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We would love to see you at Gloria Dei!
 Sunday Worship Schedule
Worship .... ...................... 9:00 AM
Christian Education
(Sept-May) .................... 10:20 AM
Worship at Gloria Dei focuses on Jesus Christ, crucified and risen.
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"When Jesus Calms the Storm...We Get to Row" - Pastor Brent Maxwell |
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Sunday, 05 February 2012 |
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Message presented by Pastor Brent Maxwell at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church on February 5, 2012. |
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Thoughts of the Dei - "Extended Thankfulness" |
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Sunday, 27 November 2011 |
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Extended Thankfulness
When I think about this time of year and all of the holidays and the wonderful meals that will be shared with friends and family, I can't help but think of leftovers. That's right, leftovers. Leftover Halloween candy, leftover turkey and pumpkin pie, leftover Christmas cookies… I simply love holiday leftovers. And the reason I think that I love leftovers so much, is that they are the glue, the mortar that holds the holiday season together. They help to connect and extend the holiday cheer as we laugh and share together "little thanksgivings" over kitchen counters and TV trays, in lunch boxes, and waiting for us after late night meetings. Leftovers remind us that the joy of the holiday season can go on far past a one night celebration...and I like that.
In her article for the December 2010 Lutheran Magazine, Sue Edison-Swift reflects on the sustaining thankfulness of leftovers. She writes: "Just as leftovers extend the deliciousness of Thanksgiving dinner, extending the thankfulness of the holiday is especially satisfying."
I wonder if in some ways, we live today in a time of leftovers. With worship attendance in most mainline Christian churches continuing to decline as American congregationalism wanes, I wonder if instead of wishing it was the glory days of years past, we could instead embrace the opportunities we have today to still share what it means to be the church. Instead of wishing everyday could be Thanksgiving or Christmas, perhaps we could enjoy the leftovers and...extend the thankfulness.
It seems to me, that the call to faithful discipleship is the challenge to share the leftovers of God's grace. Grace that was made available to us in and through the cross and that was made real for us in and through Jesus the Christ. And although this was a one-time event, it provided leftovers so wonderfully rich, so decadent, that the sharing of it continues to satisfy and sustain us...even to this day. So before you turn up your nose at Mom's turkey casserole a week after Thanksgiving, remember that we gather, week after week, around the Lord's Table and share in the extended thankfulness of God's leftovers.
May God bless you and your family this holiday season...and long after!
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Friday, 16 December 2011 |
 This year despite obstacles presented by the economy, Gloria Dei responded with 100 Thanksgiving baskets. In addition to the baskets, many people stepped up to help with shopping, packing, loading, and delivering all of the baskets.Thanksgiving baskets were donated to Mount of Olives Food Bank, Loma Linda Elementary School, North High School, Kenilworth School, and Resurrection Lutheran Church. The response has been overwhelming. We received many heartfelt thanks from the recipients. This annual program demonstrates Gloria Dei's Guiding Principles as we do God's work by sharing our blessings with others throughout our community. |
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Sunday, 27 November 2011 |
 While studying to get my degree, professors would constantly remind us how ministry is very time consuming and that we as leaders needed to take time out for ourselves. They would say that we should allow ourselves a personal health day every week. As I am now knee deep into ministry I understand what they mean. However, I find that I am also drawn back to the book of Genesis in the Bible and God taking the seventh day to rest. It's something everyone knows about but now-a-days I see parents, kids and families so exhausted. I recently went to a Christian concert featuring the singing group, Casting Crowns. It was truly amazing. They are talented and inspiring artists. But the amazing part came for me because the concert felt like a renewal, a personal health day. I got to sit, stand and listen to beautiful music and I got to hear the passion of my heart speak without saying any words. Sometimes we get so busy and so consumed by birthdays, dance class, the gym, work, PTA, emails, friends who need advice, etc that we lose track of our own voice and go into auto pilot mode. So it is my challenge to you and your family to constantly take a personal health day. Give that opportunity to your children as well. Mark it on the calendar as a holy day. Let God renew you. Let the voice of your heart speak to you.
God's Peace be with you,
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GDLC's Guiding Principles |
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Sunday, 27 November 2011 |
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Welcoming & Accepting: We strive to welcome all, meeting people where they are, respectfully embracing both the differences and the gifts that come with living into a community of faith.
Christ Centered & Grace Filled: Our life together, as well as our outreach, comes from a Lutheran accent centered in God's unconditional love and grace, as well as, the example of Jesus Christ.
Externally Focused & Internally Supportive: We commit to use our individual gifts to serve and support one another, the church and our community (locally, nationally and globally).
Socially Conscious & Compassionate: We strive to remain aware of the world around us and to respond with openness and compassion.
Responsible & Accountable: We seek to grow in discipleship and faithful response to the needs of each other and the community we serve by being accountable and transparent in our actions.
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50th Anniversary Celebration |
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Sunday, 27 November 2011 |
 Most of you realize how time does "fly". Also how procrastination creates last minute confusion and a potential failure to meet a deadline. Hopefully these words will motivate you to write your early church memories NOW. We will help anyone that needs assistance. All we ask in your "church report" is 1) why you were attracted to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church initially, 2) what do you appreciate about the church, then and now, 3) add anything you like such as where you moved from and other churches you attended, 4) it is so valuable for future generations to have your written word and a picture to remember that you worshipped with us and may have provided volunteer contributions. Thank you for your prompt cooperation!
Robert Walz and Carol Shaw |
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Monday, 01 August 2011 |
 You may notice that something new has taken shape in our Narthex. As you exit worship each Sunday, take time to stop and look along the back wall and watch as our new "Tree of Service" begins to grow. As a part of our MLA (Missional Leadership Academy) Project, the development of this tree is intended to "mirror" the existing memorial sculpture entitled "Tree of Life" in which we remember those who have been born into or passed on from our community of faith. These two "Trees" then will allow members and visitors alike to be reminded that we are promised from birth to beyond death an abundant life in and through Jesus Christ -and- that we are called to share that abundant life through service to and with the least, the lost, the little and the easily forgotten. Hopefully these two sculptures will be constant reminders through our coming in and going out of the promise we are called to live into as God's People. A big "Thank You" to Chuck Knobel and Melissa Lempke for their work in planting this "starter tree" and for all their hard work as members of the MLA Team. If you or someone you know would be interested in helping to fund the commissioning of a permanent tree sculpture, please contact Pastor Brent or the church office. |
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Monday, 01 August 2011 |
 Confirmation is our spiritual education opportunity for Junior High youth to reaffirm their baptismal vows. We have four, five-week blocks throughout the church year in which our Junior High youth will be involved in a faith formation process along with Hang Time. This is designed to prepare them to start the beginning of their faith journey, establish their gifts and how to use them, and establish relationships that will keep them connected beyond their confirmation years.
Block 1 - At Prince of Peace - 10 Commandments August 24th and 31st and September 7th, 14th, & 21st
Block 2 - At Prince of Peace - 10 Commandments September 28th and October 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th
Fall Retreat - Chapel Rock in Prescott - November 4-6th
HangTime at Gloria Dei - November 2nd, 9th, 16th, and 30th and December 7th
Block 3 - At Gloria Dei - The Lord's Prayer - January 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th and February 1st
Small Group Experience for Parents and Youth-at Prince of Peace - February 26th and March 4th, 18th and 25th
Block 4 - At Prince of Peace - The Creeds - April 11th, 18th, 25th and May 2nd and 9th
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Thursday Morning "Coffee with Room for Insight" |
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Sunday, 22 May 2011 |
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Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you. Psalm 143:8 (New Living Translation)
Come join Pastor Brent every Thursday morning at 10:00 a.m. in the Conference Room as we continue through the summer exploring the scripture readings from the previous Sunday. We will use the Daily Discipleship resources from the ELCA website that are designed to enhance our understanding of the Word and deepen our spirituality. Coffee, questions and conversation about the Bible - what could be a better way to spend a summer morning? Oh yeah, donuts! |
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Why Gloria Dei?
 "I have grown close to and respect and admire our new Associate Pastor, Brent. I love his sermons and get so much out of them. He has taught me so much and I enjoy learning from him.
I feel that Gloria Dei is my Christian family. They are always making everyone feel welcome. They reach out with care and support whenever it is needed. I feel very close to this family and there are never any awkward moments with anyone. Because we are a mid-size church, I feel I have grown to know everyone there. It is easy to get involved with activities because you are always made to feel welcome.
Gloria Dei has given me the spiritual growth that I need to see me through life. I just feel it is my Christian home." |
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