Shopping for a Church
Yesterday my partner and I continued our search for a church to join. We moved to Maine in April and have been busy getting established in our new home and community; now it is time to find a church.
My family has been associated with the Unitarian Universalist Church (UU) for generations and it is within that tradition I am most comfortable. My partner was raised in a Buddhist-Shinto culture; attendance at services is not part of that tradition and is not a priority for him. Fortunately for me, he has enjoyed attending with me and plans to continue to do so.
There are three UU churches within a half hours drive from our house and yesterday we visited our third one. The differences have to do with "the feel" of the community, rather than doctrinal issues. Therefore choosing a church has more to do with finding a good match or fit for us, rather than a supportive theology. That is available in each UU church.
The first church we attended is a historic church in down town Portland. It has a beautiful building which is steeped in history. The Sunday we attended was a bit chaotic, it was a lay led service, the sound system wasn't working properly and I had a hard time hearing. I could overlook that, but based on that singular experience we didn't feel that we had been welcomed or greeted and as we walked out, it felt as if our presence would never make a difference one way or the other. It felt cold; this church has been there for the past 200 years, but didn't seem to be available or present.
The second church we attended was a total contrast. It is a suburban church with a large rapidly growing congregation and an active Religious Education Program. The church calendar is full of varied and interesting activities. The church is so busy it was almost hard to get though the door and to find the way to the sanctuary. The press of people was a bit overwhelming. This is a family church with many children in attendance.
The sanctuary was pleasant but surprisingly small for the amount of activities this church provides for members and as outreach into the community. The sermon was excellent. After church we were immediately welcomed to coffee and engaged in conversation. Lunch invitations followed and suggestions that we join with others for the symphony orchestra concert. The feel of this church was warm and welcoming; it clearly offers a stimulating compatible social group and myriad activities.
The third church is in a much smaller town; the building is a traditional white "steepled", stain-glass windowed church in a park like setting. The sanctuary feels "churchy" with box pews facing a raised pulpit, altar and speakers platform. A large pipe organ provides the music for the service. Although UU churches are often not traditional in architecture or design....this one has many of the elements of New England country churches, including a stain glass window depicting Jesus as the Good Shepherd.
The Sunday we visited was a lay led hymn-sing service so we haven't yet heard the minister preach. The hymns were familiar and it was a pleasure to join with others in singing them. The social hour after service was truly that, a time of sociability; we were introduced and welcomed and encouraged back. We do plan to go again next week to hear the minister.
9/22/2008 update:
Yesterday we went back to the Unitarian-Universalist Church of Saco/Biddeford. It already feels as if it will be "our church". The minister gave a good sermon in which he used imagery drawn from his gardening to explore the fullness of life...and the interconnectedness of "all that is".
We both like that the church has a traditional New England church sanctuary and a seperate social hall. In many UU churches the sanctuary space is utilitarian and doubles as a function/dining hall. I prefer to keep "sacred space" just that.
My partner and I both feel comfortable there, we particularly like the pipe organ music, the ambiance of the sanctuary and the friendliness of the people. For me, finding the right church is an important part of getting established in a community--this was an important step in our move to Maine.
12/2/08 Update
Next Sunday we are joining the Unitarian Universalist Church of Saco-Biddeford. This is an important step for me and I am delighted that my Dear Partner has decided that he would also like to join. We will be introduced to the congregation and accept the "Right Hand of Fellowship" as the ceremonial rite of passage.
My family has been associated with the Unitarian Universalist Church (UU) for generations and it is within that tradition I am most comfortable. My partner was raised in a Buddhist-Shinto culture; attendance at services is not part of that tradition and is not a priority for him. Fortunately for me, he has enjoyed attending with me and plans to continue to do so.
There are three UU churches within a half hours drive from our house and yesterday we visited our third one. The differences have to do with "the feel" of the community, rather than doctrinal issues. Therefore choosing a church has more to do with finding a good match or fit for us, rather than a supportive theology. That is available in each UU church.
The first church we attended is a historic church in down town Portland. It has a beautiful building which is steeped in history. The Sunday we attended was a bit chaotic, it was a lay led service, the sound system wasn't working properly and I had a hard time hearing. I could overlook that, but based on that singular experience we didn't feel that we had been welcomed or greeted and as we walked out, it felt as if our presence would never make a difference one way or the other. It felt cold; this church has been there for the past 200 years, but didn't seem to be available or present.
The second church we attended was a total contrast. It is a suburban church with a large rapidly growing congregation and an active Religious Education Program. The church calendar is full of varied and interesting activities. The church is so busy it was almost hard to get though the door and to find the way to the sanctuary. The press of people was a bit overwhelming. This is a family church with many children in attendance.
The sanctuary was pleasant but surprisingly small for the amount of activities this church provides for members and as outreach into the community. The sermon was excellent. After church we were immediately welcomed to coffee and engaged in conversation. Lunch invitations followed and suggestions that we join with others for the symphony orchestra concert. The feel of this church was warm and welcoming; it clearly offers a stimulating compatible social group and myriad activities.
The third church is in a much smaller town; the building is a traditional white "steepled", stain-glass windowed church in a park like setting. The sanctuary feels "churchy" with box pews facing a raised pulpit, altar and speakers platform. A large pipe organ provides the music for the service. Although UU churches are often not traditional in architecture or design....this one has many of the elements of New England country churches, including a stain glass window depicting Jesus as the Good Shepherd.
The Sunday we visited was a lay led hymn-sing service so we haven't yet heard the minister preach. The hymns were familiar and it was a pleasure to join with others in singing them. The social hour after service was truly that, a time of sociability; we were introduced and welcomed and encouraged back. We do plan to go again next week to hear the minister.
9/22/2008 update:
Yesterday we went back to the Unitarian-Universalist Church of Saco/Biddeford. It already feels as if it will be "our church". The minister gave a good sermon in which he used imagery drawn from his gardening to explore the fullness of life...and the interconnectedness of "all that is".
We both like that the church has a traditional New England church sanctuary and a seperate social hall. In many UU churches the sanctuary space is utilitarian and doubles as a function/dining hall. I prefer to keep "sacred space" just that.
My partner and I both feel comfortable there, we particularly like the pipe organ music, the ambiance of the sanctuary and the friendliness of the people. For me, finding the right church is an important part of getting established in a community--this was an important step in our move to Maine.
12/2/08 Update
Next Sunday we are joining the Unitarian Universalist Church of Saco-Biddeford. This is an important step for me and I am delighted that my Dear Partner has decided that he would also like to join. We will be introduced to the congregation and accept the "Right Hand of Fellowship" as the ceremonial rite of passage.
Total Comments 4
Comments
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When I read your blogs about your daily life whether it is a walk through your garden or a trip to three different churches, your words come alive and I am transported there beside you enjoying the tour..Another beautiful trip to Maine..Thanks
Posted 09-15-2008 at 08:39 AM by Miss Blue
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Wonderful. This makes me think of the Diary entries you posted a while back. I really enjoyed reading this. ThanksPosted 09-19-2008 at 07:31 PM by msina
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Msina, In that old diary, Cordelia commented about going to that First Parish Church down town Portland that we visited. It was Unitarian at the time and she was Universalist (now they have merged) but she did go to hear their minister. Going there I could feel Great Aunt Cordelia. The second church we went to I met a lady who had gone to the church where my Grandmother attended and where Dad grew up next door. She even knew the graveyard where my people rest. The third church (Saco) when I introduced myself...people remembered my Mom and Dad....it really feels like a home coming.Posted 09-20-2008 at 06:58 AM by elston
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Elston, I've said it before. You certainly stand out in a crowd, in a good way, as in stripping the wheat from the chaff. Your writings wisk me away to places, events and sights new to me, and it's obvious that you are a very deep, gifted person. I've found myself looking for your posts, when I am in need of inspiration, and there aren't enough of these silly reps in this forum to give to you. I've shared your deep posts and blogging with my husband, also, who's definitely not interested in this forum, except for now....your contributions, only. Next year, we will celebrate our 50th, so we are older, and trying to be wiser. Have you published any writings?
On a lighter note, Have you people in the Cozy Inn considered changing the name to "The Eating Inn"
Kind Regards,
rdlr & hubbyPosted 10-23-2008 at 05:53 AM by rdlr
