“It is ordinary to love the beautiful, but it is beautiful to love the ordinary.”

This quote seems appropriate as we enter the longest season of the Church Year. Ordinary time stretches from the Sunday after Pentecost (usually in May or June) all the way until the start of Advent (usually in December). Because the shorter seasons each focus on some part of Jesus’ story, it’s easy to think that ordinary time is just a collection of the leftover weeks of the year – the weeks when nothing special is happening. But I think that would be a mistake.

The big feasts and fasts of the church year are important, and we celebrate them well. But the real growth happens in the ordinary times of life – which is why we use green as the liturgical color for this season. Our day-to-day routines make up the majority of our lives, and so they matter deeply to God. Sharing God’s love with the world around us begins with showing love to our closest family members (even the ones who always seem to get under our skin). Striving for justice and peace among all people begins with how we treat our neighbors and the cashiers at our local stores. Resisting evil begins with honesty about our daily struggles with anger or greed or carelessness. When we pay attention to these ordinary things, we open ourselves to God’s transformative power – a power that wants to make our lives into things of beauty.

Especially over the summer, things will slow down a little at Gloria Dei, but that’s not just because people will be on vacation, or because we all need some rest after several busy months. It is also an opportunity for us to spend time in prayer and reflection and conversation – to pay attention to the possibilities for growth in our lives. And, if I can support you in that effort, please know that I’m always glad to talk and pray with you about the ordinary things.

On June 2, 1700, Philadelphia’s Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church had its “grand opening.” Celebrate its 324th anniversary by taking a guided tour led by historian and archivist Jeanette Woehr.

It is easy to image the past when you visit Gloria Dei Church. Located on nearly five acres of green space, this national historic site predates the arrival of William Penn and the founding of Pennsylvania. The present day church was built between 1698 and 1700 to serve a parish of European settlers who lived along the banks of the Schuylkill and Delaware rivers. Today it serves as a link to a nearly forgotten history. Woehr will describe the history of this church, from its founding to the present day, and talk about many important historical figures who worshipped here or are buried in the graveyard.

Tour participants will meet inside the church building at 1:00 pm. The tour should take about an hour. Rain or Shine. Tickets are $15 each.

Things to Note:

• Getting here:
  • Ride Sharing: The Water Street gate (929 S. Water Street) is the best place to be dropped off.
  • Public Transportation: Several bus routes including the 57, 25 and 64 stop near Gloria Dei. Plan your visit using SEPTA’s travel tools.
  • Bicycle Riding: An Indego bicycle-sharing docking station is less than a block away. We also have a bicycle rack on the premises.
  • Vehicle Parking: Some parking is available in our lot (8 Christian Street). Public parking is also available on adjacent city streets.
• Arrive at least 15 minutes early. The tour will begin promptly at 1:00 pm.
• Restroom in Riverside Hall will be accessible before the tour begins

Would you be interested in brainstorming, discussing, planning and participating in Gloria Dei missions?  

We plan to meet on the first Wednesday of every month at 9:00 on Zoom. 

If you have any questions, please contact Jill Duink (jillddd@hotmail.com).  

Meeting ID: 897 2826 6283   Passcode: 098374 

Click here to join the Zoom.

Support local wildlife by cultivating native plants, trees and shrubs at Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church National Historic Site.

The Friends of Old Swedes, the native garden group started by the Historic Gloria Dei Preservation Corporation, meets every Sunday this spring to beautify the church grounds. This group is open to anyone interested in planting, watering and cultivating native plants. Prior experience is not necessary.

Our goal is turn the church grounds into an sustainable and educational garden space by:

• Planting natives
• Weeding & watering
• Removing invasives
• Developing signage
• Discovering varieties
• Install fencing

On Mondays at 9:00am, Christine Pickup will lead a ten to fifteen minute prayer. She shares a Power Point presentation in the Zoom session. Each session has five components: 

• An opening Psalm or Canticle from the week's readings in Forward Day by Day
• A reading from the Bible from the week's readings in Forward Day by Day
• Intercessions from the attendees
• The Lord's Prayer
• 2 collects: one seasonal and the closing collect for Morning Prayers in the BCP

She closes with a few minutes of discussion. The Power Points are available upon request.

Click here to join the Zoom meeting.

or use:

Meeting ID: 748 3341 8409

Passcode: 8C3fDK

Link to the Book of Common Prayer

Every other Sunday, Rev. Chris Micklewright and Carol Jenkins will be leading an adventure on church grounds for kids of all ages. These adventures, which will include things like climbing the bell tower and exploring the graveyard, are a chance to learn about the life of the church, to have some fun, and to talk about faith. Immediately following the 10:00am Sunday service, kids are invited to grab a snack and gather in Riverside Hall while Rev. Chris gets ready, and we will plan to be back at Riverside Hall before noon. Parents are welcome to come along if that helps your kids feel more comfortable.

Note: The Adventure Club will be on a short hiatus after July 7. We will resume on August 11. 

Rev. Chris will be hosting a book study group, looking at Beating Guns by Shane Claiborne and Michael Martin. Shane's work to counter gun violence and to build community in Kensington was referenced in Rev. Chris' sermon on April 14 (which is still available on the Gloria Dei Facebook page). This is a chance to talk more deeply about the epidemic of violence in our country, and to consider where we might find glimmers of hope that a better world is possible. The discussion group is open to anyone, and you don't need to have read the book to participate. 

Please note: Musical Meditation will be on hiatus July 9th to September 3rd. Time changes to 6:00pm for June & July meetings.

Paul Fejko will be performing on our beautiful Hook & Hastings organ. Keep an eye out for some interesting guest guitarists, a drum circle, poems, and discussions that we hope will inspire you throughout the rest of the week. The program will be led by our sextons, Jim & Paula Minacci, who want to create a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere that everyone will enjoy. 

Jazz & Joe is a "coffee-house" style venue. Active listening and quiet conversation is welcome throughout the evening. Refreshments are served, and attendees are welcome to BYOB. This event is free, but donations are appreciated to help defray costs. 

Please note: Jazz & Joe is not held in March, July, August, November, December.

June 4 - Second Sunday after Pentecost

Deuteronomy 5:12-15
Psalm 81:1-10
2 Corinthians 4:5-12
Mark 2:23-3:6

Collect: O God, your never-failing providence sets in order all things both in heaven and earth: Put away from us, we entreat you, all hurtful things, and give us those things which are profitable for us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

June 9 - Third Sunday after Pentecost

Genesis 3:8-15
Psalm 130
2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1
Mark 3:20-35

Collect: O God, from whom all good proceeds: Grant that by your inspiration we may think those things that are right, and by your merciful guiding may do them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

June 16 - Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

Ezekiel 17:22-24
Psalm 92:1-4,11-14
2 Corinthians 5:6-17
Mark 4:26-34

Collect: Keep, O Lord, your household the Church in your steadfast faith and love, that through your grace we may proclaim your truth with boldness, and minister your justice with compassion; for the sake of our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

June 23 - Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

Job 38:1-11
Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32
2 Corinthians 6:1-13
Mark 4:35-41

Collect: O Lord, make us have perpetual love and reverence for your holy Name, for you never fail to help and govern those whom you have set upon the sure foundation of your loving-kindness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

June 30 - Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

Wisdom of Solomon 1:13-15; 2:23-24
Lamentations 3:21-33  &   Psalm 30
2 Corinthians 8:7-15
Mark 5:21-43

Collect: Almighty God, you have built your Church upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone: Grant us so to be joined together in unity of spirit by their teaching, that we may be made a holy temple acceptable to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Vestry Meetings are usually held in person in the Rectory. Please feel free to talk to Rev. Chris or any Vestry member if you have a topic that you'd like to bring before the Vestry. Zoom options are also available with advance planning. 

Our service is comprised of uplifting music, Episcopal worship and spiritual/biblical teachings. While we are always a work in progress, Gloria Dei strives to be a place where all will feel welcome in faith and spirit.