Earlier this year, we had the opportunity to study a portion of Jesus' Sermon on the Plain, found in chapter 6 of Luke's gospel. However, while we spent a lot of time with the blessings and woes, only those who participated in our Lenten Bible Study got to look at Jesus' words about good and bad trees. 

"No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. For each tree is known by its own fruit."

I think these words are very helpful at every level of our lives. Nationally, in the midst of a divided country - where it can sometimes be difficult to sort out truth from lies - we are called to look for good fruit. When considering a particular position or policy or program, ask whether it bears the fruit of mercy, of justice, of freedom, of peace. If so, we are called to support it. 

Moving closer to home, Jesus' words can be helpful as we start to think and pray about our vision for Gloria Dei's future. What have been the good trees in our community? Who are the people and what are the programs that have helped us to grow in love, to welcome newcomers, to serve our neighbors, and to care for the treasures that have been entrusted to us? What might it look like to care for those good trees, and to plant more trees like them?

Finally, Jesus' words can get very personal. What are the patterns and habits in your own life that bear good fruit?  Might there be patterns that tend to bear bad fruit - patterns that you might do well to give up?  When choosing how to use your time and energy, consider what helps you to live with joy, with peace, with hope, with mercy, and with love. My prayer is that each of us, and our community as a whole, can increasinly be known for the good fruit that we are bearing. 

2025 is an exciting year for us at Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church in Philadelphia. We are celebrating the 325th anniversary of the consecration of this National Historic Site. 

We invite you to join us on Sunday, June 1, 2025 as we mark this special event with a day of festivities. Activities include:

10:00 am – Celebratory Service: The congregation of Gloria Dei will be celebrating the last Sunday of the Easter season (which is always a time of joy and thanksgiving). During the service, Rev. Dr. Christopher Micklewright, rector of Gloria Dei Church, will reflect on the church’s history and will lead the congregation in prayers of thanksgiving for the past and hope for the future. We are also excited to have a special choir, who will help to lead us in singing some of the hymns written by Rev. Andreas Rudman, the rector who buit the church in 1700. 

11:30 am – Picnic in the Hall and Grounds: Following the service, the Gloria Dei Church congregation will host a picnic in Riverside Hall and on the grounds. Our Sextons will grill hamburgers and hot dogs, and everyone is invited to bring sides and desserts to share.  

11:30 am – Museum Display: For one hour only, join historian and archivist Jeanette Woehr in Riverside Hall as she uses our most treasured articles to bring Gloria Dei’s history to life. Among them: lightning rods that Benjamin Franklin installed on this church in 1752  … and Andreas Rudman’s Naturalization Papers signed by William Penn in 1701.

11:30 am – Wine Raffle and Gift Table: Here’s your chance to win a special bottle of wine or two in our wine table raffle. Also, stop by our gift table for beautiful items that support our preservation efforts … including authenticated, limited edition prints of Bill Terney’s 2012 painting of Gloria Dei Church.

12:00 pm – Graveyard Tours: Our nearly 350-year graveyard is the final resting place for thousands of extraordinary people. Learn about them by using our free self-guided tour app. Our historians will also showcase two recent fascinating underground discoveries: the c. 1675 blockhouse and Peter Gunnarsson Rambo’s grave.

1:00 pm – Scavenger Hunt: Kids of all ages will enjoy connecting the past and the present with this fun event. Our graveyard has been in continuous use since 1677, and its graves contain a wide variety of symbols and carvings dating from the 18th century to today. Wander the grounds to find and learn about them.

IVA presents Scandinavian Folk and Art Songs. Developed during her time as a Fulbright Scholar in Sweden, this recital features gorgeous music by Swedish composers not often heard outside of the region. The repertoire covers classical through modern, as well as folk songs – including Stenhammar, de Frumerie, Lindblad, Sjögren, Sibelius, Almqvist, Linde, Sund, Greig.

Admission is $30 for adults, $15 for students with I.D. and $5 for children under 12. It includes a drink ticket for a beverage (alcoholic or non-alcoholic). Advance registration is highly recommended.

Meet-and-Mingle afterward at Riverside Hall

This concert will take place inside the church sanctuary, followed by a reception in nearby Riverside Hall. For a modest donation, you can treat yourself to delicious gourmet desserts there … and pair them with wine, coffee or tea while you chat with the performers. 

Parishioner Gabrielle Barbour would like to form an Event Committee.  This committee will brainstorm and execute social events and fundraisers here at Gloria Dei. If you are interested in joining her, you can email her at this address: grb2122@columbia.edu

Based on a resolution at the 2024 Diocesan Convention, a committee was formed to look at the "Sacred Ask" - which is the financial obligation churches have to support the diocese. This committee is seeking to better understand the impact of the Sacred Ask on churches, and their capacity to bear the costs. They will make recommendations to at the 2025 Diocesan Convention (October 17-18, 2025).

In support of the committee's work, Gloria Dei will be hosting a conversation on June 11, 2025, at 7pm, in Riverside Hall. This conversation will be open to other local churches, and will provide an opportunity for discussion between churches and committee members. All are welcome to attend and learn more about the finances of the diocese. The attached documents will help to provide some context. 

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

We meet on the first Wednesday of every month at 9:00 on Zoom (Meeting ID: 897 2826 6283   Passcode: 098374, or use the link below).  

Join Zoom Meeting: Click here to join the Zoom.

Current Outreach Efforts:

• Monthly Lunch Packing Ministry - Upcoming Dates: June 22, July 27, August 24.
  Please join us monthly in Riverside Hall immediately following the Sunday service to pack meals for people in need in Kensington. The meals will be delivered to Prevention Point for distribution.  Prevention Point provides many services for the homeless.  To learn more about their work, see their website at ppponline.org.

• Recovery Bibles - Donations accepted in the back of the church on Sundays, or through our website. 
  These donations support Mercy Hospice, which works with women in recovery. You can learn more about their work at their website, https://www.mercyhospicephilly.org/.
  
  
• Donations for the Food Pantry at SACCPhilly - Look for the basket in the church foyer! 
  SACCPhilly is run by Snyder Avenue Church, and serves many local immigrant and refugee families. To learn more about SACCPhilly go to www.saccphilly.org. A list of the most requested items is also availabe on our website. 

• Volunteer with the Philadelphia Ukranian Cathedral - Contact Jill Duink
   A group of Gloria Dei parishioners has been visiting the local Ukranian Cathedral at least once a month to assist with their ministry of providing clothing to Ukranian Immigrants and Refugees. 

If you have any questions, or want to get more invovled, please contact Jill Duink (jillddd@hotmail.com) or Rev. Chris (rector@old-swedes.org). 

Every Monday at 9:00am, led by Christine Pickup

Join us for a summer book club, where we will be reading Lydia, by Paula Gooder. Found in chapter 16 of Acts, Lydia is sometimes called the first European convert to Christianity. In Acts we learn that she was a seller of purple cloth living in the ancient city of Phillippi. While that's not much detail, Paula Gooder draws on her experience as a New Testament scholar to imagine Lydia's story. So, while it is a work of fiction, it provides an engaging opportunity to explore the life and culture of the first century, as well as the theology of Paul's letter to the church in Philippi (what we know as the book of Philippians). 

Logistics are still being arranged, but check back soon for details of dates and times. The church will be ordering several copies of the book, which is also available online. 

On June 2, 1700, Philadelphia’s Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church had its “grand opening.” Celebrate its 325th anniversary with a guided tour led by historian and archivist Jeanette Woehr.

It is easy to imagine 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 1703 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 10:30 am. The tour should take about an hour. Rain or Shine. Tickets are $15 each. Advanced registration is required.

Memorial Day was celebrated in style at Gloria Dei this year, with the annual Memorial Dei Picnic. There was a great crowd, delicious food, fantastic music, and talented vendors. Thanks to Sexton Sideshow for planning such a wonderful event, and especially to all the volunteers who helped to make it happen. Thanks also to our many sponsors and donors: 

Philadelphia Brewing Company

Commonwealth Ciders

Liberty Tree & Landscape

Reeves McEwing Law

Ray’s Happy Birthday Bar

For Pete’s Sake

Lucky’s Last Chance

Bridget Foy’s

Cry Baby Pasta

Moonshine Philly

Ginza Sushi & Ramen

QVNA - Queen Village Neighbors Association

Walmart (1675 S. Columbus Blvd store)

Giordano’s Garden Groceries

New Wave Cafe

Samuel Gritz Public House

Fergie’s Pub

Diocese of Pennsylvania 

Stay tuned for the next Sexton Sideshow Event, coming June 27. Details will be announced soon, and will be available on our website.

Join us for a refreshed version of our popular service.  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 is led by our sextons, Jim & Paula Minacci, who work to create a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere that everyone will enjoy. 

Please note the time change (to 6:00pm). Also, Musical Meditation will not meet on May 27. 

After a battle with brain cancer that began in the fall of 2024, our beloved Music Director Paul Fejko died on May 5, 2025. Paul served at Gloria Dei as a teenager during the 70's, and has been our primary musician since 1987. He will be deeply missed. 

Please join us for a service to celebrate Paul's life, to be followed by a burial in the Gloria Dei church yard and a party in Riverside Hall. The service will begin at 3pm in the church, and will seek to honor Paul's wishes to "keep the religion to a minimum" while also expressing our hope that God's love for Paul extends beyond this life. The party afterward will include opportunities to share memories of Paul,  to enjoy food and drink together, and to create your own tie-dye rememberance. 

Paul's Obituary can be found here: https://www.brianwdonnellyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Paul-Fejko?obId=42367387

Part concert, part contemplation, part history lesson, part collaboration  – join Eve Miller of The Publick Pleasure for an afternoon of music for unaccompanied cello like no other! From the 17th century to the 21st century, the cello has been beloved for its human voice-like quality and technical versatility. Eve will perform works that span vast time, place and technique, and along the way we’ll explore the impossibility of performing solo. Works by Domenico Gabrielli, JS Bach, Joseph Dall’Abaco, Alan Hovhaness, Eleanor Alberga, Bright Sheng and a World Premiere of a work by Philadelphia’s own Mark Rimple.

Admission is $30 for adults, $15 for students with I.D. and $5 for children under 12. It includes a drink ticket for a beverage (alcoholic or non-alcoholic). Advance registration is highly recommended.

From the records of Gloria Dei - 

June 15, 1777 - Joseph Ashburn wed Elizabeth Ross
June 30, 1697 - Arrival at Wicaco of  Rev. Andrew Rudman (Wicaco),  Rev. Eric Biork (Christina)  and Rev. Jonas Auren (Raccoon and Penn’s Neck).

Remarkable Occurrences - 

June 14, 1802 -   A company of 4 or 5 brought a man so drunk that he could not stand.  He nevertheless expressed great unwillingness to be married. The company endeavored to persuade me that he had given full consent and was not much in liquor, etc. The intended bride was also very desirous, giving for one important reason, that putting off the nuptials was an unlucky omen; as she had experienced in her first marriage (She being, or pretending to be a widow). I gave to all proper reproaches, and dismissed them. Two of the men were so angry at the bridegroom, as to give him several thumps.
June 29, 1805 -   A young man came and requested secret marriage, because her parents withheld their consent on account of his inability to support her. He proposed going to Kentucky for employment, where his trade of portrait-drawing had been represented to him by some persons from there as profitable.  I advised him not to go there, to stay here and acquire money by any kind of painting till he could afford to marry by no means to contract a secret marriage.
June 10, 1810 -  A clerk, by appearance and his assertion, prob. of age, came after 9 in ev. and said they were going to Baltimore next morn. The family name was known to me, and a clerk whose Christian name is the same with that of his father lives here: he said that this man is but a distant relation. The suspicion was however, sufficient for my denial. They behaved civilly. Only one woman, aunt of the bride came with them.

Tombstone Inscriptions - 

Sacred to the memory of Josiah J Fox

son of Peter and Abigail K Fox who departed this life June 3rd 1856, aged 7 years 5 months and 20 days.

He died in Jesus and is blest,

How sweet his slumbers are,

From suffering and from sins released

And freed from every snare.

George McKay

I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth.  And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God.

Fell asleep in Jesus Sacred to the memory of Anna F

daughter of George M and Regina E. Bald who departed this life June 25th 1867 aged 17 years.

Articles from the Old Swedes’ Today - 

June 1919 - A Study of our Work

A Statement by the Rector

Inasmuch as a Church is the torchbearer of God’s truth in the place of its situation and influence, and the living organism of God’s progressive Spirit; and the witness to the faith of those who worship within its walls; and, since our Church has unique opportunity to function in all these ways-therefore, I stand for the following principles and hopes in our fellowship and work together:

1. A Church preserving the traditions of the past with regard to its simple services and dignified devotion.

2. A Church that continues to impress the visiting public with its well-kept grave-yard, its clean and refined appearance, and its splendid up-keep, giving evidence of tender care and faithful administration.

3. A Church respecting and recording its history and the ministry of its notable Rectors and all those conspicuously associated with its work, by publishing its records, compiling an up-to-date history, issuing biographies, and preparing a permanent and public record of all gifts, memorials and endowments to the Church.

4. A Church which shall administer the trust funds and endowments entrusted to it, with the most rigid care, and shall use the income of funds created for its benefit with generous wisdom and constructive purpose.

5. A Church which shall take its members fully into its confidence, making published reports, at least annually, of its account and its work; and giving free expression to its plans and policy; training its people in the principles of self-government and democracy; developing a mutual spirit of confidence by creating an atmosphere of co-operation and mutual trust.

6. A Church, which, blessed by an inheritance of foresight and wise provision for its needs, shall live up to the obligations laid upon it by the Dioceses and by the Church at large;-retaining its good name for generosity to Missions, and scrupulously meeting its apportionments and assessments.

7. A Church which conceives of itself as one big family, and makes every effort to provide for the children and young people of the Sunday School on weekdays as well as on Sunday, as a thoughtful and loving home would seek to provide for the younger members of its household.

8. A Church which proves to the visitor, as well as to its own members, that under the shadow of its walls, and the influence of its spirit, people living close by can be given a better opportunity in life and be saved from many of the menacing conditions of the neighborhood, by methods of service to the social needs of the immediate vicinity, which in course of time shall change the character of the neighborhood.

9. A Church, which, placed on the city’s busy water-front, itself the spiritual harbor of many sea-faring men from the beginning of its history, shall have a special message and a welcome for the sea-going men of today and every generation.            

10. A Church, which, situated in one of the oldest sections of the city, and founded by a Protestant Colony, shall always be a bulwark of Protestantism in the part of the city where its influence can be asserted and preserved.

11. A Church which seeks to love God and its neighbor and to incarnate the spirit of Christ.

Church Facts - 

Land for the Church given by :

(Deed 1) Catharine Swanson, widow of Swan Swanson,  Swan Boon and Brigita,  his wife,  Hans Boon and Barbara, his wife and Peter Bankson and  Catharine, his wife (Brigita, Barbara and Catharine daughters of Swan and                  Catharine Swanson). One and a half acres and 5 perches.  (For a Church)

(Deed 2) Hans Boon and Barbara, his wife daughter of Swan and Catharine Swanson one acre for a rectory.    (Present rectory built 1832)

(Deed 3) Dated June 19, 1719 Martha Cock daughter of John and Margaret Cock  (daughter of Swan Swanson) to Peter Rambo, John Stille, John Scute and Jesta Jestason for 25 acres.  Purchased by congregation for ninety pounds.

Building cost 20,000 dollars Swedish money plus about 10,000 more.

Bell tower built later.

1702 walls given away.  Committee check with Peter Deal.  Mr. Deal was of opinion that porches built on each side of the church, would be the best means of strengthening the walls.  A subscription was opened for the purpose and the persons present put down their names for pound 109 4s.

1710 Vestry duties.

1.                  To take care of the church, see to its repairs, and, if necessary, put up additional buildings.

2.         To maintain the parochial ordinances and regulations enacted at the general meetings, and to preserve order in time of divine worship.

3.                              To inspect the behavior of the people in their respective districts, admonish those that misbehave, and proceed with them further, if necessary.

4.                           To attend divine worship often, partake of the Lord’s Supper, and be edifying examples in all Christian virtues.”

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 July, August, November, December.

June 1 - Seventh Sunday of Easter

• Acts 16:16-34
• Revelation 22:12-14,16-17,20-21
• John 17:20-26
• Psalm 97

Collect: O God, the King of glory, you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven: Do not leave us comfortless, but send us your Holy Spirit to strengthen us, and exalt us to that place where our Savior Christ has gone before; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

June 8 - Day of Pentecost

• Acts 2:1-21
• or Genesis 11:1-9
• Romans 8:14-17
• or Acts 2:1-21
• John 14:8-17, (25-27)
• Psalm 104:25-35, 37

Collect: Almighty God, on this day you opened the way of eternal life to every race and nation by the promised gift of your Holy Spirit: Shed abroad this gift throughout the world by the preaching of the Gospel, that it may reach to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

June 15 - Trinity Sunday

• Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31
• Romans 5:1-5
• John 16:12-15
• Psalm 8
• or Canticle 13 (or Canticle 2)

Collect: Almighty and everlasting God, you have given to us your servants grace, by the confession of a true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of your divine Majesty to worship the Unity: Keep us steadfast in this faith and worship, and bring us at last to see you in your one and eternal glory, O Father; who with the Son and the Holy Spirit live and reign, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

June 22 - Second Sunday after Pentecost

1 Kings 19:1-4, (5-7), 8-15a
Psalm 42 and 43
Galatians 3:23-29
Luke 8:26-39

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 29 - Third Sunday after Pentecost

2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14
Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20
Galatians 5:1,13-25
Luke 9:51-62

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.

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.