About Gloria de Cristo
About Us
Gloria de Cristo Lutheran Church…A community church in the Foothills of Yuma!
Guided by the Holy Spirit, we will strengthen one another through Word and Sacrament, witness learning and service. We will share our gifts and talents to reach out and provide hope to all people. SEARCHING? Most people are searching for something! At Gloria de Cristo Lutheran Church ELCA, you will find a community of care with Christ at the center.
Our Mission Statement
“Walking with Jesus to bring new life and hope to every person!”
History
Gloria de Cristo Lutheran Church began with a small group of people who gathered in the Foothills of Yuma as a winter visitor ministry and met seasonally for some years.
In July of 1993, the Foothills Lutheran Mission became a year-round ministry.
In January of 1995, the congregation was organized and became known as Gloria de Cristo Lutheran Church, meeting at that time at Otondo Elementary School.
In 1998, construction began for a new worship, education, and fellowship facility.
Groundbreaking took place on February 27, 1999, and the new structure was dedicated on January 16th, 2000.
On January 5th, 2009, the congregation celebrated the Mortgage Burning.
On November 16th, 2014, an expansion of the Fellowship Hall was dedicated.
Gloria de Cristo exists to glorify God and make disciples!
The Story of the Tower Bell
The bell above the Narthex was given to GDC by the Mel Davis family. Originally the bell was used to call people to eat while working on a steam threshing machine moving across the northern portion of North Dakota in the early 1900’s. Later it was placed on the roof of the Davis homestead near Ambrose, ND. The bell came into Mel’s possession in the early 1950’s and was at their residence until being placed in the tower at GDC.
Our Values
Authentic Community
Our congregation participates in many different care ministries and outreach programs: monthly food donations, Christmas gifts for foster children, ELCA Good Gifts, GriefShare, Stephen Ministry, and Quilters to name a few.
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” Matthew 25:35-36
Compassionate Generosity
- Significant support for mission congregations.
- Mission/Service Projects
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7
Engaging Worship
- An organized and easy to follow bulletin.
- Scripturally based teaching with theologically sound, God-centered music.
- Open communion.
- Congregation involved in proclamation.
“For where two or three gather in my name, there I am with them.” Matthew 18:20
Genuine Welcome
- People standing outside welcoming both new people and members.
- Fellowship following Sunday worship services…people getting to know people!
- Getting people involved in the worship process…personal contacts!
“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” Romans 15:7
Inspired Teaching
- Teaching directly from the lectionary scripture.
- True to the text.
- Creative use of humor to introduce the text.
- Relating personal examples of the text to life.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Leadership
Church Council
Pastor William Timm
