Finding a New Community

LatchKeyKid

How do you find a new congregation when moving to a new district?

In May I will be living in Queenslan, in a place 160km (100 miles) from where I live now.

I meet with the local Friends at the moment, but I never think of myself as belonging to a particular tradition. There is no Friends Meeting where I am going.

I suppose I am looking for a community to be part of, where my "progressive" (hate that label) approach won't be jarring.

Cheery Gardener

Like many things in life, it's a case of being flexible and deciding what's most important to you. I think it's easier moving from a small to a large district as there may be more options, and fewer if you are going the other way.

Are you looking for regular worship opportunities? Do denominational labels matter to you? Have you already sussed out what your community looks like from visiting, checking out websites and even which community groups are active in your new home?

A friend who has moved back to my city was put off by their closest church as they were pounced on, offered welcome packs and almost pressed into filling out a contact form. They have now decided to return to their former parish and travel across town to do so. If you can't find an automatic fit straight away, are you able to travel slightly further afield? I can see though that the next village or town could be some distance away and not possible.

Good luck with finding your tribe!

ChastMastr

In my own case, I’d check on all the Episcopal churches in range for me, first by looking at their websites to narrow things down, and then possibly to call them or maybe visit. Their theology (at least what the priest teaches/adheres to) matters a lot to me but so do other things. If it’s Trump-focused (which is rare in the Episcopal Church) then it’s a deal-breaker.

mark_in_manchester

Find a web page for the online-iest busiest looking church where you are moving to, and send them a message saying 'I don't think I'll fit with you but I don't know who else I might be approaching; what can you suggest?'. By a process of Chinese whispers you might get somewhere. I'd perhaps not start with anyone who calls themselves 'The one true church of the holy redeemed international thingumybob', or a pastor called who calls themselves 'Rev Dr' or 'bishop' unless, you know, they seem to check out

Jengie Jon

Actually, ask at your meeting who they know that you might like to link up with. If you get names, make contact. People who are friendly with one group of liberal Christians are quite possibly in contact with others.

Boogie

There are only two churches in our village so I went to both of them, and still do to some extent.

I found the best way to get to know people was by volunteering.

Sarasa

We moved here five years ago. It’s 140 miles from our previous place.
When I saw the title of your thread I thought was more about finding wider communities to join when you move somewhere new. I'm not sure what groups are available in your new town but we found joining a walking group (the Ramblers) and the U3A (group for retired people to do a variety of classes, trips etc) led to us making lots of new friends. I joined a writing group and my husband a photography group and because this place is small you meet people across all the things you do. I also got involved in local politics, but I know that isn't everyone's cup of tea.
As for churches, my husband joined the local Quaker Meeting and I attend the local Catholic Churches. I think if you are not to tied to one denomination try a few and see what fits best. For instance someone I know fell out with the Anglicans, but feels very at home with the local Congregationalists. My husband never got on with the Meeting in the town we came from, but the one here is amazing and he is now very involved. I like my church, but don't have the time to do much other than turn up for Mass and doing the reading when they need someone at short notice.

Gamma Gamaliel

I'm quite impressed by my nephew's approach. He's liberal in theology but attends a 'lively' evangelical church because it's the only one in his area where there are young people his own age.

He's made it clear to the leaders that he's not on the same page as they are theologically and they seem cool with that.

I s'pose your best bet after visiting websites is to visit a few churches in person and see how they 'feel'.

Puzzler

Be aware that if a change of church leadership occurs, you may wish to review your decision.
We settled very happily together into the local Anglican church until a new Vicar turned everything upside down. Eventually I migrated to an Anglican church in a neighbouring village, drawn in by its music and the opportunity to sing in the choir, whilst my husband migrated to the Methodists where he had opportunities to lead services and preach. NB when we first arrived, neither of these opportunities was a priority in our thinking. Things can change.

Gramps49

Often times I will respond to local FB requests from people new to our community seeking a fellowship group. I find it harder to respond to people elsewhere who are seeking groups. I will always say, though, look for a group that says it is open and affirming of LBGTQA and ND people.

LatchKeyKid

Puzzler wrote: »

Be aware that if a change of church leadership occurs, you may wish to review your decision.
We settled very happily together into the local Anglican church until a new Vicar turned everything upside down. Eventually I migrated to an Anglican church in a neighbouring village, drawn in by its music and the opportunity to sing in the choir, whilst my husband migrated to the Methodists where he had opportunities to lead services and preach. NB when we first arrived, neither of these opportunities was a priority in our thinking. Things can change.

I have changed from a church after the leadership changed, though it was less the minister and more that the leaders did not support the Aboriginal people.

LatchKeyKid

Gramps49 wrote: »

I will always say, though, look for a group that says it is open and affirming of LBGTQA and ND people.

Thanks, I will keep this in mind.

Twangist

When we changed church we made a long list of options, visited them all, made a short list of two, attempted a month at each and then made a final decision.
As we hadn't relocated we already had local knowledge to inform the long list.