To start going to church even though I'm not religious?

[happyclam]

A bit of background.. I've reached a 'settling down' period of my life. I live in a smallish town, lots of new build estates etc. And recently I've really started to feel lacking a community / network? I don't have a big family and while I have friends (who mainly live in a different part of the country) and workmates, I just feel I'm missing out on a local network / community..

I'm not at all religious - but I've started to feel like I'd love to be part of local church or parish community. Went to a Christmas service and loved the whole feeling of it. Is that absolutely ridiculous idea? Is it disrespectful to 'proper' Christians? Or how else do others get a sense of community? Part of me would want to join the WI but everyone is about 80...

All thoughts welcome!

Despite being a stonyhearted atheist I am considering some sort of involvement with the parish church when I move. In a small community I think it's effectively a social service and community hub as well.

It sounds mental to me. Like getting a season ticket at your local club if you hate football.

Aah lost my post! I grew up in Ireland in 80s where you had to go Mass, it was nothing to do with what you felt. I was never spiritual but have warm memories of checking out the boys to gossip with my pals or the hungover Sunday morning gossip about what happened last night at the nite club. My mum admitted she went there for peace and quiet.

Plenty of people go for the company, our church provides tea/coffee/biscuits after the service so people can have a chat.

I still feel a really powerful connection in a church. Although never spiritual I feel there is an energy from those around you who truly believe and this brings a sense of comfort. Like I still feel its sacred space. Don't know if that makes sense. My point is I think you should go and enjoy it

It's fine for Atheists to attend. I'm not saying that the OP is lonely as such but I cannot imagine one local church from Catholic. C of E to the happy clappy very OTT "get the guitars and tambourines out" church that originated in the Bible belt of America, who would even consider turning away anyone who was lonely and seeking a community, regardless of their beliefs. On the contrary they'd be delighted to have them.

Loads of people who attend church are 'cultural Christians' (I would say I'm one). Love the music, festivals, liturgy, the sense of community, the way the Anglican church marks the year's passing.

You would be very welcome at any church I've attended. No questions asked.

I sing in a (traditional) church choir, I'm on the readers list and on PCC
Rabid atheist but enjoy the calm and ritual of a church service (especially BCP choral evensong). The vast majority of people at my church have no idea. 🤣.

I’m sure you would be welcomed with opened arms. Many churches are now a hub for the community. As they are self funding there arr often money raising coffee mornings, fetes, flower festivals where volunteers are needed. It is a nice way to give something back and to meet other people.

Have you heard of Sunday Assembly OP?

They are a secular organisation that meet in a similar way to churches. Singing songs. Having talks on various non religious subjects. Lots also do elements of community volunteering.

Great idea. Read 'Religion for Atheists' by Alain de Boton

I’d love to go and have a good old sing, We Plough The Fields/Jerusalem, but I’m not a fan of communion in a C of E church. It just seems too Catholic to me.

You don’t need to be religious. Lots of parents go in order to access certain schools!

There are many ways of doing communion in a C of E church. It is, as they say, a broad church.

Some will have it only once a month, most weekly, some will have kneeling at an altar rail, some standing, some with actual bread, some with wafers, some with a shared chalice, some with wafer dipped in the chalice, some with bread/wafer only.

What is it you find "too Catholic"?

Christianity is an evangelistic religion (meaning there is a belief in "spreading the good news" I.e getting people to convert) so while they'd be pleased to have you, you may get sussed out and drawn in if not by their soup then cuppas and company!

@DustyLee123 sorry what's wrong with being catholic?

Despite being christened C of E I went to a Methodist church as a child, as it was closer. I did Sunday School, Church Brigade, Brownies and Guides. When I finally went to my local C of E church I was shocked to see communion, I thought it was a Catholic thing. I just personally don’t like the body and blood of Christ bit, but that’s just me.

Nothing. I just thought that communion was Catholic, not C of E, having only ever heard/seen it in Catholic Churches.

You'd be warmly welcomed at our church.

I started attending for similar reasons, and even now it's as much about the community, music, stillness, reflection, trying to be better and give back.

The right church won't mind.

There is one quite aggressive Christian cult church round here that actively tries to recruit vulnerable and lonely people, pull them in and then after a while telling them they'll have to leave if they don't believe, including demonstrating their belief through tithing. Don't join that kind of church!

Communion is very much a Church of England thing, it is at the heart of our faith.

All are welcome to hear the Good Word in fellowship.

I am a Christian, granddaughter of a former CofE vicar and think it would be wonderful to see you at church (he would have too). You get out of it whatever it means to you, and as long as you are respectful, nobody is going to interrogate you about your faith and the extent of it.
A lovely lady vicar took my gran's funeral last week - ex student of gran's in the 70s, only ordained 5 years after a 20 year career in nursing. She is modern, wears sparkly patent heels and drives a sports car and we thought she was fantastic. When we told her so, she said she loves being at the level of her parishioners, letting them identify with her, and that church should not be an 'us and them' thing, but somewhere people can come to feel safe, in company and happy.

The Methodists celebrate communion too though. I've attended a number of Methodist communion services over the years, really odd you would have never experienced it. I know it is usually not done as often as in a CofE church.

I think you’re probably lonely. Surely there must be something else you can do. But in saying that I used to want to be catholic, as I had much to confess.