A question for LDS answerers out there. I've been non-religious for several years, though I was raised United Methodist and was a practicing pagan for a few years. I've given some thought as to what my core beliefs are, and I know that there is a greater being than I, but I do not discern Its nature. I know also that prayer is real and works. Recently I've been feeling that pull ... that I need something more in my life. I've been seeking for a church that would be receptive to my past and help guide me to my future, and I am wondering if LDS is that church.
How do I go about figuring out which church (and here I mean the building) to go to? I have heard that there are different "wards" and "stakes", but I don't know what this means for me. Is it permitted to simply attend a worship service "unannounced" as it were? Any help greatly appreciated.
2007-09-02 19:44:46 · 5 answers · asked by Andrea M 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Hello there!!! I am glad that you'd like to attend a worship service, that's totally cool! check this website: http://www.mormon.org/worshipwithus it will tell you where your closest ward, stake or branch is located after you write your country and address and it will tell you the times :P
~A ward is a meeting place that is big, I think it holds like 300 people and more.
~A branch is a smaller meeting place that holds fewer members but it is organized the same way than the ward and has the same proposit.
~A stake is like the central... it checks the local wards and branches of the assigned areas, they are like the area headquarter and it is usually in a big building, in a ward. A normal one only that it could be somewhat bigger than the ohter
No matter which one you attend, everything is the same ^_^ If you are single under 30 I would advice you to go to a Singles Ward. That is a ward that only has people between 18 - 30 years old and they are all single.
You'll like the church and people are really nice. If you want, contact the missionaries here: http://www.mormon.org/mormonorg/eng/ask-a-question/have-missionaries-contact-me and you can meet them before you go if you want so when you get there they guide you and you don't feel like you don't know anyone.
Tell me who's it going and if you liked it. I hope this information was helpful. If you have more questions, you can always email me and I answer really quick ^_^
2007-09-02 19:57:42 · answer #1 · answered by Love Chuck!!! wannabe a Norris 2 · 5⤊ 1⤋
You are more than welcome to attend any chapel, any service at any time. Most start at 9 am and rotate every 2 hours. A ward is divided geographically like a school is. So without knowing it, you are already in a ward. Several of these wards make up a stake. Usually 4-8 wards. Feel free to stop by any Sunday unannounced and sit.
Also almost any person in the building can help you figure out which ward your in. In the beginning for me I would show up and just sit and listen. After the church service, (usually about 60-80 min) there is a 45 min Sunday school class. Here is where the scriptures are studied and a teacher will teach. This year in about the New Testament. The last hour is split men and women. And it is like Sunday school again. The females wear skirts or dresses and the men wear ties. Feel free to email me privately if you have more questions. Side note: 17 years ago next week I was where you are right now. It was the best decision of my life. My family thought I was crazy at the time, but since then, 2 of my sisters have joined and they love it. Good Luck!!!
2007-09-03 02:58:25 · answer #2 · answered by LDS Mom 6 · 5⤊ 1⤋
All of the answers above me are correct, and contain all that you should need to know to find a building to attend. I know Chris posted the link to find a meetinghouse in your area, and I would use that, then get a hold of it to see when the hours are. And no, they will not mind if you show up unannounced.
2007-09-04 16:36:12 · answer #3 · answered by . 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's quite simple. You can initially go to any LDS church you choose. There, they will direct you to the correct one according to where you live. There will be people more than happy to help you and answer any questions you may have about our faith. We do accept everyone, regardless of their past. My sister is a former crack whore and she has been accepted with open arms. I haven't lived a perfect life either, but have always been welcome.
You can also check out the meeting house locator on the official web site (link below). Just start with your country and then your city and state or province or whereever you are. They will tell you where to go.
2007-09-03 12:51:02 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
You would be more than welcome in any ward, or at least, you should be.
2007-09-03 12:51:45 · answer #5 · answered by mormon_4_jesus 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋