Do you like music? Do you like singing? Do you like gathering together with friends in the spirit…read moreof a shared faith in the equality and dignity of each person as a child of god? Great! Come to P'nai or - you'll feel welcomed and at home.

I "discovered" P'nai Or after a few years "trying out" the various other shuls in Portland. I was…read morelooking for a service in which I wsa a participant, not a spectator, and which brought joy and a feeling of belonging into religious observances that elsewhere were formulaic and meaningless. P'nai Or delivers on all of these counts. I've also found a deeply caring "family" where I can feel at home. The services are mostly in Hebrew, but also mostly musical, and filled with dance and warmth. The leaders explain what is going on, and there is no mumbling in an undertone! Everyone is made welcome, regardless of their level of knowledge. Whenever I take part in a service, I come away invigorated, and wishing I could attend more often.

I've never been to this church, but this is the first time that they're hosting the fest Italiana…read morein Portland at this location as it had moved to Gresham before and prior to that another location that didn't really work well and then before that it has always been at the Square. That was a great location, but this is something new and in an Italian church so it's been a great experience. The food is good, the music is good, the merchandise and everything about it is really refreshing and I'm hoping they do it again here next year and don't have to keep moving. Ciao!

A wonderful Spiritual Home…read more I have been going to St. Philip Neri since 1985 and I have found my spiritual home here. The current Priest, Fr. Rick Paprinni is funny, wise, and caring. He really is trying to help the parish grow and overcome some of the stumbling blocks that can affect any church. The people, for the most part, are warm and welcoming and every year, the Peace and Justice Committee sponsor a wonderful Thanksgiving Dinner in partnership with New Seasons Market located across the street. On the third Sunday of the month the Altar Society puts on a delicious French Toast Breakfast for only 5.00. I invite anyone and everyone to come join us at either 4.00 on Saturdays or 9:30 on Sundays.

"Coincidence is God's Way of Remaining Anonymous" - Albert Einstein…read more My recent visits to the old Jewish Communities in Belmonte and Tomar Portugal has gotten me thinking lately about my own religious observance. I've fallen off the grid over the last few years, mostly due to the negligence (in my opinion) of a few East Bay synagogues regarding my son's Jewish education. I figured that if he wasn't welcome there, I wasn't going to walk through their doors either. But I really miss the Ruach Elohim (God's Spirit), and sensing that, Gayle has suggested that we try out a few places closer to our home in Pleasant Hill. And since my son now spends most of his time in Portland, it might be the right time for T'shuvah (repentance and return). I was pondering all this last Sunday as I was on my walk from the Pearl District towards Nob Hill (via the Alphabet District). At one point, I noticed this stunning Byzantine-style building and decided to come over, take a look, and wander around the associated campus. I also paused to sit and have a good think. As it turns out I had arrived at Beth Israel, a Reform Synagogue founded in 1858, and before Oregon became a State. My thoughts went all the way back to January 1979, when I first converted to Judaism in Houston Texas ( while I was a student at Texas A&M). The Conservative ceremony (including Mikvah and Bet Din) was held at United Orthodox Synagogue, but under sponsorship of Congregation Beth Yeshurun. Even 30 years later, I still remember that day and the mensch that made it all possible - Rabbi Moshe Cahana (Z"L). I still have the conversion papers with his signature, and fondly remember the classes, my conversations with him, and of course my "efforts" to extract that ritual drop of blood. And in the present day, maybe I've disappointed him. And once home, I looked up Beth Israel on their website and paused when I noticed the name of the Senior Rabbi....Michael Cahana, his son. It's time.

Use this as a point of reference for truly one of the most awesome areas in Portland. Walking…read morearound the synagogue, you can see amazing old-style buildings, houses, and grand streets.

Feeling very welcomed as a first time visitor!…read more My wife and I attended the Sunday morning church service. This is a grand old building established in 1890 on the south park blocks, downtown Portland, across from the Museum of Art. The main sanctuary is majestic with stained glass, a pipe organ, wood plank ceilings with exposed beams, wood carved features on the alter, pillars, and pews--architecturally a dramatic place for a worship experience. Many religious wood carvings, i.e. Jesus on the cross hang along one wall--the quality of art you may see in the gallery across the street. The worship flowed traditionally led by the senior pastor whose message from the book of Luke affirmed we are all acceptable in "God's club." The pastor provided many anecdotes with the right touch of humor in his message. After the service we were pleasantly greeted and stayed for an hour in conversation with members over cake and coffee. We even sat in on "Open Spaces" where those in attendance informally discuss topics the group proposes. If you are looking for a Sunday worship service, a spiritual connection or seeking a place of unconditional love--St. James Lutheran church seems like a safe place. Check their website calendar for special events. We attended their Bach Cantata which was performed with a small symphony, choir and soloists as good as you can expect at the Schnitzer Hall. They also feature many jazz events, more cantatas, and readings too! As a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, St. James welcomes people of all races, cultures, ethnicities and, as a Reconciling in Christ congregation, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities (http://stjamespdx.org).

I'm very seriousl in my journey--connecting and taking Jesus Christ very seriously. I've come to…read moreknow Him for myself . I want to be like Him--not a laughing matter. The world I see around me misses the great blessing of the teching our Lord Jesus Christ. Whare do you fit ine? I'm coming to visit your church very soon. I'm about my Father's business--Jesus Christ said. Me too. James 1: 22.-23. Love you!

This beautiful, historical Church is a stand out! It's hard to walk or drive by without taking a…read morepause to marvel at the gorgeous architecture and grand presence. Walking the grounds on a lovely Spring day when the daffodils and cherry blossom trees are in bloom, is so relaxing and the perfect way to find calm and get grounded. Even though they are located in a busy residential area, it is so peaceful here. The sounds of cars just seem to magically, or maybe spiritually, disappear. While I'm not a member of this church, I've visited often since I used to live in Hollywood, the next neighborhood over. The building itself is quite large as it contains the church plus several other structures that serve as school, classes and offices. The structure surrounds a sanctuary perfect for resting and meditating. The stain glass windows, artwork, gardens, stonework and architecture are just so incredibly beautiful. All are welcome to attend services, which I have done on occasion. I've always felt welcome. This church has many programs, classes and an extensive outreach to those that are home bound as well as homeless. Right now the cherry blossoms and daffodils are in full bloom (3/31/21) and I highly recommend taking a stroll around the grounds and rejoice in the rebirth of Spring.

What a welcoming and blessed church this has been as I moved to Portland in 2021. The music is…read moremasterful and beautiful with traditional hymns and classical music that lifts you to the heavens. There is excellent support for non traditional families and an all-embracing agenda to unite people in Christian worship and to live our life in the path that Jesus modeled. And when we don't, theres always encouragement to try again.

This is my church I went to as a child. I returned after many years so it's like coming home. I…read morereally like Father Crispin's sermons and he is very kind and uniting. The music is beautiful but the volume is so loud. It's my only complaint.

I was looking for a nice church to hopefully find a community in, and instead I found nothing but…read morerude and vain individuals that made it clear they were unwelcoming to new people. Even Father Crispine couldn't bother to give me any grace or kindness and instead hurried me along when I tried to introduce myself. The feeling I got was that he felt insulted I would even consider myself worthy to speak to him. Not a warm place, and not what you expect from a house of the Lord. It's a shame because I think there is a school or a childcare attached to the church and the voices of the children playing outside brings so much joy, but I don't think they're apart of the church because I was told the Father isn't allowed to interact with the kids in the community which is strange and must mean they are unaffiliated.

Good service and good people had a good time ,youth services on Wednesdays are good and community…read moreis nice.

Reveal Services on Wednesday's are in English and they are LIFE CHANGING. While Sunday's are kind…read moreof split between Romanian & English speakers, Sunday's are very wonderful as well. God is really moving in this church and I'm excited to see what the future holds!!

It was my Home Church for years, when I moved, I transferred to another Episcopal Church, in my…read moreneighborhood. I Love Both of Them. Always Friendly People, and Kind. Very comfortable.