Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Welcome to Calvary By The Sea
Calvary By The Sea Lutheran Church is a vibrant, inclusive community rooted in the Lutheran tradition while embracing progressive values. Founded in 1954, we prioritize radical hospitality, racial reconciliation, and social justice, welcoming all individuals regardless of background or identity. Our congregation actively advocates for LGBTQ+ inclusion, immigrant rights, and environmental stewardship, reflecting our commitment to Christ's unifying love. Through weekly worship services, community outreach programs like Angel Network Charities, and educational initiatives for children and youth, we strive to heal and reconcile our local and global communities.Located in Honolulu, Hawaii, our oceanfront sanctuary provides a sacred space for spiritual growth and connection. With over 200 new members joining in recent years, we continue expanding our impact through small groups, advocacy partnerships like Faith Action Hawai'i, and innovative worship experiences that blend tradition with contemporary relevance. Our leadership team combines decades of theological expertise with grassroots activism, ensuring our mission remains both deeply rooted and forward-looking.
Services
Worship Services
Youth Ministries
Food Bank
Wedding Ceremonies
Community Outreach
Details
- Year established: 1954
Highlights and features
- We offer radical inclusivity for all sexual orientations and gender identities
- Our food bank serves nearly 3,000 families weekly
- We combine traditional Lutheran worship with contemporary relevance
- Our leadership includes nationally recognized social justice advocates
- We provide multigenerational programming from preschool to senior ministries
Associations and certifications
- Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
What people say
Radically inclusive
Vibrant community
Beautiful location
Meaningful outreach
Authentic worship
Services
Worship Services
Weekly worship experiences blending traditional Lutheran practices with contemporary elements. Services feature inclusive liturgy, live music from our diverse worship band, and community-focused sermons. Available both in-person at our oceanfront sanctuary and via live stream. Special services include Reconciling in Christ Sunday and Transfiguration celebrations.
Youth Ministries
Age-specific programs for children and teens including Sunday School, confirmation classes, and social activities. Our Discovery Jr. High and Adventure High School groups combine faith education with community building. All programs emphasize inclusivity, with dedicated LGBTQ+ affirming spaces and activities promoting spiritual growth through modern contexts.
Food Bank
Angel Network Charities provides fresh produce and canned goods to thousands of families weekly. Operating multiple distribution days, we address food insecurity across O'ahu. This ministry expanded significantly during the pandemic and remains Hawaii's largest food bank, reflecting our commitment to practical compassion and social justice.
Wedding Ceremonies
Oceanfront wedding ceremonies for local and international couples. Our historic venue combines Hawaiian architecture with modern amenities, offering scenic backdrops for weddings and receptions. Services include pre-marital counseling and customizable ceremony options that honor diverse traditions while emphasizing inclusive Christian values.
Community Outreach
Advocacy initiatives addressing immigration reform, climate justice, and housing equity. Through partnerships like Faith Action Hawai'i and AMMPARO, we organize protests, educational programs, and policy advocacy. Our 'Pride Connection' ministry supports LGBTQ+ individuals while environmental programs focus on coastal conservation and sustainability practices.
People
The Rev. Dr. Moses D. Barrios
Senior Pastor
Leading with bold vision since 2021, Dr. Barrios has tripled worship attendance and expanded social justice initiatives. A Mayan-descended pastor with Pentecostal roots, he directs national ELCA diversity efforts while advocating locally for immigrant rights and climate justice.
Grace Lee
Associate Minister
Korean-American queer pastor Grace Lee directs youth ministries and worship programming. Her theological background combines United Methodist tradition with progressive Lutheran practice, focusing on intergenerational faith formation and inclusive music ministry.
Anuhea Pizaa
Children's Director
Anuhea creates engaging faith experiences for preschool through elementary students. She develops curriculum that emphasizes God's unconditional love while coordinating safe, joyful environments where children explore their spiritual journeys through play and storytelling.
Addie Maxwell-Doherty
Youth Director
Addie leads our youth programs with creative energy, connecting teens through social activities and faith discussions. As parish administrator, she ensures operational excellence while maintaining personal mentorship relationships with young people in our congregation.
Chris Suzuki
Choir Director
Music leader Chris Suzuki directs our worship band and choir, blending diverse musical traditions into weekly services. He cultivates local talent while creating worship experiences that reflect our congregation's multicultural identity through contemporary and traditional musical expressions.
Questions
What denominational affiliation does Calvary by the Sea have?
We are part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and maintain mission partnerships with the Pacifica Synod.
Are children welcome at worship services?
Yes! Children participate in Sunday School and worship with us, with special programming including Keiki Hui time during services.
How can I access food assistance?
Visit Angel Network Charities food bank on Thursdays (1-3pm for produce) or Fridays (10am-12pm for canned goods).
Do you offer online worship options?
Yes, our Sunday services stream live on Facebook and YouTube at 10am HST.
What social justice initiatives do you support?
We advocate for immigration reform, climate justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and housing equity through partnerships like Faith Action Hawai'i.
Can non-members use your facilities?
Our oceanfront venue is available for weddings and events - contact us for details about facility rentals.
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