I have not been to SOJI Zen sene before Covid 19 hit.I did go there in in the mid-teens. I really…read moreenjoyed it.q I fqinqd it to be very welcoming.

Five years ago I decided I need a more regular sitting practice and for that I needed a group, so I…read morestarted visiting different Buddhist groups and centers in the Philadelphia area. Soji Zen Center is the place that became home, for many reasons. The teacher, Shuzen Sensei, has been practicing and studying for over 30 years and his knowledge and insight is amazing. The people who practice at Soji are all wonderful--warm, dedicated and welcoming. And as someone who cares a great deal about diversity, I am thrilled that Soji not only has women and people of color attending, but women and people of color in positions of authority! The center is small but lovely and while not the most important point, the plentiful and free parking is a nice plus! Soji offers a huge range of options. Sundays there's service with a chanting of the Heart Sutra, three sitting sessions and a dharma talk. Thursday nights is more informal with three sittings. Monday nights there are two sittings. There are workshops on a variety of topics throughout the year, an intensive practice period from March to June and two yearly week long retreats. The center is welcoming to everyone from experienced Zen students to those who have never meditated before (there's free meditation instruction every Thursday) and you can grow your practice here with the guidance of a wonderful teacher and a caring community.

We raised two great kids within this congregation. We have been members over 27 years. We are…read morewelcoming and really live our mission to serve our neighbors. There is a lot about this church community which is really special. M and L

One of the most open minded and friendly congregations I have ever encountered. It will not matter…read morewhat your background or beliefs are you will be welcomed with open arms.

Keeping with their reputation, the Philadelphia Sikh Society is a very welcoming and caring group…read moreof people dedicated to service and the community. They make you feel very welcome and it is always very relaxing to sit and meditate during kirtan.

Masjid was clean and it's a bit more of an open concept where the ladies pray. However, this mosque…read moretakes it seriously that they don't want kids being kids during prayer times which was really discouraging.

The American Missionary Fellowship was based in Villanova, PA -- its Home Office, located in an old…read moremansion. I worked there for almost 3 years (1982 to 1985) in a responsible position as Confidential Secretary to the Director of Missions. Having retired to Penney Farms, Florida in 2011, I was asked to work for them again (2012 to 2014) as a "long-distance" volunteer, contacting candidate missionaries by phone. I'm not sure of the date, but after 2014, the Home Office moved to a modern building located in Exton, PA, and adopted the new name: InFaith. Their history is long. The Mission began as the American Sunday School Union in the early 1800's, establishing Sunday Schools all over the country, so-called because one of the goals was teaching people how to read, beginning with the Bible. Before that, they were known as The First Day Society, established in Philadelphia, PA, in 1791. They have always been multi-denominational. For a look, type: InFaith, Exton, PA into your search engine, and see the outreaches to farmers, inner cities, youth work, nursing homes, chaplaincy for firefighters and police, immigrants, teaching English as a second language, camping, and more. They have good reviews online. Best job I ever had! You can use my name: Nancy Moore

Saint Raphaela Center is a wonderful SPIRITUAL RETREAT CENTER in a gorgeous parklike setting just…read moreoutside of city center Philadelphia. It's an interfaith "resort" for the soul and spirit, run by progressive Roman Catholic nuns who are are kind, welcoming, and very encouraging of people of all faiths converging on their peaceful, beautiful RESIDENTIAL facility in order to meditate, or pray, for the purpose of refreshing one's spirit and calming one's mind. In May 2013 I attended a 2-night silent "Insight/Vipassana" meditation retreat idirected by Matthew Daniell (of the Cambridge Insight Meditation Society) who had in turn been invited to Haverford, PA by the Phildelphia Meditation Center. Note that non-Catholic retreats are not likely to be listed directly on St. Raphaela's retreat calendar - I suggest you google "meditation retreat + Saint Raphaela" to find a Buddhist-/meditation-oriented retreat scheduled at St. Raphaela . Depending on the retreat program you choose to attend you may be able to get a single room or a shared room. Accomodations are clean, bright and simple - NO frills, but cheerful, quiet and very comfortable. The nuns who run the retreat center are good cooks but don't expect the Four Seasons (the retreat I attended was lacto-ovo vegetarian). Desserts were REALLY yummy. ; )) The grounds are lovely and provide ample personal space for "retreatants" and lots of room for walking meditation. In short, you can experience a truly serene and "life-resetting" retreat experience here that is far less expensive that what you would pay at high price-tag "trendy" places like OMEGA or KRIPALU. Easy to get to from 'center city" Philadelphia by a quick commuter train ride plus a short taxi jaunt, or you can take a cab from the Philly city center all the way for about $45.

Modern, large Catholic Church on Rte 420 in Secane. Parking can be challenging as it was for me…read more Parking is in lines which can result in your being boxed in

Berean Bible Church has a beautiful yearly drive through Nativity. I highly recommend you see it at…read moreleast once in your lifetime. It is a wonderful experience for all ages for the Holidays. The actors reenact difference stories related to the birth and life of Jesus. It's usually only one weekend in December, so check their website. It is free, unless you want to give a donation. It's usually crowded so get there early. You can use your own car or ride their shuttle. Photos attached.