It has been a joy to hear all of the amazing stories of community, ministry, and belonging here at Glen Mar. While some members (and frequent visitors) have chosen to share their testimonials here in writing, we often hear about the good work happening through the people of Glen Mar Church during small groups or in the Gathering Place after worship. We also see their spiritual impact in action during acts of service.
As we move into another week of our rise – TOGETHER AS ONE journey, we continue to celebrate the incredible faith and generosity driving our mission through June 2028. This two-year stewardship campaign, rooted in the promise of a famous prayer by the Apostle Paul where he asks God to strengthen believers internally, help them grasp the boundless, transcendent nature of Christ’s love, and fill them with the ultimate presence and fullness of God, is all about the collective spirit of Glen Mar as we praise God, grow disciples, and serve the world together. Hear from three more folks that you’ve probably seen around the Gathering Place.
COMING HOME
Joanne Alme married into a Glen Mar family when she chose David Lunt to be her partner. David had grown up at Glen Mar where his father Andy Lunt was the lead pastor for many years. By default, Glen Mar became Joanne’s church, too. David and Joanne moved away from Maryland for a few years and started their family.
When they returned to Maryland they wanted to find a church and community in which they belonged, not to just attend a church by default anymore. The surprise for them was discovering that it was Glen Mar all along.
“We were trying to truly understand where we fit and where we felt like we could be a part of a community to call our own. Church after church… a lot of polite smiles and handshakes and driving away with a half-hearted ‘this is a nice church’ conversation on the tip of our lips. But we never felt fully invested, and more importantly, we never felt fully comfortable.
Then, one Sunday, we found ourselves back at Glen Mar. It just fit. Like a well-worn pair of shoes that we didn’t realize we missed.
Glen Mar has given us steady guidance, a true sense of community, an unwavering spirit of belonging, and a place where our kids have grown up surrounded by people who know them, support them, and love them. The fact that they want to keep coming back week after week says everything. We feel a deep sense of love and compassion here. Glen Mar meets you where you are and stays with you while you grow, live, and learn. It’s a place you can come any day – not just Sunday – and find what you need. You can laugh, cry, and trust someone will walk alongside you. To us, that is a glimpse of the hand of God holding us up. He works through all of us for all of us.
Being part of Glen Mar inspires us to give back. Give of our time and resources in meaningful, joyful ways. From Sunday school to picnics, cantatas to missions, bible study to community outreach, Glen Mar is there to help us grow, connect, and worship through the teachings of Jesus Christ. For our family, it is home. By the grace of God’s good hand, we have found ourselves in the light of this amazing community. It is, hands down, our best investment.” —Joanne Alme, pictured with her husband David Lunt and their children.
DELIGHT IN SERVING
Leslie Franson has been a devoted member of Glen Mar church for almost 40 years! During that time she has seen many exciting changes and periods of growth. From the inception of the handbell choir and the introduction of lay readers during worship, to participating in Bible studies and virtually streaming services from home, Leslie has relished every opportunity to grow her relationship with God. And, while it might have been the active children’s ministries that originally brought Leslie to Glen Mar in 1989 — Sunday school, children’s choir, Boy Scouts, Vacation Bible School — it has been the community, ministries, and opportunities to be closer to God that has made her eager to stay.
“One of the amazing things about Glen Mar UMC is that we have a large congregation made up of people of all ages who delight in serving in one or more of the many ministries ongoing here.” — Leslie Franson, pictured with Laura Dembeck
FEELING WELCOMED
Julia is active in multiple areas of church life, including the Youth Bell Choir, Day of Service, and the broader youth ministry. She’s especially excited about an upcoming mission trip to North Carolina for rebuilding efforts — her first mission trip experience.
“I just started coming to Glen Mar and already I feel I’ve been going here my whole life. People have already welcomed me; it’s so easy to get connected to different activities and service — places where I can help.” — Julia Green, pictured with longtime friend Charlotte Sogn
These testaments are a reminder that God is always present in our lives. As you reflect on these voices, we invite you to consider your own journey—how is God calling you to serve, to give, and to be part of what comes next at Glen Mar?
