“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” —Luke 2:52

#Strive to Be: Just for youth!

Youth programs are important in our church! We believe that all young men and women deserve the opportunity to learn about Jesus Christ in a supportive, caring environment. At church, youth can find new friends, develop skills and talents, and build their relationships with God—all while having fun and making lasting memories. 

Tracing Jesus’s footsteps

In the Bible, young Jesus is described as growing “in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man” (Luke 2:52). Youth programs give young men and women the opportunity to follow Jesus’s example by encouraging them to set personal goals in four areas: spiritual health, social health, physical health, and intellectual health. As youth work toward their goals, they learn strategies for achieving personal growth and gain a new understanding of their Heavenly Father’s love for them.

Good values, good friends

Youth between the ages of 12 and 17 meet together on Sunday to discuss topics related to scriptures and spirituality. On alternating weeks, boys and girls meet separately for lessons about living Christlike values. Sunday classes give young men and women the opportunity to connect with their peer groups while also developing their faith.

Weekly activities

Youth also meet once during the week for less structured activities. Youth activities are fun! Weekly activities could include playing volleyball, serving food at a homeless shelter, or participating in a talent show, to name a few. These activities give youth the chance to enjoy new experiences while building lasting relationships with new friends.

Summer camps

During the summer, youth can choose to participate in week-long boys’ or girls’ camps and coed conferences. There, they’ll learn about Jesus Christ while also doing traditional activities like making s’mores, singing campfire songs, and learning outdoor survival skills.

Seminary

During the school year, youth attend morning classes before school to deepen their understanding of the scriptures. Each year focuses on one of four books of scripture: the Old Testament, the New Testament, the Book of Mormon, and the Doctrine and Covenants.

Learning to lead

An important part of growing up is learning how to be a good leader. That’s why youth are often given the opportunity to help teach lessons and plan activities. Some may even be asked to serve on leadership councils. With the guidance and support of adult congregation leaders, youth learn how to recognize and respond to the needs of their peers.

“Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.” —Mark 10:14

Primary: A program just for children

Jesus Christ pointed to little children as examples of faith for us all. He took the time to give them individual instruction and encouragement; in our congregations, we do the same thing. Our program for children ages 3–11 is called Primary. After we meet together as a congregation for Sunday worship, children attend classes custom-tailored for them. Through thoughtful lessons and activities, children learn simple but powerful truths about Jesus Christ as they learn to use the scriptures and develop the beginning of their own personal relationship with God. Of course, singing time is a huge part of their experience as they come together to sing sweet songs of faith and courage.

Seen and heard

Although adults help organize and instruct, in Primary, children are active participants. Little ones build their confidence along with their faith as they learn scriptures, offer prayers, and give short talks in front of the other children. In classes divided by age, they’ll get even more of an opportunity to express themselves and ask questions in a nurturing environment.

Weekday fun

The fun doesn’t end on Sundays! For children over the age of eight, Primary regularly provides extra activities during the week that allow children to learn the teachings of Jesus Christ in a casual, playful environment.

Nursery

Children between 18 months and 3 years old spend the second part of Sunday services in Nursery, a structured play group that combines toys and snacks with songs and a brief lesson. For babies too young for nursery, their presence is welcome in all adult classes and meetings. So don’t be afraid to bring them—they likely won’t be the only ones.

A place for everyone!

Organized Church groups and programs help to care for each other spiritually, socially, and temporally. Take a minute to learn about our various groups and programs. There’s something for everyone here and a place for you to serve.

Relief Society: Our women’s Group

Early beginnings

Women of the Church are members of the Relief Society—one of the largest and oldest operating women’s organizations in the world. It was founded in 1842 so women could pool their resources and combine efforts to provide for the people in their communities. That’s why it’s called the Relief Society—it was designed to give assistance to those who need it. The early Relief Society helped fund medical training for women, build hospitals, establish adoption services, secure women’s voting rights, and more. 

Charity never faileth

Today, the Relief Society organizes service projects, fellowships other women, and helps them develop both life skills and a deeper understanding of Jesus Christ and His gospel. Its motto is “charity never faileth,” and members seek to follow Jesus’s example and extend love to friends, neighbors, and strangers alike.

Each congregation has its own Relief Society group that is part of the global organization. Meetings for these local Relief Society groups take place every other Sunday. A typical meeting lasts 50 minutes and is centered around a spiritual message. Each group also holds regular events and activities outside of the Sunday meetings. Activities are less structured and give Relief Society members the opportunity to build new skills, share talents, engage in service projects, and meet new friends.

Pillars of strength

Relief Society members are sometimes asked to serve as leaders or teachers within their congregations. This helps local congregations make sure that classes and activities are meeting members’ needs. It also gives members the opportunity to hear from a variety of voices and receive leadership from people of many different backgrounds. 

Elders Quorum: Our men’s group

What is an elders quorum?

In addition to the group worship that happens during Sunday services, 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.

Growing together

The elders quorum meets every other Sunday for a group discussion around a predetermined spiritual topic. They might also talk about different service needs in the local congregation, whether it’s helping someone move, visiting someone who’s sick, or donating time to humanitarian efforts. And of course, there are plenty of social activities that provide fun ways to connect with peers. 

In every elders quorum, collaboration is key. Each member brings something unique to the group, and together they make each other stronger. That includes you! You’re invited to come serve with us and help each other lead happier lives through the teachings of Jesus.