“More Than a Church” is not just a motto. It embodies the spirit of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church. This church offers a chance to become part of something greater.
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church sits on a quiet corner. It is located in the outer Sunset district of San Francisco. This location provides a peaceful setting for worship and community.
Imagine stepping through the doors of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church. You are greeted with warmth and acceptance. Grace Lutheran welcomes long-time Lutherans. It also welcomes Christians from every tradition. People new to faith are welcome too. All who have no church home are invited. Those who want to follow Christ are encouraged to join. Even those with doubts or disbelief are embraced. Grace Lutheran extends its welcome to new visitors and old friends. People of every age size color and culture are included. Every sexual orientation gender identity socio-economic status marital status ability and challenge is honored here. Believers questioners and questioning believers find a home at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church. This is a place to celebrate and sorrow. It is a place to rejoice and recover. Here lives are made new.
The family of Grace Lutheran Church shares a common mission. They journey together. They empower each other. They proclaim the message of God in Christ Jesus. This message extends to one another and to all the world.
Music is the soul of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church. It is incorporated into every aspect of the service. The Adult Choir sings on Sunday mornings. All are welcome to join the choir. Just arrive by 9:30 am on Sunday.
Grace is working on growing. There are regular events in addition to Sunday services. Services are each Sunday at 10:30 am. Grace Lutheran has special events too. Each quarter it hosts a Beatles Mass. The liturgy is set to the tune of popular Beatles songs.
In early 2015 Grace hosted a film festival. Movies from all over the world explored faith hope and love.
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church believes the church should be like the eye of the hurricane. It offers a safe haven for all. They continue their special mission for God. With God walking with them they will make it so.
Weddings at Grace Lutheran can be arranged. This is for members and non-members. Arrangements are made after consulting with the pastor. Pre-wedding sessions with the pastor are mandatory. These are in addition to a rehearsal and the wedding ceremony.
Funerals can also be arranged. This is for members and non-members too. These arrangements follow consultation with the pastor.
In February 2014 Grace Lutheran called Megan Rohrer to lead. Rohrer became the first openly transgender head pastor of a Lutheran Church.
Rohrer says they know many feel let down by traditional churches. These churches may have been unwelcoming or judgmental.
Grace Lutheran Church’s aging congregation was dwindling. The church council sought a new pastor. They wanted to help the congregation survive and thrive. They found that pastor in Rohrer.
Grace Lutheran is more than a church. It is a community where all are welcome. It is a place where faith hope and love flourish. It is a haven in the storms of life.