Hello Gloria Dei,
While the summer brings a slightly different ebb and flow to the ministry at Gloria Dei, this time of year gives opportunity for lots of faith, friendship, and service enriching events. Today I simply want to give you a snapshot of some of the wonderful activity going on at Gloria Dei this summer.
In June we had a wonderful week of VBS with 52 volunteers and 104 pre-k and kindergartners. Way to go, Gloria Dei.
This past weekend we partnered with Austad’s Golf in hosting a Feed My Starving Children Mobile Food Pack event. Over two days, 101,088 meals were packed. That’s thirteen pallets full. Meals consist of rice, soy, vegetables, and protein. The food is shipped all over the world to children and families in need. The food provides needed nourishment and much needed hope, all in the name of Jesus. Over 500 volunteers from Gloria Dei and the surrounding Sioux Falls area participated in the event. View a message from the Austad family here. Way to go, Gloria Dei.
Earlier in June our first group of Middle Schoolers headed to NeSoDak camp through Lutherans Outdoors. Our second group is finishing up their week today. Faith is being strengthened, and strong friendships and lifetime memories are being created. Way to go, Gloria Dei.
A couple of weeks ago a busload of youth and adults headed for a fun day at Valleyfair in Minnesota. A great time was had by all. Way to go, Gloria Dei.
In July our elementary school aged kids will come together for a week of Dei Camp. Hundreds will be here enjoying their time while learning more and more about God’s love, centered in Jesus Christ. Way to go, Gloria Dei.
Gloria Dei’s Haircut Trailer has been out and about in our city, partnering with local stylists, to provide haircuts to those in need. Later in the summer we’ll serve together through Necessities for Neighbors, the Nightwatch Van, and St. Francis House. Way to go, Gloria Dei.
On July 27 at our 10:30 worship service, we’ll gather outside for worship and a Pet Blessing. Bring your dogs, cats, horses, hamsters, pigs or whatever. Way to go, Gloria Dei.
The Thursday Women’s Gather Bible Study keeps on going through the summer. So do the Monday afternoon and Wednesday morning Men’s Studies. And our Quilters are always working and enjoying fellowship, even through the summer. And have I mentioned Pickleball? Way to go, Gloria Dei.
Our High School Youth Group will head out to San Francisco on a Service and Mission Trip in early July. This is a great way for our youth and adult sponsors to put their faith into action. Way to go, Gloria Dei.
And, of course, worship and music are happening all summer long. Way to go, Gloria Dei.
And I could go on, but you get the message. In and through you, the people of Gloria Dei, the Holy Spirit is active and working. May you be blessed this summer and thank you for your partnership in the good news of Jesus Christ. To God be the Glory.
For this weekend in worship, please read Galatians 5:1, 13-25.
See you in worship,
Pastor Tim
P.S. I don’t have full confirmation yet, but watch KELO News at 10 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2, for a brief story on Gloria Dei’s 40 years of ministry. We’ll try to let you know if that date and time changes.
