth are assigned classes based on their age groups. Adults often can choose between a few classes the ward is offering at that time. Some common classes are Gospel Doctrine, Temple Preparation, Marriage and Family Relations, Mission Preparation, Family History, etc. Each of these classes has a manual published by the church with lesson outlines. Members of the ward are given a calling as teachers for one of these classes, and class participation is common. I've been attending Gospel Doctrine lately. Sunday school is a chance to learn from one another.

3. Relief Society/Priesthood/Primary, etc.
Priesthood meeting is for the men, and Relief Society is of for the women. Children ages 3 to 11 attend Primary, and youth attend Young Men or Young Women's. In each of these meetings there are prayers, hymns, and a lesson given. I'm going to talk about Relief Society, since that's what I attend. Relief Society is a sisterhood of women. We support and encourage one another. We are all about love and service. It is a beautiful organization. It is impossible for me to attend Relief Society, to sit in that room full of wonderful and strong women, and not feel the spirit. I am reminded of the divinity of my role as a woman, and of the love that God has for me.

There is also nursery for 18 mo. to 3 year olds during the last two hours of church. They have snack time, play time, music time, and a little lesson that usually involves coloring something. :)

LDS Church services are open to everyone. If you are interested in attending one to learn more you can find information (where and when) by using the map I linked above. You can also contact the missionaries who would be so thrilled to take you, sit with you, and answer any questions you have. We are asked to wear our "sunday best" out of respect for the Lord. This is typically a dress or skirt and blouse for women and a suit and tie for men. However, you would never be turned away for wearing something else. After all, my sunday best may be different than yours. It is a personal decision.

I love church. I think I usually did as a kid, too, because I got to see my church friends. Sometimes it can feel long, but if I go with and open heart it doesn't. I love the Gospel, and I also love the support system the church becomes. No matter where we move next year as we finish school, we will have a ward (or branch). There will be women who will  become my friends. There will be people willing to help us if a need ever arises. Heck, if we call up the ward we will move into and ask, they would send over a whole crew of people to help us move our things in and unpack. And I'd be willing to do the same for someone else. We are not just a congregation of people who believe the same things. We are brothers and sisters, and we are all striving to be more Christ-like. Heaven knows we aren't perfect, but we're doing our best.