Fellowship
Fellowship Opportunities
“God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” – 1 Corinthians 1:9
The Greek word is koinonia, and several words can help clarify its meaning: sharing, unity, community, fellowship. Koinonia is, first of all, a gift of grace. God calls us to this fellowship through the gospel, nurtures us in worship through the communion of the Holy Spirit and the sharing in the body of Christ through the sacraments (2 Corinthians 13:13; 1 Corinthians 10:16). God invites us to belong to his community of faith, and the unity and friendship we experience in Christian community is a gift from God.
Gloria Dei’s constitution describes our ministry of fellowship this way: 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.
You don’t need to be an official member to participate at Gloria Dei. All are welcome to join us for these fellowship opportunities:
WELCA
Gloria Dei’s Women of the ELCA strive to faithfully live out our mission statement as we continue to grow in faith: “As a community of women created in the image of God, called to discipleship in Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to grow in faith, affirm our gifts, support one another in our callings, engage in ministry and action, promote healing and wholeness in the church, the society, and the world.”
Our monthly small group gatherings offer opportunity for fellowship and Bible study. Martha Circle meets at 10:00 a.m. on the third Wednesday of each month. Eve Circle meets at 1:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month. Phoebe Circle meets at 5:00 p.m. on the third Wednesday of the month. Every year our WELCA team puts together our Fall Fair in November, our main opportunity to raise funds to support missions both locally and worldwide. We welcome all women to join us in our ministry.
MEN IN MISSION
Gloria Dei’s Lutheran Men in Mission is an informal group which provides opportunities for fellowship and service for all men associated with Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. The group has become an integral part of our church. It was originally formed as the “Men’s Club” which gathered one a month for breakfast to generate ideas and assist the church in events for fundraising and fellowship.
Some from our group have also attended the Northeastern MN Synod Men’s retreat, usually held in February near Brainerd. We invite and welcome all men to participate in our meetings and activities – and bring a friend!
QUILTERS
Thousands of quilts are used in refugee camps throughout the world. In addition to being versatile and warm, they are also beautiful reminders of compassion for people experiencing hardship and oppression. The Gloria Dei Quilters are a part of reaching out to those in need. Each year, our group makes quilts for Lutheran World Relief and donates quilts to the silent auction at the Northeastern MN Synod Assembly. We welcome newcomers to tie quilts with us at 1:00 p.m. on the first Tuesday and third Wednesday of the month in the Lakeside Room.
FIBER DEI – KNIT & CROCHET
This knitting and crochet group meets 9-11am via Zoom on the first Thursday of the month. We make prayer shawls, prayer squares, hats, mittens, lap shawls, and other items for those in need; all from the comfort of our own homes! We also partner directly with the Seafarer’s Ministry by providing them with scarves and hats. No experience necessary. We have patterns for each project, can suggest yarn types, and even help you learn what size knitting needle or crochet hook to use.
INTERFAITH WELCOMING CONGREGATIONS
Join us on the last Tuesday of the month at 5:00pm in the Hillside Room to discuss supporting the LGBTQIA+ community as they come under attack at this time. All supportive people are invited to attend and listen to the needs of our community.
EARTH HARMONY
The Oreck-Alpern Interreligious Forum of the College of St. Scholastica offers a study group on environmental stewardship, facilitated by Pastor David Carlson. These sessions explore a variety of spiritual perspectives that recognize our deep creaturely interrelatedness, lament our negative impact on the earth’s well-being, and highlight our vocation as stewards. We meet on select Thursdays at Chester Creek Cafe from 8-9am. Check the Calendar of Events under the About tab to see when the next meeting is taking place.
To get in touch with a leader of any of these fellowship groups, please email us.
Wherever you are on your journey, you are welcome here!
Growing in Faith
