Holy Light Pentecostal Church — Local services in City of Poughkeepsie

Aspects of Christianity and some interest in Buddhism. I grew up in the Baptist Church as a child and I never understood the "politics"& at times hypocrisy of the "black church". Today I arrived in time for praise and worship. A kind usher wanted to direct me to sit towards the front but I declined and sat a few pews back. I do not jump, shout, dance etc but I also do not judge others for doing so because this spiritual walk is a personal one and we all praise differently. I found myself clapping and nodding my head at one point then an elder grabbed the mike and proceeded to talk about being an active participant in praise and worship. He kept stating" I don't know what u come to do but I came to magnify the Lord" he continued to give a speech about coming to church "moping & groping" and how if we have nothing to be thankful about we should be thankful we are alive. I do agree with some of the points made but his approach was over the top. He started walking to the back of the church and then to the front. He kept going until he decided to sit in an empty pew directly in front of me. By this time all eyes on are him and of course I felt as if this topic had something to do with my quiet resolve and demeanor. I had to tell myself not to think in this way as it would have been impossible for all clergy to have all eyes on since I walked in. He sat there and looked at a member saying " I hope this is helping somebody right now". He went on for quite some time as Bishop Gause looked on. He went on to say that he wanted all members to be in agreement but I felt it was pressuring a person to do what we do or as you're told. If I decide not to shout hallelujah or raise my hands then does this mean I am NOT a child of God??? No one at any time should feel pressured into anything. Each person has to decide within their heart their dedication and life purpose. Religion has always been a complex subject. I will not go back to this church as I did not feel comfortable but this does not mean it isn't a perfect place for another. Christianity may not be what my heart seeks and this is OK." We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts , we make the...

There is always joyful music going on there is never any negative things about this church i love it and the people that are worshiping are so joyful they always have a joyful spirit all day every day and they treat us with so much respect and when they preach they always touch my soul and the music always touches me and the slow music calms me down so this a very great church and i will always continue to worship god and go to this church...

I was A member here at this church years ago and it's still is the same. The love was still there and even though I was there for A funeral it was also like A reunion. This church is and always been family owned, operated and blessed. May GOD forever bless Bishop Gause and the hole Holy...