Church

Hi everyone.
So, I have a question about attending church. I was raised a Catholic but honestly don't consider myself anything BUT a Christian. We have a lovely church in our village that I would love to attend but I am a bit nervous as to what to wear.At Catholic church in the States people wear what ever they are comfortable in. Even shorts and t-shirts in the summer. So jeans and a nice shirt is normal for me. I am of the opinion that God doesn't care what I wear...just as long as I show up occasionally. Saying that though, I don't want to offend anyone at the local church. Any suggestions?

I go to a church with a missionary pastor from California, so he has the same idea as us - God doesn't care what you wear, as long as you come. Outside of evangelical churches, though, I've noticed people dress in their "Sunday best": hats, dresses, long skirts, heels, etc. And I hear from others that they tend to gossip and/or get offended if you show up in anything BUT something that they think shows God the "proper respect He deserves". If this church has more elderly people attending, you can bet that that's the way they'll see it. Jeans and t-shirts are a more post-hippie era idea (even though biblically there's absolutely nothing wrong with doing that. Jesus wore flip-flops ).

I'm of the opinion that you should scout out the church and see who is attending, what they're wearing, or even find out if you know a neighbor who attends who can tell you what the dress code is. Also I'm sure if you ask the pastor and explain your situation to him, he'll be happy to tell you what all the ladies wear so that you don't feel singled out or embarrassed if you come in the wrong outfit.

Really hope this helps! All the best, and remember that regardless of what we all do in life, people are gonna talk. As long as you're doing what you think is right, and it's not harming anyone, don't feel badly!! Much love xx

We attend our local Catholic church.  Based on my experience people tend to dress up a bit more over here.  For example, while children may wear shorts in the summer I haven't seen any adults do so.  I have seen a few adults wear jeans. 
I typically wear trousers (no jeans) and in the summer I will occasionally wear a dress. 
In all honesty I'm sure they will be more interested in welcoming you than looking at what you are wearing.   

I definitely don't think you need to get dressed up for church, but seriously... shorts and a T-shirt? 

I go to an Episcopal church in Glasgow (it's Anglican, so pretty much the same as Church of England).  The older people are in dresses and suits, but there are plenty younger folk (being a student area) in jeans and a nice top.    I think you'll probably be fine with that, but... not shorts.

I never see shorts at the Catholic churches I attend in the US. Jeans, yes. No shorts.

Our church is always freezing, so I wind up in jeans and my fleece because it is about 10 degrees.

I go to a CofE church in West London.  It is casual, and very much places more importance on being loving and inclusive than worrying about what people wear.   I did a bit of church "shopping" before I settled in my church and all of them were very casual.  I agree that if you are feeling worried about it, to give the Vicar a call.  He or she will be happy to guide you.

I hope it all goes well for you!  :-)

I never see shorts at the Catholic churches I attend in the US. Jeans, yes. No shorts.

I wore shorts to church today (Catholic) - the priest's only comment was to ask if I was enjoying the weather...

We go to a pentecostal church here in Coventry and you see a whole range of dress.  Hubby says he's seen kids in 3 piece suits at powerhouse (kids church) and I usually wear decent jeans and a nice top. Never heard any catty comments about dress.

I just wear jeans and top unless it's a special occasion.  Our church is always cold so shorts would be out though! (And I'm not sure my legs are up to it either!!).  That said I don't think I've ever seen anyone in shorts at church.

In this, as in any other situation where you're unsure of the dress code, I think the best option is to split the difference and dress up a bit the first time you go.

No one will be offended, nor will you stand out oddly, if you show up in a day dress, nice skirt or dressy trousers-- think the business end of 'business casual.'  Then, once you have an idea of what everyone else wears, you can adjust accordingly. 

Also, if you're looking for a more casual environment, make sure you go to the family service (if there is one).  These are usually the later (10:30/11:30) services, and tend to attract families and younger people.  The older, more conservative members tend to gravitate toward the early services, in my experience.

Another thing you could do is see if the church has a website.  Most do these days, and they'll often have a newsletter and photos posted online.  You can get a 'sneak peak' at the congregation, and also read through and get a feel for the church and minister's philosophy.  Do they use words like 'welcoming' or 'family' a lot?  Do you use 'traditional' or 'orthodox?'  I just always like to have an idea what I'm walking into.

I've found a great evangelical church here in Hull and while some people put on their sunday best it's not uncommon to see jeans and nice top.  Everything's really casual at our church.

I haven't seen any shorts either though... that's something I saw back in CA though... but then we are very casual there.