Celebrating the holidays

Many Summerlin residents are celebrating this holiday season by attending services at one of Summerlin's 14 houses of worship.

"As Summerlin continues to grow, more houses of worship will open in the community," said Kevin Orrock, top division executive of The Howard Hughes Corp., developer of Summerlin.

"Worship facilities are an integral part of our community. The chapels and temples provide sanctuary, add architectural beauty to the community and serve as gathering places for a variety of religious, cultural and social events and activities."

Existing houses of worship in Summerlin include two facilities for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Desert Spring United Methodist Church, Faith Community Lutheran Church, Grace in the Desert Episcopal Church, Hindu Temple and Cultural Center -- Hindu Society of Nevada, Mountain View Presbyterian, St. Andrew Lutheran, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, Summerlin Community Baptist Church, Sun City Community Church, The Summerlin Evangelical Lutheran Church (Wisconsin synod), Temple Sinai (formerly Temple Beth Am), and Temple Beth Sholom -- conservative Judaism.

Holy Spirit Catholic Church is currently in the planning stages of its new facility in The Mesa village, located on five acres adjacent to Bishop Gorman High School. The church is currently scheduled to break ground in late 2010.

"Since inception, houses of worship have played a significant role in the community's development," Orrock said. "We recognize that spiritual health is important to overall well-being and that residents enjoy and appreciate the opportunity to worship in their own neighborhoods."

For more information on Summerlin, visit summerlin.com or call 791-4500.