I've been visiting for over 2 months now almost every Sunday, and I love Vive Church Oakland. The…read moreatmosphere, the songs, the volunteers and the founder pastors are really the best!!! It is a lovely community to belong to. Thank you Vive! God bless you all!

Wow, I've been coming to VIVE Oakland now for 5 years! I'm so grateful to God for the way He has…read moreused the leaders & community at VIVE to grow me in boldness, love, peace, faith, & so many other ways I never could have imagined! Without a doubt, this is a Holy Spirit filled church that bases everything that is preached & every core belief on the Bible. I have made so many friends (even met my fiancé here while serving haha) & have been called higher by people who see things in me before even I do. This is a place of joy, hope, encouragement, wisdom, truth (which can be convicting), growth (which is not always comfortable), & alway always so much love because the Spirit of the Lord is here! (This is a follow up review to my previous review but I got locked out of my last Yelp account haha).

I was Catholic Boy...Jim Carroll…read more My beloved and I went to Christmas Day mass at the Cathedral of Chris the Light Church in Oakland by Lake Merritt. I grew up Catholic in a Italian and Irish, French, and German American family in NY and FL. I actually went to Catholic School in NY until 3rd grade. After both my grandmothers died along with the grandfathers I never met my family decided not to be as into the Catholic Church as my pious Grandmothers were aka a Italian immigrant grandmother and German American grandmother who worked with hospice. Long story short I grew up with martial arts, basketball in junior high and high school, and finally into yoga and meditation spending much time in India. So my spirituality was more inspired by the east and grounding that in the west yet The Cathedral of Christ the Light Church where me and my girlfriend went for Christmas mass was awesome. I always appreciated the ritual of the Catholic Mass and the Hymns aka chanting in Latin etc with the choir was awesome. Beautiful architecture and absolutely love the giant Jesus that looks like a hologram. After service don't miss the mausoleum downstairs that is amazing. We will be back. We both enjoyed it very much and everyone was so welcoming. Five stars!

Cathedral of Light is an absolutely gorgeous Catholic Church in the heart of Oakland. I recently…read morewent here to perform with Saint Joseph Basilica choir and attend the Jubilee of Choirs Concert. The architectural design of the church is breathtaking and the entire church is spotless and very clean. The acoustics and organ sounded so beautiful. The church has several levels and the bathrooms are on the bottom floor. They have their own parking lot and there is very little street parking near the church. I look forward to coming back for mass one Sunday. Mass times for the Cathedral of Christ the Light are: Sunday at 8 AM (Vietnamese), 11 AM (English), and 1:30 PM. Tuesday has a Holy Hour from 7-8 PM.

An amazing group of human beings. Striving to be inclusive of all people. An affirming space. Life…read moregroups. Affinity groups. Anyone that's called to speak or worship is able to share with the community.

Oaklife is more than just a community ... it's a family. Yes, I know that's super cliché but it's…read moretrue. It's the most loving and accepting place I've ever experienced. Some churches talk about loving people and living the Gospel - Oaklife actually does it. The people are super friendly and accepting. I'm a gay Christian so finding a home where I could be myself was incredibly important. I've made life long friends and I cant wait to continue to grow with this awesome family.

This is how a church ought to be!…read more Back in August, my family and I stumbled across The Movement Church page via Yelp and decided to attend their Sunday service (we were in search of a home church). We were nervous as our prior visits to other churches weren't as positive. But, nonetheless, we decided to give it a shot and see what it was about. Within minutes of stepping foot at Elmhurst Community Prep (worship services are conducted at the school), I could already sense the spirit of fellowship, grace, and acceptance. I thought to myself, "these people are really loving!". No fake stuff, no condemnation, but real authentic people who love Jesus and the community. You can come just as you are. The worship service was fire ( And I mean that in a good way)! I felt more connected to God through the songs of praise, corporate prayer, time of giving, and the message of God's word. They have an amazing kids ministry staff who takes care of the children while the adults attend worship. This was definitely a plus for us since we got crazy kids! We loved the fact that the whole worship service was well organized and structured. These guys know how to do church! After the service (roughly 90 minutes), my wife and I had the chance to meet Pastor Ed and Chris who shared their testimony and vision of the church. AND, we've been coming ever since... If you're looking for a church who is passionate about Jesus and the community, then I'd recommend checking The Movement Church out! You'll be glad you did! Blessings!

I love this church! Always so much love like we are one big happy family. The minister is so good…read more They always have great knowledge to share and keep your attention for all ages!

I want to thank you for welcoming me into your church when I returned home from Sheridan Prison…read moreCamp in Sheridan Oregon. I was sent to a half way house in Oakland California where I knew no one. They had a flyer on the wall at the half way house of local churches in the area that were available to attend. I selected your church and began attending on my allowed time for church on Sundays. I was welcomed with open arms and enjoyed the enlightening messages7 from the pastor. I want you all to know how much it has meant to me. This past year I have thought of you all often. I live in Sacramento and will probably not be back to your church but I will never forget your kindness. Good Bless you all .... Ken

I have been a member of this church for the last 7 years (I think it's been 7 years). I must say…read morethat before I attended New Life Community church I was not much of a church goer you would maybe catch me in church on Easter Sunday (if that). I was invited by a co-worker of mine when the church was still in its first year. Ever since I attended my first service I was hooked. There is something there that just spoke to me and said that I belong here that this is the place I needed to be. Over the years I became very involved in the small group and leadership roles that the church has. I've enjoyed creating connections in serving the community and growing in god and the spirt and most of all gaining a whole new church family that comes from all walks of life. If you are looking for a church home that really feels like home come check out New Life Community church. PS due to Covid restrictions we are not able to meet in person but New Life does whole service on Facebook and YouTube live every Sunday

This is my church and in just 8 months I've had the pleasure of serving and building community…read more Storyline is a multiethnic, multigenerational, non-denominational church that makes you feel at home. Pastor Akeem (the lead pastor) preaches relatable, scripturally sound sermons and Pastor JM (the spiritual formation pastor) will meet one-on-one with you to help you determine what your gifts are, how you can serve, and how to become spiritually equipped. Both of these men are down to earth and warm. Storyline has survived a pandemic and is continually thriving in its work and in its numbers. If you are searching for a church in the Bay Area I'd highly recommend checking out this church!

I got to know pastor Akeem from golfing with him and wanted to check out his church . I love that…read morethe Honda dealership next door clears out their car lot across the street every Sunday so his attendees can park there for free. Akeem was born in Belize and his parents brought him to the USA for education. Akeem is going to be successful in whatever he does and he chose to be a pastor rather than a businessman like most immigrants chase when they arrive here.

We have been looking for a church since moving to the Bay Area 4 years ago. We are so grateful to…read morehave finally found a community and a church that we can call home! Thank you TFH Oak!

Truly a place of worship and praise. On my first visit I was amazed at the diversity of the…read morecongregation and the passion of the church team.

Awesome Christian church. The word of God is preached here. The pastor, Albert, is a faithful…read morefollower of Christ. He does not compromise the word of God from the pulpit or in his personal life. Please pray for him. We all need prayer. Psalms 139:19-24: Oh, that You would slay the wicked, O God! Depart from me, therefore, you bloodthirsty men. For they speak against You wickedly; Your enemies take Your name in vain. Do I not hate them, O LORD, who hate You? And do I not loathe those who rise up against You? I hate them with perfect hatred; I count them my enemies. Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.

Wow, am I really the first to review Regen? My kids take Tae Kwon Do from Pastor Albert and his…read moreassistants. They don't charge a monthly fee and only ask for donations to cover the cost of new belts and certificates for testing. Lots of kids around the neighborhood come for class and it's something that most of these families would not be able to afford, so really it's a wonderful public service that they're providing. We started coming to Sunday services and really enjoy the teachings. As a church they definitely 'walk the walk'. They have a breakfast on Sunday mornings for the homeless people in the area. They invite underprivileged and at risk youth to learn self control and discipline through martial arts. They've even started a garden to grow fresh fruits and vegetables right in the middle of Oakland. Maybe I can find a church closer to home. I'm sure the money I pay for gas and wear and tear on the car would cover the monthly dues for a karate class. I don't think I could ever find as much heart in either one though.

I love being a member of Lake Merritt UMC. The church is a warm and welcoming group. It is really…read morea comfortable place to worship even if the view of Lake Merritt from the sanctuary can be a distraction on Sunday mornings! If you haven't seen the giant Tiffany mosaics in the sanctuary, then they alone are worth the trip. This is also a fabulous venue for events. Many groups rent the facility for a myriad of events. Lake Merritt UMC regularly hosts concerts, weddings, meeting, reunions, recitals, and family gatherings.

Great find in the East Bay for a church that cares about the community it is located in. Notably,…read morethe sanctuary is beautiful - featuring stunning Tiffany mosaics and a gorgeous view of the Lake. The children and youth programming are good and I am hopeful that this service can grow with the congregation. The Sunday morning service is pleasantly short, the music good, and the preaching thought provoking and relevant to everyday life. Bonus: fellowship time after the service is a great time to meet folks & relax with a really nice spread of snacks and surprisingly good coffee made to order ala your neighborhood cafe. Check out this great church community - welcoming, relevant, community-service minded, and a much needed spiritual respite from the work-week.

I was walking around this Grand and Lakeshore area with a guide that grew up right here in this…read morearea. He's over 65 now, so he has some stories to tell of the "old days". I saw this big church just across from Lake Merritt and asked what that? He told me that was Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. He grew up right on the street behind it. His paper route (something kids had back then), delivered to the nuns that lived in the rear of the complex. This church was also a elementary school. I don't know if it today or not. The children all wore uniforms to school. He remembers seeing them walking past his house and thinking that was strange having to wear uniforms, but that's a 7 year old thinking, that went to public schools. The big bell tower that still rings ... actually doesn't have real bells in it, they have big speakers that sound the bells. Something he told me the nuns told him once. The front of the main church is quite majestic and the inside is cavernous. I'm not a real church goer but if you were looking for a Catholic Church, this might be a good one if you live nearby.

**Posting this here as helpful information in case anyone is trying to communicate with the Church…read moreOffice as the website/answering machine is not up to date** The office is being supported by unpaid VOLUNTEERS. It is NOT OPEN 9am-3pm as the answering machine states. Your best bet is to leave a voicemail and MAYBE someone will call you back if you leave enough information about what you're asking for. You CANNOT drop by the office and expect someone to be there. It doesn't seem you can make appointments ahead of time either based on the volunteer nature of the office staff. If you require any documents, request that they be mailed to you to save everyone time/effort. I had contacted the parish in regards to Baptism. To save the next family some time, here is what I learned: - Baptisms are performed on the first Sunday of the month at the 10am Mass - you must attend a Baptism class (1st Saturday of the month) prior to the Baptism. - There is a Baptism donation fee plus a fee per godparent for the Baptism class - you must have a conversation with the Priest - you must be registered with the Church - At least one godparent needs to be baptized, first communion and confirmed. - The Baptism certificate can only hold 4 names so if you have more godparents, keep in mind that not all names will be printed on the certificate. Those were the main points but you'll learn more specifics in the Baptism class about the ceremony itself, what to bring and what to expect. I now understand that the office is severely understaffed but the process for arranging the baptism could have been improved and I felt a sense of irritation by volunteers that I had too many questions. I hope this helps someone out there, have a nice day.