Every December, as Christmas lights go up and the Advent season starts, Gloria Dei embarks on its annual mission to spread joy and compassion to those who have experienced loss in the last year or are finding themselves in a more challenging time of life. Through traditions like Christmas caroling, the Service of Hope and Remembrance, and poinsettia deliveries, this congregation seeks to remember that, for some, the emotions of the season are mixed, and special deliveries are a simple but significant way to give an extra dose of care.
Harmony in the Streets: Christmas Caroling
For many, the tradition of Christmas caroling seems like a relic of the past. However, at Gloria Dei the practice has been revitalized, bringing smiles to many faces, as Cheryl Priesz explains, “I didn’t know that churches even did this anymore. So when Pastor Amy called about it, we were so delighted.” Since 2021, about 15-20 members from the Gather Bible Study set out each year to visit homebound members and a couple of local senior living facilities with Christmas carols.
In December of 2022, Cheryl’s husband, Howard, was nearing the end of his struggle with Parkinson’s and Lewy body dementia. With Howard’s declining health, they were not able to leave their house often. The idea of carolers coming to them was a welcome surprise. Cheryl continues, “We were so excited. We couldn’t wait for this to happen. It sort of brought Howard out of his shell because he was struggling with memory at that time, and he didn’t find a lot of joy in things. But on that particular day, he was excited.”
This rekindling of Howard’s joy is a testament to the power of music and community. The carolers, singing familiar tunes, provided a connection to cherished memories for Howard and an uplifting moment for both of them that lasted long after the caroling was over.
Janis Borstad, another member and caroler, chimes in, “We mostly make a joyful noise,” highlighting the joy and exuberance that comes with this tradition. It’s an opportunity to combine faith, fun, and community, ensuring that the Christmas season truly becomes a time of celebration.
A Season of Remembrance and Hope
Another beautiful tradition that Gloria Dei offers during Advent is the Service of Hope and Remembrance, a poignant moment when those who have experienced loss can find solace in the embrace of their church family.
Kristy Sogn shares the depth of meaning she found in this service after the unexpected loss of her mother. “Lighting a candle to remember Mom was not only a way to celebrate her life and reflect on my memories of her, it was also a way to say thank you to all the people who made Mom feel so welcome and loved at Gloria Dei.”
Nicholle Lindquist experienced a similar sentiment, acknowledging the importance of the message of hope during the service, saying, “The hope the Resurrection promises is a great comfort, and we should all cling to that deep hope.”
In times of grief, the Service of Hope and Remembrance serves as a reminder that the promise of the Resurrection transcends the pain of loss. It strengthens faith and offers a space for the congregation to come together in support of those who are grieving.
Poinsettias: A Symbol of Caring and Connection
To add to the warm embrace of the Christmas season, Gloria Dei’s Congregational Care ministry orchestrates poinsettia deliveries. Pastor Amy beautifully encapsulates the significance of this practice, “These deliveries allow us to share the joy of Christmas and provide a tangible symbol that their church cares for them.”
Beyond the symbolism, these poinsettias serve as an opportunity for caring conversations, especially with members who may need a little extra support during the holidays. Clint Baldwin, a Gloria Dei member, shared his response to receiving a poinsettia hand-delivered to his home, “I was thankful I’ll tell you that. Somebody someplace cared.”
At Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, the Christmas season becomes a testament to the power of compassion, hope, and community. Whether it’s the melody of Christmas carols echoing in the neighborhood, the solace found in the Service of Hope and Remembrance, or the caring gesture of poinsettia deliveries, these traditions exemplify the true meaning of Christmas: Christ is born. God has shown up for us and we are privileged to be the caring hands and feet of Christ.
