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Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints
Algonkian Ward
Circle Drive and East Maple Ave., Sterling, VA

by Isabelle Showell

The Mormon history states that Joseph C. Smith Jr. played a leading role in organizing the first church of Latter-day Saints on April 6, 1830 in New York. A significant religious experience along with the Kirtland community support Smith opened a religious and a social community church (The Kirtland Temple). It is said that the Kirtland Temple still stands as a monument today. The theology and mission, "We proclaim Jesus Christ and promote communities of joy, hope, love, and peace" is a major part of the church. 

On November 24, 2002 I visited the Algonkian Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints in Sterling Virginia. The Church appeared to be similar to a Baptist, Mennonite, or Apostolic church from the outside. Upon entering the church I realized that it quite different from other churches. One distinct difference was the non-appearance any type of cross. The church members were friendly (two men in black suits) and were sure to great me as I entered the service. During the service there hymns, sacrament, and speakers. Although, the service structure was similar to many other Christian religions the content was different.

The service began with an introduction of the Bishop, Chorister (choir director), and Organist. Following the introduction of church members was the announcements. The service was extremely organized and timely. After the announcements we sang a hymn, "Prayer of Thanksgiving". Even though I was unfamiliar with the hymns I continued to sing along with the congregation. The service was running smoothly, but I found it hard to concentrate on the service because the congregation was fairly noisy (mostly children running around and crying). 

The Administration of the Sacrament by the Aaronic Priesthood was similar to communion. The sacrament is a formal religious act or rite. There was short prayer followed by the youth passing out cups of water and pieces of bread. The congregation consumed the water first and the bread last. Although I wasn't a member of the church I was given the write to participate in the sacrament. 

The speakers of the morning were very short and to the point. Most of there speech consisted of encouraging stories of being thankful. The speech presented contained little if no bible references. One story told was about the strength a Mother had in dealing with her daughter giving birth to a child out of wedlock. I found that the stories were very touching, and were consistent with the theme of Thanksgiving. Enclosed in the program was a beautiful poem called Everyday Thanksgiving:

Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm rings each morning,
Thank you, Lord, that I can hear. There are those who are deaf.

Even though I keep my eyes closed tightly against the morning lights, as long as possible,
Thank you, Lord, that I can see. There are many who are blind.

Even though I huddle in my bed and put off the physical effort of rising,
Thank you, Lord, that I have the strength to rise. There are many who are bedfast.

Even though the first hour of my day is hectic; when toast is burned, and tempers are short,
Thank you, Lord, for my family. There are many who are lonely.

Even though our breakfast table never looks like the pictures in the magazines, and the menu is sometimes unbalanced,
Thank you, Lord, for the food we have. There are many who are hungry.

Even though the routine of my job is often monotonous
Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to work. There are many who have no work.

Even though I grumble and bemoan my fate from day to day, and wish my modest circumstances were not quite so modest, Thank you, Lord, for the gift of life. 

The poem touches all the reasons to give thanks.

As a result, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints service structure is similar to many Christian churches. However the content of the hymns and symbolism of communion are different. The service was informational, timely, and touching. I learned a lot from the service. The only suggestion I would like to offer to the church is to keep the children in another area allowing new visitors to learn with out distractions.

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