SHARED MINISTRY

Our Shared Ministry

The church is God’s people called, gathered, and sent for the sake of the world. The ministry of the church belongs not simply to professionals, but to the whole people of God. Gloria Dei gives thanks for the gifts and talents of all who gather with us, seeking to participate in God’s life and work in the world.

In this shared ministry, every member is a minister and a valued participant in God’s mission. A biblical theme, especially rooted in 1 Peter 2:9, and the basis for Martin Luther’s articulation of the office of ordained ministry, the “priesthood of all believers” has been a significant lodestone for church renewers calling for institutional transformation. Following Luther’s view of the church as “the assembly of all believers, among whom the gospel is preached in its purity and the holy sacraments are administered according to the gospel” (Augsburg Confession, ch. 7), this concept of the church celebrates the Holy Spirit’s work in the life of all the baptized.

Our Staff

To get in touch with any of our staff members, please contact the church office: 218-722-3381 or email us.

Rev. Dr. David Carlson

Pastor

David Tryggestad

Organist

Bill Munson

Choir Accompanist & Organist

Mary Garmer

Organist

Barbara Erickson

Organist

Dana Varland

Intern Pastor & Health Coordinator

Dr. Chris Mason

Choir Director

Steve Dalager

Worship Band Coordinator

Linda Kalweit

Video & Streaming Coordinator

Julia Gwash

Youth Director

Scott Ruzich

Maintenance & Facilities

Kathy Wimer

Administrative Assistant

Sandy Uecker

Parish Secretary

Ray

Service Dog in Training

Church Council

The congregation council consists of the officers of the congregation or Executive Board (president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer), eight other members of the congregation, and the pastor ex officio.

Five council members serve as liaisons to the following ministry teams, each with a purpose outlined in our church constitution (see ELCA Model Constitution, ch. 4).

Worship

Worship God in proclamation of the Word and administration of the sacraments and through lives of prayer, praise, thanksgiving, witness, and service.

Evangelism

1) Proclaim God’s saving Gospel of justification by grace for Christ’s sake through faith alone, according to the apostolic witness in the Holy Scripture, preserving and transmitting the Gospel faithfully to future generations. 2) Carry out Christ’s Great Commission by reaching out to all people to bring them to faith in Christ and by doing all ministry with a global awareness consistent with the understanding of God as Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier of all.

Service

Serve in response to God’s love to meet human needs, caring for the sick and the aged, advocating dignity and justice for all people, working for peace and reconciliation among the nations, and standing with the poor and the powerless and committing to their needs.

Discipleship

Nurture members in the Word of God so as to grow in faith and hope and love, to see daily life as the primary setting for the exercise of our Christian calling, and to use our gifts of the spirit for our life together and for our calling in the world.

Fellowship

Manifest the unity given to the people of God by living together in the love of Christ and by joining with other Christians in prayer and action to express and preserve the unity which the Spirit gives.

The remaining three council members serve as liaisons to other standing committees: Property, Stewardship, and Long-Range Planning.

How is God calling you to participate?

Our call begins with understanding who we are in Christ. For those who are baptized or are affirming their baptism as they become more deeply involved at Gloria Dei, the time leading up to that (and really any time) is ideal not only for learning more about Lutheran Christianity, but also discerning one’s gifts and participating in small groups, various ministries, and service events.

Learn More about Gloria Dei

Stewardship

Growing In Faith

Outreach