Dear People of Gloria Dei:

As many of you know, my family and I are huge fans of the National Park Service, and I’m constantly grateful for the opportunity to serve at a church that is also an NPS site. So, it was with particular grief that I watched another NPS site just down the street from us make national headlines. For the past 15 years, the site of George Washington’s Philadelphia home (which is part of Independence National Historical Park) has featured exhibits about the enslaved people kept by our first president. However, this engagement with the complexity of our national history was deemed inappropriate by the current presidential administration, and was abruptly removed.  

Unfortunately, the headlines about this exhibit removal have been overshadowed by even more disturbing news over the past several weeks. Like many of you, I have been asking what I can do in response to actions by our government which seem to distort truth or violate legal & constitutional norms. This is a big question, and I would be glad to talk and pray further with anyone who wants to about our role as followers of Jesus in times like these – please feel free to reach out to me directly! For the purposes of this newsletter, though, I’d like to suggest one particular reflection that has been very helpful to me.

In chapter 8 of John’s Gospel, Jesus tells us “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” Jesus recognizes that truth has power, particularly for those who would follow him. Therefore, we don’t have to be afraid of engaging with complex truths, like the fact that George Washington was both a hero who helped establish our country and was a slaveholder responsible for acts of horrible injustice against the people he held captive.

Instead of hiding from such truths, we are called to speak the truth in hope, to the best of our ability. This means elevating the voices and stories of those who are too often silenced by people in power (such as the men and women enslaved by Washington). It means mourning injustice and holding our government to account, but also praying for the redemption of those we think of as enemies. It means finding ways to speak with those who deeply disagree with us, in hope that truth can lead to freedom. Most of all, it means trusting that love is stronger than hate, that mercy is stronger than cruelty, and that the truth of Christ’s light is able to shine even in the darkest places.

– Rev Chris

Gloria Dei is joining other churches in our diocese that prepare weekly meals for the community at St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church in Feltonville (in North Philly). Every other month, we will be gathering in Riverside Hall to cook a meal for 100 people - and then delivering the meal to St. Gabe's. Our turn to participate comes once every other month. 

Our first opportunity comes in early February. Rev. Chris will be leading the kitchen team in cooking the meal on Thursday, February 5, starting at 2pm in Riverside Hall. Then, on Saturday, February 7, Rachel Armstrong will be coordinating the delivery of the meal to St. Gabe's. If you'd like to get involved, please email Rev. Chris (or show up at the hall on February 5!). 

In future months, we will be experimenting with different days / times for cooking so that everyone has a chance to be involved. Stay tuned for details about the next occasion, which will be in April. 

Every Monday at 9:00am, Christine Pickup leads us together in prayer. 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.”

Have you ever wondered why Jesus had to die, or why Christians make such a big deal about the cross? How could an instrument of torture and execution come to be such a focus, and even a symbol of hope? 

Join us for a book discussion group where we will be talking about The Wood Between the Worlds: A Poetic Theology of the Cross, by Pastor Brian Zahnd. This book refuses to give simple answers, and encourages us to recognize that there is always more going on with the cross (and with God in general) than we will ever be able to fully put into words. Still, it explores a wide range of possible answers to the questions above, seeking to find beauty even in the horror of the cross. 

We will be reading this book together in February and March, which overlaps nicely with the season of Lent - beginning on February 18, with Ash Wednesday. Copies of the book will be available from the church for free (though donations are also accepted if you are so inclined). Discussions will be held on Thursday evenings, from 5:30-6:30pm, in Rudman House (aka, the Rectory). If you would like to participate by Zoom, a link is provided below, as is a tentative reading schedule: 

1. Feb 5 - Prelude and Chapters 1-2 (24 pages)
2. Feb 12 - Chapters 3-5 (30 pages)
3. Feb 19 - Chapters 6-7 (19 pages)
4. Feb 26 - Chapters 8-10 (31 pages)
5. March 5 - Chapters 11-13 (32 pages)
6. March 12 - Chapters 14-15 (20 pages)
7. March 19 - Chapters 16-17 (20 pages)
8. March 26 - Chapters 18-End (24 pages)

Zoom Info:

Meeting ID: 834 4052 7273
Passcode: 864359

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. 

The "I knew George Washington" series by Jeffrey E. Finegan Sr. is a unique collection of stories on the “father of his country” as told from the perspective of historic figures who were closely associated with him.

Selected to narrate each book are individuals who, based on their interaction with George Washington, came from distinctly varied walks of life. Together with Washington, they are not only witnesses to his failures and successes, but to the most incredible events in world history.

On February 12, 2026 at 7:00 pm at Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church, Finegan will describe the life of this founding father, from his formative years to his final hours.

Admission is $10, which includes a drink ticket for a beverage of your choice (alcoholic or non-alcoholic). Advance registration is required.

This program will take place inside the church sanctuary, followed by a reception in Riverside Hall. For a modest donation, you can taste delicious gourmet desserts paired with wine, coffee or tea and buy copies of Mr. Finegan’s books. 

This event is hosted by the Historic Gloria Dei Preservation Corporation. 100% of the funds that we raise from this event will go toward the preservation of Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church and its graveyard.

It is with sadness that we share the news of the death of Jerry Buescher, who was a faithful parishioner at Gloria Dei for many years. Please keep Peggy in your prayers in the days and weeks to come. 

A Prayer for Jerry: O God, whose mercies cannot be numbered: Accept our prayers on behalf of your servant N., and grant him an entrance into the land of light and joy, in the fellowship of your saints; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Obituary:

Jerome "Jerry" George Buescher was a devoted husband, beloved teacher, and loyal friend whose life was marked by faith, service, and intellectual curiosity. He is survived by his wife of nearly twenty years, Peggy (née Hemingway).

A longtime resident of Philadelphia, Jerry was raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was predeceased by his parents, George Edward Buescher and Mary Margaret (née Gibbons), and by his first wife, Georganne (née Kretschman). He is also survived by his siblings: Joan Strom; Thomas Buescher (Clara); Robert Buescher (Charlette); and Mary Ann Ashton (Peter).

Jerry began his academic journey at Duns Scotus College, a Franciscan seminary in Southfield, Michigan, and later served briefly as a Franciscan friar. He went on to study microbiology and immunology, earning his PhD from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, where he spent his career as a faculty member and Assistant Professor until his recent retirement.

A man of deep faith, Jerry was an active and dedicated member of the Episcopal Church, serving in many roles including the vestry, and as Secretary of the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania. During his missionary work in Guatemala, he formed lasting friendships.

Jerry was a longtime friend of Bill W and, for forty years, touched the lives of many through fellowship and shared purpose. Outside of his professional and spiritual life, he found joy in woodworking projects and experimenting with gourmet recipes. He also enjoyed his annual pilgrimage to Cape May, New Jersey, and his wife's excursions to the Victorian shops on Washington Square.

Funeral services will be held at a later date at Christ Church, 20 N. American Street, Old City, Philadelphia.

Absalom Jones was the first Black priest in the Episcopal Church, ordained in 1802 in Philadelphia. Each year, our Diocese holds a celebration in memory of Rev. Jones. This year, all are invited to participate on the morning of Saturday, February 14, at the Church of the Good Samaritan in Paoli. You can learn more about the celebration, and register to attend (at no cost) on the Diocesan website. 

The suites for unaccompanied cello by JS Bach are among the most beloved and iconic compositions. Join baroque cellist & music historian, Eve Miller (Tempesta di Mare, Philadelphia Bach Collective, Bach Collegium of Philadelphia, The Publick Pleasure) for a Valentine’s evening with the 2nd (BWV 1008) and 3rd (BWV 1009) suites, and music of Supriani, Gabrielli and Dall’Abaco. As we all know – the cello is the most human and sexiest of the instruments! Bring your sweetheart and share in an evening of music, bliss, history, and delight. Along the way, Ms. Miller will tell tales of the suites – from their inception & sources, to notable performances. Reception to follow the concert in Riverside Hall.

This event is hosted by the Historic Gloria Dei Preservation Corporation. A portion of the proceeds will go toward preserving Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church and its graveyard.

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. Historian and archivist Jeanette 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.

Join us for the beginning of Lent, which runs from February 18 (Ash Wednesday) through April 2 (Maundy Thursday). As in years past, our services will follow the Ash Wednesday liturgy, to include the imposition of ashes and the celebration of the Eucharist. This year, we are offering an early morning service (6:30am) in addition to our usual services at noon and 7pm. The evening service will feature music, while the morning and noon services will be quieter and more contemplative.  

Please join us on a monthly basis to pack meals for people in need in Kensington. Lunches are packed in Riverside Hall immediately following Sunday services. The meals are then delivered to Prevention Point for distribution. To learn more about the work of Prevention Point, see their website at: https://ppponline.org

Future dates: February 22, March 29, April 19, May 17, June 28, July 26, August 30

Join us for the return of our annual SOS (Sense-Making at Old Swedes) Lenten Discussion Series, held in partnership with Root Quarterly. This year, we will be talking about how stories help us to make sense of the world, for good and ill. For example:

• What are the stories that we tell about relationships? Do we expect to find fulfillment in a perfect romantic partner? And what are the benefits or harms of the rugged individualism prized in so many American stories?
• What are the stories we tell about value? How are we affected by stories that treat capitalism as an inherent good, and communism as a constant threat? What value do we place on age or on youth? Is faster always better? 
• What are the stories we tell about meaning and purpose? How do we think about the theoretical balance between life and work? Why are so many people captivated by conspiracy theories like Q'Anon? What stories motivate us to get out of bed? 
• How do we distinguish between good stories and bad stories? What are common elements in stories that are used to manipulate or control people? What kinds of stories lead to hope or to despair? Do we more often define ourselves by what we are "for" or by what we are "against"? 

This discussion series will be held on Tuesday evenings, beginning on February 24 - at 7pm in Riverside Hall. All are welcome to join us beforehand for our weekly Musical Meditation series, and a light supper will be provided at the disucssion series. Participants are welcome to drop in and out as their schedules allow - you don't need to attend every session to be part of the discussion. 

Philadelphia-based musician and author John Kim Faye takes you on a musical and lyrical journey based on his best-selling memoir The Yin and The Yang of it All: Rock 'n' Roll Memories from the Cusp, as told by a Mixed-Up, Mixed-Race Kid, a story about the discovery of a voice and the courage to use it on the biggest stages, both literal and metaphorical.

Since its release, the book has achieved Amazon #1 Best Seller status in multiple categories and was also selected by Philadelphia Magazine as one of ten titles included in their 2023 “summer reading" recommendations. 

As the lead singer and primary songwriter of the Caulfields, Faye was one of the only mixed-race Asian American frontmen to sign a major label recording contract during the alternative rock heyday of the 1990s. In an era that preceded K-Pop―and even the rise of the internet―Faye’s rock ’n’ roll odyssey did not lead to superstardom. Instead, his three-decade career has flourished well beyond his "fifteen minutes" in the spotlight. As a "middle class musician" defining his own success, while fostering community and connection, Faye is the embodiment of the representation he never had.

The songs and stories culled from Faye’s personal and professional experiences weave a tapestry of revealing moments as told from his unique perspective on the cusps of identity, race, and fame.

In recognition of the 250th anniversary of the founding of our country, Gloria Dei is participating in a year long program on religious freedom, sponsored by Interfaith Philadelphia. Together with a dozen of the most historic places of worship in Philadelphia, we will be welcoming guests to learn more about our history and about how religious freedom helped to shape America. The program features an app that helps participants take a self-guided tour of the various host sites, as well as special programs at each of the host sites (we will get to host an event on September 9 with the Political Empathy Lab from UPENN!).

Learn more about the overall program at the Interfaith Philadelphia website:  Religious Freedom: Then & Now. 

CLERGY OF GLORIA DEI CHURCH: Rev. Andreas Rudman

Anders Rudman was born in Gavle, Gastrikland Province, Sweden, the son of Johan Augustison Rudolph
and Magdalena Nilsdotter in 1668. He attended the University of Uppsala and was ordained into the
Church of Sweden.

Rev. Rudman arrived in Philadelphia on June 30, 1697 and found the church at Wicaco "decayed and
scarcely habitable." He immediately began to prepare a plan to build a new church. On October 20, 1697,
he wrote home to Sweden " In order to build our church, we are about to raise the sum of four hundred
pounds sterling, but that will not be difficult. They are so very glad to have us among them. They look
upon us as if we were angels from heaven. Of this they assured me with many tears, and we may truly say that there is no place in the world where a clergyman may be so happy and so well beloved, as in this
country."

Rev. Rudman helped build the church with his own hands. As per Rev. Rudman's description of the
church. The church is 60 feet long, 30 feet wide, and 20 feet high. The roof is made of 18,000 cedar
shingles. There are six windows, 12 feet high, three of each side. The interior of the church is covered
with plaster. On each side the pews are arranged in two quarters, and in addition there is a lengthwise pewunder the windows, with an aisle between this and the quarters. The chancel and pulpit were of black walnut, intricately turned. The chancel itself stands three steps higher than the church floor, so that the chancel rail and the pews are of the same height, and the altar rail, as well. The tower was 26 or 28 feet high. When the tower is completed it may reach 80 or 100 feet. (if one dare risk so high a tower) The church cost L1,000 or 20,000 daler in copper coin. This was given and contributed by 80 or so
households. The church was dedicated on June 2, 1700. Rev. Andrew Rudman’s salary was 95 pounds 5
shillings.

Rev. Rudman published two small paper bound hymnals in 1700 to encourage congregational singing.
They were the first printed Swedish language volumes and the first books of original hymns in America. They were used in combination with the 1695 official hymnals sent over by Bishop Svedberg, and owned by most families. It is obvious that the church's fine acoustics encouraged a strong interest and use of music from the beginning. A regular High Mass included five hymns and the Swedish Pastors chanted their parts of the Liturgy each week.

Rev. Andrew Rudman’s last sermon at Gloria Dei was on July 19, 1702. He had planned to return to
Sweden but a Dutch congregation in New York had been without a clergy person for some time and
requested him to come. For a year he covered the churches in Amsterdam, Albany and Hackensack.
However, his health prevented him staying longer. He returned to Philadelphia and officiated at the
English Church Trinity, Oxford from 1705-1708 and finally at Christ Church following Rev. Evans return
to England until his death. Rudman died in 1708 and was buried in Gloria Dei. Rev. Rudman was
succeeded as pastor at Gloria Dei by Anders Sandel in 1702.

The Vestry is an elected group of leaders in the congregation who work with Rev. Chris to set the vision and mission of the church, and to maintain our buildings and grounds; the Vestry also sets the annual budget and approves any significant departures from the budget.

Vestry Meetings are usually held in person in the Rectory on the third Thursday of the month. 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. 

Minutes from Vestry meetings are posted on the bulletin board in Riverside Hall, and are available on our website at this link: https://www.old-swedes.org/pages/vestry-meeting-minutes

Vestry Packets are also available by contacting Rev. Chris (rector@old-swedes.org) or the church office (info@old-swedes.org). These packets contain the agenda for each meeting, reports from various committees, and any other documents (such as quotes from contractors) that the Vestry is considering. 

February 1: Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany

Collect: Almighty and everlasting God, you govern all things both in heaven and on earth: Mercifully hear the supplications of your people, and in our time grant us your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

• Micah 6:1-8
• 1 Corinthians 1:18-31
• Matthew 5:1-12
• Psalm 15

February 8: Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany

Collect: Set us free, O God, from the bondage of our sins, and give us the liberty of that abundant life which you have made known to us in your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

• Isaiah 58:1-9a, [9b-12]
• 1 Corinthians 2:1-12, [13-16]
• Matthew 5:13-20
• Psalm 112:1-9, (10)

February 15: Last Sunday after the Epiphany

Collect: O God, who before the passion of your only begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant to us that we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

• Exodus 24:12-18
• 2 Peter 1:16-21
• Matthew 17:1-9
• Psalm 2

February 18: Ash Wednesday

Collect: Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

• Joel 2:1-2,12-17
• 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10
• Matthew 6:1-6,16-21
• Psalm 103

February 22: First Sunday of Lent

Collect: Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan: Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

• Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7
• Romans 5:12-19
• Matthew 4:1-11
• Psalm 32

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.