Gloria Dei brings the world into its church, and its church into the world with unusual features such as extensive gardens on the grounds, with not only ornamental beds but also vegetables and wildflowers. The church also operates a kiosk inside that sells coffee products to support the growers of the Mt. Meru region in Tanzania. It also has an extensive and uniquely designed library that is like stepping inside a classic sailing ship. Gloria Dei is an Evangelical Lutheran Church America congregation.