Website: http://www.allsoulsparish.org/

Re: Catholic looking for something different
Have you tried the Episcopal Church? As a Catholic, I think you would feel comfortable with the rites, the Sacraments, and such, but the Episcopal Church is quite progresive and inclusive. I've attended All Souls in Berkeley (corner of Cedar and Spruce) for many years, and I cannot recommend it enough. The community there is great, there is a good cross-section of people of all generations and interests, lots of great programs to get involved in, but no pressure to do so. I've found people to be very warm and welcoming, without being pushy. Check out our website at www.allsoulsparish.org. Very happy Episcopalian

Re: Catholic looking for something different
I think you would find a warm, welcoming spiritual home at All Souls Episcopal parish in Berkeley. My partner and I started attending services there eight years ago, and were immediately welcomed as part of the family. The parish is home to many former Catholics, including my partner, who grew up in a VERY traditional Catholic family but has always felt right at home at All Souls. The parish's associate rector is a woman, and many of the deacons and lay ministers are women as well. There are many in the congregation who combine Christian worship with elements of Buddhism or other spiritual paths, and this is celebrated rather than discouraged. The parish's frequent refrain is ''Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, you are welcome here,'' and at least in my experience, they truly live up to that sentiment. I would describe the parish as traditional in that it celebrates all the Christian feasts and holy days, but incredibly welcoming and liberating in that it considers doubt and questioning as a part of being human -- NOT something to be discouraged. While there are many ways to participate and volunteer at All Souls, there is no pressure to do so at anything other than your own pace. Given what you were seeking in your post -- progressive, no pressure, open to other spiritual traditions, both women and men as leaders - - I think this could be the place you're looking for. Fellow Spiritual Traveler

Re: Family friendly church for Uk transplants
You should definitely try All Souls Episcopal Church in Berkeley on the corner of Cedar and Spruce. It is a wonderful place for families. We have been there since my older child was 2... she is now 9 and we have a 7 year-old son as well. For both of them, All Souls has provided a gentle, supportive place to explore some difficult questions. More importantly, it is a community where they experience love and joy. I hope you will check us out! Christmas is a particularly fun time to be there - we have a children's service and pageant at 5:30 on Christmas Eve. Caroline

Re: Church in Berkeley Area great for kids
All Souls Episcopal parish in Berkeley (corner of Cedar & Spruce) is very welcoming and family-friendly. It has a wonderful children's program on Sunday School, and lots of activities for kids and parents throughout the year. You can check the website for more info at www.allsoulsparish.org

Re: Protestant church with teen programs
Try All Souls Episcopal Church at Cedar & Oxford. Quite a few kids; youth group with occasional evening and other activities; very liberal. http://www.allsoulsparish.org/

Re: Seeking East Bay equivalent of Grace Cathedral or Glide Memorial
I'd like to recommend my parish in Berkeley, All Souls. The rector has a vibrant message and a great sense of humor and this permeates the congregation. Children are an honored part of the community and every week a hands-on children's homily during the service helps reinforce the messages they've learned in Sunday School. A brand-new church playground is set to open any day there and a new Associate Rector who will work with children and familes will begin on September 1st. If you are interested, September 10th will be a combination Rally Sunday (beginning of the new Sunday School year) and playground dedication. All Souls is located on Cedar and Spruce, just a few blocks up from Shattuck Avenue. Hope to see you there! Happy All Souls Parishioner

Re: Family friendly church for a newbie

I highly recommend All Souls Episcopal Church in Berkeley (corner of Cedar and Spruce). They are very family friendly, very tolerant to differences in all aspects, even religious, and they have great programs for adults and kids. I've been attending for 1 year and they've been very welcomming, without being pushy. The services are very nice, sermons are challenging and the music is great. I hope you drop by and give it a try, you might find what you look for. Toni

Re: Christmas service with lots of music for visiting Methodist mother-in-law
All Souls Episcopal Church at 2220 Cedar (just up from Oxford) is very welcoming (any church will welcome you, really) and very kid-friendly -- especially the early Christmas Eve (~ 5), which includes a childrens' pageant, in which all kids are welcome to join. Might be a little ''high church'' for your mom, but it's a very welcoming congregation.

We go to All Soul's Episcopal Parish (mentioned in a previous newsletter) and are very happy there. We live in North Berkeley and researched many churches within walking distance before choosing this congregation. One thing that helped us make the decision was how family-friendly the congregation was, even though we didn't have any children at that point. Visitors are always welcome and it's a very tight-knit, friendly community with a lot of activities for both families and adults. neowright