I posted previously about the lack of transparency and sketchy financials at City Church, and on a…read morewhim, I decided to check out if things were getting better, since a friend recently told me they were launching a big fundraising push to plug a potential $1.2M hole in their budget. Email is attached. I was really surprised that they could be running so large of a deficit because the Paycheck Protection Program should have been available to them to help plug any deficit that they could have had. So I went and pulled their annual financial report on their website for Sept 2020- Aug 2021 (https://citychurchsf.org/Give) and I was surprised that nothing was mentioned in the report about taking PPP money, given the deficit that they claimed to have. But then I checked the government databases, and saw that they actually were able to get $858,200 from the PPP in two tranches, one on April 9, 2020 for $429,100 (see https://www.federalpay.org/paycheck-protection-program/city-church-san-francisco-a-congregation-of-the-reformed-ch-san-francisco-ca) and the other for the same amount on April 9, 2021 (see https://www.federalpay.org/paycheck-protection-program/city-church-san-francisco-a-congregation-of-the-reformed-chu-san-francisco-ca) Given how much they got in PPP money, I find it hard to believe they could be on pace to run a $1.2M deficit, especially since most churches in the city have seen giving stay very constant during COVID. I find it even more problematic that City Church did not even disclose that they took PPP money in their $1.2M fundraising push, instead only disclosing that GIVING is on pace to be $1.2M below budget.

I am saddened and yet not surprised to read a few negative reviews - even recent reviews - of those…read morewho reject the courage that this pastoral team demonstrated when City Church became gay-affirming. There is unfortunately, always conflict when something like this occurs and the courage that Pastor Fred and his staff demonstrated in following the path that the Holy Spirit called them to follow - beautifully so - comes at a cost. Fred did what a real pastor does - he followed the leading of God, despite angering some (extremely wealthy), very religious parishioners who ended up leaving as a result of creating a space for gay men and women to be themselves at church. It's pretty rare for a church to do something that rocks the money boat but he followed the promptings of God - the prompt to ensure that the LGBTQ community could enter into an experience of Jesus and know that they are beloved - and never wavered, despite these people who continue to call his character into question with a viciousness I wish they'd save for someone who was actually causing harm. This bitterness over not being able to control him or have a church based on their very specific terms has to be miserable - the heart of the stubborn never finds rest but we'll leave them in hopes that they find some peace. Jesus was on the receiving end of the worst rage of the Religious so I guess it shouldn't come as much of a surprise that this kind of thing continues to happen. For me, as someone struggling with my faith, new to San Francisco, the CG City Church provided was my path back to God and the sermons are incredible. I recommend this Church if you've been broken, if you have always felt you lived on the island of misfit toys and want a relationship with Jesus. You'll find it here.

Loved this church! Was plugged in from the beginning and was able to join two groups! They even…read moresuggested to serve on the worship team! Love this church, definitely will recommend

Very welcoming environment with classes for kids of all ages, amazing coffee, powerful worship,…read morediversity in age and race which I love to see and dynamic speakers. There is so much going on not just inside the church building but outside as well, city life partners with the city and supports the community which is a beautiful reflection of what the church should be.

My partner and I started attending MBCC in 2014 when we lived in Excelsior (three blocks away!). We…read morenow live in the South Bay, but continue attending MBCC despite the commute because this community has become family for us. If I had to describe MBCC in a sentence I would say: We are a group of people who enjoy coming together to share a meal, learn about Jesus and explore tough questions about Christianity together. I love that we don't shy away from difficult topics and we are not afraid to dive into challenging conversations. The reason I think we are able to do this is because there is a common understanding that everyone is welcome, loved and accepted at MBCC. The format of the services also helps facilitate conversations: we now meet at 5(ish) in the Living room through the San Juan Ave (35 San Juan Ave) entrance, we moved out of the Sanctuary and away from the more "formal" service format to a more relaxed setting with couches and tables. We still have free dinner (that has NOT changed :) ). Our services are interactive, there is often a question presented by the pastor and we have opportunities to talk in small groups or as a large group. During these discussions we often find ourselves trying to make sense of the text in the context of today's struggles: personal, local, national and international issues. MBCC allows me to engage with the Bible and Christianity in ways no other church had allowed me to before. I feel like it has helped me grow in my faith and helped me apply it to my everyday life in practical ways. I have also made good friends and am always looking forward to our meetings outside of church, including our monthly book club (I could write a whole other 5-star review for it!). As I get older, I realize how hard it is to find community in ways that feel organic and authentic. MBCC is a rare gem, a place where people of different backgrounds, ages, nationalities, careers and life experiences come together to share a meal and are vulnerable together. I feel so lucky to have found this church!

Giving Back to the Community One Day at a Time…read more.. I'm NOT religious. I haven't set foot in a church since 8th grade (weddings don't count) though I probably should be there every Sunday morning repenting all my weekend sins but that's a whole different story. My review is purely for the community service Mission Bay Church embarks on. Every Saturday morning, Mission Bay Church hosts a Food Distribution to Excelsior Families in Need. This past Saturday marks the third time (my Yelp check-ins show otherwise) that I've volunteered with Mission Bay Church through One Brick, a non-profit organization that makes volunteering easy with no long-term commitment (http://www.yelp.com/biz/one-brick-san-francisco#hrid:CnCnP7lsYhtMlxBnI6mPJw). All the food is donated by the San Francisco Food Bank (http://www.yelp.com/biz/san-francisco-food-bank-san-francisco-2#hrid:JFzu1wgLOEj8uD_L_HBqPg). The average recipient is an elderly Asian woman so Cantonese speakers are encouraged to volunteer. It's a good thing I know my numbers which is the only thing I've retained from five years of Chinese school. :X Compared to all the volunteering events I've been to, this has been THE most rewarding and least labor intensive. With other organizations, I helped prep supplies and pack food behind the scenes. With the Food Distribution at Mission Bay Church, I get the instant gratification from seeing all the happy smiles and all the warm thank you's which is heartwarming and very humbling. The Food Distribution is as EASY as Pie: 1. Arrive at 10 AM (ends at 1 PM) with a smile on your face and a helping hand. 2. Prep food to be distributed by unboxing items. 3. Actual food distribution starts at 11 AM; you can work the line, the sign-in table, or distribute food. 4. Each recipient is allotted a specific amount of canned goods, fruit, and veggies. (If you or someone you know is in need, you're allowed to gather some food to take home beforehand). 5. BE FIRM. A lot of the recipients will try to ask for more. Two MEANS two; but I can't fault them for trying. 6. Bask in all the rewarding glory of smiling faces of the elderly and young children. What did I take away from the experience? Like a pair of retro Jordan's, fresh fruits are a HOT commodity. Canned turnip greens are NOT. I couldn't help but to giggle at all the disgusted faces the po-pos and gong-gongs made when they saw canned veggies. OHHHH, the horror. Oh and did you know you that you don't need scissors or a box opener to break down a box? It took an engineer in our group to show us the way. Press against both sides of the box to create a gap between the tape and the box and peel the tape off. VIOLA. What a noob I must have looked like trying to pierce a hole into the tape with my fingernails. At the end of the event, you can opt to go to lunch with the other volunteers at a restaurant nearby. It's a great place for meeting people who share the same values as you do. Two volunteers actually found love at one of these events and are now married. True story. =) Mission Bay Community Church would never be able to do what they do without volunteers. There's NO long-term commitment so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. So what are you waiting for? Bank GOOD karma points! I think we're all in need of them because God knows I am...

Post-pandemic, our family was looking for a church where our children could experience the joy of a…read morefaith-based community. After visiting several churches in SF, St. Mary's was an obvious choice. The church offers a 9 AM "children's service," which is slightly shorter and features a children's choir, children's homily, and Sunday school combo (+ nursery for younger kids). It's unique in that it's great for kids but also rises to an adult-level with amazing music and moments for contemplation. After several weeks, our kids asked to be in the choir - which I cannot say enough about. They have made so many great friends and love the weekly rehearsals. In a city filled with choices for after school activities, this one checks so many boxes - reading practice, music basics and appreciation, community, stage presence and more. We've also made so many great friends here. Truly a special gem.

St. Mary's is a loving and inclusive church with great music and wonderful clergy. The…read moreparishioners are friendly and support each other as well as newcomers. There are programs for everyone. There is a nursery, and Sunday School, as well as choirs for children, youth and adults. During the week there is bible study and other offerings for study and prayer.

This is the Catholic parish I call my "home" although I am not living in the neighborhood. But it…read morehas become my spiritual home. It is something as unusual as a LGBT friendly and accepting parish. The greeting words from Fr Steve on the church's website are true: "You will find the good people of our parish old, young, married, gay, lesbian, transgender, affluent, homeless, blue-collar, converts, cradle Catholics, radical, traditional, questioning, fervent. What you're least likely to find here is complacency or indifference." As a newcomer to the city a year ago, I immediately felt welcomed. People in the pews showed an interest in you and made you feel a part of the church. Over the year, I have learned to love the liturgies, the choir, the singers, and the homilies. The masses on Sunday mornings always make me feel blessed afterwards. And after that, the 8th sacrament is approaching: the brunch! For more about the parish, read Donal Godfrey's book: "Gays and Grays", published 2007.

I absolutely love this church. They feed the poor of The City every week, they provide daily mass…read morewith some of the most friendly people, and they have one of the sweetest and kindest Parrish priests, ever. This is an inclusive, affirming Catholic church that makes you feel like you have really gone into the House of the Lord and into His presence. I have been going to church my whole life, and this one is definitely one of the more loving congregations. However, hospitality does not follow up with those not attending. Phone calls to the home bound are important. It may be they are understaffed. They have missed opportunities for outreach that could increase non-seasonal attendance. Just because money is pouring in does not mean needs are being met. We cannot assume things. We parish for our lack of knowledge. It's important for people to speak up in a good way and be absolutely honest with each other. Magnanimous means we address each other with two positives to each negative. This can only be done when staffed with volunteer coordinators who run phone ministries. But, this is the number one problem in most churches. We all make assumptions, based on limited information and being overly busy. As my aunt used to say before she left this earth, "you have to put yourself out there. and you never bow down to anything but God's truth. That truth is feeding the poor; visiting the sick, shut ins, and weak faithful and unfaithful; and addressing evil with goodness while speaking truth to injustice. All this I see done in the Catholic Church. Hospitality to strangers just might be the stranger next to you in a pew for over 40 years because you are both too shy to say "hello." And when people need each other's time, their is a reason for it. There is no shame in our game. Only forgiveness. God is the God of second, third, and fourth chances. Once we had a homeless man come into a church that stunk to high heaven. Why someone did not approach him and ask him to shower I will never know. This is a public safety issue. Offer food, explain that he cannot smell himself but everyone else can and then ask him if he stays we have to protect the health of everyone. Bacteria is dangerous to the very young and very old. A care package and shower can help. Those who could sit through that smell without vomiting are living saints. MHRP is a no "guilt trip" Parrish. We say it like we see it in love. If we are wrong, we correct it. Spiritual vision is one thing, what we do and how we treat others with that vision is another. We can have all gifts and powers, but if we don't have the loving kindness and compassion, we need to rethink the material we cloth ourselves in.

Beautiful church, friendly environment, I feel in peace and freedom in here to worship Jesus.read more

This location offers a food bank on Thursday, which on the surface seems like a wonderful idea…read more The truth is anything but. I have gone to this location several times, & every subsequent visit has progressively gotten worse. Expect patronizing behavior, belittlement, outright hostility, & racism when visiting this location. Expect less & less food if you're a "regular patron". No matter what your choice of higher power or the color of your skin, the behavior here is unacceptable. Alas, I do know that I am not owed anything, & I completely understand that, but after my visit to this location on June 22, 2023 I will never return & will warn others to do the same. One thing about this location is consistent with the behavior of other San Francisco food banks, & that is that the behavior by &large is all the same. Overall, this place is not the best place to go if you're of African descent. Online shopping is unfortunately still the best route to take, as it takes profiling or potential danger out of the equation. However, there are other alternative food options & local bodegas in The City that will value you not only as a human being but also treat you in a respectful manner. As you can see from my other reviews, I have not had the most pleasant experiences lately in The Bay Area. However! At great personal risk to myself, I write these reviews based on my experience so that others will benefit from the experiences that I have. But always do your own research!

I've been looking for a church service that I'd like to attend weekly and in my search my first…read morestop was here, First Congregational. It is a United Church of Christ, which is a Christian faith but much more open, affirming and friendly than what I think of when I go to church. My experience here was all of those things and more - it was uplifting. We went to a service the Sunday before Thanksgiving and the singing and readings were very much about the earth (and farming) and humanity. There was no sense of guilt but of wanting to be a better person out of goodness, and I like that message. I also appreciate the style of the church, very understated, and the service was similar. In this faith a wedding can occur at a regular Sunday mass and that happened at this service. It was lovely and quiet but also seemed that with out all the pomp and circumstance that this church and congregation really is about faith and community. I will definitely head back here for the friendly and faithful community.

I am a member of this Church and I love that you can come as you are and be accepted. a nice…read moresampling of the diversity that San Francisco has to offer can be found here. We always have great snacks during our fellowship hour after the worship service. I love all the elderly people and new babies there and hope you will come check us out.

St. Mark's is absolutely stunning, inside and outside. The people there are such wonderful people…read more From the event administrator, Deirdre, to Marisa (day of coordinator - and the person who saved our wedding, couldn't get a license..long story), to Dr. Tim who performed the most beautiful music on an incredible pipe organ, to the sweetest Pastor, Lyle. All of these people are special people, and if you're thinking about getting married here... DO IT. Not only is the church a beautiful, historic place, but the people there are open and accepting to ALL. They continue to do Gods work, and their flock is ANYONE who wants to be there. They even do Gods work out in the city - where their flock is of people who really aren't sure where they are. As the Lord did, as do the people at St. Mark's. The poor, the wealthy, the sick, the healthy... they are all God's children, and they are ALL welcome here. They have their own large parking lot (and in SF, that is amazingly rare). They have an elevator inside, for folks who can't walk the stairs. It is accessible to everyone with people of different abilities (walking, seeing, etc) As if this wonderful place could not be anymore beautiful, they decorate it for Christmas time, and it is breathtakingly magical. The price is very, very reasonable. It includes coordinators, counselling (if needed/wanted - I highly recommend it... especially with Pastor Lyle), Dr. Tim and the beautiful pipe organ.. who came up the the brilliant idea of including Christmas music into our wedding, you can use whatever Photographer/Videographer of your choosing, a trial-run of your big day (highly recommend this one too!!) Thank you St. Mark's! We will see you for Christmas Mass.

We were married here about a year ago and yes, the church is absolutely stunning but it comes with…read morea lot of restrictions and a fairly hefty price tag so just do your research before booking. $2,400 (not including the $500 deposit in case you break something) for 3 hours of use though they do let you in early so it's probably 4 hours realistically: 1 hour for set-up 1 hour for ceremony 1 hour for photos They charge $100 for every 30 minutes you go over so it made us a little nervous but they're not too strict about enforcing. Church seats probably close to 350 at the max, comfortably 200. The restrictions are included in a handbook but they forgot to send us the handbook until about 2 months before the wedding. The St. Mark's wedding coordinator was super pregnant at the time so she was a little unresponsive, never worked weekends or after 5pm, and another person ended up managing the day of the wedding. Anyway restrictions: 1) Music - needs to be approved by their music director. Nothing secular allowed and he is included in the price of the church rental as the organist so you might as well use him to play from his selection of music. 2) Pastor - needs to be Lutheran. Otherwise your pastor can only co-officiate with a St. Mark's provided pastor. This became a problem when our pastor wanted to preach on the Ephesians marriage passage - he wasn't allowed to mention how a wife submits to her husband because the St. Mark's pastor found it offensive or something so he only did half a sermon about how the husband must be willing to die for his wife and love his wife as Christ loved and died for the Church. 3) Pre-Wedding Counseling - you are required to receive at least one session of counseling with a St. Mark's pastor. I think you also need a minimum set of hours of general counseling but we had that covered with our own pastor anyway. 4) Rice, bird seed, flower petals, aisle runner - not allowed. Fake flower petals are okay but you need to clean it up yourself after. 5) Photography - the photographers aren't allowed to get past the first I think 6 or 7 rows of the pews during the actual ceremony so don't expect any close-ups or great angles of the ceremony. Also no flash photography.