JOEL - Misinterpretation of the Bible is one of the main reason there are so many different Christian religions today. It is true that we don't read much in the Bible about people having Sacrament meetings, Sunday school, or Priesthood or Relief Society meetings like we do today. But these things are important to us because these are all tools that we use to help us learn the gospel better so we can live it better and so we can enjoy the love and support and spirit of other church members.
Some people fear that belonging to a church means they will lose control over their lives; or have restrictions imposed on their behavior and lifestyle; or will have to submit themselves to some kind of authority. There are others who misinterpret the scriptures and believe that God does not support organized religious organizations. Others claim that the Holy Spirit is not to be found nor can anyone be saved in any church. But the scriptures state otherwise.

The New Testament tells us:
"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."(Matt 18:20)

"And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." (Heb 10:24-25)

"...when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.(Luke 22:32)

God also said:
"Behold, it is my will, that all they who call on my name, and worship me according to mine everlasting gospel, should gather together, and stand in holy places;" (D&C 101:22)

"It is expedient that the church meet together often to partake of bread and wine in the remembrance of the Lord Jesus;" (D&C 20:75)

Through the Bible and latter-day revelation we have learned that God wants us to meet together often in His name so that He can be there with us; so we can worship Him; partake of the Sacrament; and strengthen each other. All on this earth are at various levels of gospel learning, living, and spirituality. Those who say that you only need to believe in God and Jesus will be rewarded accordingly in heaven. But those who wish for eternal life with God will do everything they can to learn what they need to know and do to get there. Going to church keeps us informed of all that God reveals to His prophets, which helps us in accomplishing that goal. And it is a system of support and service that benefits not only its members but other people all over the world.

JENNIFER - I have heard that not one member of the Mormon Church was killed in the 9-11 terrorists attacks. Is this true?

JOEL - Not true. The Mount Vernon Virginia Stake lost two members in the attacks. Brady Howell, 26, and Rhonda Sue Ridge Rasmussen, 44, who were both employees of the Pentagon. Also Ivan Carpio, 24, a recently baptized member of the Richmond Hill New York District, who was working on the 107th floor of one of the World Trade Center towers. Two other Church members were killed while riding in one of the planes that crashed: Mary Alice Whalstrom of Kaysville, Utah, and her daughter, Carolyn Beug, of Los Angeles, Calif. (LDS Church News, 09/22/2001)

There were some interesting stories of how so many members avoided the attacks. A Church News article states:

"More than 20 of the 50 members who worked in the Trade Center did not to go to work that day. Some because of illness, and others because of working late the night before or a sudden change in work schedule.
One member, a telephone technician, typically began his shift at 6 a.m. His work routinely took him throughout the 110 floors. The day before the attack, his shift was changed to begin at 10 a.m., allowing him to miss the attacks.
An elders quorum president was out of the building that morning taking a securities exam. Four lawyers working for different firms decided to come to work later in the day. A mother with a sick child called her office to say she wouldn't be in that day." (LDS Church News, 09/22/2001)