What would it be like to welcome a “full house” to worship every week, as more people came to know Jesus through Glen Mar’s online and in-person worship ministries? What would it look like to expand mission trips and service opportunities such that every Glen Martian was intentionally blessing their communities in service – in schools and hospitals, in their homes and in their streets?
If you’re reading this, we are likely in the midst of our Mission Possible: Room to Grow stewardship campaign. God has worked through Glen Mar to change lives in many ways. Here are just a few (of many) examples:
- We reached about 200 “devices”/week with our livestream services (which means about 350 people), from states across the country and overseas as well.
- Our Youth Ministry is thriving and growing, including Middle and High School retreats, and about 50 youth per week attending our Sunday Night Youth Group.
- VBS last summer had 134 children attend. Trunk or Treat and the Easter Eggstravaganza, were larger than last year, including 17 first-time visitors.
- Glen Mar offers four free and fabulous summer concerts sponsored by our Music Ministry.
- We have a new Spirituality in Aging small group, a Journey through Grief Group, new Stephen Ministers, a Disciple Bible Study class, and an expanded flower delivery team.
- Each year hundreds of hands helping to chip in for our MLK Day of Service, prepare meals for our Day Resource Center, volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and Ames Memorial UMC projects, and participate in the wonderful Journey to Bethlehem
- More than 60 volunteers participated in our summer mission trip and we have multiple mission trips planned this, and next, year.
There are so many ways we are having a positive impact in our church, our community, and the world. When we’ve asked individuals and families who are a part of the Glen Mar community what Glen Mar means to them and why “giving” is so important, it all comes down to gratitude.
“When I think about gratitude, I think about Glen Mar Church,” shared Glen Martian Dawn Schanne. “Gratitude at Glen Mar looks like being welcomed by many with the spirit of Christ and then being asked to be on the mission board. It’s supporting our youth to build beds for Sleep in Heavenly Peace, and receiving more than we ever dreamed of. It is being welcomed by someone in this congregation who gave a check to build a bed for one of our children in Steps of Hope in Santa Maria De Jesus, Guatemala. That’s selfless giving. It’s my Thursday night bible study. It’s [putting] yourself last and others first…”
What would it feel like for every school kid to know that our Church loves them and cares about their family? What if everyone within view of our cross experienced just one touch from Jesus through worship, VBS, a grief group, a youth retreat, a habitat build, Journey to Bethlehem or a pop-up health fair?
During this giving campaign, we are being given the opportunity to GROW: grow in our faith, grow in love for God and for all our neighbors, and to grow our impact on our community and beyond. We know we are “blessed to be a blessing.” Now is the time when God calls us to grow in our generosity and our discipleship, so that we can “grow up” into maturity, “grow out,” in love and hope for more people, and “grow deeper” in our community impact in Christ’s name.
What should I give?
One of the guides for your decision is to know that the average giving in most mainline churches is approximately 3% of annual income with the goal of tithing (10%) and beyond.
Find where YOU are on the chart.
Find where you are on the journey to tithing (10%) or beyond and pray for the next faithful step toward a goal that reflects your gratitude to God for church and the ability to gather with others to be nurtured and to nurture others in following Jesus Christ for the transformation of our neighborhoods, workplaces, and communities whether near or far away.
What would it mean for you to step up and partner with others so God’s work at Glen Mar is substantial?
Join us on Celebration Sunday, June 9th, where we will intentionally pledge our gifts to Glen Mar Church for the coming months. Questions? Concerns? Need assistance? We’re here to help. Email gi****@gl***********.org or contact Bob Henry at the church office.
