Seeking Modern Church

Updated on March 30, 2008
M.E. asks from Ashburnham, MA
7 answers

I live in Ashburnham and I am looking to get re-assimilated in to a church. It has been a long time and I was raised Catholic. I am not really in to the Catholic religion now and would like something more accepting, modern, and not as "Bible thumping". Any advice about anything in the local area is greatly appreciated!

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G.M.

answers from Boston on

Sounds like you are looking for a church that is less liturgical? I'm an Episcopalian myself, and like the rhythgm of a strongly liturgical service, but I've heard great things about the Unitarian church in Winchendon (and Unitarian churches everywhere). When I looked into that church, they were just starting up a yoga and meditation class for the children! Unitarians tend to be really open-minded, and some UU churches are only nominally Christian, and more diverse in their spiritual expression.

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K.H.

answers from Boston on

hi,
i live in Athol MA, and we love our church.
We go to United Methodist Church in Garnder.
They have a great bible school for kids.
the same time as church. Although your baby is to young for that it just a nice church to go to. they really took our family in. make you feel welcome!
if you need directions just map quest the churchs name.(United Methodist Church in Garnder.)
we would love to have more young familys in our church!
i would love to see you there!
K.

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C.F.

answers from Boston on

HI M.,

We have found the Church of the Harvest in Fitchburg on River street to be very friendly. They are in the old jewelry warehouse on the way to Ashburnham from Fitchburg, across from Aldrich auto body shop. They are a non-denominational charismatic type of church. They have all ages and all types at church. They do present scripture in a very clear way. The morning worship is very upbeat with several guitars, drums, keyboard and singers. There are nursery classes available almost every Sunday, except the first Sunday of the month, when it is fellowship Sunday and everyone brings food and after worship, people eat and visit. The service begins at 10:00, but if you are a bit late you will be fine.

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J.C.

answers from Boston on

Try the Higher Ground Church, located on Central Street next to the Heywood Apartments. They have a nursey there and the music is great. I like this Church but we went back to our regular Church because my husband haven't let go yet of his Catholic roots.
J.

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A.D.

answers from Boston on

We have been in the same situation...we live in West Fitchburg. I too grew up catholic. We have found a church in West Fitchburg, The Good Shephard it is an Episcopal Church. It's a small church and the people are all very nice and welcoming and they have great things for kids to do. We have a 2.5 year old. The Paster (who is a woman) delivers a great service and message.
I'd go to a service one Sunday when you have time to see if it's a good fit for you. Service is at 10. THey have a website...http://mysite.verizon.net/goodshepherdchurch Good luck!!

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S.S.

answers from Boston on

If you're open to "taste-testing" a bunch of different churches, I've got a recommendation. Although I'm not from your area, I can tell you what I did 10-11 years ago. Even though our town is small it has a lot of churches of many different denominations because it is a business center for the region, so I went church-shopping.

I decided what the maximum distance I was willing to travel, then I visited pretty much all of the churches in the area, 6-8 in total, and got a feel for the services and the people. I narrowed it down and found a church home that I've liked since then. It turned out to be Congregational (with Methodist as a close second). But, in all honesty, it was the people and the pastor who helped me make the decision more than the specific denomination.

I grew up Lutheran as a preacher's kid, but it was a very ecumenical upbringing. So, I was really looking for a group of people who seemed like they would feed my needs more than one specific doctrine. My husband is a former Catholic and probably wouldn't go if I weren't interested. But I have to say, he really likes this Congregational church, too. I'm the only one who is a member but our family goes regularly.

It depends on what you're looking for in a church. My dad was able to give me denominational/doctrinal differences between all of the churches, but you could find some of that on-line if that's your thing. Personally, most of the mainline churches are pretty similar. I'm sure they wouldn't necessarily agree with me, but it comes down to whichever setting helps you feel most comfortable to worship.

Go for it! Sometimes you might feel a little apprehensive visiting a church where you don't know their traditions, but most people are understanding and won't hold it against you if you zig when they zag. You might just find what you're looking for!

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L.D.

answers from Boston on

Hi, M.,
I don't even know how I began to receive Mamasource e-mail, but here I am responding! I live in Gardner, and can highly recommend the First Congregational Church here. There is an interim pastor at present, but he is very bright and is helping the congregation to identify a vision of where and how they will move forward. I'm not sure what you mean by "Bible thumping," though I have a good sense of it. It is definitely a scripture-centered church, but scripture is respected, not used as a weapon. The greatest draw for me has been its amazing family feeling. It would be a terrific church in which to raise your little one. Peace, L.

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