“Radical Hospitality” is not just a slogan here. It is the living spirit of Gethsemane Lutheran Church.
Gethsemane Lutheran Church has been a beacon in the St. Bernard community since 1954. This church is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a testament to faith and resilience.
After Hurricane Katrina devastated the region, Gethsemane Lutheran Church faced a difficult decision. Should they rebuild or abandon their mission? The members chose to rebuild. They chose to continue God’s work in this place. It shows their deep commitment to the community.
Pastor Sandra Barnes became the redevelopment pastor in 2017. She noted the congregation’s willingness to take risks for the sake of the Gospel. She was continually surprised by how God appeared through their ministries.
Gethsemane Lutheran Church takes its core values seriously. These include Radical Hospitality, Community, Relationships, Boldness, and Leadership. These values guide their actions and shape their interactions.
Gethsemane Lutheran Church is a Reconciling in Christ congregation. This means they openly welcome members of the LGBTQIA+ community. This reflects their commitment to radical hospitality.
The church also runs a well-respected preschool. It invests deeply in the neighborhood. This pre-school is known throughout St. Bernard Parish.
Gethsemane Lutheran Church has many mission partners. These partners include the Gulf Coast Synod and Lord of Life Lutheran in The Woodlands, Texas. Grace Lutheran Church and Mision Mesa Abierta in New Orleans also support their food pantry. The food pantry ministry saw increased need during a recent government shutdown.
The Gethsemane Food Pantry distributes food each Wednesday afternoon. Its goal is to provide supplemental food to those in need. It also fosters fellowship among clients and church members.
Gethsemane Lutheran Church also supports Lutheran World Relief quilts. These quilts are sent both overseas and to areas in the US experiencing hardship.
Gethsemane Lutheran Church is part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The ELCA has over 3.7 million members in more than 9,300 congregations. It emphasizes God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ. It also values unity among Christians and service in the world.
So, Gethsemane Lutheran Church stands as a testament to faith, resilience, and community. It embodies the spirit of radical hospitality. It continues to serve and uplift those around them. The church actively makes disciples. It equips leaders and focuses on the next generation.