David Rusch: First Lutheran Church

The First Lutheran Church of Venice is ironically set in a community where art and surfing could be considered religion. "We are not trying to raise little Lutherans here," says principal, David Rusch who believes children should learn values such as respect, generosity, and goodwill. The school is an intimate community with children from different backgrounds and small classrooms which Rusch feels reflect the Venice community.

On the Playground
"I consider every moment as an opportunity to show them that they are special, lovable, individual, wonderful human creatures... miracles."

First Impressions
"Our families can bring their children up and drive up to our gate in Mercedes Benz- or 1978 beat up cars. And everybody can live together, and I don't think that happens in a lot of communities."