75 Years of Grace, Crescent City (CA)

For 75 years, God's grace has been at work in a small coastal community nestled between the towering redwoods and the Pacific Ocean. This fall, Grace Lutheran Church in Crescent City celebrated a remarkable milestone—not simply by looking back, but by asking an important question:

Where is God calling us for the next 25 years?

Grace's story began in the late 1920s when Rev. Dr. R. T. Du Brau traveled north from Oakland, seeking scattered Lutheran families along California's North Coast. A Lutheran Mission Society followed, and on December 3, 1950, Rev. W. O. Grunow was installed as the congregation's first resident missionary.

Seventy-five years later, that missionary spirit remains central to Grace's story.

The Jubilee began September 20 with outdoor worship, a community open house, children's activities, and a neighborhood barbecue. Five additional Sundays welcomed CNH District President Rev. Mike Lange and former pastors Marty Tyler, Brad Hirsch, David Lewis, and Tom Zelt. Each celebration brought opportunities for worship, fellowship, storytelling, and reconnecting with the people who helped shape Grace's ministry.

The Jubilee's culminating event, Grace Forward, on October 24 brought generations together to celebrate God's faithfulness and envision Grace's future.

Through photographs, memories, a special anniversary video, and a time capsule to be opened at Grace's 100th anniversary in 2051, the congregation honored those who came before while committing to those yet to come.

But the most important part of the celebration wasn't remembering what Grace was. It was embracing what Grace is called to become.

Their renewed mission focus is clear: Know Jesus. Grow in Grace. Follow Him into the World.

2027: Following Jesus

Beginning in January 2027, Grace will launch Following Jesus, a yearlong congregational emphasis on becoming disciples who make disciples.

Built around three simple invitations: Come. Abide. Go. This initiative will encourage longtime Lutherans, new believers, and those exploring Christianity to grow together in God's Word, build authentic relationships, and carry Christ's love beyond the church doors.

With renewed attention to discipleship, small groups, families, youth, and community outreach, Grace is seeking to become an increasingly mission-focused congregation.

We celebrate 75 years of God's faithfulness. Now we look toward the next 25—not simply to preserve a church, but to share Jesus with Crescent City and beyond.