Dear Gloria Dei Congregation,
We are writing to share an important update regarding Gloria Dei Preschool. After prayerful discernment and careful consideration, the Congregational Council has unanimously voted to close the operation of Gloria Dei Preschool. The last day of preschool programming for students will be April 3, 2026, with teachers and staff remaining through April 10, 2026, to support closure responsibilities and transition planning.
We know this news will be difficult for many in our congregation. Gloria Dei Preschool has been part of the life of this church for many years, and its impact on children, families, and staff has been significant. This decision was not made abruptly, nor was it made lightly.
For clarity, we want to share context. A program is considered a ministry of a congregation when it is mission-driven, accountable to council leadership, pastorally overseen, financially integrated, and fully subject to congregational authority and risk management. Over time, the preschool has operated with a significant degree of independence that extended beyond these bounds. At the same time, it has never existed as a separate legal entity. As such, the church bears responsibility for its governance, administration, and theological alignment. Church leadership recognized this tension and had been working on a plan to bring the preschool back into alignment with the mission and governance of Gloria Dei. Given the recent sequence of events, however, the Council has concluded that continuing preschool operations is no longer feasible.
While this was a difficult decision, ultimately we believe it is an act of faithful boundary-setting. Scripture and Lutheran theology remind us that institutions exist to serve the Gospel, not the other way around. Gloria Dei remains committed to children, families, and education, but must do so in ways that align with its capacity, calling, and responsibility as the Body of Christ.
We must also address matters of safety. In recent weeks, clergy and staff have received threats related to this situation. These incidents have been reported to the local police department, and at the recommendation of the Olympia Police Department and the Office of the Synod Bishop, specific safety protocols are now in place. Access to the main portions of the church building will be restricted to members and authorized individuals effective immediately. These measures are necessary to safeguard congregational life and ministry.
At the same time, we recognize the deep care many families and staff have for the preschool community. In response, Gloria Dei is offering a defined transition period through early April. If families wish to pursue the creation of an independent preschool under a new legal entity and in a new location, the church is willing to work in good faith with a small, parent-appointed transition team on transition-related logistics. Any future preschool would be fully independent of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.
We recognize that this timeline is short. It reflects a careful balance between offering families time to organize next steps and responsibly managing the administrative, legal, and safety obligations entrusted to the congregation. While we wish more time were possible, extending operations beyond this period would place risks on the congregation that we are not able to carry.
As members of Gloria Dei, we ask for your prayers, your steadiness, and your care for one another during this time. We ask that all communication remain respectful and non-threatening, so that this transition can be managed safely and thoughtfully for everyone involved.
We are grateful for your trust as the Council carries out its responsibility to steward the mission, ministry, and well-being of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.
With care,
The Gloria Dei Congregational Council
and Personnel Committee
Council@gloriadeiolympia.org
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