(Untitled)

[shelldigity]

I wouldn't be surprised if I get some interesting responses here, but I thought I'd give it a shot.

My husband and I are looking for a church. Any suggestions?

Comments

[xelah]

I don't go to church so I may not be a good source, but I hear nothing but good things from friends who go to The Fathers House. From what I hear, they are definitely contemporary (just check out the website: http://www.tfhny.org/). The place is huge so I'm sure you'll find people of all ages, though most of the people I have heard about it from are my age (20's). As for the environment, I don't really know. Guess you'll have to snoop around the website for more info. Someone else will probably talk about them on here too....

THE FATHER’S HOUSE

NEW CAMPUS
715 Paul Road
Rochester New York 14624
OLD CAMPUS
692 Paul Road
Rochester New York 14624

Only 854 feet apart!

[shelldigity]

Thanks. I have a friend who just started going there -- it looks interesting, although the size looks a little daunting. He was part of the water baptism ceremony last week and I heard over 100 people were baptized!

I think I might give it a shot though -- won't know if I can handle a huge church until I try it!

[thatjamiegirl]

[mixie4]

I am seconding First U. The twenty-somethings mostly go to the later service on Sunday.

[samari76]

So that's why I haven't been able to meet anyone. I was going to the early one. LOL! Note to self. Try the later one when things settle down for me.

[dawnstar]

First Universalist is also an option. Smaller, more intimate congregation, with the same ideals.

Spiritus Christi?

[mfisher]

Your description sounds a lot like my wife and me, so I'll recommend the church we attend: Spiritus Christi.

It is a somewhat older crowd, but there seem to be more young people that come to the Sunday morning service.

They have several types of music groups--all energetic.

They are a former Roman Catholic church but got excommunicated for reasons including performing marriages for gay couples, allowing women to be priests, etc. They're very friendly and definitely do not harp on the Old Testament "angry God" stuff.

For the pro-choice thing, they decidedly favor life (consistently: anti-death penalty, anti-war, etc), but not in a way to offend people for supporting choice or to change their minds.

I'd specifically recommend trying a Thursday or Saturday night service--Father Jim, excommunicated by the Vatican, often delivers those sermons. I find them very interesting (I, too, lean agnostic).

Re: Spiritus Christi?

[frprtgirl]

I second this. The people at this church are amazing- very welcoming and open!

Re: Spiritus Christi?

[shelldigity]

Thanks -- I remember when all of that was in the news but forgot all about it! A rebellious Catholic church might be one I could attend. :)

[bigmel42]

If you like a more progressive Roman Catholic church, then the Church of the Transfiguration in Pittsford (http://www.transfigurationpittsford.org/) is a safe bet. They got a new priest probably 5 or 6 years ago, so I haven't been to as many masses with him, but the general feeling of the church was and still is a message of accceptance for all people of all backgrounds.

No kneelers or anything like that, and the musicians are very good.

So, for you, waltzingmatthea, as well as the original poster, I would happily recommend Transfiguration, since it's got a lot of young families and people of all ages. It's a great parish.

[bigmel42]

And I should add that I am by no means hugely devout or religious.

[flnerd]

www.plymouthspiritualistchurch.org - it's a spiritualist church and has mediums, healers and doesn't read scripture from the bible unless to show how spiritualism has been around since the time these stories happened. our pastor is a woman married to a woman, and we certainly believe in everyone's ability to choose for themselves. but we don't believe in fire and brimstone - sorry ;)

liz

Another Denomination Heard From

[smidget]

I've been agnostic and averse to churches for a long time now, but even though I haven't been back in years the congregation from Webster Presbyterian Church still makes me feel like family. I think you'll find everything you're looking for there as well, including a later-in-the-morning contemporary service (which I admittedly have not been to). I remember there being plenty of young families there, but the congregation might be a little older than you are looking for.

http://www.websterpresbyterianchurch.org

[samari76]

I'll have to check that one out too at some point.