New Member Dictionary

Aaronic Priesthood – The Aaronic Priesthood is the first "level" of the overall priesthood that a worthy male age 12 or older within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints receives.  It is received in preparation for the Melchizedek Priesthood and lifelong service to God. ​ Area – A group of branches.

Baptism - An ordnance within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints where someone age eight or older pledges to follow Jesus Christ and his teachings.  The person is fully immersed in water and brought back up, symbolizing the death and resurrection of Christ.  At this time, all of the persons sins are forgiven by God. ​ Baptism for the Dead - An ordnance preformed in a temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. During a baptism for the dead, a living person is baptized on behalf of another person who is deceased.   ​ Bishop – Similar to a pastor, a leader of a congregation who has been asked to serve by a leader higher in the Church. Bishopric – Name given to a bishop and his councilors collectively. Branch – A group of stakes.

Calling – A church-related activity someone is asked to do, usually within their own congregation. Callings can also be within a stake. ​ Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, The – This is the whole and correct name given to our church.  We believe that it is the only true church that is found on the earth today.  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has the “fullness of the Gospel” through the Book of Mormon.  We are also known as “Mormons” or  “Latter-Day Saints.” Confirmation – A confirmation usual happens shortly following a baptism. During a confirmation, Melchizedek Priesthood holders place their hands on the head of the person being confirmed. The person is then confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and is given the gift of the Holy Ghost. Councilor – One of two people who assist a president in presidency. Councilors are distingused as either the “first councilor” or “second councilor.” ​ Covenant – A promise someone makes with God. ​

Dispensation – “Dispensations are those periods or eras wherein the Lord has called someone to administer or preside over a major assignment or oversee the flow of gospel blessings.” (See https://tinyurl.com/2rfamrts)  There have been six previous dispensations and we are currently living in the seventh. ​ Dispensation of the Fullness of Times – This is the seventh and final dispensation.  It is the dispensation that we currently live in.  It is the time when the complete gospel teachings of Jesus Christ are on Earth again.

Endowment - An ordnance preformed in a temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. During the endowment, a person makes sacred covenants with God to live by His standards and obey His will.  Participants watch a video were they learn about the creation of the earth and follow the journey of Adam and Eve. ​

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General Conference – General conference takes place twice a year on the first weekend of April and October. Both televised and streamed online, church leaders gather together and teach sermons on various topics that they feel impressed upon to talk about. ​ Gospel –  The complete revealed teachings of Jesus Christ.

Heavenly Father - Term referring to the Christian God. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints believe that God is the literal Father of their spirts, therefore we refer to Him as such. ​

Initiatory - An ordnance preformed in a temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  The initiatory ordnance prepares the person receiving it for further blessings within the temple.  Within the initiatory, blessings are given regarding their "heritage and potential." (See https://tinyurl.com/e4zf4w7j)

Joseph Smith – Joseph Smith Jr. (1805 – 1844) Was the first prophet of the modern day Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  He is also known as the Prophet of the Restoration or the Prophet of the Restoration of the Fullness of Times.  Joseph Smith was charged with the translation of the golden plates on with the Book of Mormon was written.  He spent the majority of his life organizing the Church until he was martyred on June 27th, 1844.  ​ Contrary to the belief of some, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not worship Joseph Smith or any other prophet.  We are a Christian church as the name denotes. ​

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Melchizedek priesthood – The Melchizedek Priesthood is the second "level" of the overall priesthood.  It can be obtained by any worthy man within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints age 18 and older.  The Melchizedek Priesthood is the higher of the two priesthoods.  When a man receives the  Melchizedek Priesthood, he promises to live by the laws and ordinances of God. ​ Ministering – Ministering is essentially helping and serving others.  We are given assignments in our Wards as to whom we should minister, but really we should be ministering to everyone. ​

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Offering – A financial gift given to the Church used to help those who are in need. Ordnance - An action preformed under priesthood authority which draws one closer to God.  Ordnances within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints include baptism and priesthood blessings as well as activities that take place in the temple.

Priesthood Blessing - A form of healing by the laying on of hands.  Priesthood blessings are preformed by two Melchizedek Priesthood holders who place their hands on the head of the one receiving the blessing.  These two men say prayers for the person receiving the blessing, often giving them comfort and guidance through revelation given by God.  Priesthood (class) - Similar to relief society, it is a group of men who meet together as a part of their church worship. ​ Priesthood – "The priesthood is the eternal power and authority of God."  (See https://tinyurl.com/d5p8c32d) Worthy men within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can use this power to help and bless others on the earth. ​ Primary - A Sunday school class for children ages 18 months to 11 years. ​ Prophet – A man who has lead or currently leads The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  The prophet can receive revelation from God on behalf of the Church and all of it’s members.  He uses this ability to provide direction for all of God’s children. ​

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Relief Society – A group of women who meet together as a part of their church worship. It is very similar to a Sunday school class.  Women with the Relief Society are often given the opportunity to provide service to others in their community.   ​ Restored Gospel -- Members of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe that long ago, many essential teachings of the gospel were removed.  This was often to meet the needs of the church or organization that was preaching it.  We believe that now, in the Latter Days, that the Gospel has ben restored in it's fullness through the efforts of of Joseph Smith and other Later Day prophets.  ​ Revelation – Wisdom given from God to a person or people.

Sacrament – What other Christians refer to as communion or eucharist. ​ Sacrament Meeting – A church service similar to other Christian church services. Members of  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints receive the Sacrament here and listen to sermons given by other church members.  All people are welcome to these services. ​ Saints – Members of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ​ Sealing - An ordnance preformed within a temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that binds a married couple together forever or a child to their parents forever. ​ Set apart – A person who has been set apart has had hands laid on their head and a prayer said over them so that they can do a particular job within the church to the best of their ability. ​ Sin - Any action that breaches the laws or commandments of God. Stake – A group of wards. ​ State Conference – Similar to general conference, it is when Leaders of a stake gather together and preach to the various congregations within their stake. Stake President – The leader of a stake. Sunday School – A class that teaches about the beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. As the name suggests, it is held on Sundays, usually after sacrament meeting.

Talk - A sermon given by a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during a sacrament meeting or other church gathering. ​ Temple - A temple is the literal home of God on earth.  Worthy members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gather in temples to worship God and preform ordnances that help themselves and their ancestors to return to live with God.  Ordnances preformed within the temple include baptisms for the dead, iniatories, endowments and sealings. Temple Garment or Garment – Underclothing worn by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints after they have received their temple endowment. Just as other religions have outer vestments that certain members wear, the temple garment is similar in significance. It is worn as a reminder of one's faith and duty to God. Temple Recommend – A document that allows someone access to a temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. A temple recommend is given to someone who is in good standing with the church who has been a member for at least one year. Recommends are given to a person after they have a successful interview with their local church leaders. Tithe – 10% of a persons earnings which are given “to the Lord through the Church.” (See https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bd/tithe?lang=eng ) This money is then use to support The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and it’s members who are in need.

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Ward – A local church congregation based on the area you live in. The members of a ward are assigned to a certain chapel and a certain time for Sunday worship.

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Young Men (class) - A class similar to a Sunday School class for boys ages twelve to seventeen. ​ Young Women (class) - A class similar to a Sunday School class for girls ages twelve to  seventeen.

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