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Religion/spirituality

Back to church

(38 Posts)
Aprilgem Sun 22-Dec-24 20:19:00

Evening all. I used to go to a Non-denominational church and a Baptist church. I love to attend church again in the New Year. Have some fear and a little anxious going to one.
Nowadays there are so many churches out there; I'm not sure which one to go. Any suggestions, thanks.

Esmay Tue 24-Dec-24 11:39:35

Wear what is comfortable for you .
I wore a dress to Communion on Sunday and froze .
I went home and changed into layers with joggers and was warm for our Carol service .

Caleo Tue 24-Dec-24 11:47:46

Pascal:
"I've found Unitarian Churches really welcoming.."

Unitarian churches are welcoming at least partly because Unitarians are not expected to believe but instead to seek using reason and compassion.

Septimia Tue 24-Dec-24 11:50:07

I'd say start off with smart casual clothes, then you'll not be out of place whatever others are wearing.

Our church is cold, regardless of how long the heating has been on. People dress to be warm, although there is a nod towards being a bit smarter than everyday clothes. Jeans aren't unknown (the last vicar usually wore jeans under her cassock). Most of us don't "dress up" any more but don't arrive in our gardening gear either!

This is a good time of year to try out different churches.

Caleo Tue 24-Dec-24 11:54:37

Please don't do what I did when feeling very depressed and lonely one Christmas Eve. I went to one church where I was a stranger, expecting a little comfort and fellowship. But all that was on offer was the bare service and then everyone left without another word.

I mean, don't expect too much to begin with.

welbeck Tue 24-Dec-24 17:13:13

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.

Would you go to midnight mass if you got a lift?

kittylester Tue 24-Dec-24 19:52:54

I was raised CofE but live in a large village where the church is lucky if it has 20 people in the congregation. The Baptist Church is thriving though.

Aprilgem Mon 20-Jan-25 21:15:12

Hello. Started attending a Methodist church. I was nervous, but people approach me and made me feel welcome. Friendly and chatty! There are other churches in the area, but I'm going to stay with this church for the time being. Still curious about the nearby churches. Thanks for reading.x

Aveline Tue 21-Jan-25 09:53:42

Sounds like you found a good church to attend. smile

nanna8 Tue 21-Jan-25 12:16:12

Well done Aprilgem- it is hard to take the first steps. I hope the new church works out well for you
🙏

Aprilgem Tue 21-Jan-25 13:12:06

Thanks for your comments.

Allsorts Thu 23-Jan-25 07:49:43

In think try a few, where you feel you fit. I am not Catholic but I sometimes attend a service.

Ziplok Thu 20-Feb-25 16:05:35

I’m pleased to read that you have found a church to suit you Aprilgem. The congregation of our local Methodist church are always very friendly and welcoming when we attend any of their fund raising events, and they often come and support ours, too. Occasionally, we have a shared Sunday service either at their church or ours, which is nice.