Back to church

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.

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

Thanks for your comments.

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

Sounds like you found a good church to attend.

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

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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 .

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.

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.

Choose a warm one.

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.

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

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 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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

I've found Unitarian Churches really welcoming..