Dear Glen Mar friends,

I wanted to share first of the passing of one of Glen Mar’s saints, Rev. George Goodwin. Saints were known as “little lights” in the early church, and George’s light was powerful indeed. I know heaven is brighter with him there. As I type this, I’m on a break from the BWC’s Annual Conference, and with every vote and every hymn, I’m thinking of George, a proud member of the Susquehanna Conference. The family will receive visitors on Friday, May 16, from 7-9 pm at Harry H. Witzke’s Funeral Home, and we will have a Memorial Service for George at Glen Mar this Saturday at 11 am. Please come to celebrate this season of resurrection and to give thanks for the gift of George’s life.

I’m glad to offer the following as a “guest” pondering from our Stewardship Team Chairs, Mark Kohler and John Fritz—it’s also in our latest newsletter, The Messenger:

Glen Mar is known as a church that makes a difference. Our ministries and missions provide pathways for worship, discipleship, and service impacting our members and the wider community. God calls each of us to shine the light of Christ, and to light the way for others, through our financial giving. Glen Mar could not do any mission or ministry at all without the financial giving of faithful people like you!

We are in the midst of our annual Mission and Ministry (“Operating”) Fund Stewardship Campaign to support these vital efforts. Each year, we ask everyone to give their best financial gift to support our mission and ministries here at Glen Mar church. This fund covers everything except our mortgage payments. So, whether it’s worship and music, or service and outreach, Pastor Mandy’s salary or the electric and air bill, all those funds come from this campaign—from folks like you who give to our Mission and Ministry (Operating) fund.

This campaign is especially significant as we celebrate Pastor Mandy’s ministry with us. Commitment Sunday, June 8th, will be Lead Pastor Mandy Sayers’ last worship service at Glen Mar and we await the arrival of the new Lead Pastor, Chris Dembeck on July 1. A strong expression of financial support honor’s Mandy’s ministry and sets Pastor Chris up for success as he takes on this new leadership role.

We are so grateful for all who give so faithfully. If you can grow in your giving toward tithing, or even just up a percent or two, it would help fill in the gaps for those who cannot, and would be particularly helpful in this season of transition. If you don’t give regularly yet, it’s a great time to start. If you have an idea of how much you intend to give, please let us know by filling out an estimate of giving (pledge) card or form. Every gift is appreciated, but knowing helps us plan. It’s not a legal contract, and if you need to change it, it’s easy to do so. Perhaps God might be nudging you to make giving easier through EFT or other automatic payment means. There’s even a QR code in the bulletin and a way to give via text!

In whatever way, and in whatever amount you give, we are so grateful. As we each consider if, what, and how to give, let our generosity strengthen our community during this time of transition and enable Glen Mar to continue its important work. Together, we can “Light the Way” into God’s future here at Glen Mar Church. And thanks to you, that future is bright. Questions? Contact us, or call the church office.

John Fritz & Mark Kohler

Co-chairs, Stewardship Committee

PS Last year, our focus was on the building—or capital—fund, and paying down our mortgages of about $300k and $3M. Many of you have made and are contributing to, 3-year pledges to our Capital Fund. By the end of this year, the smaller loan will be paid off, and the larger one will be significantly reduced, allowing more of our resources to support our outreach. This year, we turn our attention to the General—or operating—fund, which sustains the ministries that allow Glen Mar to serve the community.

Mandy

Pastor Mandy Sayers