First Lutheran Church of Venice, Lutheran church in Venice, United States.
First Lutheran Church of Venice is a Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod congregation founded in 1944 on the westside of Los Angeles, serving Venice, Mar Vista and Marina del Rey. Its Mission Revival building has white stucco walls and arched windows, and its sanctuary was rebuilt after a 1998 electrical fire. The exterior carries a 1997 mural, Jesus Roller Skating with Friends in Venice Beach, by Benedictine monk Ft. Maur Van Doorslaer.
The church was established in 1944 on the westside of Los Angeles and grew to become one of the largest congregations of its denomination in the city. Its growth reflected the expansion of the Lutheran faith community in the region during the mid-twentieth century.
The church is described as "art friendly" and hosts programs looking at the divine through visual arts, readings and music. Since 2001 the Masters in the Chapel series has brought players from the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Chamber Orchestra, Baroque Orchestra and Master Chorale into the sanctuary. For years Orson Bean and Alley Mills took part in the church's annual production of A Christmas Carol, Bean as Ebenezer Scrooge.
The church is easily accessible and welcomes visitors during regular worship gatherings throughout the week. Check ahead to confirm service times and arrive during open hours to experience the interior and meet the community.
The pipe organ installed in the church in 2004 comes from the same manufacturer that built instruments for Walt Disney Concert Hall. This connection links the building to one of the city's most renowned performance venues.
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