Jack Porcello

About Us

On-line

At Joining Hands and Our Fellowship of Rochester, NY, you are truly welcome. There is no pulpit, no preaching, and no requests for money. Our gatherings center around discussion, not preaching. Everyone has an equal voice.

The main purpose of Joining Hands Ministry is to provide ministry services and fellowship opportunities to those who are not interested in traditional pulpit ministry. Regardless of your beliefs or ideology, we can provide you with opportunities to celebrate and recognize important milestones in your life and that of your loved ones. We also hold regular gatherings where individuals can meet and discuss those things that are important to them, in an accepting and respectful environment.

Our Fellowship is the main gathering of Joining Hands, facilitated by Jack Porcello. We discuss the ethical principles and practical application of various personal beliefs and ideologies. See our online forum for schedule and more information.

It is our desire to explore topics of discussion in depth and from all perspectives. We do not limit the discourse to any one belief, view, or ideology. Those attending should be civil and open minded, willing to communicate with respect. This is not a place for ideological cheer leading or ridicule of other positions. If you are willing to be level headed and tolerant, you are welcome.

This ministry welcomes affiliate individuals and groups. Please contact Jack Porcello to be considered for affiliation with Joining Hands Ministries. This ministry only recognizes affiliation with individuals or groups that agree with and adhere to our Ministry Statements and maintain our Standards of Affiliation. Traditional pulpit or preaching style ministries are not granted affiliation.

At Our Fellowship we emphasize rational, realistic dialog and informal fellowship as a means of building community. Everyone is invited to participate in the discussion.

We do not concentrate on the supernatural or charismatic elements like traditional churches. We are not here to attract attention to ourselves or put on a show. There's no flashy entertainment, no high tech music or light show, no end of the world hysteria, no political activism, and no commercialism - just sincere and open dialog.

Discussions are held in homes and in public meeting areas such as coffee shops, bookstores, or any other place where assembly is allowed. The size of the gathering can be anywhere from a couple of people to as many as the site will hold. Our topics center on the advancement of the human experience, our influences, accomplishments, and goals.

We don't use words like "progressive" or "community" as a veiled attempt to impress people, nor do we masquerade ourselves as "spirit-filled" or "anointed" in order to play to people's supernatural tendencies. These are all modern methods of ecclesiastical extortion, a means to awe the public into filling the collection plate every week. We don't use these tactics to bring in cash. Therefore, we can be sincere and honest about life, without employing baseless promises and claims.

Membership is not required for participation, and you will not be pressured to join or contribute.

We desire to build a network of like-minded groups to exchange ideas and encourage this rational approach to understanding religion. If you have such a group, or are interested in starting one, please let us know.

After 16 years in traditional church ministry, Jack Porcello started Our Fellowship in 2001 as a ministry for those who seek to pursue a more rational, relational, practical fellowship. All are welcome, regardless of your beliefs or ideology.

Contact Our Fellowship for more information.

Statements

Ministries

Membership