For those who haven't been at church recently, I was out on vacation for the past few weeks. This week, I'm starting to reconnect with our community, and I'm looking forward to worshiping with you all on Sunday! During vacation, I am grateful to have enjoyed lots of time with family, a trip to the beach, and a visit to Gettysburg. Thank you for your prayers in my absence, and know that you have been in my prayers as well. 

During my time off, I also had the pleasure of seeing the latest Superman movie. While I recognize that superhero movies aren't for everyone, it was wonderful to see a movie that is so unapologetically hopeful. We are regularly surrounded by terrible news and dire predictions about the future - and it is all too easy to swing back and forth between anger and depression over the state of the world. But God wants better things for us!

Chapter 8 of Romans speaks to the hope that we have in Jesus Christ. This isn't a hope founded on sticking our heads in the sand and ignoring the bad things going on around us. Rather, it is founded on God's faithfulness, on Jesus' death and resurrection, on the Spirit's presence with us even in the most difficult parts of life (praying for us "with sighs too deep for words"!). So, for the remaining weeks of this summer, I invite you to join me in celebrating hope. Read Romans 8 and discuss it with a friend. Find a good novel that expands your imagination of what is possible (I just finished The Dark Forest, and highly recommend it to any sci-fi fans). And maybe even go see Superman - you just might find yourself encouraged to keep hoping. 

Would you be 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
Questions? Contact Jill Duink (jillddd@hotmail.com). 

Here are a few things the Missions Committee has been working on : 

Lunch Packing After Sunday Service 
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 and those struggling with addiction. To learn more about the work of Prevention Point, see their website at https://ppponline.org/
Upcoming dates are:   August 24, September 21, October 19, November 23, December 28

SACCPhilly Food Cupboard  
You can contribute to the food cupboard at SACCPhilly which is run by Snyder Avenue Congregational Church. Look for the basket and list of most requested supplies in the church foyer. To learn more about SACCPhilly's vibrant ministries, go to https://saccphilly.org/

Support Ukrainian Refugees 
We have been partnering with a ministry at the Philadelphia Ukranian Cathedral that supports Ukranian immigrants and refugees. Help sort clothing and other donations. Contact Jill at jillddd@hotmail.com for upcoming dates.

Donation of Bibles and Supplies for St. Stephen's 
We have started donating Bibles and clothing to support the homeless ministry at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church. For more details, see Rachel Armstrong (our parishoner who is training for ordiation as a deacon). 

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 noon. The tour should take about an hour. Rain or Shine. Tickets are $15 each. Advanced registration is required.

Every Monday at 9:00am, led by Christine Pickup. Praying together points us to Jesus. In Matthew, Jesus reminds us of the power of community prayer: “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

This fall we'll be holding movie screenings in the graveyard! Bring a chair and some friends to enjoy family friendly fall movies. Ticket purchases will include popcorn and help to support the preservation of our historic buildings and grounds. Check back soon for details about movie titles and prices. 

Save the dates: 
Saturday, September 13
Friday, September 26
Friday, October 10
Saturday, October 25

Remarkable Occurrences by Rev. Dr. Nicholas Collin

August 19, 1796
A young couple of decent appearance, with several attendants, among them a middle-aged couple, who were intimately acquainted with the girl - applied & offered bonds to any amount. Her father, as they said, had given consent; but was out in the country. The young man was going to sea in 2 days. Positive refusal without certificate from her father.

August 9, 1800
A party of Irish came. The bride had been a bound servant to Penrose in this vicinity; probably  she was free; but refused to wait until one of the company should bring a certificate from him.
August 10  About midnight a fellow, by dialect Irish, waked me by rapping at door; and insisted on my getting up to marry two couples; promising a liberal reward. I refused because of the improper time.

August 16, 1804
Between 11 and 12 at night a couple with 2 or more in company came from the country over Schuylkill, pleaded by one of the attendants, a man who said I had married him, that want of a chair til a late hour prevented their coming sooner, that she  was a widow. he of age, a gardener, from Ireland or Scotland, I spoke with them from the upper story, and refused on account of the unseasonable time, however good the match might otherwise be.

August 10, 1806
A young Englishman, by trade a shoemaker came with a girl of 20. No impediment appeared but as he seemed light minded I required evidence.  
August 10 A young couple came with two young persons for evidences. I told him that as he was a good mercantile family. I would first speak to his mother. This he refused saying that he was his own master, and could, if he chose, kill himself tomorrow.
August 30  A young couple applied with an other who were married. The bride, and all said that her father was dead 10 months ago; but as a man in the neighborhood has the same name, I was doubtful, and refused.

August 4, 1807
Several came about 8 in even. the bridegroom was a Frenchman. looked poor and indifferent also young. Some of the company also French. I desired them to return with 2 hours but they did not come.
August 6  After 1- in even. a company knocked at the gate. I opened the window and told them it was too late. After some more knocking they went away.
August 23  Sun. A young hairdresser came with a girl, that looked very young, but was by her and the attending sisters acct 18. He had served his time with an uncle and became free last December. being now near 22. Resides the said sister a young man and another young girl certified this and that her mother was willing. The bridegroom indeed had an honest looks, and gave a probable acct. of himself, but I refused without his producing his indentures. As he lives high up in the North. Liberties. this could not be done to night; and he said that postponing the Wedding was not agreeable; that he must if pepessid get married tonight by some clergyman or magistrate, cost what it would. Thus they supposes that money can influence even in this important matter.
August 29  At 11 a company came and strongly entreated me to marry a couple, pretending that the man was going to sea next morning; I refused to let them in and reprimanded such disorderly conduct.

August 1, 1808
1  A.M. two Germans, and a German young woman came. She had been two years in the country, and they all spoke very imperfectly English. As she might not be free, I refused, advising them to apply to the German clergy.
 August 4  A man, artist, of mature age, came with a woman all edging that she was widow of a sea Capt. Since 7 mos but having no certificate or witnesses they were refused. As he had died at New Castle, by her account, proving might be easy, but she said it was too far to come down again. and that she was going into the country next morn. Her age was 30. She was more solicitous than the man.

August 1, 1810
In the 1st week a decent couple with two witnesses. The bridegroom a shoemaker had served his apprenticeship in Trenton, N. Jersey. and left his indentures with his mother, but as he would not bring certificate from a shoemaker where he works in S. Sec. Str. it being betw. 8.9 in ev. I refused. Prob. his account was true, but great caution is necessary.

August 1, 1816
A young man by appearance, of age, and a widow several years older, were refused til he produced testimony from a coach maker, married to his sister, with whom he worked. They did not come back.
August 1 A young man living about Wilmington, shoemaker, came with his intended bride and her mother, a widow in the vicinity, who asserted that he was free, but were refused, though probably she was candid, because the common frauds require extraordinary caution.

August 14, 1818
A young man applied and said that he had got a discharge from his master, tho but 19 years of age, by buying his time, of this the master certified me, but said that his mother had paid for it. The young man said, however, that he from that time had maintained himself; that she was willing for the marriage, but could not, as a Quaker, give open consent. I refused because of the hazard, as she might sue.

Our beloved Musical Meditation returns September 9th!
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.

Award-winning author, illustrator and typographer Hal Taylor leads off the next edition of Great Talks at Gloria Dei.

Tayor will reveal how Gustavus Adolphus, also known as “the father of modern warfare,” helped make “Sweden the most admired and feared world power in the 17th century.” 

He’ll also discuss the difficult voyages of the Kalmar Nyckel and the Fogel Grip to New Sweden and the city of Philadelphia … as well as the constant friction between the Dutch and the Swedes here before the English came in 1664 and took control of all Dutch and former Swedish holdings.

In addition, Taylor will sell and sign copies of his book, which includes over eighty original color and black & white illustrations.

Meet and Mingle Afterward … and Talk to the Speaker

Tickets for the program are $10, which includes a drink ticket for a beverage of your choice (alcoholic or non-alcoholic). 

Part of “Great Talks at Gloria Dei,” this program will take place inside the church sanctuary. 

A popular Meet-and-Mingle reception will follow in nearby Riverside Hall, where the author will answer questions and sign books for sale. 

For a modest donation, you can also sample delicious gourmet desserts paired with wine, coffee or tea at the reception

Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church is located at 916 S. Swanson (Columbus Blvd. and Christian Street) in the Queen Village section of Philadelphia.

This program is hosted by the Historic Gloria Dei Preservation Corporation. One hundred percent of the funds raised from this event will go toward the preservation of Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church and its graveyard.

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. Music starts at 7:30pm, and wraps up by 9:30pm. 

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

Children 4-18 are welcome to sign up to take part in our beloved Lucia performance, a classic Swedish Christmas tradition. No experience is necessary. Rehearsals take place Sundays from 1:30 - 3:30, and begin on November 2nd. You may email info@old-swedes.org for more information.

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.