James 1:27 is more of a rebuke to false religion that claims to honor God but does not consider the afflicted among them. Going to church every Sunday without fail but then refusing to visit the orphans and widows is hypocrisy at the very least.
In terms of finding a church, I have had some of the same issues. This is what I would say. First, you are probably not going to find a congregation that is in complete agreement with every bit of doctrine you hold to be true. However, I would find a church that believes the following things.
a) We believe the Bible to be the inspired, infallible, authoritative Word of God.
b) We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
c) We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal return in power and glory.
d) We believe that for the salvation of lost and sinful man, belief in Jesus as Savior and regeneration by the Holy Spirit are absolutely essential.
e) We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life.
f) We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they that are saved will be raised to everlasting life with the Lord, and they that are lost will be raised to everlasting separation from Him.
g) We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ.
These are just some essentials. What you want is a congregation being guided by pastor(s) and elders that adhere to Biblical doctrine concerning Christ and the Christian life.
As far as the works of the church, there should be ministries around you that are involved in the community. Look at their website, and give them a call to find out what they offer in terms of opportunities to serve.
In conclusion, remember that YOU are the body. YOU are the Church, and that doesn't change when you walk out of or into a building.
Pray, ask God to guide you to a good congregation and trust him to do just that.
God bless.