August 1, 2009 by Larry Resch.

The 2 week church-wide sabbath will be starting on the 9th of August. Here are the details from one of Andy’s Ponderngs

Glen Mar’s Church Council, on June 23, approved a church-wide Sabbath beginning after worship on August 9 and continuing through the beginning of worship on August 23. During the intervening two weeks, there will be no church meetings. Worship and Christian learning will continue to take place as usual on Sunday, weddings (I have one) and funerals (if any) and pastoral care for those in need will be provided. But most other church activities will be rescheduled to either before August 9 or after August 23. The purpose for the church-wide Sabbath is to follow Jesus’ example–both as individuals and a congregation–by taking time out for reflection and renewal. Sabbath is different from vacation in that it represents not only ceasing from work (in this case church work) but using one’s time instead to engage in activities that renew one’s spirit and enable one to grow in relationship with God.

Members of the staff who are not already on vacation during the Sabbath will continue to be engaged in the reading, studying, visioning and planning that normally occupy them in preparing for the start up of full activities when school begins. Like members of ministry teams, however, they will not be attending any church meetings. In addition, they will be working from their homes in order that the building might experience a Sabbath as well. Essential maintenance work that is difficult to complete while the building is in use will be conducted during the two-week Sabbath, but the church office and building will be closed for activities.

Posted in Pastors Ponderings | No Comments »

July 28, 2009 by Larry Resch.

Prepping the flooring before pouring the concrete deck

This will be the ramp to the second floor

The big rig for pouring pumping the concrete

Leveling the concrete

Posted in Phase 2 Info, New Cut Road Building Progress | No Comments »

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.

Posted in New Cut Road, Pastors Ponderings | No Comments »

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

Posted in Phase 2 Info, New Cut Road, New Cut Road Building Progress | No Comments »

July 11, 2009 by Al Hammer.

There will be a meeting open to the public on July 23rd at 7 pm in the Spirit Center at Glen Mar to hear the results regarding recent traffic studies on Montgomery Road/New Cut Road/Brampton Hills Parkway. Representatives from the State Highway Administration and Howard County Public Works will be present to inform and answer questions regarding the safety issues at this intersection.

If you would be willing to be a GREETER for this event, please contact Diane Keyes in the Church Office at 410-465-4995 or by email at Diane.Keyes@GlenMarUMC.org.

Posted in New Cut Road, Realignment of New Cut Road Progress | No Comments »