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[quote=Anonymous]PP here again. My experience going to mainline Protestant churches, and for that matter Catholic churches, is you go, you are greeted, there is music and reading from scripture and preaching (not too long), hymns to sing along with if you choose, a chance to shake the pastor or priest's hand on the way out, and usually some sort of chance to socialize (coffee hour or similar) afterwards. There will be a printed bulletin that contains everything you need to know to follow along with the service.

People might ask your name and if you're new here, but no one EVER asks what you believe or why you're there, except maybe in the most well-intentioned, "What brings you here today?" way, to which you can answer, "I've been curious about church."

But really, the experience is about listening and learning and taking in the ritual and vibe of that particular church. Churches with more ritual (Episcopalians, for example) know that not everybody is familiar with the ups and downs and ins and outs. There are always people, longtime attendees included, who don't sing along or recite the responses and prayers or do any of the things, and others who do ALL the things, some of which still confuse me after a lifetime in the church. No judgment. You can just observe and contemplate and join in to the extent you feel comfortable.[/quote]

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