Christ Lutheran Church in Pacific Beach recently announced the nonprofit beneficiaries of various sized financial gifts ranging from $3,000 to $50,000. The majority of the gifts were given to San Diego based organizations and were made possible from the proceeds of the recent sale of Luther View, a housing community previously owned by the church.
The plan was led by Pastor David Nagler and approved by the Christ Lutheran Church congregation. The benefitting organizations are:
Third Avenue Charitable Organization: Simon’s Walk / Going Home, San Diego, $50,000;
Doors of Change, San Diego, $30,000;
Community Christian Service Agency, San Diego, $11,000;
Rwandan Orphans Project, San Diego, $11,000;
Agape House – SDSU Campus Ministry, San Diego, $11,000;
PB Street Guardians, Pacific Beach, $3,000.
In addition, Christ Lutheran Church provided funding to two Lutheran-based organizations:
Lutheran Retreats, Camps, and Conferences, Frazier Park, $11,000;
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services, Baltimore, $11,000.
“We are thrilled to provide financial assistance to so many outstanding organizations,” said Nagler. “The breadth of their work addresses everything from homelessness, to caring for orphans, immigrants, and the elderly. “We are excited to be able to share our resources with these organizations as they embody the mission of Christ Lutheran Church: To share God’s unconditional love. We welcome input from the wider San Diego community to learn more about ways in which we can partner with you to improve the lives of our neighbors.”  
The church congregation approved the proposed giving plan and the targeted organizations in need in late January. The organizations will receive funding immediately.
“None of us deserve to die forgotten,” said Jim Lovell, executive director of Third Avenue Charitable Organization. “The financial support allows us to restart this program and as such, to expand the care that is provided. Christ Lutheran Church is allowing us to create places of remembrance. In the midst of ashes, life stories can be told, and ministries can be shared.”
“The difference this gift will make to Doors of Change, and to the 450 youth we serve each year, is immense,” said  Debbie Rodriguez, director of advancement of Doors of Change. “Case management services are the glue that connects these youth to the resources they need in the community, and we are incredibly grateful to Christ Lutheran Church for their compassion and generosity.”
Additional proceeds approved in the spending plan are being delegated toward two major programming/outreach pillars: Benevolence and Learning. Further plans will be finalized this year to provide multiple avenues for regularly engaging in spiritual practices including being a place for worship, yoga, meditation, 12-step programs, classes, and events welcoming diverse artists and speakers.
For more information about Christ Lutheran Church, visit www.christpb.org.