On Friday, July 24th, we were honored to be guests at the newest church in Commerce City. This newest addition to the city is the Reunion Meeting House and is one of the many new churches being built around the world by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Every day somewhere in the world, the church is opening another two buildings. There are over 13 million members worldwide.If you have been driving down 120th Avenue lately and looked at the southwest corner at Peoria Street, you have seen the beautiful new church. The landscaping is gorgeous and the building itself is stunning. Inside the church, it is peaceful and reverent and calm.
As we toured the building I learned that the people who will worship here on Sundays actually spend three hours, one in the Chapel, one in Sunday School, and one in their respective service group. Three “Wards” will meet here on Sundays, the Reunion Ward, the Woodglen Ward, and the Riverdale Ward. Each ward can include several hundred people and each has their own bishop.
The church does not believe in debt, the building we were touring was completely paid for before it was constructed. The church also believes in utilizing the assets that they have been blessed with. Another principal of the church is preparedness and they are not only prepared, but extremely organized. In the case of a national disaster or emergency, the church has large storehouses of foods and supplies, strategically located throughout the country. They will be the first on the scene, but are not there for recognition. You might not hear about the assistance they so generously give, they do it as that is what Jesus would have them do.
In keeping with utilizing their assets, all leadership positions in the church are volunteer; no pay is involved and is a testament to their true service to their church. During the week, the building is used for many other activities. Every one of their buildings includes a “Cultural Hall” which can be used as a gym for activities such as basketball, as the church youth are very involved in sports. The hall is also used for educational activities, plays, meals, and other needs. There are moving walls and the pianos are on wheels. This adds to the versatility of uses of the room, utilizing assets to their fullest. The pianos on wheels are an integral part of the building as music is central to worship and all church activities.
After our tour, we were treated to a magnificent delicious homemade meal. The cultural hall had been transformed into a dining room with soothing piano music, fresh flowers and everything you would expect from these very gracious respectful hosts. After prayers, we all had the opportunity to sit and share our views of the world. The Mormons believe in family and caring for each other. They place great value on their children and the religious training they receive. They also take very seriously their duty and responsibility to take care of the needy and the poor.
One more fact that is very interesting is that the church is the largest participant in the world in Boy Scouts. The highest award in the church’s scouting program is the “Duty to God” Award which is equivalent to the Eagle Scout Award. My tour guide told me that he still views his own ‘Duty to God” Award as a very significant achievement. Children, boys and girls, young men and women, and the men and women of the church all have their own groups that meet individually which allows each group to communicate about their specific needs.
Special guests included State Representative Kevin Priola and his wife Michelle; Mark Tandberg, 2cnd Counselor, State Presidency; President Rex Johnson, Denver, Colorado North Stake; Commerce City Mayor Paul Natale; Developers Lee and Clay Carlson; and Rev. Rob Hundley of the Henderson Community Church.
The day gave me a new understanding of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Please join them on Sunday mornings, services are held at 9am, 11am, and 1pm. You can call 303-252-7191 or visit www.lds.org.
Welcome to our community.
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