Amazing church has a lot of spirit,and energy. The place can feel like a church would in Ethiopia.read more

I've had the opportunity to visit All Souls Fellowship in Decatur twice. The first time was on a…read moreSunday morning at their 9:00 service and the second was last night at their Ash Wednesday service. When I was first invited to the church, I was a little skeptical since it's website said that it was committed to "Catholic Doctrine". I'm not Catholic, and so I had no idea what that meant, and I wasn't sure I wanted to. BUT I continued to read and my fears were relieved. Their service was completely biblical, humble and peaceful. The pastor was somewhat casual in his presentation of the Word, but very reverent to the presence of God. The church is small maybe about 85-100 members (2 services). No Flashing moving lights and rock and roll fake worship, just hymns and songs I didn't know, but songs that were pure truth. It felt like church, like a community of lovers of Jesus and not 'The hang out spot only second to the club.' Last night was also my first time participating in an Ash Wednesday service! I loved it! There was a true seriousness there. I've always seen Ash Wednesday as a cultural fad for people my age, only wanting to be able to walk around to proclaim what they were "giving up" for lent, a big LOOK AT ME! sign for the forehead. I think that's still true for a lot of people (which is nothing any of us can control) but this experience was real...for me at least. I got to learn what the ashes represent and lent and why it's an important part of Christian tradition (not to be absorbed in tradition, but to allow it to point us to Jesus). I still haven't checked out the small group near me, in Little 5 but I will be doing that next week! This is the last part of me deciding whether I want to become a member. I've been looking for an authentic place of worship since I recently moved to Atlanta, so I hope this is it! We shall see. You should check it out! It is probably really different for most, but God is there. http://www.allsoulsfellowship.org/index.html

Poor Ushers. They do not allow you to seat yourself. Very controlling. Ruins the service…read moreexperience!

One of the ushers touched my aunt's shoulder and told her that she could not move seats, during…read moreservice. My aunt has bad eyesight and was seated in the back, despite coming on time. There were so many empty seats up front, so she tried to move closer. After this incidence, my family has not been back. This was completely unnecessary.

My car broke down in front of the church around 4:30 on a Monday. It was 95 degrees outside and I…read moream 9 months pregnant. I was told I would not be able to wait inside. Seems ungodly to me.

I grew up in this lovely church and now it is even more special to me. The people are beautiful…read moreChristians with love in their hearts for everyone. I am grateful to have this opportunity to get to know this loving community once again.

New Pastor. No politics just Jesus. Wonderful sermons and peopleread more

I've been sending my kids to Briarlake stuff for a few years now and just started attending about 6…read moremonths ago. They have great programs for kids of all ages, especially their sports leagues and summer camps/VBS. It's awesome to see how many in the church volunteer to serve the community through these efforts. Their contemporary services are at 10:15 and 11:30 in the Backlot building (drive around the front of the church). They've got great musicians leading the worship time. Check it out!

I learned about the Shambhala Center through a meditation class I'd taken at the Decatur Y. It's a…read moregreat place to quiet your mind. MEDITATION Meditation relieves stress by focusing attention inward to induce a state of deep relaxation. Evidence shows it relieves anxiety, pain and depression. SHAMBHALA/MEMBERSHIP The community practices the teachings of basic goodness. Members "make a connection to mindfulness-awareness practice and work to integrate it into daily life." Volunteers conduct most activities. Dues, donations and program fees sustain the center. Membership is voluntary and open to anyone from any background, culture or faith. No-one is excluded because of money. SPACE Across from the Suburban Plaza, the beautiful main meditation hall is surrounded by a few smaller cottages for retreats, meetings and admin space. Parking is free. The lobby welcomes you with tea, coffee, cookies and warm faces. There's a cubby room for coats and shoes, going shoeless isn't required. There are cozy rooms with pillows on the floor. The Shrine Room is for open house & large classes. OPEN HOUSE Free! 9:30am Sundays and 7pm Tuesdays in person and via zoom. Chant at 9:30am, meditate at 10am, discuss at 11:30am. Drop in or leave at any time. PROGRAMS/INCLUSION There are a variety for classes for vows, beginners etc. Some last a few hours, others 6 weeks. Cost - $0 to $100+ but a discount can be requested. There's an online class open to people of color every 2nd Monday at 7pm. The Queer Dharma LGBTQ-QIA2 Sangha is a community of meditation practice founded & hosted by LGBTQ. One Breath, not affiliated with Shambhala, is a "Buddhist-flavored" meeting 3x per week for those in recovery. MY EXPERIENCE I took the 3 hour $20 "Start, Restart Your Meditation Practice Class" for newbies, bring a friend for free. I sipped tea, made small talk and entered the warm and inviting Shrine Room. There was plenty of natural light with cushions, chairs, blankets and good energy. Seasoned instructor Valerie was funny and relaxed. We learned breath, posture, where to place our hands etc. We did seated and walking meditations and even went outside. There were lots of breaks to ask questions and each meditation was 2 - 10 minutes, perfect for beginners. SUM Shambhala is a wonderful place to learn and to practice meditation. Check out the website, drop in to Open House and take a class. You don't have to be Buddhist, the center is free and welcoming to all!

Great place to visit, meditate, learn, and engage with people. The Shambhala Meditation Center of…read moreAtlanta welcomes all. Come just for a vist; come join our vibrant sangha.