Celebrating the 150th Anniversary of Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church made 2023 a banner year! We filled the Gallery with a visual history and created educational programs to honor the witness of this congregation’s sesquicentennial. We remembered the church’s legacy in global and local outreach, music and fine arts, Presbyterian Women, and educational ministries. We commissioned special anthems and offered prayers of thanksgiving for early charter members who dreamed of a church on this tract of land, people who began to erect buildings for congregational worship and community, and church members who invested not only financial resources and missional energy but also the values of their collective sense of calling as disciples of Jesus Christ.
While the church was recalling and honoring the legacy of our forebears, whose generosity laid the firm foundation for the kind of church we are today, the work of the 150th Vision Committee helped turn the congregation toward the future. Through public forums, focus groups, and a
survey, that church-wide conversation led to adopting the 150th Vision Committee Report, which will guide our ministry areas in the coming months and years.
You will see signs of this vision already coalescing in the pages before you. I hope that these summaries of last year’s opportunities to grow in faith and faithfulness might inspire each reader to engage in new activities or higher levels of engagement! Observing the 150th Anniversary has taught us well that looking back, celebrating past milestones, and marking key formative moments enables us to look forward with an ear and an eye to how God calls us to grow in discipleship and live out our faith.
I invite you to read this Annual Report and imagine what more God can do with the abundant resources we share as together we enjoy being Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church.
Grace and Peace,
Dottie Bowen, Clerk
Elder Class of 2024
Dottie Bowen
Elliot Dee
Mary French+
By Graf+
Vivian Hattersley (Y)
Harper Hoffman (Y)
Joan LaLeike +
Annie Lee
Bill Matthai +
Elder Class of 2025
Keith Brinks
Meggin Capers
Susan Daley-Gibson
Fred Fletcher
Susan Swanson
Pam Walsh+
Elder Class of 2026
Emily Cieri+
Carolyn Gerrish+
Sarah Gunther
Linda Griska+
Whitney Hoffman
Joe Parente+
Carl Reynolds
Clergy
The Rev. Dr. Agnes W. Norfleet
The Rev. Dr. Kirby Lawrence Hill
The Rev. Leigh DeVries
The Rev. Rebecca Kirkpatrick
The Rev. Rachel Pedersen
The Rev. Dr. Franklyn C. Pottorff
Board of Deacons
Kara Udicious, Moderator
Deacon Class of 2024
Colleen Bertrand+
Dave Bravo+
Ted Collett
Dan Haller+
Kathy Kreider+
Tricia Mackay+
Sydney Navarro (Y)
Sheila Rohrer+
Bill Shinn+
Kara Udicious
Kayden Weinstock (Y)
Deacon Class of 2025
Gary Davis
Judy Frazier
Andy Kuntz+
Sandie Nicholson+
Elaine Robertson
Charlotte Swenson
Anne Wendel+
Deacon Class of 2026
Angie Baturka+
Steve Burdick+
Nadine Champagne+
Stacey Fagan+
Jennie Jacobson
Kay Kerr
Rob Stoy
Board of Trustees
Tobin Whamond, President
Trustee Class of 2024
Peter Cordray
Rob Gunther
Dave MacGregor+
Dave Reiner
Tom Willcox+
Trustee Class of 2025
Dave Barrickman
Andy Bees
Kirstin Engelman+
Dan Irwin
Marge Kennedy
Tobin Whamond+
Trustee Class of 2026
Bart Bastian
Ruth Brader
Linda Gamble+
Mike Giampetroni
Dave Hastings+
Jeff Libson
(Y) Indicates a youth serving a one-year term as Elder or Deacon. + Indicates a person is serving their second three-year term.
2,174 Active Membership as of 12/31/2023
23 Received 18 and Older
10 Received 17 and Under
25 Baptisms
13 Removed from Active Roll
5 Weddings
30 Deaths
The mission of Caring Ministries is to extend Jesus’ invitation to live life ‘(w)holy.’ We use a team approach consisting of pastors, a nurse, a social worker, the Middleton Counseling Center, and deacons. When health, aging, or life circumstances are a concern, we offer pastoral care, professional care, visitation by trained members of the congregation, prayer, spiritual nurture, and caring support.
In March, the Caring Ministries team offered a symposium with presentations and a panel entitled, ‘Getting Your Affairs in Order.’ The event focused on health insurance, living arrangements, and estate and funeral planning. About 100 people attended. Social worker Renee Malnak and Associate Pastor for Pastoral Care and Senior Adults Rev. Brian Ballard concluded their times of service to BMPC. Kathryn West and the Rev. Dr. Kirby Lawrence Hill were brought on board to fill those positions. Other staff serving on the Caring Ministries team are Carol Cherry, our parish nurse, and Kiki McKendrick, Director of the Middleton Counseling Center.
The counseling center, with its twelve counselors and two spiritual directors, carries out sessions that encourage restoration and rejuvenation. Over 1,500 counseling sessions, most of which were in person, were held over the course of the year. Our scholarship fund enabled many to receive therapy who could not have otherwise done so. Our bereavement group,
Searching for Still Waters, met twice each month. Book groups and contemplative prayer gatherings were also conducted.
We host several fitness classes that seek to meet specific needs including a couple of yoga classes, a Tai Chi class, a Dance for Parkinson’s class, and a Parkinson’s support group. Scholarships were available for any of these classes.
The BMPC Deacons broaden the congregational caring ministry through their flower ministry visitations each week. Caring Ministries staff resourced the deacons with multiple training sessions on quality caring visits, focusing on those who suffer from dementia. The deacons also help to facilitate blood drives and food ministry.
Staff carried out in-home and hospital visitations. Knitted prayer shawls, squares, and Peyton hearts were given to individuals for spiritual comfort. Medical equipment, including wheelchairs, walkers, and canes, was lent to those with such a need, including those from the wider community.
The Caring Ministries team seeks to make BMPC a caring place in all the above ways and more. As always, please contact us if there is any way we can support you or a loved one in need. The church office number is 610-525-2821. There is always a pastor on call for emergencies.
In this 150th anniversary year, all nine of our mission committees and councils at BMPC took time to celebrate our long and illustrious history of mission engagement locally and worldwide. We celebrated the legacy of our earliest missionaries who served in places like India, Japan, and the American West, as well as our newest partners who are leading us into the future of outreach and partnership in mission. We recognized the ways that we have done
mission in the past and the ways that changes in the world, the church, and the broadening of our hearts have changed how we do mission today. These celebrations and reflections have inspired us to continue our mission with renewed vigor and commitment.
One of the ways that we celebrated our mission history and future was by awarding $250,000 in funding from the mission component of the This Time This Place Campaign to six partner organizations who spent the year helping us celebrate the meaning of partnership. Those organizations included New River Presbyterian Church, the merger of our historic partners, First African and Calvin Presbyterian Church, who helped us to celebrate our 25-year commitment to West Philadelphia. A grant was awarded to The Common Place in Southwest Philly, whose innovative work to build up their community and to educate their partner congregations on how to engage in urban mission in healthy and responsible ways helped us to celebrate all the ways that mission changes our own lives here at BMPC. A grant to long-time partner West Kensington Ministry helped us honor our historical commitment to supporting new worshiping communities and a renewed focus on work with refugees, immigrants,
and asylum seekers. A grant to the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation recognizes that we are called to be in study and prayer about the ways that the world and the church are changing in this generation around issues of race, LGBTQ justice, and inclusion. It is through so many of the resources PPC creates for the church that we are equipped to serve the world. Finally, a grant to the Presbyterian Historical Society, which works to preserve the often untold and courageous stories of the Presbyterian Church in the past, has helped us preserve our own history in mission.
As we do each year, through the generosity of our members and the hard and thoughtful work of our many volunteers in mission, BMPC granted over $575,000 in grants to 75 partners locally and around the world in 2023. We are called as a church to engage in the mission of compassion, justice, and transformation, and we want you to be a part of that work. Your service opportunities, relationship building with our partners, and leadership on our committees are all valued and welcomed. All are welcome to join this next generation of mission and service.
2023 was a year of celebration! With commissioned choral anthems in honor of the anniversary, to a dedicated historical exhibit in the Gallery, to a church birthday party for children and families, and an open house and dinner for returning guests and former pastors where we shared our anniversary film, it was a time for remembering our heritage at 150 years and looking with joy to our future. Thank you for all the ways your engagement made our church a place of welcome and hospitality! As we look to the future, we do so with hope and gratitude for the legacy that has brought us safe thus far, and we look toward what God has yet to do here.
looking back, celebrating past milestones, and marking key formative moments enables us to look forward with an ear and an eye to how God calls us to grow in discipleship and live out our faith.
- Agnes W. Norfleet
2023 was a year that began with the celebration of Jeffrey Brillhart’s 40th year as Director of Music and Fine Arts. This was a day of celebration, with a surprise visit by former organ scholar Nathan Laube (now one of the most celebrated organists in the world), a world première of a choral amen by British composer Malcolm Archer, a festive luncheon, and a variety of surprise guest performers.
Later in January, Jeffrey Brillhart and Laura Ward presented a two-piano concert benefiting the Homeless Advocacy Project. In February, we welcomed the Main Line Symphony and a full house to a concert that featured BMPC’s assistant director of music, Edward Landin Senn, at the organ. March saw the joyous return of Notre Dame Cathedral Organist Olivier Latry. That concert, a benefit concert for the reconstruction of Notre Dame, drew an enormous audience; by Olivier’s own admission, it was one of the finest concerts he ever played.
Good Friday included a performance of Anthony Mosakowsi’s “St. John Passion” by the Bryn Mawr Chamber Singers. Later that month, we welcomed the legendary Monroe Crossing bluegrass band to worship in a special performance of Carol Barnett’s “The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass.” In May, we welcomed the Singing City Choir, the Philadelphia Girls’ Choir, and the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia in a spectacular performance of Stephen Paulus’s “To Be Certain of
the Dawn,” an oratorio composed to commemorate the children who died during the Holocaust.
We welcomed guest carillonneurs over the summer in a series of Thursday evening concerts (BMPC is blessed to have one of the largest carillons in America!) With the arrival of Fall, we celebrated BMPC’s 150th anniversary with the world premiere of several new choral works by Kim André Arnesen and a special performance by Notre Dame Cathedral Organist Philippe Lefebvre, a musician who has performed many times at BMPC. With a rousing Advent Lessons and Carols service presented by the Sanctuary Choir and Singing for Life in December, the musical season drew to a close.
BMPC’s new art gallery continued its popular series of exhibits: January-February: Suzanne Duplantis’ paintings and works in clay.
March-April: Reena Miller Brooks’ Passages from Dark to Lightpowerful paintings documenting the artist’s mother through her captivity in Auschwitz.
During the summer, the gallery took a unique turn, with members of the staff sharing their favorite works of art from their personal collections. This interactive exhibit not only showcased the staff's artistic tastes but also fostered a sense of community and shared appreciation for art.
During the months of September and October, the gallery brought to life 150 years of BMPC history.
The year closed with a 2nd annual exhibit of works by members.
In short, 2023 was a creative and stimulating year, one filled with much music and art that reinforced the idea that BMPC is a blessed and holy place, a place for both congregants and members of the community alike.
How do you measure a year in Children and Family Ministry? Is it in the number of donkeys and sheep that visit the BMPC campus? Is it in the gallons of playdough, cases of Oreos, or boxes of crayons? Is it measured in the number of baptisms or the number of students who helped to lead in worship? Do we count the volunteer hours poured into the nurture of our youngest students or the number of steps our staff members take during a day of VBC? Regardless of the metric, each week, we see the youngest members of the church continue to grow in faith, hope, and love. Here are some highlights from 2023.
Programming: The year included a balance of special and weekly offerings for children and their families. Sunday morning programming is offered every week of the year, and Sunday School is offered on 46 Sundays. Our curriculum continues to develop and adapt to the specific needs of our classrooms while assuring that students dive deep into scripture and have a robust experience of worship, spiritual practices, and service. In addition, fellowship programs like Movie Nights and Class Gatherings help to build community among families and friends alike. Special seasonal programs like the Advent Live Nativity and Little Easter provide special opportunities for families to explore and practice faith together. Vacation Bible Camp continues to be a major success. In 2023, we welcomed more than 120 children to build the City of God! With more than 1,000 boxes, they accomplished that feat! We are excited to see these programs continue to develop in 2024 and beyond.
Volunteers: In 2023, more than 200 members of the
BMPC community volunteered to support Children and Family Ministry. That number includes volunteers who have yet to celebrate their 5th birthdays and volunteers who are just a few years shy of 100. Volunteers live out our shared baptismal promise to love and nurture the faith of the next generation. They do this by praying for students as Prayer Partners, teaching in Sunday school, helping to host family fellowship after worship, assisting with special events like the 150th Birthday Party, volunteering to prep crafts for VBC, and being emergency volunteers in the nursery. Each volunteer not only gives their time but also their witness helping children see faith in action.
Children: What makes children’s ministry truly special? The 217 children who call BMPC their church home. BMPC is blessed with a community of children who are not just curious, compassionate, and committed, but also growing and evolving. They are excited to learn more about God and God’s call in their lives. They care for one another and for their community. They are committed! Our students have met challenges throughout the year and continue to seek new ways to serve and learn, showing us both a present and future ministry.
You! The success of the Children’s Ministry is a testament to the collective effort of our larger church community. Each week, you teach our children! You teach faith by practicing it, stewardship through your generosity, and belonging in the welcome you extend to them. Your contributions make BMPC a place where our children and their families can thrive. We are proud to have you as part of our community.
The Youth Ministry of Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church seeks to be an inclusive faith community that connects, engages, and equips youth to discover and live out the gospel of Jesus Christ. In 2023, all youth were invited to participate weekly in the life of the church through Sunday Morning Youth Gatherings, Sunday School, and Wednesday Evening Student Serve for High Schoolers.
In January, Confirmands and their mentors participated in a Casserole Blitz! We also welcomed Shay Jordan to the Youth Ministry Staff as the Youth Program Coordinator.
In February of 2023, the youth planned and led a phenomenal Youth Sunday Service, focusing on different parables and how they communicate how we should live out our faith.
In March of 2023, we took 12 youths to Johnsonburg for the All-Youth Retreat, learning about how God calls us to interact with the earth in just, loving, and life-giving ways. Along with the Children's Ministry, we hosted the first-ever Prayer Partner Breakfast in March, hosting over 100 children, youth, and adult prayer partners.
In April, youth participated in a service day with The Common Place, painting parking lots and staining doors, and led the Youth Good Friday service. We also hosted the annual Youth and Children's Bible Games on the Sunday morning after Easter.
May brought the annual Confirmation Expo, with nine of our Confirmands sharing about their projects. On May 21, eight of our Confirmands chose to officially join the church on Confirmation Sunday! At the end of May, we said goodbye to our outgoing seniors during a moving liturgy of "step-up," during which our 5th graders and seniors prayed for and gave gifts to each other during the worship service.
In June, we took 30 people to Hersheypark for a day of fun, roller coasters, and yummy food. And over 30 youths helped lead Vacation Bible Camp with the Children’s Ministry!
July was our first experience with Cross Missions in Charlotte, NC. We took nine youths and three adults. While there, we worked at the Diaper Bank, Samaritan's Feet, Running Works, and the Innovation Barn. Participants learned together how service comes out of joy in following Christ.
In August, we took 19 youths to Massanetta Camp and Retreat Center for camp! The theme was "Who do you say that I am?" While there, we delved into issues of identity and belonging, played a truly shocking amount of the game Trashcan, and had a phenomenal time together.
We started the program year in September with the Youth Kickoff, followed by brunches at Pastor Leigh's house.
We took 13 of our Confirmands to Johnsonburg's Confirmation Day in October, learning together about the purpose of the confirmation process and how we're called to live as Jesus’ followers.
The youth ministry hosted another successful Thanksgiving Pancake Breakfast in November, feeding over 130 congregants and guests.
And in December, all youth and 5th graders were invited to participate in Rainbow Reindeer Games, our annual Christmas celebration!
We're so grateful for the church's continued support as we in the Youth Ministry continue to seek after our God, who is Love! If you'd like to get involved with the youth ministry, please don't hesitate to contact Shay Jordan at SJordan@bmpc.org.
FUND BALANCES
1. Unrestricted Church Operations
2. Christian Education and Congregational Life
Catherine
3. Mission Christian
4. Building
In 2023, our church was blessed with many generous donations, and we are grateful for each gift received. Most of these gifts were applied to our annual Stewardship Campaign, while some were allocated for specific uses. Samples of these special gifts are highlighted below.
2023 Special Gifts to the ministries of the church, totaling $408,000
• Armstrong Foundation, for the Operating Budget
• Connelly Foundation, for the Operating Budget
• Katharine Hoyler Charitable Trust, for the Operating Budget
• Martha Greene Lewis Trust, for the Operating Budget
• KGR Foundation, for Hunger
• Philadelphia Foundation, for the Operating Budget
• Vanguard Matching Gifts, for the Operating Budget
• William Penn Foundation Matching Gifts, for the Operating Budget
• Gifts in honor of Mary Hodgkinson
• Gifts in honor of Paul and Kathleen McMurray
• Gifts in memory of John H. Ball, for Music
• Gifts in memory of Diane VanderVeer, for Hunger
• Gifts in memory of Florence Zeller, for Hunger
• Gifts in memory of Florence Zeller, for Refugee Support
2023 Special Gifts to the BMPC Foundation, totaling $554,000
• George and Grace Andressohn Fund, for the Unrestricted Fund
• Estate of Sally Castle, for the Unrestricted Fund
• Estate of Jean Swihart Lehner, for the Unrestricted Fund
• Estate of Eun Joo Kim Musser, for the Building Preservation Fund
• Gifts to the Eugene Bay Fund
• Gifts to the Molly Storb Hartzell Fund
• Gifts to the McFarland Music Fund
• Gifts to the Silver Anniversary Fund
• Gifts to the Tutoring Fund
• Gifts to the Tutoring Fund, in memory of Patricia Cordray
• Gifts to the Unrestricted Fund, in honor of Courtenay Willcox’s ordination
• Gifts in memory of Jack Bogle
• Gifts in memory of Elia Buck
• Gifts in memory of Hayley E. Craig
• Gifts in memory of Jim Crutchfield, Jr.
• Gifts in memory of Richard Dillon
• Gifts in memory of Tom Gibson
• Gifts in memory of Grace Hopkins
• Gifts in memory of Peter and Susan Joseph
• Gifts in memory of Nancy Liggett
• Gifts in memory of John MacMurray
• Gifts in memory of Dodie Martell
• Gifts in memory of Lois Powell
• Gifts in memory of Joan Todd Robinette
• Gifts in memory of Marilyn Stringer
• Gifts in memory of Jewel Tresk
• Gifts in memory of Donald Wright
• Pfizer Matching Gifts
• Vanguard Matching Gifts, in memory of John (Jack) Bogle