Social Ministry & Outreach
True faith is one that makes us more charitable, more merciful, more honest and more humane … it makes us see the other not as an enemy to be overcome but a brother or sister to be loved, served and helped.
-Pope Francis
Located in the heart of downtown San Diego, First Lutheran Church has an active, vital outreach to the San Diego community. For over 40 years the church has sponsored a weekly Bread Day. The Bread Days grew from an idea to serve bread and coffee to the people working in downtown to what today is a twice a week meal to the at-risk population in the surrounding area.

First Lutheran Church is also host to several AA / Al-Anon groups throughout the week. Visit our calendar to see dates/times.


Social Justice
Throughout its history, the Lutheran church has had a history of caring for persons in needs through its many social ministry organizations, heeding the instructions of St. Matthew (25:40):
Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.”
In the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, and affiliated agencies and ministries, over $3-billion in services and aid is provided annually to persons regardless of their faith, race, gender, or creed. As a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, First Lutheran Church takes very seriously its calling to be a place of respite and sanctuary for those who seek the church for healing, restoration, and reconciliation.

Latest Happenings at TACO
TACO welcomed the “Livewell on Wheels” mobile unit August 23-25 for residents to access community health and wellness services.



Global Outreach
Beyond our local outreach programs, First Lutheran and its members participate in many ways in the building of the Body of Christ through participation in partnerships with other faith-based organizations, such as:
- Lutheran World Relief, providing emergency assistance and developmental aid throughout the world.
- Lutheran Social Services of Southern California, celebrating the love of Christ through acts of service.
- Bread for the World, lobbying for the alleviation of hunger.
- ELCA World Hunger Appeal
- ELCA Disaster Response
- Pastors to Prisoners
- Lutherans Concerned/North America, and its Reconciling in Christ program