It’s hard to believe that it is already October – and Christmas will surely be here before we know it. I don’t know about all of you, but it sometimes seems to me that the speed of life is ever increasing. There are certainly plenty of joys that come with a full calendar – and you’ll have the chance in this newsletter to learn about several great events coming up at Gloria Dei – but the acceleration of life also brings a variety of challenges.

Those challenges were the topic of a conference that I got to attend last week at Princeton Theological Seminary: The Church, The Pastor, and Resonance in an Accelerated Age. As it turns out, there are some brilliant people studying acceleration and its impact on us. In a number of very concrete ways, our society has come to value growth and efficiency over well-being. Naturally, this contributes to the feelings that so many people have of anxiety, burnout, and inadequacy. Even if you don’t find yourself plagued by these feelings, I can assure you that you know people who do.

One of the great things about this conference, however, was the recognition motion that churches have an opportunity to provide support and refuge from the stresses of society. In talking about purpose and calling, we help people to look beyond the countless immediate demands on their time and energy. In recognizing the image of God in each person, we affirm that they have value apart from what they can do or accomplish. And, in worship and prayer, we make space for people to connect with the God who can bring healing and redemption even in the places of greatest anxiety.

So, if you are feeling the pressures of an ever-accelerating world, I invite you to sit with Jesus and rest in his love. Know that I’m also available to talk and pray with you, and that there are so many people at Gloria Dei who would be glad to do the same.

Have you ever wandered the graveyard at Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church and wondered about the people buried there? Now is your chance to find out.

The Historic Gloria Dei Preservation Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of our official Old Swedes Self-Guided Graveyard Tours app. This app is available for free and without advertisements in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. It can be used on smartphones and tablets.

Featuring interactive maps and over 80 biographical sketches, you will learn something new every time you visit Old Swedes’ Church. 

Plus, throughout the year, enjoy limited edition tours on special topics such as Women’s History Month, World Art Day, National Author’s Day and World Maritime Day.

There’s more. We’re also celebrating our 11 Year Anniversary as a non-profit organization. For $20, join us for a fun evening featuring graveyard tours, gourmet food, a silent auction and a wine tasting contest.

100% of the proceeds from ticket sales support the preservation and restoration of Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church and its graveyard.

So come out, celebrate our anniversary, and learn how to use our new free app.

This app project was made possible thanks to the support of QVNA and the Philadelphia Cultural Fund. We are also grateful to our volunteer board members who worked tirelessly on research, writing, designing and programming the app.

On Mondays at 9:00am, Christine Pickup will lead a ten to fifteen minute prayer. She shares a prepared powerpoint 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 powerpoints are available on demand.

Click here to join the Zoom meeting.

or use:

Meeting ID: 748 3341 8409

Passcode: 8C3fDK

Link to the Book of Common Prayer

 In honor of St. Francis, once again we celebrate the Blessing of the Animals and give thanks for ALL God’s creatures, especially his four-legged, winged and scaly ones! The presence of animals in our lives is a blessing.  They often help us through very trying times and ask nothing in return except our love and care. This year the celebration will take place on Sunday, October 6th at 12 noon. All pets are welcome on a leash or in a proper carrier...children are welcome to bring stuffed animals (no leash required!). Spread the word….and join us!! 

Please note: Musical Meditation will be held from 6:00-7:00pm from June 4-July 7
It will then be on hiatus July 9th to September 3rd.

Join us for a refreshed version of our popular service. Don't worry, it isn't entirely different! Paul Fejko will still 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. 

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 another day/time works better for you, or if you would like an email of the zoom link, please contact Jill Duink (jillddd@hotmail.com).  

Meeting ID: 897 2826 6283   Passcode: 098374 

Join Zoom Meeting: Click here to join the Zoom.

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. 

**Update: While it has proven difficult to regularly schedule adventure club meetings, Rev. Chris has adventures ready for when families are interested and able to make it to church.**

Lucia Fest 2024 will be held on Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8th. Online tickets will be available in the beginning of October.

We are also looking for new participants! If you'd like to get involved, and especially if you have kids who would like to take part in the show, please let us know. Rehearsals start on Sunday, November 3. Please contact the Lucia Director, Elizabeth Keane, at ekeane1996@gmail.com for more information.

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.

On Sunday, October 20th, we welcome again the families and friends of the crew of the SS Poet, lost to us on October 24, 1980.  We stand with them in prayer and remembrance in the sure knowledge that their loved ones are at peace in the Lord.

“They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; these see the works of the Lord and His wonders in the deep”.  

“He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.  Then they are glad because they are quiet; so He bringeth them unto their desired haven”……Psalm 107

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. 

October 6 - 20th Sunday after Pentecost

Genesis 2:18-24
Psalm 8
Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12
Mark 10:2-16

Collect: Almighty and everlasting God, you are always more ready to hear than we to pray, and to give more than we either desire or deserve: Pour upon us the abundance of your mercy, forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things for which we are not worthy to ask, except through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ our Savior; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. 

October 13 - 21st Sunday after Pentecost

Amos 5:6-7,10-15
Psalm 90:12-17
Hebrews 4:12-16
Mark 10:17-31

Collect: Lord, we pray that your grace may always precede and follow us, that we may continually be given to good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

October 20 - 22nd Sunday after Pentecost

Isaiah 53:4-12
Psalm 91:9-16
Hebrews 5:1-10
Mark 10:35-45

Collect: Almighty and everlasting God, in Christ you have revealed your glory among the nations: Preserve the works of your mercy, that your Church throughout the world may persevere with steadfast faith in the confession of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

October 27 - 23rd Sunday after Pentecost

Jeremiah 31:7-9
Psalm 126
Hebrews 7:23-28
Mark 10:46-52

Collect: Almighty and everlasting God, increase in us the gifts of faith, hope, and charity; and, that we may obtain what you promise, make us love what you command; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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.