by Charlotte Wilson | Aug 1, 2013 | About Mormons
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often inadvertently referred to as the Mormon church) has a history that spans the entire world. The Church of Jesus Christ was restored in America by Joseph Smith in 1830. After the restoration, The Church of Jesus Christ sent missionaries all over the world. One of the first places Mormon missionaries travelled was to the British Isles. The United Kingdom is coming up on the 175th anniversary of Mormonism’s presence, and the Saints in the country are planning a grand celebration. [1]
Pageants Are a Big Part of Mormon Culture
In the United States, Mormons produce pageants all throughout the summer months commemorating scriptural accounts and church history events. Several pageants are produced in Utah, with several others taking place in Palmyra, New York; Nauvoo, Illinois; and Mesa, Arizona. In America, pageants are a big part of Mormon culture.
The Chorley Pageant
The Saints in the United Kingdom thought that producing their own pageant would be a fitting way to commemorate the 175 years of the presence of the gospel of Jesus Christ in the British Isles. The focus of the UK pageant will be the church’s history in their own country. This presentation will include telling the stories of the first Mormon missionaries to proselytize in England, who arrived in 1837. The storytelling will take place through both acting and musical performances. The event will also hold pre-show activities for everyone, like period dancing with costumes and games. (more…)
by Charlotte Wilson | Jul 31, 2013 | About Mormons
I am a Mormon woman. That means that I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (a faith often inadvertently referred to as the Mormon church). I’ve been a Mormon my whole life, and now that I’m an adult, I find even more joy and fulfillment in my faith in Jesus Christ. The role of women in The Church of Jesus Christ is often misunderstood, so I’d like to give you an opportunity to get to know a Mormon woman better. Not only are Mormon women equal to men, but we have specific and important roles in our families, church congregations, and communities. I’ve compiled a list of my eight favorite places to be as a Mormon woman. I think you’ll find that I’m not so different from you.
1. The park
I love to visit the park. Especially when the weather cooperates, I love to take my son outside and let him play. I often meet up with friends and their children. This socializing is welcome, because while I certainly love being a stay-at-home mom, sometimes I crave some quality conversation with adults. Occasionally, though, I take a walk through the park by myself. This allows me to take in the beauty of God’s creations and express gratitude for the beautiful world I live in. (more…)
by paulah | Jul 30, 2013 | About Mormons
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often inadvertently called the Mormon Church) supports and promotes genealogy or family history work. This expansive work is often done by small groups of Mormon volunteers.
Family History Work in the Church
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ are interested in family history as part of their belief in God’s plan of salvation. They believe that “It is the plan of God that all persons shall have the opportunity to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ and receive the saving ordinances, regardless of when they lived on earth.” [1] Mormons believe that if a person did not hear the gospel preached through the Lord’s authorized servants while they lived on the earth, they will have the opportunity to hear it in the spirit world after they die. (more…)
by ashley | Jul 30, 2013 | About Mormons
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—sometimes inadvertently called the Mormon Church—believe in following their prophet. President Thomas S. Monson, the prophet on the earth today, is the mouthpiece of the Lord. And when the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles—the governing body of The Church of Jesus Christ—make a solemn declaration to the world, this is a powerful directive from God. The Family: A Proclamation to the World is one of those messages. It leaves no room for interpretation or question on the position of the Church and its leaders regarding the family and marriage. While the philosophies of the world are fickle and subject to change at a moment’s notice, the Lord and His prophets have remained steadfast and immovable throughout the ages. Elder Kevin R. Duncan, a member of the Quorum of the Seventy (Seventies, as in biblical times, are called to proclaim the gospel and build up the Church), said:
Surely one of the crowning blessings of membership in this Church is the blessing of being led by living prophets of God. The Lord declared, “There is never but one on the earth at a time on whom this power and the keys of this priesthood are conferred” (Doctrine and Covenants 132:7). The prophet and President of the Church today, Thomas S. Monson, receives God’s word for the entire membership of the Church and for the world. In addition, we sustain as prophets, seers, and revelators the counselors in the First Presidency and the members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. … (more…)
by ashley | Jul 30, 2013 | About Mormons
Why do Mormon missionaries go and give 1 ½-2 years of their young adult life in service, and at their own expense? These young members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes inadvertently called the “Mormon Church”) have testimonies of Jesus Christ, and they want to follow His admonition to “feed [His] sheep” (John 21:16). They also have the witness that the great commission, given by the Savior Himself, is still in effect and is more pertinent today than ever before.
What is the Great Commission?
The great commission was the invitation or commandment given by the resurrected Lord to his disciples, instructing them to spread the gospel to all nations:
Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.
And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. (more…)
