About us
Following Jesus together
Calvary has always been a neighborhood church. In 1947 that meant church members lived in the neighborhood immediately surrounding the church property. Today, our neighbors also include the people we meet in Hayward, Castro Valley, San Leandro, and elsewhere. We gather as community in San Lorenzo, and from there we are sent to neighbors near and far.
The gathering and the sending are both important as we follow Jesus together. They form a rhythm which reminds us that as we grow in relationship with Jesus, he desires that we grow in relationship with friends inside the church and outside this community, as well.
When God calls you his child he doesn’t just give you a place in the family portrait; he gives you a role in the family business.
Leadership
Matt Behrens is pastor of Calvary. He leads with the help of the elders and the Board of Governance.
Pastor Matt
Pastor Matt Behrens has been serving Calvary since 2019. His family includes wife, Sherrah, and two elementary-age kids, James and Lucy.
They’ve enjoyed getting to know the various cultures in the Bay Area and meeting new neighbors.
Currently, Matt also serves Hope Lutheran in San Leandro on Sunday mornings.
He enjoys good coffee, bike rides, and time with friends.
Elders
Calvary’s elders support the community by assisting with pastoral care and community worship. You’ll see these men of God serving on Sunday morning, and find them reaching out to families regularly throughout the year.
Board of Governance
Calvary’s board acts on behalf of the congregation to conduct the business affairs of the church in support of mission and ministry. Board members are elected by the voting membership of Calvary.
Partners in Ministry
Life as the people of God is never lived alone. These are some key partners God has given to our family at Calvary.
Hope Lutheran Church
In 2021 Pastor Matt began leading Sunday worship at Hope Lutheran in San Leandro. This arrangement with Calvary supports worship at Hope and challenges both churches to look beyond themselves.
CNH District
This is our regional family within our national church body. We walk with these 180+ churches in formal and informal ways to offer one another support, conversation, challenge, and encouragement.
LINC Bay Area
Calvary supplies office space for LINC, gives financial support, and donates some of Pastor Matt’s time for LINC’s mission.
Lea's Christian School
We’re glad to have students and teachers continuing to benefit from the classrooms on our property. We’re also glad we get to partner with Lea’s in telling people about Jesus.
Calvary Lutheran Church
17200 Via Magdalena
San Lorenzo, CA 94580
(510) 278-2555
info@calvaryslz.org
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