I'm a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as the Mormons. Each Sunday, I discuss some things related to my faith and what I believe. Regardless of your own beliefs, I hope this gives you a chance to get to know me and my religion a little better. For previous installments, click here.
I attend church every Sunday for three hours. For many people, it sounds like quite a lot. In comparison, a Catholic Mass is approximately 60 minutes and I imagine many other churches meet for approximately the same amount of time. So three hours really is a commitment, and if you also consider the time spent in meetings outside of the regular church service - leadership meetings, choir rehearsal, visiting assignments - Sundays can potentially feel quite unlike a day of rest at all. Still, we are expected to faithfully attend our meetings and gather together to share our testimonies and be edified by each other.
Why is it so important that we gather together on a regular basis?
First, Jesus said in Matthew 18:20 - "For where two or three are agathered btogether in my cname, there am I in the dmidst of them." By meeting together, we invite the Spirit of the Lord and act in His name, so whether or not He is physically present, His power is there.
Additionally, it builds a both a stronger community and a stronger disciple. As we are a church with a lay ministry, we are called to serve and teach each other. We grow together individually and collectively as learn together and share what we feel and know. Professional communities work the same way, holding meetings and conferences on a regular basis to share ideas, collaborate, and strengthen both the individual and the profession.
While it is important to worship as and individual and a family on a daily basis, it's also imperative to worship regularly as a congregation. I am grateful for my church meetings. I appreciate the spirit of the services and the different perspectives and thoughts of my fellow members.
Want to know what happens at a church meeting? The LDS Meetinghouse Locator can provide you with an address of a building and meeting near you. Visitors are always welcome.
For an interesting history of LDS Sabbath observance, click here.
I attend church every Sunday for three hours. For many people, it sounds like quite a lot. In comparison, a Catholic Mass is approximately 60 minutes and I imagine many other churches meet for approximately the same amount of time. So three hours really is a commitment, and if you also consider the time spent in meetings outside of the regular church service - leadership meetings, choir rehearsal, visiting assignments - Sundays can potentially feel quite unlike a day of rest at all. Still, we are expected to faithfully attend our meetings and gather together to share our testimonies and be edified by each other.
Why is it so important that we gather together on a regular basis?
First, Jesus said in Matthew 18:20 - "For where two or three are agathered btogether in my cname, there am I in the dmidst of them." By meeting together, we invite the Spirit of the Lord and act in His name, so whether or not He is physically present, His power is there.
Additionally, it builds a both a stronger community and a stronger disciple. As we are a church with a lay ministry, we are called to serve and teach each other. We grow together individually and collectively as learn together and share what we feel and know. Professional communities work the same way, holding meetings and conferences on a regular basis to share ideas, collaborate, and strengthen both the individual and the profession.
While it is important to worship as and individual and a family on a daily basis, it's also imperative to worship regularly as a congregation. I am grateful for my church meetings. I appreciate the spirit of the services and the different perspectives and thoughts of my fellow members.
Want to know what happens at a church meeting? The LDS Meetinghouse Locator can provide you with an address of a building and meeting near you. Visitors are always welcome.
For an interesting history of LDS Sabbath observance, click here.
3 comments:
I want you to know that I enjoy reading your post so much. I love your testimony of the gospel and you are a great blog missionary.
Blessings to you! LeAnn
I thought this was going to be a post about ward choirs. :)
It really is all important, the individual stuff, the family stuff, and the congregation stuff.
While reading through the October Conference talks, Elder Oaks' talk really reminded me of this post of yours. You're in good company.
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