What are services like in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? 

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Sacrament meeting is the term used to describe the meeting held each week on Sunday. In sacrament meeting, Church members offer prayers, preach, sing hymns, and partake of the sacrament.

 

The person leading the meeting, branch president in the local community or one of his two counsellors, is not dressed in robes, but rather in a suit. Apart from standing at the podium, he is no different from any other member of the church.

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Sacrament meeting begins with an announcements for the members of the Church, after which church members sing a hymn. At the beginning of each meeting, one member of the congregation gives an opening prayer at the podium. The prayer is delivered in the member's own words and comes from deep within the heart. Another hymn is followed by a blessing and the passing of the emblems of the sacrament, which is similar to communion in other churches. The blessing of the bread and water is done by men, including young men over the age of 16 who have been ordained to various levels of priestood authority. Members remain in their seats while trays of water and bread are distributed along the rows by priesthood holders (including young men aged 12 and over). This is a time when each person in the church can reflect in silence on the sacrifice of the Saviour Jesus Christ. Although the sacrament is intended for baptised members of the Church, all are invited to participate and feel the spirit of the sacrament. 

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After the Sacrament of bread and water, the service continues, and a few scheduled members of the church will speak. Each week, different members of the church are asked to speak to give as many people (men, women, and youth) the opportunity to share and teach. These speeches or sermons focus on the principles taught by Jesus Christ. After, a hymn and prayer conclude the meeting.

 

There are no paid professional clergy; everyone shares responsibilities within the Church. This means that members alternate between preaching and listening to sermons, leading music and singing hymns, serving and receiving service.

 

Visitors, if they wish, can sit and enjoy the service and sing along with members of the congregation from the publicly available hymn books. They can wear whatever clothing they feel comfortable participating in the service. To show respect and invite the Holy Spirit, church members usually try to dress formally, with men in suits and ties and women in dresses or skirts. When we sing and worship Jesus Christ together in a reverent manner, we can feel the influence of the Holy Spirit.