....and I'm happy for you!

Glad you found a place where you feel at home.

Yes!!! Been there - they've been doing amazing work for awhile.  Good for you Kinst :)  And what a cool cafe they have in the basement (or at least 'had')

I saw Spong there a couple of years ago.

Kinst - I attended that church 45 years ago when I first moved to Hamilton.  Mr. Seeler and I lived in a little apartment up behind city hall and I could walk to church, pushing a baby stroller.  Even though I was new in the church, a few of the women gave me a baby shower when my son was born.  He was baptized in that church.  I felt bad when that I had to leave it when we moved to a different part of Hamilton but I needed a church within walking distance.

I'm glad to hear that it is an affirming church, but I'm not surprised,  From what I remember it was open and accepting.  I particularly remember doing a lenten study on PierreBerton's book "The Comfortable Pew" which was new at the time.  One chapter in that book asks 'Who are the modern day lepers?"  and Berton says that in his opinion they are the homosexuals who at that time were shuned by much of society and the church, and just as lepers could only find acceptance if they could hide their symptoms, so homosexuals had to remain in the closet.  I think that book was an eye opener at the time.  But maybe that small discussion group started to open some doors. 

I hope that you continue to enjoy attending.

I think I went there once during my Hamilton period and found it rather on the wane (this would have been very early 90s) without a lot of youth but maybe I'm thinking of another UCC in the core. Glad to hear that you've found a place to go.

Mendalla

That's great news Kinst!

TL

Mendalla - churches eb and wane.  If any of the people I knew in the 1960s are still there they would be seniors or near.  Its good to hear that there is new blood.

Nice to see you happy Kinst!  Sounds like a great church.  And what a wonderful classic building - good to see it nestled amongst the new architecture. 

I was ordained in that church by Hamilton Conference in May 1979. At that time the minister was executor of a sunstantial endowment which assisted candidates for ministry with their tuition in theological college.

Awesome Kinst! Glad you've found a church you're happy at. I recently switched churches (back in January) and it's been a very positive experience. I hope you continue to enjoy and grow in your new church home.

Wonderful. I'm very happy for you.

Glad to hear your news, Kinst - it's wonderful to have a place to worship at, to belong in, and that meets your needs and gives you opportunity to serve and give back.  Never been to Hamilton - looked up the map - a fine church indeed!

By the second visit everyone knew your name (reminds me of "Cheers") . . . that must have felt very welcoming - I will have to remember that when new people come to my church.

Keep us filled in Sunday to Sunday . . .

That's so cool Seeler & everyone else who's been there, DKS, Mendalla, Birthstone.

This one's probably changed over the years, I know the minister is brand new and most of the people around my age have probably been going for a couple years or less.

A big plus is it's near my school (where I spend most of my time) rather than in Toronto where my family's from but I'm not around as often. I brought my boyfriend last time & they like him (he's Hindu)

Sounds wonderful, Kinst, thanks for sharing your story.  I was just reading some negative threads before I came to this one and my heart lifted to read your joy!!  Really glad you have found this welcoming church family...and from what I know of you from WC, I think they are blessed to have you among them as well.

 Yay!!! 

Hallelujah Kinst I am so happy for you.

Kinst, the journey was worth it to end up where you are. Blessings.