Going to church for the first time...?

Question

My husband really wanted to take me and our kids to church, as he grew up in a religious catholic family. I'm part Jewish part Anglican(?) and I was wondering what to expect. I used to go to synagogue as a child, but I was wondering just some basics. What to wear, any customs, any things I should know?

Edit: By half Jewish, half Anglican, I mean my dad is Jewish and my mom is Anglican, and I was brought up mainly Jewish, but I have been to Anglican ceremonies.

Answer 1

You want to kinda dress up. If it is a Catholic Church you will fit in by wearing a dress, sort of office attire? Nothing low cut or revealing, of course. You might bring a handkerchief in case that church customarily has the women cover there head. Some more traditional churches have women place a handkerchief on top of their hair, most do not. It won't be that different from synagogue except there will likely be a large cross up front behind the alter with a replica of Jesus on it.

There will be some music, church announcements, and brief social time (introductions to other church goers and shaking hands)(we usually stand up and say hello and shake hands to those people sitting around us). If you've been to Anglican services you won't be surprised by anything. The priest then should offer a sermon or homily. There will be moments when the whole "audience" prays aloud and that is frequently done while knealing. For this purpose You will see a low platform in front of your seats.

If communion is offered it is intended generally for those who have been baptized and are part of the church. No shame in not taking communion. All is flexible and you can just follow what your husband is doing. If you do something you "shouldn't" do it's no big deal. You are not makiing any commitments by attending services or turning your back on Judaism. Visitors are welcome and there aren't any secret rituals going on on Sunday morning.

I hope you will relax and get to enjoy the spritual aspects of the worship service. Perhaps you will discover spiritual parts of your own life.

Also the church is made up of people that you meet everyday in life. They are like everyone else short, tall, pretty, homely, rich, poor, smart, slow, and so on. Don't be surprised to have an emotional reaction. I often feel as if I am part of something special while in a church service. It is normal IF it happens to you.


God bless

Answer 2

A church that denies the Trinity or Deity of Christ is inaccurate All church homes in which the grace of Christ abides and works is in authentic (if partial and impaired) communion with the authentic Church of Christ i trust and profess that the Catholic Church is the Church it really is the mum Church and the ecclesial body in which the authentic Church maximum completely subsists and whose doctrine is the most complete and that i trust that the closer a church is to the catholic in doctrine and morality and the position the sacraments are valid is in direction of recuperating the fulness of being authentic Church yet all church homes, in view that they're composed of human beings, should be consistently being reformed through Jesus, the way , the reality and the life,and back to the resources: the Bible, Apostolic custom, organic regulation/ precise reason and , especially God's gracious present of Grace in Jesus through the Spirit

Answer 3

Wear not quite job-interview clothes, but they can be a bit more fun...Follow along as for sitting, standing, silence, but don't pretend motions you are unfamiliar with, like the whole bowing buisness. The prayer book is a wonderful tool, full of answers and cues. Make sure the kids stay quiet: if they're really young bring a toy or something for them to play with QUIETLY on the pew. If they serve coffee or something after service, stick around and chatter if you have time, and meet some other people.

Answer 4

Business casual is a safe bet...people will be sitting, standing, kneeling a lot...do what is comfortable to you and don't feel pressured to do anything you don't feel comfortable doing. Sit back and enjoy and witness the rituals of the earliest Christians come alive in front of you! One thing I would have liked to know when I attended my first Mass is that after the preist prays over the bread and wine, we believe that it really is the body and blood of Christ. God be with you.

Answer 5

If you were brought up Jewish and are used to traditional Jewish rites, you should find the Catholic Mass suprisingly comfortable, and almost familiar.

Just relax, and do what they do. Don't go up for communion, though.

Answer 6

You wear the same thing you would wear to shul on Friday night.
You cannot take the body of Christ (communion) without having confessed. Sit back quietly while this is going on, or kneel and pray.
At least everything will be in English! There is no davening to be done.

Answer 7

Just expect to sit, stand, sit, stand a lot. LOL Depending on what sort of church it is, the sermon could be the longest part. The singing is the best part (in my humble opinion).

Answer 8

Most churches or lax in dress codes as long as it is modest. Ask your husband what to expect. Ask what to do. If this is the first time for both of you to go watch what people do. If you don't understand what they are doing don't do what it. Ask someone or the minster why they do something.

Answer 9

How can you be part Jewish and part Anglican? Those are religions, not races.

Answer 10

some big churches have online services so you can actually check them out and see what people are wearing and what to expect.

You will have a may have a better experience if you tell someone its your first time. . Don't worry about customs. You're there to worship God and your welcome there if you're wearing jeans.