Hollywood Lutheran Church Our Mission as a Congregation: Turning Ideas into Reality

All realities start with vision. Our vision of the congregation comes from our faithfulness in response to God’s call. Our vision of where this congregation is growing and going also benefits from our own God-given imagination!!

Example:  In 2004, it was only a vision that our buildings could become fully handicap-accessible. It took 3 years, but today we have reached that goal, so that we can advertise to the larger community that we are barrier-free.

Here are some of Pastor Dan’s ideas or “visions” which we can help turn into reality.

Barnsdall Art Community
We have a natural relationship with the Barnsdall Art Park facilities. During major reconstruction half a decade ago, Barnsdall moved into our facilities and shared our space. We could re-invigorate our relationship with the artistic community, offering ourselves for classes, shows, “art crawls,” fairs, or conferences to help bring spirituality and the arts closer together in the Barnsdall/Los Feliz area.

Courtyard, Columbarium and Memorial Garden
Between our two buildings is a large unused space, mostly paved over. Since 2006 it has been protected by some impressive gates, and Prototypes donated a lovely fountain we hope to set up. Architect Russell Johnson is looking at some design possibilities to use this space creatively. Here are several ideas:

• Outdoor performance and reception space – chamber music concerts, wedding receptions
• Meditation space – labyrinth, prayer garden
• Art space – for periodic Barnsdall community art events
• Columbarium and Memorial Garden – a permanent resting place for the ashes of those we have loved

Housing Village Concept
We still own two parcels next to the church parking lot, one of them with a 100 year-old cottage on it – about 6,000 feet total. Another cottage is coming on the market soon.

Years ago there was a dream or vision of acquiring all eight of these parcels and building some kind of housing, perhaps for senior citizens.

Housing is more needed than ever, and is terribly expensive. With grant money, could we realize this 50-year old dream? Picture a small, safe village of semi-attached housing, 1-2 stories (with underground parking), of 1- or 2-bedroom apartments, for one of several different target populations: seniors, persons living with HIV/AIDS, low-income, “starving artists,” or an art/spirit community.

Seniors’ Program
What could HLC be doing for seniors in our neighborhood? We have a place to gather, but need a vision based on what seniors need. Is there a need for day-time programs, including social activity, crafts, music, yoga or exercise? We have a lot of space available during daylight hours.

Studio/Rehearsal Space
Our former MusicDirector, Eldon Turner, had suggested there is need in Hollywood for studio and rehearsal space. Studios are used for photography as well as acting, etc. We may find there is a “market” for groups wishing to utilize classrooms 3 and 4 if they could be converted to a single space by removing a wall and restoring the higher ceiling.

In October 2009 we launched a new web site to publish information for the film industry.   The site, www.filming.hollywoodlutheran.org is directed toward location spotters, producers and directors who are looking for places to flim their creative projects. This small site shows photos of all our main spaces, and explains amenities, dimensions, and other possibilities to encourage use by the film industry. 

Sunday Vespers
Many people go away on weekends, or already have filled their lives to the brim. Others are just not “morning people.” Can we ever reach them with good news? And of course, Sunday morning worship falls right in the middle of the weekend. Have you ever thought about a different kind of event, say, on Sunday evenings or Monday evenings?  We want to explore an alternative Sunday Vespers or contemplative Taize format, with entirely different music, readings, and experiences—especially for those who aren’t interested in the traditional worship thing.