Dear People of Gloria Dei:

If you are able to attend a Sunday service during Lent this year, you may notice that we are using a new form for the Prayers of the People. I make a point of changing the prayers with each season of the church year, both as a means of marking the season and to ensure that our prayers don’t become stale. And, for this season of Lent, I had the privilege of working with a parishioner to write the new prayers; many thanks to Seamus Stimpson for sharing in this important work – and please know that there is a standing invitation for anyone who is interested in writing prayers to reach out to me!

When Seamus and I sat down together, I was intrigued to hear about how he has been meditating on the experience of Mary Magdalene in the time between the crucifixion and the resurrection. It goes without saying that the brutal execution of a dear friend would be utterly devastating; anyone who has dealt with sudden loss knows how it can take your breath away and leave you reeling. That profound disorientation would have been even more pronounced for Mary and the other disciples, as he was not only their friend but also the one in whom they had placed their hope. He was supposed to lead them into a brighter future, and now he was being laid in a tomb.

Our prayers in this season call us to enter with Mary and the disciples into this time of devastating and disorienting loss. As we prepare for our celebration of Easter, there is value in taking time to name the things in our world that cause grief and confusion. It can be tempting to try and focus only on the good things in life, to remember all that we have to be grateful for – and there are seasons when that is good and right! But, in Lent, we do well to remember our need for a savior, and to look for where God is present even in the grief and confusion. The way of Jesus absolutely is the way of healing and new life, but to get there it passes through the cross.

So, as you come to worship in this season of Lent, and in your times of prayer at home, you are invited to join Mary and the disciples in their grief and confusion. May it be an opportunity for you to trust God with your own grief and confusion, and to pray for the people and places most in need of God’s healing presence. And, may this grief and confusion ultimately lead us into the shocking and transformative joy of Easter.

Amen.

As you may have heard, Gloria Dei was awarded a grant of nearly $500,000 from the city of Philadelphia to support a new stormwater management system on our property. This system, which will include the creation of two raingardens and the resurfacing of our parking lot, will direct rainwater into the ground rather than into the city's overtaxed sewer system - thereby helping to better care for our natural world. 

We have been blessed to partner with Brandywine Stormwater on this project, and as we draw close to breaking ground (hopefully this April), representatives from Brandywine will come to present the design to our congregation and community. Join us for the presentation on Sunday, March 1, in Riverside Hall (following our usual Sunday service). 

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.”

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. 

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 are 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 are reading this book together in February and March, which overlaps nicely with the season of Lent. Copies of the book are available from the church for free (though donations are also accepted if you are so inclined). Discussions is 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 reading schedule. Please feel free to come whenever your schedule allows - you don't have to attend every session to participate!

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 Meeting ID: 834 4052 7273
Passcode: 864359

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: 831 8432 8558   Passcode: 683663, or use the link below).  Current Outreach Efforts - 

• Collaborations with the Clare Project
  The missions committee will be exploring opportunities to collaborate with the Clare Project, a ministry begun by folks in our diocese to minister to those on the streets of Kensington. We have funds to support their work, an will be considering how to get involved. 
• New Meal Ministry with St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church 
  Thanks to all who helped cook and serve a meal for the community at St. Gabe's! We fed over a hundred folks on a Saturday morning, with food to spare for after their Sunday service. We hope to do this again in April - stay tuned for details. 
• Collecting Donations for the Food Pantry
  We continue to partner with Snyder Avenue Congregational Church, which serves many local immigrant and refugee families. Donation basket available in the back of the church.

Recently, members of the Missions Committee attended a city-wide assembly on affordability with Power Interfaith, and we hope to be part of their efforts advocating for ordinary people in the coming months; come hear a report on this effort at the Missions Committee meeting.  If you have any questions, fresh ideas, or want to get more invovled, please contact Jill Duink (jillddd@hotmail.com) or Rev. Chris (rector@old-swedes.org). 

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. 

Hear the tale of one of the weirdest, most over-the-top events in city history: a massive, medieval style party that happened in South Philly—not far from Old Swedes—during the Revolutionary War. You’ll be left remembering the name and unlikely story of one of the key players. Presentation by Cara Schneider Bongiorno of Philly History Pop Ups. 

Cara Schneider Bongiorno represented the city to travel media for more than 20 years at VISIT PHILADELPHIA® and now shares her love of the region through her entertaining Philly History Pop Ups–interactive talks on surprising parts of Philly history to inspire curiosity and future visits. While her presentations are usually at a single location, she also loves walking people through the city to uncover simple-but-profound connections to the past. For more, visit phillyhistorypopups.com. 

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. 

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.

Join our annual celebration of St. Patrick's Day with a community pancake brunch! Brunch will follow our 10am service (which will also feature prayers and music in honor of St. Patrick). Tickets are sold at the door for $10 per person - cash or Venmo.  Throughout the brunch, you will be treated to live music from a host of wonderful local musicians (many of whom also appear in our O Brother Where Art Thou Tribute). This event is organized by Sexton Sideshow, and all proceeds support the ongoing work of the church. 

French cellist, singer, guitarist, music teacher, composer, and music publisher Henri Capron lived a life of stunning musical versatility, virtuosity, and entrepreneurial hustle! The Publick Pleasure explores Capron’s time in Philadelphia, & New York through music he wrote, published, played and taught. This Frenchman performed for founding fathers and common theater goers alike. He taught the President’s granddaughter and “anyone with a tolerable ear.” “A stranger in the country and not speaking its language,” he forged a career that deeply impacted America’s early musical landscape. Works of Capron, Gretry, Tilliere, Duport, JC Moller, and  Wm Brown.

This event is hosted by the Historic Gloria Dei Preservation Corporation, the non-profit organization that preserves and interprets Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church and its graveyard. A portion of the proceeds will go toward funding these initiatives.

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.

Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday, which will be on March 29, 2026. Please join us for a special service, which will being with a celebratory procession and conclude with a dramatic reading of the Passion narrative. Weather permitting, we will gather in front of the Roak House at 10am before processing into the church. 

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 the link below.

Future dates: March 29, April 19, May 17, June 28, July 26, August 30, September 27

Join us as we continue to observe Holy Week! 

For Maundy Thursday, we will gather for a community meal in Riverside Hall at 5:30pm. Inspired by the passover supper celebrated by Jesus and his disciples, we will reflect together on how God has been at work in our community throughout history (and continues to be at work today). After the meal, we will move to the church for a Maundy Thursday service, complete with an opportunity for footwashing. 

Join us as we continue to observe Holy Week! 

At 7pm on Good Friday, we will gather for a service to mark this somber day. As part of the service, we will pray the solemn collects, which are some of the oldest prayers in our tradition. 

Image Credit: Creator: Víctor Nuño (victornuno@victornu |  http://www.victornuno.com)

Remember your loved ones with a memorial or in thanksgiving gift to Gloria Dei. Envelopes for the flower donations are located in the back of the church, or you may donate online at https://www.old-swedes.org/give.
(Include names in the memo, or email to info@old-swedes.org).
Please have all requests in to the office by Wednesday,  April 1st.

Following a beautiful tradition from the ancient church, we will gather at sunset (approximately 7:20pm) to begin our celebration of the resurrection of Jesus. This is the first Easter service, and it will begin with a fire outside the church (weather allowing), and include readings from some of the greatest stories in the Bible. Following the service, we will continue to celebrate with a wine and cheese reception in Riverside Hall. 

Join us for our annual celebration of the Resurrection, and to look for how God is breathing new life into our world today! Our service will feature a beautiful guest choir. 

Following the service, kids of the community are welcome to take part in our egg hunt in the graveyard, and all are welcome to join for a community brunch. All are invited to bring a dish to share at the brunch - but it is by no means required or expected! 

Image Attribution: Artist -  RadoJavor; Available on DeviantArt at:
https://www.deviantart.com/radojavor/art/The-Tomb-118913066

One night only! Listen to the masterful sounds of E.J. Simpson, and his tribute to the Broadway hit Jesus Christ Superstar. Doors open at 6:30, show begins at 7:30. Beverages and snacks will be available, as well as some cool vendors selling their wares. Don't miss it!

Tickets will go on sale March 4th. Check our website for details, or Instagram @SextonSideshow.

March 1 - Second Sunday in Lent
O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

• Genesis 12:1-4a
• Romans 4:1-5, 13-17
• John 3:1-17
• Psalm 121

March 8 - Third Sunday in Lent
Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

• Exodus 17:1-7
• Romans 5:1-11
• John 4:5-42
• Psalm 95

March 15 - Fourth Sunday in Lent
Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

• 1 Samuel 16:1-13
• Ephesians 5:8-14
• John 9:1-41
• Psalm 23

March 22 - Fifth Sunday in Lent
Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

• Ezekiel 37:1-14
• Romans 8:6-11
• John 11:1-45
• Psalm 130

March 29 - Palm Sunday & Sunday of the Passion
Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Liturgy of the Palms

• Matthew 21:1-11
• Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29

The Liturgy of the Word

• Isaiah 50:4-9a
• Philippians 2:5-11
• Matthew 26:14- 27:66
• or Matthew 27:11-54
• Psalm 31:9-16

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.