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Eastern Places to Visit

Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints
Old Bridge Rd.
Woodbridge, VA

by Kelly Packard

For my first encounter, I chose to explore a western religion that I was not familiar with. This church has been right next to my neighborhood for years, but I had never been to it. Before doing this project, I knew very little about the Mormon religion. The only churches I have ever been to have been Episcopalian, Catholic or Lutheran. I went to the church today, Sunday, October 13th. I called first and spoke with the Bishop. He told me that they have a few different Sunday services. He explained to me that the service is called the sacrament meeting and take about an hour.

When I got there, I was greeted by the Bishop. He seemed very nice and welcoming. I had previously explained that I was coming for research for my religion class. He was glad that I chose their church to learn more about. The church was filled with families mostly. There were a few couples and single people, but mostly families. I noticed that most of the families seemed large. There were mostly dual-parent families there with 3-plus children. The church was set up a lot like the churches I have been to. There were pews to sit at with hymn books for you to sing along with. Some people seemed to have there own books with them. I sat in the back and observed the sacrament meeting. They sang hymns, the bishop spoke at a podium, there was a speaker that read from the Book of Mormon, and prayers were offered. One person offered prayers to the people whose lives were taken by the sniper.

After the service, the children and youths went to different rooms for Sunday School classes. I did not stay for those activities. They had different classes for different age-groups. They also offered a nursery for the very young children while their siblings and parents attended the classes. The whole day lasts about 3 hours.

The church was very nicely decorated with flowers, crosses, nice windows, a pretty alter and crosses. It looked much like the churches I am used to. No huge differences. I dressed nicely for the service, as did most of the congregation.

After the service was over, I spoke with a girl about my age. She seemed very nice and was enthusiastic of my interest in the service. She told me that she liked going to church, but that the services were a little long for her- probably something that most young people would say about having to sit in a pew for an hour! I asked her where the main church, if there was one. I was curious because, for instance, Catholics have the Cathedral in D.C. She told me that the main temple in Salt Lake City, Utah and is considered the headquarters for Mormons worldwide. I asked her if there was anything associated with the religion that she must take part in that I might find interesting. She told me that Mormons are not allowed to smoke tobacco, do illegal drugs or consume tea, coffee or alcohol. I found the tea and coffee part most surprising! Most people these days drink gallons of coffee at a time! She said this was part of living a healthy lifestyle for Mormons. I think it sounds great, if only I could do that also!

I also learned a few more things from talking with the Bishop. I was curious about the Missionaries. I think most, if not all of us, have had 2 young men dressed nicely, on bikes come to our houses and try to speak of their experiences with the Mormon religion. Before this class, I was easily irritated by these young men, but now after looking into the religion more, I will definitely be more open to hearing what they have to say. The Bishop told me that these young men generally young and single, around the age of 18. The go off onto their mission full time for about 2 years sharing what they have learned in the Mormon Church. It seems to me, that this is a way for them to go out and try to bring a better understanding of Mormon Culture to America. From this, they learn more about their own religion, themselves and other people. Generally about 50-60,000 missionaries go out every year.

I thought this was a very educational experience. I have learned so much more about this religion than I knew coming into this project. Before I went to the church, I did my own research. That also helped me in knowing what I "was getting into". It is interesting to me to learn about other people's religions. It is something so personal, but yet so open. Like most western religions, Mormons believe in Jesus Christ and the scriptures of The Bible. They differ in that they teach using the Book of Mormon. There laws are also followed strictly and each person must set an example by living a Christian life. They believe fully that one must follow Jesus by remembering "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all my heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind and Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." I remember hearing both these commandments at my Episcopalian church. They believe also that you must follow The Ten Commandments, The Word of Wisdom, The law or tithing, and the law of chastity.

The Mormon people seemed caring and open and somewhat like a big family. I am glad I went and observed because now I am one more person who has heard their word and is open to their thoughts. I look forward to doing more research about this and other religions.

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