Although I had heard good things about this church, unfortunately, my personal experience was not a…read morepositive one. I attended with a close friend a few years ago, and while we were there, we became friends with another girl and naturally formed a close circle. We were always kind and acknowledged the other girls who attended, but when we tried to engage in conversation, it was often met with awkwardness or little effort in return. Despite that, the pastor's wife referred to us as "bitchy" and "cliquey," along with making other unkind comments toward us. I found the way the situation was handled to be extremely unprofessional and inappropriate, especially coming from someone in a leadership position within the church. I understand that others may have had positive experiences here, but unfortunately, this interaction left me with a very negative impression of the environment.

We visited this church today at 10:30AM. We went early 10am. We got good seats. The people are very…read morefriendly. The word and the worship were both so good!! Multi-Cultural, spirit-filled and full of God's love! Pastor Andrew was the speaker. The building is very beautiful also.

I like it - it's not perfect, but it's good and getting better, in my opinion. I can't compare it…read moreto many other churches because there's not a lot of churches out there for atheist pagans for obvious reasons. But that does mean I can say, from personal experience, that they really are sincere about welcoming people of any faith. While it welcomes Christians as much as any other and Unitarian Universalism did spring from Protestant Christianity originally, it's very much its own thing. Congregation-wise, yes, it is absolutely an aging white boomer church; I am probably thirty years younger than the average and I am not young. However, one thing I will say is that within the year I've been (admittedly somewhat irregularly) attending, which happened to coincide with the investiture of a new minister who I greatly respect, I have seen noticeable improvements about working to attract new people and retain them, and I feel like I'm starting to see the results of that in a few more younger people and maybe a few more people of color? They are definitely conscious of it and they are working to not just be that, but also yes, they are still that. It is sincere in its progressiveness and does a lot of real work in that regard. Entirely LGBTQ friendly, probably not as good at being POC-friendly just because I'm pretty sure there's a lot fewer people who aren't white in the congregation than there are people who aren't straight and in the end there's only so much well-meaning people can do without the affected population there to give them feedback, but certainly intends well. Services, eh. I think they give very, very good sermons. Regardless of which minister, I have never not liked their sermon. The music program does seem like it would be very rewarding to be a member of - they have multiple thriving choirs they are very proud of, and there are clearly many people there who absolutely love the music there - but frankly I'd be happier if they cut it short. But this is very much a personal taste thing, and it just is not particularly my taste. Community-wise, you're simply not going to make long term relationships with people just by showing up to service every week; it's too big a church. They have a huge number of programs running for people to join, and they're what you have to join to make community within the church. There is a weekly newsletter, and you pretty much have to keep an eye on that for the things that you want to be involved in. I know they're working on redesigning the website to be more user-friendly, so hopefully eventually it will be a little less extremely dependent on you getting a giant email once a week and carefully reading it for the sub-groups relevant to you, but right now if you want to get involved in this church I would strongly recommend that you do precisely that. Like most things, what you get out of it is dependent on what you put into it. But it is a good place to put the effort into it.

Soon after my son moved to the Rose City from the East Bay, I asked him what he liked about…read morePortland. His first and immediate answer was "No Blacks!" That unexpected answer was entirely inappropriate and I immediate told him so. His mother was glad that I corrected him, but added that she frankly echoed his sentiment. That conversation came to mind as Gayle and I attended a service last Sunday at the First Unitarian Church of Portland. My son's mother mentioned that this Congregation is perhaps the biggest Unitarian one in the World, and I don't doubt it. The Church grounds take up almost an entire city block and their Elliot Chapel is perhaps larger than most main sanctuaries that I've previously visited. And there's lots of people, progressive programs, and at least 3 Ministers to match. But you would think that a Church with so much going for it in terms of diversity and social action wouldn't be so overwhelmingly (~98%?) Caucasian. Perhaps their new Senior Minister (Rev. Bill Sinkford), the African-American and former President of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) will help solve this riddle. My ex-wife (a member of this Church) is certainly excited about it, specifically mentioning his Obama-like charisma (with or without any perception of any tokenism UUs themselves abhor). I have been attending Unitarian services since my Grandparents took me to the Nora Church in Hanska MN when I was a child. This Congregation has many of the familiar Church trappings, but of course without any religious symbols outside of the Chalice. Unitarian Churches are also known for their music and I was not disappointed as the Chorus last Sunday was fabulous. The service itself flowed well, and the sermon by the Intern Minister about her adventures in the Transylvanian Mother Church countryside was fun to listen to and insightful. I still have issues with the depth of UU theology and some occasional pedantic psychobabble flareups. However, the atmosphere here at the First Unitarian Church of Portland is comfortable, accepting, and non-proselytizing. This Congregation is also ready to welcome any religious seekers or renegades who care to walk through the door. And as my son follows both his mother's and his father's early UU footsteps, I'm sure I'll drop by when I'm in town to see how he's doing.

An incredibly welcome place. Small, but not too small. Big enough that you don't stick out, but…read moresmall enough to be known if you wish. Music is amazing with the band off to the side instead of front and center, which shows the humility that seems to permeate the place. Be sure to check the website for service times since they have one service in the summer, but two services the rest of the year.

Full disclosure: I've been attending Pearl Church for about 8 years, so obviously I like it…read more What I won't do: get in to Theology or politics or moralizing outside of some higher-level descriptors. I don't think anything more is helpful for a Yelp review. What I will do: talk about the aspects that a visitor might care about in a "global" sense. The Basics: 1. It is a non-denominational Christian church. It is Bible-focused and Jesus' name is observed often. Many would classify it as "Evangelical", but some Evangelicals would consider Pearl Church too liturgical and structured. The theology is quite orthodox, but it is actually not a very conservative community - despite the worship style. 2. The demographics reflect those of the Pearl District. All are welcome and hospitality is the name of the game. 3. It is in the Ecotrust building - top floor conference room. The Good: 1. The worship musicians are set off to the side and in a corner - not front/center and loud like other places. This was especially refreshing to me. 2. There is a seriousness and earnestness hidden in the seemingly conservative worship style. 3. The message is always given by a qualified person and is actually quite practical and convicting - but not in a damning way. In the sort of way that makes you want to leave a be a better human. 4. There are two restaurants right downstairs (Hot Lips Pizza and Laughing Planet Cafe) that open during the end of the service and you can hear the music coming through the floor during the sermon. There's something about that dichotomy that has always pleased me. Something about living in community and accepting each other. Also, it makes for two killer options for a bite and a drink afterward. 5. When you're done, go play at Jamison Park. You're welcome. The Less Good: 1. It can be hard to find given its location in a conference room on the top floor or a building few know about. 2. Some times of year there are two services and some times (usually summer) there is only one...you'll have to check the website first. 3. It can get crowded, but people will always try to find you a good seat. 4. It's always hard to break the ice when you're a newcomer at a church. My experience was that it's just as hard for a regular to break the ice too...nobody wants to feel pounced on. What to do about it? Eye contact and say "hi", I guess. 5. The coffee is good, but they don't server real cream...just the little packets. Oh well. I should cut back anyway! Anyone else have any questions? Thanks for letting me give an honest 5 stars. They would love to know what to improve on, so I hope this helps kick off more reviews with more critical observations.

I love this church and this church loves Portland…read more Jeremiah 29:7 Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper." Simply put if a city does well its citizens do well. We have a vision for our city to do well. It's a vision near and dear to the heart of God. Much has been made in recent years, on a national stage, of the social despair and unrest in our city. What if all that we have experienced is a stirring, a stirring for something more, something better? Raised high and proud, there is an iconic billboard you see as you drive into downtown Portland that says, "Keep Portland Weird." It would be easy to shrug off the sign as typical language for a town known for a city culture of coloring outside of the lines. While much of that is true, we see something different. One of Jesus' core disciples shared a prophetic vision for humanity. He says in 1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should show forth the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. We want to call your attention to the phrase "peculiar people." When God looks upon humanity, His creation, He sees us with all our flaws and idiosyncrasies. He imagines a world full of those who would radically love and worship Jesus. He doesn't call us to set those passions down rather He calls us to offer them to Him. We believe the phrase "Keep Portland Weird," is a prophetic declaration over a city that belongs to God. History shows that men and women from the 1908 Azusa Street revival made their way to Portland and the surrounding area spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit revival fire. We remember in the 60's the "Jesus People" revival where hippies flooded Portland churches bare foot and praising the name of Jesus. And once again the Holy Spirit has His eye on us. Revival and spiritual renewal are in the air. The Lord showed me a vision of small wildfires dotting the state. The fires were insignificant and didn't call attention to themselves. Then the wind began to blow across the state intensifying each fire creating white hot embers. Embers were carried to other parts of the state connecting these small fires. In no time the entire state was engulfed in flames. This is a vision of revival! What Jesus is doing now may seem small, unnoticeable, and insignificant. The Holy Spirit and His wonder breeze are now blowing connecting these isolated pockets of revival, uniting us into an all-consuming flame of His love and compassion. This is what we see for our city and beyond. Solomon said these words in Proverbs 11:11 When God's people bless the city, it flourishes!

I relocated here from Atlanta last year and I'm in need of a church home I listen to my Bishop Dale…read moreC .Bronner of Word of Faith Cathedral in Austell Ga online . Yes I love my church family and I'm a faithful member for over 32 years . We need to go into the house of the Lord and very interested in visiting do you welcome a woman of my character----Lesbian and Love God will I be welcomed?

I've never been to this church, but this is the first time that they're hosting the fest Italiana…read morein Portland at this location as it had moved to Gresham before and prior to that another location that didn't really work well and then before that it has always been at the Square. That was a great location, but this is something new and in an Italian church so it's been a great experience. The food is good, the music is good, the merchandise and everything about it is really refreshing and I'm hoping they do it again here next year and don't have to keep moving. Ciao!

A wonderful Spiritual Home…read more I have been going to St. Philip Neri since 1985 and I have found my spiritual home here. The current Priest, Fr. Rick Paprinni is funny, wise, and caring. He really is trying to help the parish grow and overcome some of the stumbling blocks that can affect any church. The people, for the most part, are warm and welcoming and every year, the Peace and Justice Committee sponsor a wonderful Thanksgiving Dinner in partnership with New Seasons Market located across the street. On the third Sunday of the month the Altar Society puts on a delicious French Toast Breakfast for only 5.00. I invite anyone and everyone to come join us at either 4.00 on Saturdays or 9:30 on Sundays.

this chirch is awsome they got me so welcomed and my kid loked the bible school,the servise wasent…read morelong

Great community! Non legalistic, God and people loving congregation. Beautiful music, worship,…read morekids, teen and youth programs, rehab center for addicts, - great results. Highly recommend for anyone who is seeking a loving church family.

I really, really, really like Mosaic Church. Like really. So why only 4/5 stars? Primarily because…read morethe atmosphere might be a little bit too family/couple friendly. For the average, single Joe or Jane like myself, this can be intimidating at first glance... and even somewhat depressing lol. But I can assure you that once you get past this, you'll soon realize that this church has a whole lot to offer. Community was an integral part of what I was looking for when I moved to Portland, along with discipleship, and I can say that they emphasize both at Mosaic. The first Sunday I came I spoke to a couple members on staff. They recognized that I was new and started some friendly conversation with me, which I always appreciate. When I came back the following week, two of them remembered me by name! Very, very impressive. That is the kind of hospitality that will make this girl feel special and valued. They fairly quickly got me plugged into a "life group," as they call it, which is essentially a small group offered on a seasonal basis. They have a ton of them to choose from all over the city. Additionally, they have ministries, training programs, and an array service projects you can get involved in (super KUDOS for the anti-human trafficking initiative!). Just ask for help if you're not sure where to start, and someone there will direct you to something that fits what you're looking for. People at Mosaic are relatively young, but it's still full of families and couples, as I said. I see singles here and there, but definitely not like the previous church I attended in DC. As one would expect being in Portland (and the Hollywood district at that), the crowd is kind of hipster town. It's not the most ethnically diverse either, but when considering the city's demographics, this shouldn't be surprising. Doesn't really bother me much. They are still very welcoming, and I don't feel out of place. I will admit though that at first I was a little iffy about the praise and worship... until I realized that when I started attending they were actually in a transition stage between worship leaders. The current director rocks out, and things have jazzed up quite a bit. I'm digging it.

I attend this church for 4 years before moving and I loved it. The pastor is highly personable and…read morewill make an effort to meet you and know you. The worship was impactful and had meaningful songs. My life group was where I met my eventual wife. I volunteered in Sunday School and sound it highly rewarding. Do yourself a favor and check this place out.

By far the Best Church in the Downtown Portland area. Especially for 20-40 crowd. Very friendly…read moreatmosphere. Great music and vibe. If you live Downtown Portland and looking for a new home I would for sure check out this church.