Dear Glen Mar friends,

On Sunday, our SPRC chair shared that Pastor Chris Dembeck, currently of Halethorpe-Relay UMC, will be following me as your new Lead Pastor, starting July 1. I have had the pleasure of working with Chris on the Board of Ordained ministry, and can testify that he is someone who truly loves God and God’s people. I’ve found him to be genuinely humble, and a clear-eyed leader, who believes in the love and welcome God has for all. I think he is an excellent choice for the next Lead Pastor of Glen Mar Church. I’m very grateful to our outstanding SPRC who has represented our church well in the process, and grateful to our DS Jim Miller and to our Cabinet and our Bishop for their faithful discernment and care.

Chris will be joining me to celebrate Holy Communion during Sunday worship on June 1, so you’ll have the chance to worship with us both before I transition to North Carolina. My last Sunday in the pulpit will be June 8, and I’m proud to say that my last sermon as your Lead Pastor will be for our Confirmation that afternoon. I’m also glad to share that Pastor Gayle will be staying on as our Pastor for Congregational Care. Truly, I see God’s hand of provision in all of these developments!

I know many are eager to reach out to Chris to share our excitement, but please don’t do that yet. He needs to finish well at his church, and we need to honor his July 1 start date. The best thing you can do for Chris, Laura and their kids is to pray for them, and get ready to welcome them in July.

See you in Church, where we will share Holy Communion together as part of “Meeting Jesus at the Table.”

Pastor Mandy