Really gorgeous building and sunset view but they didn't allow service animals past the gate onto…read morethe rooftop garden (I asked security). I was confused because temples and churches are meant to be inclusive to all people... some cannot go too long without their service animal for medical reasons. It felt like it goes against the message establishments like these pride themselves on... Hoping they will change this soon, for safety reasons.

We took a tour inside of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Temple's Visitor's Center…read more The Visitor's center is open to the pubic and it's free. In addition you don't need to make reservations. We were warmly welcomed when we entered and were asked if we wanted a tour or would we just like to look around on our own. We opted for the tour. There was a short video presentation on families and them being together for ever. It was a sweet presentation. Unlike the Carousel of Progress at Disney World where the room moves for you, in this presentation you have to walk to each viewing area. It wasn't an issue. You just moved down the seats 5 feet or so to the next stage. It was a well done presentation. After that we wandered around. In the back part of the visitor's center there are floor to ceiling windows and today was a clear day and you could clearly see the Golden Gate Bridge. What a sight. They also had 3 examples of historic temples. One all the way back in the Old Testament to Moses's time. I thought that was really cool to see temples were built back in the biblical times and not something just made up for today. My parents enjoyed their theater and sat though many of the 8 stores of missionaries and there journeys of faith and service. I listened to 2 and really enjoy hearing about their stories and struggles. The Visitor's Center is Staffed with full time missionaries from the Church off Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Unlike what you may have heard about missionaries, these are just sweet kids trying to make everyone feel welcome and if you're intreasted they will tell you about God and his plan of happiness. These are not used car salesmen they aren't trying to sell you something or pull wool over your eyes. If you are interested in knowing more about them or there church you are free to inquire, but they aren't going to push anything on you. The grounds are beautifully maintained and well manicured. There are always flowers in bloom and the trash is always lush. If you go to the top of the temple you can see a view of the city. There is a staircase to the right and left of the entrance that will take you to the roof. Parking is great. They have there own private lot and parking is free. The spaces are wide and I had no issue parking. Bathrooms, the visitors center has plenty of clean well stocked bathrooms. Concerts and Programs, all free of charge- Their are lots of different offerings depending on the season. I wanted to take a picture of the Easter Celebrations for the week, but my phone died on me. They have some Holy Week activities, if you are interested I'd give them a call and asked for the list of activities that are happening soon. During December there are lots of programs and organizations and other churches participated. I believe they have an interfaith concert which brings people of many faiths together. The last concert I went to was a bell concert. People with musical bells came to perform in the concert hall. It was something I've never heard of before, but enjoyed. Family history center- They have a family history also referred to as genealogy center in the basement and that is also free to the public. We didn't pop our heads in, but we heard it's there.

Pentecost Sunday was AWESOME! I enjoyed everything from the moment I arrived, being greeted and…read morehugged! The Praise Team sang and really blessed me. Then, Pastor Bo preached about The Holy Spirit. You don't find many churches preaching the Bible...but this Pastor does. I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

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.

Before I begin, a roll call of some of the individuals involved with this organization is in order…read more They are names you may recognize. Ed Asner, Noam Chomsky, Naomi Klein, George Lakoff, Theodore Bikel, Steven Sondheim, Mandy Patinkin, Julianne Moore, Cynthia Nixon, Eve Ensler, Ethan Hawke, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Hal Prince, Jennifer Tilly, Roseanne Barr. Honest dialogue regarding The Middle East and relations between Israelis and Palestinians is lacking in the mainstream media. It can cause a gentile to be branded an anti-semite or a Jew to be accused of treason. In 1996, JVFP was formed, and since then have fought for a more balanced view of Middle Eastern conflict, one that includes the perspectives of Palestinians and Israelis alike as opposed to demonizing or lionizing either side, something the unbalanced corporate media is wont to do. JVFP has boycotted companies like TIAA-CREF, Caterpillar Inc., Elbit, and others who stand to gain from such turmoil, the kind that stems from a pure and tenacious inequality that is all too rarely discussed. In addition to internet and print campaigns designed to spread awareness and dispel myths and misconceptions, JVFP has also engaged in acts of direct protest, disrupting shareholder meetings and gatherings of hawkish leaders within the world Jewish community. JVFP is just as committed to the concept of "No Justice No Peace" as the civil rights leaders of the 1960's were. They are cognizant that concord in The Middle East will never occur without addressing and repairing disenfranchisement. It is a notion that is tragically controversial yet unflinchingly central to JVFP's mission. It is a notion that needs to become central to U.S. foreign policy. It is a notion that needs to become the common current throughout our planet. To sustain Jewish Voice For Peace is to sustain the entire human mosaic. Contribute today. P.S. I was spurred on to review JVFP on Yelp after getting a letter from them in the mail today. Your faith or lack thereof is immaterial to the goal of achieving a lasting and unbiased Middle Eastern peace sans missiles, tanks, and gunfire. Contribute if you're a Jew. Contribute if you're a Muslim. Contribute if you're a Buddhist. Contribute if you're a Quaker. Contribute if you're an Atheist. Just contribute. Me? I'm a quasi-secular, quasi-spiritual lapsed Catholic blue-collar metalhead of modest means. If I've ponied up, chances are you can too.

The main objectives of this group center around justice and equality for the Palestinians in…read moreIsrael. It has been a powerful (albeit outspoken) critic of Israel and for this reason, there have been many Jews who condemn it. This is very tragic because it means they are not capable of looking beyond their dogma to examine the facts or even engage in an honest debate.

Gracias a Dios por su pueblo que le ama!…read more Muy organizada, pero lo mas importante es el respaldo de Dios y de su misericordia para la congregacion. No dudes en visitar una de su 7 diferente localidades. Bendiciones!

One of those weird buildings that tourists see and college students pop culture buildings what is…read morethe strange new modern building are u visiting from the east coast ditto it's a Catholic cathedral ..mass weekdays ..holidays ..humans in the suburb sunny nice

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.

best pastor teacher true man of GOD he will make time for you and with give you an truly honest…read moreanswer rather you like or not he only quotes scripture during his sermons you yourself can verify so come as you are and bring your notebook you will feel right at home here at this church house shout praise catch the holy Ghost Amen

Pretty cool church. The service reminds me of how I grew up when I was a little kid. Their food…read morebank though, is a hassle. I stop going years ago because their line and how they run things is very unorthodox.

Wow!!! Amazing high rise view, A must see for all ages…read more Make sure to see from the garden view.

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!

When I first came I was a bit nervous but everyone was very welcoming and elated to meet me with…read moremade me feel comfortable. The pastors and leaders truly have a love for Jesus and since I've been going to the church I've been challenged to be more like Jesus and I've grown so much in His love. So grateful to be part of a church who's main mission is to awaken people to the reality of Jesus.