First Lutheran Church has been named a recipient of the 2026 Power & Light Award by Interfaith Power & Light, recognizing the congregation’s longstanding commitment to caring for Creation and serving its community.

For more than a century, First Lutheran has been a light in the heart of San Diego. Founded in 1888, the congregation has spent decades serving its downtown neighbors through twice-weekly meal programs and a wide range of ministries and services that respond to community needs. Today, First Lutheran describes its mission as being “The Heart of Christ in the Heart of the City.”

That ministry extends to the church’s historic property, which the congregation sees as part of its call to care for Creation. First Lutheran strives to make its corner of downtown San Diego an urban oasis—a place where people can pause, rest, and experience the beauty of God’s creation amid the stresses and joys of city life.

The congregation’s journey toward a more energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable building began with energy audits and use of Interfaith Power & Light’s carbon footprint calculator. In 2010, the church’s Green Team began evaluating ways to reduce First Lutheran’s carbon footprint and environmental impact. The team helped lead projects such as upgrading the church’s lighting while also encouraging members to consider energy-saving practices in their own homes.

In January 2023, the Green Team revisited an earlier proposal to install solar panels on the church roof. As the team researched the possibilities, it became clear that a larger building project could address several needs at once, including roof repairs, brickwork, aging air-conditioning systems, and rising utility costs.

The Green Team met weekly to research options and ultimately recommended moving forward with a comprehensive project that included solar energy and critical building improvements. The work was financed in part through a Mission Investment Fund loan from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).

The completed project included a new roof, five energy-efficient heat pump systems, rooftop solar panels, and brickwork repairs. With the support of dedicated partners, donors, and members of the congregation, First Lutheran exceeded its $450,000 fundraising goal.

Interfaith Power & Light’s 2026 Power & Light Award recognizes First Lutheran for turning its commitment to creation care into practical action. By making its historic building more energy efficient, embracing clean energy, and encouraging others to take action in their own homes, the congregation is helping ensure that its little corner of God’s astonishing universe remains a welcoming place of faith, service, and community for generations to come.

Mary Ann Horton will travel to San Francisco on October 13 to accept the award on behalf of First Lutheran Church. The congregation is grateful to Pastor Bill Radatz for submitting the application that brought this recognition to First Lutheran.

Ministries
Green Team