What is a Stake?

A stake is a group of local Church congregations. A stake generally consists of about 3,000 to 5,000 members in five to ten congregations. Several wards make up a stake, which is similar to a Catholic diocese. The leader of a stake is called the stake president. In areas where there are fewer Church members, Latter-day Saints are organized into districts and branches in place of stakes and wards. The lay leader of a branch is called a branch president.

What is a Ward?

Congregations, or wards, of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are organized geographically and members attend worship services near their home. Each member belongs to a ward or branch. The lay leader of a ward is called a bishop. He is a member of the congregation who has been asked to serve as a volunteer in this position.

Each ward has classes and activities for different ages, including children, youth and adults. The substantial time and effort required to administer a ward and meet the needs of the members is carried out by the members themselves. Most members are asked by local leaders to contribute in specific capacities. Duties include local administrative, teaching or service-oriented positions. These responsibilities are changed from time to time, according to the needs of the congregation.

Members of a ward worship together on Sundays and hold activities during the week. A ward is a community where Latter-day Saints can develop friendships and support their fellow Church members in their efforts to worship and follow Jesus Christ. Everyone is welcome to visit ward worship services on Sundays.

What are Relief Society, Elder’s Quorum, & Sunday School?

Relief Society is the women’s organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Its purpose is to help prepare women for the blessings of eternal life as they increase faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and His Atonement; strengthen individuals, families, and homes through ordinances and covenants; and work in unity to help those in need. All adult women in the Church are members of Relief Society.

Every congregation of the Church has an organization for men called the elders quorum. The name comes from the Bible, where men who served in the priesthood were often referred to as elders. A quorum is another word for a group of people united by a shared purpose. In the case of the elders quorum, that purpose is to come together and help each other serve as better sons, brothers, husbands, fathers, and members of the community. Members also work together to fulfill congregational assignments, build unity, and learn about Jesus.

Sunday School in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a weekly scripture-based class held during the second hour of Sunday worship. Adults and youth study the Bible, Book of Mormon, and other scriptures on a 4-year rotation, while children attend Primary instead. Lessons are discussion-based and designed to strengthen faith in Jesus Christ and help members apply gospel principles in daily life.

Relief Society and Elder’s Quorum meet every 2nd & 4th Sunday. The men and the women meet together in Sunday School every 1st & 3rd Sunday.

What are Primary, Young Women’s & Young Men’s ?

Primary

Primary is for children ages 18 months through 11 years. The Primary theme is “All thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children” (3 Nephi 22:13). The purposes of Primary are to help children:

• Feel their Heavenly Father’s love and learn about His plan of happiness.
• Learn about Jesus Christ and His role in Heavenly Father’s plan.
• Learn and live the gospel.
• Feel, recognize, and act on the influence of the Holy Ghost.
• Prepare for, make, and keep sacred covenants.
• Participate in the work of salvation and exaltation.

Parents have the first responsibility for the spiritual and physical welfare of their children (see Doctrine and Covenants 68:25–28). The bishopric, Primary leaders, and Primary teachers support but do not replace parents in this responsibility.

Young Women’s

The Young Women organization in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) is an auxiliary organization for teenage female members aged 11 through 17. Its purpose is to help young women develop their faith, understand their identities as daughters of God, and prepare for their future roles as wives, mothers, and leaders. This class takes place every 2nd and 4th Sunday.

Young Men’s

The Young Men’s organization within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a youth program focused on the development and growth of young men, specifically those holding the Aaronic Priesthood, ages 12 to 18. It aims to help them learn to teach, serve, exercise faith, and improve daily, all while building faith in Jesus Christ. This class takes place every 2nd and 4th Sunday.

The Primary children meet together every Sunday while the teenage youth meet together for Sunday school on the 1st and 3rd Sundays as well.