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Mission Bay Community Church
Category: Religious Organizations Churches Churches [Edit]
32 Ocean Ave(between Mission St & Persia Ave)
San Francisco, CA 94112
Neighborhood: Mission Terrace
(415) 787-4751
36 reviews for Mission Bay Community Church
36 reviews in English
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Review from Cherylynn N.
San Francisco, CA
Giving Back to the Community One Day at a Time...
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/bi...).
All the food is donated by the San Francisco Food Bank (http://www.yelp.com/bi...). 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...Listed in: Banking those GOOD karma…
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Review from Hayley L.
San Francisco, CA
3/8/2011
I've been a regular attender/member at MBCC for a few years now (which, at MBCC, is practically a lifetime) and they've been reminding me in pretty much every bulletin that yelp reviews are awesome, why don't you write one for us...
and I haven't written one. I have started this review many times but never been able to finish it. Why? I love this place, but I don't know how to convey that in words that I feel really express the how and the why of it all. So, maybe I will just make a list of things I love about MBCC.
MBCC is awesome because:
- I get free babysitting for 1 hour
- it's okay to eat and drink hot cocoa in service.
- you can take pictures next to a life size cutout of Jesus at the Prom
- they serve Hawaiian bread for communion instead of dry crackers
- the music is excellent
- they give out free groceries on Saturdays at the food pantry
- there is dinner after service
- it doesn't take itself too seriously
- the building was designed by Julia Morgan
- Bruce is a great pastor
- you can start something, call it a tradition, and it will be become one
- the people there are awesome
Hm. A lot of the reasons MBCC is awesome are related to food. I guess you can tell where my priorities are. ;) -
Review from Natalie D.
San Francisco, CA
7/4/2011
In my quest to find a church to call home, I looked at 4-5 churches. The search was frustrating, comical and even sad at times. I could have never imagined that my journey would end with the pot of gold of churches, Mission Bay Community Church. Don't get me wrong, I do not claim Mission Bay is the dream church for everyone out there searching for a spiritual home base. It is not a giant, flashy mega church with the hippest congregation in town, but it has all the qualities of a church my wife and I have spent the last 6 years searching for.
The community. Such an interesting mix of people, all seeking a connection with God and with each other in order to better themselves and the world. They welcomed us with enthusiasm and genuine interest in getting to know us and opened their arms to us without hesitation. There was no weird feeling that we were kept at a distance. Bottom line is, from the first day we showed up there we could tell that we were welcomed into the kind and loving community. In fact. after our first church visit ended with a group of us all going to have a drink to discuss ideas for the church and how to grow as a church community. In the year since we have joined I feel we have truly made a church family, and am grateful for this as I look forward to having my future kids be a part of such a warm and kind community.
The services. If you are looking for a long, drawn out, preachy or boring pastor shaking his fist, this is not the place for you. MBCC's sermons are interactive, and the congregation is often asked for their responses on the topic at hand. This can include our thoughts on how to address the difficult parts of living in SF (how do we, as a religious community following the teachings of JC handle the daily observations of extreme suffering right in front of our eyes) to asking people how we can as a church grow and change in such a transient city. I have never even come close to fallen asleep at MBCC, and I'm not going to lie, I have def had full on open mouth sleeping at some churches in the past, due to the very one sided preaching quality. Another thing I love about MBCC is that we are asked as a community for prayers to share with each other. This helps us all share the burdens that we face as individuals, and it helps to know there will be prayers for you and the trials you face.
The dinner: After church, everyone is invited to share in a dinner. I just love this. At churches we had attended previously, I often felt moved by the sermon, but 10 min later almost forgot entirely about it because when church was over, everyone just quickly left to go about their day. There were no invitations to discuss these ideas and thoughts with people, it was almost as if they had never happened. At MBCC, you can spend the hour or so after the service eating and sharing your thoughts with the people who went through the service with you. Very cool. It is much easier to allow the sermon to actually influence your life and thoughts when you talk about it and allow discussion over a yummy meal.
The community involvement: MBCC is still growing. It does have some room to grow in this area, but there are a couple of things I like. They run a weekly food pantry that anyone is welcome to come serve at, and they often participate in community activities, such as AIDS walk, Pride, and sustainable farming/food meetings or conventions. As the MBCC family grows, I imagine so will the community services.
The music: MBCC has a very cool band, and it is not a polished and flashy band that clearly spends hours a day practicing. It is a special, very authentic church band that often includes members of the congregation participating in one way or another. I bet they would even let me get up there and sing back up, God help them.
If you are looking for a welcoming, loving and kind group of people to worship with on Sundays, and perhaps if you are even looking for a real church family that is accepting and open, then you really should check out this very unique and special church. -
Review from Jessica t.
San Francisco, CA
3/26/2008
My mom used to be a Presbyterian minister, so every Sunday - no matter what antics we'd been up to the night before - we had to be up early, dressed and ready to sit our butts down on hard wooden pews.
My mom (though now retired and jet-setting around the world with the love of her life) was always an excellent speaker, (I think her Welsh drawl helped a lot). But when you're young, the last thing you want to do is watch your mom talk for over an hour and a half - while you have to sit still and "pretend" you're interested. Sometimes she'd catch me chewing gum and/or playing Sega Genesis (I was the bomb at Sonic the Hedgehog) during her sermons, and I can still remember her eyes widening and her brow furrowing from the pulpit. My senior year, I can remember my younger brother still slightly hung-over from the night before (the drinking age varied overseas) shake his head in pain, while trying to command his gag reflexes, 'forcing' himself to take a sip of wine for communion, my mom looking on (just as pained) the whole time.
Despite early mandatory church attendance as a kid (as we got older it was up to us, if we wanted to go) my mom was and has always been open and progressive when it comes to religious stuff, which strangely enough is part of the reason I haven't really been going to church in years. I just haven't found a place that clicks for me and didn't want to force it.
But a little over a month ago, I decided that I'd try Mission Bay Community Church.
Hurriedly flagging down a cab to make the trek over to Mission Bay, my bf and I stumbled into the church a little disoriented. The atmosphere was immediately inviting. Housed in a big strange silver painted open area, you'll find little coffee tables, orange couches, chairs, and pews. People smile at you as you enter, and we were relieved to see that they even had snacks and coffee for you to drink during the service.
It was great to see so many diverse and young people early (11:00am is pretty early for me) on a Sunday. There was nothing stiff and too organized about the place. One of my favorite things about Mission Bay is the quality live music that accompanies all of the hymns. I love hearing guitars, cello, and even drums, while I sing. People are also genuinely happy and excited to be there. Pastor Bruce - goes out of his way to make sure people feel comfortable. He does an impressive job of making the time fly by, by engaging people and turning sermons into a discussion, rather than a lecture. He'll even show movie clips when applicable. In fact the first time we were there - they showed a clip from Life of Brian.
I'm going to try to make it out to Mission Bay as much as possible. It may not happen as much as I'd like, but I really appreciate that I have a fun friendly place to go on Sundays. Also every third Sunday (I think) they have an amazing potluck after their service, which is great for meeting people, if it's your first time. -
Review from Erik C.
Seattle, WA
12/1/2006
MBCC has couches and free-trade coffee, with a few pews thrown in for an eclectic mix. This place really is a "community" church; my wife and I felt at home from the first day we randomly showed up here. If you are looking for a more laid-back, comfortable experience that is still theologically sound, check it out.
As a former atheist turned christian, the attitude at MBCC really apeals to me. If you think of "church" as a place where everyone thinks the same, dresses the same, and acts the same, then do yourself a favor and swing by on a Sunday morning and have a refreshing experience. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised and hopefully come away with another perspective on what a church can be.
And yes ... I've been seen up front in the worship band from time to time, but I'd give it a 5 anyway. :) -
Review from Alexandra S.
San Francisco, CA
4/3/2007
I have stayed away from church since I got confirmed in ninth grade. This is the church I go to.
After nosing about, going to various churches in SF, getting bored to tears or annoyed to the point of walking out, I have found a spiritual home in this establishment of cynics dealing with faith in SF life, with all of its complications and benefits. The pastor, Bruce, has managed to both inspire and provide a venue for hope without evangelizing or making you feel that you have to get rid of your logic or sense of reality in order to have spirituality. Although I'm still not fully down with the Jesus, this is a place where it is ok to be in that mindspace. Kudos MBCC! -
Review from Mark R.
San Francisco, CA
2/13/2008
Let me just start this review by saying that i have done my share of church shopping in and around the San Francisco area.
I find it so difficult to come to a new city, and find a new church, where you don't immediately feel like your the odd man out. Its hard to find a place to be comfortable enough to admit you might not be as strong in your spiritual journey without feeling completely uncomfortable and intimidated. Even more, its hard to enter a new church community that isn't super cliquey and set in its ways.
MBCC is the answer for all of that. Not only are the people here all incredibly friendly and non intimidating, but they are all so very unique and all bring something different to the table. I love to see a place where i can come as i am, and not feel like the place is bound and limited by religious traditions that limit my own personal ideas and beliefs. This church, has just the right combination of holding traditional values and mixing it with a contemporary young feel.
From the second you walk into this place, you immediately feel comfortable and right at home. Although this place does have pews to sit on, the majority of the furniture is couches and tables. Plus, there is a welcome table in the back that has coffee and snacks for everyone, and, yes, its free! :-)
If your looking for a place to go to worship that allows you to come as you are without being intimidating or overbearing, then this is the place for you! -
Review from Shaun O.
Philadelphia, PA
9/16/2007
To be honest, I have struggled with the rolge of religion all my life.
After an 12 year absence from church, I started going again with some friends at Berkeley from 2000-2005...you would think that experience would resolve my spiritual struggles....wrong, I just never really connected with that church and didnt enjoy what I interpreted to be their overarching emphasis on human sin....
In the context otf the last 2 years, in which painful personal setbacks didn't seem to match up with my vision of an kind and loving creator, I ended up taking an year off from church.
Strangely enough, http://Yelp.com directed me towards MBCC. Turns out an buddy of mine goes there and I found reviews on it that seemed to cater to those that had experienced the level of disconnect that I had experienced at other churches. I figured why not give it a shot on the basis of these reviews.....
This Sunday marked my first time there at MBCC and seemed like an fairly chill environment. The lack of pews and the abundance of couches, fold up chairs, coffee and cookies gave it an welcolming feel. Additionally, I didn't feel overwhelmed in meeting people there as everyone seemed to not act "phony" or have fake, plastered on smiles.
Pastor Bruce seems pretty well grounded in the context of his sermon and it has more of an application oriented approach to exploring scripture. You might even call it a little like "bible-lite"...but I still have only done one sermon...so I don't have enough info....regardless, the fire and brimestone approach was not evident or any sort of condescending focus on our humanity and sin wasn't readily apparent....
Regardless, I didnt feel like running out of there right away after it was over...and am willing to give it another shot in the near future....by no means have I resolved my personal spiritual tensions...but this place at least seemed to cater to folks with those types of dilemmas.....
ill write more in the future.....
-shaun -
Review from Katina B.
San Francisco, CA
4/27/2007 1 Check-in Here
On Sunday mornings I wake up wanting to go to church.
Believe me, that hasn't happened in decades. Not since I was 8 years old with a starring role in the Christmas pageant and dreams of catapulting from the church stage into Hollywood...
Fast forward a few years: the girl has made it through law school instead of landing on the big screen. Has spent years feeling lukewarm or uninspired by various churches.
Enter MBCC. MBCC is a welcoming, warm, non-confrontational, thoughtful, and open community. The congregants genuinely care about each other. I love this place. -
Review from toto h.
San Francisco, CA
4/3/2007 7 photos
Silvery!!!
MBCC has been a place I proudly called as My Church for about three years now. It used to be "have to go" to the church, but MBCC makes me want to, really really want to.
Love the sermon, the music, the people, the dialogue, the coffee, everything....including those white plastic chairs =) -
Review from Brian L.
Portland, OR
10/21/2007
MBCC was all and more than it promised to be. The atmosphere is very welcoming, but not in an overly in your face way like some churches can be. In other words they show that they are glad that you are there, but they don't have to sit on your lap to do so!
The worship--which is expressed in singing, art, and so forth--allows one to reach God with all the senses. The weekend I went they had a guest teacher and she was fantastic. The order is smooth and organized, but not stringent and boring. There is a lot of creativity and it feels like you are worshiping and hearing the Scriptures with friends that you have known forever and that you can be comfortable with.
The pastor--Bruce--redefines the down to earth pastor and you can tell that the church has a very egalitarian feel to it (i.e. everyone can be part of the community's journey).
What really excited me was the book store at the back that had books from their past study groups. This showed me that this church is really concerned and desires to think through what it means to be a Christian community in our world today. I give this church two thumbs up and recognize both those with church backgrounds and those that would consider themselves somewhat irreligious.
Read my blog thoughts at http://bleport.wordpre... -
Review from morgan c.
Austin, TX
7/17/2009
My words cannot correctly depict how special this church community is!
My husband and I had to recently relocate to Austin, TX and in the craziness of packing, moving, saying our goodbyes...the ONLY TIME we had a tear in our eye was saying goodbye to everyone at mbcc.
This is a community that respects, loves and cherishes its members. You will not feel like a number...more like such a name (believe me, if you raise your hand to answer the preacher's question..99% of the time your name WILL be used!)
It's unlike any other church community I've ever found and if you open your heart to its members you WILL FIND friends for life!
Most members are around the age of 30 and some have children, some are married and there are also quite a few singles as well. But at MBCC, age doesn't matter...
We miss it greatly and KNOW we'll never find a church community in Austin just like it but we're hoping to find one similar (coffee during the sermon, at least) ... if you're wondering if you should visit DO IT! if you're wondering if it's 'right for you' GIVE IT SOME TIME!
cherish mbcc...it's such a precious diamond in the rough :-) -
Review from A. Y. S.
San Francisco, CA
6/3/2007
My wife and I spent three years looking for a church in the Bay Area that was right for us. During that time, I often wondered if we were being too picky. Maybe God just wanted us to settle and it was more about us getting used to a church than finding the "right" church.
Finding MBCC removed all doubt--we just had to find the right church. Multi-ethnic, laid-back, serious and fun, full of down-to-earth folk, friendly, and a great combination of conventional and progressive... even if it doesn't end up being your cup of tea, it's certainly a church worth checking out. -
Review from Michelle W.
Redwood City, CA
12/3/2008
My husband and I found this church while on our quest to find some Sunday solace that suited us both - myself a lapsed Catholic, and my husband a Pentecostal. We love it. It is THE go to place for normal people with an avg age range from 30-50, go for great spiritual food (and the coffee isn't bad either!)
Our only regret is that we aren't able to attend Sunday services currently as he has to work every Sunday. We will make it back there Pastor Bruce, and we have not cheated on you!! Can't wait to see the new digs! -
Review from Jarrett C.
Oakland, CA
4/6/2010
Lets see here...
Disco-themed Easter Egg hunt, interactive weekly sermons, coffee, tea, hot cocoa, and a prom to be planned in the near future...perhaps the first church I've attended where Herbie Hancock's "Rockit" is blasted on the P.A. system.
Not your parents' church, definitely not your grandparents' church, and possibly perhaps not even your elder siblings' church. Yet, this church reaches out to EVERYONE, and when I say "reaches," I mean really extend a hand out to folks as they are.
It's true that if this was a restaurant review, I'd give them 3 Stars, tops. (With the exception of last weekend's Easter dinner with the crab pasta, 5 Stars!!!) However, how many churches can you think of where you CAN give them a restaurant review?
'K then, C U there! -
Review from abby k.
Oakland, CA
10/23/2009
I thought I should wait to write a review of this joint until they no longer employed me. But, prepare yourself for more than my fair share of bias. Stop reading now if that will annoy you.
Mission Bay Community Church became my family in the Bay Area. Having grown up in the Midwest, where most of my blood relatives still live, finding roots in the Bay Area was very difficult. And given that I worked there, I never thought a funky little urban church in SF could become like family to me. They did.
They taught me to pray, to preach, to laugh in church, to live with a confidence of faith in the mystery and ambiguity that life is. They showed me how to not take myself to seriously, while still taking my faith and my tradition seriously. As an artist, they cultivated my creative approaches to church and basically let me try anything (almost) at least once.
Bruce RC gets most of the props for being their leader, and don't get me wrong, if I am have the preacher, teacher, friend and pastor he is, I will be satisfied with my life. But, often in giving him his due, the beauty of this community is underplayed. The wonderful, wise, wacky folks I have gotten to know at MBCC will be with me for the rest of my life.
And the walls in the office/living room (BTW all churches should have a living room) are purple, yellow and some undefinable red/orange. Clearly up my alley.
Drink their coffee, make yourself comfortable, ask questions, respond during worship and be sure to stay for dinner. -
Review from Bruce R.
San Francisco, CA
10/9/2006 7 photos
Okay . . . I am the pastor there, so I think I am obligated to give it a 5 . . . sue me ;-)
Listed in: My "WORKING" Neighborhood
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Review from Candice j.
San Francisco, CA
4/7/2007
Dear Father, forgive me, for I have been a church whore.
For 10 shameful years, I walked from congregation to congregation all over the Bay Area -- I went to churches in Oakland, Berkeley, Walnut Creek, Livermore, not to mention a number of churches in San Francisco. I've been to small churches, big churches, conservative churches, liberal churches, and churches where the congregation is primarily elderly folk, young, hip professionals, family folks, etc. I tasted the gamut of church experiences. I was faithful to none and sordidly open to all.
In my defense: Some churches had glorious bands and singers, but a pastor whose sermons did not resonate with me. Other churches had pastors with sermons that seemed sensible enough, but did not challenge me to grow. Other churches had a congregation that was nice and pleasant, but one which nonetheless failed to explore Christian views on issues pertinent to a yuppy in the 21st century. In short, I was looking for a church which would challenge me to live out my Christian values and beliefs in the real world today. Dear Jesus! Is that too much to ask?
After whoring around for a decade, I've settled down at Mission Bay Community Church. The search is over, and here's why: The people and pastor. First, the people: The people at MBCC are REAL. This is a congregation that is not afraid to take an honest look at the realities of urban life and to discuss them in the Christian context. It's also a congregation that is diverse and relatively progressive, while remaining true to Christian values and beliefs. Second, the pastor: Bruce Reyes-Chow. I love Bruce. Not only is he available and accessible, but every Sunday Bruce preaches on an issue that is relevant to my life today. He doesn't give easy answers. But he does give guidance that is biblically based. I love that.
Allelujia! Praise the Lord! -
Review from Candy H.
San Francisco, CA
8/19/2007
I've been on an interesting spiritual journey, trying to figure out exactly what and where i should be - after lots of prayer, Mission Bay Community Church seemed to be it. I wanted to be double cautious because my almost 16 year old daughter also wanted to come, the first time there we both felt Mission Bay Community Church was exactly where we are both supposed to be! You will find NO OTHER church in San Francisco where your teenager will double check with you on Friday "Hey Mom - we're still going to church on Sunday right?" Yep, you heard that right SHE WANTS TO GO and so do I! By the way -The music will lift you, the Pastor will talk about things that pertain to you and your spiritual journey and the coffee (yes, you CAN drink it during service) is good too!
Listed in: The Places I Go Out
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Review from Scot B.
San Francisco, CA
1/8/2007
I will admit that i am not fully objective about MBCC. After a ten year absense from church, my wife and I found Mission Bay Community Church and have been going there ever since (about 5 years now).
It is a group of mostly 20&30-somethings from a broad religious backgrounds that are all trying to be good Christians and having lots of healthy discourse to try to figure out what that means and doesn't mean. The discussions are lively, intellectual, and good spirited.
The pastor is cool. The sermons are meaningful. And the music is pretty darn good. And most importantly, you can also drink coffee during the service.
We have considered moving from San Francisco a few times, but the friends and faith community we have developed at MBCC has been one of the main factors we have stayed in SF. -
Review from Ray C.
San Francisco, CA
1/5/2007
My wife and I went to a slew of churches here in San Francisco until we came across MBCC. We knew this was a special place within the first few minutes we were there. MBCC is not about vestments and pageantry and rigid orthodoxy. The focus here is on building a community of faith where everyone is welcome. While MBCC'ers take this mission very seriously, they take themselves less so, and that is extremely refreshing. Come check it out.
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Review from Tara T.
San Francisco, CA
6/6/2009
let me start by saying that i'm jewish---and i love going to mbcc.
my top ten things that i love about mbcc:
1. they make you feel totally comfortable. no matter who you are.
2. the people are friendly. (i should know. i'm one of them.)
3. you can get up and get hot cocoa, coffee, or tea during the service and not feel uncomfortable and/or guilty for disrupting the service. ....NOT ONLY THAT, but when you come back to your seat, it doesn't necessarily have to be a pew! there are french tables! yes, this is a magical type of church that has multiple forms of seating!
4. as a teacher, i totally appreciate their appeal to the multiple intelligences. except that here, it's appealing to the multiple spiritualities. they encourage singing, study of the text, art, journaling, or even tweeting during the service as forms of spiritual expression.
5. the music crew is live and rockin'. i can barely help myself from singing the songs all about jesus.
6. our pastor is the moderator of the pcusa! --which is a big deal. --which means that we're a big deal. --which means that i'm the biggest deal there is.
7. they are very up-to-date. our pastor bruce is super into technology and social networking to help get the word out.
8. bruce's sermons are very stimulating and engaging----here, no question is a rhetorical question.
9. love the church's involvement in the community and practicing service! (we've recently initiated a once-a-month food bank, as well as attend all sorts of community events!)
10. love the church's tight community involvement with it's members! (this is particularly great because you have the opportunity to get as involved as you want to, and completely take things on with support!)
this is a family. join for sunday night service at 5:30, and stay for dinner. -
Review from Tiffany F.
San Francisco, CA
1/11/2007
A great place to be in a community of people who are learning to follow Jesus together. There is freedom of dialogue, a great atmosphere and a semi-normal pastor :-)
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Review from Tricia Y.
Carrboro, NC
3/13/2007
Ah, MBCC. This place is what I miss MOST about San Francisco. The people here are so cool. Yes, people who go to church can be cool. Shocking, I know. Bruce is an awesome pastor who has a way of nudging you to become more active a little bit at a time - until one day you realize it's 10pm on a Tuesday and you are in the church unpacking boxes with five other people, all eating pizza and laughing. I've yet to find a church in North Carolina where I feel nearly as connected to the message, the parishoners and the pastor. I can't wait to go back for a visit!
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Review from Natalie Z.
San Francisco, CA
3/14/2007
Occasionally, something comes along that is clearly superior to other things of its kind. Zappos. The Gillette Venus Razor. Mario Badescu skin care. Kashi Go Lean Crunch. These are things worth raving about. Add MBCC to the list.
Things I love about MBCC:
1. That Bruce went out to coffee with me when I was but a lowly no-name and spent most of the time helping me brainstorm OTHER churches that I might like (but not in a "please don't come here because you're freaking me out" kind of way). Just because he's that nice.
2. The fact that even though I am incapable of attending a single church function without saying something dumb, alarmingly blunt, or just plain rude, no one stares at me in horror. At least not to my face.
3. Every one of the people that I have met is genuine, and not in the fake churchy sense of "genuine." They are real, and not in the overly aggressive keepin it real churchy sense, either. Just normal.
4. Every one of the people that I have met is thoughtful about their faith, open to dialogue and new ideas, and nice and smart. I like smart people.
Enough for now?
Now for the things that honesty compels me to acknowledge:
1. Sometimes you CAN hear the kids making noise in the nursery near the main room/sanctuary. And yes, they might be beautiful children and they are the future and all that, but it's still noise.
2. I have yet to find a chair in the sanctuary that I believe to be comfortable. There are these white plastic chairs that are pure evil - I don't recommend them. And there are red couches that look comfortable and fun and funky but are clearly made for people with very long legs. Mine stick out straight when I am sitting down, which I think is highly undignified. And there are pews, which I would totally sit in, but they are in the middle and I'm sort've an outer edge kinda girl. -
Review from eliz r.
1/26/2008
i love mbcc.
there are some pretty amazing people who go here.
it took my husband a long time to find a church in san francisco that we felt comfortable at. mbcc is open to all kinds of people and is fairly socially-minded, but isn't afraid to talk about jesus. and you can drink coffee during the service!
there is also a pretty rad youth group for kids in grades 5th-8th. -
Review from Jodi B.
Oakland, CA
4/10/2008
After church-hunting for 5 years in the Bay Area, I stumbled upon MBCC after it was advertised in Sojourners for showing the Democratic Presidential candidates' debate on faith, values, and poverty. This place is fantastic!
From the minute I walked in, I felt immediately comfortable in the room with silver walls and red couches (but the orange pillows were the clincher). I saw books by Anne Lamott, a posting about anti-slavery, and my favorite Bible verse (Micah 6:8) displayed as part of the church culture.
This is truly a unique and comfortable community that isn't afraid to question the traditional "Religious Right" mind-set (where else can you find a sermon that questions the purpose of missionaries?). It provides an open-minded and holistic environment that is welcoming to all people (race, politics, sexual-orientation, etc).
MBCC understands the changing needs of a transient urban church. They aren't afraid to try new things. I really value the discussion-style format of Bruce's sermons. This is the first place where I feel like I have actually found other down-to-earth Christians in the Bay Area.
OK, this is way too long, but I have so many good things to say about MBCC. Come check it out! -
Review from Megan D.
San Francisco, CA
1/21/2007
Really, really great. Friendly, open, relevant, exciting. . .awesome.
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Review from Jeff P.
Solon, OH
7/27/2007
What's not to love about MBCC??? Bruce is an amazing pastor whose leadership across the country in Presbyterian circles has made him a "Pastor Rock Star!" I'm more than a groopie, though... I'm a bona fide member of the fan club. He's hip, he's insightful, and he's a faithful follower of Christ. All that and a bag of Baked Salt & Vinegar chips! If you're in the area, you gotta check out this church!
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Review from Nick L.
Columbia, MO
3/17/2007
It's a cool church, I suggest you check it out if your looking for a place to explore who is this Jesus guy really and how it should effect our lives. MBCC is a relaxed environment where the people will make you think, ponder, and definately laugh! Come on who else has bobble-heads on their website?
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Review from James S.
San Francisco, CA
10/28/2008
I've been to MBCC about six or seven times now, and have taken it upon myself to get to know the people who make the place run. I'll tell you about the church through the people -- that's what a church really is, right?
The lead pastor, Bruce, was just elected moderator for PCUSA until mid-2010. Depending on your point of view, this is either important or a distraction from leading the church. Either way, this position forces the church to have a distributed leadership; Bruce is a great guy and definitely leads the church, but the church is not a cult of personality. Bruce is intelligent and friendly, with strength in the things that make a good pastor, such as compassion, guidance, and leading the community into agreement.
MBCC is also blessed with a number of other paid and volunteer leaders, but what makes this work is a culture of involvement. In my short time coming to the church, I have heard it said over and over that all of the leaders encourage people to get involved, in leadership or otherwise. I have found that this attitude can be one of the key factors in predicting the health of a church; if people are not encouraged to get involved, then most of the congregation will settle into a consumerist mentality. MBCC does not invite consumer Christianity, but one that is involved in the lives of those in one's community. This plays out both in the church and in joining the neighborhood around the church.
Speaking of the neighborhood, Mission Bay is not where the church is. In Sept/Oct 2008, the church moved its location from Potrero Hill to the Excelsior district. This move might be permanent after what I was told, "seven locations in seven years" since the church was started. The current location is shared with Ocean Avenue Presbyterian Church, a group that has some differences with MBCC. The two groups are still in the process of becoming good roommates, which contributes to some of the current dynamics. Ocean Ave has the morning service, so MBCC went to an evening service (which now includes dinner!). Ocean Ave loves pews, while MBCC used to have 2 pews amidst all the couches and chairs just to be ironic; so MBCC has tried to mess around with turning the pews into a circle. How this relationship will develop is as yet unknown.
Just a little bit more on the details of what to expect:
- Services are about an hour
- Contemporary (minus 5 years) type music w/ rock band styles
- Communion is open to all
- Preaching scores a zero on the hellfire & brimstone meter
- IMHO, preaching is still Biblical. Think about where the PCUSA is in its theology, and that's about what you'll get at MBCC
- Non-charismatic (but not hostile to it)
- Welcoming of gay couples
- Social justice-oriented
- As far as I can tell, dispensationalism and rapture theology are not on the radar in so far as they don't really get brought into services in any noticeable way
So, to wrap it up: Mission Bay Community Church is a place where all can feel welcomed without feeling like they are getting a lukewarm Christianity. Hard-core social and theological conservatives will have some issues, but will still be welcome; same goes for hard-core liberals, though the church leans slightly more that way. But the emphasis here is *loving community.* -
Review from Ricky C.
San Francisco, CA
1/3/2008
Its been 3.5 years since my partner and I walked into MBCC's 11 am service. It fit our busy schedule, and lets face it, we were tired of manic Sundays trying to get to church on time. On our first day we found a room filled with coffee tables, warm smiles, and a vibrant but unobtrusive spirituality. We knew that we found a church that was "just right".
Sunday Worship? Social justice, building community, engaging the hard questions of faith are common themes. Movie clips, artistic expression, and interactive sermons are the norm.
The Church Community? 20 somethings to 40s, mixed ethnicities.
In this short time we have had the opportunity to play a role in the church in book groups, community service, leadership, and the praise team. (What church allows you to jump in so fast?) The church, in turn, has made a meaningful impact on ours as participants in turning points in our lives. The church hosted birthdays, baby showers, fund raisers. We have made life long friends within the Church community. The pastor, Bruce, married my wife and I, and baptized our newborn daughter.
If you are looking for a church of seekers of Christ's path, a welcoming community that you can settle down and connect with, a place that will embrace you where you are, a place that is eager for your contribution to the faith community, come join us. -
Review from Christine B.
San Francisco, CA
6/5/2009
I first met Pastor Bruce over 13 years ago when I heard him preach at another Presbyterian church in the City. I think it was Pentecost Sunday and in the middle of a formal service in a church with straight backed pews he threw streamers across the sanctuary. I don't remember the theological insight, but I remember thinking - COOL! This is not your normal boring church service.
My family has followed Bruce, the startup of MBCC, and it's growth and development over those 13 years. We continue come for the community, the openness, the friendships, the intelligent discussions, and the encouragement to follow our own journeys of discovery with God. It is our extended family where my children are welcomed, taught, loved, and challenged, as well as a place where they can have fun. Where else will you find a black light disco Easter egg hunt? -
Review from Jennifer K.
San Francisco, CA
4/25/2007
For anyone who tends to get clenched fists and jaw when words like "church" and "prayer" are brought up, this place just might help you...unclench. Cleverly disguised as a coffee house, you can glide right in around 11am on Sundays and get right to schmoozing. Then the band strikes up a song or two, people take their seats in one of the many couches, pews or table/chair sets and the lyrics flash across a screen so you don't feel like the only idiot that doesn't know the words. The best part is you can continue to sip your coffee or tea to get out of singing altogether! (sometimes I write in their many journals they have laying about, just to mix it up a little so no one catches on). Bruce, the Pastor, is a very reflective, intellectual and hilareous individual. He definitely embodies "keepin' it real" or trying to anyway...which is much appreciated. Services will find him doing anything from showing pertinant video clips, interviewing church members and just opening the floor up for discussion. A great place to just "come as you are" and not be attacked by any Jesus Freaks.
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Review from BoJung L.
San Francisco, CA
3/17/2007
This church rocks! The sermons the person and while I ended up going to a mega yuppy church, I still pine for those times at Mission Bay.
Listed in: Bay Area Churches
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Review from Marc J.
San Francisco, CA
8/25/2009
I've had the opportunity to worship in several PCUSA (Presbyterian) churches in the Bay Area. This has enabled me to really appreciate the experience here at MBCC. People come here because they find that it helps them with their spiritual journey, not because they attend a church out of habit. This is where it can be possible to think "outside of the box", which often is not the case at a number of other churches. The pastor currently holds a denomination position known as Moderator of General Assembly, which requires him to travel frequently. Yet, because of the effective use of technology, the congregation remains in contact with the pastor regardless of his physical location. The strength of this congregation is the people, not the physical building. This is because the church has moved several times within San Francisco, yet the church has maintained its style after each move. The website realistically portrays what really currently exists at the church, rather than what it would hope to become in the distant future.
