I'll admit it. I don't have much church experience (I was raised by Buddhists and Jews)…read more But I've seen a lot of churches on TV and in film (mostly mob movies), so I had a good idea what I was getting into when I showed up here on Christmas Eve. It was quite confusing though when the pastor didn't want to hear about the shoplifting I'd done as a teenager, the premarital sex,* the rampant gluttony I exhibit on a daily basis, etc. He kept saying odd things like, "This isn't that kind of church," and, "That's disgusting," and, "Stop following me!" Anyway, it turns out this isn't that kind of church. I guess Catholics are the ones with the confessions, and this is a united church of the American Baptist Churches USA and United Church of Christ, the largest Protestant denomination in Massachusetts. I'm not exactly sure what that means, worship-wise, in comparison to other churches, but from what I can tell from a Christmas Eve visit, First Churches is a lovely place. It's huge, with a pretty sweet organ, and everyone is extremely nice and welcoming even if you're clearly a horribly underdressed Buddhist Jew. Their church mission statement (motto?) is also full of things I've got to agree with, like 'protect the environment, forgive often, reject racism,' etc. I especially have to agree with "enjoy this life." That's important, and wasn't always a tenet of Christianity, if I've read history correctly. I don't know if every service is the same, but on Christmas Eve, it's less being berated re: fire and brimstone, and more like a nice concert that you participate in. There are plenty of instruments (the aforementioned organ, some woodwinds, even a bell concert like the one Winston got into on New Girl), lots of singing, and it's generally very musical. The grand finale is when everyone lines up in a huge circle, lights candles, and sings Silent Night, which apparently has way more words than I originally thought. It was very pleasant, and not a single person told me I was going to hell. By the way, you should probably bring small cash bills, because APPARENTLY it's not considered proper etiquette to throw a $20 in the collection plate and then root around for change. You're welcome. ____________ *This would've been an exaggeration, anyway. I'm still holding out hope that I'll one day engage in post-marital sex.

This a wonderful, loving, Christ-centered church. Your first visit you will feel like family. The…read morepreaching is energetic and always has a great message. The worship band and choir are awesome. Once you come to this church, you will never want to leave.

This church has become my spiritual home. Why? Its quiet setting, it's traditional look. Sure. But,…read moremore importantly, its wise and funny congregation. Its thought-provoking and contemporary sermons. Its beautiful and wide-ranging music. And a post-service coffee hour at which you'll want to stay all afternoon.

Mercyhouse has been an awesome church to me in my time here at college. They preach both truth and…read moregrace, not one over the other. I have built so many awesome gospel-centered friendships here, and that's not even the part I'm most impressed about. The part I love is that this is a church built on God himself via prayer and God's word. This a church built by God, not by people.

MERCYhouse is a great, tight knit community and very friendly church. They offer non-denominational…read moreservices in Amherst for the entire 5 College and Pioneer Valley community. Robert delivers great sermons and really makes you feel welcome. Proselytizing isn't my thing (I feel that people come to God by choice, not by force/coercion), and MERCYhouse won't do that to you. Lois is fantastic. I remember when she first started at MERCYhouse and got the women's ministry going. She is awesome, and I wish that she was closer so I'd be able to still be a part of her ministry.

I had to post this comment as there is one on this yelp page that does not reflect the philosophy…read moreof this church. I think the one star rating given by a visitor is not fair. This is a Bible believing church who preaches the gospel in the love of Jesus Christ. It is by far one of the friendliest churches I have ever been to. The pastor and his wife are delightful people who love Jesus and walk the walk. I'm not sure what happened that would make someone give them a one star rating. I can say with 100% confidence that those who are in charge at the church are true Christians. You cannot blame a church for what its parishioners may do outside of that church. I highly recommend this church to new and old Christians alike.

A beautiful historic church with an awesome multi stage organ. Super friendly people. Diverse…read moreparish. The Bishops home parish. Many musical presentations including the chores. the organ, strings, piano and wind instruments. A great choral program. Sister Eileen is wonderful.

Visitanos y no se arrepentirá. Tuve el privilegio de visitar este lugar y me lo gocé de principio a…read morefin pues le dan libertad al Espiritu de Dios y muestran misericordia. No hay religiosidad allí, solo verdadera adoracion al que merece toda la gloria DIOS TODOPODEROSO.