Take a look at what we’re doing in 2026 at Gloria Dei!
For over 70 years Gloria Dei has lived out its one of a kind mission of welcome and love of neighbor. With our trademark creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, humor, and joy we have made a difference here in Rochester, and far, far beyond. In recent years we have identified how Gloria Dei’s building is getting in the way of its mission. Last year we made a significant commitment to updating and renovating our physical plant so it can continue to be a launching pad for our ministry for the next 70 years. This year we are Building Beyond, investing in our ministry, mission, programs, and work so they can continue to thrive. From Sunday Bible Adventure to caring for our neighbors through the Little Pantry and Threads, to our amazing music and the Looking Within Center, nobody can do this on their own. We give thanks for the generosity and spirit of abundance that is a hallmark of the Gloria Dei community, and we are so excited to see what God has in store for us in the year to come.
This fall the Gloria Dei building will undergo its first significant renovation in two decades. Even as we renovate and update our building, we need to renovate and update our ministry opportunities to meet the needs of an ever-changing world. In this way we are Building Beyond.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT MINISTRY UPDATES: LET’S LEAN IN AS MED CITY DINNER CHURCH THRIVES
We are investing in our multi-generational ministry with a significant update. Every week we will share a meal even as we worship, because sometimes a meal can change everything! Everyone is invited to “stay for dessert,” as people from all generations are invited to small groups, conversation, and education opportunities. Help us make more room at the table as we share a meal, build connection, and grow faith.
CHILDREN YOUTH AND FAMILY MINISTRY UPDATES: LET’S INVEST IN OUR EXCITING, WIDE OPEN FUTURE
In an era when many children’s ministries are in decline, Gloria Dei is experiencing exciting growth. In order to keep it going and develop it further, we are going to invest in this crucial ministry. Not only will there be updated Sunday Bible Adventure classrooms, we will Build Beyond with innovative new programming, as well as staff and volunteer support to care for our children and families.
MAINTAIN MINISTRY EXCELLENCE: LET’S KEEP A GOOD THING GOING
We are so proud of the way we’ve lived out our mission of welcome and love of neighbor. Yet we live in an era of rising costs. In order to maintain, grow, and ultimately thrive, we need to invest in our ongoing work, so that we can keep this ministry excellence going for years to come.
To meet the growing needs of the Gloria Dei ministry in 2026, we need an additional $1400 a week. With this increase we plan to:
UPDATE OUR INTERGENERATIONAL WEDNESDAY NIGHT MINISTRY
We can make more room at the table for worship and connection through innovative intergenerational programming. Med City Dinner Church serves as the midweek hub for our ministries and opens the door to Gloria Dei for the broader community. To meet this challenge, we will need an additional $450 per week.
reSOURCE OUR THRIVING CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILY (CYF) MINISTRY
Gloria Dei has a proud history of CYF ministries. We’ve seen the Spirit at work with increasing numbers and activity. We can resource staff and volunteer needs along with programming resources to further grow this thriving ministry and invite more into our shared work. To meet this challenge, we will need an additional $450 per week.
Keep it Going
From a renovated building to renovated ministries, the growth and energy of these last several years has happened as we’ve leaned into our mission of welcome and love of neighbor. Let’s Build Beyond this moment, stay nimble, and maintain ministry excellence so we can respond to the Spirit even as we face ever rising costs and expenses. To meet this challenge, we will need an additional $500 per week.
join us!
We invite you to pray for Gloria Dei and our ministry for the upcoming year. Even as we renovate our building in the coming months, we will update our ministries through worship, shared meals, care for the new lives among us, and love of our neighbors. Together we will Build Beyond! Sunday, November 23 is Commitment Sunday. During worship, you will be invited to bring your Intent for Giving Card, offering your gifts to God. You may also mail your Intent for Giving Card to the church office, fill it out online, or drop it off at the church office.