Progressive church in Nova that isn’t creepily empty

[Anonymous]

We’re looking for a welcoming, progressive church where we can go to weekly services and volunteer for kind causes but when I try one there are so few people it’s too awkward and off-putting. I know it shouldn’t matter but pre-covid I tried four liberal, open minded churches that were great on paper but there were so few people. At one, the pastor basically kept making eye contact during the sermon like he was desperate for this fresh blood to like the place and come back.

Again, I know that’s shallow but I want to go somewhere that doesn’t feel like it’s about to be shuttered due to low attendance. Suggestions?

[Anonymous]

define "progressive." The Unitarian church near where I live has a traffic cops out in front directing traffic because so many people attend their services.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:define "progressive." The Unitarian church near where I live has a traffic cops out in front directing traffic because so many people attend their services.

UU of Fairfax?

[Anonymous]

Christ Church in Alexandria is progressive and has lots of in person attendees (and more watching services on line).

[Anonymous]

Does it matter what denomination? Also what are your requirements for it to be considered progressive? I visited a few mainline churches in Alexandria when I was trying to figure out what kind of church I wanted. I didn't end up going with any of them but Grace Episcopal was the only one that wasn't weirdly empty and didn't give me a weird vibe.

[Anonymous]

This kinda made me laugh, OP. Also many churches had maybe one or two young couples and they were just SO EXCITED to get us in. It was pure kindness, but as an introvert I just wanted to blend into the crowd for a few weeks and see if it was a good fit. Then the pandemic happened and I gave up. Back to working up the energy to try things out again. We are in DC

[Anonymous]

Rock Spring UCC!

https://www.rockspringucc.org

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does it matter what denomination? Also what are your requirements for it to be considered progressive? I visited a few mainline churches in Alexandria when I was trying to figure out what kind of church I wanted. I didn't end up going with any of them but Grace Episcopal was the only one that wasn't weirdly empty and didn't give me a weird vibe.

This. We need more information as to what you’re looking for.

[Anonymous]

I totally get it, OP! My husband and I were church shopping with our young kid pre-pandemic. Now we are back out again and it feels like vultures circling our young family!

Tell us more what you want. Contemporary, evangelical service? I find a lot of the Methodist churches are very progressive (too much for me but I hope you find something you like).

[Anonymous]

Our conservative, nondenominational Bible church is full.

[Anonymous]

The UU churches will attract the non-Christians looking for a progressive community. The more progressive mainline Christian denominations are struggling.

[Anonymous]

Try St. George’s Episcopal in Arlington. They resumed in person Sunday School today, and while in-person attendance is certainly down from 2020, it’s not “creepily empty”. You could probably search for today’s livestream on YouTube to see how full it was. They just finished installing a brand new organ, which you can read about here.

https://sungazette.news/new-organ-at-local-church-to-make-beautiful-music-for-centuries/

[Anonymous]

Sorry I don't have any suggestions for you, OP, but I wanted to let you know that I've also felt the awkwardness of being fresh blood at a service. My husband calls the over-eager clergy and members vampires. I get that it's exciting when new people show up, but geez, people, have some chill!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Rock Spring UCC!

https://www.rockspringucc.org

+1, I came here to say this!

[Anonymous]

Unitarian is the way to go if you want community and progressive.