St. Andrew's Lutheran Church
About Us
St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church was established in 1950 among a landscape dominated by small celery and bean farms at the time. The church primarily served Lutherans who had relocated to work in local aircraft manufacturing. Quickly, the neighborhood also grew to surround the church with small bungalow houses. Over the years St. Andrew’s has always held a strong commitment to the well-being of our neighborhood. After various setbacks over the years (including an attic fire!) St. Andrew’s has emerged resilient to continue God’s ministry in West Los Angeles.
St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church is a proud member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, a progressive Christian denomination that champions global justice and cooperation. In 2014 we completed the process to officially become a “Reconciling in Christ” congregation solidifying our commitment to the welcome, inclusion and leadership of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual individuals and their loved ones. In 2020 St. Andrew’s joined the organization Lutherans Restoring Creation to amplify our care for the environment and bold proclamation of God’s call for ecological justice. St. Andrew’s continues to work to undo systems of oppression within our community and our world including ongoing anti-racism work, indigenous advocacy work, and disability justice work.
Each week during worship we begin our time together with a Land Acknowledgement and Welcome Statement so that we practice transparency about our love and resolve for inclusivity.
Our Staff
Presiding Minister
Rev. Caleb Crainer
Pastor Caleb (he/him) holds degrees in theology from Valparaiso University (BA), The Graduate Theological Union (MA), and the Lutheran Seminary Program in the Southwest (M.Div). As an out-gay pastor he is a leader in LGBTQIA2S+ inclusion the ECLA. Pastor Caleb began serving St. Andrew's in 2012 and brings a love of science, interreligious collaboration, and bold questions that help us explore our faith more authentically today.
Director of Music
Galina Barskaya
Galina (she/her) serves as the Director of Music at St. Andrew's. She is also on staff of Occidental College as well as a Music Director at Mesopotamian Opera Company and a Founding Artistic Director/CEO of Independent Opera Company. Galina is also a composer, her music most recently was featured in an educational movie "Birth In Action".
Office Manager
Ashley Marquand
Ashley Marquand (she/her) is St. Andrew's Office and Facilities Administrator. Her office hours are Monday-Friday, 10a-1p and can be contacted via phone or email for any questions regarding rentals and facilities usage, upcoming events, and general information.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our church, please feel free to contact us. Our office hours are Monday-Friday, 10 am - 1 pm.
