Resources
What is a ward? What is a stake?
A ward is a local congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, made up of the members who live within a set area. A stake is a group of wards that work together. The Marblehead Ward is part of the San Clemente California Stake.
Wards
A ward is similar to a parish. Members attend the ward that covers where they live, so neighbors worship together and help each other. Each ward has a bishop, who is a volunteer and not a paid minister, and two counselors who help him. Other members serve in roles such as teachers, music leaders and youth leaders.
Smaller congregations are sometimes called branches. They work the same way, but with fewer people. Our ward meets at 310 Avenida Vista Montana in San Clemente, with sacrament meeting on Sundays at 9:00 AM.
Stakes
A stake brings together several wards and branches in a region. It is led by a stake president and two counselors, also volunteers, who support the bishops and gather the wards for larger events. The name comes from an image of a tent held by stakes, a picture of strength and shelter.
The San Clemente California Stake includes Marblehead Ward and the other congregations of the area. The stake may organize larger activities, youth events and training for local leaders. Even so, most of what members do week to week happens in the ward.
Why it matters to you
Knowing the structure helps you find where you belong. If you move to San Clemente, Talega, Forster Ranch or Dana Point, the meetinghouse locator shows your ward. Visitors are welcome at any ward, whatever their address.
To see how our ward works in practice, read our visit page or follow the ward calendar. Questions go to the contact page.
How leaders are chosen
Leaders in the Church are called to serve for a season and then released so someone else can serve. A bishop usually serves for several years, and the work is done alongside a full-time job and a family. This is why members describe their congregation as a lay church. The people who lead you on Sunday are your neighbors.
Questions
Who leads a ward?
A bishop and two counselors, all volunteers.
Who leads a stake?
A stake president and two counselors.
What is a branch?
A smaller congregation that works like a ward.
Which stake is Marblehead Ward in?
The San Clemente California Stake.