I went to one once because I heard you could go if you were an atheist/agnostic. It did seem open and welcoming to all. The one near me probably could have worked for me, but I think I just wasn't into the "churchy" aspects of it: ritual, singing, etc. The weird thing is, I used to be really into the Rocky Horror Picture Show... which is basically ritual/churchy... but I guess if there's a healthy dose of kind thrown in I'm into it?!

From what I’ve seen, they’re still kooks that play with crystals.

I think, they have guitars in their church. No clue, actually.

I went for awhile but they kept pressuring me for money, lots of money.

First question is: If it is so open and cares not one whit what one believes, why call it a church or even organize it to emulate one? I guess it serves as a transitioning crutch for agnostics and "atheists" who are uncertain about it all. Church is church is church, and there is no way to get around it. As for there being no groups, I guess that depends on where your are:

Coos Bay: [meetup.com]

Portland: [meetup.com]

Portland: [cfiportland.org]

Portland: [portlandhumanists.org]

That's it as far as "coastal" Oregon is concerned. There are groups pretty much all over the state and it shouldn't be too big a deal to connect with any one or more of them to enlist aid in establishing one in your area. Because you're somewhere on the coast, I'd suggest contacting the CFI in Coos Bay to discuss it.

I couldn’t do it (in McMinnville OR)... though had plenty of progressive friends ‘attending.’ I just can’t/ won’t do churches. I’d attended an IRS presentation decades ago in Portland describing what it took to declare a religion and establish an untaxed church.. Sponsored by our local chapter of American Atheists, inquiring minds wanted to know Instead, an offshoot organization formed, United States Atheists. It was like our own little ‘church,’ though quite a trek for me…

I could barely stand having to ‘vote’ in a church, years ago… Seems participating or legitimizing them in any way promotes their continued existence and tax exempt status. Just boils my blood ~

Hey, north, central, or southern Oregon Coast..? I’ve daughters aiming for Colorado, from Oregon, so curious why you’d left? I’d be looking over Tillamook Bay, the Newport bridge or Coos Bay right now had I not followed advice to seriously research the pending subduction quake… I’m in Appalachia now (and loving it), on solid rock, due in large part to that quake