The Church is organized into local geographic congregations called "Wards" Each Ward is led by a Bishop. A group of Wards comprises a "Stake". Our Mesa South Stake is located just south of the heart of Mesa, Arizona and is comprised of 6 Wards (5 English speaking and 1 Spanish speaking), which meet in 3 chapels. Click Here for location and time details.
Sunday worship services begin at 9:00AM and 11:30AM.
Mesa South Stake*
Members 2,614
Households 1,249
Men 923
Women 1,031
Youth 267
Children 301
Wards 6
Church Buildings 4
Recreation Facility 1
*As of November 2022
Church is a refuge from the chaos of everyday life. Attending church services gives us time to focus on worshipping God and loving our neighbors. It’s a spiritual recharge and a perfect way to help us keep Jesus front and center in our lives.
Church service times and schedules vary from congregation to congregation. However, you can always count on a similar format—one main meeting for everyone and one other class separated by age groups or general interests.
The main meeting for everyone is called sacrament meeting. This worship service consists of songs, prayers, and sermons (or “talks”) given by different members of the congregation every week. The most important and sacred part of the meeting is when members take the sacrament (or Communion). Click here for More about the sacrament.
Music and Hymns
Singing about our Savior Jesus Christ and our many blessings helps us feel closer to God. A typical sacrament meeting will have three or four hymns sung by the entire congregation. There may also be additional musical numbers by a choir, a small group, or a soloist. You may recognize some of the hymns like “Nearer, My God, to Thee” and “How Great Thou Art,” but you’ll learn some new ones too. And it’s okay if you sing off key! Raise your voice anyway as you worship with us.
Witnessing to One Another
On the first Sunday of every month, there aren’t typical sermons. Instead, any member of the congregation can go up to the pulpit and express his or her feelings about the gospel. As we listen to the experiences of others and feel God’s Spirit fill our hearts, our own convictions and beliefs can be strengthened.
Sunday Classes
After sacrament meeting, there are a variety of other age-specific classes for children and adults. If you would like to attend these additional meetings, ask someone at church, and they’ll be happy to help you find the right classroom.
What should I wear?
You’re welcome to wear any modest clothes that you feel comfortable in. But just so you know, most men wear suits, sport coats, and shirts and ties, and women wear dresses or skirts. Children also typically dress up.
Will I feel uncomfortable attending alone?
We hope not. Many of our members come to Church by themselves each week. However, if you’d like someone to attend with you for the first time, feel free to contact the missionaries or the bishop of the ward when you arrive and they’ll find you a friend to sit with. It’s always hard to be new, regardless of the situation, but in time you’ll get to know the other members and feel more at home.
Will everyone know I’m a visitor?
This probably depends on the size of the ward or congregation you’re visiting. Some congregations are so large (up to 600 members) that its regular members may or may not realize you’re a visitor. Others are so tiny that the members all know each other and will definitely recognize and welcome a newcomer.
Do I have to donate money?
No. We don’t solicit donations or pass a plate.
Do I have to participate?
No. Visitors aren’t required to participate in any way. You can simply sit back and enjoy the service.
How long does church last?
Our primary family worship service is called sacrament meeting. It’s held in our chapels on Sunday and lasts approximately one hour. You’re welcome to come alone or bring your family; children are present in virtually all our congregations.
What happens during sacrament meeting?
We sing hymns (hymnbooks are provided). Church members say opening and closing prayers. We partake of the sacrament (communion), which consists of prepared bread and water, blessed and passed to members of the congregation by priesthood holders. And we listen to two or more speakers who are usually members of the congregation.
You might be surprised that we don’t have just one pastor or preacher. All our area teachers, and leaders are unpaid volunteers. We do have an unpaid bishop who presides over each congregation (called a ward).
Are there any other meetings on Sunday?
Before or after sacrament meeting there are a variety of other age-appropriate meetings you and your children can attend. If you want to attend these additional meetings, ask someone for directions. If they don’t know, they’ll find someone who does.