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ORDINARY TIME 2015
MESSENGER BRYN MAWR PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
VOLUME 117 | ISSUE 4
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Chapel Window Restoration (page 2) Choir School News (page 6) Theologian-in-Residence (page 12) Our Stewardship Journey (page 14)
GLORY TO GOD OUR NEW HYMNAL page 5
Letter from the Pastor A recent road trip combined with late summer preparations to kick off another church program year has found me thinking about what the best navigation device would be for the journey of faith. Is it a map or a GPS? A good old-fashioned map gives you the long view, the contours of geography, a spider web of seemingly countless intersections and choices of routes to get you to your final destination. A Global Positioning System, on the other hand, with its most current satellite technology, zooms in close to your location and tells you when to take the very next turn. I have long been a lover of maps. I like to make decisions based on the long view. Will we go quickly taking the highway all the way, or will we get off and enjoy the lovely scenery of farm country and small towns at a more leisurely pace? I am still grateful that my marriage survived a trip Larry and I took to New England six months after we were married almost 25 years ago. I had a AAA Triptik, individual state maps of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, a regional map of New England and a “green” map that highlighted state and national parks and every scenic vista and natural place of interest you could imagine. Larry’s driving while I juggled three maps at once was, needless to say, an early lesson in how not to navigate a marriage peacefully! We did benefit from this experience in the long run when we meandered to visit the lovely little Vermont cemetery where Robert Frost is buried. I wanted to see the epitaph on his tombstone, “I had a lover’s quarrel with the world,” but was unexpectedly delighted by the inscription on his wife’s grave taken from another of his poems, “Oar to oar and wing to wing.” That image of individual entities moving forward together in symmetry and grace has been an important metaphor for not only marriage, but any significant relationship. We may never have found that had I not been juggling my many maps! I also have to admit that I cannot imagine navigating these last couple of years around the environs of Bryn Mawr without a GPS. From finding my way to a winter evening gathering with nearly invisible historic street signs to driving to Philadelphia’s hospitals for pastoral visits, I have depended on a GPS. Several times a week I seem to program in a destination and wait for a voice to tell me where to turn next. So is the journey of faith more like a map or a GPS? Most of us prefer one metaphor over the other, I suppose, but we probably need both. We need the long view of a map which leads us toward a distant promise of God’s hope and light, grace and peace. The ministry of the church enables us to make choices about how to navigate that journey through worship, classes, opportunities for service and mission. We also find among the community of faith GPS-like signals, close at hand with small directional signs and familiar voices, which companion us along the way. This Messenger and many other beginning-of-the-program-year communications are filled with ways to navigate the journey of faith with choices of routes for the long view, as well as short-term opportunities for spiritual nurture and growth. So choose your own navigation system and join your larger church family for an exciting season of faith and service. Grace and Peace,
1 MESSENGER | Ordinary Time 2015
Chapel Windows Restoration
By Pete DiRocco
BMPC is directing the restoration of stained glass windows in the Chapel, funded by a grant from the Pew Charitable Trust. The Tiffany windows will be cleaned and receive new protective glass on the outside. The rose window over the Chancel and five other windows along the south side and Narthex will be removed and sent to a studio for re-leading. Because scaffolding is needed to do this work, the Chapel will be closed until after Thanksgiving. The Chapel will also be closed for two weeks in March 2016 for project completion.
A Bit of Chapel History
In 1940, more than 10 years after the completion of our current Sanctuary, our former church was taken down to make way for a new Chapel. The Chapel was a gift from members of the Pew family in memory of Mrs. Joseph N. (Mary Catharine) Pew. Its size and shape were determined by the lines of the old 1894 Sunday School Building on the north side of the old church; its foundation and three of the walls are just where they were then. The Tiffany windows installed in the Children’s Chapel were memorials in the old church. The carved oak, wrought iron gates and 13 stained glass windows were designed by the Willet Studios of Philadelphia. The columbarium, referred to as the Chapel Garden, was added in 1980.
Community Forum: How’s Your Faith? By Nancy Ameen
David Gregory, former NBC newsman and moderator of Meet the Press, will discuss the topic of his new book, How’s Your Faith? An Unlikely Spiritual Journey on Monday, October 5, at 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary as a guest of our Community Forum Distinguished Speaker Series. Gregory’s book is a spiritual autobiography and a faith journal about lessons in belief. Brought up by a Catholic mother and a Jewish father, he has always had a strong sense of his Jewish cultural and ethnic identity. His book is the result of his spiritual quest in search of a religious identity, a search that began with his marriage to a Protestant woman of strong faith. His spiritual journey – while always asking the difficult questions that were hallmarks of his success as a journalist — has taken him into the hearts of both Christianity as well as Orthodox Judaism. Gregory has had a distinguished career in television journalism, having most recently moderated Meet the Press, succeeding the late Tim Russert in 2008. Beginning his career at the age of 18 as a summer reporter for KGUN-TV in Tucson, Arizona, he joined NBC News in 1995. He was the David Gregory substitute and co-anchor of Weekend Today and filled in for Matt Lauer as a co-host of the Today Show from 2005-2014. He also filled in on NBC’s Weekend Nightly News and Nightly News from 2005-2014. He was host of Race for the White House and later 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue on MSNBC until 2008. Our Community Forums are made possible by the Anna and Herbert H. Middleton, Sr., Fund of the Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Foundation. They are free and open to the public; reservations are not necessary. A book sale and signing will follow the presentation. 2 MESSENGER | Ordinary Time 2015
A Fun Project to Fight Hunger by John Vaughan
The upbeat sounds of music, happy voices, and bustling activity filled our Gym on a Saturday morning in April as BMPC hosted its second Stop Hunger Now event. Members and friends from age 5 to 80+ assembled early to create packages that would soon feed 20,000 hungry children in Liberia and Haiti. The Stop Hunger Now truck, filled with supplies paid for by BMPC’s Outreach Council and Hunger Committee, arrived on our driveway at 7:00 a.m. Volunteers were soon unloading 50 pound bags of rice, 40 pound bags of soy, smaller bags of dehydrated vegetables and seasonings and other equipment, including a big brass gong for stage front. Three rows of eight-foot tables were set up with bins, funnels, and a supply of empty bags, gram scales and heat sealers, or grids spelling out S-t-o-p H-u-n-g-e-r N-o-w. Row One’s teams were soon busy scooping rice, soy, veggies and seasonings into funnels and plastic bags. Enthusiastic children carried containers of filled bags to Row Two, where volunteers weighed the bags, adjusted the content to 390 grams, and then heat-sealed them and “tossed” them over to Row Three. Here they were arranged to fill the grid representing a full box of meals, loaded into cartons, identified and sealed, and carried back to the Stop Hunger Now truck. Throughout the morning, the hard-working but enthusiastic crowd cheered each time the gong was struck to represent another 1,000 meals packaged. In just two hours, 87 helpers – some dancing and singing along to the music that played to enliven their mission-minded work - packaged 21,500 meals to feed the hungry around the world. We invite you to join us next time – Saturday, April 9, 2016!
Improving the Lives of Those at Risk By Morris Kay The Center for Returning Citizens (TCRC) is one of several empowering organizations chosen to receive our Eugene C. Bay Fund grant in 2014-15 to improve the lives of residents in urban areas. As part of their efforts to battle the effects of mass incarceration upon individuals, families and the community, TCRC works with the Second Baptist Church in Nicetown and the Nicetown-Tioga branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia to further literacy programs for returning citizens and provide after-school and summer programs for at-risk students and the children of incarcerated parents. TCRC believes that assisting children of incarcerated parents is of vital importance, as many of these children are already at a disadvantage and alienated from the system because of their parents’ situation. Our grant award was used for new computers and to enlarge their learning center space which now serves 25 students. Under the leadership of vibrant and creative Executive Director Jondhi Harrell, TCRC also provides programs for youth to prevent and change patterns of delinquent behavior. The effectiveness of TCRC’s programs was recently recognized by Family Court of the City of Philadelphia, which refers teenagers for counseling, mentoring and employment services as they are adjudicated and complete other youth programs. Uplifting things are happening at TCRC! BMPC’s Outreach Council is looking at ways our congregation’s members might partner with TCRC’s efforts in the future. 3 MESSENGER | Ordinary Time 2015
Welcome to Our New Members
Alan Baker Media
Jim Kitchen Pocono Lake
John and Meg Cranford Wayne
Greg and Amy Gatta Villanova
Craig and Liz Lemoine Havertown
Brian and Alicia Papson Havertown
Nick and Tasha Gesacion Bryn Mawr
Cathy Pinch Bryn Mawr
Tim Hulton Media
Kathy Wohlschlaeger Newtown Square
If you aren’t already a member, we invite you to make BMPC your church home! Upcoming New Member Sundays are October 11 and December 6. Contact: DonnaBarrickman@bmpc.org, ext. 8809.
Member Spotlight: Bill Wendel By Donna Barrickman
Bill Wendel joined BMPC in 1990 with his wife, Anne, and their children Gretchen, now 28, and Wills, now 26. He taught his first Sunday School class at the United Methodist Church in Birmingham, Michigan, 30 years ago, and after teaching at BMPC for more than 20 years, he still describes this vocation as “a lot of fun.” Bill grew up in Elmhurst, PA, in the Poconos. He remembers spending his Sunday School offering for Elmhurst Presbyterian Church on Swedish Fish at the general store and giggling as a youth choir member while watching his dad turn red in the congregation. His good memories of “driving his Sunday school teachers, pastor, and parents crazy” make him the upbeat, empathetic teacher that he is today. A graduate of Penn State, Bill is a chemical engineer who works in sales with Kroff Chemical Company, where he “uses his imagination to help folks solve problems through chemistry.” In his spare time, he enjoys playing the bagpipes, woodworking, collecting fossils, spending time with family, traveling, and building rock walls. Bill also enjoys being involved in musicals at Jenkintown Music Theater. “I’m probably the least talented cast member in the company’s 65 year history,” he said, “but I say a few lines and try to sing and dance as instructed.” As for the bagpipes, which he will play again to welcome us to Rally Day this year, Bill says he was “fortunate to take pipe lessons early in my marriage. Anne never would have tolerated it if we weren’t newlyweds; it can be a traumatic thing to witness.” He adds that he has met many nice people through playing here and there. Bill describes BMPC as “Home. I love this Church and the people. Teaching Sunday school is a real privilege. It is great to see the excellent things happening recently!” 4 MESSENGER | Ordinary Time 2015
Glory to God – Our New Hymnal By Jeffrey Brillhart
In the May 1, 2013 edition of Christian Century, Daniel Richardson wrote, “Hymnals are more like telephones than automobile tires. Tires wear out visibly and require replacing. Telephones, on the other hand, seldom wear out, yet still get replaced when updated models offer new features attractive enough to warrant the change.” Mr. Richardson makes a lot of sense. But, does the new Presbyterian hymnal, Glory to God, have enough new features to warrant the change? I believe that it does. In addition to our church’s familiar hymn repertoire, Glory to God contains 250 more hymns than the blue hymnal without adding to size or weight. It adds a number of classic traditional hymns like “Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling,” “Standing on the Promises,” and “Be Still My Soul.” It also includes 35 African American spirituals, contemporary praise songs, global music (representing six continents) and more than 20 songs from the Taizé Community. Glory to God was designed to appeal to young people, while continuing to warmly embrace the traditions of those of us on the other side of 50. We will celebrate the many years of the blue hymnals on Sunday, September 13, as we carry them out of the Sanctuary and place them on tables at Rally Day. Family members will have an opportunity to pick up dedicated volumes, others will be available for those who would like them, and the remainder will be given to a seminary or church. The new hymnals will be in place on Sunday, September 20, to help us glorify God for years to come.
Concert Featuring Sarah Sutton Join us in the Sanctuary on Sunday, October 25, at 2:00 p.m. for an hour of music featuring Sarah Sutton, violist, accompanied by Edward Landin on piano. Ms. Sutton was born in England and is a graduate of the Yehudi Menuhin School of Music (UK). She received a full scholarship from the International Menuhin Music Academy (Switzerland) and went on to study with Alan DeVeritch at Indiana University, where she was also his assistant. She has played a command performance for the late Pope John Paul II and was invited to perform at the State Banquet and Celebrations in honor of Nelson Mandela and Queen Elizabeth II. Her playing has been described by the Saanen Post (“Switzerland”) as “enthralling.” The program will include works by J. S. Bach (“Sonata in D major”), Arvo Pärt (“Spiegel im Spiegel”), Benjamin Britten (“Lachrymae”), Howard Ferguson (“Four Short Pieces”), and Rebecca Clarke (“Passacaglia on an Old English Tune”).
Sarah Sutton
Choir Rehearsals Begin New Schedule
Thurs., Sept. 10, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Sanctuary Choir Wed., Sept. 16, 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. “Wednesdays Together” program (grades K-5) Wed., Sept, 16, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Youth Chorale (grades 6-12) Thurs., Oct. 1, 9:30 – 10:45 a.m. Singing for Life (adults 55+) Sun., Oct. 4, 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Tintinnabulators (bell choir) For more information, contact StephanieSpeakman@bmpc.org, ext. 8836.
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All Saints’ Sunday By Edward Landin and Stephanie Speakman
For the past two years, BMPC has observed All Saints’ Sunday with special music at our 10:00 a.m. worship service. The tradition of presenting a Requiem on this day is common practice, and one that our Music and Fine Arts Department has been pleased to introduce to BMPC. A Requiem is a musical work written to honor the deceased, so it is fitting that one be presented on a liturgical holiday which does the same. This new tradition began in 2013 when our Choir School and Harmony Choir presented Fauré’s Requiem. We continued in 2014 with a performance of John Rutter’s Requiem by the same group of intergenerational singers. This year, All Saints’ Sunday falls on November 1, when our Sanctuary Choir will present Maurice Duruflé’s Requiem. Written between 1941 and 1947, it is Duruflé’s most substantial work. Originally written for choir, organ, and full orchestra, later editions include one for choir, organ and chamber orchestra, and one for choir, organ and cello. Many of the movements are based on Gregorian chant themes dating back to the 9th and 10th centuries. It is truly a tour de force for the conductor, choir, and all instrumentalists involved – you won’t want to miss it!
Choir School News By Edward Landin
Music, Bible lessons, and fun –a new Wednesday evening program for children in kindergarten through fifth grade. Pastor Rachel and I have planned an exciting new program for the young children of our flock to begin on September 16. We’ll meet in the Chapel at 4:30 p.m. and begin our time together in prayer. Grades K-2 and 3-5 will then rotate between Bible lessons and activities with Pastor Rachel and musical segments with me where we will sing, ring, and use other percussion instruments. We’ll come together at the end and finish our time together as we began it, in prayer. Our first few weeks will focus on communion. Pastor Rachel is organizing some wonderful activities to make communion more approachable for the young ones, including the opportunity to make communion bread together. The children will sing on the first Sunday of most months, which will continue to be Worship Together Sunday when children are invited and encouraged to participate in the entire worship service with their families. Pastor Rachel and I are excited about this new program, and hope you’ll join us on Wednesday evenings! As the Psalmist wrote in Psalm 92: It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; For you, O LORD, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy. Questions? Contact StephanieSpeakman@bmpc.org or MaryRichards@bmpc.org. 6 MESSENGER | Ordinary Time 2015
Joyful Noise: Vacation Bible Camp By Rachel Pedersen
At first you might have heard a cacophony, as saws buzzed, drums echoed, children laughed, and 200 people moved around the Ministries Center. But if you listened more closely, the sound took on new life. Children were singing and praising God, shouting out together about how big God’s house is and how God is always with us. Patient leaders were helping students experience life as Jesus would have known it, whether that was sorting through wool to begin the process of combing and spinning yarn or carefully forming sheets of papyrus for early Gospel writers. Questions were flying, as children asked “Mary” about Jesus’ childhood and his early ministry. Teams were shouting as games encouraged children to work together to solve problems and toss the occasional water balloon. Two and three-yearolds were making friends and playing together filled with laughter. Fourth, fifth and sixth graders were rushing out of the building and returning with stories of how the Church is helping our neighbors near and far. There was even a “baa” here and a “hew-haw” there, as animals arrived on Friday. In between the loud sounds, deep and thoughtful conversations brought adults and children closer to the living Christ. We are thankful for the children who participated and the youth and adult volunteers who made the week possible. Through all of those sounds, it was easy to hear one certain thing taking place…faith growing in our very midst. Planning for VBC in 2016 has already begun. Imagine what God will do next!
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Children’s Ministry Update By Rachel Pedersen
Sunday school is less than a month away! As we get ready for 2015-2016, we’re excited about new curriculum and opportunities to learn together. All of us will be digging deep into God’s word. From creation through the church today, our youngest students in the two, three and four-year-old classes will be learning key stories that shape our faith. Our kindergartners will begin an important year following Jesus and learning about his life, ministry, death and resurrection. First and second graders will be on an epic trip: following Abraham and Sarah to new lands, the Israelites through the desert, the people into exile, and the Disciples after Jesus. Who knows where we’ll find them in May! Our third graders will begin the year learning all about their Bibles and then follow God’s Covenant through all 66 books. Fourth and fifth graders will take a different perspective and will look closely at the lives of God’s servants. They will see how faithful men and women have asked questions, made mistakes, and followed God. Of course, sometimes we’ll need to step away from our classrooms! We’ll be making casseroles for those who are hungry, exploring the Chapel to learn more about our Church’s story and even meeting with those who serve in mission. Each week we will be on the lookout for God’s Word living and at work in the world. Outside of Sunday morning, there will be many opportunities to connect. You can join us on Wednesday afternoons for music and learning together. There are also many special events that will take us out of Bryn Mawr to learn more about our neighbors and call to serve. On September 14th, we’ll be on the road helping with mission partners throughout Philadelphia. In October, we’ll learn more about our neighbors with a trip to Center City to see different houses of worship. We’ll see you in September!
Tutoring Program 2015-16
Experience the rewards of tutoring elementary school children from North Philadelphia! This popular community service option provides weekly one-onone help with reading and writing skills. In addition to working toward academic goals, the program helps both children and tutors build self-confidence. If you are interested in being a tutor (9th – 11th grades and returning 12th graders) or an adult group leader, contact Marnie Bowen, marnieb1963@aol.com. The registration/training meeting is September 15.
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Youth Mission Trips Report High School: Dominican Republic
By Marnie Bowen
July 4 found 14 BMPC high school students, the Rev. Kellen Smith and 3 adult church members embarking on a highly anticipated mission trip to the Dominican Republic. Under the auspices of Praying Pelican Mission group, we set out for “Pastor Pedro’s” church located in San Pedro de Macoris. Our task was initiating the construction of a new church wall foundation. Our youth created rebar metal support structures, mixed concrete and poured the foundation - hopefully one that will last and serve well for years to come! We worked side by side with local church members and were inspired by their dedication and overwhelming gratitude towards us. We delivered food and necessities to impoverished families and prayed for and with them. We also played sports with the local children and somehow ended up playing baseball against a semi-professional team! We came away blessed in many ways and discovered that we actually did answer one woman’s prayer, as she had woken up the morning we arrived with not a grain of rice to eat. While reflecting on our experience, one name kept coming up: Joel. Joel was our guardian angel. He was the epitome of selflessness. He worked beside us, kept our belongings safe and even stayed up each night praying for our health and safety. After a severe drug and crime problem, Joel became a Christian when he awoke two years ago at the foot of Pastor Pedro’s church. The church opened their doors and prayed for Joel, and he has been drug-free ever since. One of our youth summed it up beautifully, “Joel is the perfect example of the living Christ.” None of us will ever forget our mission trip to the Dominican Republic, especially Joel- an example for us all!
Middle School: New York City By Kellen Smith From our base at Brick Presbyterian Church in New York City, this year’s middle school mission trip participants served as young ambassadors of BMPC’s heart for outreach. Our trip’s partner organizations included the Project Find Senior Center, New York Common Pantry, Jan Hus Presbyterian Church, Central Park Conservancy, and Emmaus House of Harlem. Each project offered us a fulfilling and memorable opportunity to meet real human needs with Christ’s love. We served a meal to the homeless and then worshipped with them at Jan Hus Presbyterian Church and Neighborhood House, where we were received with open arms. We also served meals to seniors, helped to clean up Central Park, and sorted clothes at a homeless ministry. Chef Raymond from the New York Common Pantry told us, “We serve over 100 hot meals three times a day and it wouldn’t be possible without volunteers like you.” On the subway, overlooking the city from Rockefeller Center, and strolling through Central Park, we had an authentic New York experience while contributing to the work God is doing in that bustling city. How do you sum it all up? As one of our youth said, “Serving those in need helps me to grow closer to God.” 9 MESSENGER | Ordinary Time 2015
Secret Saint: Collegiate Ministries by Brian Garber and Carol Pyle
Wonderful intergenerational relationships are formed thanks to our ministry for our students who are away at college or boarding school. Here’s how the “Secret Saints” program impacted two of our members: Brian writes, “As I started my time at Syracuse University it felt like everything had changed. I had a roommate, made new friends and took challenging classes. I assumed that my prior involvement with the church had been forgotten, until I went to check my mailbox. I was surprised to find a care package and a kind letter from my anonymous “Secret Saint” who said they were praying and encouraged me to stay in touch. Through the church, I wrote to my Secret Saint, thanking them for the care package. This was the beginning of a four-year relationship. The packages seemed to arrive at exactly the right time: just before midterms/finals and in the middle of winter. It has meant the world to me that someone from our congregation continued to care and pray for me during my time at school and I will certainly stay in touch with my Secret Saint and BMPC.” Carol shares, “It was a joy to write Brian ‘anonymous’ letters. I asked how he was doing and kept him up-to-date with BMPC news. Brian always answered my letters and shared his college experiences. At times, I was sure we were at the same church services, especially at Christmas and Easter. I laughed that we probably passed each other and he had no idea who I was. We were finally introduced by Jane Wilber last Easter morning. Brian has now graduated and my new friend is off to his first job — at Google in California! If you are interested in participating in the Secret Saints program, contact Jane Wilber, Parent Coordinator, wilbaway5@comcast.net.
Mind the Gap:
Understanding Economic Inequality By BMPC’s Peacemaking Committee Perhaps you have heard that the top 10% of the U.S. population controls two-thirds of the total wealth. Or that 45 million Americans are living in poverty - an increase of 2.5 million in the last two years. The 2012 General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) issued a report calling on us to reset the priorities of economic life around 40% of our population the practices and principles of communion by sharing with all the unearned grace we receive from God. What does is making less than this have to do with you? The economy is recovering from the Great Recession. The job market is up, unemployment $40,187 a year down, and the government is spending as usual. Everything is fine, right? Consider the opinions of three expert panelists as they address the inequality of wages and wealth in a seminar presented by BMPC’s Peacemaking Committee: •
Jon Pahl, Director of MA Programs at The Lutheran Theological Seminary, offers a theological perspective.
•
Jana Nestlerode, Chair of the Department of Criminal Justice, West Chester University, addresses the economic issues and government policies driving inequalities in our society.
•
J. Jondhi Harrell, Executive Director of The Center for Returning Citizens (a BMPC grant recipient), explores the economic challenges facing re-entering former prisoners.
This thought-provoking seminar will challenge your acceptance of the status quo. Join us on Sunday, October 25 (includes discussion and lunch). 10 MESSENGER | Ordinary Time 2015
New Beginnings
By Rebecca Kirkpatrick
At about this same time last fall, I could not have imagined the providence and grace that has come together over the past several months to bring our family here to Bryn Mawr in my calling to serve as Associate Pastor for Adult Education and Mission. We have been warmly welcomed by the congregation and are looking forward to getting to know each of you better over the next months. Mostly, I was not imagining a call to Bryn Mawr because I was busy preparing to teach a class on Theological English to third year students at the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo. Students at the seminary take all of their classes in Arabic, but they also need a working knowledge of English to do the kind of research and reading that is required for an advanced degree. Teaching that class was one of the most meaningful experiences I had in Cairo, as each of my students brought their own unique enthusiasm for pastoral ministry, service to the church, and their love and friendship for each other to every meeting.
this as well in the church. Though we all bring our own experiences to our study with one another, we share these traditions and stories that shape our life of faith and understanding of God. I am looking forward to digging deep into the scriptures with you here at Bryn Mawr as we study together. Many of my students brought with them insecurity about their English. One day after reading the PC (USA) Brief Statement of Faith together as a class, a student approached me afterwards to say how much he appreciated the simplicity of the English in expressing such profound truths. We share these anxieties in the church as well. Too many of us are worried that others are more biblically literate than ourselves, or that we don’t have enough “background� to fully participate or understand what is being discussed. I am looking forward to working together with all of you to make all our classrooms places of welcome and hospitality, especially for those who are taking their first steps into Adult Education at Bryn Mawr. Finally, my students truly embraced the gift of their community. By the end of the semester it was clear that we had all been on a remarkable journey together. Adult Education is at its best in the church when we can find ways to connect with one another, to learn from and challenge one another in grace, and to grow in faith and understanding because of our companions on that journey. I look forward to helping you all make those kinds of connections and to nurture the long relationships I know you have already formed in the classroom.
Three things became clear to me during that semester that apply so aptly to the experiences that we also have in Adult Education in our congregations here in the U.S. Even though my students and I spoke different languages and came from different cultural traditions, we held in common a strong biblical tradition. In helping to describe a theological concept or human experience, again and again we all turned to the stories of scripture to find common understanding. We do 11 MESSENGER | Ordinary Time 2015
Rebecca with her students in Cairo, Egypt
Theologian-in-Residence BMPC is honored to present our 2015 Theologian in Residence, the Rev. Dr. Brian K Blount, President and professor of New Testament at Union Presbyterian Seminary, Richmond, VA, and Charlotte, NC. He was called to this position in 2007 after serving for 15 years as the Richard J. Dearborn Professor of New Testament Interpretation at Princeton Theological Seminary. Professor Blount’s primary work has been in the Gospel of Mark, the Book of Revelation and in the area of cultural studies and hermeneutics. His most recent work, Invasion of the Dead: Preaching Resurrection (WJK 2014), is based on his 2011 Yale Beecher Lectures. In 2010, his Revelation commentary was voted the 2009 top reference work by the Academy of Parish Clergy. He has also co-authored the book Preaching The Gospel of Mark in Two Voices (WJK, 2002) with Gary W. Charles. During his weekend with us, Dr. Blount will focus on the Gospel of Mark, especially on how he believes Mark informs and instructs the church today. This program is supported by the Theologian-in-Residence Fund in the BMPC Foundation in honor of the Rev. Dr. David B. and Ruth Watermulder. Sat., Oct. 17, 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. Opening lecture, “The Gospel of Mark: God on the Loose” followed by refreshments and time for conversation with Dr. Blount. Sun., Oct. 18, 10:00 a.m. Dr. Blount will preach: “Mark 10:35-45: Focus!” 11:15 a.m. Lunch in Congregational Hall 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Closing Lecture, “Mark 4:35-41 - Jesus as Teacher: Boundary Breaking in Mark’s Gospel and Today’s Church”
The Rev. Dr. Brian Blount
Adult Education Overview By Rebecca Kirkpatrick
As Jesus was teaching the crowds one day, a lawyer asks him directly what it is he needs to do to inherit eternal life. Jesus summarizes the law for him – “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” (Luke 10:27) But the man responds with the same question that we ourselves struggle with as we make our way as Christians in a modern world – “Who is my neighbor?” This next year we will think more closely about our neighbors near and far, about loving God by loving one another, and about the intentionality that comes with being engaged in a community. There will be a variety of ways that we approach this topic through the year: Paul McMurray will lead a class and conversation at the 8:45 a.m. hour each Sunday using David Brook’s new book The Road to Character, helping us think about how we shape our children and ourselves into good neighbors. On October 4th at 11:15, Dr. Hibba Abugideiri from Villanova will help us explore ideas related to Islam’s understanding of the neighbor. And in November and December, Dr. Jon Pahl will teach us about the strong tradition of American Christian women leading the way in loving our neighbor. We hope you will join us for these conversations this year, and we would love to hear your ideas about other ways that BMPC can be good neighbors. 12 MESSENGER | Ordinary Time 2015
The Middleton Center:
A Place for Restoration and Healing By Joyce Krajian, M. Div.
Each year at the Middleton Center, trained therapists see hundreds of individuals, couples and families, and staff plans and delivers timely educational programs. From the top floors of Converse House, the Middleton’s reach extends into the ministries of BMPC and the community at large. “Most of us will experience some type of crisis, something that will challenge the dynamics of our everyday lives…perhaps a change in family circumstance or the death of a loved one, perhaps a medical crisis or relationship issue. Many members of our community have found acceptance and healing at the Middleton Center,” says Mary Beth Pratt, BMPC and Middleton Center Council member. Jeff Beers, adolescent and young adult therapist, adds,“Whether our therapists, spiritual directors, bereavement counselors or career coach are meeting clients in their offices, teaching a class or leading a group, they practice in a space of values, compassion, and belief. It is even more powerful that those values translate into an opportunity, through the Middleton scholarship, for people in financial need to receive services and find greater peace.” He concludes that “The Middleton Center creates an opportunity for me to do good work, in a good space, and be a part of a larger effort towards healing in the world.” Through collaborations with BMPC clergy and community partners, the Middleton Center also offers lectures, seminars and workshops. Contact Joyce Krajian, M.Div., Director, or search “Middleton Center” at www.bmpc.org.
The Gift of the BMPC Foundation By Nancy Wolcott
The BMPC Foundation is a blessing, as it provides some financial stability for the church both now and for future generations. Its $37 million is in 40 separate funds, some named for the donor and some named for its purpose. Each year, income from Foundation investments provides over $1 million to our operating budget and also supports a broad range of mission activities. Most gifts to the Foundation are restricted in some way, to ensure the gift is used according to the donor’s intent and/or to ensure longevity of the gift. For example, almost 10% of the Foundation’s assets are funds that were designated by donors to support our Fine Arts programs. These monies cannot be used for any other church expenses such as heating and cooling our buildings. Many gifts allow the Board to spend only income earned through investing the gift; we may not spend the principal. So when we look at the total of $37 million, we must remember that we are not permitted to spend much of that money. Some gifts are, however, unrestricted, and the Board may allow spending on a current need. The $3.05 million gift from the Foundation to the Forward in Faith Capital Campaign in 2013 is an example of using unrestricted Foundation assets for a current need. Future congregations will certainly benefit from good stewardship of our real estate. All gifts to the Foundation – both restricted and unrestricted – are important to the future of BMPC and our ability to serve others. When combined with generous pledges from current members of the congregation, the Foundation’s support helps our church provide robust worship, programs, and ministries. 13 MESSENGER | Ordinary Time 2015
Seven of the Foundation Board’s ten members.
Our Stewardship Journey 2016 Dear Fellow Members, One thing is certain...our congregation is mo vin forward on a very special stewardship journe g y. Some highlights of the past 12 months includ e: our Tutoring Program’s celebration of 50 yea rs of service, participation of more than 130 childre n at our Vacation Bible Camp, our impactful You th Mission trip to the Dominican Republic (wh ere our own 17 year old daughter “felt the presen ce of God more than ever before”), our Weekday School’s award of Best of the Main Line 201 5, our Hunger Committee’s delivery of tens of thousa nds of meals to those in need, and beautiful worsh ip services with thought-provoking and inspiring sermons. Agnes and Kellen have also been join ed by three new pastors who are already showin g their promising leadership in Children and Fam Ministry, Senior Adults and Pastoral Care, and ily Adult Education and Mission. Our larger congregational journey is fed by you r individual contributions of talent, time and trea sure; in other words, your stewardship. Where are you in your own stew ard you can do to further fuel our journey as a con ship journey? Is there more gregation? Our family is going to prayerfully consider these questions as we head into our stewardship season for 2016. If you have not yet begun your journey or hav e put it on hold, please start! Volunteer for one of our mission efforts, join a committee, and pledge something, anything...as a beginning. No gift of These gifts are not dues. There is no price for time or treasure is too small. admission at BMPC. We give in grateful response to God’s abundant blessin gs and as disciples of Jesus Christ who are called to be his church in the world. We look forward to a rewarding, blessed, abu ndant journey with all of you! Yours in Christ, Susan and Mark Dawejko, Stewardship Co-Cha
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The Messenger Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church 625 Montgomery Avenue Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 610-525-2821 The Messenger (USPS #341840) Volume #117, Issue #4 is published quarterly by the Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church. Periodical postage paid at Southeastern, Pennsylvania and additional offices. Postmaster: Send Address Changes To The Messenger Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church 625 Montgomery Avenue Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
Rally Day 2015
Sunday, September 13, 11:00 a.m., Front Lawn (rain location: Ministries Center)
Join us as we kick off a new season in ministry! Our celebration will include picnic food, entertainment, face painting, fall program information from our ministry areas, and fellowship for all ages. All welcome; bring a friend!
Save the Date Sept. 13: Sunday School Kick-Off and Rally Day Festivities Sept. 16: Wednesday Dinners Resume, 5:30-7:00 p.m. Children & Youth Choir Rehearsals begin (see page 6) Sept. 17: Presbyterian Historical Society Day Trip/Tour Sept. 19: Congregation-Wide Day of Service Oct. 7: Luncheon with “Partners for Sacred Spaces� Speaker Oct. 11: Blessings of the Animals, 4:00 p.m.