Would this be hypocrisy?

Happy winter Solstice to one and all.

Here comes the Sun tra la la???

I’ve actually posted this on the good morning thread but think it’s good for this thread as well

Luckygirl when I read your post I liked the sound of None lessons. I thought it meant just that. Like many on here I enjoy the music and carols at Christmas even though I’m a non believer.

or even Nine! None lessons and carols might be a tad boring!

Every year I go with my DDs to the None Lessons and Carols in the cathedral - it is a lovely setting and the music standard is impeccable. Us 4 females always raise an eyebrow a bit to each other at the lessons from the Old Testament, especially the one about women as the source of sin, but we let that wash by and revel in the music.

I also play at some local services; they all know I am agnostic, but are grateful for the flute tootling!

Everyone should be welcome at any church. If you wish to leave a donation fine, if you don't , also fine. The church is for everyone. We all go with a mixture of belief and unbelief. Just go with an open heart.

Went to our service this week and read a lesson.
Our vicar knows I don’t believe in God. Doesn’t seem to bother him.
I do believe there was a Jesus though. I just feel that the Chinese whispers effect inflated his “journey”. Sorry to the pedants, horrible word.

Could this be the reason we all like carols?

theconversation.com/christmas-earworms-the-science-behind-our-love-hate-relationship-with-festive-songs-89268

I am going to a carol service tomorrow afternoon in the local church.
The vicar's son is a friend of my grandson, and knows quite a bit about us. Not sure if my grandson has told him we don't believe in god, but he's still very friendly.
Can't sing at all, but I know all the words to more carols than I care to remember.

Do go but leave a good donation in the plate . Remember all the people who go regularly to church and keep it afloat . But for them there would be service to go to .

Our village church holds a carol service around the tree outside the church (weather permitting I hope)

I have had a little leaflet through from the church, saying that I would be very welcome to attend their carol services, and recommending one for people who have been bereaved recently. I would like to go, but it means I will have to persuade my grandson to come too.

There are quite a few Carol Service's held round here that are not in a church. One in a town square and one by a river that I know of. It might be worth finding out if there are any nearby. Certainly everyone joins in.

I took my Australian family to our local church, to a children's service on Christmas Eve, when they came over at Christmas. My son said he would like them to experience a service. I think we were both a bit surprised by the advent hymns (no carols as it was before Christmas Day) I could only agree with Tim Minchin

Some of the hymns that they sing have nice chords
But the lyrics are dodgy

I would make sure actual carols are to be sung another time.

Antonia, as already mentioned, it's still not too late to go to a carol service. Go along, you will be welcomed.

Please do try it and go, you will be very welcome. Or why not try a Christingle service? Lots of children and a lovely feeling. You never know, it might just become a regular for you.

A church minister friend of mine welcomes everyone into the church. He will marry anyone who wants to wed in church and Christen their child too, even if they are non-believers. His reasoning is that by welcoming them into God's house, they may see the light and also become believers.

So from his POV, going to a carol service wouldn't be hypocritical, it would be a chance to become a believer.

We do the same antonia, have never felt anything other than totally welcome.

Antonia, I had a similar thought myself, whilst passing the local Methodist Church. It was advertising carols on Christmas Eve at 4pm and thought I might go as its only a few minutes walk from where I live. I'm a believer but not practising any religion but thought it would get me in the spirit of Christmas.

Pleased for you. Enjoy it.

I have found another service which I'll go to. Thank you, you lovely people!

Why leave it until next year? I am sure there will be other services between now and Christmas Day. (not trying to convert you, I'm a non believer myself )

I wouldn't know where to start, galen

Define a proper Christian rather than an improper one?

Go for it. The Carol service is very enjoyable and jolly, even if you don't actually believe. It is as much part of our culture as the other Xmas traditions.

Make sure you give a generous donation to the upkeep of your local church or to whatever worthy charity is being supported.

No-one is going to stop you on the way out of the church and interrogate you as to whether or not you are a proper Christian,.

It's not too late for this year Antonia

Yes of course, go. You would be welcome at our church!