Ever since I became friends with Momo I’ve been thinking about going to church. He is a very spiritual person, which I find extremely attractive. Momo has encouraged me to go to church, although not in an annoying or preachy way. I’ve also wanted to go as one of my 101 in 1001 goals. As a child, my mother took my brother and I to church all the time, and I think that this was such an important decision. Going to church so much when I was younger has completely made me the person that I am today. However, the church that we went to was non-denominational, which leaves me now trying to figure out what type of church I should attend.
First, let me tell you my criteria for a church that I could enjoy (in order of importance):
1. Beautiful Architecture
2. Tolerant, Non-Preachy, People Who Don’t Seem Like Child Molesters
3. Singing Should Be Completely Optional
4. Pastors Should Not Yell Or Resemble Televangelists
5. Collection Of Money Should Be Non-Obvious and Optional
6. Tolerable Parking Conditions
7. Should Offer A Service In Spanish
8. Services Should Not Be Too Interactive
9. Not Required To Jump Through Hoops To Become A Church Member
(Can you see why I’ve been attending Buddhist services? Lol.)
Here are the options I’m considering (in alphabetical order):
First United Methodist Church of Miami
400 Biscayne Boulevard
Miami, FL 33132
Services: Sunday 10:55 a.m.
Plymouth Congregational Church, Universal Church of Christ
3400 Devon Road
Coconut Grove, FL 33133
Services: Sunday 10:00 a.m.
St. Hugh Catholic Church
3460 Royal Road
Coconut Grove, FL 33133
Services: Sunday 9:00 a.m.
I don’t know how well any of these churches meet my above criteria, but I’m willing to find out, and I’m willing to consider other options.
July 18th, 2008 at 11:29 am
Oh hun, lol, this kinda made me laugh, but in a good way I swear! My thoughts on church is that it’s a place you go to re-affirm your relationship w/ what/whom you believe it… and having such a long list of certain criteria seems… umm.. kinda of out of keeping w/ the whole churchy thing. But religion is deeply personal and private to everyone and if that’s you need to feel safe and comfortable then I wish you the best of luck hunnyb! buzz buzz! ps. Happy Friday!
July 19th, 2008 at 1:29 am
I agree with your view on what church is. Some items are on my list because they are practical or aesthetic factors that make church more enjoyable. (Like tolearable parking conditions. Lol.) Some of the other items focus on secular concerns or corruption that seem to detract from the overall purpose of church. I doubt that any church really fits all these criteria, and I’m ok with that, but I’d like to aim for as many of these as possible.