VALLEY'S OWN SPIRITUAL GEM CHURCH LOOKING AHEAD AT DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY TIME.

Byline: Holly Andres Staff Writer

VAN NUYS - Jesus' good news is usually the subject on the message board outside of Central Lutheran Church.

This week's message, however, proclaims the good news that the second-oldest Lutheran church in the San Fernando Valley will celebrate its 75th anniversary on Feb. 1.

``Going to this church has kept me on a Christian way,'' said Olga Peterson, a Central Lutheran member for more than 50 years. ``Excellent preaching, friendly people and excellent music are the reasons why the church has been here for 75 years.''

Peterson, retiring as church secretary after 23 years, said her two daughters were baptized, confirmed and married at the church. Her two granddaughters were baptized and confirmed there, as well.

``I would have missed out on a lot of great spiritual experiences if I hadn't been a member of this church,'' said Peterson, who will be honored for her years as church secretary during the anniversary service. ``I've made a lot of good ties and I have wonderful memories.''

While church members will celebrate what Peterson called a `'glorious ministry,'' they acknowledge that they need a different kind of ministry in the future.

Central Lutheran Church, founded by a small group of families of Scandinavian Lutheran heritage in January 1929, is now challenged to attract new members from the non-Lutheran, multicultural neighborhood.

``By the grace of God we've been able to serve the community all these years. If you were glad, happy or sad, the members have always been with you and ready to help if you need it,'' said Maxine Cleveland, the chairwoman and historian of the 75th anniversary committee and a member since 1963. ``It's been my family's community of worship in a big city where there isn't a lot of community.''

In researching church history, Cleveland discovered a speech, given one Sunday morning after Central Lutheran was founded, that has relevancy for today's members. ``Missions at Our Door,'' written by Mrs. Albert Anderson, wife of the founding pastor, called upon church members to find ways to bring in new members from the neighborhood.

``The 75th anniversary question is, in what direction do we go in the future? We're small, but we can have a great future if we reach out to the multicultural presence in the area,'' said Barry Smedberg, who joined the church with his parents in 1952. ``We need to look at it as a mission, not in a faraway place, but right here. We've got 'good news' and we need to share it. The love of Christ is what we need to promote.''

Smedberg, the executive director of the San Fernando Valley Interfaith Council, is an advocate of going to church in the community where you live. A lifelong Van Nuys resident, Smedberg would also like to see Central Lutheran Church act as a beacon for the secular community in Van Nuys.

``Our church sign should really say, 'Sinners Welcome.' I think there's a sense that church is for the 'super-good' and if you think you're not, you won't go,'' Smedberg said.

``I see church as a rehabilitation center for hurting souls and that's exactly who church is designed for. I get a feeling of fulfillment at Central Lutheran. It's worth going to.''

Bishop Dean Nelson, of the Southern California West Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, and the Rev. Charles Bunnell will deliver the 75th anniversary message at 9:30 a.m. Feb. 1 at Central Lutheran Church, 6425 Tyrone Ave., Van Nuys. A luncheon will follow the service. The cost is $10, and reservations are due by Thursday. Call [phone].

Holly Andres, [phone]

holly.andres(at)dailynews.com

CAPTION(S):

photo

Photo:

Olga Peterson, left, a member of the Central Lutheran Church in Van Nuys for 51 years, Barry Smedberg, a 52-year veteran, and Maxine Cleveland, in the congregation for 43 years, are celebrating the church's 75th anniversary.

Tina Burch/Staff Photographer