Gloria Dei Lutheran Church

To the glory of God and the good our neighbor. 

Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you,              

     and pray to the LORD on its behalf,

          for in its welfare you will find your welfare.

                                                      – Jeremiah 29:7                                                                    

For over 150 years, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church has been a center for community outreach and well being in the Central Hillside neighborhood of Duluth, Minnesota.  As we continue our ministry our 6th Avenue East and 3rd Street, we invite you to share in our vision for the welfare of the city by considering a financial gift.  

Our Mission: "Empowered by Christ's love, Gloria Dei reaches out as an inclusive, welcoming church through worship and social action." 

Our Vision Statement further describes the church we seek to be and become:

• Our worship proclaims the Gospel of Jesus Christ with integrity, welcoming all to receive and share God’s grace in Word and Sacrament, through the power of the Holy Spirit.
• Our diverse parish family finds unity in Christ’s reconciling love, building relationships of accompaniment that extend across the city and across the world.
• Our faith grows in dialogue with everyday life, encountering and sharing the Word of God in written, spoken, and tangible ways.
• Our social action is rooted in God’s justice and compassion, caring for local and global neighbors with courage, dignity, and attention to the whole person.
• Our stewardship celebrates the abundance and the value of God’s gifts, practicing sustainability and generosity as joyful expressions of God’s love for all creation.

From the beginning, our mission has been collaborative as a founding and ongoing participant in several community service efforts including: 

• Lutheran Social Service since 1916, with programs for homeless youth and young adults
• CHUM since 1973, and the Gabriel Fund since 2001, providing housing, food, and assistance for people experiencing poverty and homelessness
• Central Hillside Parish Nurse Program since 1987, focusing on community health with Essentia, St. Mark AME Church, and St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church
• Reconciling Works since 1998, welcoming LGBTQ+ persons into full participation in the church
• EcoFaith Network since 2008, leading earth stewardship within and among congregations in Northeastern Minnesota
• Ruby’s Pantry since 2010, a food distribution program to assist those on limited income
• Since January 2006, we have conducted a Free Neighborhood Breakfast that consistently serves 100 meals on the fourth Saturday of each month

Over the decades in a changing neighborhood, our vision has remained consistent – to seek with God’s love the welfare of the city in which we are placed.  Our intention is that Gloria Dei will continue to be a nurturing presence in the Hillside neighborhood and beyond.  We are very grateful for the generous support from individuals and organizations in the community, particularly when rebuilding after our 2016 fire.  As our ministry continues, your gift will participate in a renewed capacity for serving an area of need.

THANK YOU for your partnership in seeking the welfare of the city in which we live.  

   "We are Gloria Dei" 11 minute video about our building fire, our ministry programs and our congregation.