What You Can Expect at a Church Service

Just try to look nice. You’re welcome to come in any clothes you feel comfortable in. Most men wear suits or button-up shirts and ties, women typically wear dresses or skirts, and children usually dress up too.

Many of our members come to church by themselves each week. However, if you’d like someone to attend with you for the first time, feel free to contact your closest congregation. They’ll find you a friend to sit with. Being new can be hard in any situation, but you’ll quickly get to know the other members and feel at home.

This probably depends on the size of the congregation you’re visiting. Some congregations are so large that the members might not realize you’re a visitor. Others are so small that the members all know each other and will recognize and welcome a newcomer. Either way, don’t hesitate to introduce yourself or ask questions. Everyone will be glad you’re there.

Church is in two parts. The first hour of church is called Sacrament Meeting. We sing hymns (hymnbooks are provided). Someone says a prayer at the open and close of the meeting. We take the Sacrament (or Communion), which consists of bread and water, blessed and passed to members of the congregation. We also listen to members of the congregation give sermons, called “talks,” on various gospel topics, including personal experiences they may have had. After Sacrament Meeting, there are a variety of other age-specific classes for children and adults. If you’re not sure where to go, just ask anyone, and they’ll be happy to help you find the right classroom.

No. We don’t solicit donations or pass a plate.

No. Visitors aren’t required to participate. When the bread and water of the sacrament is distributed to the congregation, you can simply pass the tray to the next person. Other than that, feel free to sit back and just enjoy the service. In a Sunday School class, the teacher often asks for volunteers to read. Simply don’t raise your hand if you’d rather not participate.