I’m a Mormon, So…

Chel Owens

I’m a Mormon, so I take the Sacrament each week at church -if I’m worthy to do so*.

LDS Media Library
(And it’s my favorite Sacrament picture, since this is clearly how a family of boys behaves at church.)

A Latter-day Saint sacrament meeting follows exactly the same format no matter which building you’re attending anywhere in the world, as I noted when I talked about Sunday worship.

First, the service opens with a congregational hymn, followed by the invocation (opening prayer). A member of the bishopric welcomes everyone and outlines the program. He’ll invite the attendees to prepare for the Sacrament by singing a sacramental hymn.

During the singing, at least one man who holds the Aaronic Priesthood at the level of priest (or higher) will prepare little trays with little cups of water and little trays with bits of broken bread. At the conclusion of the hymn, one priest will say the prayer for bread; the deacons and/or teachers will then distribute a bread piece to the highest order of priesthood in attendance (usually the bishop) and then to everyone else. They repeat this process of prayer and distribution with the water.

The bread is a symbol of Jesus Christ’s body. The water is a symbol of His blood. He suffered for the sins of all mankind and sacrificed himself for us.

Taking the Sacrament is a reaffirming of a member’s covenants s/he made at baptism:

When you were baptized, you entered into a covenant with God. You promised to take upon yourself the name of Jesus Christ, keep His commandments, and serve Him to the end (see Mosiah 18:8–10; D&C 20:37). You renew this covenant each time you partake of the sacrament (see 20:77, 79).

LDS Study Manual, True to the Faith, “Baptism“

We LDS are encouraged to prepare for sacrament meeting leading up to Sunday, repent of any sins needing repentance, and pray for forgiveness as we take the bread and water. The end result will be the same as when we were baptized: fresh, clean, and ready for a new week!

After the Sacrament service follows a varied program that usually involves members talking from the pulpit about an assigned gospel topic. The meeting ends with another hymn and the benediction (closing prayer).

LDS Media Library

See Wikipedia for a fairly decent, somewhat-more-expounded version.

©2022 Chel Owens

*Worthiness to take the Sacrament comes into question when a member has been asked not to as part of his/her repentance process or if s/he does not feel worthy. If a person does not feel worthy, s/he is recommended to speak to a member of the bishopric.

……

We Mormons are officially members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and are to drop any name but that. Since many still run with the nickname of ‘Mormon,’ however, I will keep pace.

My other note is that I will keep to official doctrinal practices. I will add my own application of them, especially in response to comments.

My final note is that I LOVE discussing anything I write. Don’t be rude, obviously, but any and all queries or responses are welcome.

My final note beyond the final note is that I do not seek to convert anyone. I ought to, but am motivated by forming connections, answering curiosity, and straightening pictures. So, you’re safe.

33 thoughts on “I’m a Mormon, So…”

  4. The idea of being worthy to receive the sacrament is one that was instilled when I was going through catechism. (Luthern) Gives one a foundation for continually checking behavior under the Christan tenant. Excellent post Chel.

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    1. I have heard somewhat of communion, and know that there is a symbolism of Jesus Christ’s body; is it true that Catholics believe the wafer literally becomes the body of Christ?

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  6. Thanks for the addendum on Worthiness, saved me the trouble of asking. So many churches do that relatively the same…some have wine or grape juice for kids/anyone who doesn’t want to drink the wine. Pre-Covid there was a shared goblet to drink from or dip your cracker into…I experienced this in Lutheran & Episcopalian Churches. Neither expressed the necessity of worthiness.

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    1. I’ve heard that early Mormon churches had a community cup as well. I think schoolhouses would back in the one-room types for onevillage times.

      Maybe there’s an ideal standard but no one mentions it? The LDS one is totally on you to honor the question of worthiness.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. What defines someone as a member of the Aaronic priesthood? How does this differ from the priesthood of Melchizedek as described in the book of Hebrews, and is one superior to the other? If so, why or why not?

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    1. Ah, man.. great questions. I’m going to read up on this already because I don’t know a lot of specifics about the priesthood. It’s the realm of the guys so I’ve been lazy.

      The Aaronic Priesthood is the priesthood given to Aaron. It’s referred to as a lesser one because there are not as many responsibilities or expectations. We split it into levels; the boys turning 12 get a portion of it and are called Deacons. At 14 they are given more and are called Teachers. At 16 they can be Priests.

      At 18, a guy can receive the lowest level of the Melchizedeck Priesthood in the office of an Elder. This is it office our proselytizing missionaries hold, which is why they’ve adopted ‘Elder’ as a title.
      There used to be High Priest as a separate distinction and group once a guy received a calling as bishop or apostle or prophet or patriarch (I think). Now, those given that extra authority and responsibility still meet with all the men but -yes- have more ‘power’ of the priesthood.

      The differing levels and priesthoods mean things like greater inspiration, ability to baptize, give healing blessings, etc.

      I hope I didn’t botch that description too much. 🙂

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      1. That’s very interesting. There are two things about that explanation that I don’t really understand. 1) My understanding from reading The Torah is that the Levitical/Aaronic priesthood is by definition heriditary. What is the justification for using that language when the individuals in this priesthood are not descendents of Aaron? 2) Hebrews is fairly explicit, as I recall, about stating that the priesthood of Melchizedek is greater than the priesthood of Aaron. So why invert that hierarchy?

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        1. 1. This is true. Certain tribes had certain rites to perform and responsibilities. Part of the restoration is that this iteration of God’s church is not bound to bloodlines literally but to worthy males’ receiving those priesthoods by a setting apart and blessing given by one with the authority to do so.
          On a related question, do the Jewish leaders *have to* be literal descendants of Aaron, Levi, Melchizedeck nowadays?

          2. I did not mean to imply that the priesthoods were inverted. The Melchizedek *is* the greater priesthood.

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          1. Interesting.

            My understanding concerning Melchizedek is that the priesthood of Melchizedek is special precisely because it circumvents the traditional heriditary confines of priesthood. There is no heriditary line for the priesthood of Melchizedek in the Jewish tradition. The idea of Melchizedek in the Christian tradition is discussed at length in Hebrews chapters 6 and 7.

            I think it’s an important point that, while Jewish leaders are not necessarily descended from Aaron, those leaders are not claiming the title of priest.

            I do appreciate your willingness to converse on this subject. It’s always interesting to talk to people who understand things in a slightly different way than the way I do.

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            1. Back at ya. As I said, I’m woefully ignorant on specifics. I do know there are scholars who’ve written about the LDS take on priesthood. I intend to further enlighten myself before covering it.

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  9. Thanks for your continued educational posts in this series. If we were all a little more understanding and respectful of differences among people, the world would be a kinder and gentler place.

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  10. Not having been to church (almost never except for a few weddings), I’m afraid this is all way over my head. But thank you for generously sharing your experience and faith, Chel. It’s all good.

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