Brittney Phelps, who graduated in 2012, sits in the waiting room at her local Mormon Ward. Her particular Ward focuses on upholding the 10 commandments as well as building strong families. (Photo by Dominic Valente)This is the fourth in a series of six articles profiling individual students and their religions to coincide with this week’s centerpiece story.
Brittney Phelps was born a Mormon and has remained in the faith her entire life.
She said it is something she has never had doubts about, and that though she had a friend who would challenge her beliefs, she never lost sight of why they are true.
“It’s all about believing in yourself,” Phelps said.
Phelps has researched and prayerfully reflected on her beliefs to determine their strength. The reassurance she found, which she described as a “warm” feeling, has kept her in the faith.
She said she has continued to have personal experiences with her faith that reinforce her belief in it.
“I do believe that different things happen to us throughout the day for certain reasons,” she said.
Her choices help her live the tenets of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints every day. Phelps follows the Ten Commandments and the Word of Wisdom, a Latter-day Saint health doctrine that prohibits drug use and alcohol consumption.
Every Sunday, Phelps attends worship services in a congregation of young people, known as a “Young Single Adults’ Ward” within the church.
She said she prefers going to church with other young people, because it is easier to make connections.
“They can help you and relate to you more than other people can,” Phelps said.
The services last three hours. The first hour and a half is worship, during which church members take bread and water in remembrance of the Last Supper and listen to a few different speakers from the congregation. The remaining time is spent in Sunday school and gender-specific meetings.
Hymns are sung throughout the service and to start and end the women’s meeting. Phelps said singing hymns helps invite the Holy Spirit.
Phelps, who describes herself as a happy person, said the services, along with scripture study and prayer, help her maintain her happiness.
“On Sunday when I go to church services, I feel so happy inside,” she said. “When I walk in here, I feel something different that I don’t feel anywhere else.”
Reach the reporter at ammedeir@asu.edu or follow her on Twitter @amy_medeiros
