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Religion/spirituality

Why do you attend?

(147 Posts)
polomint Wed 05-Apr-23 15:53:56

Why do you attend church or chapel? Is it for the mass, the gospel, the sermon, the company or something else?

Georgesgran Wed 05-Apr-23 16:00:46

I only set foot in a Church for a wedding or funeral.
I have no faith.

Judy54 Wed 05-Apr-23 17:19:49

How about you polomint why do you attend or perhaps you are a non-attender. Would love to hear your views.

fancythat Wed 05-Apr-23 17:22:58

Because God says to meet together. And not to neglect doing so.

Norah Wed 05-Apr-23 17:30:14

-Because God lists it as one of the 10 Commandments.

- Because "Matthew 16:1 - And I tell you that you are Peter,and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hadeswill not overcome it."

- Because I love my Church, love the rituals, confession, and communion. I love to be in Church many times a week.

That's all of it, really.

Nanatoone Wed 05-Apr-23 17:43:07

I’m not a believer as such (on the fence here) but I love the occasional church visit. The hymns, the history, the sense of peace. A feeling of continuity.

eazybee Wed 05-Apr-23 18:03:43

I don't go regularly to church but I enjoy it when I do.
Familiarity, reassurance, purpose, food for thought, self-examination, comfort and belief.
I am a Methodist, but enjoy the ritual of matins and evensong in a cathedral, because of the familiar words and ceremony, but not eucharist with censers, incense and white-robed priests.

Septimia Wed 05-Apr-23 18:20:51

I play the organ, so that's one reason why I go to church. What inspires me most, though is the thought of the people who have worshipped in our church, often in difficult times, over the last 900 to 1000 years.

I like traditional evensong, too, eazybee - and there's no incense at our eucharist services, it's just a simple little village church.

crazyH Wed 05-Apr-23 18:36:16

My Mother was a devoted Catholic and we were brought up as such. Church is where I find peace and comfort in difficult times. When times are good, I go there, to offer my gratitude. I used to feel guilty if I didn’t attend Sunday Service, but now I don’t. He understands …

Treebee Wed 05-Apr-23 19:15:05

I’m a Quaker attender. I go to Meeting as I have time and space to be still and listen along with others. It gives me a sense of peace and solutions to problems sometimes occur to me.

Auntieflo Wed 05-Apr-23 19:18:06

I go because if I don't, there is an emptiness inside me.
I can't explain it though, but do I have to?

" I can't
God can
I think I'll let him do it"

Works for me.

travelsafar Wed 05-Apr-23 19:23:35

I wish I had a faith, somewhere to attend and be part of the rituals of church. I just find it so confusing as there are so many different forms of religion, Catholic, methodist, baptist, quaker etc. How do you choose if you've never attended services???

Gingster Wed 05-Apr-23 19:23:37

I love going to church but I don’t often go.
I’m out of the habit but I really must start again.
I really think it will do me the world of good.
Just the peace, kind people, just to sit and think and listen . 🙏

Right! This Sunday I will go. ⛪️

Blondiescot Wed 05-Apr-23 19:28:34

Georgesgran

I only set foot in a Church for a wedding or funeral.
I have no faith.

Same, although if I'm on holiday, I do enjoy a wander around religious buildings, especially in other countries. That's more out of curiosity than anything else though.

Joseanne Wed 05-Apr-23 19:32:21

I go to listen to my DH sing!

Wendy46 Wed 05-Apr-23 19:40:06

I go to worship and enjoy the company of other worshippers.

MayBee70 Wed 05-Apr-23 19:41:23

I don’t go to church services or have a faith but I love churches and feel very moved and peaceful when I’m in one. I do feel a need for some kind of spirituality. I always want to go to church at Christmas although I never do. I have great respect for the Quaker faith but do love the pomp and ceremony of Catholicism. I think if everyone lived their life according to Christian (but not Catholic) values the world would be a much better place.

Ashcombe Wed 05-Apr-23 19:41:26

I go for the chance to stop, meditate, reflect and refresh my mind. The friendship and music are important to me and I particularly like hearing the sermon at my church.

SquirrelSue Wed 05-Apr-23 20:12:25

I moved to a new area 5 years ago. I first attended the big parish church but the people were middle class and stuffy. One of the parishioners asked me where I live, having told her I live in a flat, she responded by saying "oh dear, I live in a Victorian house". I never returned. I then went to a smaller church for Sunday morning service. I was smartly dressed. I sat in a pew on my own. No one walked up to me to say, hello, welcome, good morning. No one smiled. I felt totally isolated. So I gave up and haven't gone to church since.

Cabbie21 Wed 05-Apr-23 20:25:53

That is so sad, SquirrelSue. But not all churches are like that. Most are friendly and welcoming.

I go to church to be with other believers, to worship God, to pray, to hear a thought-provoking sermon, and above all to sing. Music and the liturgy are very important for me, but so are friendships and the feeling of belonging.

mumofmadboys Wed 05-Apr-23 22:57:58

I agree with what Cabbie has said. Church has been part of my life for many years. I go to worship God, pray, sing and to hopefully learn and be inspired by the sermon. I enjoy friendships with others .It usually helps me to keep my inner peace /strength.

grandMattie Sat 08-Apr-23 11:09:48

Church.
I go to church every Sunday possible. I go for many reasons. Like momb, it helps with my inner peace and emotional strength.

red1 Sat 08-Apr-23 11:16:52

i go mainly for social contact,ive a lifelong interest in theology,the odd 'glimpse' of something greater ,its a nice building to look at,ritual ,etc etc

Athrawes Sat 08-Apr-23 11:17:50

I used to go to church but I feel that there are now so many different faiths which affect daily life. As a result I don't go any more but I do accept that some people need to have faith and feel better for going to a place of worship. I too enjoy the peace within a church if I'm visiting somewhere but being outside in the sunshine is just as good for me

Marydoll Sat 08-Apr-23 11:20:21

mumofmadboys

I agree with what Cabbie has said. Church has been part of my life for many years. I go to worship God, pray, sing and to hopefully learn and be inspired by the sermon. I enjoy friendships with others .It usually helps me to keep my inner peace /strength.

That sums it up perfectly for me.
I missed it so much when I was ill. I am fortunate to have a Parish Priest who cares for the sick and visited me a number of times.