ABOUT US
Gloria Dei is a member of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS).
Which means that we are one of nearly 1300 congregations across the United States and Canada that are united by a common faith in God's saving love. Collectively, we are committed to a common calling - sharing God's gift of a Savior with our communities and the world.
EXPECTATIONS FOR YOUR FIRST VISIT
WHAT TO WEAR: Some of our members wear suits or dresses, some wear jeans, some wear shorts and T-shirts, please wear whatever is comfortable.
BRING YOUR KIDS! We want your kids and expect them to make sounds (they're kids). If you feel they are being disruptive - we have a "cry room" that you are welcome to use.
OUR SERVICE is a traditional service and begins at 9:30am. Our worship is based off a traditional liturgical style which features Scripture readings, prayers, classic hymns with occasional contemporary songs, along with a relevant Bible message. It will last about an hour. Our ushers will greet you - please ask them any questions you may have. Communion is served on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month - we practice the Biblical practice of Close Communion and ask that only members of WELS or ELS come to the altar to receive the Lord's body and blood. If you have questions - please speak with our Pastor.
OUR PURPOSE
Motivated by Christ's love, we gather to nourish our faith through God's Word and Sacraments as we worship, study, and fellowship with one another. Then we scatter to share our Savior and His Love with those we meet.
OUR NAME
GLORIA DEI is Latin for "Glory to God."
OUR COMMUNITY
We proudly offer:
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Sunday Bible Study, Sunday School, & Teen Class
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Various Midweek Bible Studies
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Youth Group (6th-12th grades)
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Boy and Girl Lutheran Pioneers (K-8th grades)
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Other service and fellowship opportunites
MINISTRY STAFF
Reverend Dennis Himm
Pastor
Pastor Dennis Himm has been serving Gloria Dei since October 1988. He grew up in Chesaning. He married his high school (Michigan Lutheran Seminary) sweetheart, Kay Rhodea. Kay serves as Gloria Dei’s Organist and Choir Director. The Lord blessed their 41 years of marriage with 5 daughters and 17 grandchildren (18th due in January). Pastor Himm received his Master of Divinity degree from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in 1983. He has served outside of Gloria Dei on our synod’s Board of Home Missions, as a regent at Wisconsin Lutheran College, as a Circuit Pastor, and is the current Chairman of the Men Alive! ministry in Michigan. Denny cherishes family time and enjoys golf and deer hunting. He loves puns and dad jokes – so don’t laugh at them because it only encourages Himm. You will recognize him by his bowtie.
Kay Himm
Organist and Choir Director
When we arrived in Grand Blanc (1988), I was promptly told, “The pastor’s wife always plays the organ. I was far from a church organist, but I timidly climbed on the organ bench. Fast forward 33 years and I’m still climbing on the organ bench at Gloria Dei.
Taking over the children’s music and Christmas programs also literally fell into my lap; the choir directorship fell into my lap about 2 years after arriving.Through those years, I have seen God humble me and help me. I am thankful and honored to serve the members of Gloria Dei.
I find it a privilege to support my pastor-husband. I also enjoy visiting grandchildren, kayaking, reading, pickle ball, walking the beach, hiking, or traveling. During the latter years of homeschooling our children, I formally studied alternative medicine.
Life is never boring and we can attest to miracles God has sent our way. Now I pray God gives me the personal health, energy and joy to remain faithful!
Laura and Allen Mortimer
Youth Group Directors
waiting for a bio
Val Hoppe
Church Secretary
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