“God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as God chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many members yet one body.” -1^st Corinthians 12:18-20

I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but Gloria Dei has received a lot of media coverage in the past few months. At the risk of missing something important, here are some examples:
*A YouTube video on our history for the channel Backpack Religion (https://youtu.be/k9f7PLBDQgQ?feature=shared);
*An article I wrote for the summer issue of Root Quarterly;
*A radio interview on the Christian station K-Love;
*An Episcopal News Service features on Historic Gloria Dei’s new graveyard app;
*A Philadelphia Inquirer article about the Sexton Sideshows;
*An upcoming magazine article about the Lucia Festival;
*A series of articles that Megan Bartlett has written for The Boyertown Area Expression;
*Extensive social media advertising for Riverside Weddings.

It is exciting to see so much interest in our community – and to see so many different aspects of our community highlighted. I am reminded that our community is actually made up of many different members, representing many different communities – and that it is therefore impossible for any article or video to capture the full extent life at Gloria Dei. In 1^st Corinthians, Paul speaks of how God has given each of us different giftings and different callings so that – together – we can reflect the incomprehensible wonder of God’s love. Thank you to everyone who invests their time and energy and resources in making this a beautiful and welcoming community, and I hope you’ll keep inviting more people to come and see what God is doing in this place.

Another Sexton Sideshow presentation! Big Trip Band performs and DJs are spinning. Don't miss the liquid light show, plus a pop-up shops from South Fellini, Philly Cookie Company and artist Jay McQuirns.

Doors 6:00pm

Show 7:00pm

Tickets cash or Venmo at the door, $20.

Thank you to all who came out for our 2024 Blessing of the Animals. We had a wonderful turnout of families and furry friends.

If you feel exhausted by the election cycle or worried by what might come, join us for a time of prayer and meditation. We will be adapting our usual Tuesday Musical Meditation service to help us remember the good news of the Gospel: God can bring new life and healing even in the darkest places - including political division and societal unrest. 

In the wake of this year's election, join us for a time food and music as we focus on what unites us as fellow citizens. This event is part of the Founder's Weekend being put on by the Root Quarterly team (see https://www.founders-weekend.com/ to RSVP, and for more details about all the great events going on that weekend).

Food will be available for purchase (free for those facing financial hardship), and you're also welcome to bring your own meal - or even to bring things to share! The event will also include live musical performances, and a speech by John Wood, Jr - the national ambassador for Braver Angels (an organization devoted to bridging the partisan divide in our country and strengthening our democracy). 

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. 

Our annual Lucia Fest will be held on Saturday, December 7th and Sunday, December 8th.

If you want to participate, rehearsals start on Sunday, November 3. We need kids of all ages, as well as adult volunteers to help the festival run smoothly. 

On the weekend of the festival, performances are 2:00, 3:30, 5:00pm.

Adults: $ 15.00 
Youth Under 12 Years: $ 10.00

Online tickets will be available until December 1st.

St. Eric's fair with Scandanavian imports will run before and after every performance. 

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 

If you've attended services in the past month, you probably noticed someone missing. Our beloved organist, Paul Fejko, has been dealing with a major health crisis. After two surgeries and numerous tests, it is clear that Paul is facing a form of brain cancer. Recent treatments have helped to address a number of immediate symptoms, but he will be starting radiation and chemo shortly. Please keep Paul in your prayers during this difficult time.

You can keep up with Paul's journey through the website CaringBridge, which you can access through the link below. Thank you also to everyone who has provided food or financial donations to support Paul. He reports that his fridge is currently overflowing, and that he is immensely grateful for the support that our community has given. 

All Saints Day, 1968 - Alexander Wilson Tomb Repaired

The devastation wrought by vandals at the site of the burial place of America’s first ornithologist is being repaired by order of the Vestry.  This will make all bird-lovers and admirers of the sensitive Scotch school-teacher feel comfortable.   His life in the new world was ended in 1813 when he asked to be buried in a quiet place where the birds would sing over his grave.

Remarkable Occurrences - 

November 16, 1807 - A man from England and in trade, engaged for to morrow, saying that he and the intended bride lived in Germantown, and agreed to bring two evidences. He on inquiry would not mention her name, as it might not be agreeable to her.   17 in ev. they came but alone, pleading the badness of the weather.(it having snowed and being cold) for the absence of the intended witnesses. Their age was by their account 24, and their appearance corresponded. No strong reason of surmise offered, but as her name is common to some people of respectable station in town, I dared not take her assurance that she was no kin to them, that her father had been a joiner, and after a short residence in Phila. had died here, and that her mother was also dead.

November 18, 1807 - In the mansion house 2 gentlemen asked if I had married such persons, giving their names; and were pleased on my declaring I had not, as he was a person of no property. At 1 o’cl. that man came to my house, and informed me that they were to be married at Germantown this afternoon, and he would not give further trouble. I had promised to be at home for them this afternoon and if they brought sufficient evidences to marry them.

November 12, 1808 -  An Irishman apply. for secret marr. on acct of his being obliged to seek work in Jersey, dur. winter, and not able to keep house til spring, I admonished against it as usual. He also said that his mother disliked it, because they were second cousins. I requested of him to come in the eve. with two witnesses, that better inquiry might be made. He brought one, who told that he had known them, well in Ireland, and here the man had been here 6 or more years, the woman 2. He was 26, she 24. By her avowal his relations were not will. They are both Catholics; and I advised them to be marr by their own clergy. He was very unwilling to postpone the wedd. as it prophesied bad luck; I told him such things are very common here.

Tombstone Inscriptions

In Memory of Gabril Rambo

De Parted this life November the .... Aged 41 years

As I am Dead So Will

You:  Be Pre Par For

Death and Follow Me.

In Memory of Alice Ferguson Tanner

Youngest daughter of Benjamin & Mary Tanner who died Nov 16 1826

aged 6 years & 9 days

Suffer the children to come unto me

For of such is the Kingdom of God

Here lyeth the body of Mary the wife of Andrew Robeson

who dyed Novber ye 12, 1716 Aged 50 years

Dear friends for me, pray do not weep.

I am not dead but here do sleep.

Within this solid lump of clay

Until the resurrection day

And here indeed I must remain

Till Christ shall rise me up again.

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.

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.

Join us as the Bishop visits to officially install Rev. Chris Micklewright as the Rector of Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church. A reception in Riverside Hall will follow the service. 

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.

November 3 - All Saints' Sunday
Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9
or Isaiah 25:6-9
Psalm 24
Revelation 21:1-6a
John 11:32-44
Collect: Almighty God, you have knit together your elect in one communion and fellowship in the mystical body of your Son Christ our Lord: Give us grace so to follow your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those ineffable joys that you have prepared for those who truly love you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

November 10 - Twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost
1 Kings 17:8-16
Psalm 146
Hebrews 9:24-28
Mark 12:38-44
Collect: O God, whose blessed Son came into the world that he might destroy the works of the devil and make us children of God and heirs of eternal life: Grant that, having this hope, we may purify ourselves as he is pure; that, when he comes again with power and great glory, we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

November 17 - Twenty-sixth Sunday after Pentecost
Daniel 12:1-3
Psalm 16
Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25
Mark 13:1-8
Collect: Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

November 24 - Last Sunday after Pentecost
Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
Psalm 93
Revelation 1:4b-8
John 18:33-37
Collect: Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in your well-beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord of lords: Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth, divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his most gracious rule; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.