1 The Messenger N O V / D E C / J A N 2 0 2 1

Nov, Dec, 2020, Jan 2021

What’s In This Issue:

DEAR GLEN MAR Message from Pastor Mandy . . . . . . . . 1 Mission Possible - It’s Not Too Late! . . . 2

WORSHIP - NEW NORMAL Message from Pastor Melaina . . . . . . . 3 Advent Bible Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Advent Season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

HAPPENINGS Journey to Bethlehem . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Challenge Accepted . . . . . . . . . . . . 6- 7 Local Mission News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Mission Opportunities . . . . . . . . . . . 9-11

COMMUNITY LIFE Children & Youth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Congregational Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

MAKING IT HAPPEN Meet Our New ELC Director . . . . . . . 14 Staying Informed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

CONNECTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

One of my favorite Christmas movies

is How the Grinch Stole Christmas .

No offense to Jim Carrey, but I love the

original animated one with Boris Karl-

off singing, “You’re a Mean One, Mr .

Grinch .”

2020 feels like a pretty “grinchy”

year in many ways, and it might be

tempting to even think that this is the

year that the Grinch stole many things

from us… .in-person school, in-person

summer mission trips, a normal worship

experience, summer reunions and gath-

erings and even hugs and handshakes .

However, just like the Grinch

couldn’t keep Christmas from coming,

I hope that these months have also

shown that the truest parts of what it

means to be the church have continued

or even expanded . Our Mission Board

and teams have responded in amazing

ways to community needs, from masks

to food to flu shots . We’ve reached out

to schools, and families and supported

our community partners like Habitat for

Humanity and Bridges to Housing Sta-

bility . We’ve produced meaningful and

The Grinch Can’t Make a Dent in Glen Mar’s Ministries!

Dear Glen Mar Friends,

powerful online worship, reaching peo-

ple across the country and even a few

beyond our borders . We’ve continued

making disciples through Bible study,

small groups, worship and service .

Looking ahead, what would the

Grinch have to say about a “Journey to

Bethlehem” experience that shares the

true meaning of Christmas with folks

in their cars, at a time when so many

other “Christmas” events are canceled?

How about an Advent series focused

squarely on Jesus and who he is for us:

King and Lord and Messiah and Light

of the World? How about a Christmas

Eve service where we discover that

“Christmas came without wrappings

and without bows… .” And we all sang

“Silent Night”?

Please join us and invite your friends

and neighbors too for Advent and

Christmas seasons . Remember, your

“neighbor” can be anywhere to join us

this year! I suspect we will discover, once

again, that Christmas is not a What, but

a Who…and not Cindy Lou Who… . but

Jesus . And Jesus comes to us even and

especially in years like this one .

I’m so proud to be on the journey

with you and I’m so grateful for your

continued support . We are blessed to be

a blessing in this and every season .

See you in church,

Pastor Mandy

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according

to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus

throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Ephesians 3:20-21

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DEAR GLEN MAR

Want to learn more about Glen Mar and how to become a member?

Join us for . . . LUNCH WITH THE PASTORSThis informal gathering will provide more information about how to become more connected in the church . You will meet the pastors, be able to ask questions and learn the pathways to membership at Glen Mar Church .

RSVP with Kyara Kelley, kyara.kelley@glenmarumc.org, for details on the next meeting (most likely on Zoom) .

Commitment Sunday, the culmination of our Mission Pos-

sible Campaign, is Nov . 8 . If you haven’t already turned in an

estimate of giving for Mission and Ministries funding or for the

Capital Campaign, it’s not too late . (In fact, it’s never too late,

because Glen Mar is happy to accept new giving estimates at

any time .) Your giving estimate helps us responsibly plan the

church budget for ongoing ministries and new initiatives .

The benefit of having these estimates proved especially

important during this year of unexpected challenges . We are

enormously thankful that so many of you continued to give

at or above your previously pledged levels while we reset our

campaign periods to adapt to life during a pandemic . Your

commitment helped Glen Mar plan for and provide so many

valuable ministries during a time when our light could have

been “hidden under a bushel” instead of continuing to shine

on the hill .

Mission Possible - It’s Not Too Late! By Lisa Arbelaez, Stewardship Chairperson

Tradition Continues with Third-Grade Bible Distribution

Ten third-grade students received their very own

New Adventure Bible during Glen Mar’s Oudoor

Vespers Service on Oct . 3 . What a beautiful day,

full of sunshine, smiles and spreading the word

of the Lord .

Congratulations Kids!

Bibles are waiting for any third-grade student

who wasn’t able to participate on Oct. 3.

Contact Margaret.Lang@glenmarumc.org.

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The Pandemic That Tried to Steal Worship By Pastor Melaina Trice

WORSHIP

As we head into the season of Ad-vent and look towards Christmas, I am reminded of the familiar Dr . Seuss’ book, How the Grinch Stole Christmas! For many, this pandemic has felt like a lot has been taken from us . Despite the Grinch or pandemic’s best efforts, worship has not been stolen . Even when Glen Mar’s doors closed, worship did not stop be-cause the good news of God’s love for us will never stop . We may have had to redefine what it means to gather, but we continued to gather online, nonetheless .

We developed a lively livestream service that has shared the good news every Sunday at 10 a .m . from Maryland to around the country . People gathered in their living rooms, kitchens, dining rooms, porches/decks, and/or wherever they had access to the internet to watch our service . When the pandemic tried to steal playdates from children and fam-ilies, Glen Mar reminded us all that we can still have a playdate with Jesus that never has to end . We can worship and play together as a family with Jesus .

When Glen Mar was safely able to gather folks outside for in-person wor-ship, the parking lot became the venue

for our wonderful vespers service, Satur-day Night Live . The first vespers service was held Aug . 1 . Wearing masks, sitting

in lawn chairs and hearing the sounds of nature has been such a worshipful time . Those who chose to could stay in their vehicles and listen on FM radio (station 101 .5) . This prayerful and spirit-filled ser-vice is a time to gather before the sunsets and be in God’s presence . The Praise Band that plays at the vesper service is beyond amaz-ing . Vespers continues to touch families through this fall season outdoors .

Online registration is required for this 5 p .m . outdoor service . Masks and social distancing are required .

As the fall season transitions to winter, we will begin to gather in the Spirit Center at 5 p .m . on Saturdays starting on Nov . 7 instead of holding ser-vices in the parking lot . Masks and so-cial distancing will be required and the Praise Band will continue to perform at this service . Please register for this indoor vespers service at https://tinyurl.com/okay4Sat so we can ensure there’s room for everyone and everyone can be safe .

While the primary mode of worship is lives-treaming on Sundays at 10 a .m ., we have begun to gather in limited ca-pacity in the Spirit Center . Masks are required and people are asked to reg-ister https://tinyurl.com/

y411Sun by noon the Sat-urday prior to Sunday’s service . Arrive at 9:45

a .m . to be seated . Childcare is not provid-ed but children can attend . Safety is a top concern so wear masks . Although the

gathering is small and socially distanced in the Spirit Center, it has been wonderful to gather and worship together in per-son . To hear the sounds of clapping, see sparkling eyes, enjoy people swaying to music in seats and feel togetherness has been so meaningful .

The pandemic will not steal Advent nor Christmas . Planning for Advent and Christmas Eve are in full swing and cre-ativity will not be in short supply . This sermon series will look at the different names of Jesus: King, Savior, Emmanuel and Light of the World . See Alison Zu-zak’s article on page 4 in this Messenger about a churchwide Advent Bible study . More information can be found later on Glen Mar’s website, in Pastor’s Ponder-ings and/or email blasts .

Just as the Grinch learned that Christ-mas cannot be stolen, we have learned that worship cannot as well .

ONLINE SERVICES WILL CONTINUE ON SUNDAYS AT 10 a.m.Access the Online Service - https://glenmarumc.org/worship/live-stream/

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WORSHIP - Advent Season

Music in Celebration and Praise for the Advent Season By Fred Sadler

Glen Mar’s Music Ministry will enhance our celebration of

the Advent season in music and song by presenting a version of

the traditional Lessons and Carols Service of Praise, to welcome

the birth of our Savior . Multiple pre-recorded musical offerings

will be interspersed with live scripture readings, which reflect

the joy of the season as we move together from Advent into

Christmas .

The combined gifts of the spoken and proclaimed Word,

together with Glen Mar’s Music Ministry, will join together on

Sun ., Dec . 20 at 10 a .m ., with four anthems presented by the

combined choirs . In addition, our small ensembles, soloists and

instrumentalists will join with the choirs for an innovative, mu-

sical style of praise . Our church is richly blessed with musical

talent, and it will be on full display .

Genesis, Isaiah and the Gospels of Luke, Matthew and John

will be read live, and Pastor Mandy Sayers will give a live special

seasonal blessing . As the Apostle Paul wrote, the church should

“Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, rejoice .” (Philippi-

ans 4:4) .

A limited number of people can attend the service in-per-

son in socially distanced seating in the Spirit Center, but

they should register online no later than noon, Sat ., Dec . 19

at the link below as soon as the date is posted .

They should be in their seats and ready to worship by 9:45

a .m . Everyone is welcome to watch this Advent service online at

https://glenmarumc.org/live-stream/ .

Join Us This Advent to Rediscover the Significance of Christmas By Alison Zuzak

Beginning the week of Nov . 29 and continuing for the four

weeks of Advent, Glen Mar will begin a churchwide study on

the meaning behind the names of Christ and the difference He

makes in our lives . Using the book Incarnation: Rediscover-ing the Significance of Christmas by Adam Hamilton, we will

examine the names of Christ used by the gospel writers and

explore the historical and personal significance of his birth .

There are several ways that you can participate in this

churchwide study . Join us for the weekly sermons which will

discuss these topics . We will be forming new Bible Study

groups that will meet by Zoom on a weekly basis over the four-

week period to read the book Incarnation, watch the associat-

ed teaching videos and discuss the information . You are also

welcome to join along in your existing small groups or at home .

This Advent season let’s come together to remember what’s

important . In the face of uncertainty and conflict, let’s reclaim

the Christ child who brings us together, heals our hearts and

calls us to bring light into the darkness .

Look for more information about this Advent churchwide

study over the next few weeks . We hope you will join us!

Register for Advent Service - https://glenmarumc.org/worship/worship-service-limited-attendance/

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HAPPENINGS - Journey to Bethlehem

Journey to Bethlehem is Not a Remote Experience - It’s a Live, In-Person One By Connie Ballenger

This December, Glen Mar will re-en-

act the wondrous story of Jesus’ birth

for the 13th consecutive year . That’s no

small feat, especially during a pandemic .

To keep guests and volunteers safe from

the coronavirus, the event’s format has

undergone a dramatic overhaul .

Instead of walking outside from one

scene to the next with a guide, visitors

will ride in the safety of their own vehicles

throughout the entire experience . They

will roll down their windows to hear read-

ers and watch costumed actors perform

at each stop . Sound systems will ampli-

fy each reader’s voice in order to provide

safe distancing . People in several vehicles

will see and hear the production at each

scene simultaneously .

There will be stops at each of eight

scenes . Isaiah will foretell the coming of

Christ . Angels will sing glory to God .

Mary and Joseph will journey to Bethle-

hem . Wise men will follow a bright star,

bring gifts to the Holy Child and kneel be-

fore him as he lay in a manager .

For those feeling forlorn about the

state of today’s world, Journey to Beth-

lehem will serve as a reminder that God

offers love and peace on earth to all

through Jesus .

The event, previously known as Walk

to Bethlehem, has been

renamed Journey to Beth-

lehem this year due to the

major modifications . Just

as God gave his son to the

world to pay the price for

our sins, the church will

offer this experience free

to the community as it has

in past years .

Journey to Bethlehem

will be held 5 to 8 p .m . on

Dec . 4, 5, 6, 12, and 13 .

Also, on Dec . 12, there will

be a 12 – 3 p .m . matinee . Reservations

for all performances are required to alle-

viate congestion . Starting Nov . 1, reser-

vations can be made online for half-hour

slots at glenmarumc.org/journey .

Although the Simeon scene in the

temple and a bustling

first-century marketplace

have been crowd favorites

in past years, they along

with all other indoor activ-

ities will not be available in

2020 due to the coronavi-

rus .

Participants will start

Journey to Bethlehem in

the Early Learning Center

parking lot where they will

be welcomed and counted

in the census by disclos-

ing how many people are in their vehi-

cle . With parking lot attendants guiding

traffic, vehicles will then pass by the ELC

playground and enter the area where the

scenes are located (Glen Mar’s main and

lower parking lots) .

In addition to instituting a different

format, requiring RSVPs, holding a mat-

inee performance, expanding to two

weekends and changing the space where

scenes are located, visitors will encoun-

ter another new experience – receiving

marketplace goodie bags .

The event will still deliver the “same

heartfelt message” - the story of Jesus’

birth, notes Margaret Lang, Glen Mar’s

minister for children and families and

the leader of the Executive Committee

that plans this annual event . Margaret

says the experience could be even more

special this year because “people are

craving something that’s not on video or

Zoom .”

This annual event, usually held over

a three-night period, attracts hundreds

of visitors each year . More than 200 and

sometimes more than 300 volunteers

work on Walk to Bethlehem each year .

Margaret anticipates that the number

of volunteers needed this year will de-

crease mainly because the indoor activi-

ties will not be held .

Elizabeth and Mary scene at previous Walk to Bethlehem

At a previous Walk to Bethlehem, Mary ponders the future.

Continued on page 11

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Glen Mar Rose to the Challenge

Glen Mar raised $1,115 in this year’s Bridges to Housing

Stability Chili Challenge Virtual Edition held in September . Sev-

enteen congregations supported the event which raised money

through online meal purchases, donations in virtual jars and a

virtual auction . Glen Mar has participated in this event since it

started in 2011 .

Bridges to Housing Stability serves the homeless and

low-income households . Its mission is to provide a path to

self-sufficiency to prevent and end homelessness through af-

fordable housing solutions and advocacy in Howard County .

This year’s entire event raised $32,968!

Mask Team is a Well-Oiled Machine That Doesn’t Stop by Adrienne Taylor

COVID-19 has changed a lot about our lives right now . Some changes have brought to light the generosity and kind-ness of many people . The Glen Mar Mask Team is one example .

During the first months after the coronavirus hit, people jumped in and did whatever was necessary to make and deliver masks for healthcare workers and those who serve the vulner-able . Volunteers worked well beyond the time when providing masks was fun . The team cut, ironed, bagged and sewed . Peo-ple donated supplies and made pick-up and delivery runs .

As masks became readily available for purchase, we real-ized that there were many who would have to choose between buying masks and purchasing food, so the mask team contin-ued to make masks to give out at food pantries .

We sent masks to the Navajo Nation that was dispropor-tionately hit by COVID-19 and had little personal protective equipment . We donated masks to a cancer treatment ward in a low-income area in Florida . We gave masks to Habitat for Hu-manity so it could continue operating in the troubled neighbor-hoods . When we learned that people in Sandtown in Baltimore

didn’t have access to affordable fabric masks, we sent masks to Family Survivor Network and to Pastor Rodney Hudson of Ames Memorial United Methodist Church to distribute in the area . After 26 weeks of making masks, the team was able to give away 4,000 masks .

And the team is still working on masks to make sure ev-eryone has equal access to this simple safety tool . I am hum-bled and encouraged by the tireless giving of Glen Mar’s Mask Team .

Grassroots Thanks Glen MarAs a result of the Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center fund-

raiser Soup’r Sundae/Silent Auction being cancelled in March due

to the coronavirus, Glen Mar had over 150 baskets/gift cards avail-

able from the Silent Auction . Many of these items were donated

by Glen Mar congregants .

The team wanted to make sure Grassroots received the in-

tended proceeds from the sale of these items so some of the items

were sold through personal distribution networks . As a grand fina-

le, the Silent Auction items were offered to Glen Mar in Septem-

ber, and as a result, all but a few items were sold . Total proceeds

from this workaround Silent Auction was over $9,500! Once

again, Glen Mar showed its generosity .

A recent Grassroots newsletter stated, “With its usual fund-

raising options severely limited by social distancing, Grassroots re-

lies on community members’ generosity to pay for the increased

services it is providing to those without a home and those who are

feeling suicidal or experiencing mental health problems .”

Thank you, Glen Mar!

HAPPENINGS - Challenge Accepted

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We Kept our Community Safe and Healthy by Serving the World By Bruce Leuthold

Glen Mar Church partnered with How-

ard County General Hospital (HCGH) and

the Howard County Health Department

to host a free community COVID-19 test-

ing event on Aug . 22 in Glen Mar’s parking

lot . This partnership allowed 251 people

(adults and children) to be tested which will

lead to quick identification of cases, quick

treatment for those individuals and imme-

diate isolation to prevent the spread of this

disease . Throughout the event, we heard

many community members say “thank

you” for all our efforts and hard work . Be-

low are testimonies from five Glen Mar vol-

unteers and three HCGH workers .

“I’m so glad I can volunteer my time,

especially to the community during such a

stressful time . The group we worked with

from the county (hospital) was very orga-

nized and kind . It was great when people in

their cars would stop and thank everyone for

what we were doing . It was great to be back

at church today!” Gen S. “I played a role as Montgomery Road

greeter and waver . It was interesting and fun

and sometimes affirming to see people’s re-

actions . Quite a few folks expressed appreci-

ation for what we were doing .” Anonymous volunteer 1

“I felt tired and hot, but happy and con-

nected with my community . I saw God at

work through the dozens of cheerful hospital

workers putting themselves at risk in order to

help others . My God moment was

seeing a beautiful butterfly flitting

across the Glen Mar parking lot .

God is helping me feel motivated to

find other volunteer opportunities .”

C. S. “There are people of faith . I’m

super grateful to be part of a faith

community actively working to keep

people well and safe .” Anonymous volunteer 2

“It’s great to see the communi-

ty rallying around each other and helping so

much . Especially the folks that are doing this

day in and day out .” Anonymous volunteer 3

“As an employee at HCGH, it was an

honor to work with Glen Mar Church for

the Aug . 22 COVID-19 community testing .

I have worked with Glen Mar Church’s

event teams in the past for their MLK Day

of Service . Even in difficult times, we con-

tinue to serve those in the greatest need

through providing access to services that

play a meaningful role in keeping our com-

munity safe and healthy . For these types of

drive-thru events it takes many collective

hands and dedicated individuals to achieve

success . Our HCGH team worked so seam-

lessly with the Glen Mar Church team! It is

very rewarding to serve our Howard Coun-

ty community in this way . Many words of

gratitude were shared by all I encountered

that day!” Tara B., Health Promotion Pro-gram manager, HCGH.

“All of the church volunteers were so

nice and ready to help . It was such a plea-

sure working with them . The weather was

perfect and the company even better . I

am glad we got a chance to work togeth-

er!” Clara R. “Working with everyone to keep our

community healthy and safe was a won-

derful experience and made me feel like

I was giving back to the community I live

in .” Michelle B.

HAPPENINGS - Challenge Accepted

Jewels for Hope is Delayed until Next Year

The 5th Annual Jewels for Hope jewelry and scarf sale, originally scheduled for Novem-ber 2020, will be rescheduled to 2021 . The team is anxious to hold this popular event at the proper time because of the tremendous interest in our community and because it earns $16,000+ for HopeWorks .

The work at HopeWorks is vital to victims of sexual and inti-mate partner violence and human trafficking in Howard County . During the coronavirus crisis, HopeWorks has worked tirelessly to adjust to the sudden and evolving situation in order to meet the individual needs of its clients . Please consider HopeWorks in your charitable giving .

Our Collections Helped the Community

Glen Mar’s Mission Board collected non-perishable

food and school supplies as well as gently used winter coats

on Sept . 5, 12 and 19 in the church parking lot . These items

were distributed to those in need in our local community .

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HAPPENINGS ~ Local Mission News

Glen Mar Builds Connections with Fellow Faith Communities By David Ward, Van Beall and Bruce Leuthold

Answering a call from Pastor Rodney Hudson of Ames Memorial United Methodist Church to help clean up a church in Baltimore, a small group of Glen Mar servants went on Aug . 1 and 3 to lend support . They pulled weeds and pressure washed years of grime from the sidewalk outside Metropolitan Unit-ed Methodist Church . Pastor Rodney reports that folks have already commented on the improved ap-pearance .

Glen Mar Church’s Pantry on the Go events supplied some fresh produce that went to some of Met-ropolitan’s congregation members, but this is the first time we sent a team of folks to the church . Metro-politan was recently added to Pastor Rodney’s “circuit riding .” He now serves Metropolitan, St . James and Ames Memorial UMC, with which Glen Mar already has a long and fruitful relationship . Hopefully, this is just the beginning of a long-term relationship among all four congregations .

The congregation at Metropolitan Church has its roots date back almost 200 years to 1825 and has been at the present location since March 1928 . Its congregation is mostly older people with a strong connection to each other and an enduring faith . The building is a beautiful gothic edifice .

On a later visit, five people worked on a weekend to nearly complete the cleaning of the yard behind Metro-politan . Several trash trips had hauled away about a ton of debris (e .g . decayed leaves, dirt, branches and trash) . At St . James over 4,000 pounds of cinder blocks were re-moved from a debris pile next to the church and another 600 pounds of yard waste was taken away .

There are still a couple of out-door service opportunities available that include more pressure washing, tree pruning, removing overgrown shrubs and vines, removing a por-tion of an old fence, making major repairs on a roof and removing de-bris so that a gravel driveway can be built .

The Glen Mar Habitat for Humanity crew finally got back

to work after all local Habitat groups stopped due to health

issues posed by the coronavirus . Glen Mar’s crew was the first

Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake volunteer group

welcomed back . The crew helped test safety measures which

passed with flying colors and enjoyed the opportunity to con-

tinue work providing safe, affordable housing in Baltimore .

For safety, the group is limited to a five-member crew at

one time so Adrienne Taylor is trying to use her Habitat email

list to let folks know of other volunteer opportunities in addi-

tion to Habitat workdays . Contact habitat@glenmarumc.org

to join the email list or to contact Adrienne .

Many thanks to the Habitat crew who came out to work

at Metropolitan United Methodist Church and Family Survivor

Network .

Habitat Crew Returns to Work by Adrienne Taylor

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Please Help Wish Upon A Star Bless Families By Phil Enstice

HAPPENINGS ~ Mission Opportunities

Family Survivor Network (FSN) is a

grief support organization based in Sand-

town, a neighborhood in Baltimore . FSN

has an amazing group of people who walk

with families through the grieving process

when they’ve lost a family member to vio-

lence . Unfortunately, there is no shortage

of people who need the services of FSN in

Sandtown .

In October, FSN was forced to move

out of its offices and found new space

more centrally located in Sandtown . FSN

is now renting a house it hopes to buy lat-

er . The house is currently owned by and

directly across the street from a man who

owns the local funeral home . Because of

the better location, the neighbors stop by

to say hello and ask about FSN . They are

very grateful that they will soon have a

Family Survivor Network’s New Building Needs Repairs by Adrienne Taylor

The Glen Mar Wish Upon A Star

mission project, which started over 30

years ago, will once again take place

during November .

We, here at Glen Mar, are truly

blessed with many resources . Our con-

tinued commitment to reach out and

help those in need is a blessing for each

of us .

This year will be a challenge as we

deal with COVID-19 and revised wor-

ship schedules . Nevertheless, we will

continue to support families sponsored

by Ames Memorial United Methodist

Church, Eva Johnson Foundation, the

Howard County Public School System,

and the Baltimore Campus of the Board

of Child Care of the United Methodist

Church . We will also provide gift cards

for families identified by the Judy Center

of Howard County, HopeWorks and the

Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center .

Stars will not be issued this year . You

will be able to sign up for gifts and gift

cards on SignUpGenius . Details concern-

ing access to SignUpGenius and options

for ordering and paying for the gift cards

will be furnished in early November . The

SignUpGenius will be available at https://

glenmarumc.org/mission/local-outreach/

wish-upon-a-star/ .

All gift items must be new . PLEASE

DO NOT WRAP GIFTS . The recipients will

do this . Due to the time-sensitive nature of

this outreach ministry, it is imperative that

all gifts and gift cards are returned to the

church no later than noon on Sun ., Dec . 6 .

Gifts and gift cards may be dropped off in

Glen Mar’s lower parking lot between 10

a .m . and 12 p .m . on Nov . 21-22, Nov . 28-

29, and Dec . 5-6 .

If you have any questions about this

ministry please contact Mary McKay or Phil

Enstice at wishuponastar@glenmarumc.

org.

There’s healing happening here

place where they can gather with others who have shared their painful experiences and begin to heal .

The building is in need of serious re-pairs . The Glen Mar Habitat for Human-ity crew worked there one day . Other volunteers have stepped up to help . The building is getting closer to being usable, if not optimally repaired . If you want to support these efforts, contact habitat@

glenmarumc.org.

Our prayers and thanks go to all who

participate in this ministry . For those who

cannot participate, we ask that you pray

for the Wish Upon A Star families and Glen

Mar, as together with Christ, we continue

to reach out and make a difference .

FSN Tree of Life Memorial in Sandtown

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Many people help with Glen Mar’s

Walk to Bethlehem costumes each year .

Some are sewers, some are not .

Due to the coronavirus, our church’s

annual Walk to Bethlehem will not be held

this year . Instead, Glen Mar will re-enact

the story of Jesus’s birth in a different

fashion and call the production Journey to

Bethlehem . At Walk to Bethlehem, folks

walked from scene to scene . At Journey to

Bethlehem guests travel in the safety and

comfort of their own vehicles . (See Jour-

ney to Bethlehem story on page 5 in this

Messenger .)

This year, Adrienne Taylor, who heads

the costume team for the annual event,

wanted to add a few adult angel cos-

tumes . Adrienne also leads a sewing team

Did Volunteers Experience a Christmas Miracle? by Adrienne Taylor

that provides free masks to curtail the

spread of the coronavirus, and those team

members are still busy sewing masks . Ellen

Dan offered to take a break from sewing

masks to make angel costumes . Then just

before starting the work, Ellen found a do-

nation of white robes .

While Glen Mar volunteers will

gladly work on whatever is needed,

it is great when God provides what

is needed with very little effort from

mere mortals .

“And my God will meet all your

needs according to the riches of his

glory in Christ Jesus .” Philippians

4:19 (NIV)

Despite what might be a Christ-

mas miracle, the church cannot count

on miracles sustaining this year’s costume

work . Some of last year’s costume crew

cannot help this year so additional volun-

teers will be appreciated .

Email costumes@glenmarumc.org if

you are interested in volunteering .

HAPPENINGS ~ Mission Opportunities

Opportunities to Help End Homelessness in Howard County by Eloise Labram and Adrienne Taylor

Glen Mar is one of several organiza-

tions supporting Help End Homelessness

Howard County which currently provides

housing for four families in Howard Coun-

ty, including 12 children . Once stabilized

in housing, families work towards financial

literacy and independence . HEHHC was re-

cently approved for a grant to fund a por-

tion of purchasing a fifth property . That’s

great news! Ideally there will be a new

family in a home by the end of the year .

HEHHC is so excited for the opportu-

nity to house another family; however, it

still needs additional financial and volun-

teer support to make this happen . It is cur-

rently looking for a house/townhouse/con-

do . Once a property has been purchased,

it will need to be readied for occupancy

which usually requires painting and small

repairs . If you would like to volunteer to

help ready the house or if you would be

willing to take the lead to coordinate the

volunteer efforts, please email HEHHC@glenmarumc.org .

HEHHC usually provides furnishings

and household goods for the house too

because the families do not have items

to set up housekeeping or money to buy

them when they move in . If you have

items to donate HEHHC may be able to

take them if the timing is right . Storage

until the new property is purchased can be

a problem but contact the email address

listed if you have items to offer .

IF you would like to know what HEH-

HC clients need, please ask at that same

email address .

This summer, Glen Mar provided food

for HEHHC’s four families during the early

months of the pandemic while Glen Mar’s

food collection was ongoing . It got HEH-

HC’s clients through a tough time because

three of the four households experienced

reduced work hours . One Glen Mar fami-

ly collected and delivered several boxes of

household items .

Also this summer, someone offered to

donate several pieces of furniture, includ-

ing a mattress set . HEHHC had planned to

turn down the mattress because of stor-

age, but at just the right time a Glen Mar

volunteer offered to pick it up and deliv-

er it to a person just when she needed it .

“People give generously, and timing falls

into place,” noted Adrienne Taylor . “It so

often feels like I am following a plan set

out for me .”

HEHHC is also looking for a CPA .

Email HEHHC@glenmarumc.org for more

information .

11 The Messenger N O V / D E C / J A N 2 0 2 1

HAPPENINGS ~ Mission OpportunitiesPack Shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child By Eloise Labram

The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to provide God’s love in a tangi-ble way to children in need around the world, and to share the Good News of Jesus Christ . Glen Mar has been partic-ipating in Operation Christmas child for many years . Small groups and families at Glen Mar usually pack and send over 300 boxes each year!

This year’s participation will be a little different . Everyone is encouraged to pack a shoebox at home and bring it to the church to drop off during a des-ignated drop-off time . Shoe Boxes will be available for pick up outside of Glen Mar on Sat ., Nov . 7, 4:45 – 6 p .m . and Sun ., Nov . 8, 10:45 a .m . – noon . You may also use any shoebox you have at home . Check the Operation Christmas Child website (below) or the handout provided with the boxes for suggested items . Please include $9 for each box to cover shipping . For some children this will be the first gift they have ever received!

God provides just the right thing for each child at the right time . No liq-uid, food or military items are allowed .

Boxes will be collected outside of Glen Mar on Sat ., Nov . 7, 4:45 – 6 p .m .; Sun ., Nov . 8, 10:45 a .m . – 12 p .m .; Sat ., Nov . 14, 4:45 – 6 p .m .; and Sun ., Nov . 15, 10:45 a .m . – noon .

Email OCC@glenmarumc.org to coordinate a pick-up or drop off . Thank you for your participation in this min-istry again this year! You’re making a difference .

Operation Christmas Child website: https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/pack-a-shoe-box/

The plan is to hold Journey to Bethlehem in rain, snow or

extreme cold . However, it could be canceled if there is a major

snowstorm . If canceled, an announcement will be posted on

Glen Mar’s website https://glenmarumc.org/ or Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/GlenMarChurch .

Free-will donations to offset the cost of the production will

be accepted online or during the event .

During Journey to Bethlehem, volunteers are needed to

read and act at scenes as well as serve as parking lot attendants .

Email Margaret Lang at jtb@glenmarumc.org to volunteer .

Buildings will be set up on Sat ., Nov . 7 starting at 8:30 a .m .

Youth are especially welcome to volunteer . Drills, work gloves, trailers, trucks, ladders and masks are needed . Contact Dan

Kagey if you can volunteer .

Journey to Bethlehem Continued from page 5

Mark Your Calendars ~ Make Your Reservations

Dec . 4, 5, 6, 12, and 13 from 5 to 8 p .m .

Dec . 12 matinee from 12 to 3 p .m .

Reservations can be made starting Nov. 1

https://glenmarumc.org/journey

12 The Messenger N O V / D E C / J A N 2 0 2 1

COMMUNITY LIFE ~ Children & Youth

Safe Sanctuaries Training

Do you volunteer at Glen Mar with

children, youth, or vulnerable adults?

Safe Sanctuaries Training is required .

In-person training is required every

four years, on-line is required after

two years .

Our next scheduled training dates are:

Nov. 8 - 12:15 p.m., Dec. 13 - 11:15 a.m., Jan. 10 - 12:15 p.m.

Details about the training can be found on our website,

https://glenmarumc.org/myglenmar/safe-sanctuaries/

The meetings are held virtually on Zoom . If you plan to

attend training or if you are unsure if you need to update or

not, please email Mary Ellen Conley at:

safesanctuaries@glenmarumc.org .

ZOOM Gatherings for Pathfinders and SproutsOur elementary children meet every Sunday at 11:15 a .m . and our young Sprouts meet on the first and third Sun-day at 11:15 a .m . This is a great time for the kids to connect, chat and share with their Glen Mar friends . Registration is needed for safety .

Please register online at: https://vbspro.events/p/events/glenmarkids .

BIBLE EXPLORATION - The video-driven weekly teaching for elementary and preschool Christian education contin-ues through the year . We share Bible lessons, family chats, prayers, story times, coloring pages, worksheets, music and more . The link to Bible Exploration is sent out weekly in The Family Vine email . If you aren’t signed up for The Fami-ly Vine, you can sign up using the e-newsletters link below: https://glenmarumc.org/news/e-newsletters/ .

CHERUB CHOIR & JOYFUL NOISE SINGERS have joined to-gether to create videos for worship . For more information con-tact Becky & Cindy at CherubChoir@glenmarumc.org .

Youth Ministry Continues Online and In PersonGlen Mar’s Youth Ministry has been rolling with the new normal of Fall 2020 . It continues to meet weekly by Zoom and has had a number of fun outdoor events for a chance to connect in person .

FUSE ON-LINE - The sixth- and seventh-grade Fuse program and the high school Rooted program both meet online on Sundays at 5 p .m . The eighth-grade Confirmation Class meets online on Sundays at 11:15 a .m . These online meetings have plenty of opportunities for the youth to interact with each oth-er and laugh together while engaging in activities that help them grow their faith .

CONFIRMATION CLASS - The youth in the Confirmation Class have been getting to know each other better in small groups, then taking full advantage of Zoom’s chat feature to share and connect in the large group . In mid-October the Confirmation Class had a special event - the Friend in Faith Palooza - with a variety of team-building games to help the youth and their Friends in Faith get to know each other better .

ROOTED LIVE - The high school youth continued their out-door movie nights into September, then gathered outside for skateboarding and a pumpkin-carving event . The middle school youth had several outdoor game events that included a fun socially distanced competition and team-building challeng-es . Both groups plan to continue to find safe ways to meet in person as it gets colder .

VOICES OF PRAISE - The Voices of Praise youth choir has been meeting on Zoom to learn new music and to connect with each other . Then choir members practice and record their parts at home and send the recordings in to be combined into an-thems for worship . The youth choir meets on Sunday mornings at 9 a .m . on Zoom .

ADULT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES - New ways of doing Youth Ministry have led to new adult volunteer opportunities . Connecting with youth over Zoom is different from doing it in person, but it’s no less rewarding . Extra adults allow the youth programs to make better use of breakout rooms where youth can interact in small groups .

Another great way to get involved in Youth Ministry is as a Zoom meeting host . The host’s role is to deal with all the tech-nical stuff while the meeting leader leads the meeting – things like letting people in from the waiting room and setting up breakout rooms .

Adult volunteers can also spend time connecting with youth in other creative ways, like snail mail or front porch visits . Con-tact Jen Rowell at Jen.Rowell@glenmarumc.org or Sean Dana-her at Sean.Danaher@glenmarumc.org if you’re interested in learning more .

STAYING CONNECTED - To get all the latest information about youth activities and links to the Zoom meetings, sign up for the weekly email newsletters at https://glenmarumc.org/church-life/youth/ .

13 The Messenger N O V / D E C / J A N 2 0 2 1

Stephen Ministry is Christ-Centered Care for Those Who Are Hurting by Marti Windram

COMMUNITY LIFE ~ Congregational Care

Working in Congregational

Care, I am privileged to have

people share their most vul-

nerable stories . Whether an

individual has experienced the

loss of a loved one, a divorce,

a difficult medical diagnosis,

job loss, the overwhelming

responsibility of parenting or

a marriage in crisis, my re-

sponse is nearly always the same: “Would you consider having

a Stephen Minister walk alongside you for a time?” Especially

during this extraordinary time of pandemic, people are feeling

overwhelmed and isolated, and other issues that might have

resolved by themselves can be greatly exacerbated .

Stephen Ministries, founded

by pastor and psychologist Rev,

Dr . Kenneth Haugk in 1975,

is an organization that equips

lay volunteers to provide Chris-

tian care for individuals in cri-

sis . Stephen Ministers partner

with ordained staff to identify

and minister to those who are

struggling with a wide range of

life difficulties . Stephen Minis-

ters get 50 hours of training to develop their skills in listening,

compassion, empathy and setting healthy boundaries . They are

equipped to be caregivers to those most in need of a non-judg-

mental listening ear and to rely on God to bring about healing .

The level of emotional care provided by a Stephen Minister can

be life changing .

When a care receiver is identified, a specially trained Ste-

phen Leader will contact the individual to assess the person’s

needs and make an appropriate referral to a Stephen Minister .

This relationship will be between people of the same gender

and between adults . The caregiver and care receiver will meet

for as long as is helpful . The Stephen Minister will report on the

relationship during a supervision meeting once a month . Con-

fidentiality is paramount . Names are never revealed, and the

Stephen Leaders and other Stephen Ministers listen carefully

and offer observations on the relationship if warranted .

These are some of the things a Stephen Minister WILL do:• Meet regularly in person, via video chat or by phone

with the care receiver• Pray for and with, with permission, the care receiver• Offer non-judgmental listening• Allow the care receiver to speak freely and be assured of

confidentiality• Establish healthy and respectful boundaries• Continue as a caregiver as long as it is helpful .

These are some things a Stephen Minister will NOT do:• Take the place of professional therapy• Offer advice or solutions to problems• Compare his/her own experience with that of the care

receiver• Become the care receiver’s new best friend• Gossip or in any way reveal what is said between care-

giver and care receiver• Offer financial or other practical assistance• Try to “fix” the care receiver .

No one has to endure a crisis or other life challenge alone; Stephen Ministry is a resource that can provide compassionate Christian care for individuals experiencing all kinds of hard-ships . If you think a Stephen Minister would be helpful for you, contact any of the pastors or me, minister for Congregational Care, at marti.windram@glenmarumc.org .

If you are interested in becoming a Stephen Minister, stephenministry@glenmarumc.org will put you in touch with the Stephen Leaders who can tell you more about the ministry and training . Whether you become a caregiver or a care receiv-er, Stephen Ministry can change your life .

More information is available at https://glenmarumc.org/church-life/care-support/stephen-ministry/ .

Dr. Kenneth Haugk

14 The Messenger N O V / D E C / J A N 2 0 2 1

Day of Service 2021 Will Be Virtual

Glen Mar’s annual Day of Service will be held

Mon., Jan. 18, 2021It will be a virtual service day

since Glen Mar is closed

Contact dayofservice@glenmarumc.org

with questions

MAKING IT HAPPEN

We’re excited to announce that Shel-

by Flinchum has been named director

of the Glen Mar Early Learning Center .

Shelby had been a member of the ELC

staff for eight years, including serving

as the assistant director of the center

before she left to further her leadership

growth as the director of a center in

Anne Arundel County .

Throughout her 20-year career,

Shelby has worked with children of all

ages from infancy through school age .

“Returning to Glen Mar makes me feel

like I am at home again,” says Shelby .

“The ELC is a special place that gives

you the feeling of family from the staff

and the parents . I am thrilled to be back

and look forward to working with our

staff to continue to bring fun to learning

in our classrooms .”

When Shelby’s not at the ELC, you

can find her spending time with her

family at the beach, on a hike or watch-

ing football . Please join us in congratu-

lating and welcoming Shelby .

Welcome to Our New ELC Director by Kyri Jacobs

New baby in your family?

Are you expecting a new baby or recently welcomed one into your family? The Stork Bites

ministry would like to bless your family with lovingly prepared meals.

Reach out to Jen Sellers at storkbites@glenmarumc.org

and let us know how we can help.

https://glenmarelc.org/

15 The Messenger N O V / D E C / J A N 2 0 2 1

MAKING IT HAPPENStaying Informed

Current Happenings - an extensive list of events, ministries, and opportunities to become more involved in the life of the church . View Current Happenings at the link below . https://glenmarumc.org/news/current-happenings/

Pastor’s Ponderings - a weekly note from one of the pastors If you would like to be included in the list of email subscribers to the Ponderings, you can read the current and past notes as well as subscribe at the link below . https://glenmarumc.org/news/pastors-ponderings/

Glen Mar e-Newsletters - sign up to receive various Glen Mar e-Newsletters via email, all in one place . Subscribe to Pastor’s Ponderings, The Messenger, The Family Vine, Middle School, High School, etc . https://glenmarumc.org/news/e-newsletters

Updating Your e-Newsletter Subscriptions - As your needs change, children are born, get older, and graduate, you may need to make changes to your subscriptions . You can do this by opening a recent e-newsletter email and clicking on one of the links at the bottom .

Buying Gift Cards Benefits the Church

Although gift cards are not currently available at Glen Mar, there are other ways you can obtain them and still benefit Glen Mar . Participating in the gift card program and other Extreme Fundraising programs supports Glen Mar ministries and ministry partners but costs the buyer nothing extra .

On-line orders can be placed at:

https://shop.shopwithscrip.com/Login/Enroll

Use Glen Mar’s enrollment code: AF17656D14184 .

You can also print cards at home, send by email or reload existing cards . Click here for more information about Ex-treme Fundraising programs:

https://glenmarumc.org/myglenmar/extreme-fundraising/

Pastoral Staff: Lead Pastor, Mandy Sayers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . x 202 mandy.sayers@glenmarumc.org PastorforWorship&Communications,Melaina Trice . . . . . . . . . x 215 melaina.trice@glenmarumc.org Pastor for Community Life, Anna Schwartz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . x 206 anna.schwartz@glenmarumc.org Pastor’s Assistant, Kyara Kelley-Jones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . x 203 kyara.kelley@glenmarumc.orgStaff: Church Accountant, Xi Zhang xi.zhang@glenmarumc.org FacilitiesServicesSupervisor,Larry Albrecht . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . x 210 larry.albrecht@glenmarumc.org FinancialSecretary,Bob Henry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . x 231 bob.henry@glenmarumc.org Minister for Children & Families, Margaret Lang . . . . . . . . . . . . . . x 204 margaret.lang@glenmarumc.org MinisterforCongregationalCare,Marti Windram . . . . . . . . . . . . x 218 marti.windram@glenmarumc.org MinisterforMiddleSchoolYouth,Jen Rowell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . x 214 jen.rowell@glenmarumc.org MinisterforOperations,Alison Mannino . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . x 207 alison.mannino@glenmarumc.org MinisterforYouth&YoungAdults,Sean Danaher . . . . . . . . . . . . . x 268 sean.danaher@glenmarumc.org MinistriesAdministrativeAssistant,Mary Ellen Conley . . . . . . . . x 213 mary.conley@glenmarumc.org Music Director, Sophie Hong . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . x 209 sophie.hong@glenmarumc.org MusicMinister,SaturdayService,Dan Eschliman dan.eschliman@glenmarumc.org

Website: www.glenmarumc.org

Fax: 410 .461 .3070 Office Phone: 410 .465 .4995

Glen Mar’s newsletter, The Messenger, is a seasonal publication that provides the latest news on Glen Mar’s ministries and a preview of what’s to come . Paper copies are available upon request by contact-ing messenger@glenmarumc.org or 410 .465 .4995 .

Melaina Trice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DirectorConnie Ballenger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EditorMary Ellen Conley . . . . . . . . . . Layout & Design

Next Issue (Feb, Mar, Apr) deadline for articles is Jan. 20, 2021.

Please submit articles, questions, or comments to: messenger@glenmarumc.org

Sign up for email notification of next Messenger issues or any other email newsletters here:

https://glenmarumc.org/news/e-newsletters/

16 The Messenger N O V / D E C / J A N 2 0 2 1

Glen Mar United Methodist Church4701 New Cut RoadEllicott City, MD 21043

Request for Outdoor GatheringsGlen Mar is currently accepting requests for outdoor gatherings at the church, with social distancing . All requests have to be approved by our Task Force for Re-Entry committee . If you want to gather, email Mandy.Sayers@glenmarumc.org who will take your re-quest to the team and get back with you .

Knit From HomeGlen Mar’s Dancing Needles are knitting prayer shawls (shawls that are prayed over) and baby blankets from home . These items are given to people who are convalescing from illness or surgery or who have newborns . If you would like to knit from home with the Danc-ing Needles, email DancingNeedles@glenmarumc.org .

Prayer ConcernsIf you have a prayer concern for Glen Mar’s prayer team, please send it to Marti.Windram@glenmarumc.org or to any pastor who will forward it to the prayer team . Or submit it online:

https://glenmarumc.org/church-life/care-support/prayer-requests/ .

Even though we are not all

meeting in person, be assured that

your pastors, staff and church family

are with you in prayer, in spirit,

and if you need us.

If you need pastoral care or want to talk,

please email our pastors:

mandy.sayers@glenmarumc.org

melaina.trice@glenmarumc.org

anna.schwartz@glenmarumc.org

Or call the church office number and

leave a message for the pastor:

Mandy - x202, Melaina - x215, Anna - x206

410.465.4995

CONNECTIONS