I've been to a lot of different churches in a lot of different states but this one was a first…read more I had never been to a bilingual service before but what are you going to do as Catholicism has never been a big thing anywhere on the Eastern Shore so there were no other choices in the nearby vicinity which meant this was going to be where we were going to get our Jesus on. So the set up was simple yet bizarre: The church is very small set back in a cut of trees along Coastal Blvd. in a way that if you're going too fast you'll probably blow right by it. Very informal non-paved gravel/stone parking lot I don't know the actual seating capacity but maybe a hundred tops and as an FYI the kneelers are easily the hardest kneelers that I have ever felt in my life. It's like your kneeling outside on the gravel parking lot. If you're into a little Opus Dei style self flagellation these kneelers will scratch that itch big time. The actual mass was entirely in Spanish for the music with everything else in the Liturgy of the Word in English and during the Liturgy of the Eucharist going back and forth between English and Spanish. I shouldn't make fun of the music as it looked like a family affair with one guy on guitar, one guy on keys, one guy on bass and a few kids taking turns hitting some congas but apparently they only know one tempo because every song was in the same key at the same tempo. It was nice and appropriate but it felt somehow like a Spinal Tap-ish moment that later on I had to laugh about. Father Roger was also very gracious with how he thanked any travelers/tourists for stopping by during mass and personally after mass. Overall while a bit different than what I'm accustomed to this one was interesting and one that I won't forget.

Beautiful church that I enjoyed visiting and attending a service on a blustery January day. The…read moreweather kept most of the tourists at bay so I'm sure the Parishioner to Visitor ratio was high. The service was a classical Episcopalian service but without music. Probably because I am an early riser and attended the 8:00am service. For some reason they did not want participants to perform intinction (dipping bread in wine). In this post pandemic world, I don't know if that's for "health" reasons or if it's just a "house rule". Either way, it was novel for me. Definitely a wonderful living historical building that's almost a must visit location. I still remember a PBS woodworking show visiting to see the old carpentry in the building and would have loved to tour the building more on another visit.

Stopped in to visit this historic and beautiful church that is celebrating its 350th birthday this…read moreyear. So glad we did. The gentleman was very informative. Note the famous historical attendees' names on the pews.

Background: For those who didn't know, I'm half Thai and half Cambodian. Our New Year (in addition…read moreto other Southeast Asian countries such as Laos, Burma, Sri Lanka, etc.) is traditionally celebrated on April 13/14 and lasts for three whole days before the rainy season begins. I've gone to Wat Lao a few times over the years and I'm glad that I have a slice of my culture only 45 minutes away from home! The temple is located approximately 15 minutes past Manassas and there's plentiful parking around it. They have huge festivals for the Southeast Asian New Year and July 4th. Even if you're not Buddhist or Southeast Asian, you can still attend the festivals held at the temple. A small donation is suggested before you enter. In addition to tons of food vendors (pretty much any Southeast Asian food you can think of), they also have music, traditional dancers, and other entertainment throughout the grounds.

40th Annual Lao New Year Celebration reminded me how there is so much to explore in life. It was…read moreone of the best festivals I have attended. I met so many incredibly welcoming Lao people that do not stay shy to talk with you or explain some things. There is so much to see at the Buddhist compound and it is very peaceful, as if all the Buddhist reincarnations have taken a place already in order to create very friendly and calm people. There are markets with various products and clothes. Very popular booth was the one with Thai doughnuts made by friendly elderly Laotian couple. The whole atmosphere felt more festive and less commercialized then I am used to at other festivals. There is a stage with music/dance and there was a lot of food. It is very children friendly. My son loved letting fish in the pond for good luck (blessing) and he skipped other rites - food offering or water spilling. Interesting food item was sticky rice in a bamboo stick. You get it for $2 and they cut it with the machete and you enjoy food after you split the bamboo sides. There were all standard grilled items and pho's and fried vegetables. The food was cheaper than normal - great Pad Thai was $5 instead of usual $7. I felt so good at the festival and the access is the highway all the way, except for the last 4 scenic miles. I used to think of November as my favorite month because all the great local Scandinavian bazaars, but April is now so interesting with all the local South Asian New Year celebrations. Happy Lao New Year! P.S. They have two festivals a year - one in mid-April and another one on July 4th.

Visiting from California, we felt welcomed from the moment we arrived. Church announcements showed…read moreus how much the congregation cared for their young and being raised with family and Christ. The preaching was right on, starting from the Book Of Mark and drawing on gospel content and making application to current life and struggles. It is obvious that Jesus is the bedrock of this congregation. Come and worship!

This was our second time attending the church. It was on Easter Sunday. The choir had an Easter…read moretribute that was very nice. The atmosphere is definitely Southern Baptist and the pastor is an amazing speaker. He he has a unique Martin Luther King Jr. sound. It is close to the College of William and Mary and definitely a great place to attend if you are looking for a place to worship.

Such a great place to find the answers and peace that you are looking for. Tonight a special…read morehealing service which left all with a wonderful feeling of peace and comfort! All the lectures are inspiring and motivating, Healing is offered 30 minutes prior to every service, psychic fair is offered the 2nd Saturday of every month and spiritual development classes on Monday nights. If you have ever wondered about the spirit world or know that there are people out there with special gifts and even if you are looking at those gifts within yourself- you have found the right place. Remember that just one of the Principles of the Spiritualist Church is the Golden Rule- "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you". It is a safe place to explore all that is. I am blessed to have found a Church home that is so open and honest and has allowed me to prosper on my Spiritual Journey.

Wow, I can review my synagogue? Neat!…read more In case people are actually looking on Yelp for insights on whether to attend religious services when they're visiting Williamsburg, I wholeheartedly recommend Temple Beth El to you. Here are some things you might want to know before you go: -The synagogue is not affiliated with a movement. This is maybe my favorite thing about it, but it is likely not to be exactly what you're used to no matter what movement you're a part of. Certainly, the advantage is that you'll meet Jews of all shapes, sizes, and persuasions here. -Shabbat services: Ma'ariv is 7:30 year-round, Shacharit is 10:00 AM year round, but they only have Shacharit services once a month (usually first Saturday) during summer. -The congregation is small enough that visitors are usually recognized and possibly asked to introduce themselves during the announcements before the conclusion of the service. -Likewise, if you stand for kaddish, you may be asked if you would like to share a memory of your loved one. You should feel free to accept or decline this invitation. To me it's a pretty heartwarming custom, and I very much enjoy hearing others' memories, but we are all very respectful of those in mourning and do not want to make them feel uncomfortable. If anyone has any other questions about Beth El, I was a Sunday school teacher here for a year and spent many more attending services, so please feel free to send me a message.

Very friendly Highly recommend this Church…read more The whole family loves this Church Service is at 11:00 Sunday

Love this church. They have Sunday School for children through adults. Worship service starts at…read more11:00 on Sundays. They also have children and youth programs on Wednesdays. I really liked Pastor Richard's sermon on January 7th.