Dear People of Gloria Dei,

I write to you in the midst of the 12 Days of Christmas, filled with gratitude for this community. December was a crazy month, and it was wonderful to see the church so full of people every weekend of the month. Between my ordination to the priesthood, the 86th Annual Lucia Fest, the 5th year of the Sexton Sideshow’s Tribute to O Brother Where Art Thou?, and our Christmas Eve services, we had the opportunity to welcome several hundred people into our space and into the life of our community.

At the end of the Lucia weekend, after I had the privilege of participating in all six services, several of you asked me what I thought of the festival. It was wonderful to see this event that means so much to so many of you, and I love how brightly the candles shined in each service. It was also great to start learning the music that many of you know so well (and it was stuck in my head throughout the following week). But, at least for me, the best part of the Lucia weekend was seeing so many people in our community turn out to make the event a success. Thank you to everyone who helped with Lucia – and with each of the other events (including the Angel Tree collection)! It was incredible to see you working together and to see your commitment to welcoming and serving our extended communities. Just as the Lucia candles were shining in the darkness, you were reflecting the light of Christ’s love to all who visited – and I am so grateful!

As we move into January and 2024, please be sure to take some time to rest and to reflect on the year that has gone by. What were some of the greatest joys that you experienced, and what were the biggest challenges you faced? How did you encounter God in the joys and in the challenges? Where are you still struggling to see the presence and grace of Jesus? These are important questions to ask, and great topics to discuss during fellowship time as we make our way into 2024. Sharing these stories is a crucial part of caring for and supporting each other. Even more, these stories help us to grow in faith as a community, and to discern what new things God has in store for us in the coming year. So, don't be surprised if I ask you to tell me a story!

You may remember that in January 2023, our confirmands, Gigi Eisenstein and Ruth Duink, organized a collection for Cradles to Crayons, a Philadelphia charity which provides clothing and other needed supplies to children who are clothing insecure. 

Between now and February 4th, we will again be collecting items for Cradles to Crayons. We hope you will consider donating again. A current list of items that they will and won't accept is available at this link: https://www.cradlestocrayons.org/philadelphia/take-action/donate-goods/items-we-accept/
We will collect items on Sundays after the service. If you can’t donate, please pray for all children in need and that our donations will make a small difference in their lives.

We will also have opportunities to volunteer on Wednesday mornings, sorting clothes with the Sisters of St. Basil. Contact Cathy Ufheil or Rev. Chris for more details. 

Penn’s David Barnes to discuss legendary quarantine station on the Delaware River

Author David Barnes will tell the story of the Philadelphia Lazaretto, the nation’s oldest quarantine station … and talk about some of the deadliest epidemics in city history, 7 p.m., Wed., Jan. 17, at Historic Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church.

A faculty member of the University of Pennsylvania, Barnes teaches the history of medicine and public health.

Working at the Lazaretto since 2006

He’s been actively involved in the Lazaretto in Essington, Delaware County since 2006, helping preserve and interpret its history. Built between 1799 and 1801, the Philadelphia Lazaretto is the oldest surviving quarantine station in the Western Hemisphere. It closed in 1895.

Barnes, who has a Ph.D. in history from the University of California at Berkeley is also author of a new book on the Lazaretto published by Johns Hopkins University Press.

He’ll sell and sign copies of “Lazaretto: How Philadelphia Used an Unpopular Quarantine Based on Disputed Science to Accommodate Immigrants and Prevent Epidemics” after the program.

“Great Talks at Gloria Dei”

Part of “Great Talks at Gloria Dei,” this program will take place inside the church sanctuary. A 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 sample delicious gourmet desserts paired with wine, coffee or tea at the reception.

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

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.

Every other Sunday, Rev. Chris Micklewright and Carol Jenkins will be leading an adventure on church grounds for kids of all ages. These adventures, which will include things like climbing the bell tower and exploring the graveyard, are a chance to learn about the life of the church, to have some fun, and to talk about faith. Immediately following the 10:00am Sunday service, kids are invited to grab a snack and gather in Riverside Hall while Rev. Chris gets ready, and we will plan to be back at Riverside Hall before noon. Parents are welcome to come along if that helps your kids feel more comfortable.

Come experience 18th century chamber music in a personal, intimate setting – the way kings and queens of that time did. 

Reserve your tickets now to hear “Camera Oscura” on Sunday, Jan. 28, 3 p.m. at Historic Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church.

The concert will feature works by Fasch, Handel, Roman and Leclair on period instruments

The musicians include:

• Eve Miller, baroque cello
• Edmond Chan, baroque violin
• Karen Dekker, baroque violin
• John Walthausen, harpsichord

Admission is $25 for adults, $15 for students with I.D. and $5 for children under 12. It includes a drink ticket for a beverage (alcoholic or non-alcoholic). Advance registration is highly recommended.

Just as the “camera obscura” reveals worlds through a pinhole – Camera Oscura will reveal the hidden worlds of 18th century chamber music. 

Often performed at that time in intimate settings, these works complement the era and unique architecture of Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church, which was consecrated in 1700.

Of particular interest to Swedish Americans are the works of the composer Roman. Known as “the Swedish Handel” and “The Father of Swedish Music,” his work is rarely heard in the U.S.

This concert will take place inside the church sanctuary, followed by a popular Gloria Dei Meet-and-Mingle reception in nearby Riverside Hall. 

For a modest donation, you can treat yourself to delicious gourmet desserts there and pair them with wine, coffee or tea while you chat with the performers. 

Camera Oscura is hosted by the Historic Gloria Dei Preservation Corporation. Some proceeds from this event will go toward the preservation of Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church and its graveyard. 

Thank you all who participated in this year’s wondrous Lucia Fest. 

The services were joyous. 

St. Eric’s Fair was hopping. 

The Kitchen and Bake Table were yummy. 

Special thanks to Chris (his first Lucia!), Paula, Jim, Christine and Paul! 

Special thanks to Carol Jenkins and Jeanette Woehr! 

Special thanks to all our Lucia families! 

And very special congratulations to Gigi Eisenstein, our beautiful Gloria Dei Lucia! 

Have you ever wondered why a groundhog seeing his shadow has anything to do with extra weeks of winter? The answer is wrapped up in the old tradition of Candlemas, a service which marks when baby Jesus was presented at the temple (see Luke 2:22-40). Like the Lucia Fest, Candlemas is a festival of light shining in the darkness, and we will be celebrating with a candlelight procession and a special Eucharist service. Please plan to join us on the evening of Friday, February 2, and look for more details to be announced soon. 

The O Brother Where Art Thou? Tribute came through the property on the evenings of December 15th & 16th, and proved to be quite satisfying and successful! The church sanctuary was filled to capacity both nights.

Sexton Sideshow has presented this musical tribute for 5 years now. The church sanctuary is a beautiful setting for this old-timey Americana musical piece.

Jim and Paula Minacci would like to thank all of our Sidekick volunteers for their commitment and hard work over these 2 nights. 

This event is made possible by a grant from the Philadelphia Activities Fund, and also generous donations from Liberty Tree and Reeves/McEwing Law Firm.

Hats off to our many (20) performers, and production staff (12) who pulled it all together to present a magnificent performance for us all to stamp our feet, clap our hands, and sing along with us into this 2023 holiday season. 

Cheers and Salutations,

Your Sextons,

Jim & Paula Minacci
Sexton Sideshow

Join us for a refreshed version of our popular service. Don't worry, it isn't entirely different! Paul Fejko will still 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. 

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. 

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).  

Meeting ID: 897 2826 6283   Passcode: 098374 

Join Zoom Meeting: Click here to join the Zoom.

Thank you all again for giving to the children of Snyder Avenue Church!  

We gave 40 gifts and more to make Christmas merrier this year. 

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. 

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

Beginning again on February 5th at 9:00am, Christine Pickup will lead a 10 minute prayer, followed by the Morning Devotion service in the Book of Common Prayer. Please join in this simple, devotional service and start your day in a peaceful way. 
Zoom link below, or use:

Meeting ID: 748 3341 8409               Passcode: Passcode: 8C3fDK

 7:00pm

Click here to join the Zoom

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

OR cut and paste into browser:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85614997430?pwd=aXlCYUhieXRxeDYvNHRZZzBPeVNpZz09

OR dial in:  1 929 205 6099 

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.

The Epiphany (January 6)

• Isaiah 60:1-6
• Ephesians 3:1-12
• Matthew 2:1-12
• Psalm 72:1-7,10-14

Collect: O God, by the leading of a star you manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth: Lead us, who know you now by faith, to your presence, where we may see your glory face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

First Sunday after the Epiphany (January 7)

• Genesis 1:1-5
• Acts 19:1-7
• Mark 1:4-11
• Psalm 29

Collect: Father in heaven, who at the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit: Grant that all who are baptized into his Name may keep the covenant they have made, and boldly confess him as Lord and Savior; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Second Sunday after the Epiphany (January 15)

• 1 Samuel 3:1-10(11-20)
• 1 Corinthians 6:12-20
• John 1:43-51
• Psalm 139:1-5, 12-17

Collect: Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ's glory, that he may be known, worshipped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Third Sunday after the Epiphany (January 22)

• Jonah 3:1-5, 10
• 1 Corinthians 7:29-31
• Mark 1:14-20
• Psalm 62:6-14

Collect: Give us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation, that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany (January 29)

• Deuteronomy 18:15-20
• 1 Corinthians 8:1-13
• Mark 1:21-28
• Psalm 111

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.