Find information

Seen on TV

Country Sites

The Church

Families

Nature of God

Purpose of life

Frequently asked questions

Send this page to a friend

Site feedback


	Welcome Find informationGlossary

Glossary

This glossary defines words used by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that might not be familiar to those who are not members.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

O

Opening Exercises

The beginning or opening of a meeting. Meetings generally begin with a hymn, a prayer, and business or announcements. Some groups meet together for opening exercises, and then disperse to age-oriented small groups.

Ordinance

A sacred rite or ceremony performed by the power of the priesthood and intended to bless God’s children. Some ordinances, such as baptism, are essential for salvation. Other ordinances, such as administering to the sick, constitute gifts from God to His children which are not essential for salvation. Many ordinances have symbolic meaning.