Dear People of Gloria Dei,

As we approach the 250^th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, it is no secret that American history and our national identity are subjects of hot debate. What aspects of our past should be remembered? How should we speak about our successes and failures? What should we celebrate, and what do we need to repent for? And how does our past shape our future?

These are not simple questions, but I recently read a book that may offer some helpful insights. The book was Low Anthropology: The Unlikely Key to a Gracious View of Others (and Yourself), by David Zahl – a lay college minister at an Episcopal church in Virgina and the founder of Mockingbird Ministries (www.mbird.com). In the book, Zahl argues that we all have an anthropology – a set of ideas about what it means to be human and about what we are capable of achieving; a high anthropology takes a more optimistic view, while a low anthropology is somewhat more pessimistic.

At first glance, the more optimistic high anthropology seems like the better option, especially when it reminds us that we are made in the image of God. However, as Zahl explores, a high anthropology can also become a burden, leading us to think of ourselves as heroes or saviors who must succeed in life, no matter the cost; all too often, high anthropology leads to perfectionism, anxiety, exhaustion, and burnout. On the other hand, low anthropology grapples with the reality of our limitations and our imperfections; while too much low anthropology might leave a person wallowing in shame and self-doubt, a healthy dose reminds us of our need for community, compassion, mercy, and grace. Ultimately, we all need to find a balance between high and low anthropology in order to be psychologically and spiritually healthy.

Returning to the questions of American history and identity, I wonder if we might also need to find a balance between high and low views of our nation. A high view celebrates American ideals like freedom, opportunity, equality, and generosity; but, left unchecked, a high view of our nation all too easily devolves into nationalism and imperialism, elevating those with the “right” religion or skin color or bank balance above everyone else. Thus, we need to also welcome low views of America, acknowledging how often we’ve failed to live up to our own ideals, learning from our mistakes, and embracing our interdependence. This can be uncomfortable work, but Low Anthropology suggests that it may also prove to be an opportunity for us to find some much needed grace.

In hope,

Rev. Chris

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).  

Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you a drink?  When did we see you as a stranger and welcome you, or naked and give you clothes to wear?  When did we see you sick or in prison and visit you? - Matthew 25: 37-39

This report from the Missions Committee will focus on two areas: food insecurity and the affordability crisis.

Gloria Dei has several initiatives that address food insecurity. Every month, we pack lunches for Prevention Point Philadelphia, an organization that serves those experiencing homelessness and substance use disorder. Every other month a group prepares and delivers a hot meal for the community of St. Gabriel Episcopal Church in Feltonville Philadelphia. Some of us donate food to Snyder Avenue Congregational Church; one of us distributes the donations during SACC’s monthly food pantry. Both SACC and St. Gabe’s report that they run out of food while their food pantries are open. You can help in a few ways to address food insecurity and support our mission committee’s work:

• Donate some money towards purchasing supplies for our monthly lunch packing and our bimonthly meal preparations.
• Donate nonperishables to SACC’s food pantry. A shopping list is available in the back of the church in a basket. If you prefer, donate money and we’ll go shopping for you.

Members of the Missions Committee have been meeting with POWER Interfaith, a consortium of congregations that work on social justice issues in Philadelphia County. POWER has succeeded in persuading our city leaders to make policy changes such as a livable wage. They are now organizing congregations to work towards addressing affordability issues. They have identified a few opportunities for concrete change:

• Utilities Freeze through Budget (city council approves PGW budget)
• Would freeze gas bills for all Philadelphians for 5 years
• Homeowner Relief through Raising Homestead Exemption
• Would save homeowners between $350-$1200 a year
• Wealth Tax
• Would raise between $200-$240 million a year
• Would tax stocks & bonds, minus retirement and college funds
• Would be paid for primarily by the top 5% of Philadelphians

 We ask that those who live in Philadelphia support POWER’s efforts to persuade our city leaders by participating in upcoming events (such as those highlighted in this newsletter). Also mark your calendars now for a town hall on  September 26, for which more details will be provided soon. 

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.”

This summer, we have been exploring the stories of some of the great women of the Old Testament (Eve, Hagar, Bathsheba, etc...). For this discussion series, we are drawing on the widsom and insight of the book Womanist Midrash, by Episcopal priest and biblical scholar Wil Gafney. Rev. Gafney's approach to Scripture is imaginative, inclusive, and liberating, helping to highlight people and perspectives that are too often overlooked.

A schedule of readings and discussion topics is given below. That said, you don't have to keep up with the reading (or attend all of the sessions) in order to participate! Come as you are and join in what has so far been an engaging conversation. Folks are welcome to participate in person or on Zoom (Meeting ID: 870 6901 5735;   Passcode: 299377;   link below). 

Week 1 - June 9 - Eve, and an Intro to Womanism
Womanist Midrash, pages 1-28; Genesis chapters 1-3

Week 2 - June 23 - Wives and Handmaids
Womanist Midrash, pages 30-45 & 54-70 (Sections on Sarah, Hagar, Rivqah, Rachel, Leah, Bilhah, and Zilpah); Genesis chapters 16-18, 21, 29-30

Week 3 - June 30 - Women of the Exodus
Womanist Midrash, Chapter 2; Exodus 1-4, 14-15

Week 4 - July 7 - Women and Old Testament Law
Womanist Midrash, Chapter 3; Leviticus 1, 11-16

Week 5 - July 14 - Women in David's Court
Womanist Midrash, Chapter 8; 1 Samuel 18, 25; 2 Samuel 11-12; 1 Kings 1

Join the local gathering of POWER Interfaith for their July meeting, to be held at Olivet Covenant Presbyterian Church (608 N 22nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130).

Members of the Gloria Dei congregation have been meeting with POWER throughout this year, and you can learn more about their current campaign on affordability in the Missions Commitee Report in this newsletter.

If you've been wondering how you can do more than protest or complain about the affordability crisis and conditions in our city, consider coming out to this meeting! Dinner is provided. 

On June 14, 2026, our congregation gathered on a Sunday afternoon for conversations to help develop a shared vision. Rev. Chris spoke about the vision statement currently on our website, which was part of what drew him to Gloria Dei. However, while there is a lot that is great about that statement, there are also some important aspects of who we are that it seems to miss. Moreover, Rev. Chris observed that we do not consistently use the language of that statement to talk about ourselves (either within our congregation or to newcomers).

So, the first step in forming a shared vision is to establish some consistent language for talking about ourselves and who God has called us to be. Being clear and consistent about this will make it easier for newcomers to understand who we are – and it will help to guide how we should use our time and energy and resources. Once this language is established, the next step will be to identify the challenges and opportunities that are currently facing us – and that will eventually lead to developing a multi-year strategic plan.

Even if you weren’t able to participate in the June 14 conversations, we’d still love to have your input! On the About Us page of our website, you can see the old vision statement, and you can download a document sharing the draft of the new statement that was discussed. We’d be delighted to hear what you think! Responses can be given to Rev. Chris (rector@old-swedes.org), and he is always glad to sit down and talk further if that’s of interest.  

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.

No matter the neighborhood, race, faith, and generation, Philadelphians share the same hope: that we can leave this city better for the next generation. But too many families are feeling squeezed by rising costs and struggling to keep up.

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: August 30 & September 27

Rev. Johan Dylander 1737-1741

In 1737, the Swedish Lutheran congregation in Wicaco, Philadelphia was facing declining membership after the pastorate had been vacant since 1733. On May 27, 1737, Dylander received a request to take the post of pastor in the Swedish congregation in Wicaco in Philadelphia. Rev. John Dylander had to rebuild the congregation.
     John Dylander was born in 1709 to Carl and Maria Dylander in Stockholm, Sweden. He studied at Uppsala University in 1723 and was a curate in Börstil Parish in Osthammar.  Rev. Dylander was installed as pastor of Gloria Dei Church on November 6, 1737. Initial assessments revealed a congregation diminished in size with intermarriages and English dominance eroding traditional Swedish practices. He preached three sermons every Sunday at Gloria Dei: one in Swedish during the high mass to preserve the heritage of the original Swedish settlers, one in German during matin services to accommodate the growing influx of German Lutherans, and one in English during vesper services to engage English-speaking attendees and youth increasingly fluent in the dominant colonial language. Additionally, Dylander extended his ministry to German Lutheran communities in Germantown—where he participated in the consecration of St. Michael's Church in November 1737—and Lancaster, delivering up to sixteen sermons per week across these locations while traveling on horseback between services. Rev. Dylander was known as one of the greatest pulpit orators in colonial America, he was an accomplished linguist capable of preaching fluently in Swedish, English, German, and Latin without a foreign accent, which helped him connect with diverse congregations. Arriving in the American colonies during a challenging period for the Swedish Lutheran community, Dylander inherited a parish that had been without a permanent pastor since 1733, leading to declining attendance and internal strife amid competition from other denominations. Over his four-year tenure, he successfully rebuilt the congregation through inspirational sermons and administrative efforts, including completing the parsonage and installing an organ to enhance worship services. Dylander's  memorial inscription praises his devotion and heavenly ascent, reflecting the high esteem in which he was held by parishioners.
     Rev. Dylander married a daughter of Peter Kock from Passyunk. He soon fell ill and was allowed to reduce his activities. Johan Dylander died on November 3, 1741 and is buried in Gloria Dei Church.

Sunday Services are held in-person at Gloria Dei Church every Sunday at 10:00 a.m. Afterwards, join us for coffee and conversation at our Fellowship hour inside Riverside Hall. If you cannot attend in-person, you are welcome to join us on Facebook for the live-stream (https://www.facebook.com/gloriadeioldswedes).
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.

July 5 - Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
Collect: Lord God Almighty, you have made all the peoples of the earth for your glory, to serve you in freedom and in peace: Give to the people of our country a zeal for justice and the strength of forbearance, that we may use our liberty in accordance with your gracious will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Deuteronomy 10:17-21
Psalm 145
Hebrews 11:8-16
Matthew 5:43-48

July 12 - Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
Collect: O Lord, mercifully receive the prayers of your people who call upon you, and grant that they may know and understand what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to accomplish them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Genesis 25:19-34
Psalm 119:105-112
Romans 8:1-11
Matthew 13:1-9,18-23

July 19 - Eighth Sunday after Pentecost
Collect: Almighty God, the fountain of all wisdom, you know our necessities before we ask and our ignorance in asking: Have compassion on our weakness, and mercifully give us those things which for our unworthiness we dare not, and for our blindness we cannot ask; through the worthiness of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Genesis 28:10-19a
Psalm 139: 1-11, 22-23
Romans 8:12-25
Matthew 13:24-30,36-43

July 26 - Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
Collect: O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon us your mercy; that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we lose not the things eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Genesis 29:15-28
Psalm 105:1-11, 45b
Romans 8:26-39
Matthew 13:31-33,44-52

Rev. Chris will be taking a few weeks of vacation this summer, as his family enjoys camping and visiting National Park Sites around the Great Lakes. Please keep them in your prayers. 

Rev. Paul Harris will cover Sunday services on July 26 and August 9, while Rachel Armstrong will lead Morning Prayer on August 2. For pastoral emergencies or other urgent concerns, please contact the church office.