It’s hard to believe that I’ve been at Gloria Dei for more than a month now! You have all made me and my family feel so welcome, and we are grateful to be a part of the Old Swedes’ community. The past month has been full of meetings and conversations as I get to know the church and its ministries. I’ve joked that I often feel like my head is spinning by the end of a day in the office, but it has also been a joy to see how much life there is in this place.

            Several people have asked me about my hopes and my vision for Gloria Dei, and there are two key ideas that I want to share here. First, I value an analogy to gardening that I once heard a new rector use. When a new gardener is brought in to care for a garden, it would be foolish to immediately start ripping out old plants and putting in new ones. The wise gardener will take a year and see what grows in each season, learning to care well for the life that already exists. Only with time can a good gardener discern the changes that the garden might need. So, I hope to take my time in getting to know Gloria Dei, so that I can learn the things that matter most to this congregation, and I can see what ministries are thriving. Throughout this time, I will be working to discern (along with all of you!) what new things God has in mind for our church, and what changes we might need to make to embrace that calling.

            Second, I care deeply about relationships. We worship a God who is love (that’s the good news of the Trinity – that love is at the core of the very nature of God), and we are always being called into greater love of God and neighbor. So, I want to get to know you! I want to hear about your hopes and dreams, and about how I can be praying for you. I hope that you’ll stop by our new offices in the Rectory for conversation over a cup of tea (I’m in regularly on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from at least 10-3), or email me to set up a time when we could share a meal or a drink. And I hope you’ll join me in embracing the wider Gloria Dei community. I am so grateful for the pancake breakfast that Paula and Jim organized in August, where I got to meet many people who have been connected to the church for years; I’ve also started getting to know folks from Lucia Fest, from Historic Gloria Dei, from the National Park Service, and from YCCA, not to mention our local dog walkers. I very much believe that we are called to love and care for this wider community; please join me in discerning how we can continue to do so.

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.

Paul Steinke, executive director of the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia, will discuss historic preservation wins and losses 7 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 6 at Historic Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’ Church), 916 S. Swanson (Columbus Blvd. and Christian Street), in the Queen Village section of Philadelphia.

His title: “Historic Preservation in Philadelphia: Successes, Failures, Opportunities and Why It Matters.

Steinke, a lifelong Philadelphian who’s headed Preservation Alliance since 2016, has played many key roles in the city.

Among them: general manager of the Reading Terminal Market for 13 years, finance director at the Center City District for seven years; and founding executive director of the University City District, for four years. He also ran for City Council in the May 2015 primary election.

More recently, a suggestion from Paul helped preserve the main administration building of “The Lazaretto,” said to be the oldest quarantine station in the western hemisphere. It now serves as a township building in Tinicum, Delaware County.

Admission is $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, followed by a reception in nearby Riverside Hall – where Paul will answer questions. For a modest donation, you can also taste delicious gourmet desserts paired with wine, coffee or tea.

Holder of a B.A in business administration and economics from Pennsylvania State University and an MBA from Drexel University, he also serves on a number of boards. Paul lives in University City with his husband and partner of 27 years, David Ade, an architect with a practice based in Philadelphia.

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

We plan to meet on the first Wednesday of every month at 9:00 on zoom, beginning September 6th.

If another day/time works better for you, or if you would like an email of the zoom link, please contact Jill Duink (jillddd@hotmail.com) 

Join Zoom Meeting: Meeting ID: 897 2826 6283 Passcode: 098374

Join us for an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast sponsored by Sexton Sideshow. Enjoy your pancakes, sausage, coffee, fruit & treats with a side of live, local music. Adults are $10, kids under 16 are free.

We will also be taking some time to assemble first aid kits to distribute to the homeless.

We are looking for people who enjoy working outdoors! The Friends of Old Swedes' volunteer group is new this year.  We're small but mighty and would love to meet you!  If you provide your contact details we will alert you next time we meet.  

Email friendsofoldswedes@gmail.com or text or call 215-285-0750.

No specific skills are necessary.  We garden and generally work to improve and maintain this beautiful and sacred site. 

So far this year we've added over 20 drought tolerant native plants to the native garden along Christian Street in the north park.  Why natives? They thrive in our environment and support local birds and insects. Here are some of our accomplishnents in our first year:

》We regularly remove invasive plants and support garden areas with compost and watering.  

》We received our first NPS  "grounds volunteer" badge this month. 

》We pull small unwanted tree seedlings before they become large, expensive to remove trees. 

》We replaced 10 bricks and weeded in the ampitheater area.  

》The Water Street entrance is a work in progress with invasive weed removal, new plantings and ongoing support to 3 rose's with extensive black spot disease.

Do you have a favorite plant you'd like to see? Do you have limited time but would still like to give and hour now and then and be a part of our group? Perhaps this isn't for you but you know someone who might be interested?  Tell us who you are and what times work best for you. Come and make some new friends!

Join us for a refreshed version of our popular service. Paul Fejko will be performing on our beautiful Hook & Hastings organ. 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 will be led by our sextons, Jim & Paula Minacci, who want to create a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere that everyone will enjoy. 

 7:00pm

Click here to join the Zoom

OR use:  Meeting ID: 856 1499 7430    Passcode: 706722

OR dial in:  1 929 205 6099 

On Mondays at 9:00am, Megan Bartlett will lead a ten minute prayer, following the Morning Devotion service in the Book of Common Prayer. We lift up to God our personal and parish needs, and pray for our new rector, Dr. Christopher Micklewright.

Click here to join the Zoom meeting.

or use:

Meeting ID: 909 012 0129  Passcode: 1U029q 

If you have the BCP,  turn to page 137.

If you don't have a paper copy, this is the link to Morning Devotion as a PDF.. 

Get your tickets on your own
for Saturday, Sept. 30

Have you ever been on the Kalmar Nyckel, the official tall ship of Delaware?

Then come sail the Christina River with your friends and neighbors in this replica of the ship that first brought the Swedes to Wilmington and Philadelphia in 1638. 

To keep costs down, though this is a different type of BYO: Just Buy Your Own tickets online here.

Cost: $40 for adults and $25 for youths 12 and under. 

As of July 10, 2023, the website said 49 tickets were still available. But there’s no guarantee how long they will last.

Simply order your tickets now, go to the ship’s dock at 1124 E. 7th Street in Wilmington and enjoy riding along a river the way the early Swedes did.

By Sept. 17, email Jim@realphillyhistory.com and tell him how many are going … and if you have room in your car for any extras … or need a ride.

Jim will keep a running list of those going and do his best to get people transportation, with no guarantees.

Check-in time at the ship is 1 p.m. It departs at 1:30 p.m. and returns at 3 p.m. 

Before or after the voyage, enjoy the nearby Copeland Maritime Center (CPC) and Wilmington’s historical riverfront. It’s just 200 yards from Fort Christina National Historic Landmark and the original ship’s landing site at “The Rocks” in 1638.

Hours for it are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets: $5 for adults and $3 for youths 5 to 17.

If this trip proves to be popular, we may try it again next year with bus service. The bus cost is $1497, not including a tip for the driver. That’s adding an extra $30 or so per person, plus tip. So we’re going on our own this year.

SEPTEMBER 3
Jeremiah 15:15-21
Psalm 26:1-8
Romans 12:9-21
Matthew 16:21-28
Collect: Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: Graft in our hearts the love of your Name; increase in us true religion; nourish us with all goodness; and bring forth in us the fruit of good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

SEPTEMBER 10
Ezekiel 33:7-11
Psalm 119:33-40
Romans 13:8-14
Matthew 18:15-20
Collect: Grant us, O Lord, to trust in you with all our hearts; for, as you always resist the proud who confide in their own strength, so you never forsake those who make their boast of your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

SEPTEMBER 17
Genesis 50:15-21
Psalm 103:(1-7), 8-13
Romans 14:1-12
Matthew 18:21-35
Collect: O God, because without you we are not able to please you, mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

SEPTEMBER 24
Jonah 3:10-4:11
Psalm 145:1-8
Philippians 1:21-30
Matthew 20:1-16
Collect: Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love things heavenly; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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. 

Volunteers are needed:

•      Friday afternoon preparation (Oct. 20, 3:00-4:00 pm)

•      Welcoming, parking entry, and helping with unloading (Saturday, Oct. 21 7:00am - 10:00am)

•      Church table set-up, sales, and clean-up (through the day on Saturday)

•      Site, street, parking entry, and restroom monitoring (through the day on Saturday)

•      Clean-up (2:00–5:00 pm on Saturday)

For Church Table Donations:
No food or drink donations are needed.
Please drop off in Riverside Hall starting at 12:00 noon on Friday, October 20.

Contact Jill Duink at jillddd@hotmail.com to volunteer or for more information.

Congratulations to Meghan Grant and Alexander George married in an Episcopal wedding at Gloria Dei on Friday, June 23rd, 2023. 

If you are interested in hosting your wedding or special event at Gloria Dei, please visit our website, linked below.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram @riversideweddingsatgloriadei.

(Photo credit: Pravada Photography)

Our 1st Lucia rehearsal will be held on Sunday October 29th at 1pm.

No experience necessary -  No try-outs - No cost   

Children between the ages of 3 and 17 who are interested in participating in the St Lucia Fest should simply show up with a parent or guardian at the first rehearsal.

Rehearsals will be held on Sundays afternoons, from 1pm - 3pm inside the church. (Oct. 29th, Nov. 5th, Nov. 12th, Nov. 19th & Dec. 3rd no rehearsal Thanksgiving weekend)

2023 St Lucia Fest will be held on December 9th & 10th. Performances at 2:00pm, 3:30pm & 5:00pm

Come help Gloria Dei church continue our time-honored Swedish tradition of celebrating St Lucia!

In 2004, Susan McAninley, a South Philadelphia story collector, first realized both her immigrant Irish and German grandfathers arrived in the U.S. at the Immigration Station, Pier 53 (now Washington Avenue Pier). 

Later, she discovered many other local Philly residents also were descended from grandparents and great-grandparents who entered the U.S. at Washington Avenue and Columbus Blvd.

Her program about what she’s learned, “Pier 53: They Came. They Stayed,” begins 7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 4, at Historic Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church, 916 S. Swanson (Columbus Blvd. and Christian Street) in the Queen Village section of Philadelphia.

Admission is $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 reception will follow in nearby Riverside Hall. For a modest donation, you can taste delicious gourmet desserts paired with wine, coffee or tea. 

McAninley, a graphic artist, started the Pier 53 Project in 2004, gathering stories of immigrants as told by their descendants. 

If you have the name of an immigrant ancestor, she’ll try to help you find them. Those descendants fortunate enough to have had ancestors who arrived at the Pier 53 Immigration Station can become members of what she calls “The Pier Group.” 

As such, they’re encouraged to share their family stories and receive a T-shirt. These stories make up an ever-changing mosaic of Philadelphia history, she says.

From 1870 to the mid-1920’s, about one million immigrants entered the U.S. near Washington Avenue and Columbus Blvd. 

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. 

The illustration: Engraving of landing place of European Steamers, and Pennsylvania Railroad Station, Philadelphia, c. 1887. Reproduced from Tariff of Immigrant Fares from Philadelphia Issued by the Immigrant Clearing House Committee, in Effect April 1st, 1887.

 In honor of St. Francis, once again we celebrate the Blessing of the Animals and give thanks for ALL God’s creatures, especially his four-legged, winged and scaly ones! The presence of animals in our lives is a blessing.  They often help us through very trying times and ask nothing in return except our love and care. This year the celebration will take place on Sunday, October 1st at 12 noon. All pets are welcome on a leash or in a proper carrier...children are welcom to bring stuffed animals (no leash required!). Spread the word….and join us!!