Back to church

Just pop into a service at each of your local churches and see how you feel. Hopefully they will all make you feel welcome, but one of them at least should make you feel as though you have 'come home'. If you feel like it, pray for guidance in choosing! I hope you feel settled very soon.

I’m with you B9 exchange

I go regularly to the Church of Scotland it’s so welcoming I’ve lots of friendships there, why only yesterday the son of an old friend ran up to me to give me a hug how sweet was that?

I'm with B9. Go to a few services and see how you feel , and how welcome you are made. The right community is out there for you.

Have you tried a local Catholic church? There are so many misconceptions about what happens in them, but the Chrsitmas Masses will be beautiful and probably about three to choose from in your local parish. Maybe even a Midnight Mass? That would be something special. The earlier vigil masses in the evening are usually for young families but everyone is welcome.

I go to a Presbyterian church but before I went to a Baptist. Shop around, go where you feel comfortable and accepted. You’ll know. I always look for bible centred churches, not keen on some of the ones that put their own ‘modern’ ideas on the congregation. They don’t last long, those ones.

Thank you all for your responses, I will have a look.. it is stepping inside and a stranger to everyone. Need to be more confident.
Thanks again.

Aprilgem remember the saying… the first step is the hardest? Good luck.

I sometimes get the desire to back to church. It was such an important part of my life when I was younger. But now I'm not sure what I believe in. But at least it might be a comfort. Is that a good enough reason?

I'm CofE - small village church where we're always pleased to welcome people.

I agree with the others - try several and see which you like. I suggest you put your lack of confidence to good use as a way of measuring how friendly the welcome is at whichever church you're trying. If they make you feel comfortable, put them on the list of possibles. If you feel unwelcome, don't go back! Their loss.

Of course it is henetha 😁. If you’re thinking of giving it another try, do as OP’s have suggested and try different ones to see if one feels the right fit for you.
Same advice for you Aprilgem. I hope you find a place to suit. 😁

I've found Unitarian Churches really welcoming..

OP
This is a good time to pop into a church for the first time.
There is so much going on extra services with carols and an air of jollity.
Also many people only turn up at Christmas.
Or are friends relatives of regulars.
So you won't stand out.

Yes absolutely agree try some local churches to see which one is best for you. I was brought up a Catholic but am now a member of our local village Anglican church and could not be happier. Many churches have coffee mornings enabling you to pop in for a chat before committing to services. Best of luck, I hope you find what you are looking for.

I will let you all know, keep you all up to date in my next message.
Used to dress up for church, wondering if I should just wear casual clothes. Informal wear ok? Something comfortable and not over the top. Jumper and smart trousers.

Henetha I'm exactly the same. I'm sure it is a good enough reason to attend church; if it feels hypocritical when you're there then you can always stop going. Most churches realise that they're not just there for those with cast-iron faith, but for those who are open to their message.
I will probably go along sometime in '25 & see how it goes.

A jumper and smart trousers would be absolutely fine, as would jeans or sequins, people wear whatever they want. Just don't wear your best clothes to a candle lit service, dripping wax is a pain to get rid off if there is a draught! 😀. But you may not get a real picture of a church community over Christmas as everyone is so busy making sure the celebrations go off well. If you want to find out what a church is really like, go again the week after Christmas. The congregation will be much smaller, just the die hard regulars, but they should give you a real welcome. Do keep us posted how you get on?

I was raised as a Catholic, and the nuns did a superb job. The only time I go to another church is for weddings and funerals. They drove me away from religion when I was at boarding school.

I would love to attend midnight mass, but I no longer go out on my own in the dark, and I have not driven in the dark for at least 12 years.

Any church will welcome you .
Mine is C of E .
It's nearest and has family connections and the Vicar is a friend .
But I sometimes go to the functions at the United Reform Church ,because they have on outstanding commitment to the community .
Our Vicar is trying to change our church to become more free thinking and open .
We have an ageing inflexible congregation .
I also have friends at the Catholic Church and at the Salvation Army temple .
Most of my African and West Indian friends are Pentacostal .
Things have changed and progressing .
We accept Catholics at communion at my church .
Go to a church which is convenient to get to and I'm sure that you'll find spiritual support .
I'll say a little prayer for you .
Take care and God Bless .
Esmay .

I find that, apart from the type of worship, the vicar/priest/minister makes a huge amount of difference. Often, a change of minister changes the whole atmosphere in that particular congregation.

Follow the suggestions - if you are not committed to a particular sect, check out each church and attend its services and congregations before deciding

Charleygirl5

I was raised as a Catholic, and the nuns did a superb job. The only time I go to another church is for weddings and funerals. They drove me away from religion when I was at boarding school.

I would love to attend midnight mass, but I no longer go out on my own in the dark, and I have not driven in the dark for at least 12 years.

Most parishes will have a day Mass too- no need to venture out in the dark. It isn't obligatory to go Midnight Mass. I attend the earlier vigil Mass and it is just as lovely!

Every Mass is something wonderful anyway.

Choose a warm one.

Many years ago I thought I'd find out what the different churches were like in my area. It was really interesting and I was made very welcome at each one - and no pressure. Go for it.

Thanks Ziplock, and Valdali. Shall we make it a resolution to try it in 2025? I think I will. I went to Sunday school regularly as a child in the local CofE church, but switched to a Methodist church in my teens and was baptised and confirmed when I was 16.
By coincidence, my neighbour has a daughter who is a qualified lay preacher in the local Methodist church. I might have a word with her about it.
Happy Christmas to everyone. Peace on Earth.