Sorry can't say that I have.

Historically, they cousins with the Catholic Church. We passed on Lutheran over the Baby Baptizing and National Council of Churches. Nothing against anyone who seeks to be a Lutheran. With the exception of these two issues they seem pretty in line with what we believe.

We found ourselves to mostly agree with the Conservative Baptists (Southern or various Independent). I figured out why many Pentecostals and even Wesleyans don't like them (albeit the UPCers are the ones that are vicious about it) they believe in by Grace through Faith alone, and if you screw up you are saved. Yeah you should ask for forgiveness, but you aren't Hell Bound. Only if you walk away (from Christ) are you Hell Bound. This is opposite of what the Holiness Movement teaches. And it drives them nuts. And to this day I hate Altar calls or forced kneeling at your pew.

Contrary to what I have heard growing up and in UPC churches I have visited. The Bible doesn't talk about Hell a whole lot.

and 6 the Lutherans are prob. pretty laid back vs. the Pentecostals, at least the ones I have met and read about look that way. The points above are personal preferences. The other churches I tell people most are fine. Like my best friend to stay away from are Pentecostal and variants. I may tell people I personally don't agree with so and so church, but suggest they visit themselves, and look into the church.

The info I got they (UPC) are doing a media blitz on local radio and the papers. They were talking about all of the lost in the our City. Which is kindof funny the twin cities have some of the highest church attendance by %age of population. Oh yeah I forgot its the UPC, the other churches are lost.

The good news is the both times I have went the exact same people attended. No growth. All from the church in the next town that my wife grew up in. That 4-5 months apart I visited. I think they will have trouble.

A. This is Wesleyan land.
B. People will walk into this church and see how people are dressed and act. They will walk out and never go back again. :eek

Sorry all I rambled on this point more than usual. :hihi