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The light of Christ has been shining forth from First Lutheran Church for nearly 140 years, making us the oldest Lutheran church in Southern California. Our rich history of serving this ever-changing downtown community now calls us again to arise and shine as Christ’s light in new and challenging ways. Our church, with our “lighthouse” tower, is a beacon and a blessing to hundreds of people each week, but it is showing its age.

In 2023, our congregation decided to invest in the future and secured a $430,000 loan from the ELCA’s Mission Investment Fund to finance a new roof and replace the old AC units with new energy efficient heat pumps. We also decided it was time to capture the light of God’s good creation and install solar panels on our roof. Through this loan, and the work of many dedicated, energetic and generous people at First, these improvements have been accomplished. 

In addition to repaying the MIF loan, leaders have identified several other proposed smaller projects that would have a significant impact on strengthening the congregation’s ability to “be the Heart of Christ in the Heart of the City.” 

To address these needs, we hope to raise $450,000 over the next three years through a Capital Appeal.  We trust that the passion and generosity that characterizes our congregation will enable us to meet this financial goal.

We give thanks to God for our rich history, our beautiful church building, and the legacy of faith and service handed down from generation to generation. God has given us a vision of our church as a welcoming place of genuine community, inspiring worship, spiritual nurture, and engagement with the city around us through meaningful service and advocacy.  

Please prayerfully consider your contribution to this investment in our ministry. Use the button below to give now to the campaign. On march 23, we will collect and bless the commitment pledges we have received.