Happy Thanksgiving! I write to you after getting home from Cape Henlopen State Park (near Rehoboth, Delaware), where my family has enjoyed Thanksgiving for the past few years. I very much enjoyed time with dear friends, and to enjoy some quiet time in the woods and at the beach – and I’m especially glad that the weather cooperated more than we expected.

That said, I am also conscious that the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays are difficult for many people. Some of us are mourning loved ones who have passed. Others are feeling lonely as they watch others gather with friends and family. And, this year, some people are still feeling upset or anxious about the recent election and the ongoing division in our country. In thinking of these challenges, I am reminded of how Thanksgiving became a national holiday.

While the holiday has its roots in colonial times (to include the traditional story of the pilgrims), there was no fixed date or national holiday until 1863. That year, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed that a Thursday near the end of November would be set aside for our nation to recognize the “deliverances and blessings” that God has granted alongside the challenges. Notably, President Lincoln’s action came even as the Civil War raged, and the proclamation ended by calling Americans to pray that God would “heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it - as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes - to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility, and Union.”

Gratitude, even in the midst of turmoil, can be a major source of healing a hope. President Lincoln recognized this truth, but it has also been affirmed by more recent scientific work (see https://scienceforthechurch.org/2021/11/09/grateful-for-gratitude/). So, my prayer in this holiday season is that we can recognize the deliverances and blessings that are present amid the challenges, and that we can take special care to reach out to those who are hurting among us.

Our annual Lucia Fest will be held on Saturday, December 7th and Sunday, December 8th. 

On the weekend of the festival, performances are 2:00, 3:30, 5:00pm.

Adults: $ 15.00 
Youth Under 12 Years: $ 10.00

Online tickets will be available until December 1st.

St. Eric's fair with Scandanavian imports will run before and after every performance. 

Sexton Sideshow presents a tribute to O Brother, Where Art Thou? This is the 6th year for this wildly popular show. Don't miss out!

Doors open at 6:30pm, show begins at 7:30pm.

Tickets $20 

Click here to buy tickets.

Thanks to everyone who has been participating in our lunch packing events. For the past few months, we have packed 50+ lunches for distribution by Prevention Point for those in need on the streets of Kensington.

This December, you can also support refugee families celebrate Christmas by buying gifts for kids through our partnership with Snyder Avenue Community Church. See the Christmas tree and sign up sheets at the back of the church for more details. 

We hope to continue and expand our outreach initiatives in 2025. Please join us in bringstorming,  discussing, and planning! 

We plan to meet on the first Wednesday of every month at 9:00 on Zoom. 

If you have any questions, please contact Jill Duink (jillddd@hotmail.com).  

Meeting ID: 897 2826 6283   Passcode: 098374 

Thanks to all who came out to celebrate the Day of the Dead on November 1, and thanks to our Sextons for organizing another great Sideshow. Approximately 80 people came out for a concert in the graveyard and a liquid lightshow in the church (pictured here). The event raised nearly $2,000 to support the church.

If you've attended services in the past month, you probably noticed someone missing. Our beloved organist, Paul Fejko, has been dealing with a major health crisis. After two surgeries and numerous tests, it is clear that Paul is facing a form of brain cancer. Recent treatments have helped to address a number of immediate symptoms, but he will be starting radiation and chemo shortly. Please keep Paul in your prayers during this difficult time.

You can keep up with Paul's journey through the website CaringBridge, which you can access through the link below. Thank you also to everyone who has provided food or financial donations to support Paul. He reports that his fridge is currently overflowing, and that he is immensely grateful for the support that our community has given. 

In response to the heated political atmosphere in America, we recently partnered with the editorial team at Root Quarterly to hold some events aimed at depolarization.

On the morning of November 16, the organization Braver Angels lead a Red/Blue workshop, helping people of differing political views to deepen their understanding of the other side, and to find areas of common ground. Later that afternoon, we held a "Unity Picnic" for the neighborhood, encouraging people to build the kinds of connections that make it possible for us all to work for a better future.

Thanks to everyone who came out, and feel free to Rev. Chris if you'd like to be involved in future efforts like this! Also, please check out Root Quarterly for more resources to build community and deepen conversation in our divided society. 

In June of 2018, our former rector invited me to create some spiritual content for the church website. I came up wih the idea of “The ABCs of Spirituality” and published a post every other week for a year. I covered topics like “Awareness”, “Gratitude”, “Listening” and “Prayer”. Each post offers a definition, an explanation of how that concept can be a gateway to spiritual growth, and additional resources. I found the writing so helpful for my own growth, that I continued posting about various experiences that moved me. From the pain of loss to the wonder of rescuing an injured hawk, writing brings God’s Spirit close.

If you’ve ever struggled with doubt, wrestled with the question “Why is this happening?”, or had a moment of awe and wonder, my blog has something for you. You can find the ABCs and all my posts on my website: https://meganbartlett.me/the-abcs-of-spirituality/blog-posts/ I hope my writing will offer some encouragement for your spiritual journey.

Peace,
Megan R. Bartlett

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. 

**ADD DATES WE'RE TAKING OFF**

Gloria Dei Occurrences over the years – Jeanette Woehr
From the records of Gloria Dei
December 3, 1803 – The marriage of Thomas Cowparthwait and Mary Sadler was annuled. The reason –
His first wife was still alive.
December 11, 1853 – Samuel Porter Croper (born 12-12-1850 had his name changed from Franklin Scott.
December 31, 1798 – A double wedding took place. Jacob Ott (aged 48) wed Nancy Schroeder (aged 36).
Also Jacob's daughter Christina (aged 16) wed Augustine Martin (aged 22). The wedding took place at
Jacob Ott's house.
From “Old Swedes' To=Day”
Christmas Greetings, 1970
Off to a Good Start
At the last meeting of the Vestry, the low bid of $209,000 for the building of the Guild House was
accepted and approved. Mr. Parnum presented the contract. It was signed by the Rector and the Senior
Warden for the Church with Mr. McQuade, builder. We have $148,000 in hand. The remaining balance we
hope to have in hand at the required time. There is a proviso in the contract that whenever we run short of
funds the work can be stopped. Mr. Parnum has prepared an excellent design for the Guild House and one
that will be most functional. Now we shall have to press forward for the remaining money. We are not
building for a day but for years and years to come. This new building will be a fine compliment to the
Church on the original site of the former Guild House.
Tombstone Inscriptions

In memory of Peter Swanson
who died December 18, 1737 aged 68 years
Reader stop; & self behold
Thou'st made of ye same mould
And shortly must dissolved by
Make sure of blest Eternity.
Here rests the body of John Herbow
who departed this life in the Faith of Jesus,
December ye 20th

1751 aged 56 years
Nothings sweeter than this matter
That the Lamb has did for me
None can truly tell its value
Here now in Eternity.
In memory of Rebecca Matilda
daughter of Capt. John and Matilda Pierce
who departed this life December 26th
1851
aged 2 years and 11 months
Beneath this stone in sweet repose
Is lain a mother's dearest pride
A flower that scarce had waked to life
And light and beauty ere it died.
Sacred to the memory of Aaron Middleton
Born November 22nd

1812 Died December
30th
1859

He sleeps in peace! His journey run

His battle fought, the victory won,
He sleeps in peace, on Jesus's breast,
A calm, a sweet eternal rest!
Here Lieth ye body of Neills Laickan
who died Decbr ye 4th

1721 Aged 55 years
Job ye 14:5
Seeing his days are
Determined the Number
of his Months are with
Thee thou hast appointed
His bounds that he
cannot Pass.

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.

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.

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.

Vestry Meetings are usually held in person in Rudman House (the Rectory). Please feel free to talk to Rev. Chris or any Vestry member if you have a topic that you'd like to bring before the Vestry. Zoom options are also available with advance planning. 

Join us as the Bishop visits to officially install Rev. Chris Micklewright as the Rector of Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church. A reception in Riverside Hall will follow the service. 

December 1 - First Sunday of Advent

Jeremiah 33:14-16
1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
Psalm 25:1-9
Luke 21:25-36

Collect: Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

December 8 - Second Sunday of Advent

Malachi 3:1-4
Canticle 4 or 16
Philippians 1:3-11
Luke 3:1-6

Collect: Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

December 15 - Third Sunday of Advent

Zephaniah 3:14-20
Canticle 9
Philippians 4:4-7
Luke 3:7-18 

Collect: Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

December 22 - Fourth Sunday of Advent

Micah 5:2-5a
Canticle 15
Hebrews 10:5-10
Luke 1:39-45-55

Collect: Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in your well-beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord of lords: Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth, divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his most gracious rule; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

December 24 - Christmas Eve - Service at 5:00 PM

Isaiah 9:2-7
Psalm 96
Titus 2:11-14
Luke 2:1-14(15-20)

Collect: O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the brightness of the true Light: Grant that we, who have known the mystery of that Light on earth, may also enjoy him perfectly in heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit he lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

December 29 - First Sunday after Christmas

Isaiah 61:10-62:3
Psalm 147
Galatians 3:23-25; 4:4-7
John 1:1-18

Collect: Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.