Welcome to Grace Lutheran! I recognize that visiting a new church requires motivation and a bit of courage, especially when you do not know anyone there. I'm Grace's parish minister and here is a little about my background, family and our church so that you feel a little more at home when you visit.

My wife, Melinda, and I have four young children: Sophia, Marie, Anna, and newborn boy, Luca. Though Melinda and I met in England, she originally hails from Saskatchewan, Canada, while I grew up outside of Philadelphia. It was with great pleasure and joy that I undertook the call to serve Grace Lutheran Church on 15 April 2007. 

Prior to my 2006 vicarage at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church on Kauai, I served for two years as a Presbyterian licentiate with the pastoral staff of Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, PA. In addition to those memorable years, I served in the USMC, pursued baccalaureate degrees at Rutgers University and Columbia International University (1995), and later undertook a Masters of Theology (1997) at the University of Edinburgh, as well as a Doctorate in the Philosophy of Religion (2002) from King's College, University of London. The academic portion of my Masters of Divinity was completed within the Evangelical Lutheran Church of England, at Westfield House Theological College and the Divinity School at Cambridge University (2005).

I have had the pleasure of teaching at in the Religion Department at Dickinson College (Carlisle, PA), the Philosophy Department at Messiah College (Grantham, PA), and now the privilege of lecturing with the Department of Theology and Religious Studies at the University of San Diego.

Serving at Grace is both a privilege and a passion. The congregation is amazingly diverse and wonderfully gifted. We have been enjoying a fantastic transformation within the parish community and our Preschool, with enhanced levels of learning, peace and excitement at what the Holy Spirit is accomplishing in our midst. Grace Lutheran is a historic landmark in the City of San Diego and the State of California. Founded nearly 100 years ago, Grace has none of the austerity of a museum but all of the charm, warmth and familiarity of well-lived in home. Our hope is that you would join in the movement and blessing of God taking place right here at Grace!

As for our leisure time, my wife, family and I enjoy outdoor activities and sport, ethnic foods, Hawaii, European travel, haunting bookstores, the art of story-telling, playing Apples to Apples®, and cheering Penn State football (GO LIONS!).

The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you always.

The Reverend John J. Bombaro, Ph.D.
Sr. Pastor, Grace Lutheran Church