Celebrating the Legacy of Gloria Christi Federated Church

This past Sunday, with a sense of profound honor, I represented Bishop Hutterer at the service of holy closure for Gloria Christi Federated Church in Paradise Valley, AZ. Alongside a dedicated group of faithful servants and congregational leaders, we gathered to reflect on the rich history and lasting impact of this community. We recognized the blessings that Gloria Christi has been to both its members and the wider community.

Founded through the ecumenical merging of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church and Palo Christi Presbyterian Church, Gloria Christi stood as a testament to the power of unity and shared mission. This unique collaboration created a space where members from different traditions came together to worship, serve, and grow in faith. In the spirit of collaboration and unity through God's blessings, leaders shared Gloria Christi’s commitment to scattering seeds of generosity across the valley.

Included in this great scattering are gifts to the Grand Canyon Synod to support seminarians and a major gift to establish a brand-new endowment with the Grand Canyon Synod! The “Gloria Dei” GCS Endowment will support the vital yet vulnerable ministries, through our synod Mission & Ministry Fund, as well as our synod campus ministries in Tempe, Tucson, and Flagstaff. Both gifts will greatly impact our shared mission for generations and continue the legacy of love nurtured by Gloria Christi, Gloria Dei, and Palo Christi.

Gloria Christi has consistently demonstrated that faith is not confined to the walls of the church but is lived out in action and service. Continuing this spirit of generosity, the Gloria Christi Board identified eleven other partners who will receive generous gifts reflecting the church’s mission of outreach and support for those in need including Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest and Reconciling Works RIC program. Additionally, equipment and resources were donated to various churches and community organizations, including ELCA hymnals to Faith/La Fe Lutheran Church.

Though Gloria Christi has worshipped on E. Lincoln Drive for the final time, the Holy Spirit will continue to work throughout the communities served and the faithful leaders formed. Let us give thanks for Gloria Christi Federated Church, for their ministry in Paradise Valley before and after their joining as one, and for "scattering the seeds" of generosity in which we trust God will bring new life in Christ.

Amen.

Rev. Dan Potaznick, CFRE
Director of Generosity & Strategic Development