Here stands Saint Lukes Lutheran Church. It is a Christian community. Saint Lukes has been praising God since 1923. It seeks justice and healing in San Diego. The church strives to create spaces. These spaces help form life-changing relationships. These relationships are with Christ and each other. This happens across lines of prejudice. It also happens across privilege.
In the past three decades, God has led Saint Lukes. God led them to a new blessing. Saint Lukes serves as one of the primary congregations. It is a cultural center for South Sudanese Americans in the city. More recently, it serves former Congolese refugees.
Worshiping with this diverse community is joyous. It includes singing in Arabic and Swahili. Individuals from around the globe unite here. They are united by their found home at Saint Lukes and in Christ. Infant, toddler, children, and youth ministries are full and thriving. Thanks be to God.
Saint Lukes is a proud partner with RefugeeNet. RefugeeNet is a non-profit. It is dedicated to the well-being of refugee families. Saint Lukes hosts sixteen twelve-step support meetings on campus each week.
Saint Lukes dreams to be a place. At this place all people can enter into uncomfortable spaces. They can be brave with others. These others are different from themselves. They are different races, ethnicities, and classes. They differ in cultural norms, sexual orientations, and gender identities. All can find their perspectives and hearts transformed. This happens with Christ’s help. Saint Lukes follows a God. This God loves each of us. He loves us especially for who we are. He desires that every single human has what they need. They need to thrive in this world. Until that day comes, Saint Lukes will work alongside God’s powerful Spirit. It will do justice in this hurting world. Saint Lukes will help all people find a loving and dignified home.
Saint Lukes is a member of the Episcopal Church. This denomination strives to offer radical hospitality to all. Saint Lukes welcomes everyone regardless of ethnic background. It welcomes people of all creeds and ages. It welcomes people of all physical capabilities, sizes or sexual orientations. All are welcome here.
Saint Lukes has two services. One is at 8 am. It is a quiet Eucharist service. The other is at 11:15 am. It is a vibrant Eucharist service. This service has music and children’s programming. At the 11:15 service, Saint Lukes offers childcare. This is for babies and toddlers under four years of age. Children from Pre-K to 8th grade are invited to age-leveled classes. They have a time of connection, activities, and Christian education.
Saint Lukes began demolition of its original church building. It was on the corner of Thirtieth and Gunn Streets. The additional space will expand Saint Lukes’ participation. This is in an innovative urban farming and culinary arts job training program. This program is for refugee women and youth. It is run by the International Rescue Committee.
The MAKE Garden Café project transforms Saint Lukes’ vacant lot. It becomes a productive and beautiful community space. The Café serves handcrafted teas, coffees, baked goods and salads. These are prepared by refugee women. They are employed in a job training program. They operate out of Saint Lukes’ renovated commercial kitchen. Vegetables grown in the lot are sold at the North Park Farmer’s Market. They are used in the catering programs’ products. The Garden Café also features a cultural arts gallery. It has rotating displays of sculptures, murals, woven arts and musical performances. These represent the many refugee and immigrant cultures in nearby City Heights.
The church building was built between 1887 and 1900. In 1924 it relocated. It was moved from its original home. This was at the corner of Sixth Avenue and Pennsylvania Street in Hillcrest. There, it served as the sanctuary of All Saints’ Episcopal Church. The diocese looked for four years for a buyer for the building. They offered assistance with moving costs.