By Pastor Chris Dembeck

Hey Glen Mar,

It is difficult for me to believe, but our first year together is officially in the books, and what a story it has been! My family and I are so grateful to be in ministry with you, praising God, growing disciples, and serving the world at Glen Mar Church.

Thinking back to the phone call from District Superintendent Jim Miller telling me that the Bishop was appointing me to Glen Mar, I can clearly see how God has been at work throughout this past year. God has led us to where we are today and given us a vision for where we are going. It’s exciting to be part of this story.

But this first year in ministry together wasn’t just about the big things. It was about the everyday moments of life. Through this time, we have gotten to know each other better, building relationships with one another. At times we have laughed, at other times we have cried, but through it all I think we have tried to live out our mission while having fun together. Somewhere along the way, Glen Mar stopped feeling like the church I serve and became the church my family and I call home.

I cannot tell you how many times I sit in one of our worship services and am amazed at the musical and liturgical gifts God has given you. Sometimes, when listening to the choir, special music, or even just the piano or organ, I think to myself, “Wow.” God is truly glorified through the worship at Glen Mar. I can’t wait to see what God continues to do through our worship in the year ahead.

I am also excited about how our youth are getting involved in leadership at Glen Mar. Going on the mission trip with Carolina Rebuilding Ministry showed me that there are some amazing young people at Glen Mar who are becoming emerging leaders. Some of them recently helped establish a youth council and are looking for more ways to become active in their discipleship at Glen Mar. This is what discipleship is about: helping others recognize their calling and empowering them to grow into it while serving others. I can’t wait to see how God uses them to lead us in the coming year.

Finally, our missions. Wow! What can I say? Glen Mar is not only a church that worships and grows, but out of both comes service. I saw that firsthand on our mission trip with Carolina Rebuilding Ministry and again during our Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, but I also see it month after month as I hear stories about our members serving at Manna House, Habitat for Humanity, and Sleep in Heavenly Peace, to name just a few. Just as the human body is designed to move, so the Body of Christ is empowered to serve, and I am thankful to say that Glen Mar is doing just that.

So while we are certainly living into our mission, we have not fulfilled that mission, nor will we until Christ makes all things new. In the meantime, we press on, casting off everything that would hinder us from running the race well and keeping our eyes focused on Christ Jesus.

As we look toward our second year together, I believe God is inviting us to deepen our discipleship, strengthen our connections with one another, and reach new people with the hope of Jesus Christ. Through the rise-TOGETHER AS ONE Campaign, we are investing in that future, creating space for new generations, paying down debt, and preparing Glen Mar for the ministry God is calling us to in the years ahead. Ultimately, the vision is about reaching people for Jesus Christ. It’s about living out our mission and vision, and sharing with others the good thing we have found at Glen Mar.

It has been a phenomenal first year for me. Thank you for all the ways you have encouraged, blessed, and strengthened me. Thank you for welcoming my family so graciously. Here’s to whatever God has in store for us next and to as many more years together as God would give us.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Chris