Comments

• Cheery Gardener Shipmate

  12:36AM

  Like many things in life, it's a case of being flexible and deciding what's most important to you. I think it's easier moving from a small to a large district as there may be more options, and fewer if you are going the other way.
  
  Are you looking for regular worship opportunities? Do denominational labels matter to you? Have you already sussed out what your community looks like from visiting, checking out websites and even which community groups are active in your new home?
  
  A friend who has moved back to my city was put off by their closest church as they were pounced on, offered welcome packs and almost pressed into filling out a contact form. They have now decided to return to their former parish and travel across town to do so. If you can't find an automatic fit straight away, are you able to travel slightly further afield? I can see though that the next village or town could be some distance away and not possible.
  
  Good luck with finding your tribe!
• ChastMastr Shipmate

  3:48AM edited 3:49AM

  In my own case, I’d check on all the Episcopal churches in range for me, first by looking at their websites to narrow things down, and then possibly to call them or maybe visit. Their theology (at least what the priest teaches/adheres to) matters a lot to me but so do other things. If it’s Trump-focused (which is rare in the Episcopal Church) then it’s a deal-breaker.
• mark_in_manchester Shipmate

  8:30AM

  Find a web page for the online-iest busiest looking church where you are moving to, and send them a message saying 'I don't think I'll fit with you but I don't know who else I might be approaching; what can you suggest?'. By a process of Chinese whispers you might get somewhere. I'd perhaps not start with anyone who calls themselves 'The one true church of the holy redeemed international thingumybob', or a pastor called who calls themselves 'Rev Dr' or 'bishop' unless, you know, they seem to check out
• Jengie Jon Shipmate

  8:57AM

  Actually, ask at your meeting who they know that you might like to link up with. If you get names, make contact. People who are friendly with one group of liberal Christians are quite possibly in contact with others.
• Boogie Heaven Host

  10:07AM

  There are only two churches in our village so I went to both of them, and still do to some extent.
  
  I found the best way to get to know people was by volunteering.
• Sarasa All Saints Host

  10:46AM

  We moved here five years ago. It’s 140 miles from our previous place.
  When I saw the title of your thread I thought was more about finding wider communities to join when you move somewhere new. I'm not sure what groups are available in your new town but we found joining a walking group (the Ramblers) and the U3A (group for retired people to do a variety of classes, trips etc) led to us making lots of new friends. I joined a writing group and my husband a photography group and because this place is small you meet people across all the things you do. I also got involved in local politics, but I know that isn't everyone's cup of tea.
  As for churches, my husband joined the local Quaker Meeting and I attend the local Catholic Churches. I think if you are not to tied to one denomination try a few and see what fits best. For instance someone I know fell out with the Anglicans, but feels very at home with the local Congregationalists. My husband never got on with the Meeting in the town we came from, but the one here is amazing and he is now very involved. I like my church, but don't have the time to do much other than turn up for Mass and doing the reading when they need someone at short notice.