When we leave 'church,' it changes everything. No more Sunday Church gatherings, choir practice and all the other activities that take place there...no set aside time that you decaded just for the "Lord." If you leave overnight, I can believe it is similar to 'culture shock!" I came away gradually, so it was a little easier, but not by much! Seeing people on their way to church, still taps a kind of longing...but not for the indoctrination, it is the sense of community. Plus, that deepest of all ideas, that I was doing something for the Lord, by presenting myself at Church, was hard to drop. But, with time and searching to know what you really 'believe in', eventually you come to terms with what you believe and make a new life, that fits better than the old one. At least that is what I found...I am more authentic now.

There are some agnostic/atheist local groups that you might be able to find. I live in a small city in Oregon and there is a group that meets regularly. Perhaps there is one close to you? It could fill the gap you're feeling now.

So I singled out a Unitarian church in my area - I am certainly going to check it out. Thanks for the suggestion everyone - this is a great step in the right direction. They have a choir practice Wednesdays at 7pm, and I will pop up then.

It's a hard path you've chosen, but picking this group will help you find your bearing. I was once a pastor a long long time ago. I still miss the group dynamic, and wish there was an agnostic group in every town. The Universalist church would be a good half way house. I bought a motorcycle, and that helps me. Live life to fullest and do things you enjoy.

You'll get through it; you've made the biggest step yet; the rest are more manageable... You have lots of ex-church people here, so lean on us when you need to. I know it's not real social interaction, but it's the next best thing. In the mean time, maybe meet up with some like-minded people in your area that share a hobby (photography, astronomy, beer making?). Or a night class.

Why can't you enjoy the activities in your church, choir, social activities, etc, without allowing the dogma to get to you?

Check out Meetup.com for agnostic groups in your area. What about Unitarian Universalist Church-they welcome everyone. Remember you have support here.

Do you have a need to share your feelings with like-minded people in an in-person setting? Not uncommon, that's probably why lots of people attend religious, or even Humanist, services. I guess you should start looking in your area.

I hope as you adjust you are able to establish a new supportive network

You might find an alternate choir? You can go online and they'll let you know about open choirs in your area (by State I believe). There are plenty of non-religious ones. Sounds like it's the socializing you miss the most? So finding new groups would help a lot.