October 31, 2009 by Larry Resch.

The other side with the backfill and grading done

Here is the same ara but viewed from the roof looking down

Here is the interior hallway with the studs and doors ready for wiring and then drywall

The second floor entrance to the Education Wing from the Narthex has been cut through the wall. This view is from the Education Wing and the next photo is from the Narthex looking from the storage room

Here they are cutting through the old exterior wall to make the entrance from the Education Wing to the first floor (at the bottom of the stairs to the Narthex)

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October 16, 2009 by Larry Resch.

A pretty shot of the Education Wing final brickwork from the lower parking lot.

Here is the stairwell - looks like it still needs a little work…

The roof over the air handlers is being roughed in - you can see what the final shape is going to be…

Here is a close up of the guys working on that roof section

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September 19, 2009 by Larry Resch.

The roof trusses are being installed…

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July 19, 2009 by Andy Lunt.

Dear Glen Mar Friend,

I wanted to let you know that, in addition to the community meeting about a traffic signal, Glen Mar will also be involved in another important public hearing next week.  On Monday, July 20, the Howard County Council will consider a resolution authorizing the issuance of economic development revenue bonds that would enable Glen Mar to finance construction of Phases 1 and 2 at a lower interest rate.  The Columbia Bank has already committed to loan Glen Mar up to $10.1 million for the total project.  Only a portion of that amount would be financed by the revenue bonds. That portion is determined by the Howard County bond counsel in accordance with a formula that takes into account the amount of space and time allocated to community service rather than to religious functions.  The Columbia Bank would purchase the bonds and then extend that portion of the total $10.1 million as a loan to Glen Mar at a reduced interest rate.

Some in the county have raised concerns about issues of separation of church and state or fairness relating to County Resolution 64 that authorizes the issuing of bonds.    The county’s bond counsel has issued an opinion that there is no violation of the separation of church and state.  Other religious institutions have previously benefited from similar bond issues, that are made possible by the Maryland Economic Development Revenue Bond Act so that non-profit groups can be helped to provide services to the community that would otherwise not be available or have to be provided by the county.

In Glen Mar’s case, we seek to serve the world by offering Preschool, Day Care, Summer camps, and after school programs for middle school youth.  In my testimony before the County Council on Monday night, I will indicate that these are needs identified by the county and community groups during community hearings held by Glen Mar even before we hired an architect to design our new facility.  I will also point out that the vast majority of children and youth currently served, or to be served in the future, are not from families related to Glen Mar.  This summer, for example, more than 75% of the young people enrolled in one of our six summer camps come from non-Glen Mar families and from many different faiths.

Actually, Mandy Sayers will read my testimony on Monday, since Joan and I will be out of state that day.  In that testimony, however, I will make the point that, “The members of Glen Mar Church believe that our congregation exists to serve the needs of people in our community and around the world.  In fact, our church’s mission is Praising God, Growing Disciples, and Serving the World.  This facility and the services we offer the community by expanding represent just one way we can serve better.  A significant portion of Glen Mar’s time and energy and the largest portion of building use are devoted to programs that serve the world in Howard County and beyond.”

My testimony will also say that, “The members of Glen Mar Church have been, are, and will continue to be committed to serving the needs of the surrounding community.  Approval of CR 64 will help us to devote more resources to providing services and less for buildings–a real benefit to Howard County citizens and families at no cost or risk to the county.”

In conclusion I will remind council members that, “in these tough economic times, governments at all levels have called upon churches to step up and provide more services.  Glen Mar has done that, and is committed to continue….The bottom line for me is this: CR 64 represents no cost or risk for the county.  At the same time, it offers additional services to meet critical needs of Howard County families.  As such, it represents a proverbial ‘win-win’ situation and a significant net gain for everyone.”

Glen Mar will be represented at the County Council hearing by Mandy Sayers, Pastor Mary Ka Kanahan, Pastor Al Hammer, Dan Kagey, and Phil Enstice.  You are certainly welcome to attend the meeting, which will be held in the Howard County Board of Education Board Room, 10910 Route 108, Ellicott City, on Monday, July 20, beginning at 7:30 pm.
Most importantly, though, I ask that you join me in praying for those who will represent Glen Mar and its ministries and for the members of the County Council who will make this important decision.  As always, I continue to trust God to provide the resources that will enable God’s people to do the things God calls them to do.

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July 11, 2009 by Larry Resch.

The trusses for the second floor of the Education Wing have been put in place. Here is a photo of the unloading of the flooring (this stuff goes over the trusses and then the cement is poured on top to make the floor)

Here are some views of the second floor trusses

and looking up from inside the first level

and here is some precarious footing on the second level

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