We have this hope as the anchor of our soul…” (Hebrews 6:19) OUR VISION Our vision is to be a thriving church family that is so thoroughly—anchored in Christ, baptized into community, and called to compassion—that through the power of the Holy Spirit more and more people, from every generation become loving followers of Jesus Christ. Anchored in Christ—God’s love is seen most clearly through the cross of Jesus Christ. Anchored in Christ is about learning that crucified love deeply through regular worship, Bible study, and prayer. Baptized into Community—In God’s great mercy, He gathers followers into community for encouragement and growth. Baptized into Community is about fully participating in the life of the church family through inter-generational events and social activities. Called to Compassion—In response to God’s crucified and resurrected love, we live as people of gratitude, innovation, hospitality, witness, and service. Called to Compassion is about using our God-given resources to impact the world in Jesus’ name.    Gloria Dei - "Glory to God!" Gloria Dei Lutheran Church is a Christian church and part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.  This approximately 5 million member church body is part of the larger Lutheran family - The Lutheran World Federation (70 million people.). For more information on what we believe, visit the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's website at elca.org.

HISTORY In 1965 Pastor Donald Bankson was called by the American Lutheran Church to begin a new church and on September 19, 1965, the first service was held at Serra School in Capistrano Beach with a total of fifty people in attendance. After moving worship services to Richard Henry Dana Elementary School, they broke ground on the current site on December 11, 1966, with dedication services of the first unit on December 11, 1966. The total cost of the first building and land was under $200,000. The church continued to grow and change through the years and in 1975, Pastor John Knudson was called to serve as Pastor. The church continued to change and add staff and in 1984, the second unit (the fellowship hall) was built. The Gloria Dei Preschool began as a ministry of the church in 1986. On June 23, 2000, Pastor David R. Mattson was installed as Pastor. The congregation has continued to grow (setting records in worship attendance each year 2000-2004). The sanctuary was renovated and expanded. The preschool is full with a waiting-list. “O God our help in ages past…” We thank God for His faithfulness towards Gloria Dei, empowering this ministry, and granting us a wonderful heritage. OUR PRESENT Today, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church is a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (E.L.C.A.). With over 310 people in Sunday worship, with a full preschool, and a growing youth ministry, the staff now includes the following full-time people: Senior Pastor David Mattson, Associate Pastor Sabrina Vasta, Betsy Dubow —Administrative Assistant, Shelli Parajeckas — Preschool Director. The staff also includes many part-time people: Steve Sivcovich — Organist and Choir Director, Preschool Teachers, Dave Sleighter — Youth Director, and other musicians. Gloria Dei also supports Dr. Jim and Carolyn Brown (Medical doctors/missionaries) in Cameroon, Africa. OUR FUTURE Gloria Dei continues to grow in many ways (worship attendance, programs, ministries). We have just expanded our parking lot to accommodate some of that growth. We have plans to build a new sanctuary. We are adding Bible studies each year. Youth groups continue to expand and welcome more and more kids into their program. We are working hard at becoming a life-changing church through our missionaries, caring ministries, and service. We will continue to “run with our strengths” and emphasize the need for all God’s people—every generation—to work and worship together. We will continue to seek God’s guidance that more and more people would come to know in a personal way, the love of Jesus Christ.