Wayside United Church of Christ-Congregational

Open and Affirming, not too churchy, every Sunday the service begins by stating «No matter who you are or where you come from You are welcome here.» These folks really mean that.
Their are some boring hymns… just a few, but the choir is lovely and cute. My taste would be better suited with a bit less ceremony… but compared to many… its enjoyable.
There are lots of children. They have classes that the kids go to mid-​way through… and from the way they RUN out of the sanctuary… I assume that they are more fun than the hymns. I wish I was a kid.
«Our Whole Lives» is a comprehensive sexual education/​values class taught to the older kids. They cover EVERYTHING. Its pretty amazing… these kids will not be getting their information from other kids in school or toilet stall walls… they even have panels of speakers… such as a gay and lesbian panel who discussed their experiences with prejudice, self-​loathing, coming out, and finally acceptance by a church and community. It was a beautiful and powerful presentation.
Oh, gay folks are welcomed to worship and are considered part of the fellowship. Gay and Lesbian couples hold hands, hug, raise children, get married, etc…“no matter who you are or where you come from…“
Transgendered folks are also represented in the congregation. This church is about love… not rules.
The majority of the congregation are older folks… like any church. There are quite a few families with children, and even a few single younger folks… but not too many. I would guess that about 75 – 100 people attend the mid-​morning service on Sunday… which is followed by coffee, cookies, and welcoming chit-​chat.
Membership is uncomplicated… simply mention to the Pastor that you liked the place and that you would like to be a member… he says…”*POOF!* — you are a member.” — at least that is how he did it for me. A few weeks later I was presented with an official membership document and a name-​tag to wear on Sundays.
They do want folks to be involved wherever they can. Greeters or usher seem to be the most difficult postiions to fill, so somebody will invariably approach you about giving it a try… they are nice about it though… just be warned.
Wayside has an incredible sanctuary, services are in the round — which feels more like a family, there are windows on all sides that look out into a gorgeous woodland trail. The grounds have walking paths, native plants (labelled), and benches. It is a very peaceful setting.
The congregation is involved in the service… in the beginning there are official announcements… during the service the children are allowed to announce what is new with each of them (lost tooth, new puppy, skinned knee). Everyone is given the opportunity to share Joys and Concerns… and everyone cares… the support and encouragement is beautiful.
I have attended a few programs outside of the Sunday Worship… a social brunch, a screening of An Inconvenient Truth followed by conversations about what each of us can do to help our planet, and a presentation by the Bahai faith that was fascinating… given by members of a local Bahai congregation.
I cannot say enough about this place… it is a breath of fresh air in a stressful world.