Dear friends,

Just a word of appreciation for the folks with whom I am blessed to connect through study. This week, after a week off due to weather, our Disciple classes gathered, and I was wowed by the risky sharing, the profound insights, and the deep desire to live as faithful disciples of Jesus. What a blessing! Disciple II classes – you rock! I also know that many of you have this same kind of experience regularly in your small groups. The Holy Spirit just keeps showing up to guide and bless.

A very special thing is happening at Glen Mar on Sunday, February 22 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. We will be sharing an Iftar Dinner with friends from MARTI, (Maryland Turkish American Inhabitants). An Iftar meal is the fast-breaking meal for Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan. We shared such a meal last year and had a wonderful occasion of fellowship and learning, seeing old friends and making new ones.

We are capping the event at 100 people so it’s manageable, 50 from each community, so you need to sign up so that we know you’re coming. Since the idea is to become acquainted with someone different from you, we will be sure to mix the tables so that you have new friends to meet and engage with. Child care will be provided in the Spirit Center (like we do at the 11:00 am service) so people of all ages are invited. Food will be provided by MARTI, and there will be an opportunity for GM folks to share in the cost as you are able.

If this is a stretch for you, I invite you to stretch along with others in the Glen Mar community. MARTI folks are exceptionally warm and welcoming, and value hospitality and dialogue very highly. Our world and local community today can benefit greatly from people getting to know and value one another. You are invited to be a part of this community building opportunity.

Date: Sunday, Feb. 22
Time: 5:30-7:30 pm
Place: Spirit Center
Seats available: 50 from Glen Mar and 50 from MARTI

Please sign up here.

I’m looking forward to seeing some of you for this special evening!
Pastor Gayle