I have attended a United Church, but only now and again...I've been just as likely to go to an Anglican church too....when I go to any church that is, which isn't too often. I found out about WonderCafe.ca through the media reports about the advertising....so I guess in an indirect way the advertising is working. Well, it's got me here anyway. Is that the point?

I go to two churches, in two different denominations, neither of them United; my dad works in media and sent me a bulletin about the Wondercafe campaign, and I was curious and excited for a church-sponsored forum for open discussion. So yes, I guess advertising played a part.

I learned about WonderCafe when I looked at the front page of the Globe and Mail earlier this week.

I was quite surprised that a Church would reach out like this to encourage people to ponder and discuss their faith. I do not belong to any denomination of religion, but I am a person of faith who is always exploring. When I learned of this site I thought it would be a great way to add to my travels in finding my way.

So yes, the advertising did work for me. It didn't make me a United Christian on the spot of course, but it is helping me open up and more willing to have discussions of faith.

I have never gone to the UC and I must say I find the discussions here exciting and stimulating. I think you have provided a much needed opportunity for open dialogue. Way to go UC!!

For those of you who have been intrigued by the content of this site do you feel that interpreting this campaign as a means to put butts in pews as subversive or have you ever gotten the impression that putting butts in the pews was ever the intention? Put another way, is the intention of the United Church of Canada to help connect with dreaming people or is it about putting butts in pews thus getting people to contribute financially to a local congregation?

Peace,

Adam

I attend a Baptist church, but the conversations here are stimulating. I find myself looking through the bible, looking for answers for those who have questions.

This site can be good in the sence people can ask, but there will be conflict!!

~DustiN~

Part of the intention is to try to attract people to church by breaking the stereotypes about it.
But I also think that at least as big a part of it is the desire to spark discussion. To get people talking about issues and give them a place to do that.
And even though I'm already someone who attends the United Church, I'm really excited about this. It means I get to talk about issues with all sorts of people, and hear views that I might not get a chance to hear otherwise.

I'm United from birth. I found out about this place by seeing the Jesus/Santa ad in Canadian Living though.

i saw the ad for this on my web browser.

HI Kilnerad - YES YES YES The advertising is brilliant and definitely got me to come (repeatedly) to this site. The ads are provocative and definitely make you think.

The ads worked for my father. He directed me to the site. So yes, I guess the ads worked.

I don't think that the UCC seeks to put "butts in pews"... I don't think many people who spend some - lots of time on this site will get up Sunday morning with any particular desire to attend Church unless they already had that desire.

The main thing this has that sitting at Church doesn't, is the discussion. Although I have heard my minister say a lot of very thought provoking things in the few times I have attended Church, I've always had a greater preference for dialoging about beliefs and ideas.

Ideas are most meaningful when you can talk about them.

Cheers!
ByOurLove

The ad that brought me here was the baby with the hospital bracelet warning. (So I'd say that the advertising is working - since they posted this ad in a parenting magazine) I attend a baptist church, but does it matter which demonation we all belong to when their is only one God...isn't that the only thing that matters?

amen, klj!!!

I would like to welcome all newcomers to the Cafe. Keep an eye out for Wonder Party threads and I guarantee you will have a good time.

Yes the advertising definitely works very well. I saw it in the Toronto Star/Sun and on T.V. before I came here. I tell lots of people about this forum. Its the best and the busiest on the World Wide Web! Thanks to the U.C.!

I found this site quite by accident when registering for the 'Emerging Spirit' courses. Truth be told, I've never seen the ads.

I'm an Anglican who was attracted to this site. I like the free wheeling discussions, I was deleted from the system under my old name, SLJudds. I suspect there is a software problem. My queries have gone unanswered.
If I have offended anyone, please let me know.
Paranoia runs in my family - especially with me.

I wouldn't think there's a problem with your posts StephenJ. I remember another poster had to resubmit his alias and added a 2 to his name because of a problem.

I enjoy your posts. Thanks for letting us know of the change of name so we'll "know" you.

Yes the ad's worked, saw them in the Reader's Digest.

WELCOME TO WONDERCAFE TLC52!!!!!!!

Make sure you pop in to the "NEVER POSTED? This thread is FOR YOU!!!" thread that's on this "Social" board so that you can introduce yourself and receive your welcome basket from Busymom (at least, I think it was her).

Yes, It Has