Many churches these days post past sermons on their websites. Those websites can tell you a lot in other ways, too, about the beliefs a church promotes and regards as central.

I would also look at the denomination. Some (Episcopal, ELCA, and United Church of Christ, for example) are known to be more progressive than others. This is another thing websites can be a big help with.

Nondenominational churches can vary widely, from extremely fundamentalist to ? So I would tread carefully with those.

All of the above is purely my personal opinion, so ymmv.

I'm no expert, but they always seemed rather reasonable ... at least when I looked years ago. That said, maybe things have changed.

We recognize that everyone is on a different spiritual path. There is no creed, just 7 principles we follow.

The UU church in my community is so political that it more like a political social club than a religious institution.

I was a member for a long time, and they are all about helping others, teachings of Christ over idol worship, building inter-denominational and inter-religion relationships, and equality for all (every one, no matter what background, skin color and sexual orientation is welcome).

Don't be scared off by "Evangelical" in the name. They have absolutely nothing to do with "evangelicals."

https://www.elca.org/findacongregation

but AVOID at all cost a Missouri Synod Lutheran. They are way backwards, especially when it comes to women.

But I would suggest the episcopal church. My dad what is an Episcopalian until he converted after I graduated college. I didn't grow up having Chinese food on Christmas I went to church on Christmas Eve. The episcopal church seems to be very welcoming towards women LGBT people etc.

There is a Presbyterian Church in my neighborhood rainbow flag. But then again I live on the north side of Chicago.

branches, one liberal and the other more traditionally conservative. The liberal branch is the largest and is referred to as the PCUSA, or, Presbyterian Church, USA.

Episcopal churches and the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) are also socially liberal. The word "Evangelical" in the name of the Lutheran Church has nothing to do with current evangelical fundamentalist churches. It is a historical carryover from the Protestant Reformation when Lutherans in Europe were called evangelical in comparison to the Catholic Church.

Methodist Churches have liberal and conservative branches, so be sure which is which.

A good way to find out about individual churches is to visit them. Go to a few services and see what the sermons, hymns, and prayers are like, and what groups exist within the church, e.g. committees, charity activities, any social activism. Also, ministers are always happy to have visitors and new members, so you can attend a few services and call the minister for an appointment to ask questions about the church. You can judge by their answers whether it is one you would be comfortable with.

that the pandemic held up. One part of our denomination believes that God loves everyone, and who are any of us to stand between God and a person God calls.

The more fundamentalist side believes they are fighting to save the church from something unbiblical.

They ignore that fact that love is biblical, as Rachel Held Evans says.

I would listen to sermons online to find a place to suit you.

It is a haven in my right-leaning town for anyone with a position on the left - probably center, as well.

When you do your research you will see. They truly welcome all, though I'm certain there are flaws and imperfections.

They even have room for me - a pagan/ agnostic/humanist!

I would recommend, but if you're searching for a church more Christian in nature, then UU might not be for you. While everyone is invited and encouraged, UU does not use the Christian bible as their only source of teachings and inspiration. I'm very comfortable with that, even after spending many years as a Christian, but that would be your decision to make. I'm sure that your final choice would also based on what's available in your town. United Church of Christ or other liberal Christian churches may be the answer for you.

Also, many churches post services on YouTube or some other online presence. Scouting a church has never been easier.

As some others have mentioned, some denominations have political leanings and others specifically avoid talking about politics. For example, I attend a nondenominational church that just goes by the Bible; I’ve never heard anyone in my church endorse anyone politically. On the other hand, there’s a church near us that we call the Trump church, because they’ve posted signs that said “Jesus said ‘all lives matter’” and “Please pray for president Trump” (but not for Biden). Evil people will usually tell you they’re evil, especially if they don’t know they’re evil.

An Episcopal church could be good for you. I love mine.

But most are great. Check the website. If they emphasize welcoming all, you probably found a good one.

no wonder you are having trouble finding finding a church compatible with your faith journey. What I find is that most all are VERY conservative. The only church I would even look at would be the Episc church(es) , the UU, or the American Baptist church. There are plenty of Baptist churches but if they are not 'American Baptist', then I'd assume they would be too conservative (for my taste).

I don't see any Lutheran (ELCA) there...the others are LCMS which I call the Misery Synod (and it has become very militantly anti-abortion and anti-woman ministers) The rest with various innocuous names would be too conservative, I would guess, be it Calvary Chapel, Assemblies of God, Victory, etc.

I tend to look out of the box, which means, if I found a compatible church an hour away, I definitely would check it out. Not that I would go every week, maybe once a month and then one/only of the positive results of covid, many churches still live-stream their services. Some churches have a once-per-month potluck...that's the Sunday I would attend and bring one of those dishes to pass which makes THEM remember YOU.

San Diego and Yuma have to have some progressive/liberal churches but I would look at the Palm Springs area. Now that's a liberal area, believe it or not.
On Facebook, check out the recorded livestream of 'Metropolitan Community Church of the Coachella Valley' (Church for All Souls) for an Anglo-Catholic flavor with great sermons & great music. Check out 'Hope Lutheran Church' ELCA of Palm Desert. Or 'St. Margaret's Episc. Church' of Palm Desert- that's a big church, great music, would easily would fit into a big city like Chicago.

I apologize for such a lengthy posting but your search piqued my interest, because it is also my search.

You lost a current address in Sebring. Emmanuel United Church of Christ.