Yeah, I was going to suggest the UU also, NC. I've never been, but from all that others have shared here, then it doesn't matter what faith or no faith that you might be. I didn't think Q would be interested in that though, but perhaps.
Well then let me put a few words down about this. I know it is strange for an atheist to espouse a religion. I know it is strange for them to welcome me and my ideas. But it works. There is something comforting about structured community. I don't know how they manage this, but they do. The pastor doesn't read from a bible or other holy book---although she may quote something here and there. But she reads essays from very intelligent writers. She quotes Martin Luther King, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson (who was a Unitarian) Susan B. Anthony (also a Unitarian). She talks about healing, love, racism, anxiety, children.
When I was new, she opened her sermon by saying, We are thankful for the Atheists, the opinionated, and the doubters, because where would we be without them? SHE OPENED that way, and went on to speak of how important we were, how we didn't need to be changed, how we were all linked. It was beautiful.
Instead of prayer, she has us sit in silence for a few minutes, just breathing and absorbing the quiet. I have to admit, when she does this, I usually realize these were the only quiet moments I had taken that week. It's incredibly relaxing and cleansing. The songs are so varied---sometimes they mention a god, sometimes a goddess, but mostly the are songs about nature, love and understanding.
There is some ritual, which I never felt the need to partake in. Everyone is invited to light a candle, if they like, while thinking about a joy or sorrow. I don't need this---but I also understand that ritual can be a release. It gives one something to do, when they can do nothing.
AND I was there for the dedication of a baby. Sweet little girl---who was NOT dedicated to the church. Instead, the church was dedicated to her. A promise to support her on her journey and to help her find her OWN answers. To support her as she grows, and not to tell her the path she must follow. I thought it was pretty amazing. Her mother sang her a song, her father played her the sax.
It's really a cool place. Reading groups, writing groups, game nights, movie nights, coffee on Fridays, potlucks, hayrides----and much of it quite secular. And super nice people that will be there is you need them. And even more importantly, they help us organize ourselves to be with others.
I believe that this is part of our evolution---we feel a need for it. Not all of us, but some of us.
And yet I have been informed that if you have been to one UU church, you have been to one UU church. They aren't all the same, so it's good to try a few.
NC