Message Series

Foundational Truths

This message series will focus on the foundational truths of the Christian faith. The Ascension, Pentecost, Holy Trinity and Grace will be addressed.

Responding with compassion and conviction

Our response to President Obama's statement

With the latest statement by President Obama concerning same-sex marriage, we thought it would be useful to look at the issue from a biblical perspective; therefore, we have included a document in the Weekly Word. This document was written by a sister congregation in San Antonio, Texas. Our desire is to present the issue from a loving and compassionate perspective that will show Christ’s love to all people without regard to their sexual orientation. Download the document.

Pastor Burcham will address this issue during next week’s message entitled, “Compassion and Conviction.”

If you have questions after reading this document, please contact the church office

Updates on our server

Computer updates

We are updating the church's server; therefore, the office may not be able to access your e-mail until Monday, May 21. We apologize for any inconvenience. If you need immediate help, please call the church office at 276-1700.

Taking care of the present, preparing for the future

Aurora Campus Improvements

Members of Gloria Dei should have received information concerning the Aurora Campus Improvements Fund Drive. If you did not receive the handout, to make a pledge, or to give today, click here.

Pastor Burcham will hold Family Meetings at the end of worship this weekend to talk about the plan. In addition, informational meetings will be held Saturday, May 19 at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 22 at 6:30 p.m. and Wednesday, May 23 at 10 a.m.

Worship possibilities

Thursday evening worship could be in the plans

Ever thought about worshipping during the week?

We are investigating the possibility of offering a Thursday evening worship service during the summer and early fall months. Our investigation is prompted by inquiries from people who desire a worship service during the week because they often travel on the weekends during the summer months or have work obligations.

Watch a short video about the latest updates from Pastor Burcham.

Interested? Fill out a commitment card today.

If you have further questions, please contact Bill Jesse

Summer camps 2012

Take a look at this summer's line up

We have ten camps and Vacation Bible school for ages 3 years old-grade 5.

Check it out today!

To register and to pay

Summer Camps 2012 PDF

Habitat for Humanity

Building a home for a family

Save the date - Friday, June 22 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Gloria Dei has designated Friday, June 22 to partner with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and Habitat for Humanity to build a house for a family who emigrated from Baghdad, Iraq.

We need 10-15 ministry partners to work on the house (no experience is necessary) as well as individuals to provide, prepare and serve lunch for all the workers.

If interested, register today by clicking on the Thrivent Builds link.

Stephen Ministry

Newly commissioned individuals

Our fourth wave of Stephen Ministers were commissioned Sunday, April 21. Bill VanVliete and Gary Wasko joined the ranks of the other men and women who have been commissioned as Stephen Ministers. To read about Stephen Ministry, click here.

If you or someone you know need extra support through a difficult time, please contact Pastor Tim. All conversations are completely confidential.

Youth ministry

Wells Bring Hope Project

The youth group has set an audacious goal—to raise $5,600 to build a well in Niger, Africa. The idea caught fire when Tim Kightlnger, Director of Youth Ministry, asked three teens if they would be interested in helping. They responded quickly with a "count me in" nod and started to develop a plan. They settled on the theme “sacrifice a little, so someone can have a lot,” because they wanted to encourage sacrificial giving. So instead of eating out or buying candy, they are encouraging each other to put the money in the well.

If you would like to know more about the project, click here.

To give online today for the Wells Bring Hope Project.

Orphan Grain Train

Get on board the Orphan Grain Train

The Orphan Grain Train is a Christian volunteer network that shares personal and material resources with needy people in America and around the world. Grain Train volunteers gather donations of clothing, medical supplies, food, Christian literature, and other aid to meet real needs. The Orphan Grain Train movement is a loving response to Jesus Christ’s example as a servant and His love for us. Click here for more information.

To give online today for the Orphan Grain Train.

Missions

Serve now spotlight

There is a need for teams or individuals to serve, one option is to serve in the villages of Vietnam. To find more information, click here.

Tiny Treasures Preschool Registration

Register for 2012-13 school year

Tiny Treasures Lutheran Preschool has a few openings for the current school year. If interested contact Jo Lynn Yeutsy, Director of Tiny Treasures. Registration is as simple as ABC. To begin, click here.

Tithing

Text Tithing

In order to keep up with technology, Gloria Dei now accepts tithing by text! The same provider for our Simply Giving and Online Giving programs, Vanco, added a new service to the mix. Before texting a donation for the first time, login to our Web site at www.gloriadeionline.com. Click on the To pay online today and complete (or update) an online profile and check the “Opt In” box. After opting in, texting a donation to the church is quick and easy. Once you are set up, click on the text tab for further instructions. You will be typing the keyword “Give,” along with the dollar amount and your four-digit PIN. Vanco will then process your contribution from the account you have set up, just the same as if you processed an online contribution.

For more information, call Shari Smith at 515-278-5544, ext. 202.

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Members

Choice Dollars can go to Gloria Dei

If you are a member of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, you have a new, easy way to help support what matters most to you—even your own congregation. Through Thrivent ChoiceSM, a new charitable grant program, members can help choose where Thrivent Financial distributes some of its charitable funds each year.

By directing Choice Dollars, you can request funding for thousands of Lutheran organizations nationwide, including Gloria Dei. Potential designated Choice Dollars amounts that can be directed range from $25 to $500 for each eligible member.

Please note: If you designated Thrivent Choice funds to Gloria Dei last year, please go online to designate your recurring direction for 2012. Thrivent does not automatically roll over 2011 recurring directions to 2012, you must set it up for 2012.

For more information click here.

For Fun

Christian Games, Trivia, and Cartoons

What are Cartoons for Christ?They are a series of flash cartoons and games for the young Christian mind. The interactivity of these games make learning God's Word educational and fun for children and adults of all ages. Play the Games

Coloring Book