Washington D.C. Sunday Service

Come Join Us

Welcome to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You’re invited to gather with us to sing hymns, hear sermons, and learn more about the Savior, Jesus Christ.

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.

Nearby Churches in the D.C. Area

Rockville Ward

Sunday Services are at 1:00 P.M.

-10000 Stoneybrook Dr, Kensington, MD-

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Bethesda Ward

Sunday Services are at 10:10 A.M.

-11700 Falls Rd, Potomac, MD-

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Chevy Chase Ward

Sunday Services are at 12:30 P.M.

-4901 16th Street Northwest Washington DC5460 Western Ave NW, Chevy Chase, MD-

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Chinese Branch

Sunday Services are at 9:00 A.M.

-16 Kent Gardens Circle, Gaithersburg, MD-

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Kensington Ward

Sunday Services are at 12:10 P.M.

-10000 Stoneybrook Dr, Kensington, MD-

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Potomac Ward

Sunday Services are at 9:00 A.M.

-11700 Falls Rd, Potomac, MD-

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Friendship Heights YSA (Young Single Adults)

Sunday Services are at 1:10 P.M.

-522 7th St SE, Washington, DC 20003-

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DC 3rd Ward

Sunday Services are at 10:00 A.M.

-4901 16th St NW, Washington, DC-

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Washington DC 1st Ward (Spanish)

Sunday Services are at 9:30 A.M.

-10000 Stoneybrook Dr, Kensington, MD-

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Strathmore YSA Ward (Young Single Adults)

Sunday Services are at 1:00 P.M.

-11700 Falls Rd, Potomac, MD-

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Mount Pleasant (Spanish)

Sunday Services are at 9:00 A.M.

-4901 16th St NW, Washington, DC-

Get Directions

Everyone is welcome to attend!

What to Expect

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints attending sacrament meeting, sitting in pews in a chapel.

Sacrament Meeting

The main meeting for everyone is called sacrament meeting. This meeting consists of songs, prayers, and sermons (or “talks”) given by different members of the congregation every week. But the most important part of the meeting is when we take the sacrament (or Communion). 

Learn more about the sacrament by selecting here.

Music and Hymns​

Singing about the Savior 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 might 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 of Jesus Christ. As we listen to the experiences of others and feel God’s Spirit fill our hearts, our own convictions and beliefs can be strengthened.

Sample Program​

example_ward_program_sacrament_meeting

Sunday Classes

Either before or 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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, sports coats, or shirts and ties, and women wear dresses or skirts. Children also typically dress up. 

Will I feel uncomfortable attending alone?​

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. 

Two women talking together at General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Will everyone know I’m a visitor?​

This probably depends on the size of the branch or congregation you’re visiting. Some congregations are so large (up to 600 members) that their 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. 

Christ and His disciples during the Last Supper oil painting on canvas.

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. We do have unpaid bishops who lead their congregations (called a ward). Bishops have power and authority given to them to preside and direct their wards according to Church doctrine, policy, and by revelation. This power and authority the bishop has is also known as the priesthood.

Learn more about the priesthood by selecting here.

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. 

Come Worship With Us!

For more information, please call the temple visitors’ center:

+1 (301) 587-0144

Visitors Invited. Free Parking.
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