Mormonspeak (Mormon dictionary)
Learning to talk like (and understand) a Mormon
U
Urim and Thummim: An ancient instrument used in obtaining revelation and translating records. The Book of Mormon refers to them as translators. Joseph Smith used the Urim and Thummim in translating the Book of Mormon, though exactly how they worked is unknown since he never revealed it. It is known that they consisted of two stones set in a bow.
V
Vision: Seeing through a dream or a waking vision a spiritual manifestation by the power of the Holy Ghost (see also Revelation and Inspiration).
Visiting Teaching: The Relief Society assigns several companionships of two women each to visit adult women in the congregation to share lessons about the gospel and help out as needed.
W
War in Heaven: Refers to the war in the Pre-earth Life between those who chose to follow Jesus Christ and those who chose to follow Satan. The main issue was agency here on earth. The war ended with Satan’s expulsion along with one third of the hosts of heaven.
Ward: The local congregation in Mormonism where there are sufficient members to fulfill all needed positions (see also branch). A ward is presided over by a bishop and two counselors and is the hub of most church activities including sacrament meetings, mutual, and so on.
Ward Choir: Music is an important part of worship services in Mormonism and wards are encouraged to have choirs to sing in their meetings.
Ward Family: A term describing the ultimate goal of unity among members of a ward.
Welfare: The Church welfare program provides assistance to members in need. It can provide groceries, money for rent or other expenses, as well as training and counseling to help members become self-sufficient through budgeting and finding a job.
Word of Wisdom: The health code of Mormonism, as revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith. It forbids alcohol, tobacco, coffee, tea and counsels the faithful to eat healthy grains, fruits, vegetables, and eat meat sparingly.
Worship: The act of praising or expressing gratitude to God. In Mormonism this includes prayer, singing of hymns, performing temple ordinances, and partaking of the sacrament among other things.
Worthy Member: A phrase referring to members in good standing who are active in attending meetings and fulfilling assignments and striving to follow the commandments of God.
Y
Year’s Supply: A supply of food, clothing, and medical supplies sufficient for one family for one year in case of natural disaster, health problems, job loss or so on. (See Food Storage).
Youth: This term is often used in the Mormon Church to refer to the teenagers of the ward.
Young Men: Male youth ages 12 to 18. This refers to the Young Men’s program, also called the Aaronic Priesthood since most boys in the Mormon Church in these age groups are ordained to that priesthood (see also Deacon, Teacher, and Priest).
Young Single Adults: Mormons ages 18 to 30 who are not married. Because of the unique difficulties people encounter in these ages, the Church has special programs and classes for them (see Institute, for examples). Where there are sufficient young single adults, Singles’ Wards are organized.
Young Women: Female youth ages 12 to 18 in the Mormon Church participating in the Young Women’s program consisting of Beehives, Mia Maids, and Laurels.
Z
Zion: Refers both to a physical location and the ideal society the Mormons hope to create. Zion as a place refers to a hill outside Jerusalem and also Jackson County, Missouri, where Mormons hope one day to establish the center stake of Zion. Zion also refers to the pure in heart who share all things equally among them.