We respectfully acknowledge the territory in which we gather as the ancestral homelands of the Blackfoot, Gros Ventres, Cree, Saulteaux, Dene, Nakota Sioux and later the Métis.
These lands will continue to host many nations from all directions arriving by land, air and water. All inhabitants are responsible to each other, to the land, to the resources and to Treaty Six "as long as the sun shines, the grass grows and the river flows.”
These lands will continue to host many nations from all directions arriving by land, air and water. All inhabitants are responsible to each other, to the land, to the resources and to Treaty Six "as long as the sun shines, the grass grows and the river flows.”
Meeting at Franklin’s Inn on June 29, 2004, a group of more than 90 very committed and enthusiastic people began making plans for a new ELCIC Lutheran congregation in Sherwood Park. Pastor Phil Hink from the office of the Synod of Alberta and the Territories was there to answer questions and to assist us in our decision making.
A Steering Committee was established, made up of the following people: Linda Jones, Jack Karl, Rudy Kiel, Tim Kihn, Miles Leslie, Neil Querengesser, Emil Senft, Gaylene Sitler and Marjorie Zelent, with Miles Leslie accepting the position of chairperson. Committees were set up to plan the beginning of a new congregation – worship, fellowship, education and property. Initially, this new congregation would be called “Sherwood Park Lutheran Mission Church.” What an exciting time lay ahead, as God began to open doors to new opportunities of growing in faith and unity, and of serving our Lord in Sherwood Park. Our prayer was one of thanksgiving to God, and of seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit each step of the way.
In less than two weeks, on July 11, Sherwood Park Lutheran Mission Church held its first worship service, with over 160 worshippers in attendance at the learning center – Robin Hood School in Sherwood Park. It was truly a service of celebration, with Pastor Holger Madsen leading the service and bringing the message, and a Praise Band leading the singing. The service also included a children’s story, Holy Communion and a choir of about 30 singers, singing “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty.” Following the service, a pot-luck picnic was held at the home of Glenn and Edith Sitler, where there was an abundance of food, fun and fellowship!
For the rest of the summer, worship services were held at the Connelly-McKinnley funeral home and the Best Western Hotel. Pulpit supply for this interim period was done mainly by Pastors Holger Madsen and Mel Kornfeld. “Behind the scenes, the Property Committee was working feverishly to find a more permanent home that would meet our needs for worship, education and a variety of congregational programs. Within weeks of securing a space in the lower concourse of the Franklin’s Inn, our sanctuary and office space was gutted, re-wired, re-built, painted, carpeted and furnished for our first service there, on September 12.” (copied from the news letter ”Church Matters) By this time we had also hired an office manager in the person of Marjorie Zelent, who had already put in countless hours on a volunteer basis. We owe a debt of gratitude to the many volunteers who have given so generously of themselves, their time, talents and abilities, on an ongoing basis, to help make this dream become a reality. Above all, we offer a prayer of thanksgiving for God’s faithfulness to us. To God be all glory and praise!
September was a month of beginnings! On September 5 we were blessed to have Pastor Marvin Krebs begin his ministry as Pastor/Developer of Sherwood Park Lutheran Mission Church. September 12 was another day of celebration as we worshipped in our new home at Franklin’s Inn, feeling that we really were, as the choir sang, “Standing on Holy Ground.” September saw the beginning of Sunday School, Confirmation classes, a women’s weekly Bible study group, a youth group and two choirs which now often come together to form one big choir! Three Praise Bands had actually come together as early as July, to lead the congregational singing each Sunday, joining pianists, instrumentalists and organists in supporting our goal to make each worship service a blend of both contemporary and traditional forms of worship. A “50 Plus” group was started in October. Our congregation was well on its way!
January 16, 2005 – another milestone! Our congregation has a name! Over 40 names were submitted by congregational members. The names were short listed by the Steering Committee and five names were presented to the congregation for a vote. The name chosen by the congregation was Glory Lutheran Church. God has led us to this point, and our faith and hope are in the Almighty and ever-living God, Jesus Christ our Savior, and the Holy Spirit, our Comforter and Sustainer. We truly say, “To God be the Glory!” On April 10, 2005 a congregational meeting, chaired by Pastor Phil Hink, approved motions that constituted ourselves into a congregation, established a Constitution and By-laws, adopted the Purpose Statement and Guiding Principles, initiated the call process and set the budget for 2005. An incredible day that will be celebrated April 17 when we will begin signing the Charter. 2006 began with Pastor Tom Peterson commencing his ministry at Glory Lutheran Church. Installed January 21, Pastor Tom initiated the personal visitation of all congregation members. During May he was joined by his wife Karen as they finalized their move from Illinois.
A detailed record of our beginnings, Glory Lutheran Church - "The First Four Years," has been written by Neil Querengesser and is available in the Church Office.
A Steering Committee was established, made up of the following people: Linda Jones, Jack Karl, Rudy Kiel, Tim Kihn, Miles Leslie, Neil Querengesser, Emil Senft, Gaylene Sitler and Marjorie Zelent, with Miles Leslie accepting the position of chairperson. Committees were set up to plan the beginning of a new congregation – worship, fellowship, education and property. Initially, this new congregation would be called “Sherwood Park Lutheran Mission Church.” What an exciting time lay ahead, as God began to open doors to new opportunities of growing in faith and unity, and of serving our Lord in Sherwood Park. Our prayer was one of thanksgiving to God, and of seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit each step of the way.
In less than two weeks, on July 11, Sherwood Park Lutheran Mission Church held its first worship service, with over 160 worshippers in attendance at the learning center – Robin Hood School in Sherwood Park. It was truly a service of celebration, with Pastor Holger Madsen leading the service and bringing the message, and a Praise Band leading the singing. The service also included a children’s story, Holy Communion and a choir of about 30 singers, singing “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty.” Following the service, a pot-luck picnic was held at the home of Glenn and Edith Sitler, where there was an abundance of food, fun and fellowship!
For the rest of the summer, worship services were held at the Connelly-McKinnley funeral home and the Best Western Hotel. Pulpit supply for this interim period was done mainly by Pastors Holger Madsen and Mel Kornfeld. “Behind the scenes, the Property Committee was working feverishly to find a more permanent home that would meet our needs for worship, education and a variety of congregational programs. Within weeks of securing a space in the lower concourse of the Franklin’s Inn, our sanctuary and office space was gutted, re-wired, re-built, painted, carpeted and furnished for our first service there, on September 12.” (copied from the news letter ”Church Matters) By this time we had also hired an office manager in the person of Marjorie Zelent, who had already put in countless hours on a volunteer basis. We owe a debt of gratitude to the many volunteers who have given so generously of themselves, their time, talents and abilities, on an ongoing basis, to help make this dream become a reality. Above all, we offer a prayer of thanksgiving for God’s faithfulness to us. To God be all glory and praise!
September was a month of beginnings! On September 5 we were blessed to have Pastor Marvin Krebs begin his ministry as Pastor/Developer of Sherwood Park Lutheran Mission Church. September 12 was another day of celebration as we worshipped in our new home at Franklin’s Inn, feeling that we really were, as the choir sang, “Standing on Holy Ground.” September saw the beginning of Sunday School, Confirmation classes, a women’s weekly Bible study group, a youth group and two choirs which now often come together to form one big choir! Three Praise Bands had actually come together as early as July, to lead the congregational singing each Sunday, joining pianists, instrumentalists and organists in supporting our goal to make each worship service a blend of both contemporary and traditional forms of worship. A “50 Plus” group was started in October. Our congregation was well on its way!
January 16, 2005 – another milestone! Our congregation has a name! Over 40 names were submitted by congregational members. The names were short listed by the Steering Committee and five names were presented to the congregation for a vote. The name chosen by the congregation was Glory Lutheran Church. God has led us to this point, and our faith and hope are in the Almighty and ever-living God, Jesus Christ our Savior, and the Holy Spirit, our Comforter and Sustainer. We truly say, “To God be the Glory!” On April 10, 2005 a congregational meeting, chaired by Pastor Phil Hink, approved motions that constituted ourselves into a congregation, established a Constitution and By-laws, adopted the Purpose Statement and Guiding Principles, initiated the call process and set the budget for 2005. An incredible day that will be celebrated April 17 when we will begin signing the Charter. 2006 began with Pastor Tom Peterson commencing his ministry at Glory Lutheran Church. Installed January 21, Pastor Tom initiated the personal visitation of all congregation members. During May he was joined by his wife Karen as they finalized their move from Illinois.
A detailed record of our beginnings, Glory Lutheran Church - "The First Four Years," has been written by Neil Querengesser and is available in the Church Office.
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Glory Lutheran Church's logo was designed by artist Mike Lee.
The burst of yellow light represents the glory of God, God's glory descends to us through the life of Jesus as depicted by the dove. The brilliant colors of the dove's feathers also remind us of the flame of the Holy Spirit. The cross represents Jesus, the Son of God. "The Word became flesh and lived for a while among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14 |