I caught the tail end of the Palm Sunday services at this quaint little chapel in Montgomery. I…read morewasn't feeling so hot so I didn't end up staying very long, but I stayed long enough to garner a positive impression of this kindhearted Episcopal congregation. Built in 1903, this chapel served for years as a mission church of a larger Episcopal congregation, St. Andrew's, in the nearby town of Walden. Until the past year, when the chapel became its own independent congregation, it operated under the name "St. Andrew's Chapel." They changed their name to honor St. Francis of Assisi when they became a congregation in their own right, although the attached church hall still retains the St. Andrew's name. St. Francis of Assisi hosts one Sunday service - at 9 a.m. - and since I was up at that hour and in the neighborhood, I swung by for a visit. I'd always been curious about the diminutive green chapel in the heart of Montgomery and was glad to have an opportunity to see what they were all about. Upon opening the front door, I found myself in a very small vestibule facing the door to the actual church itself. The door was of dark wood and had a palm frond hanging on the front. This door was pretty solid and I couldn't hear anything that was going on in terms of the service, and I must admit that I was fairly nervous as I turned the doorknob and entered the church. Had I missed the service? Would I be disturbing the congregation? The church itself was extremely small, brightly lit, charming, and, as I quickly discovered, very welcoming. Counting myself, the priest and the girl who was acting as the altar server, there were only 15 people in attendance at the Sunday service. It was definitely an older congregation - I'm estimating that the altar server and I were the youngest people there by about 15 years - but they seemed to be a warm little group of people. Since I wasn't feeling so great and didn't know whether or not I would need to make an early exit - which, unfortunately, I did - I stood in the back so as not to disturb anyone. However, two people made it known that I was more than welcome to sit down. A nice member of the congregation, whose name I believe was Joe, introduced himself and presented me with a welcome booklet that gave some information about the church, which was very much appreciated. What I witnessed of St. Francis of Assisi's Palm Sunday service was quaint and lovely. The priest, Rev. Jan Nunley, radiates warmth and has an obvious affection for her small congregation, which they appear to return. The order of the service was similar to other Episcopal services I have attended, and when it came time to give the sign of peace, Rev. Nunley was right out in the aisle shaking hands and greeting everyone. Music during the service was provided by an organist and a congregant who played the flute. Whoever said simple was bland and boring wasn't paying attention. St. Francis of Assisi isn't a grand chapel, but those who like quiet havens of repose will appreciate the chapel's pretty windows, such as the one that depicts St. Francis preaching to the birds, as well as the modest altar. I wish I could have stayed for an entire service, but the next time I'm in the area I might stop by again. A Christian prayer attributed to St. Francis asks the Lord to "make us instruments of peace." What with the nice welcome I received and the warmth that appears to bind together the people who worship within its walls, it seems that St. Francis of Assisi Church is succeeding in doing just that.

Sacred Heart - St. Patrick located in Monroe, NY is a beautiful parish and a welcoming community…read more All Masses are brimming with parishioners and visitors. An Adoration Chapel was added recently to offer one-on-one time with Jesus. It truly is very special. We are very lucky.

Sacred Heart Church is a beautiful place in the rural town of Monroe. It's enormous, yet…read morecontemplative. The community is very welcoming. There is a side altar dedicated to those serving in the military, as well as a memorial dedicated to 9/11 first responders from Monroe. Both are very touching and powerful. They show great respect and reverence for those serving our country along with those who have died in courageous service. For a modern church, Sacred Heart is very beautiful. Its interior is impressive. A refuge in the Hudson River Valley.

This is my parish. Fr. Mike runs a great church and educational program. This is the kind of…read moreCatholic Church that welcomes everyone.

Beautiful Marian shrine by Salesian sisters of Don Bosco about 1 hour out of the city. Large…read moreforested grounds filled with secluded trees and lakes dotted with beautiful sculptures including rosary garden and stations of the cross. A great day trip especially for family or parish. Most areas could be accessed for wheel chair person except in deeper forested area. Even includes a picnic area. Church is sadly modern but has very interesting etched glass windows about saint and holy folks connected to Salesians. My only complaint is they need a better map- digital or paper to figure out all there is on the grounds. There was a fading map near picnic area which seemed to indicate another rosary garden of sorrowful mysteries but we could not locate it walking or driving.

Such a beautiful well kept spiritual place. Best place to do your 3 miles and get church time in…read morewith the big man upstairs especially after a long weekend of food and parting. Church is small but very cute. There's back trials that can get creepy and all kind of hidden gems if you dare. Def make a trip here to go through all that this place has to offer.

Small church. Friendly. Flexible. Wonderful coffee hour. Pickle ball. On Facebook if you cannot…read moremake services.

I'll never trash a church because I'm not trying to go to hell in a handbag. Well, if the handbag…read moreis Prada maybe I'll go to hell in style. LOL! There are a lot of churches in Newburgh and whatever your background is or church preference (i.e. baptist, Pentecostal, etc) you're sure to find something in the area. This is a small African American church I was invited to and I found it to be really, really small in terms of congregation size based on the number of attendees I saw during my visit. I found it to be filled with God loving people, pastors message was on point with biblical truths and overall a nice small church if that's what you're looking for. Often times people looking for a new church home know what size congregation they want. Some want really small churches like this one that tend to be more "family" oriented because of the small size while others are looking for what I call "mega" churches were they simply attend, warm a seat and get lost in the shuffle avoiding intimate relationships with the general congregation. It's all a personal preference and if you're looking for a new church I hope you find that perfect match. My experience at this church was super positive, my only complaint is the music and sound system was insanely loud. Otherwise, check it out for yourself and decide if it's the fit for you're individual needs.

Beautiful church family, with lots of love . My family and I went there until we relocated to…read morePennsylvania. It was a wonderful blessed experience. I absolutely love the family feel of the church. I pray to go back and visit again soon .

There is a tall, broad, old man, not fat at all, with a long white beard and long white payos that…read morewalks in and out of the main KJ guys Mikvah (main Yeshiva/Synagogue building) countless times every Friday afternoon wearing a long black coat and a white shirt that stays dressed the entire time and stares for very, very long amounts of time at naked guys and naked kids while they are showering and while they are inside the Mikvah. He routinely stands near each Mikvah and goes out of his way to stare inside the Mikvah water for very, very long amounts of time. This is extremely CREEPY and scary, and inappropriate, and this MUST end immediately. It is believed that both guys and kids feel sexually abused, uncomfortable, and turned off, by the extended routine staring actions of this extremely scary, creepy individual. On Fridays, when he is not inside the Mikvah facilty, he often sits in the back of the main KJ Bais Medrash.

Biggest house of worship in Orange County and easy to see why. It is very inspiring to pray with…read morethe Rebbe or even any time. Services are conducted all day long with minyan. Judaic library downstairs in unbeatable and heavenly. World class mikvah, coffee room, classes etc. Even a sefardic minyan on shabbos downstairs to make sure everyone is comfortable. Really a blessing.

A wonderful community who respects the dignity of every human being. Good preaching, good music,…read moreloves kids, welcomes everyone. If you are looking for a faith community that welcomes your questions and doesn't pretend to have all the answers, check this place out.