Wow; I've never attended a UCC like the one you describe. If you're looking for a progressive environment, try Bloor Street United, Eglinton-St. George's or Emmanuel-Howard Park. College Street United is pretty good too, but the first three are standouts among the Toronto-Area churches I've visited. I think they all have websites.

Thanks for your response. I think I should be more clear about my location. I attend a church in Burlington. I consider burlington to be a suburb of TO. I would be willing to travel to Oakville or Hamilton, though. Ideally, I would like to have a church in Burlington, because I would like to attend a church in the community in which I live.

Anyway, it disturbs me when churches can differ so much within a denomination.

I honestly feel kind of ripped off, because the church that I joined has changed so much. See, when we joined 6 years ago, it was very different.

thanks for your response,
L

Hi hi,
I used the Church Search feature here, and here's what i found in Burlington :

St. Stephen United Church
2258 Parkway Drive Burlington, Ontario L7P 1T1
Tel: 905-336-7413

Wellington Square United Church
2121 Caroline St. Burlington, Ontario L7R 1L7
Tel: 905-634-1849

Port Nelson United Church
3132 South Dr Burlington, Ontario L7N 1H7
Tel: 905-637-5631

East Plains United Church
375 Plains Rd. E Burlington, Ontario L7T 2C7
Tel: 905-634-5562

I'm at an expectionally open-minded progressive thinking United Church - West Hill United - Morningside and kingston Rd. Check out the web-site www.westhill.net and see if it's for you. No one tells anyone what to believe - your brain is not left at the door of worship and everyone is supportive that people are all in different places on this "journey".
Cheers,
JM

Hi Lynn,
I'm sorry to hear of your frustration in Burlington. I think I may know which congregation you're talking about. There are some good people there though, and I think you'd find some others like yourself in the nooks and crannies. I go to St. James United in Waterdown; we have a number of people coming from Burlington, if you ever need a ride. I'd say we're a middle of the road congregation (in terms of the liberal / conservative spectrum... ugh, I wish the church would get beyond those categories... but anyways) with both contemporary and traditional worship. You're more than welcome to check us out. Our webpage is www.stjameswaterdown.ca.
Peace.
AH

Hi Lynn - sorry to read about your frustration, but glad that you took the risk to speak up about it.

It seems to me the United Church is such an organic being that it does vary a lot from congregration to congregation - which makes it wonderful to me. I've seen the focus of congregations change over time, which I think is often a natural thing.

If your current congregation isn't meeting your needs, or matching your own beliefs at present, I guess there are a couple of choices. One would be to shop around for a church that seems a better "fit" for you.

The other is to check out whether others in your church are feeling similarly, but aren't speaking about it - maybe there are opportunities to launch new initiatives that might be more meaningful to you. I'm engaged in doing that in our church now, and it's pretty interesting.

Most importantly, don't become discouraged - find somewhere that's meaningful to you. Do a little shopping! ;-)

alwm - Probably the most progressive church in Burlington & Hamilton is Eternal Spring on Hamilton mountain (Ryamal Rd). It is a very small congregation but committed to progressive thinking.

I remember looking at the church's in Burlington and I think that Port Nelson would be the most progressive (but no first hand knowledge). I have attended a service at Wellington Square and found it extremely conservative.

Good luck with your search.

Cathi

alwm - a friend of mine is the minister at Appleby United in burlington. Check them out at www.applebychurch.ca . I can't characterize the congregation for you, but I can guarantee its not a conservatei group!

If you're looking for an accepting mix of traditional and liberal, I would love for you to visit my church. I grew up there ( my younger sister was baptized there when I was 1 1/2) and it's like a second family to me.

It's called Walton Memorial (www.waltonmemorial.com) and we have traditional services on Sunday as well as a more alternative complimentary service on Wednesday nights. It's in Bronte, the west end of Oakville, at Lakeshore Rd. W and Bronte Rd.

PLEASE message me if you've got any questions! I have never been to another United Church that feels as welcoming and accepting as my own - I know exactly what you mean when you say all churches are different.

alwm,

Hi,

The following are churches in the Oakville area.

I expect most of them are mid-ground congregations.

St. John's United Church
262 Randall St.
http://www.stjohnsunited.ca/doc/sjuc-0.htm

They have a happening Youth Group under Kim Belanger who I think very highly of. The Reverend Don Gibson is a very knowledgeable guy.

St. Paul's United Church
454 Randall St.
http://www.stpaulsoakville.com

I was priviledged to have the Reverend Paul Crittendon as my minister for a while several years back and I have had the priviledge of working as a colleague (pre-ministry) with the Reverend Lexie Chamberlain at Ryerson Camp.

Glen Abbey United Church
1469 Nottinghill Gate
http://www.glenabbeyunitedchurch.com

I've met the Reverend Jeff Crittendon (who is son to Paul above) and I think he is a good egg.

Walton Memorial
2489 Lakeshore Dr.
http://www.waltonmemorial.com

I have not had the pleasure of meeting any of the staff here. They have a great location though.

Trinity United Church
1250 McCraney East
http://www.trinityunited.com/

I have not had the pleasure of meeting any of the staff here either.

Maple Grove United Church
346 Maple Grove Drive
http://www.maplegroveunitedchurch.org/

There has already been testimonial on the thread about Maple Grove.

Munn's United Church
5 Dundas St E
http://www.munnsunited.com/index2.htm

The only thing I can say is that I have heard the name of this minister about.

Palermo United Church
2521 Dundas St W
http://www.palermounited.ca/

They have called a new minister and I have heard nothing about her.

Happy shopping.

Grace and peace to you.

John

I'm a member of fairly conservative United Church in southwestern Ontario. My experience from visiting other churches has been that, as one would expect, urban churches are generally more liberal (and thus in line with the currently doctrinal line of General Council.) I personally consider myself a fairly liberal Christian, despite the beliefs of my home church. I think the issue isn't so much whether or not your church is liberal or conservative, but whether your church is warm and welcoming or not. If your personal beliefs are strong enough, the persuasions of those around you should be of little consequence. We are lucky to be members/adherents of a church that allows for such great differences in individual beliefs. God Bless.

Hey Lyn.

You have to remember that Burlington is in the "bible belt" of Ontario ... I know this because I am in Bronte right next to you.

All the churches here are more fundamentalist in their approach.

Although I know this probably isn't 'acceptable' you could try a Unitarian Universalist church, which is very open, liberal and accepting of different ideas of faith.

The one in Mississauga is good ... I have been there.