A Scientology service offers workable truths that parishioners and visitors can use to better themselves. These services are a message of inspiration and hope each person can leave with after attending their Scientology Sunday service.
The Church of Scientology Sunday service consists of a reading of the Creed of the Church of Scientology, a sermon based on the writings of the Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard, or the playing of one of his recorded lectures. Churches also feature spiritual counseling in which the entire congregation participates. Plus there are announcements of Church events and programs. Services always conclude with a prayer.
The Creed of the Church of Scientology
Sunday services begin with the reading of the Creed of the Church of Scientology. This document affirms the spiritual aims of the Church and states the Church’s social mission.
The Sermon
The Sunday sermon typically addresses a topic related to an important Scientology principle or practice and relates its relevance to everyday existence. The minister’s goal is for each member of the congregation to gain a greater spiritual awareness and an increased understanding of how to apply these truths to life.
The L. Ron Hubbard Lecture
The Scientology scripture is unique to most major religions of the world, in that the Scientology scripture is faithful to L. Ron Hubbard's original written and spoken words. These scriptures have been preseved exactly as authored and spoken. Mr Hubbard delivered more than 3000 lectures in total - lectures which detail his discoveries and relate them to those in attendance so they may gain insights into their own lives, and apply to others to improve the lives of others. These lectures address many of the basic beliefs and truths fundamental to the Scientology Religion.
Often the minister will select a lecture from Mr. Hubbard's works and play this to the members.
Group Auditing
Auditing (from the Latin audire, “to hear or listen”), is the central Scientology religious practice. As such, auditing is an integral part of every Sunday service.
Group Auditing consists of a command (direction) or series of auditing commands which can increase awareness and put one in better communication with one’s environment. Most importantly, these help individuals free themselves from adverse material influences of the physical universe and so become more able to regain their own spiritual awareness.
Announcements
Scientologists are actively committed to practicing their religion to fulfill Scientology’s goal of making this world a better place. Many of those attending the service participate in community outreach and benevolent activities for which Scientology churches are renowned. Part of the minister’s duties, then, is informing the congregation of ongoing community programs in which the Church is participating and engaging members to contribute.
Prayer
The Sunday service is concluded with a reading of the Prayer for Total Freedom, as recited below.
PRAYER FOR TOTAL FREEDOM
May the author of the universe enable all men to reach an understanding of their spiritual nature.
May awareness and understanding of life expand, so that all may come to know the author of the universe.
And may others also reach this understanding which brings Total Freedom.
At this time, we think of those whose liberty is threatened; of those who have suffered imprisonment for their beliefs; of those who are enslaved or martyred, and for all those who are brutalized, trapped or attacked.
We pray that human rights will be preserved so that all people may believe and worship freely, so that freedom will once again be seen in our land.
Freedom from war, and poverty, and want; freedom to be; freedom to do and freedom to have.
Freedom to use and understand Man’s potential—a potential that is God-given and Godlike.
And freedom to achieve that understanding and awareness that is Total Freedom.
May God let it be so.
