Community without religion?

[1newname]

I frequently go through feelings of why are we here and wanting to be part of something where people have good intentions and morals and then start looking into Buddhism, Christianity etc. I would also love to just be part of a community and have somewhere to go regularly where I can feel connected. Sometimes life seems really materialistic and self centered and full of anger.

I've never believed in god but maybe I should give church a try? Or is there something else I'm missing?! Sorry for the waffle and hopefully some of you will understand where I'm coming from!

Won't you be bored in a church if you don't believe in God?

I don't know, I've never been to church! And beliefs can change, it's just something I'm thinking about trying

I'd give Church a try, OP. There could be something there that just 'clicks' for you, be it the music, quiet, sermon, atmosphere, people. I can't see why you'd be bored as it would be a new experience. Churches do vary a lot though, so you might need to try more than one.

Go. Try it. Churches are very different also in community so do a bit of research.

I think I find some of these things you mention in scouting.
I am part of a very non religious GG group.

Maybe try The Quakers? While they are religious I understand they're more about ones personal relationship with god rather than being particularly prescriptive.

Church is a great place to try for community. We have people who come to ours who are not yet sure what they believe - all are welcome

Try all denominations of churches, if you're feeling adventurous, OP! I have wandered into a few, and people are friendly and tend to stop and chat after services.

Alternatively, if you just want to dip your toe into a community (albeit with religion), the Bruderhof down in Kent do a Week of Community.

This is probably more of a small town thing so depends on where you live, but do you have any volunteer groups that do things in the local area? We have a group who water/prune plants that were donated by local businesses and are dotted around town. If you search for the name of your town plus "In Bloom" you might have a similar initiative. There seems to be quite a big overlap between the volunteers in that group and people who seem quite involved in local fairs etc. (as well as the church).

I would also join a local Facebook group to get a sense of what's going on and the names that tend to pop up a lot (also for the comedy factor of local mini-dramas 😉).

Edited to add - a local park run could also be an option if you're active. Lots of them have a designated place to grab coffee/breakfast after. Effectively you're just looking for a fairly consistent group of people who meet on a regular basis.

@fungibletokenyes you're probably right.

It's also just a yearning feeling, like something is missing. I have some friends and husband and kids but often get this empty feeling

I get this!

I too have husband, kids, fab other family and some really great friend groups, but what I get from (& give to) my church community is totally different

Also my (non church) choir. There is something about being part of a group creating something together

Both are very special sharing experiences - I find both singing and praying with others joyful and meaningful

@jackstini this sounds like what I need! Also, just to be part of something positive. I've done a bit of volunteering and sometimes these groups can feel deflating (to me) as there's an angriness to some activism. I need some lightness and optimism in my life!