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Light the Way: Giving at Glen Mar

Ministry Corner, News Alert

14 “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
— Matthew 5:14-16 

If you’re reading this, we are likely in the midst of our Mission Possible: Light the Way stewardship campaign. God has worked through Glen Mar to change lives in many ways. If you wonder if your giving makes a difference, it truly does.

  • Your giving literally keeps the lights on! – for our youth group on Sunday evenings, for special events like the 30-hour famine, and for meetings, concerts, and events that serve the community.  Your support creates a welcoming, well-lit space where our young people and others can gather, grow in faith, and build lasting friendships.
  • Our online livestream services reach more than 200 “devices”/week and our statistics show viewers from more than 36 states and folks as far away as Vancouver, The Netherlands, Germany, and Nigeria! We’re in the process of a technology upgrade for this ministry, which has already impacted so many.
  • Glen Mar ministers to children and youth and their families in numerous ways. Children’s Ministry alone serves about 75 families with an average weekly attendance of about 50 children. That’s 50 +/- children weekly, 40 in weekly youth group, 19 in this year’s confirmation class, 130 children in Vacation Bible School (VBS), and 60 VBS volunteers.
  • When so many federal workers found themselves unexpectedly without a job, so many Glen Martians stepped up to help. We held a breakfast workshop for people to gather and share feelings and concerns, hosted a resume workshop, took out an ad of support and encouragement in the Baltimore Sun. Glen Mar is also maintaining a Federal Resources website page, vetting and updating it regularly.
  • Glen Mar’s musical offerings in worship are a tremendous blessing, plus the Music Ministry team sponsors four free and fabulous summer concerts for the community.
  • 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, participate in Jewels for Hope, and become a vital part of the wonderful Journey to Bethlehem
  • More than 68 volunteers participated in mission trips – domestic and abroad – and they continue to be life-changing.

There are so many ways that we help to light the way and have positive impact in our church, our community, and the world.

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 God’s love through worship, VBS, a grief group, a youth retreat, a habitat build, Journey to Bethlehem or our Day of Service?

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.

What can I do?

If you already pledge, would you prayerfully consider a “step up?” The chart below shows percentages of giving for a number of different salary ranges. Some folks take an additional step toward tithing, or beyond. It’s a helpful chart that can help you plan.

If you don’t already pledge, might you prayerfully consider filling out a commitment card this year to help us better plan? Rest assured, we understand that  circumstances can change, and if for any reason you need to make adjustments, just let us know.

And for all, if you haven’t already, consider automation. If you include it in your regular automated monthly payments, you “set it and forget it.”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 8th, 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****@***********ch.org or contact Bob Henry at the church office.

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