Gathering (LDS Church)

LDS Church members are commanded to meet together often, to uplift each other and strengthen their faith in God. == Historic examples ==

Historically, Latter-day Saints have gathered in many locations, including: • Kirtland, Ohio • Independence, Missouri • Nauvoo, Illinois • Salt Lake City and the surrounding Salt Lake Valley • Various sites within the Mormon Corridor • Laie, Hawaii == Modern practices ==

In the modern era, members are asked to gather in the stakes of Zion in their local areas. The members gather with their local ward or branch (smaller congregation) for weekly worship services in meetinghouses. Twice a year there is a stake conference for each stake, where the members of the several wards that make up each stake meet as a group. These were previously held in stake tabernacles, but now normally will occur in stake centers. District and area conference also happen periodically. Latter-day Saints gather twice each year for general conference, currently held in the Conference Center, but available via broadcast through a variety of outlets. In high schools, primarily through the western United States, Latter-day Saint students can gather for released-time (or early-morning) seminary to learn more about the teachings found in the Standard Works. In colleges and other areas throughout the world, students gather together to take institute classes which teach these same topics at a collegiate level. ==Gathering of Israel==

In the Old Testament, Israel had the blessings of being God's covenant people, but they were scattered because of rebellion. God promised that the Children of Israel would be gathered. Missionaries are sent by the church worldwide to gather the children of God. Peter and Paul prophesied that all things were to be restored during this last dispensation, which includes gathering the scattered. Latter-day Saints are taught that one of the main purposes for gathering is to make all of the saving ordinances available, especially those that are limited to a temple. Together, the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh will be gathered in the Americas. ==See also==