"How is this night different from all other nights?" As many of you know, this is one of the key questions of a Passover Seder, during which our Jewish siblings remember how God delivered their ancestors from slavery in Egypt - and how God has been faithful across the centuries since then. One of the great insights of the Seder is that time is not just linear (one year following another in an ongoing progression), but that each Passover observance is connected to that first night when God delivered Moses and the Israelites from Pharaoh's rule: "this night" is somehow the same as that night, all those years ago. In observing the Passover, our Jewish siblings don't just remember - they connect to God's great act of salvation,  and they open themselves to God's ongoing work of salvation. 

The same kind of cross-time connections are present in the Christian traditions around Holy Week - which is why I love the services of Holy Week so much! As we move from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday (though Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday), we connect with Jesus' last days in Jerusalem, with his arrest and crucifixion, with his time in the grave (the day that God was dead!), and ultimately with his resurrection. In observing Holy Week, we don't just remember what God has done, we also open ourselves to what God is continuing to do in our life and our community. 

So, I hope you will make a point to come and observe these beautiful services with us, all of which are described in detail below. And, even as you mark your calendars, I hope you will take some time to remember stories about how God has been faithful in your lives and in the life of Gloria Dei.  Particularly on the evening of Maundy Thursday, at our community dinner, we will take time to share some of those stories (and, based on feedback from last year, the tables will be arranged so that we can all sit and talk together). I look forward to seeing you there!

One night only! Listen to the masterful sounds of E.J. Simpson, and his tribute to the Broadway hit Jesus Christ Superstar. Doors open at 6:30, show begins at 7:30. Beverages and snacks will be available, as well as some cool vendors selling their wares. Don't miss it!

 Click here to buy tickets.

Here are a few things that the Missions Committee has been working on:

Lunch Packing for Prevention Point
Please join us monthly in Riverside Hall immediately following the Sunday service to pack meals for people in need in Kensington. The meals will be delivered to Prevention Point for distribution.  The next packing dates are April 27, May 18, and June 22.
Prevention Point provides many services for the homeless.  To learn more about the work of Prevention Point, see their website here: https://ppponline.org/

SACCPhilly Food Cupboard Donations
You can contribute to the food cupboard at SACCPhilly which is run by Snyder Avenue Church.  Look for the  basket and list of items needes in the church foyer! 
To learn more about SACCPhilly, go to: https://saccphilly.org/

Recovery Bibles for Mercy Hospice 
Throughout the Easter season, there will be a special collection to purchase Recovery Bibles and Workbooks for residents at Mercy Hospice. To learn more about Mercy Hospice, go to: https://www.mercyhospicephilly.org/

Our Meetings
Would you be interested in brainstorming, discussing, planning and participating in Gloria Dei missions?  We meet on the first Wednesday of every month at 9:00am on Zoom. 

Meeting ID: 897 2826 6283   Passcode: 098374

Questions? Contact Jill Duink (jillddd@hotmail.com).  

We've been having some great conversations this Lent at our annual SOS Discussion Series. This series is designed and run in partnership with the editorial team at Root Quarterly (www.rootquarterly.com), and it provides an opportunity to discuss big questions and challenges that we all face. This year, we are focusing on the topic of cultural acceleration, looking at how our societal expects ever-increasing growth and innovation - and how those expectations shape our faith and lives and relationships. 

We meet on Tuesday evenings (March 11-April 15). Each week, gathering in Riverside Hall around 6:45-7:00. Meals are provided and all perspectives are welcome (discussion does not presume any religious commitments). Even if you haven't made it out yet, you're welcome to join for any of the next few weeks!

Join us for a refreshed version of our popular service (don't worry, it isn't entirely different!). Keep an eye out for some interesting guest guitarists, a drum circle, poems, prayer, and discussions that we hope will inspire you throughout the rest of the week. The program is generally led by our sextons, Jim & Paula Minacci, who work to create a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere that everyone will enjoy. 

Please note the time change (to 6:00pm) during the season of Lent. 

This short session of prayer is led by Christine Pickup.

If you've spent much time at Gloria Dei, you probably know that the Vestry is the governing board of elected leaders who meet with Rev. Chris each month. However, you might not be familiar with the Vestry's specific work (or some of the terminology used); if that's the case, this article is for you!

In Episcopal canon law, each parish has a group called a vestry. A vestry is formed of both laity and the parish priest. The canons state that the vestry is responsible for three things: the parish property, the parish finances and choosing individuals to fill various positions of parish leadership and representation. Beyond these canonical responsibilities, the vestry works with the priest to determine the mission and vision of the church and uphold parish bylaws. 

The Gloria Dei vestry meets monthly, usually on the third Thursday evening. About 10 days prior to the vestry meeting, Pastor Chris asks vestry members for agenda items - business or other issues that need to be discussed. Then, the week of vestry meeting, Pastor Chris publishes the final agenda and sends vestry members a packet that includes financial reports, reports and minutes from committees, and other relevant documents (such as bids from contractors for potential work to be done on church property).

At each meeting, the vestry goes through the agenda (with an opportunity for the addition of new agenda items as needed). Pastor Chris presides over the meeting, generally beginning with a brief devotion and prayer, and the secretary records the minutes of the meeting. Items that aren't likely to require significant discussion (such as reports and minutes) are generally approved together as the "consent agenda" - though any vestry member is free to open discussion on consent agenda items. More significant issues are discussed at length, and the vestry works to build some consensus and ensure all voices are heard before taking formal votes. 

Other notes: 
*Committees research issues, write reports and make recommendations for the vestry’s consideration. Some committees are permanent, e.g. finance, mission and property; others are formed on an as needed basis. Committees perform all their work outside of the vestry meeting. 
*Copies of The Vestry Handbook are available in the church library, or from Rev. Chris, for those who want to learn more.
*As stipulated in our bylaws, new vestry members are elected each year (usually three per year) at our annual meeting and serve three year terms. It is possible to be elected for one additional three year term before stepping down for at least one year. 
*Gloria Dei’s bylaws are available on the church website.

On Wednesdays during Lent this year, we have been gathering to study chapter 6 of the Gospel of Luke, focusing on Jesus' "Sermon on the Plain." The study is led by Rev. Rob Erickson, a retired Presbyterian pastor from the neighborhood, and we've had 6-7 people participating most weeks; even if you haven't been able to make it yet, you're welcome to join for the remaining weeks!

By studying this great teaching from Jesus, we hope to better understand his call on our lives, and to counter some of the Christain-Nationalist rhetoric that is becoming too common in our national discourse. We meet in the library of the Rudman House (the old Rectory, just to the left of the church). 

More about Rev. Rob:
Reverend Dr. Rob Erickson is a retired pastor  from Heritage Presbyterian Church in Alexandria Virginia. He received his Masters in Divinity and Doctor in Ministry degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary. He has served Presbyterian Churches in Bensalem, Pennsylvania; Texas; Kansas, and Missouri although he is now a committed Eagles fan. He and his wife have recently moved to Queen VIllage in Philadelphia to be near family and Rev Erickson has been attending the Musical Meditation services at Gloria Dei on Tuesdays. Rob has traveled on missions to Israel and Gaza, Malawi, Nepal, Honduras, Hungary, Ukraine, Mexico and Puerto Rico.  He is looking forward to sharing the Lenten Bible study with his new friends at Gloria Dei (Old Swedes) Epicopal Church and even learning a little Swedish (lite Svenska) in the process.

Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday, which will be on April 13, 2025. Please join us for a special service, which will being with a celebratory procession and conclude with a dramatic reading of the Passion narrative. Weather permitting, we will gather in front of the Roak House at 10am before processing into the church. 

Starting on Palm Sunday, and throughout Holy Week, parishioners and visitors are welcome to take a self-guided tour through the Stations of the Cross. Booklets - created by Rev. Chris and the Church Kids Adventure Club - will be available in the church. Come at your convenience. 

For Maundy Thursday, we will gather for a community meal in Riverside Hall at 5:30pm. Inspired by the passover supper celebrated by Jesus and his disciples, we will reflect together on how God has been at work in our community throughout history (and continues to be at work today). After the meal, we will move to the church for a Maundy Thursday service at 7:00pm, complete with the stripping of the altar and an opportunity for footwashing.

Family Service at Noon
Join us as we continue to observe Holy Week, we welcome families (and folks of all ages!) to come for an intereactive service where we will look at the meaning of the cross and of this holy day. Following the service, lunch will be provided and everyone will be invited to help stuff Easter eggs in preparation for the egg hunt on Easter Sunday.

Liturgy with Solemn Collects 7:00
At 7:00pm, we will gather for a service to mark this somber day. As part of the service, we will pray the solemn collects, which are some of the oldest prayers in our tradition. 

Following a beautiful tradition from the ancient church, we will gather at sunset to begin our celebration of the resurrection of Jesus. This is the first Easter service, and it will begin with a fire outside the church (weather allowing), and include readings from some of the greatest stories in the Bible. You are also invited to bring bells or other instruments to make a joyful noise when we make the first proclamation of the resurrection.

Following the service, we will continue to celebrate with a wine and cheese reception in Riverside Hall. 

Our Easter Sunday service will be at 10:00am, and will include a special performance by a highly praised soloist. 

Join us for an egg hunt and communal fellowship immediately following the service. All are invited to bring a dish to share.  

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

Dates for the first half of 2025 are: 
March 30, April 27, May 18, and June 22. 

Did you know that some 20-30 million American can trace their genealogy to one or more of the early Swedish settlers in America?
You’ll learn that and more Sunday, April 27, 2 p.m. at Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church, 916 S. Swanson (Columbus Blvd. and Christian Street) in the Queen Village section of Philadelphia.
Kim-Eric Williams, a retired Swedish professor from the University of Pennsylvania with a doctorate in ministry, will talk about history of New Sweden’s colony in this area. 
Williams is also historian of the Swedish Colonial Society and curator of the New Sweden History Gallery at the Lazaretto in Essington, PA.

History that’s often overlooked
While the New Sweden colony lasted just seventeen years, from 1638 to 1655, its long-lasting influence is significant. The Encyclopedia of Greater Philadelphia says, “As small and short-lived as it proved to be, New Sweden had important effects that persisted long after its conquest by Dutch forces in 1655.”Among them: it “transformed relationships between native people and Europeans” … and “was the first lasting European settlement in the Delaware Valley.” Williams will highlight New Sweden’s fascinating creation, accomplishments, and tragic end.

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

Meet-and-Mingle afterward at Riverside Hall
Part of “Great Talks at Gloria Dei,” this lecture will take place inside the church sanctuary, followed by our popular receptions afterward in nearby Riverside Hall. For a modest donation, you can treat yourself there to delicious gourmet desserts … and pair them with wine, coffee or tea while you chat with the speaker and your friends and neighbors. 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.

Please plan to attend this year's annual meeting! Elections for new Vestry members will be held, and the annual report will be made available. There will also be a time for questions and discussion about the annual report and about the life of the Gloria Dei community.

From the Records of Gloria Dei

APRIL 10, 1817 -  Christopher Lee died.
APRIL 15, 1840 - 30 people were confirmed by Bishop Onderdonk.  That was the second confirmation of the season.
APRIL 17, 1828 - John Morgan died ag. about 20 native of Wales, arrived here months ago. He lived with Mr. Berry, below Southwark going home late, he tried to get over a fence of pales; but the skirts of his coat fastened on them. so that he hung down & was choked. $7.50

Remarkable Occurrences

APRIL 12, 1800 -  An Irishman about 30 years, came with a young girl, in  appearance 17, but as he said 20. They alleged that they had just come from Baltimore, but not in the same stage; that he had left her, but she had followed him, being pregnant by him and near her time.  The appearance did not show so much, and how fat it went, her dress concealed. The fellow was ragged and smell much of the stable.  Her name was that of a saddler and harness maker in this city; but she denied any relation to him.  He went away after vain solicitation, saying that he must try to get married this night, to save the girl’s reputation.
APRIL 13, 1800 -  A young couple came; both being hired to the Swedish Consul; his father an Englishman; being hired to a gentleman in the city had not given his consent, as I required, because this son was a minor. Therefore, they were refused. About this time a young man in trade, of good connections applied three times with earnest solicitations, and offers of reward for being married with antedating the certificate; in order to conceal his premature connection with the bride, for whose reputation he expressed great anxiety. I refused with ample demonstration of the necessity for official veracity, and the pernicious consequences of falsifying records.  He was under great perplexity how to act. I strongly advised him by no means to delay the performance of the nuptial rites, though this misstep might not be concealable. He did not repeat the request. He offered a generous fee for my trouble, but I declined acceptance of it; being always happy to give salutary advice.
APRIL 11, 1808 -  A man of 23, and a widow of 25 app. Her brother, whom I know in some respects, and a young girl of 15, who said she knew neither of the pair, came as evid. Her former husband was a sailor, and had died in the East Indies by her acct. The bridegroom and brother affirmed the same, but without expressing how they did know it. I refused. One motive was, that no previous notice was given; another stronger, that she said that she had come from her father’s house in Jersey, 6 miles this day, which was very stormy with rain.  The many examples of bigamy, indeed polygamy make all possible caution requisite.

Tombstone Inscriptions

To our Daughter Anna E Fulton
Died April 6th 1858
aged 10 years 10 months & 2 days
Gone from the heats that loved her,
Gone from the home that she loved,
Gone in her childish beauty,
To dwell in realms above.

In Memory of John Stille
who departed this life 24 day of April 1722
Reverse
Stay Spectator Stand
and Spend a tear
upon ye dust ye lyeth
Slumbering here
For a I am so shall you be
You fly from sin & think on me.

Here lie buried Johan Stille
Born A.D. 1646 Died April 20th A.D. 1722
He was one of the original Church Wardens of the Church at Wicacoa
“He lived a Godly life in this world”

Sacred to the memory of Emily P daughter of George M. & Eliza Sandgran
who departed this life April 23rd 1846 aged 1 year 1 month and 8 days.
This little bud beginning to expand Was soon transplanted to that happy land.

Charles Hedelius
Born May 21st 1804 Died April 1st 1837
The earth and the Heavens shall pass away
Yet will I forever praise thee O God.

Double head stone:
Here lyeth the body of
Peter the son of Andreas
Sandel Minister of this
Church who dyed
April 21 A.D. 1708
Aged 2 years & 4 months

Here also lyeth the body of
Andreas son of Andreas
Sandel who died Aug 13 AD 1711
Aged 2 weeks & 2 days           
Reverse
Job 8.9
We are but of yesterday & known thing
Because our days upon
Earth are a shadow.

Articles from the Old Swedes’ Today

APRIL 1938 - That the lovely model of our Church standing in the vestibule is the contribution of Mr. Henry C. Dick towards efforts he has been making for a new roof on our Church.  Its appeal is so striking there is no doubt that Mr. Dick’s dream will be realized.

Mid Lent 1952 - A Precious Easter Gift to Parish - The children of the late Mr. & Mrs. George Cartledge are having a very handsome memorial prepared and presented to the Church on Easter Day.  It is a silver chalice, a reproduction of the ancient Chalice given to Trinity Church (Old Swedes) Wilmington, Delaware by the oldest corporation in the world which is in Sweden, in the latter part of the Seventeenth Century.  A distinguished silversmith from Holland, who has been teaching for three weeks at the Pennsylvania Museum School of Art, told Mrs. Cute, who is executing the Chalice that she should not have attempted the work for less than nine hundred dollars.  This wonderful gift which will be added to the treasures of the Church, will be consecrated and blessed at the eleven o’clock service on Easter Day and will be used for the first time later in the service.

Passiontide 1972 - Parish Notes - A few Sundays ago the Swedish Colonial Society had a very lovely “Tea” in the Roak House.  Mr. Chester Brooks of the Park Service Bureau was present.  He told the Rector he had just come up from Washington and was returning in the evening in order that he could appeal to the appropriations Committee of the House of Representative’s for a further appropriation for Old Swedes’ Church, the following morning.
            On the Wednesday following Mr. Allen Lesley had Mr. Parnum and Mr. Cawood of Independence National Park and the Rector at luncheon to discuss the next move with the City authorities in the acquisition of Water Street on the west side of our property.  Mr. Cawood reporting on Mr. Brooks before the Appropriation’s Committee told us, as Mr. Brooks arose to speak, a Congresswoman on the Committee, a certain Mrs. Hansen asked what he has doing for Old Swedes’ Church.  Mr. Brooks was taken by surprise and feels such interest will guarantee the appropriation of $160,000.00 in the 1973 budget.  This money will provide a wall about our property and complete the landscaping of our grounds.  Mr. Cawood reports two excellent plans have been prepared by their architect.

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 April, July, August, November, December.

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.

April 6 - Fifth Sunday in Lent

• Isaiah 43:16-21
• Philippians 3:4b-14
• John 12:1-8
• Psalm 126

Collect: Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

April 13 - Palm Sunday, Sunday of the Passion

The Liturgy of the Palms

• Luke 19:28-40
• Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29

The Liturgy of the Word

• Isaiah 50:4-9a
• Philippians 2:5-11
• Luke 22:14-23:56
• Psalm 31:9-16

Collect: Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

April 20 - Easter

• Isaiah 65:17-25
• Acts 10:34-43
• Luke 24:1-12
• Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24

Collect: O God, who for our redemption gave your only-begotten Son to the death of the cross, and by his glorious resurrection delivered us from the power of our enemy: Grant us so to die daily to sin, that we may evermore live with him in the joy of his resurrection; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

April 27 - Second Sunday of Easter

• Acts 5:27-32
• Revelation 1:4-8
• John 20:19-31
• Psalm 118:14-29

Collect: Almighty and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ's Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.