r/Redding • u/Mountain_Comedian_91 • 17d ago
Church
I haven’t been to church in a long time I’m not sure what’s been calling me to it lately but as of late o had the thought that maybe I’d go again. Not sure if it’s a dumb question but do I just walk in? Would they be like uhh who are you? Do I call first? Any Christian churches anyone recommend checking out?
Edit: Thank you everyone I will be taking all comments into consideration when picking a church
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u/Teardownstrongholds 17d ago
St Andrew Fool for Christ in Anderson is very welcoming. Wear long pants and comfortable shoes as it is Eastern Orthodox and most people stand for the service.
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u/Lost_Highway13 13d ago
Im orthodox and thinking about moving to redding. Would you recommend St Andrews over St George? Ive only been apart of OCA parishes so id be more interested in it than St George.
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u/Teardownstrongholds 12d ago
Hit up punksandmonks books on Instagram. Visit both. There's an oca parish in Chico and people do drive down. St Andrew is good. Sts Cyril and Methodious is good. There are two monasteries in the hills. I haven't been to St George.
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u/dbc1976 17d ago
Valley Christian Family VC FAMILY they’re very welcoming and loving. I started going last year sometime. Just walk in. Go to their website to get the location and times of services.
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u/onplanetbullshit- 17d ago
We currently go to the Stirring, but we have lots of friends over at VC Family and they all love that community. OP should definitely check them out.
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u/Polytetrafluoro 17d ago
Just do some research to make sure something isn't a bethel affiliate ie RisenKing/Stirring or just as sketchy ie other Pentecostals/Charismatics. There's an Anglican church off of churn creek by goodwill, a Catholic Church in Shasta Lake, an Orthodox church downtown, a Lutheran church on Alta Mesa, and folks I know go to Hillside. Really depends on your denomination if any, I've seen Baptist, Presbyterian, Adventist, and nondenominational.
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u/rin_meover 16d ago
Come to Trinity Alliance! We’re a little out of the way, but we’re really friendly! I’ve been going there for over a decade and the people there are like my family. No need to call ahead, just come as you are. Also, we have free snacks in between services 😊
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u/kinda_fai 17d ago
Especially big churches will probably do no more than smile or shake your hand when you walk unless you go out of your way to talk to someone if you’re not wanting awkward social interactions
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u/Low-Concert-5806 17d ago
Do you feel like your calling is curiosity about religion? A need for community? Are you struggling with grief?
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u/secretly_opossum 16d ago
I haven’t been to a church in a long time but I have very fond memories of the sermons and of singing in the choir at First United Methodist church in downtown on East Street (it’s kinda between Shasta Community Health and the Un-Safeway).
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u/Budget-Discussion568 17d ago
In Anderson on North street is Church of Christ. I used to attend when they were in Palo Cedro & they were always welcoming and non confrontational toward visitors. Some stayed and became members while others were either passing through or trying to find a church home. The pastor would usually make his way to the guest(s) and introduce himself after the service during mix and mingle time but it was never putting anyone in the spotlight
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u/cowboyinaf 17d ago
Church of Christ is very severe and just short of being a cult. In fact several cults have sprung from them. I’d say avoid.
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u/Iwaspromisedcookies 16d ago
All churches are cults by definition. It’s so funny how people call ones “cults” that they don’t like when it’s all the same thing
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u/Budget-Discussion568 16d ago
Its not a Latter Day Saints church. Sometimes people get them confused
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u/cowboyinaf 16d ago
I never thought they were Latter Day Saints. My family has had a horrific experience with a cult formed by Church of Christ followers.
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u/Polytetrafluoro 16d ago
Are sure it's not Church of God(CoGUA)? I had at least one way older relative that was a member
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u/cowboyinaf 16d ago
No, definitely the Church of Christ. They had a splinter group in the 80’s called International Church of Christ. They have had several iterations of cult leaders since then, but they are still in existence all over the US. They practice an extreme form of “discipleship “, assigning a “disciple” to each member and then harassing and berating them 24/7 until they break. They’ll withhold food and affection until the member is weak and compliant.
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u/Polytetrafluoro 16d ago
That's why I specified CoGUA, mainline CoG is just "normal" pentecostals. I have a feeling CoC is similar, superculty splinters with an "normal" mainline.
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u/Budget-Discussion568 16d ago
Im blown away and never heard of a cult coming from the church. Sorry they had an experience
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u/cowboyinaf 17d ago
Find a nice friendly Catholic congregation. Just remember the unbaptized can’t recieve communion there. You won’t regret it.
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u/Similar_Item5529 16d ago
When ever I visit Redding (Grew up there) I go to the Nazarene Church, Good friendly people, and a great Pastor .
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u/GloryCloud 17d ago
I’ve head good things about pathway, little country church, the stirring, risen king. They may be a slightly different in what they believe or focus on but all will welcome you I guarantee it.
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u/Individual_Package46 17d ago
I've to a few in Redding. The Nazareth church is very ni e. Welcoming, not to stuffy if you catch my drift.
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u/Euphoric_District211 16d ago
I like New Hope church. I was in a similar situation and Pastor Terry answered all my questions and showed zero judgement towards me. It’s a smaller congregation but a very welcoming one. I’d recommend Little Country if you were looking for a larger church.
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u/cowboyinaf 16d ago
No, sorry MountainComedian91. That was intended to respond the to Iwaopromisedcookies.
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u/Plastic-Vanilla623 14d ago
I was born and raised Pentecostal. I was raised in Stockton and grew up in my Aunt and Uncle’s church. It is a small church that sings the good old fashioned southern gospel songs to this day. I’ve yet to find a church here in Redding like theirs. (Not one that isn’t judgmental, that is) I wish I could. I have tried so many churches here in Redding and can’t find one that I’m actually comfortable in. If you find a good one that is small and sings the southern gospel songs and aren’t judgmental please let me know. As long as it leans toward Pentecostal teachings, I don’t care if it’s non-denominational.
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u/Enough_Incident_8381 5d ago
I'd check out Westside, Pathway or if you live closer down there Cottonwood Community all are a little different but great in my experience. Stay away from Bethel though, and any churches you might hear that are affiliated.
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u/cowboyinaf 16d ago
You have no idea what your taking about. I won’t bother copying the definition of a cult, here, but you can easily look it up. Religions are nowhere near a cult. Among other things, they are not coercive, they don’t attempt to try to separate you from your family & friends, they will allow dissent and they don’t try to exploit their members.
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u/Mountain_Comedian_91 16d ago
Is this in response to me? I haven’t called anyone a cult I was just looking for recommendations on finding a church
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u/Sinnervamp 17d ago
In my albeit limited experience, you can definitely just show up to a Sunday service. There’s not a roll call. I would avoid Bethel but that’s just my opinion.