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.

Great church. There are usually three services,…read more 8:45 AM Classical 10:00 AM Contemporary 11:30 AM Contemporary There is a worship team for the contemporary services and a choir for the classical. Hospitality team to greet you, great childcare, coffee, wonderful sermons and more.

A church of compassionate people who adhere to true scripture. They are diverse group of people who…read moreunify a community of different faiths and ethnicities.

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.

This weekend we stopped in at The First Congregational Church of Hatfield for their yearly…read moreChristmas craft fair. When we entered the building we were warmly greeted by their parishioners who gave us information on the different rooms. The craft fair overall was great, and every year we visit we end up buying a new building for our winter village. When it come to the service at this congregation, the church itself is gorgeous and the mass is amazing. We have come to mass here in the past and we have enjoyed how warm the community of parishioners are, especially for visitors. In the end, this is a great parish to not only attend masses, but to also spend time with their parishioners when they hold their community events. Their craft fair is great and we will continue to come every year!

Spirit-filled and progressive church with worship Sunday at 10:30 am, Sunday school and childcare,…read moreyouth group, Not Bread Alone meal program at noon on Saturday and Sunday.

From the owner: Jamba Juice Company is a global healthy lifestyle brand that inspires and simplifies healthful…read moreliving through freshly blended whole fruit and vegetable smoothies, bowls, juices, cold-pressed shots, boosts, snacks, and meal replacements. Jamba blends are made with premium ingredients free of artificial flavors and preservatives so guests can feel their best and blend the most into life. Jamba Juice has more than 900 locations worldwide.

This weekend while at UMass we spent some time at the Newman Center for our Pre-Cana. We are UMass…read moreAlumni and thought that it would be great to do our classroom portion here since we have spent so much time in this building between Masses and the Cafe. The Newman Center is just how we remember it. The priest and parish members here are extremely welcoming and polite. The center is always open to the public and the cafe in the basement is an incredible space to spend time with friends as well as grab some grub. Overall, this is a great place to come to both worship and feed you stomach.

Props to the Newman Center for trying to keep the vibe alive on campus…read more - I liked this center because they had a big hall downstairs that you could study in, and break up your time with snacks from their counter, as well as maybe a pinball game or two. - I did manage to go to a service or two while I was here. They were always packed, for some reasons. SINNERS!!!! But yeah they were fine.

Grace United has such warm loving, excepting, wonderful people. Come join us. Pastor Steve is…read moreamazing

From the owner: Grace United is a Jesus loving, Grace relating, Gospel proclaiming church in Northampton, MA. Come…read morejoin us! Our MISSION is to help people to soar in their relationship with Jesus Christ. Grace United meets every Sunday, 10:00 AM in the cafeteria at Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School in Northampton, MA. Come as you are. We have a great time together, we have a great band, a great teacher, and a wonderful vibe. We worship together, we learn, we laugh together and throughout it all God teaches us, loves on us, and matures us.