ANNOUNCEMENTS

Join us for worship each Sunday at 9:30 a.m.  We are excited to make our worship more accessible to those who want to worship with us at Gloria Dei who are not physically able to be with us in the nave.  All worship services are offered in person in the Nave and virtually via our website at https://gloriadeilutheranchurch.net/livestream/

Dinners at Capri--Join Pastor and others at Capri Pizza and Italian Restaurant, 227 Fox Hill Rd., on Tuesday, May 20, at 6:00 p.m.  We will have a meal together and share in conversations around Scripture.  At the end of our time together, we will share Holy Communion.  Invite your friends and family.  Please, RSVP to Peggy in the Church Office by Tuesday, May 13; we want to make sure the restaurant is prepared for our group being there.  You are responsible for the cost of your meal and a generous tip.

Attention Upcoming Graduates!--If you are graduating from college or high school this year, please notify the church office with your name, school, address, phone number, and your future plans. We will list you in our August/September newsletter and one of our Weekly bulletins.

WELCA Book Group--The WELCA Book Group continues to meet on the second Monday of each month. We get together to discuss a book which we have all read prior to the evening. We will get together May 5 at the home of Sharon Padula. The book selected is "The Queens of Crime" by Marie Benedict.

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church is 60 years old this year!--Our next 60-Day Challenge is beginning soon!  60 Days of Gratitude begins Easter Sunday, April 20, and ends June 18.  An outgrowth of our prayers should be an attitude of thankfulness and gratitude.  Too often, we complain only to God and to each other.  We don't pay attention to the many positive things we encounter each day.  We challenge you to turn your thinking around.

We challenge and encourage everyone to recognize at least one to three things each day during these 60 days for which to be grateful, or to let someone know that you are grateful for them.  A gratitude tree will begin growing in the Tower of the Triumphant.  There will be leaves available for you to write what you are grateful for,  and then attach these leaves to the tree.  It will be a beautiful tree!

The Walk to Emmaus--The Walk to Emmaus develops Christian disciples and leaders by inspiring, challenging, and equipping active adult church members for Christian action in their homes, churches, workplaces, and communities. It also benefits less active members who are seeking to renew a relationship with God, grow spiritually, or discover firmer foundations for their lives. Through The Walk to Emmaus, as they seek to become healthy and vital congregations, local churches have both a means of growing disciples and a tool for developing leaders for their disciple-making systems.

The program begins with a 72-hour short course in Christianity that is wrapped in prayer and signs of sacrificial service. It continues for the rest of participants’ lives with follow-up groups that, along with the local church’s robust offerings, contribute to participants’ ongoing growth in grace.

Ultimately, The Walk to Emmaus is a spiritual renewal program intended to strengthen the local church through the development of Christian disciples and leaders. The program's approach seriously considers the model of Christ's servanthood and encourages Christ's disciples to act in ways appropriate to being "a servant of all."
Men’s Walk: May 1 – May 4 & Women’s Walk: May 15 – May 18
Pastor is looking at serving on the Women’s weekend, so it would be great to have as many Gloria Dei women as possible to do this walk.  Please, let Pastor Dave know of your interest ASAP.  You can call the church office, 757-851-2838, or email Pastor at pastordave@gloriadei.net.

Wonderful Wednesdays--Wonderful Wednesdays meets beginning at 5:45 p.m.  Wonderful Wednesday is a program for children in grades Kindergarten-High School.

Community Bible Study--Our weekly Community Bible Study, held at H.E.L.P., 329 Buckroe Avenue, is held on Wednesdays at noon. All are invited to attend.  This is a great opportunity for us to learn the needs of our community and help us to become more outreach-oriented.

Prayer Shawl Ministry--The Prayer Shawl Ministry meets on the second Sunday of the month following worship services.  We will meet in the Koinonia Atrium, near the fireplace. After an hour or so of creating shawls and lap robes, we head off to lunch.  If you have any questions or want more information, please contact Rita Foringer at rforinger@verizon.net.

Fellowship Bible Study--You are invited to join us in Bible study every Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. We are meeting in the Simeon Center and using the Augsburg Adult Bible Study Series. This is a small group study, where you will find fellowship and a relaxed atmosphere. For information, email Sharon Padula at slpadula1@gmail.com.

Life Groups at Gloria Dei--Joining or creating a small group in your church offers a unique opportunity to grow deeper in your faith and build meaningful connections. In a small group, you can share your struggles, celebrate victories, and pray with others who understand your journey. It's a space where you can learn, ask questions, and support one another in ways that go beyond Sunday services. The relationships formed in small groups often become a source of encouragement and accountability, helping you live out your faith daily. As the early church gathered together in Acts, small groups are still a powerful way to experience fellowship, discipleship, and service. By connecting with others, you not only strengthen your own faith, but also contribute to the growth and health of the church body. Together, we can grow in love, truth, and purpose—empowered by the Holy Spirit to live as Christ's hands and feet.  If you feel the call to host a small group and/or to join a small group, please email Pastor at pastordave@gloriadei.net.

Watterton Fund--Kevin Watterton, spouse of Amy Watterton (long-time teacher at Gloria Dei), has been diagnosed with a rare and terminal cancer.  If you would like to support the Watterton family, you may send a contribution to the church office through one of our payment methods. Please add “Watterton Fund” to the memo area of your chosen payment method.

Little Library Donations--Our Little Library, located at the middle set of doors, gets a lot of action from parents as they are dropping off or picking up their children.   We are asking that you please consider donating any children’s books by placing them on the back counter at the Information Desk. These books will be used to refill when the Little Library gets low on books.  Thank you for your generosity.

School Employment Opportunities--Gloria Dei Lutheran School has the following positions available:
*Toddler & Preschool Teachers
*Elementary-level Teachers
*Bus Drivers
*Afternoon Child Care Aides
*Kitchen Staff
*Instructional Aides
If you are interested in applying, you can find an application online at http://www.gdlshamptonva.com/school-forms. Once completed, you may turn it in to the School Office at 250 Fox Hill Rd., Hampton, VA 23669, attention: Lisa Dadez.

Harris Teeter School Fundraiser--You can help Gloria Dei Lutheran School raise funds by shopping at Harris Teeter.  Once you ask for and receive your VIC card, you can go to https://www.harristeeter.com/together-in-education, click on “Link your school today,” log in or register, then go to “My Account,” and scroll down to “Together in Education,” and click to link a school.  You will then enter our School code, 6528, and click on Gloria Dei Lutheran School.  Thank you!

Papa John School Fundraiser--You can help Gloria Dei Lutheran School raise funds by shopping at www.papajohns.com or on their mobile app.  Simply apply the promo code “GDLS” and 20% of your order will benefit our school.  This offer applies to delivery or carryout orders year-round.  All proceeds will be donated for the new playground equipment.

Altar Guild--Have you ever wondered what it is that we do to prepare the church for weekly services and special events?  If you are interested in being a part of the Altar Guild or if you would like to be the Lead Sacristan, please contact Renee Wells, 757-749-4425. Training will be provided.

H.E.L.P. Food Pantry Donations--Please,  join us in filling up the red wagon to feed the hungry in our community.   The following are items on their most needed list:

• Peanut Butter
• Mac & Cheese
• Shelf-stable milk-single-serve pkgs.
• Canned Veggies - corn, beans, green beans
• Individually wrapped bars of soap
• Canned or Boxed Potatoes
• Toilet Paper
• Crackers
• Juice (individual size)

Cereal Offering--Running late?  Short on time?  We will have milk and a small selection of cereals available before worship each Sunday morning, beginning in September.  Please visit the Coffee Bar for available cereal choices.

Cross and Crown is a wonderful ministry enabling youth to participate and serve in worship, and there are always opportunities available. Please contact the church office if you would like to serve.

Make a Joyful Noise!--If you are interested in singing with the choir, singing in a small ensemble or solo, or playing an instrument on Sunday mornings, please contact Brandon Spence, bspence@gloriadei.net.  Choir rehearsals are now on Sundays at 11:00 a.m.

The coffee bar is open before and after services and is in need of coffee creators! Please contact the church office if you would like to serve!

Lay Assistants, Readers, Ushers, Greeters, and Altar Guild are all in need of extra help.  Please contact the church office if you would like to serve!

Deadline for Weekly Articles--The deadline for articles to be added to the Weekly is Tuesday by noon of each week.