We are in the process of building a new website but are unable to update many parts of this website. The worship livestream link below is current, and you can check out our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/gloriadeichatham/

WORSHIP THIS WEEK: This Sunday our texts contain some apocalyptic images, ones that sound eerily familiar. We’ll consider what God is unveiling to us in our own time. Join us at 10:00 in our physical sanctuary at 300 Shunpike Road or in our digital sanctuary for worship:https://www.youtube.com/live/2MiJfov1GWE?si=RMfvmqZb1AZxVXBc

Gloria Dei Welcome Statement (adopted June 2024) - Gloria Dei Lutheran Church celebrates that each person is created in the image of God, and God’s wide embrace holds all of us. We trust in a living God who, by the power of the Holy Spirit, continually renews and transforms us. That Spirit holds us in relationship with God and with each other. We invite you to share in ministry here, bringing all of who you are, including sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, race and ethnicity, age, marital status, faith journey, economic circumstance, immigration path, physical and mental health, and any other identity God has given you to shine your light in the world. We believe that we are called to follow Jesus in serving our world and our community: welcoming the stranger, feeding the hungry, loving our neighbors, and working for justice. We are a Reconciling in Christ congregation, committed to the full inclusion and affirmation of LGBTQIA+ people and to the ongoing work of racial equity. There is a place for you at Gloria Dei. We welcome you – your identities, your histories, your stories. We celebrate your unique and holy gifts as we grow together in faith: created by God, saved by Christ, and nurtured by the Holy Spirit.

Children & Youth

Jesus said, “Let the children come to me.” (Matthew 19:14)

Sunday School

Sunday School begins at age 4 and goes through 6^th grade. Following the children’s message during Sunday morning worship, the kids join their teachers to engage with God’s Word in their own lively manner. They return to the worship service as we gather for Holy Communion.

In Sunday School we want all children to experience God’s love, encounter the Bible in an age-appropriate way, enjoy meaningful relationships with other kids and adults, and grow as followers of Jesus.

First Communion

Fourth-graders receive their First Communion at Gloria Dei on the Sunday following Easter.

Children who are preparing to receive communion for the first time, along with their parent(s), meet with the pastor in the weeks leading up to that Sunday.

Confirmation

Our Confirmation class includes youth in seventh and eighth grades. The two-year curriculum includes an introduction to the Old and New Testaments, the Apostles’ Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, Holy Communion, Holy Baptism, the Reformation, and other topics related to a life of faith. Together we explore what it means to be a follower of Jesus and how we live out our faith in the ways we serve, worship, pray, study scripture, and give to others.

Youth from Gloria Dei are encouraged to attend a week of Confirmation Camp held each July at Crossroads Camp and Retreat Center.

Youth Involvement

The young people of Gloria Dei are actively involved in leading worship and serving others in God’s name.

We participate in a variety of youth events sponsored by the New Jersey Synod and Cross Roads Camp.

Rolling River Rampage VBS

Join the fun this summer as we experience the ride of a lifetime with God!

Rafters will explore how to serve God and God’s mission for their lives. Rolling River Rampage VBS is for children who will be 4 years old by October 1, 2018 with the oldest completing Grade 5 in June.

Monday through Thursday, July 16-19, 9:30 am – 12:15 pm

Click here for registration form:

VBS – Registration Form _18