October Congregational Council Recap

The Congregational Council met for its regular monthly meeting on October 18. Treasurer Ben Finkelstein reported that our giving in the second and third quarters was down, behind both our budget expectations and our giving last year. This decline now constitutes a trend. Council discussion reminds us that giving in...

Room 99 Update: Gearing Up For Winter

The Rojas family (our asylum seekers from Peru living at Gloria Dei) has never seen snow. Never experienced subzero temperatures or wind chills. Let’s make sure they are prepared for their first Minnesota winter! As you get yourself and your children ready for the coming cold, is there gently used...

Church Council September Update

The Congregational Council met for its regular monthly meeting on Sept. 20.   Treasurer Ben Finkelstein reported that our year-to-date offering income has fallen slightly behind our budgeted expectation. This, combined with elevated expenses, has begun to put pressure on our budget and our operational balances. We will keep an...

Room 99 Update: Expanding the Circle of Love

It’s hard to believe that the Rojas family (the Peruvian asylum seekers Gloria Dei is hosting) has been with us only two months. They have already become an important part of the life of our congregation. Sebastian has joined the kids choir and started Sunday school. Stephanie attends the Quilters group on Thursdays....

Room 99 Project – August Update

We welcomed our first family (Luis, Stephanie, and Sebastian) into the Room 99 apartment a week ago! They are excited and relieved to have a safe and stable home. Already they’ve made connections with staff, families with kids, and our gardening group, and they visited the Highland Pool on the...

June and July Congregation Council Update

The Congregational Council met for its standing monthly meetings on June 21 and July 19, respectively. Agenda items included Committee updates from Human Resources, Stewardship, Shared Ministry and more. Treasurer Ben Finkelstein reported on the June Financial Summary. After a strong first quarter of giving, offering income has slowed in...

Soul Food Book Discussion Group Resumes this Fall

Soul Food returns this fall, and we'll have an even better discussion if you are with us! Soul Food meets at Gloria Dei most Wednesday mornings of the school year, 9:30 - 11:00 a.m., to share faith, get to know others, and discuss a book from a Christian perspective. We're...