While members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints do not attend Sunday worship services in the temple, you are invited to gather with us to sing hymns, hear sermons, and learn more about our Savior Jesus Christ at local meetinghouses.
Church is a refuge from the chaos of everyday life. Attending church services gives us time to focus on worshipping God and loving our neighbors. It’s a spiritual recharge and a perfect way to help us keep Jesus front and center in our lives.
Church service times and schedules vary from congregation to congregation. However, you can always count on a similar format—one main meeting for everyone and one other class separated by age groups or general interests.
Candlelight Park YSA Ward (ages 18-35)
Sunday Services at 10 a.m.
1415 E. Southern Ave., Mesa
Everyone is welcome to attend!
Sacrament Meeting
The main meeting for everyone is called sacrament meeting. This meeting consists of songs, prayers, and sermons (or “talks”) given by different members of the congregation every week. But the most important part of the meeting is when we take the sacrament (or Communion). More about the sacrament >>
Music and Hymns
Singing about the Savior and our many blessings helps us feel closer to God. A typical sacrament meeting will have three or four hymns sung by the entire congregation. There might also be additional musical numbers by a choir, a small group, or a soloist. You may recognize some of the hymns like “Nearer, My God, to Thee” and “How Great Thou Art,” but you’ll learn some new ones too. And it’s okay if you sing off key! Raise your voice anyway as you worship with us.
Witnessing to One Another
On the first Sunday of every month, there aren’t typical sermons. Instead, any member of the congregation can go up to the pulpit and express his or her feelings about the gospel. As we listen to the experiences of others and feel God’s Spirit fill our hearts, our own convictions and beliefs can be strengthened.
Sample Program
Sunday Classes
Either before or after sacrament meeting, there are a variety of other age-specific classes for children and adults. If you would like to attend these additional meetings, ask someone at church, and they’ll be happy to help you find the right classroom.
You’re welcome to wear any modest clothes that you feel comfortable in. But just so you know, most men wear suits, sport coats, and shirts and ties, and women wear dresses or skirts. Children also typically dress up.
We hope not. 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 the missionaries or the bishop of the ward when you arrive and they’ll find you a friend to sit with. It’s always hard to be new, regardless of the situation, but in time you’ll get to know the other members and feel more at home.
This probably depends on the size of the branch or congregation you’re visiting. Some congregations are so large (up to 600 members) that its regular members may or may not realize you’re a visitor. Others are so tiny that the members all know each other and will definitely recognize and welcome a newcomer.
No. We don’t solicit donations or pass a plate.
No. Visitors aren’t required to participate in any way. You can simply sit back and enjoy the service.
Our primary family worship service is called sacrament meeting. It’s held in our chapels on Sunday and lasts approximately one hour. You’re welcome to come alone or bring your family; children are present in virtually all our congregations.
We sing hymns (hymnbooks are provided). Church members say opening and closing prayers. We partake of the sacrament (communion), which consists of prepared bread and water, blessed and passed to members of the congregation by priesthood holders. And we listen to two or more speakers who are usually members of the congregation.
You might be surprised that we don’t have just one pastor or preacher. We do have an unpaid bishop who presides over each congregation (called a ward).
Before or after sacrament meeting there are a variety of other age-appropriate meetings you and your children can attend. If you want to attend these additional meetings, ask someone for directions. If they don’t know, they’ll find someone who does.
For more information on local Sunday Services, call the Mesa Temple Visitors’ Center (480)-964-7164
All are Welcome. Free Parking.