Parishioners in these congregations have usually started their first steps on the Bridge at area Scientology missions or through field auditor services. And, in fact, Class V churches provide technical assistance to the executives and staff of area Scientology missions, as well as local field auditors and groups.
As Class V churches also work to make Dianetics and Scientology broadly known in their communities, many of these churches establish smaller offices in nearby areas and towns to provide introductory services. Similarly, these churches assist Scientologists to establish groups and missions, thus meeting the increasing grass-roots demand for L. Ron Hubbard’s technology.
Scientologists gather at their local Scientology churches for marriages, funerals, naming ceremonies and ordinations of ministers to mark important points in the lives of the congregation. There are also weekly
Sunday services at which a Scientology minister or other speaker addresses the congregation concerning some aspect of Scientology religious doctrine. At these services attendees also learn of upcoming events, recent news and specific Church of Scientology community actions.
Churches of Scientology hold congregational gatherings on Friday nights during which members of the church come together to share their recent accomplishments in the religion. Such gatherings are festive and lively affairs, often including a performance by a musical group of church members, or people telling of their latest community project. Parishioners also gather periodically at their church to listen to recorded lectures by L. Ron Hubbard.
But the highest points on the Scientology calendar are the Church celebrations of Scientology holidays, such as the annual
L. Ron Hubbard birthday event or the Auditor’s Day celebration. Broadcast live (or in some instances prerecorded) from the main centers of Scientology such as Clearwater, Florida; Los Angeles, California; or
Saint Hill Manor in East Grinstead, England, these celebrations feature current news about the religion in general and specific accomplishments at churches throughout the world, presented by prominent ecclesiastical leaders. Even visitors often comment on the professional presentation of these gatherings—and their high emotional and artistic impact. More importantly, these events serve to strengthen the sense of community and the common spiritual purpose of Church members.
Class V churches not only provide a vital focal point for Scientology in their areas, but at this stage on the Bridge, a Scientologist stands on the threshold of new spiritual discoveries unlike any other. These churches provide a safe and stable place for all the Scientology activities in an area to help parishioners move up the Bridge to Total Freedom.
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