Wards and meetinghouses
Latter-day Saint congregations, called wards, are organized by neighborhood: members attend the ward where they live, and several wards often share one meetinghouse at different times. Temples are different buildings, used for special ceremonies, not Sunday worship. Sunday meetings are in the meetinghouse and open to everyone.
Sacrament meeting
The main service is the one-hour sacrament meeting. There is no paid clergy: the meeting is led by the bishop, a volunteer from the ward, and the talks are given by members who were asked in advance, often including teenagers.
- An opening hymn and prayer, and ward announcements.
- The sacrament: young men bless bread and water, which are passed along the rows on trays. Visitors may take it or simply pass the tray on.
- Two or three talks by members, sometimes with a musical number.
- A closing hymn and prayer.
On the first Sunday of the month, sacrament meeting is a fast and testimony meeting, where members stand and share their beliefs as they feel moved.
The second hour
After sacrament meeting, adults attend Sunday School or, on alternate weeks, separate meetings for men and women, while children go to Primary and youth to their own classes. Visitors are welcome to join.
Practical tips
There is no collection plate. Members wear their best, with white shirts and ties common for men, but visitors are welcome in whatever they have. Missionaries may introduce themselves; it is fine to say you are just visiting.