Please enjoy this fourth and final installment of our rise – TOGETHER AS ONE blog series. As you read the stories of fellow Glen Mar members, we hope you’ll keep our two-year stewardship campaign mission in your hearts. The stories shared in this series are a reflection of the collective spirit of Glen Mar — striving to praise God, grow disciples, and serve the world together.
THE POWER OF SERVICE
Van Beall’s story is a testament to how giving of yourself transforms not just the community, but one’s own life. In 2002, after experiencing a profound spiritual awakening, Van shifted his entire focus from “getting more” to “seeking to help others.” [If you missed the June 7th service, you can watch a replay of the service on YouTube.]
When Glen Mar member Betsy Bucks asked for volunteers for community service work at Monroe Street United Methodist Church that July, Van didn’t just show up once — he committed to serving consistently, week after week. After Monroe closed, he continued serving in downtown Baltimore by becoming part of the growth and ministry of the Ames Shalom Community in Baltimore’s Sandtown where he dedicates 150 days every year to the church and community.
What Van discovered at Glen Mar was a church that empowers people to serve according to their gifts. Rather than saying “here’s a good idea, church staff – go do this,” Glen Mar blessed his vision and gave him the flexibility to create ministries that matched his skills and passion. This led him to begin the gift card program in 2007, which has generated more than $350,000 for the church – not through large donations, but through creative stewardship and countless hours of Van’s (and now many other volunteers’) time and talent.
Van’s 24-year journey of service has taught him that true stewardship isn’t just about money – it’s about showing up, using your gifts, and allowing God to work through you. As he reflects on his commitment to “prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness,” he recognizes that the greatest return on investment comes not from what we accumulate, but from what we give away. His service at Glen Mar opened doors he never imagined, from Monroe Street to the Resurrection Sandtown community development project, proving that when you offer yourself fully, God prepares you for bigger things than you ever could have planned on your own.
“…the greatest return on investment comes not from what we accumulate, but from what we give away.”
In addition to building his commitment to service, Van knew all those years ago that he wanted to tithe – and that it would take some time and planning.
B”I made a commitment to tithing. It took seven and a half years to get there. But it was a commitment, so I started with whatever small amount I could, and every time I could add $25 a month, I’d do that until I got up to tithing. Once that happened, I made that my new baseline. So, 10% was the foundation.” — Van Beall, pictured with his wife Willa Brooks
FINDING A CHURCH FAMILY DURING A PANDEMIC
After moving from Missouri to Maryland in 2021 for residency training – during the pandemic and knowing no one – Jeff Adams was looking for a place to be able to share his musical gifts. After watching Glen Mar on line, and then reaching out to Music Director Sophie Hong, who enthusiastically invited him to participate, he jumped at the chance to join Sanctuary Choir and Covenant Ringers. And the rest is history.
“Glen Mar became my family during the isolating times of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a resident around sick patients, my social interactions were minimal, restricted to work and home. Once in-person services resumed, I was welcomed immediately. Even now, post-COVID, members invite me into their homes for holidays. I am blessed to have found this faith community with its incredible music ministry and numerous community opportunities, allowing us to give back in meaningful ways. I knew, even watching online, that there was something special happening at Glen Mar, and I am blessed to be a part of it.” —Jeff Adams, pictured singing in choir
BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER
Dale and Diane Worley and their family have been attending Glen Mar for more than 25 years. Familiar faces and an active youth program may have been what initially attracted them to Glen Mar Church all those years ago, but it has been the community of people they’ve gotten to know through the years that has encouraged them to continue to call Glen Mar home.
“The people are friendly and caring. Glen Mar is an active community where you can be as involved as you choose to be. Even though people have differing views outside of the church, Glen Mar strives to bring people together and put God first,” Dale shared.
Dale and Diane choose to support Glen Mar in hopes that it will continue to strengthen youth and ministry outreach. He also recognizes that the building itself is equally important to maintaining a healthy and bright future for our congregation.
“We choose to give to Glen Mar to help fund the activities of the church and continue the work the church does. The grounds and facility do not operate for free. We feel that the work Glen Mar does is worthy of our support.
Looking forward, I would hope for a strengthened youth program to bring new life into Glen Mar. I would also hope for a focus on getting the younger families more involved with the various ministries at Glen Mar. There is so much to choose from, and you will get back more than you put into any ministry at Glen Mar.” — Dale Worley, pictured with his wife Diane
As we conclude this rise – TOGETHER AS ONE blog series, we hope that you have enjoyed hearing the testimonies of others and have seen some similarities in your own experiences here at Glen Mar Church. As you reflect on these voices, we invite you to consider your own journey – how is God calling you to serve, to give, and to be part of what comes next at Glen Mar?
If you’ve already committed to rise we thank you! If it is still on your heart and mind to participate, we want to let you know that it is not too late to join this mission. Your continued prayers, presence, and participation, along with your gifts and support are so very much appreciated.
