Forestdale is a Congregational church. It has two Sunday morning services at 8:30 and 11:00 (except…read morein the summer when they have one service at 10:00), Sunday school for adults and children, prayer groups, and various fellowship opportunities for people to get together. But it is the members that make it special. They are warm and welcoming, encouraging newcomers to come back without making them feel pressured, making them feel like family without making them feel judged. It has been my church for years so I might be bias but I believe that if you are looking for a group of God-loving people to worship and fellowship with you won't go wrong with Forestdale.

Forestdale Community Church is a small but wonderful church full of God-loving members who are…read moreready to welcome anyone through the front door. There are two morning services at 8:30 and 11am along with Bible Studies in the summer, Sunday School for children and adults, nursery during the service and Fellowships between services which is spent catching up with each other, meeting new faces, and relaxing with a cup of coffee. The sermons, songs and scripture are one of the many reasons I love Forestdale so much. You will always feel welcomed when walking into Forestdale Community Church and leave not only feeling loved but knowing your faith and love for God has grown during your time here.

Dynamic community of believers! When we moved to the North Shore, this was the first church we…read morevisited, and the last. It is so refreshing to find an authentic church full of loving people. Contemporary and upbeat, living out the call of Christ.

A worshiping Christian community; member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)…read more I am a longtime member and consider this my home church. We are a welcoming and musical church. We love to sing and many members play a musical instrument. We use all of these talents to make worship fun and meaningful. Come and see for yourself! www.firstlutheranmalden.org

St. Camillus is the sister parish to St. Agnes in Arlington Central with the clergy splitting their…read moretime between the two churches. Their masses on Sunday are 9am and 11am, staggered between those of St. Agnes. While the setting for the church along side the busy route 2 freeway leaves something to be desired, the location affords the major plus of an extremely large parking lot. The church building itself is a mid-20th century design with open beam ceilings, exposed tan brick walls, and a bell tower placed behind the tabernacle. The basement contains a large, but low-ceilinged and slightly dingy space for activities. The stand-out feature of the structure are the elaborate stained glass windows (16 large around the congregation and 8 smaller ones around the alter) depicting various Christian good works. There is an informative handout available describing each of the scenes in the main windows. Tile mosaics illustrate the stations of the cross and saints above the side altars. The sound system is basically adequate for the space with speakers on each pillar providing good coverage for the two long columns of pews but it could probably use some tuning to make the speech more intelligible. The organ is decent with many of the pipes visible behind the altar. The altar itself is fairly nondescript, a simple large draped rectangle reminiscent or the head table at a banquet. A large traditional crucifix is the primary visual focus looking forward. The bulletin is nicely printed in color on glossy paper, but the photos inside were distorted from careless resizing. The choir at the mass I attended was fairly typical of suburban parishes while the primary vocalist dominated the musical program with her high registered pipes. The congregation is predominately white and middle-aged. Overall a pleasant Sunday mass with the ease of parking and cool stained glass windows a big plus.

Recently went a guest to my friend's parish in Arlington. She always raves about the pastor and…read moremusic at their Saturday. So I decided to tag along. I was more than impressed. The pastor was short but his homily was well thought out. I actually thought about the message he was trying to convey that evening. The music was gorgeous! I was surprised at how many people sang along - the soloist had a voice of an angel. If I lived in Arlington, I would go just to hear her sing each Saturday (I'm told the soloist I heard only sings on Saturdays)! A real treat!

St. James is a lovely, little church in Salem. My friend was married there a couple of weekends ago…read moreand it was a beautiful service and lovely venue for the ceremony.

It's a beautiful church, and I have been going there for many years. I have always felt welcome,…read moreand I enjoy listening to the word of God. My only suggestion relates to the music. Before, they had the most beautiful music and the lady who sang had an incredible voice. They seem to have replaced her with a group of singers. Please bring back the old cantor. Thank you and God bless.

Maplewood Baptist Church is a dedicated, loving church. They preach the Word of God as it should…read morebe preached. Pastor Gary McClenthen is a warm, sincere pastor, who really cares about his congregation. His sermons really make you think about what it is to be a Christian. He preaches about how God is all love. Jesus Christ is our savior and intercessor. The devil is the accuser. God will forgive all of our sins if we repent and turn to Jesus Christ. Maplewood Baptist Church is a warm and welcoming church. The people are warm and caring. Sometimes, the church building may not feel that warm, because there are problems with the furnace. However, it is worth the small discomfort to come and be among friends, who really care about each other.

I love this church. I have been going here for years. I love the parish. Father Greg and Deacon…read moreJohn are truly blessed.