Over dessert and friendly company, Asbury United Methodist Church greeted their newest pastor, Rev. Jennifer Karsner, to the church and to Arnold.
Karsner, her husband and their two children moved to Arnold this past month from Mt. Airy, and were welcomed with open arms by the congregation. Commuting is a breeze, she said—the Karsners moved into a home within sight of the church.
"Every step of the way, people have been so helpful to us. We've felt humbled by the love in the congregation. We had people offering to take our kids while we unpacked. It's just really been a blessing," she said.
Karsner's sermon on Sunday focused on being in new surroundings with the support of friends and family. The church carries with it a history of more than 170 years, but Karsner said that's not been too intimidating. The key to her success is listening, she said.
"God was here long before, regardless of the age of the church," Karsner said. "What's important to me is learning how he has worked in this community in the past, hearing the stories of how God has moved the community."
Since moving to Arnold, Karsner has met with members of the congregation, getting to know each and every one of them. And on Sunday, directly following her first sermon, the church hosted a meet and greet with dessert in the fellowship hall.
Karsner was also presented with an autographed copy of church historian Alberta Stornetta's new book, Arnold and Neighbors on the Broadneck, published in June.
Stornetta said sales have been steady, and after the service had helpers unloading boxes upon boxes of books. They still weren't enough, she said. Her husband had gone home to pick up more. The book is for sale at the Arnold Pharmacy and at the Anne Arundel County Historical Society's Browse and Buy Shop, located at 1004 Baltimore and Annapolis Boulevard in Severna Park.
Asbury United Methodist Church is located at 78 Church Rd. in Arnold.
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