Views from the Pews

My boyfriend asked me to attend church with him back in March of 2023.  It was the first time I attended a service that wasn't in a Catholic Church.  From the moment we walked in with our kids, you could feel the love from the entire church family.  My kids and I received a welcome like we had been there a million times before.  My 7 year old daughter fell in love with the Sunday School that day, and we've been coming back every week since then.  I've even joined some committees at the church.  ~CW

I like church because I like doing the activities downstairs during Sunday School.  I like that we get to have food with our friends after church - if we're hungry.  I like seeing all the friends I have made at church and I really love Vacation Bible School during the summer....we get ice cream at the end!  ~EW, age 8

 I decided to attend the Church in 2023 when I moved in Angola. And it was one of the best experiences I’ve had. Everyone welcomed me with open arms even though I am not from this country or born as a Christian. But they treated me as one of the family. Everyone is very friendly, loving and kind. The prayers and sermons add to the flavor. May Lord continue to bless the Church and the team.  ~MB

I don't think  I have ever been asked  this question...what my church means to me?

I guess it means the same as...breathing, eating and sunshine....there is no life without it!

My church is a living, natural part of me. It will always be "Home." ~JG

Around 2009, I decided I wanted to find a church that my family could belong.  At that time, I was pretty  much taking care of my granddaughter while my daughter worked long hours. I thought I would "church shop", and me and my granddaughter would start to explore churches.  We were both new to this area, so really didn't know anyone.  I had 3 things in mind that would make our search for a church perfect:  (1) Include the Bible in the sermon, (2) a good Sunday School for my granddaughter, and (3) a friendly and welcoming congregation.  Our search was on! At one church, the congregation was not so friendly or welcoming, another church had a very boring Sunday School, and one church they only sang for the entire hour.  The last church only had 4 people in the church - including the Pastor!  I was losing any hopes of finding the perfect church since we had already attended at least 4.  My daughter recently went to a Baptism and said that the church holding the service was a really good one!  So, once again, my granddaughter attended this church that my daughter recommended.  To me, this church was such a blessing! The church had EVERYTHING (plus more!) that we wanted! Since that first day, the United Church of Christ in Angola, NY became OUR church.  The congregation has become family, and I love every one of them! This is such an active church and everyone looks after all the people.  We have all gone through happy times and also rough times, but we always pulled through.  I feel that GOD has blessed me with this wonderful church!  ~PWC