The Lutheran Social Services of Southern California (LSSSC), a major social services program provider in Southern California, released its first edition of ENGAGE Magazine.
The main feature of the Winter edition is about Reverend Dave Nagler, also known as the "surfing bishop of San Diego"
Surfing Bishop
Nagler is the Bishop of the Pacifica Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America.
According to the magazine’s feature of him, when he's not occupied with his various roles as a father, pastor, CEO, and servant, Nagler enjoys surfing as a way to unwind.
He became fascinated with it when he was just 13 years old and visited a well-known surfing spot in Ventura called C-Street.
Watching the surfers navigate the cold waters of the Pacific Ocean inspired him to want to experience surfing for himself.
Upon returning home, Nagler traded his bike for a 7'6" Rick surfboard from a neighbor, even though he was inexperienced and the board was too advanced for him.
Despite the mismatch, he began a habit of surfing frequently, which he still enjoys doing with his loved ones.
Through his passion for surfing, he has had the opportunity to meet renowned surfers such as Gerry Lopez and Tom Curren and has even surfed a 14-foot wave in the north of Santa Cruz.
Nowadays, Nagler has gained more experience catching waves and owns several different surfboards, including custom-shaped displacement hulls by Steven Mast.
He likes to surf at Pacific Beach when the conditions are ideal, which usually means 3-4 times a week during sunrise or sunset.
Many of the people he encountered in the water are his long-time friends from years of surfing together, and they share exciting stories about their surf adventures.
Some of these tales include spotting a large shark leaping out of the water 200 yards away or catching an unexpectedly incredible wave on their first day back in the water after being in quarantine.
When he's out surfing, Nagler takes the opportunity to reflect on various topics that are important to him.
For instance, he is concerned about the impact that humans are having on the planet and its oceans.
According to Nagler, he has noticed changes over the years, such as the appearance of species that have never been seen so far north and the disappearance of others.
With this, he stated that he feels a responsibility to protect the oceans, which he sees as a source of life for all beings.
Additionally, he draws a connection between his faith and his passion for surfing.
He cited the story of Jesus walking on water from Matthew 14 as proof that Jesus might have been a surfer, and Peter gave it a try.
As the Bishop of the Pacifica Synod, Nagler has an even greater responsibility to lead his flock.
He hosts weekly anti-racism webinars to help people recognize and combat discrimination within themselves.
ENGAGE
According to Patch, the ENGAGE Magazine was created to showcase the stories of hope and diversity from their 40 social services programs across six counties in Southern California.
The goal of the magazine is to provide insightful and engaging commentary on social issues and the people who are working to address them.
This is while also promoting the mission of LSSSC to support and empower vulnerable communities in the region.
According to LSSSC CEO and President, Dr. LaSharnda Beckwith, the magazine is a means to fulfill the organization's mission to "Embrace, Equip and Empower" those in need.
ENGAGE Magazine is a quarterly publication that can be obtained for free by subscribing to either the print or digital version.
The spring issue, which is due to be published on April 1, will focus on volunteerism, mental health, fair housing, and Juneteenth.
The subsequent issues this summer will highlight Hispanic heritage, emergency preparedness, and Hunger Action Month.
Meanwhile, the fall issue will feature stories on college/career, domestic violence, Indigenous Peoples Awareness Month, and Global Peer Support Day.
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