About Hill Avenue Grace Lutheran Church

Hill Avenue Grace is
you and me.

We are a people created by God and redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit empowers us to share God’s gift of forgiveness, love, and eternal life. Our mission is rooted in Jesus’ command to love one another. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, we reach out to our community, sharing God’s free gift of salvation, seeking and welcoming all people into our fellowship.

Our Story

A century of faith and community.

For over 100 years, Hill Avenue Grace Lutheran Church has stood as a beacon of faith and service in Pasadena. Rooted in Christ’s command to love one another, we have built a legacy of worship, education, and outreach. From our beginnings on Lake Avenue to our home on Hill Avenue, we’ve grown alongside our community—founding schools, forming partnerships, and embracing environmental stewardship. Whether through ministries that care for our neighbors, sustainability efforts, or meaningful collaborations, we remain dedicated to sharing God’s love and welcoming all. Our story is still unfolding—come be a part of it.

Tenets of Faith

What we believe

At Hill Avenue Grace Lutheran Church, we are part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), a Christian tradition rooted in God’s grace, love, and inclusivity. As ELCA Lutherans, we believe:

Grace Alone

We encourage people to explore their fullest potential and embrace new perspectives through continuous learning.

Faith Alone

We foster a community built on empathy, compassion, and respect, where everyone is valued and supported.

Scripture Alone

We believe in the power of faith to drive positive change in the world and strive to create an equitable society for all.

We embrace a living, growing faith, engaging with Scripture, tradition, and the world around us. Our community is built on love, service, and justice, seeking to reflect Christ’s compassion to all people.

Our Beliefs

A church for all

We believe that God’s grace is for everyone—no exceptions. No matter your background, questions, or where you are on your faith journey, you are welcome here. At Christ’s table, all are invited to receive Holy Communion as a sign of God’s unconditional love.

Called to Love and Serve

As a congregation of the ELCA, we are committed to:

  • Worship that nurtures and strengthens faith

  • Lifelong learning and open discussion

  • Serving our neighbors with compassion and justice

  • Working for peace in the world

We invite you to grow in faith, serve with joy, and be part of a welcoming, grace-filled community here at Hill Avenue Grace Lutheran Church.

Meet Our Team

  • Rev. Garry Mohr

    SENIOR PASTOR

  • Dr. Doug Shabe

    MUSIC DIRECTOR

  • Leslie De Luco

    ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT