Welcome to the Glenn Memorial UMC 2026 stewardship campaign! We have a new email address (GlennStewardship@gmail.com) in case you have questions about anything we send you or you want to share anything related to the connection between generosity and spiritual development.
Let us introduce ourselves. Here are personal stories of faith and discipleship from the stewardship committee members:
Dawn Francis-Chewning -- Sharing Blessings
Stewardship is the act of being a caretaker for God’s creation: “the earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it” (Psalms 24:1) We are a church family, and also a member of the community, and the world; striving to bring a message of love and support while caring for God’s world.
I’ve been a part of Glenn Memorial since the 80’s and have stepped through many decades of milestones with my children and now my grandchildren. Glenn became a second “home” and one I hold very dear. It has given me ongoing opportunities to strengthen my faith, dedication, and my connection in tangible ways. Glenn clergy and members have guided me and mine all along the way through Church, Sunday School, Youth Fellowship, Choir and in life. I share a past, a present and a future with Glenn Memorial UMC that has empowered me with love, faith and strength through sermons, scripture, and commitment. It has helped me grow as a person in and of our world. I have felt cared for beyond measure and deliberately return that care in all the ways I can.
Your pledge helps perpetuate “Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors” for all and share the blessings God has provided us. Generosity with your treasures and time will help Glenn Memorial UMC continue to lovingly care for and serve our world.
It’s time to renew our commitment to Glenn and I give thanks for it. I encourage you to prayerfully make yours!
Ron Harris -- Storing Our Treasure in Heaven
When we came to Atlanta in 1993, after Grace was hired at Emory, we were looking for “community”. We chose our first home on Ponce, in part so that our daughters could walk to school. Since Grace and I both grew up in the Methodist Church, Glenn was a natural first stop when we were looking for our new church home. After attending our first service, two Glenn members showed up at our door with bread and jam to welcome us to Atlanta and Glenn, our new home. Over the years members of our family have built Habitat houses, worked the Pumpkin Patch, chaperoned Friday Night Skating, played basketball, served on and chaired committees, shepherded other Glenn members, sung in the Youth choir, and the list goes on.
Recently we have become involved in “Snack in a Backpack” and its mission to feed the hungry. I believe this is a sacred mission, and my participation fuels my faith, but beyond that, the overwhelming support of the community through donations and as volunteers strengthens my faith.
Mathew (6:19-21) reminds us to refrain from storing our treasures on Earth. My hope is that Glenn continues to grow, prosper and stand as a beacon to the community.
Mike Mountcastle
My family joined Glenn Memorial when our children were young, initially drawn by the programs and activities it offered for families. At the time, we belonged to another congregation, but we found ourselves increasingly connected to Glenn through the friendships our children formed and the genuine welcome we experienced wherever we showed up. What started as participation in activities gradually became something deeper. We began attending worship, became involved in Sunday School, and before long Glenn felt like home. Looking back, I realize it was not just the programs or activities that brought us here. It was the people, the sense of belonging, and the feeling that we were part of a community that truly cared for one another.
Over the years, Glenn has been a gift to our family in more ways than I can count. It has encouraged me to grow, challenged me to serve in ways I might never have chosen on my own, and stood beside us through both joyful milestones and difficult seasons. Even now, as our children are adults, the faith, values, and relationships nurtured here continue to shape their lives and ours. That is why stewardship is so important to me. My support of Glenn comes from a place of gratitude for all that this community has given us. No contribution could ever fully repay the blessings we have received, but each year we prayerfully consider how we can share our resources, time, and talents so that Glenn can continue to be a place of welcome, support, and spiritual growth for others, just as it has been for our family.
Gena Morgan -- A Spiritual Act of Giving
For Brent and me, giving has become much more than supporting the work of the church. Over the years, it has become an expression of our faith and trust in God.
When we were younger, we tended to think about giving as a way to support ministries and programs. Over time, though, our perspective changed. We came to see that everything we have is a gift from God, and that giving is one way of saying "thank you." The idea of offering our "first fruits," rather than simply what is left over, became meaningful to us and changed how we approach stewardship.
What surprised us most is that the blessing wasn't in what we gave, but in what we gained. Giving has deepened our trust in God, strengthened our faith, and reminded us that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. At a time when many people are “looking for the helpers” and for true examples of faith in action, Brent and I see giving as one way we can respond to God's call in our lives.
Jesus said, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Those words have stayed with us. Giving helps us keep our hearts focused on what matters most and align our resources with the faith that guides our lives.
For Brent and me, it has simply become one of the ways we live our faith together. It reminds us to trust God, hold our blessings with gratitude, and participate in something greater than ourselves.
Grace Pownall -- Becoming the person I want to be:
The Bible tells us over and over to feed the hungry, clothe the threadbare, comfort the sick, and shelter the unhoused, together as a church. The person I want to be is an active part of following that teaching; to help others not just for their sakes but because it’s the right and only thing to do. I struggle with my greed and selfishness, I struggle with my anger against those institutions who ignore the plight of the refugees, the ill and damaged, and especially the children. I could channel my gifts to other organizations who provide relief to groups at risk, but instead I work through the church so the church will be seen by the world to be fulfilling its mission. I believe the church makes disciples by working faithfully and joyfully to meet the needs of the least of these brothers and sisters. Our expanding community of volunteers and supporters is evidence of that.
