Can I rate a church? Not on theology, but on pure pulse-pounding, soul-stirring, gut-wrenching…read moreexperience? Not to mention the best Gospel music and choir in the area? You haven't lived until you've got your praise on at Apostolic Tabernacle in Merced! If you are expecting a typical reverent, quiet Sunday service you probably won't appreciate the joy and verve of this interracial congregation. But if you crave a dose of "crazy church" straight out of the Blues Brothers you'll love this! You want soft keys or gently strumming acoustic guitars? Sorry, go somewhere else! Here it's drums, bass, sax and a maniac on the B3! Yes, Bro. Mark, you know I'm talking 'bout you! To be fair, this Mad Hatter of a Music Director also plays keyboards (very well!) and is in charge of the music program, which encompasses the Mass Choir, Praise Team, Band and assorted other groups such as the Children's and Men's choirs, maintaining a high degree of quality. He is assisted by the capable Choir Director and a team of spiritually-minded, dedicated musicians and singers. Yes, it does indeed take a village to raise the roof! A word about the preaching - Pastor Sam Emory is excellent. His sermons are moving and thought-provoking. If you remember the chanting delivery of old-time preachers such as the Rev. Franklin, yes, he gets into that, too. Sometimes there are guest preachers as well... To hear the Mass Choir, check out the 11AM service (they also have some songs up on YouTube). On Sunday evenings and Wed. nights, it's the praise team, which is about 6-8 singers backed by the band. They also Web-cast services at their site: http://www.upcmerced.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=127&Itemid=109

My aunt was a member of this church for nearly 30 years. She passed away this year and we contacted…read morethe church for her funeral arrangements. Immediately the staff was very rude. They said they didn't have time for a funeral for her also that they hadnt seen her recently which I'm not sure why them doing her funeral depends on whether she had went to church recently ... but the reason she hadn't gone was she had cancer and was nearly 80 years old.... Really sad that this is how they treat the members of their church after she attended for nearly 30 years. They could not make time for her funeral.

Amazing place to worship. The pastor is really educated and always appreciate the great sermonsread more

There's two main reasons why this church gets my vote …read more Firstly they are incredibly friendly in all the right ways . They are GLBTQ friendly . One of their elders is openly gay and also works as the church book-keeper. After the Orlando massacre,the church newsletter did a small article on each victim every week . They carry a good mix of political persuasions so you don't feel excluded if you are pro democratic or pro anything else (no points for guessing what I'm pro ), yet one never feels judged for one's beliefs ... only welcomed . The pastor preaches a message of inclusion rather than one of judgement . That's already a win in my book . Secondly they do a Wednesday night dinner for anyone who wants it . For 5 bucks they stuff you with salad , an entree , sides and a dessert . The menu is varied but on most occasions the pastor makes a mean , mean tri-tip , and never over cooks it (whew ... ). The youth (or activities?) pastor does down-home, Americana desserts to perfection, and everybody makes sure you are well fed . So, if like me, it's a Wednesday and the last thing you want to do is cook , and you only want to spend 10 bucks total , this is the place to be! No preaching , no exhortation to join the church; just join them at the table and break some bread with them . How bad can that be? Oh and btw dinners at 5.30 pm .

Last year I moved to Merced from LA and my search for a Holy Spirit filled church was my top…read morepriority. I first went to a couple of other churches in Merced and they were all great and I thank God we have so many great options in Merced for every believer in Christ. Ultimately Life Place Church was a good size church for me and most importantly I felt Holy Spirit move on my first visit. I knew right away this was a church that can help me fulfill my true purpose in Christ. If you are looking for a bold church that loves and wants to transform Merced then LPC is it!

It has been six months since I started to attend this church, after searching for some time I ended…read moreup walking into this Life Place Church a complete transparent and loving church. Just what Merced needs! To be bold and hear the truth about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the most profound thing we can have in life spreading the gospel and leading people to heaven is key! Here you will find the Holy Spirit moving speaking, learning, walking, and being set free. The pastor truly cares for the people of Merced. They truly care for the youth and children and all who are willing to get helped. I highly recommend you give it a try and attend at least one time !

I am a Christian and I'm homeless 2 years ago it was 110° I was parked across the street at a park…read moreburning up having a heat stroke living in my car at the time with my husband of 38 years being a fellow Christian I saw that they had a water hose in front of the building I went on to the property I went to my father's house or they are the stewards I used the water hose to cool myself down and my little dog I wasn't there no longer than 5 minutes put it back where I found it and left I was halfway back to my car when a loud speaker went off said the police have been called I was in violation of being on their property I was embarrassed I was humiliated I ran to my car and I hid and the police showed up with him 5 minutes and they drove all around looking for me I suppose I was sickened all I could think about was jesus's words when they met him and he said get away from me I do not know you and they all said you know me Lord you know me I'm a good guy I prayed I did everything I supposed to around your church and he's going to say I was thirsty and you did not give me water and they will take me you never saw you and he's going to tell him so if you did not do this for one of your brothers or sisters you did not do it for me that's what I think of when I think of this church and it breaks my heart my husband and I have gone there many times for the free food that they give away problem with that being not once did they ever ask us to come to their church not once did they ask if we were need a prayer not once they ask if it knew the Lord Jesus Savior of our lives have you asked him to come into our heart never asked us if we needed a Bible never gave me a little pamphlet in the food they gave us let's talk about the food they give us we're homeless what are we going to do with rice and beans no way to cook it it's useless they give lots of food to those that they know lots of food no not so much have a big old tables full of desserts we think oh wow that's great and we're going to get something you know halfway decent have all this no we're lucky if you get two bites out of the littlest sometimes mildew sometimes hard as a rock who the slept over for those that are like us I suppose I'm ashamed of that church I have lost every single person in my life that love me my mother my father my sister grandparents three best friends my cousin they're all gone there's no one left to remember my memories but me my story my life is out of jobs do I curse God no do I blame God no do I love God with all my heart yes I do I believe in Jesus with all my heart is he my best friend you bet he is does this give me a bad look on all Christians of course not of course not Jesus tells us the path to heaven is very narrow and very few make it through the path to hell is wide and many cross through it is what it is they are as Paul speaks to in the book of Revelation to the churches that are wax cold that are not doing what they're supposed to be doing that is what this church reminds me of

I have attended off and on since about 1982. This is the…read morechurch I come back to. On top of the welcoming staff and volunteers the message from Pastor Dave is always true to God, understanding of human struggles, kind and loving. It is a large congregation which is my preference, but you don't feel invisible in the crowd. Life can be hard, Jesus is waiting for you to reach out and grasp his hand.

A great place to immerse yourself in the work God is doing in Merced as well as the richness of…read morequality of people that called this city their home. Pastor Jason is a very relational minister that really wants to know his church family. This church is what I call a home away from home and many students from the UC agree as well. The best thing about this church is that it is all about Jesus.

Great, loving group of people in this church. Very community focused and kind. Worship varies in…read morestyle depending on the team, but the messages are always timely and relevant.

Love their cultural music that's been used for literally thousands of years, provides a…read morepeacefulness similar to massive church grand, large catholic choirs...music is often a part of religion. It's a shame some ignorant fools only thing their religious music sounds good. Unfortunately some guy, Mike, lives 2 hours away and we hear his country bumpkin simple cord music about being down, drinking whiskey, and driving in the highway to nowhere..,So...So...deep

I was Lucky enough to tag aLong with my girL and her famiLy to enjoy some Laos New Years…read morefestivities. It was definitely a Long drive but it was absolutely worth the annoying Leg cramps. LOL. Upon waLking into the tempLe- you are greeted by TraditionaL music, dancing, kids screaming, and the amazing aroma of bbq'd meats. There is something here to keep people of all ages occupied. Take a moment to pray, get bLessed by monks, take some amazing pictures, roam around stuffing your face, or cooL yourself off with a water gun fight.... The world is your oyster. FYI- bring lots of cash and sunbLock

We stumbled upon this church, well maybe not so, God must have directed us to this church, and for…read moregood reason! Our pastor Mike Hull is AMAZING. His messages are so powerful, and apply to my day to day life. I honestly feel like my life has turned around since I've gotten back to church. Since the first day I arrived, people greeted me, hugged me and welcomed me like I was family. There is a great mix of people that are welcoming, from all walks of life and shades of color. You do not feel out of place at this church no matter who you are! Last but not least, the choir!!! Is soooo amazing, I am joyed to be back at church and overjoyed to be a member of CLC for a few months now!

My husband and I are Catholic and have attended mass at St. Anthony's for years. The family wanted…read morelast rites for my husband, their Dad. Father Paul Kado came immediately. So comforting and special for all. The family planned, with the help of Father Paul, a memorial mass. It was so very beautiful. Everyone that attended, Catholic and non-Catholic, commented on how positive and heart warming the services were for everyone. My grandson sang a special song for Grandpa "How Great Is My God" with the help of the music ministers and it was beautiful. Thank You Father Paul and St. Anthony's.