To ask if you can just go to church?

[HighWindows1]

This might seem like a ridiculous question. But can you just attend a typical Sunday church service? Would it be unusual? Is there anything I should know in advance? If it was a Cathedral can I just listen to the service and then sneak out? I'm just curious. I'd like to go but have no idea how.

Has anyone converted to a religion - how did that happen (if you are happy to share of course, and thank you if you do)

Yes - just turn up. I used to get a bit nervous and not want to speak to people. if someone is being friendly and asks if you’ve been before - just say something like - you’ve lived in the area and never been in before but felt you needed some quiet reflection and prayer time. Most people would then just wish you a good day (of course if you felt in a chatty mood, there might be some more extrovert people at coffee after the service). Blessings! - I pray you can find a place where you are comfortable.

While this is broadly true, you’ll find weekend church services near excellent church linked schools are rammed.

I’m not a Christian but I live across the road from a really old church and I was dying to have a look inside, I went over one Wednesday morning and just walked in no one was there and I just walked around, why not do that first to familiarise yourself with the place and make it less daunting?

Most churches will be delighted to see someone new.

You can just turn up anywhere. If you wanted reassurance you could email one of the clergy or church wardens in advance and then (hopefully) they’d keep an eye out for you and welcome you, explain anything out of the ordinary that you need to know (there might not be anything!).

A lot of the interactive stuff (the Peace) vanished during Covid and hasn’t returned.

There will be other people who don’t want to take Communion or have a blessing and it’s fine to just stay in your seat for that.

It’s much easier to be anonymous at a cathedral, I think.

Unless it is a new building assume it will be ridiculously cold. Wear at least 2 more layers than you would normally and keep your coat on! Our was 6 degrees inside yesterday even with the heating on. It seems fine as you walk on, but after 10 minutes of sitting still your feel chilled to the bones.

Not sure if anyone's already said this (I haven't got time to read through the whole thread) but Catholic churches often have something called RCIA meetings which are for people wanting to know more about the faith with no obligation, so if you are interested or just curious, you'd be welcome to attend (usually advertised in the parish newsletter/website). Some offer 'Alpha' courses (you can Google this) which I understand are pretty good. Catholic Masses are usually traditional (and the structure is always the same) but will vary as to how 'modern' they are in terms of music etc so you could give a few a go to see where you feel most at home. You are always welcome to come along, no matter what your faith (or lack of it). I hope you find what you are looking for.

Here's a link re the Alpha course I mentioned: alpha.org.uk/catholic-context#:~:text=Alpha%20is%20a%20series%20of,Learn%20more%20about%20Alpha%20%3E

To add one thing about Catholic masses - in most churches you can go up for communion but ask for a blessing instead. Our local church - and a few others I've come across round here have a sign, like holding the order of service to your chest or crossing you arms across your chest - but you don't need to know as just saying quietly, when you get to the head of the queue, or the priest gets to you if you are kneeling at the altar rail, "blessing please" will be perfectly fine.

Since the lock down, our church (CofE)streams services as well as holding them in-person again. It might be worth looking at the websites of churches near you to see if you can stream a service before turning up, if that makes you more comfortable.

www.churchofengland.org/resources/church-near-you for finding CofE churches

So sorry @MockneyReject that you felt like that! I know some people want to be friendly, but I do understand if people just want to be left alone too - as introverts might find it stressful. I find places like cathedrals or touristy big old churches - it is easier to be anonymous - and during communion, you can just sit in your seat and keep your head down (as if praying) and most people should just give you space!

You absolutely can just turn up. We are always delighted in my church (CofE) when people do this, so come on in! It's freezing inside and our coffee after the service is frankly undrinkable but you'd be welcome to participate as much or as little as you are comfortable with.

I've been a regular attender at 6 different CofE churches in my 40 years and a visitor to plenty more. Of all levels of high and low church. I have never had anything like this happen.

Most cathedrals will welcome you with open arms OP. You can sit wherever you like and leave whenever you like.

A Welcomer will most likely greet you at the door and you can tell them it's your first visit if you want to, you don't have to share that info though either. My mum does welcoming at her local cathedral and they get new people in everyday.

@HighWindows1

Speaking as an RC here, yes, you can sit in and watch, soak it in, and nobody minds if you don't come back. Catholics in particular are going to have the same Mass anywhere in the world on any given day, and it would be assumed you were visiting from out of town or just visiting out of curiosity. Either way, all good.

If you're looking for something traditional and you just want to be the fly on the wall in RC church, a word of advice - don't bring coffee or snacks.

I've also never experienced this and have been a part of C of E churches my whole life.

@ClaribelLowLieth as in it may just be that particular church that does that kind of thing. Most traditional Cathedral congregations wouldn't.

Do they still do collection plates at some services? As a terrible heathen I remember being caught unprepared by that!

Yes, you'd should be welcomed at any church. If you want to, many churches still have some streamed services so you could investigate first. But in person is definitely best to get a feel. Don't feel you need to join in, it's fine just to listen till you feel comfortable.

Different churches and different religions - very different services, different length of times and different levels of participation. Make sure you feel comfortable - some church groups do a lot of hand waving stuff - others, it's just 'heads down and follow the service with no 'theatricals'. Others, lots of singing, some - very little. Sit towards the back if you want to escape mid way 😂😂. However - it's not likely anybody will pay any attention to you.

Also be aware (CofE) that there might be a sharing element - a 'tell the person next to you how your week has been' type of thing

wow - never heard of that - I'd run a mile. How intrusive. I've been to lots of different religious services - C of E and Catholic were by far the most traditional - Baptist were a bit Americanised touchy-feely but welcoming - and long 💤. Depends were you go.

Turn up just before the service starts. If you think you might leave before the end sit at the back.

Take some loose change for the collection or as a donation if you go for the cup of tea afterwards, and be prepared for lots of questions. They might not ask you any questions but generally they are welcoming and friendly. You do not have to make a donation or partake in refreshments, if yo don't want to.

Don't take the communion if you haven't been confirmed.

If you are going to a Cathedral service this time of year, wear thermals and a few layers. Sit at the back and observe and see what works for you.

Absolutely! But if you're a bit unsure as to what to expect, lots of churches livestream their services. You could watch it online and if it looks like your thing, then go and visit in person.

Yes of course you can - a church is not an exclusive club. Everyone is welcome in a church.

It's a really good way of finding out how welcoming a church is. If they ignore you, stare and turn their backs, it's not the church for you. Unless that's what you're like of course! Unfriendly Christians led me to the final step of my enlightenment and salvation.

Why will it be cold and boring ?