I was introduced to Christ during my freshman year in high school and was baptized and confirmed at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Thousand Oaks, CA.  When my family moved to Grass Valley, California in 1970, I became a member of Peace Lutheran Church.  When I met John Kitts in 2000, it was God's work again that he was Lutheran and a member of Gloria Dei.  After I moved to Phoenix, I quickly became a member of Gloria Dei and have enjoyed being part of the Sunday School program for the last three years.  John and I have three children between us still at home and believe in giving them a strong Christian foundation to build upon.  Our children look forward to Sunday Morning Alive and sharing their "pows and wows" with their peers as well as participating in one of the skits or just hanging out in the fellowship room.  I enjoy  being part of a smaller church where the congregation knows each other and everyone has the opportunity to volunteer and be part of the body of Christ.  With both of our girls in Head to Heart and working towards becoming confirmed, I am  finding yet another new and fun side of the youth programs at Gloria Dei.  Our girls come home excited and comfortable enough  their faith to   share what they learned not only with John and I but with their friends.  I love being a Lutheran and a child of God  and have found a home at Gloria Dei  where not only is my faith strengthen but also a nurturing environment where my children can grow and thrive in God's word.

My parents were charter member of Gloria Dei so I became a charter member at age seven.  I have always felt a special spirit in this church and it has been a blessing to be able to keep it as my church home.  The people here are an extended part of my family and I have been able to raise my children, Devin and Abby with their love and concern.  I really enjoy helping out whether it’s church council, committees or events.  My personal favorite is choir.  I feel most touched by the Sprit when singing.  My children, mother, aunt and cousins are active at Gloria Dei too and feel hopeful about what we have here.

I was first attracted to Gloria Dei because of a creative, exciting worship style that seemed to genuinely turn people on.  The excitement was contagious to all generations and personally gave me opportunities to work with children and music and to see how it pleased them to be an important part of the ministry at Gloria Dei.  But more important, I am a member at Gloria Dei because it provides a place where I can go on a regular basis to worship God with other believers.  The message, music, people and spiritual food create a GOD FOCUSED atmosphere of repentance, forgiveness, thanksgiving and adoration.  I am thankful and honored that we, at Gloria Dei are a part of the body of Christ and that keeps me coming back.

I have been a member of Gloria Dei since 1981.  Gloria Dei Lutheran Church meets all my needs to keep my relationship with God growing and alive.  I love the men’s bible study groups and I have led many of these sessions over the years.  My wife and I also like to participate in some of our out reach programs such as “Thanksgiving Baskets”.  It is very fulfilling seeing our members donate and collect food to give to less fortunate families.  Finally, I do not think there is a friendlier church around and the members are like one big happy community worshiping and glorifying Jesus.