First Congregational Church of Tallmadge — Attraction in Tallmadge

This church reminds me of how church used to be and, in many ways, I feel in my mind that church should be. Obviously, everybody has his or her own idea of how church should be, but for me, just starting with the fact that they have an actual sanctuary with stained glass windows, as opposed to windowless "auditoriums" as a lot of the megachurches have, is a great start. They have actual bells in the belltower (I think those are real bells and a few of them sound slightly out of tune but still great to hear). The congregation seemed just like really nice normal people and they looked like they were attending a church service and not a hockey match. Again, small details, but they all add up to make you feel at home, at least if you came up in the UCC as I did. The pastor did a great job. He is listed as the interim senior pastor and they should just hire him and presumably they will after they tick off all the bureaucratic boxes of the UCC hiring process which I know more about than I really want to. The message was interesting and unusual, I've never heard a preacher address the transifguration, that's something that usually gets swept under the rug in the more modern churches along with anything that has remotely supernatural overtones. The pastor got us in and out of there in an hour which is the hallmark of a pro as far as I'm concerned. Things I could have lived without: the big "racism is wrong" banner the minute you walk in the door. Yeah, we've heard. The political overtones. I mean I'm happy to talk politics in church but let's talk real talk then. Give everybody MMA gloves and let the games begin. Because none of this is happening by chance at this particular time in history. All in all, a good church experience. Hopefully they will take the "interim" off the sign soon because they're not going to do any better...

Friendly engaging congregation is very welcoming . Many activities within and outside the church. Our ministers, Dr John and Sarah are the best. Music program includes the bell choir, cherub, junior and chancel choir. We can always use more choir members . As Dr John says " singing is like praying twice." We as members of the church are here...

Great welcoming people, wonderful minister, outstanding music program, everyone makes you feel at home and worthy...