Advent 2023
The
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
2023 ADVENT MESSENGER Cover Photo By: Sharon Torello
1 Pastor’s Page
12 150 Weekend
2 New Members
14 Season of Advent
4 Longtime Members
18 Advent Gift Market
6 Educational Opportunities
19 Stewardship
8 Children & Family
20 Mission
10 Youth News
24 Music & Fine Arts
6 Educational Opportunities BMPC Pastors Pastors educational opportunties that support the work they do at BMPC
20 Joining Hands Peru
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Mission
Church on the Road
Worldwide Ministries
The Rev. Rachel Pedersen
Longterm Partnership
New children & families interactive facebook live series reading childrens books
From The Pastor Every year we begin the Advent season with one tiny little flame of light flickering in great darkness. The daily news makes us ever mindful of how bleak the world can be. In far too many places across the globe civilians are camped out under threatening clouds, and troops are prepared for battle. The world God so loves through the gift of the Holy Child of Bethlehem still yearns for the promise of peace. We invite God into our inner worlds as well to illumine those dim places of anxiety and fear that reside within. Our minds are overly stressed with worry and uncertainty. We ache for the good earth whose goodness has morphed into fragile ecosystems. We shoulder concerns for friends and family facing a scary diagnosis, declining health, mental trauma, relational dysfunction. We light our candles and pray for the full light of God’s love and peace, hope and joy to dawn.
The Lord shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. ~ Isaiah 2:4
Isaiah, our favorite Advent prophet, fans the flames of hope and invites us to walk in the light of God who promises us a remarkable vision. Instruments of war and violence beaten into farming tools. Nations basking in peace at last, so much so that the notion of war no longer enters our minds, no longer is something taught and learned and passed along to new generations. Imagine! Farming tools enough to harvest food for the family of God the earth over. Imagine! Suddenly light begins to stream from tiny Advent candles into the full glory of God made manifest in all the earth. Imagine! As we make our prayerful way through Advent into Christmas, may the God of hopeful expectation be our guiding light. Grace and Peace,
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New Members We welcome our newest members with joy and anticipation as our congregation grows.
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Amy and Brant Henderson Haverford
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Barbara and David Vahlsing
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Ben and Leslie Wilson
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Jacqueline and Clyde Briant
Wynnewood
Haverford
Havertown
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3
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Welcome! 5
Deborah Flanagan
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Faith and Fred Sandstrom
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Bridget Nurock
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Sarah Trent and Joel Schlosser
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Dunham and John Churchill
and Tom Peter 10 Melissa Haverford
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Rose Valley
Haverford
Wayne
Haverford
Ardmore
Longtime Members Reflect on Their Personal History at BMPC By Elena Perri or Peter Craig and Susan Thorkelson, Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church has served as a spiritual anchor for their faith lives and a cherished source of support and fulfillment. Both grew up in the church, and their families have deep roots in this congregation. Peter and his family have been affiliated with BMPC dating back to the late 1800s.
I’ve been a member for 62 years, and sometimes I sit down in the pew and look up at the cross and think my family has been here forever. “I’ve been a member for 62 years, and sometimes I sit down in the pew and look up at the cross and think my family has been here forever,” Peter said. “My mom, my grandmother and grandfather, my grandmother’s father and his father were all members. It’s not just a church; it’s our church. It’s the center of my spiritual life.” Taking on church leadership roles has been important to Peter and his wife, Valerie. They both have served as Elders and helped lead youth summer camp programs. Peter also was a Trustee and head of the BMPC Foundation.
“I can’t think of a better place to put my energy,” Peter said. “There are places that I put my energy, but I can’t think of anything more important than the church.” Involvement in church programs and activities likewise has been a mainstay for Susan, whose family also has a long history as members of the church. In high school she volunteered as a tutor in BMPC’s Tutoring Program, and when her youngest daughter was in high school, she became a group leader and then coordinated the tutoring program for a few years. More recently Susan served as Deacon for six years and was moderator of the Deacons for two years. She also is a member of the Community Forum Committee, Middleton Center Council and helps with arranging flowers that are brought to homebound members. “I feel very fortunate to know so many older folks in our church,” Susan said. “Having been a Deacon, I had the privilege of visiting many and getting to know them. That has been really important to me.” As a child of the church, Susan enjoys sharing her Sunday School experience with current students.
Susan and Bill Thorkelson
Married at BMPC on November 27, 1976
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“I loved when Rachel asked me to come to one of the Sunday School classes to talk about what Sunday School was like when I was a little girl,” Susan said. “I always bring my Sunday School pin to show them. At first you would get a little pin and then a little laurel around it, and then a bar for every year. That’s not something they would do nowadays, but the children are always interested in that. We look at old pictures, and I just love the connection with the children.” Susan noted the importance of the church’s focus on community outreach.
I’m really proud of our church and the partnerships that we’ve had in West Philadelphia for all these years, and whether it be mission far away or close by, I just hope that continues. “In the 1960s, we saw the changes that (the Rev. Dr.) David Watermulder brought as far as reaching out to the community, developing greater awareness for people we might not have connected with before, especially in the city,” she said. “I’m really proud of our church and the partnerships that we’ve had in West Philadelphia for all these years, and whether it be mission far away or close by, I just hope that continues.” For both Peter and Susan, this church community has been a treasured part of their lives. “What I’ve enjoyed most is being part of a community of believers, worshiping together, studying together, and getting to know each other,” Susan said. “The friendships and supporting each other during times of joy and concerns, that’s been important to me.” Peter emphasized how his faith and his longtime friendships with fellow church members have helped him throughout the years. “The majority of our close friends are church members,” he said. “When we’ve gone through some difficult times, we’ve been lifted up by a hundred hands. It’s just amazing. That’s overwhelming and very humbling to be that loved.”
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When we’ve gone through some difficult times, we’ve been lifted up by a hundred hands. It’s just amazing. That’s overwhelming and very humbling to be that loved.
Associate Pastors Engage in Educational Opportunities that Support Their Work at BMPC Leigh DeVries This fall Leigh DeVries began a Master of Social Work Program at Widener University. At the conclusion of the program, she hopes to gain her license in Clinical Social Work and see how it can enrich and build upon her work as a pastor.
Rebecca Kirkpatrick From May 2020 to May 2022, Rebecca Kirkpatrick was enrolled in the Master of Science in Church Management program at Villanova University’s Center for Church Management within its School of Business. The program was created to equip clergy and church administrators to manage the essential administrative work of congregations such as human resources, management, financial reporting, funds development, strategic planning, church and civil law, security, and technology. Within an ecumenical cohort from around the country, the program enables current and future church leaders to steward the human, financial, and other resources of the church by teaching business best practices in a Christian context of mission and ministry. Villanova is the only school to offer a program of this kind.
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Rachel Pedersen Rachel is a candidate in Columbia Theological Seminary’s Doctor of Educational Ministries program. This unique program focuses on the intersection of education and faith. Building on early coursework and previous research, Rachel is working on her final project, exploring how early elementary students understand the church and their role as members of the community. She was drawn to the program because of the academic leadership of Christina Hong and Kathy Dawson as well as the strong emphasis on practical application and robust research opportunities. Rachel expects to present her research this coming spring. Starting together in fall 2020, Rachel’s cohort primarily met virtually, but, more recently, they had the opportunity to meet in Decatur, Georgia, for their final classes.
Franklyn C. Pottorff After three years of study, Frank graduated in May 2023 with a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) degree from Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, Virginia. A hybrid program, with some classes online and some held on campus, the degree program seeks advanced understanding of the contemporary church and expressions of culture, and relationships between the two. Frank’s focus was on proclamation and evangelism. He studied the use of narrative preaching —a form of preaching that weaves story and image into a larger discourse — to connect people and congregations to find their stories in God’s story. He also explored areas around theology and money and furthering economic fairness as a part of the church’s mission. He hopes this research will help further his work in member engagement and cultivating generosity here at BMPC.
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Church on the Road We know families are busy and weekends tend be packed with various activities, making it difficult to get to church and Sunday School. Each Friday we are posting a short video including a special story, a few questions, and a prayer.
Stories may be accessed through the Children’s Ministry Facebook group:
https://bit.ly/CFMFacebookGroup. During Advent, we’ll include some favorite Advent traditions and practices to try at home.
Church on THE ROAD
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Weekday School Enrollment is
Open
The Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Weekday School is forming next year’s classes! Founded 60 years ago, the Weekday School remains committed to its goal of nurturing young children in our community. Using play-based and developmentally appropriate curricula, our teachers create classrooms that build a child’s social, emotional, academic, and physical capacities. Applications are available online, https://bmpcweekdayschool.org, or by calling the school at 610-520-8840. Contact Weekday School Director Robin Macon, weekdayschool@bmpc.org with questions or to schedule a tour.
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Youth News Youth Ministry at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church continues to be a thriving space for our teenagers. All youth are invited to Youth Gathering on Sunday mornings from 10-11, starting in the Gym. For the past semester, our middle school students have been learning about what it means to follow Jesus, and our high school students have delved into understanding the Bible together. Our large Confirmation Class meets in the Loft and asks great questions such as “Who is Jesus?” and “What does it mean to be a Christian?” We also started a new program this fall called Middle School Mondays, where all our middle school students are invited to come play a game, share about their week, and learn a bit about loving God in our modern world. Student Serve, open to all high school youth, also has continued this fall, where we play games like Werewolf, Chameleon, and Bananagrams, share the highs and lows of our lives, and talk about God together.
Upcoming Events: Thanksgiving Pancake Breakfast – November 23
Rainbow Reindeer Games – Sunday, December 17 Youth Sunday – February 11, 2024
All Youth Retreat – March 8-10, 2024
2024 Summer Trips: Middle School Camp at Massanetta Springs – June 25-28, $450, for rising sixth - rising eighth grades Peru Mission Trip (application required) – July 10-20, $1,500, for rising 9th - graduating seniors High School Camp at Montreat – July 28-Aug. 3, $650, for rising 9th - rising 12th grades
Scholarships are available for all trips!
Thanksgiving Pancake Breakfast November 23, 8:30-11:30 a.m. Congregational Hall
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Mission Trip Reflection By Lowell Hoffman, BMPC Youth
The mission trip to North Carolina this summer was one of the most impactful adventures that I have been a part of. I was able to reconnect with old church friends and encounter incredible new ones. I was fortunate enough to meet, learn from, and be around amazing people who are working for remarkable organizations. Looking back, I never thought I would miss waking up early to do dances and talk about my Christian faith. After morning worship, we assisted at least two non-profit communities each day. Although I noticed God in all the sites we visited, my two favorite experiences from this trip helped me to construct a new view of my faith. At Samaritan’s Feet and a crisis assistance ministry I distinctly remember the feeling of helping others through the good work these places do. All these organizations do God’s work in different ways, but the amazing thing about them is they are all run by volunteers. I realized that when even small groups of people come together to help, it makes a big difference. One of the biggest things I learned was that everyone has a different story with different highs and lows. I learned about mission work, I played hard, I worked hard, and I made progress on my personal faith journey. This mission trip will always have a special meaning in my heart, and I can’t help but smile when I think about all the memories I made during this trip.
All are invited to attend the Thanksgiving Pancake Breakfast, hosted by BMPC Youth Ministry. All proceeds from this family event support Youth Ministry. The cost for unlimited pancakes is $5 per person and $20 per family. Can’t come, but want to donate to support Youth Ministry? Go to onrealm.org/bmpc/give/youth to donate!
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Celebrating 150 years of Faithfulness The weekend of October 14 and 15 was filled with fellowship, excitement, worship and reflective engagement as the church celebrated our anniversary. Over the course of numerous events including a family-friendly church birthday party, a reception with former clergy and their families, dinner and organ concert, all culminating in an anniversary worship service, the congregation honored our history and looked forward to the future with joyful anticipation. From horse-drawn carriage rides that allowed our younger disciples to imagine what it was like to arrive at church in 1873, to the premiere of our beautifully produced anniversary film, there was something for everyone. Thank you for helping us celebrate this important milestone in the continuing work and witness of our church!
SEASON OF ADVENT
AT BMPC
WORSHIP SERVICES
FELLOWSHIP GATHERINGS
EVENING WORSHIP SERVICE
LIVE NATIVITY AND ADVENT WORKSHOP
Sunday, December 3 5:00 p.m., Sanctuary
Sunday, December 3 4:00 p.m., Front Lawn
ADVENT LESSONS & CAROLS VESPERS SERVICE
ADVENT HARPSICHORD RECITALS
Sunday, December 10 4:00 p.m., Sanctuary
12:00 p.m., Sanctuary
LONGEST NIGHT WORSHIP SERVICE
December 5 – Gabriel Benton December 12 – Silvanio Reis December 19 – Jeffrey Brillhart & Edward Landin Senn
Wednesday, December 20 7:00 p.m., Sanctuary, and via Livestream
RAINBOW REINDEER GAMES
CHRISTMAS EVE FAMILY SERVICE WITH NATIVITY TABLEAU
Sunday, December 24 4:30 p.m., Sanctuary, and via Livestream CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE WITH COMMUNION
Sunday, December 17 11:00 a.m., Front Lawn WEE CHRISTMAS
Tuesday, December 19 4:00 p.m., Sanctuary
Sunday, December 24 8:30 p.m., Sanctuary, and via Livestream
SPECIAL WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES CHAPEL LABYRINTH HOURS DURING ADVENT:
Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m.– 7:00 p.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m.– 3:00 p.m. Sunday 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. QUIET PRAYER
Wednesdays in Advent: December 6, 13 and 20 7:00 - 7:45 p.m. Middleton Center
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Longest Night Worship Service Wednesday, December 20, 7:00 p.m., Sanctuary, and via Livestream
In our minds and imaginations, Christmas is supposed to be a time of joy and
celebration. However, at certain stages of life, the joy of those around us can exacerbate the sense of loneliness or loss we are experiencing. We understand the mindset of the Grinch or of Ebenezer Scrooge – “Bah, humbug!”
The Longest Night Worship Service is for all those who feel the need for greater hope
and light during the Christmas season. It’s for those living in pain, those filled with questions and doubts, those longing to make sense of our world and their lives. It’s also for their friends and loved ones, for all those journeying alongside someone who finds the season difficult for whatever reason.
The name of the service – Longest Night – comes from its proximity to the winter
solstice: the longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Yet the name
also serves as a testimony for all who are experiencing their own season of extended darkness. It’s a service of gathering for all those who want to not be walking this difficult journey alone.
You are invited to come lay your struggles before the God who meets you where you
are. The significance of Immanuel, God with us, is particularly important when we find ourselves in a tough place. On this evening we will sing and pray, express our doubts and our hopes, as we seek the peace of God’s presence which can transform the world and each one of us. You are not alone on your journey.
All are welcome to attend this service in person in the Sanctuary or participate virtually via livestream at www.bmpc.org/livestream
Anniversary Christmas Ornament An anniversary Christmas ornament has been created to help us celebrate this season in the life of our congregation. Designed and crafted by Wendell August Forge, the ornament highlights the beauty of our historic buildings as well as our newly-renovated facilities. For 100 years Wendell August has been creating unique hand-wrought pieces using an eightstep process with roots in ancient metalworking techniques. The ornaments are
$20 each, and can be purchased either at the
church office or during the AGM opening event on November 19. 15
A Living Story By the Rev. Rachel Pedersen
A very small angel sighed midway through rehearsal. We had been practicing their line: “Glory to God in the Highest Heavens and on Earth Peace to All the People!” She shook her head and with empathy and understanding asked, “Do you think those first angels ever got tired, because this is hard work.” Indeed, it is hard work, and I can imagine there were a few hoarse angels on that first Christmas Eve. While our sweet Christmas cards, idyllic music, and a few wonderful children’s books do a phenomenal job of telling the Christmas Story, the picture-perfect portrayals can seem a little foreign, like something locked in the far past. Throughout December we will have multiple opportunities to experience the Christmas Story, helping the youngest members of our church explore the mystery of the season. On Sunday, December 3, we will host a Live Nativity on the front lawn of the church. Here you can walk through the story: pet a donkey and imagine what it would be like to ride one for days on a trip between Nazareth and Bethlehem; listen to travelers and smell frankincense and myrrh; and follow the bleats of a lamb and think about the shepherds keeping watch. On Tuesday, December 19 at 4:00 p.m., we will celebrate “Wee Christmas” by inviting our youngest children (5 and under) to retell the story together. Everyone picks their own costume, and we always make it to the manger. On Christmas Eve at 4:30 p.m., you will hear different voices in our Sanctuary and even see an angel on high. Children will lead us and embody a story that undergirds our faith. •
Live Nativity and Evening Worship, Sunday, December 3 Live Nativity will be presented from 4:00-5:00 p.m. Evening Worship follows at 5:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary.
•
Wee Christmas, Tuesday, December 19, 4:00 p.m., Sanctuary
•
Christmas Eve Family Service, Sunday, December 24, 4:30 p.m., Sanctuary
Each of these programs help to take a story from long ago and make it tangible. We hope you and your families will join us for these joyous celebrations of the Christmas Story.
CHRISTMAS FLOWER DONATIONS 16
BMPC CHRISTMAS ANGELS The holidays are a magical time at Gemma Services. “Wow! It looks like a fairy tale!” exclaimed a child as they entered the gym, which had been transformed into a winter wonderland for the annual holiday party last year. “This is the best night of my life!” shared another child as they received their gifts. Whether by creating a magical experience or handing the children a stack of presents generously donated by caring friends, the staff at Gemma does everything they can to show children and families that they matter - during the holiday season and throughout the year. You can help create this magic! With friends like you, Gemma created a special holiday season last year for hundreds of youth and families. Will you help Gemma once again create a memorable holiday season? There are several ways to grant wishes for children this Christmas: •
Donate a gift card for a child or parent to choose their own gifts. The most useful are $25 gift cards to Amazon, Giant, ShopRite, Target, Visa and Walmart.
•
Sponsor a child’s Christmas https://bit.ly/BMPC_XMAS_Angels_2023
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Buy a general gift for a child such as Legos, toiletry sets, Rubik’s Cubes, makeup, cards and card games, board games, fidget toys, basketballs, footballs, or remote controlled cars.
•
Purchase from Gemma’s Amazon wish list: https//bit.ly Gemma Needs
Gift cards and unwrapped gifts need to be delivered by Sunday, December 3 (please let us know if you are delivering gifts other than Sunday morning) or by appointment to Gemma’s campus. Gift delivery to Gemma’s Plymouth Meeting Campus is by appointment only. Thank you for making this Christmas special! For more information, contact Betty Wu at BMPCAngels@gmail.com
Contributions may be given in three categories for listing in the Christmas Eve bulletin:
“In memory of,” “In honor of,” or “In celebration of (marriage, retirement, birth, baptism).” Forms are available online at www.bmpc.org/flower-donations. The deadline is Sunday, December 3. Monies received are used year-round for our floral decorations and Deacons’ flower ministry. 17
2023 Advent Gift Market Give gifts with purpose this holiday season by shopping with the BMPC Advent Gift Market. Alternative gifts in a wide variety of prices help us celebrate and support 17 local and international partners. Stop by to purchase this year’s greeting cards featuring art from church members Patricia Danzon and Mimi Johnson. Shop on your phone by scanning QR code.
- Online Shopping -
Scan Me
Greeting Cards
Begins Sunday, November 12
- Opening Day – Sunday, November 19, following worship
www.BrynMawrAGM.com - You can shop AGM every Sunday in Advent following worship in the Atrium -
Christmas Joy Offering Each year during the Advent and Christmas season, we turn our eyes to Bethlehem and celebrate the wondrous gift of Jesus Christ, our Savior. God has blessed the Church with incredible leadership in every time and place, but those leaders also need support from their communities. This Offering addresses the support needed by some of our leaders, including supporting leadership development for communities of color, and providing support for Presbyterian church workers in their time of need. The Christmas Joy Offering has been a cherished Presbyterian tradition since the 1930s. The Offering distributes gifts equally to the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions and to Presbyterian-related schools and colleges equipping communities of color. The Assistance Program provides critical financial support to church workers and their families. Presbyterian-related schools and colleges provide education and leadership development while nurturing racial and ethnic heritage. This has been a Presbyterian commitment for nearly 140 years. You are invited to give to the Christmas Joy Offering online at pcusa.org/give/christmasjoy or by using the envelopes found in the pew racks on Sundays in December. 18
Christ is Made the Sure Foundation: BMPC’s 2024 Stewardship Campaign The cornerstone for the foundation of our first chapel was laid in 1873. It is astonishing to consider how many people have benefitted from the ministries of our church over the past 150 years – children and youth who were introduced to Christian values in Sunday School and through Confirmation and summer camps, adult members of all ages who have experienced meaningful spiritual development and fellowship, and countless individuals in the Philadelphia area, across our country and throughout the world who have experienced God’s love through our outreach and mission work. We recognize that the true foundation was laid long before 1873 with the birth, life and death of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The centrality of his teachings is the inspiration for our stewardship theme for the coming year: Christ is Made the Sure Foundation. We are fortunate to be members of this church as we mark 150 years of faith, fellowship, and service. Many are called to BMPC because of the tremendous impact of our outreach and mission programs. Perhaps your passion is pastoral care for members of our congregation or the inspirational music and fine arts programs we offer. For some, our Sunday worship services, in person or online, are the primary connection with our congregation. For others, it is the Sunday School program. As a Presbyterian church, we offer many paths to spiritual formation and service. What binds us together is our cornerstone, Jesus Christ. With the knowledge that Christ is Made the Sure Foundation, we are asked to support the work of our congregation through our 2024 stewardship campaign. This is our collective opportunity to ensure that our ministries and programs continue to serve our congregation and our broader community, both near and far. Pledges are a foundational element of our discipleship and make it possible for our church to create an annual budget for the upcoming year. If you have never made a pledge, we invite you to consider a pledge this year. Please know that your support is more important than the size of your pledge. You may make a pledge by returning the pledge card you received at home, dropping a pledge card in the offering plate during worship, or by pledging online at www.bmpc.org/pledge With gratitude, Elliot Dee and David Reiner Co-Chairs, BMPC Stewardship Committee
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Joining Hands Peru – a New Season of Partnership
From the church’s very beginning, supporting and sending mission workers around the world was an essential part of the work of BMPC. For the first several decades, The Church Messenger newsletter was often filled with letters sent back home from mission workers in India, Japan and Wisconsin. For the church in those days, being a church centered in mission wasn’t just about sending funding, but about genuinely learning about the work of our missionaries, loving their children, and staying
Please pray for... Mission Co-workers
Rev. Jed Koball and Jenny Koball and the people of Peru
pcusa.org/jed-koball jedhawkes@gmail.com jenny.milagros@gmail.com Address Avenida Brasil 3069 Dpto. 1201 Magdalena del Mar Lima, PERU
abreast of the changing landscape of mission work at the turn of the 20th century.
Presbyterian Mission
World Mission
As we consider what it means to be a church committed to global mission at the start of the 21st century, we are once again centering our attention, our education, and our financial support to specific mission workers and an international partner. While the Worldwide Ministries Committee continues to support a variety of organizations doing the work of education, justice and medical mission around the world through small grants, they also have launched a Long-Term Partner model for mission during BMPC’s anniversary year.
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Joining Hands Peru is a partner BMPC has worked with
Communities Impacted by Mining. It is rooted in the
for over 10 years through a collaboration with Mission
accompaniment of the population of La Oroya, one of
Co-Workers Jed and Jenny Koball. Through their work
the 10 most contaminated places in the world, where
with Presbyterian World Mission, Jed and Jenny support
nearly 100% of the children have experienced severe lead
local congregations and community organizers in areas
poisoning due to metallurgical activity in the town. The
surrounding Lima as mostly indigenous communities
focus is to secure comprehensive health care for the people,
there are grappling with serious environmental pollution
mitigate the toxic metal contamination, and ensure such
issues.
contamination does not continue.
Joining Hands Peru (Red Uniendo Manos Peru) is an
In a newly-launched effort, JHP is working in the Callo
ecumenical network formed at the start of the 21st century
community near Peru where biodiversity in the local
with a mission of bringing
wetlands is threatened,
together the Church and
children and families are
civil society to accompany
exposed to heavy metal
vulnerable
poisoning,
and
populations
contribute
to
the
the
rivers
have become polluted
social, environmental, and
with
economic management of
dumped by local and
their communities. Presently,
international companies,
the network includes eight
and where there has been
Peruvian non-governmental
a catastrophic oil spill in
organizations and churches
the Ventanilla Sea that
located
the
experts estimate will take
country, representing a broad
more than 10 years to
diversity
remediate.
and
throughout of
populations
environments.
The
contaminants
BMPC has made a three-
network seeks to ensure the full participation of women,
year commitment to support community organizers and
indigenous populations, African-Peruvian communities,
activists in Peru as well as our Co-Workers Jed and Jenny in
rural farmers, and youth.
the hope that we too will be strengthened and inspired to
In the community of La Oroya, JHP has engaged in an
advocate for creation care in our own local context.
advocacy campaign entitled Environmental Health for
If you would like to be part of a team working alongside Joining Hands Peru, contact RebeccaKirkpatrick@bmpc.org
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The Eugene C. Bay Fund for Urban Ministry Celebrates 18 Years and $1.5 Million in Giving
As an outgrowth of Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church’s
the Jane Addams House, a ministry of Lutheran Settlement
commitment to both engagement and funding in the West
House, has used funding to enrich the lives of children and
Philadelphia section of the city and in honor of Dr. Bay’s
youth living together with their families in the only family-
retirement in 2004 and his commitment to projects that
based homeless shelter in Philadelphia; The Common
improve the lives of children and youth, the Bay Fund
Place has used funding to help launch their innovative and
has supported 20 different transformative projects in the
diverse outreach to families in Southwest Philadelphia as
region.
well as support their technology-based summer camps in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Grants are awarded in a two-year cycle starting every other January. Recognizing the need to reflect on the language and process surrounding the Bay Fund, the Session recently endorsed the work of a taskforce to review and refresh materials for both the Bay Grant and the Richard Shaull Grant for Global Mission. A new cycle of Bay Grants kicks off in January 2024. If you know of an organization seeking to positively impact the lives of children and youth in Philadelphia, we encourage church members to share information about this
The earliest rounds of funding supported some of our
transformative funding opportunity. Details about the Bay
most historic mission partners in the city, including Broad
Fund are available at www.bmpc.org/grants or contact the
Street Ministry’s Youth Initiative which created weeklong
Rev. Rebecca Kirkpatrick at RebeccaKirkpatrick@bmpc.org
mission immersion experiences for youth from around the country to The Interfaith Center of Greater Philadelphia
(now
Interfaith
Philadelphia) as it launched its nationally unique Walking the Walk programs. There are a few organizations in the history of the Bay Fund that have had multiple projects
funded
by
virtue
of
their enduring commitment to supporting families in Philadelphia: Gemma
Services
(formerly
theVillage) has used funding to train therapists and coach parents; 22
Eugene C. Bay Fund for Urban Ministry Funding Criteria: The Eugene C. Bay Fund for Urban Ministry primarily seeks program/project applications that focus on the enhancement of the physical, emotional, educational and spiritual lives of children and youth. Funding decisions will take into consideration the following additional criteria, among others: • Inclusion of a significant self-help component, drawing upon the existing resources of the community impacted/served • Encouragement of personal transformation • Alignment with BMPC’s mission values described above • Opportunities for urban and suburban residents to work and grow together • Projects impacting residents of urban Philadelphia or Chester • Projects that advance the prospect of systemic change The Eugene C. Bay Fund will not make grants for scholarships, endowments or capital improvements. Organizations should submit a Letter of Intent (no more than two pages) that gives information and summarizes their proposal by January 15, 2024, to grants@bmpc.org 23
Advent Harpsichord Recital – Tuesdays in the Sanctuary (Recitals begin at noon and last approximately 30 minutes) December 5 – Gabriel Benton December 12 – Silvanio Reis December 19 – Jeffrey Brillhart and Edward Landin Senn
During the Tuesdays of Advent, recitals are presented in the Sanctuary by area harpsichordists as they perform assorted repertoire on BMPC’s Robert Hauptfuhrer Memorial Harpsichord built by the legendary William Dowd in 1966 in the style of a French “double,” (two keyboards) and modeled after a 1770 French Taskin harpsichord from the Yale University Musical Instrument Collection.
Upcoming Shows in Art Gallery
BMPC Members’ Only Exhibit
November 5 through December 17, 2023 This exhibit features works by a handful of talented artists who are BMPC members, and much of their artwork will be available to purchase as Christmas gifts for family or friends.
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Concerts with a Cause
Advent Lessons and Carols Vespers Service with the Bryn Mawr Festival Brass
James Kealey, Organ Recital
Sunday, December 10, 4:00 p.m., Sanctuary
Sunday, January 21, 2:00 p.m., Sanctuary
Offering to support Prevention Point Philadelphia:
Offering to support AGO Philadelphia’s
www.ppponline.org
Scholarship Fund: www.agophila.org
A special service of Lessons and Carols focused on
Laureate of the 2022 American Guild of Organists’
the Season of Advent, a time of hope and expectation
“National Young Artist Competition in Organ
as Christians all around the world anticipate the
Performance” and currently based in Rochester,
birth of the Christ Child. Led by BMPC’s Sanctuary
New York, Kealey is pursuing a doctor of musical
Choir as well as its Singing for Life and Youth Chorale
arts degree at Eastman School of Music while also
ensembles, scripture readings, carols, and anthems
serving as interim director of music/organist at Third
will surely draw you into the season of Advent.
Presbyterian Church, also in Rochester. His program will showcase the colors and strength of the Rieger organ, particularly in Maurice Duruflé’s tone poem, “Prélude, Adagio, et Choral varié” on the Pentecost chant theme of Veni Creator, and in David Hurd’s “On the name Maurice Duruflé.”
“Seascapes” by João Magalhães
January 7 through February 25, 2024 Forget about the dark and gloomy days of winter and transport yourself into the sun and breeze of the summer months with a solo show by Brazilian artist, João Magalhães .
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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 #125, Issue #3, 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
CHRISTMAS EVE SCHEDULE 4:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Family Service with Nativity Tableau, Sanctuary and Livestreamed at www.bmpc.org/livestream 8:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Service with Communion, Sanctuary and Livestreamed at www.bmpc.org/livestream
Inclement Weather Policy If the church closes due to inclement weather and unsafe travel conditions, notice will be provided on our website, www.bmpc.org, on our social media channels, and with a recorded message at our main church phone number: 610-525-2821. Decisions to cancel scheduled BMPC programs will be made by the person in charge of the ministry area. For information, contact the person in charge.
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