At its meetings in March and April, the Worship & Music Ministry discussed value statements and shared the following with the council. The reference Baptized We Live is used in our new member classes and the center page will be posted in the Hillside Room.
WE VALUE Worship that is centered and focused on the Triune God
Lutheran identity
Understanding the church as “the assembly of all believers among whom the gospel is purely preached and the holy sacraments are administered according to the gospel” (Augsburg Confession, ch. 7)
Worship that is “catholic” (“The Holy Communion liturgy follows the form of the universal church.”) – Reference: Baptized We Live (Dan Erlander)
Worship that is “evangelical” (“The liturgy proclaims the center of our faith – God is gracious.”) – Reference: Baptized We Live (Dan Erlander)
Worship that is “reforming” (“We change the way we sing or speak or dramatize the tradition if a new way will enable the liturgy to proclaim the Gospel more clearly.”) – Reference: Baptized We Live (Dan Erlander)
Celebrating the Eucharist every Sunday
Teaching the liturgy – “the work of the people” – rooted in scripture and the historic Christian church, giving order and a familiar shape to worship and allowing room for the Spirit
Music that theologically directs us to worship God
Music and songs that are selected with attention to word, sacrament, theme, church season
Music that is done well – meaning that excellence is pursued
Music that supports congregational singing rather than performance
A variety of instruments suited for different styles of music
Worship leaders and assistants that direct us in their words and actions to God
Pastors that preach authentically, with theological integrity and contextual consciousness
Children’s sermons that speak with/to children rather than putting them on display
Assisting ministers that articulate the prayer concerns of this assembly
Readers that are prepared and articulate
Acolytes that are trained and examples for other young people in worship
Ushers that welcome all worshipers and visitors with hospitality
Staff who have been trained in specific areas related to worship: Pastor, Director of Music, Organist
Other members who have musical gifts and insights
What do you value?
These value statements are not meant to be “set in stone” but are rather a starting point for how the Worship & Music Ministry wishes to facilitate our congregation’s ongoing discussion of worship and music at Gloria Dei. We would welcome your responses, values and insights!
Worship & Music Ministry: Karen Bockelman, Stan Wold, Georgia Swing, Steve Dalager, Doug Maguire, Barb Galeski, Robert Archer, and Pastor Carlson.
GLORIA DEI CHURCH CHOIR We Welcome our faithful choir members but always encourage new members to join us! Our choir sings from September through mid-June, with choir rehearsal on Sunday morning at 8:30am and one evening per month (almost always the first Wednesday). Our choir assist with offering choral music for almost every worship service until mid-June. Please come and add your voice (we welcome all voice parts) to our joyful sound! We'll be back early September! If you have any questions, please call me at 340-0146. Stan Wold, Choir Director
Located in Duluth’s Central Hillside, Gloria Dei is our house of worship and also a building of welcome to a variety of community groups that seek a place to meet.
Originally called The First Swedish Lutheran Church, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church has been part of Duluth since 1870. The current church building was built in 1906 and is Gothic in style.
Behind the alter in the sanctuary is a painting by well-known artist, David Ericson. This painting is entitled, “Painting of Christ” and depicts Christ's Ascension. This beautiful painting, given in memory of the artist’s mother is truly an inspiration to all who worship here. The church is also adorned with several wonderful stained glass windows.
