Looking for a moderate/liberal church

[CFrance]

We are moving to Tamarind Grove in February. We are a moderate to liberal couple who enjoy a liberal-leaning church with outreach missions in which we can participate. In Muskegon, MI, and Pittsburgh, PA, we are affiliated with Presbyterian churches, although any protestant church with a moderate/liberal bent would suit us. We do not wish to make any religious judgements; we merely wish to find a church that would suit our views. Can anyone suggest one? Thank you for any help.

[eweissenbach]

We are moving to Tamarind Grove in February. We are a moderate to liberal couple who enjoy a liberal-leaning church with outreach missions in which we can participate. In Muskegon, MI, and Pittsburgh, PA, we are affiliated with Presbyterian churches, although any protestant church with a moderate/liberal bent would suit us. We do not wish to make any religious judgements; we merely wish to find a church that would suit our views. Can anyone suggest one? Thank you for any help.

Hope Lutheran is an ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church of America) congregation, which tends to be quite liberal and progressive. It is one of the largest churches in TV. http://hopelutheraninthevillages.org/

[graciegirl]

What is a moderate liberal church?

[jblum315]

What is a moderate liberal church?

wondering the same thing?

[The Villager II]

What is a moderate liberal church?

anything other than Baptist or Muslim.

[DaleMN]

There's a Unitarian/Universalist church near the Villages.

[lightworker888]

You might try Unity of the Villages. Here is their link.

http://www.unityofthevillages.org/tp42/Default.asp?ID=235509

LW888

[Trish Crocker]

What is a moderate liberal church?

umm..let's see....you're either moderately liberal or liberally moderate?? Sounds like a few of the politicians I've listened to lately.

[bkcunningham1]

wondering the same thing?

That makes three of us.

[Avista]

You might try United Church of Christ of The Villages. They are on County Rd 101 down the road from Crispers. They have a web site.

[eweissenbach]

What is a moderate liberal church?

For example: A liberal church has open communion
A conservative church limits communion to members

A liberal church may allow ordination of women, or women in the pulpit
A conservative church often limits the role of women in the hierarchy of the church

A liberal church may welcome people of all sexual orientations, perhaps even in the clergy and hierarchy
A conservative church may discourage homeosexuals as members, or certainly as members of the hierarchy

A liberal church may have some services that have more modern music and informal themes.
A conservative church may tend to have only traditional services

I am sure there are numerous other distinctions I have not mentioned, but you get the idea.

The Lutheran Church in America split into several factions (ELCA (liberal), Missouri Synod (cons.), Wisconsin Synod (cons.) and dozens of others) largely over differences on some of the above issues.

[ilovetv]

We are moving to Tamarind Grove in February. We are a moderate to liberal couple who enjoy a liberal-leaning church with outreach missions in which we can participate. In Muskegon, MI, and Pittsburgh, PA, we are affiliated with Presbyterian churches, although any protestant church with a moderate/liberal bent would suit us. We do not wish to make any religious judgements; we merely wish to find a church that would suit our views. Can anyone suggest one? Thank you for any help.

Do you mean "liberal" as in interpreting God's Word--The Bible--so it conforms with liberal political views?

Or do you mean "liberal" as in forming political views that obey and submit to God's Word and His authority?

Filtering Scripture through today's American "liberal" politics and politicians (or to ANY of them) would be extremely demeaning to God.

I'm putting this here only as food for thought, because many people today want to change what Scripture says, to make God fit their politics, i.e. saying God is gender-free or is a woman to elevate militant feminism; or i.e. saying Jesus didn't get married and he lived with men because he was homosexual, to promote gay lifestyle and changing civil law to fit that.

[uujudy]

For example: A liberal church has open communion
A conservative church limits communion to members

A liberal church may allow ordination of women, or women in the pulpit
A conservative church often limits the role of women in the hierarchy of the church

A liberal church may welcome people of all sexual orientations, perhaps even in the clergy and hierarchy
A conservative church may discourage homeosexuals as members, or certainly as members of the hierarchy

A liberal church may have some services that have more modern music and informal themes.
A conservative church may tend to have only traditional services

I am sure there are numerous other distinctions I have not mentioned, but you get the idea.

The Lutheran Church in America split into several factions (ELCA (liberal), Missouri Synod (cons.), Wisconsin Synod (cons.) and dozens of others) largely over differences on some of the above issues.

Excellent answer, Ed!

[RItaly]

I am the posters spouse and Ed has well articulated the nature of the church we are seeking

[eweissenbach]

Just thought of another;
A liberal church would generally accept anyone as a member upon profession of faith.

A conservative church may require a vote of the church board or other requirements for membership.

I don't assume to be an expert on this subject and am not making judgements about either. I have been a member of what I would consider both liberal and conservative congregations and have found them both to be good church homes.

[CFrance]

Thank you, Ed, you have articulated what I am looking for much better than I could. Also, I might add that by "moderate/liberal couple" I meant that one of us is more liberal than the other! But that's mostly from a political standpoint. Socially and religiously, we are both liberal.

In MI, some of our liberal churches have taken down the cross and eliminated the Lord's Prayer and any mention of Christ in their services. That would be too liberal for us; thus I came up, albeit a bit confusingly, with the term of "liberal leaning church." (It was late at night--sorry for any confusion.)

We do prefer a traditional service with a sermon, organ/piano (rather than band), choir (rather than praise teams), hymns, etc. So perhaps we would look for a church that offered both types of services to its members.

And thank you, everyone, for your suggestions.

[eweissenbach]

Thank you, Ed, you have articulated what I am looking for much better than I could. Also, I might add that by "moderate/liberal couple" I meant that one of us is more liberal than the other! But that's mostly from a political standpoint. Socially and religiously, we are both liberal.

In MI, some of our liberal churches have taken down the cross and eliminated the Lord's Prayer and any mention of Christ in their services. That would be too liberal for us; thus I came up, albeit a bit confusingly, with the term of "liberal leaning church." (It was late at night--sorry for any confusion.)

We do prefer a traditional service with a sermon, organ/piano (rather than band), choir (rather than praise teams), hymns, etc. So perhaps we would look for a church that offered both types of services to its members.

And thank you, everyone, for your suggestions.

I really think you would appreciate the experience at Hope Lutheran. It has beautiful music, offers both contemporary and traditional services, and is still bible based and uses traditional liturgy. I am also confident there are many other churches which would offer you a welcoming church home, a few of which have probably been mentioned. Good luck!

[dillywho]

Thank you, Ed, you have articulated what I am looking for much better than I could. Also, I might add that by "moderate/liberal couple" I meant that one of us is more liberal than the other! But that's mostly from a political standpoint. Socially and religiously, we are both liberal.

In MI, some of our liberal churches have taken down the cross and eliminated the Lord's Prayer and any mention of Christ in their services. That would be too liberal for us; thus I came up, albeit a bit confusingly, with the term of "liberal leaning church." (It was late at night--sorry for any confusion.)

We do prefer a traditional service with a sermon, organ/piano (rather than band), choir (rather than praise teams), hymns, etc. So perhaps we would look for a church that offered both types of services to its members.

And thank you, everyone, for your suggestions.

We belong to Fairway Christian Church (right next to Hope Lutheran on 466). It is non-denominational, offers both type of services, VERY friendly, is centered around Christ and His teachings, communion is offered every Sunday and is open to all believers, and offers dual membership. This means that you can be a member of your church back home AND Fairway; you don't have to make a choice. Come check us out. We have been there since moving here in 2004. Love it!

[Schaumburger]

I really think you would appreciate the experience at Hope Lutheran. It has beautiful music, offers both contemporary and traditional services, and is still bible based and uses traditional liturgy. I am also confident there are many other churches which would offer you a welcoming church home, a few of which have probably been mentioned. Good luck!

Hope Lutheran posts their Sunday services on their web site (the entire service from start to finish), so people can get an idea of what the services are like. When I visited TV last summer I attended Hope Lutheran's Saturday late afternoon contemporary service, and I felt very welcome. While visiting TV last year I also attended New Covenant United Methodist's Sunday morning service and I also felt very welcome there, but I don't know if New Covenant UMC would be considered liberal/moderate.

I spent my first 36 years in the Catholic Church, but 15 years ago I "jumped ship", and I joined an Episcopal congregation near my home in the Chicago area because of issues with the Catholic Church.

If I do move to TV in the future, I will also be "church shopping." I hope you find a church that meets your spiritual needs.

[Avista]

Oh yes, be sure to visit New Covenant United Methodist church also. It is golf cart accessible --- behind Crispers. Members come from a variety of church traditions. Check out their web site and .listen to a sermon. Pastor Harold's sermons Make our Sunday.

http://www.newcovenantumc-fl.org/NS/index2.htm

[eweissenbach]

Oh yes, be sure to visit New Covenant United Methodist church also. It is golf cart accessible --- behind Crispers. Members come from a variety of church traditions. Check out their web site and .listen to a sermon. Pastor Harold's sermons Make our Sunday.

http://www.newcovenantumc-fl.org/NS/index2.htm

We visited there on Palm Sunday last year. It is a very welcoming and enjoyable church, based on our visit.

[LvmyPug2]

We too were looking for a spiritual home that was more open and affirming. A friend suggested the Unitarian Universalist church. Not knowing much about it, we decided to check it out. We really felt instantly at home. What we most enjoy is the emphasis is on finding things we have in common rather than the things that often drive us apart. People come from all types of religious backgrounds and are very welcoming.

[momesu]

I really think you would appreciate the experience at Hope Lutheran. It has beautiful music, offers both contemporary and traditional services, and is still bible based and uses traditional liturgy. I am also confident there are many other churches which would offer you a welcoming church home, a few of which have probably been mentioned. Good luck!

:agree: When I moved to The Villages I was going to "church shop". I was concerned about finding a moderate/liberal church down hear. I found Hope Lutheran on the internet. Liked what I saw there and so choose to make it the first church I visited and well......I never went anywhere else. After the first service I attended I just knew that I had found not only a new church home but church family as well. I've now been to both Saturday and Sunday services and like them both. I've also gotten involved in several of the weekday church programs. Have been welcomed everywhere.

Suzanne

[macapecod]

Try the UCC at the Villages. It is at 12514 County Road 101 in Oxford. 101 goes between CVS and Crispers, past the Methodist church. UCC on the left just beyond Parkwood. UCC is an "OPEN and AFFIRMING" congregation and very involved in mission work in the community and beyond. Service starts at 9:50 to allow 10 minutes of announcements before worship.

[tainsley]

For example: A liberal church has open communion
A conservative church limits communion to members

A liberal church may allow ordination of women, or women in the pulpit
A conservative church often limits the role of women in the hierarchy of the church

A liberal church may welcome people of all sexual orientations, perhaps even in the clergy and hierarchy
A conservative church may discourage homeosexuals as members, or certainly as members of the hierarchy

A liberal church may have some services that have more modern music and informal themes.
A conservative church may tend to have only traditional services

I am sure there are numerous other distinctions I have not mentioned, but you get the idea.

The Lutheran Church in America split into several factions (ELCA (liberal), Missouri Synod (cons.), Wisconsin Synod (cons.) and dozens of others) largely over differences on some of the above issues.

Thanks for your explanation!

[senior citizen]

For example: A liberal church has open communion
A conservative church limits communion to members

A liberal church may allow ordination of women, or women in the pulpit
A conservative church often limits the role of women in the hierarchy of the church

A liberal church may welcome people of all sexual orientations, perhaps even in the clergy and hierarchy
A conservative church may discourage homeosexuals as members, or certainly as members of the hierarchy

A liberal church may have some services that have more modern music and informal themes.
A conservative church may tend to have only traditional services

I am sure there are numerous other distinctions I have not mentioned, but you get the idea.

The Lutheran Church in America split into several factions (ELCA (liberal), Missouri Synod (cons.), Wisconsin Synod (cons.) and dozens of others) largely over differences on some of the above issues.



You managed to explain it very very well.

Our daughter and her husband left the R.C. church to raise their three children in the UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, which as another poster mentioned, would fit the poster's criteria.......plus issues mentioned above.
They have a husband / wife ministry team. United Church of Christ accepts everyone.

I know other Catholics who joined the Lutheran church and found it very welcoming.

I'm sure there are other denominations as well.

[graciegirl]

...I tried to post "You can't get to Heaven on Roller Skates'" from You Tube, but the link wouldn't come up.
You can't get to Heaven on roller skates - YouTube




\

[Pturner]

For example: A liberal church has open communion
A conservative church limits communion to members

A liberal church may allow ordination of women, or women in the pulpit
A conservative church often limits the role of women in the hierarchy of the church

A liberal church may welcome people of all sexual orientations, perhaps even in the clergy and hierarchy
A conservative church may discourage homeosexuals as members, or certainly as members of the hierarchy

A liberal church may have some services that have more modern music and informal themes.
A conservative church may tend to have only traditional services

I am sure there are numerous other distinctions I have not mentioned, but you get the idea.

The Lutheran Church in America split into several factions (ELCA (liberal), Missouri Synod (cons.), Wisconsin Synod (cons.) and dozens of others) largely over differences on some of the above issues.

Excellent, thoughtful post as usual, eweissenbach. :ho:

[skyguy79]

...I tried to post "You can't get to Heaven on Roller Skates'" from You Tube, but the link wouldn't come up.
You can't get to Heaven on roller skates - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gNdnv32gA4)
Here ya go Gracie: You can't get to Heaven on roller skates - YouTube (http://youtu.be/2gNdnv32gA4) and it even came up in the quote. It's the same problem that's been discussed before where the link would not appear on IE but does in the source document.

BTW, you can get the link to appear if in YouTube you click the Share button then use the shortened address that comes up. That's what I did to make it work with IE in this post.

[eweissenbach]

We belong to Fairway Christian Church (right next to Hope Lutheran on 466). It is non-denominational, offers both type of services, VERY friendly, is centered around Christ and His teachings, communion is offered every Sunday and is open to all believers, and offers dual membership. This means that you can be a member of your church back home AND Fairway; you don't have to make a choice. Come check us out. We have been there since moving here in 2004. Love it!

We attended Fairway Christian with some friends today for the contemporary service at 9 A.M. Very energetic and inspiring service.

[JeffAVEWS]

I can't help you, my religious education came from Nun's who were neither moderate or liberal!


:1rotfl:

[skyguy79]

I can't help you, my religious education came from Nun's who were neither moderate or liberal!Same here and I also had Brothers of the Christan Schools in high school where the closest I remember any Brother coming even remotely close to being political was in his being in love (his words not mine) with Barbara Streisand.
http://forums.cincybengals.com/images/smilies/209[1].gif

[capecodbob]

What do you call a church that marries homosexuals and transgender people in their sanctuary?
There is a rather large riff going on up here in New England at some churches here that are heading in that direction or have married same sex couples. Several have left church over it.
I'm just curious if this issue is making itself known in area churches in TV.

My wife and I will be coming to TV this winter and it is a question we need answered before we become a part of any church.
Bob

[ilovetv]

What do you call a church that marries homosexuals and transgender people in their sanctuary?

There is a rather large riff going on up here in New England at some churches here that are heading in that direction or have married same sex couples. Several have left church over it.
I'm just curious if this issue is making itself known in area churches in TV.

My wife and I will be coming to TV this winter and it is a question we need answered before we become a part of any church.
Bob

"What do you call a church that...." I'd call it a group that does not believe Christ was talking about a man and a woman when He said, "and the two shall become as one".

He answered and said, �Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, �For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh�? 6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.� Matt. 19:5 Genesis 2:24

There are many, many churches in TV, both denominational and nondenominational, and from the churches I've attended and from what neighbors/friends say about their churches, the trend you describe is probably not a strong trend in TV, although it probably exists in some congregations.

[babbs455]

Trinity Lutheran in Summerfield is on 441 past walmart going north its on the top of the hill on the left. I searched many churches until I found a church where I felt was HOME and I can tell you this church is WONDERFUL PAstor Mark and the congregation are AWESOME. My son and I were both Baptised there this past year. Outreach programs and many functions. WE are having a new member welcoming July 15 where all new members coming into the church are recognized and we hold a wonderful luncheon after service for them WE get to meet and greet you and shower you with love and friendship...and the food is always GREAT~~~come in Sunday for a visit we'd love to see you!!!

[Warren Kiefer]

We are moving to Tamarind Grove in February. We are a moderate to liberal couple who enjoy a liberal-leaning church with outreach missions in which we can participate. In Muskegon, MI, and Pittsburgh, PA, we are affiliated with Presbyterian churches, although any protestant church with a moderate/liberal bent would suit us. We do not wish to make any religious judgements; we merely wish to find a church that would suit our views. Can anyone suggest one? Thank you for any help.

I am attending a church that might be exactly what you are looking for. It is Village View just of Rt, 441 North of the Villages. They conduct both contemporary and traditional services. This church is founded on the teachings of the Bible.

Warren We love ttending Village View even though we aren't members at the moment.

[Milkey]

5 services each weekend, both Contemporary and Traditional. Great people, lots of opportunities.

[moosemose]

I second the United Church of Christ at The Villages. Is very open minded and a dedicated group of members.

[capecodbob]

Unity, Uniterian, UCC, Hope Lutheran or St. Johns Lutheran and Open Circle MCC would be the most liberal churches that I am aware of in the area.

And yes some of them do perform marriage for all....all God's creations deserve to have that blessing.

No, you are wrong. MARRIAGE is between 1 man and 1 woman. Anything else is something else. Those that try to hijack marriage won't succeed. And where does it all end. A guy and his pony. A woman and her hamster? Two guys and a gal. And old man and a young boy (NAMBLA)?
Saw that a woman married herself last week. :loco::loco::loco:

We all know that God loves all his children but I bet ya he's not happy with that kind of behavior!

[ilovetv]

Accepting homosexual people in church is not the same thing as accepting/enabling teaching or behavior that directly disobeys or defies God's Word in the Bible.

When Christians reject clergy or congregants' disobedient and sinful actions, they are holding accountable that clergy or congregant so they stop leading others into the same sin.

[Avista]

I think we are talking about whether the Bible is the inerrant word of God. In other words,whether it should be followed literally-- word for word.

Some believe this. Others do not take the Bible literally.

[TOTV Team]

Thread closed - off topic.