Advent Messenger 2019 by Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church

the

Advent | 2019

Photo by Steve Lubetkin 1

Letter from the Pastor

he celebration of Advent and Christmas is such a special time of the year, filled as it is with joyful traditions of gift-giving, celebratory gatherings and feasts. It also can be a difficult season to navigate. We can feel pulled in too many directions, or burdened by high expectations for holiday perfection, or suffer the grief that comes with loss of loved ones or changing circumstances. Studies show that this time of the year also is accompanied by elevated levels of stress, anxiety and depression. While the church tries to counter some of the seasonal chaos by focusing on the deep spiritual meaning of God’s incarnation, we also contribute to the increased level of activity by hosting extra events, worship services, and service opportunities. Amid the rush, I pray we still will find places to pause, to wait and to prepare to greet the Christ child anew as the coming Redeemer. By paying attention to the hymns and carols, we realize they help us find that spiritual center. The challenge is to really hear them through their beloved familiarity as speaking to us anew, encouraging us and instilling hope in us for the living of these days. O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel, that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear… speaks to our yearning for the world to

be released from all that holds us hostage – the violence and warfare, injustice and alienation. And you, beneath life’s crushing load… look now, for glad and golden hours come swiftly on the wing: O, rest beside the weary road, and hear the angels sing… are

beautifully hopeful words of advice to anyone for whom the holidays bring grief and longing and fatigue with the way things are.

Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay close by me forever and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in thy tender care, and fit us for heaven to live with thee there… is a lovely prayer on behalf of the world’s children, so many

of whom are at risk, as well as a joyful Easter affirmation reminding us that Christmas is meaningless apart from the light that emanates from the cross. This Advent season in worship we will focus on some of the beloved hymns and carols of the season with the hope that we can hear the deep spiritual meaning in them as words of genuine comfort and joy, and then respond with glad and generous hearts. O ye heights of heaven, adore him. Angel hosts, his praises sing. Powers, dominions, bow before him, and extol our God and King. Let no tongue on earth be silent; every voice in concert ring, evermore and evermore…. from one of the oldest hymns

in our hymnal, this is an Advent prayer that could not be more timely! I look forward to seeing you in worship during Advent and Christmas, where our music leads us to the central, joyful and hopeful revelation of God in our midst. Grace and Peace,

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CARING

COMPASSION

(W)HOLY

SPIRITUAL GROWTH

Dea co ns

Frank Festak | Gladwyne

rker l Wo cia So

Amy Ballard | Bryn Mawr

Pasto rs

PRAC T PRES ICING ENCE

Y NIT MU

CA R

M CO

NAL NTIO INTE IVING L

leton Counsel ing Midd

urse hN ris Pa

Ce nt e

Congregation

Living Life “(W)holy”

CORNER

New Members

Through The Holidays

SPIRITUAL GROWTH

Something to contemplate: What might happen if we began each day praying, “Come, Lord Jesus,” and then looking for the face of Jesus throughout the day? PRACTICING PRESENCE

Elizabeth Nice | Havertown

Rachel Sellers | Ardmore

The best present is presence. In this season, to whom do you need to be present? COMMUNITY

What are the ways we can be more fully engaged in our communities? COMPASSION

Jennifer and Michael Sharesky | Wynnewood

During this busy season of holiday shopping and attending gatherings, are there opportunities to be compassionate to yourself and to others? SELF-CARE

Find five minutes to breathe; rest time is important. Give yourself permission to release unrealistic expectations. Did you get your flu shot? There is still time! Are you satisfied with your current Medicare coverage? If not, you can change it. Open enrollment ends on December 7. Contact Renee at rmalnak@bmpc.org with any questions. Rachel and Robert Stoy | Bryn Mawr

Not Pictured: Brooke and Joe Howard, Bryn Mawr Want to know more about BMPC? We invite you to get to know our community better by becoming a part of our Discover BMPC classes on Mondays, Nov. 25 and Dec. 2. Childcare is available for this opportunity to learn about our denomination, our Reformed tradition, and our sense of Christian ministry. For more information, to register, or to inquire about joining our church on our next New Member Sunday, December 8, contact JaneWilber@bmpc.org.

INTENTIONAL LIVING

Consume less. Practice gratitude. Find joy in the simplest of things.

I Am Silent… and Expectant

A prayer from Guerillas of Grace: Prayers for the Battle by Tod Loder

How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given. I would be silent now, Lord, and expectant… That I may receive the gift I need, so I may become the gifts others need. 3

Advent Gift Market

Q& A

with Rebecca Kirkpatrick Q. The Advent Gift Market Philadelphia. Many of our opened on Sunday, November 17. Can you please explain the church mission component relates to the AGM?

A. The really great thing about

the AGM as it has evolved over the past 27 years, is how it reminds us that not only is mission a priority of our BMPC Mission Committees, but it is also interwoven within almost all of our programmatic ministries in the congregation. Mission touches our Children’s Sunday School curriculum, our Youth Ministry trips, the priorities of our Senior Adults, and even Presbyterian Women and Music and Fine Arts. The AGM gives all of us the opportunity to assure that the wonderful caring ministries we have birthed as a congregation, such as the Main Line Adult Day Center and the Middleton Center, are financially available to everyone in our community.

Q. How are AGM projects chosen each year? A. A few of our committees

and councils have made long-term commitments to some of our longstanding partners in mission, such as the Adult Education Committee’s dedication to WePAC and its work to reopen school libraries in 4 Advent Messenger 2019

mission committees use their AGM selections to highlight agencies who are doing particularly exciting work, thus ensuring that our congregation has the opportunity to support a wide variety of worthy partners.

Each year Rachel Pedersen and the Children and Family Ministries Council select a current BMPC Mission partner and then integrate learning about that agency into their Sunday morning curriculum. This includes preparing the children to staff a table at the AGM Opening Day event.

A. I’m struck by how many of

our giving options connect directly to the support of children, the issue of food insecurity, and health and well-being. These are three of our The first decision a committee most historical mission priorities usually makes is which mission – from funding the Miraj Hospital partners to support. The committee over 100 years ago, to the creation then works directly with those of the Hunger Offering in the early members to choose appropriate items that highlight the importance 1970s, to initiatives like our BMPC of their work. Additionally, the AGM Tutoring Program which has been operational for 55 years. Committee and staff select a wide range of items and organizations so I’ve actually come to see our annual that our shoppers have a variety of AGM Catalogue as one of the choices each year. most important pieces of “mission interpretation” that we produce as a congregation. BMPC supports Is there a common AGM over 65 mission partners every year theme for giving this year? through grants, in-kind donations

and volunteer hours. The AGM helps us to highlight who we are in mission as a congregation, and it’s a wonderful way for members to share the good work of BMPC and our partners with friends and family during the holidays.

Is there anything different about this year’s AGM?

A. The AGM probably will appear the same this year, but I

am confident that with all of our Children’s Ministry activities taking place in the Ministries Center this year, we will be able to welcome more families to our opening event in the gym. One way we have tried to encourage children and families to make alternative gifts a part of their Christmas traditions is by giving every child in the church a $5.00 gift certificate to spend at the AGM. The Mission Council supplies this additional funding for families to make their AGM shopping a little more fun.

The Advent Gift Market Committee looks forward to seeing everyone on Sunday mornings in the Gym. Please come prepared to do your holiday shopping while supporting those in need. We wish you peace and joy this Advent Season. Marian Chitester 610-649-7735 mmcthistle@verizon.net Susan Bravo 610-658-0224 b41793@aol.com Laurie Koziol 610-658-2496 lauriekoziol@verizon.net

Christmas Concert to

Raise Awareness About Opioid Crisis By Edward Landin Senn

Fifteen miles… that’s the distance from our beautiful Main Line campus to the Kensington neighborhood in Philadelphia where the opioid crisis is in full force. Fifteen miles…

On Sunday, December 8, all our choirs will salute the seasons of Advent and Christmas in partnership with Prevention Point Philadelphia, an organization in Kensington seeking to promote health, empowerment, and safety for communities affected by drug use and poverty. Since its inception in 1992, the breadth of services Prevention Point Philadelphia provides for the community has expanded to include case management,

Harpsichord Recital Series

By Edward Landin Senn Join us in the Sanctuary at noon on Tuesdays, December 3, 10 and 17, as graduates of Temple University (Silvanio Reis and Anna Kislitsyna) and their illustrious professor (Joyce Lindorff) perform on BMPC’s Robert Hauptfuhrer Memorial Harpsichord. These 30-minute programs are sure to bring you some peace during the busy Advent season. A freewill offering supports theVillage, one of BMPC’s mission partners making great strides in healing the spirits of children, families, and communities broken by trauma that includes violence, neglect, addiction, poverty, mental illness, racism, and other serious societal problems.

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medical care, overdose prevention education, and naloxone distribution. In addition, PPP offers housing, meals, mail services for the homeless, Medication Assisted Treatment, and legal services. All these services are provided within a harm reduction philosophy. Many of us have been touched in some way by the opioid crisis, be it a family member or friend, or someone in our church, school or neighborhood. Upon hearing about addicts, heroin users, and the like, cue unnecessary stigma! But PPP includes the following values that are fundamental to its mission: nonjudgmental, respect, trust, justice, responsibility, advocacy, flexibility and transparency. Whether this cause is of great significance to you or something you have never supported before, join us on December 8 as we reflect upon those affected by this crisis. They are closer to us than you might realize.

December 3 Joyce Lindorff December 10 Silvanio Reis December 17 Anna Kislitsyna

BMPC Welcomes

Rev. Dr. Serene Jones

as our 2020 David and Ruth Watermulder Theologian-in-Residence

ach year, in honor of the leadership of David and Ruth Watermulder, our Adult Education Committee invites a scholar of excellence to share his or her work and passion with our greater community. This year, we are delighted to welcome the Rev. Dr. Serene Jones, president of Union Theological Seminary, to be with us for the weekend of January 25-26, 2020.

the Institute for Art, Religion and Social Justice. Her most recent book, Call it Grace: Finding Meaning in a Fractured World, is a compelling memoir of her life growing up in Oklahoma, her theological journey through tradition, family and trauma, as well as a window into the future of theological institutions for the 21st century.

Saturday, January 25 9:30 a.m. Light refreshments 10:00 a.m. Lecture and Conversation 11:00 a.m. Middleton Center Anniversary Luncheon Sunday, January 26 10:00 a.m. Worship in the Sanctuary with Dr. Jones preaching 11:15 a.m. Lecture and Conversation

Dr. Jones is the 16th president of the historic Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York. The first woman to head the 179-year-old interdenominational seminary, she occupies the Johnston Family Chair for Religion and Democracy and has formed Union’s Institute for Women, Religion and Globalization as well as

For more information about our Earlier this year in a New York Theologian-in-Residence programs, Times interview, the Rev. Dr. contact CarolSchmidt@bmpc.org. Jones described the future of religion like this: “Christianity to think about what it means to be a is at something of a turning point, human being and what the purpose but I think that this questioning of our lives is.” and this reaching is even bigger We invite you to join us for this than Christianity. It reaches into weekend with Serene Jones and many religious traditions. This engage in fresh and relevant wrestling with climate change, conversation about what it means to and wrestling with the levels of be active people of faith in our world violence in our world, wrestling with today. This year’s programs include authoritarianism and the intractable a Saturday morning breakfast and character of gender oppression lecture as part of our celebration of is forcing communities within the 20th anniversary of the Middleton all religions to say, 'Something is Center. Dr. Jones is scheduled to horribly wrong here.' It’s a spiritual preach on Sunday morning and give crisis. Many nonreligious people feel her second lecture after worship. it, too. We need a new way entirely

UPCOMING YOUTH EVENTS

Ugly Christmas Sweater Fest 2019 Sunday, December 15 4:00-6:00 p.m., Gymnasium

Dr. Jones holds a master of divinity degree from Yale Divinity School as well as a Ph.D. in theology from Yale University. She is an ordained minister in both the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ. She taught at Yale University for 17 years before her appointment to Union.

Thanksgiving Day All-YouCan-Eat Pancake Breakfast Thursday, November 28 8:30-11:30 a.m., Congregational Hall Help our youth go to Mexico City Summer 2020 to work with our BMPC Mission Partner Urban Mosaic! $5 per person or $20/family

Wear your favorite Ugly Christmas Sweater, and bring a white elephant gift ($20 or less!) Youth Alumni Christmas Eve Party Tuesday, December 24 9:30 p.m., Gymnasium. All are welcome!

High School Sabbath Retreat January 24-26, 2020 Come away for a weekend in nature to unplug from day-to-day life; remember we are human-beings, not just humandoings. All high school students are welcome! $200 before November 30 $275 after November 30 Scholarships readily available! 7

A Dream Years in Existence!

was a bold vision: a counseling center that was concerned with wholistic care – mind, body and spirit. Such a place sounds routine 20 years later, but when Session approved a new Pastoral Care Center at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church on May 11, 1999, it was anything but common. Until that point, it was just a dream, a divinelyinspired dream. The dream was imparted to Ruthanne Schlarbaum and the Rev. Dr. Margaret Anne Fohl. Together they envisioned a counseling center with a spiritual base located on the campus of their church. For Ruthanne, it was born out of Christ’s invitation, “Come to me, all ye who are weary and heavy-laden and I will give you rest.” Reflecting back, Ruthanne remembers, “We envisioned a safe and caring place offering hope and healing with a pastoral dimension, with services for all, regardless of ability to pay.” The Pastoral Care Center officially opened its doors on September 7, 1999, on the second floor of Converse House. An article in that month’s Messenger captured the dream: “This expanded ministry of our church will offer professional care and counseling services for those seeking emotional and spiritual growth and renewal. Care will be given for the whole person 8 Advent Messenger 2019

By Kiki McKendrick and the Rev. Brian K. Ballard – mind, body, and spirit – in the context of faith and pastoral care.” Karen Dunkman, the Center’s first director, recalls, “The first week the center was open, no one came! It was a slow beginning, but then we

saw a slow but steady increase in the number of clients seen each week.” After its launch, the Center began to expand, offering symposiums and events in addition to spiritual direction, and individual and group counseling. One of the most important facets of the center was its focus on quality counseling at an affordable price. Thus, “scholarships were a key founding value,” Dunkman said. Shortly after its founding, the Middleton family chose to partner

with the Center, endowing these scholarship opportunities and contributing their name, and thus the Middleton Counseling Center was born. The Middleton family’s generous donations throughout the years have enabled the Center to fulfill its mission of providing wholistic care to every person, regardless of ability to pay. The "fruits" of the Middleton Counseling Center cannot be numbered. Ruthanne Schlarbaum remembers when a former neighbor shared with her that the Middleton Center “saved her daughter’s life.” And that’s just the story of one person. In its 20 years of ministry, the Middleton Center has provided the space and resources for over 35,000 counseling sessions! When asked about the Center’s impact, the Rev. Dr. Fohl remarked, “If there is one thing for which I am guilty of the sin of pride, it’s the Middleton Center.” Such pride is well-earned. The Middleton Counseling Center is a beacon of hope in a world in pain. Today, its leadership under Kiki McKendrick ensures that the resources entrusted to it are used for the nourishment of people near and far. What began as a dream 20 years ago is now a reality that has truly saved lives. (Continued on next page)

The original Pastoral Care Staff, front row, left to right: Ellie Stratton, Spiritual Director, Gayle Kerr, Spiritual Director, and Karen Hires, Family Services; back row, left to right: Karen Dunkman, Middleton Center Director, Sherry Masters, Career Counselor, Kathy Kreider, Parish Nurse, and the Rev. Dr. Margaret Anne Fohl, Associate Pastor.

Original icon of the Middleton Center.

Left to right: the Rev. Dr. Eugene Bay, Peter Craig, Fran Middleton and John Middleton in 2000.

Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church continues to offer this specialized ministry. As a community of faith, we walk alongside one another through many of lifes transitions; the Middleton Counseling Center is there to partner in that walk when needed. Of course, this dream became a reality thanks to the work of many individuals. At the risk of missing someone, we must give thanks to these original founders: Ruthanne Schlarbaum, the Rev. Dr. Margaret Anne Fohl, Karen Dunkman, the Rev. Dr. Eugene Bay, Jim Crutchfield, Scott and Yardley Jenkins, Fran and John Middleton, Sherry Masters, the Rev. Dr. Steve Treat, and so many others. A divinely-inspired vision imparted 20 years ago has reaped a harvest of faithful works for thousands of individuals and families. As the Middleton Counseling Center continues into the future, we are grateful for the vision and service of its founders. As we begin the path toward the next 20 years, we embrace the call to serve people while walking alongside them on their journey toward wholeness â&#x20AC;&#x201C; mind, body and spirit. In this way, we carry out Christâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s command to be his hands and feet in this world. To God be the glory!

Evenings of Quiet Prayer Wednesdays, December 4 and 11 from 6:30 - 7:15 p.m. in the Middleton Center, Room 202, second floor of Converse House. Join us for two evenings of gentle prayer, candlelight and thoughtful conversation. Patricia Danzon, spiritual director, along with the Rev. Brian Ballard and Deacon David Heaton, will facilitate prayer, readings, contemplative music and a time of sharing. Bballard@bmpc.org. 9

The Prophets in Advent

DR. TIM HORNER

Dr. Tim Horner, Assistant Professor, Center for Peace and Justice Education, Villanova University

Sundays, December 1, 8 and 15, 11:15 a.m., Chapel The Season of Advent is one of expectation, in our celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ as well as in our hope for the future coming of Christ to earth again. Our hopes and our vision for that future coming are shaped by the language and imagery of the Old Testament prophets who envisioned a future of peace, restoration and a fulfillment of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plans for humanity.

Spend these three sessions during Advent with Dr. Tim Horner, as he describes the prophets call for justice then and now. In his work at Villanova, Dr. Horner teaches courses on social justice, with a particular focus on genocide.

CHRISTMAS JOY OFFERING

Supporting Past, Present and Future Leaders 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 that serve 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. 10 Advent Messenger 2019

The Longest Night Worship Service

Wednesday, December 18, 7:00 p.m., Sanctuary

Sometimes the holiday season can be too much overload: the lights, the decorations, the festivities – the joy. For some, this time of year is anything but celebratory and joyful. While we are assured of the birth of our Savior, some suffer without the birth of their desired child. While we proclaim the beauty of the holy family, some can only remember the difficult relationship they have with their own family. For some, Christmas is not jolly, and it can't end quickly enough. The Longest Night Worship Service is for all those who feel the darkness more than the light during the Christmas season. It’s for those with questions and concerns, those struggling to make sense of our world and their lives. It’s also for their friends and loved ones, who are journeying alongside someone who finds the season cold and lonely. The name of the service – Longest Night – comes from

its proximity to the winter solstice: the longest night of the year. Yet the name also serves as a testimony for all those experiencing their own season of extended darkness. It’s a service of gathering for all those who think they walk this difficult journey alone. You are invited to come just as you are. Come with your doubts and pains, your questions and frustrations. Come and lay them before the God who truly is Emmanuel, God with Us, even if we cannot believe it right now. On this evening we will sing and pray, express our doubts and our hopes, confess, and spend time in silence. In all these things, we will be reminded that we are not alone. Christ is with us, and we are here for one another. This is the true joy of Christmas – that God became human to be with us, and that we can bring all of who we are to God.

Prime Time Advent Party Sunday, December 8, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Merion Tribute House Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, beverages, and caroling. Bring an unwrapped gift for an infant to an 18-year-old to benefit the Brighter Holidays Project of Turning Points for Children. Register online at www.bmpc.org by Wednesday, December 4 or with a check ($18 per person) payable to BMPC, attn: Monica Devane.

Christmas

Angels

ver the years, many children and families served by theVillage have received a bountiful Christmas in part through the generosity of BMPC members. Last year, members of our church helped many children and families, including these:

• Lilliana, a 13-year-old girl whose father works 15-hour days to support her. • Marvin, a seven-year-old boy whose mother lost her job due to his many hospitalizations for severe asthma. • Serena, a five-year-old girl with special needs whose father abandoned her family and left her mother to raise three children on her own. • Jamal, an eight-year-old boy whose mother is struggling to support her family following the death of her husband. • Tanisha, a young mother whose only wish for the holidays to have her eight-year-old daughter “wake up on Christmas morning and find gifts from Santa.” Share the spirit of Christmas by adopting a family or sponsoring a child (five to eight gifts per child). Sign up online (http://bit.ly/2019BMPCAngels) or stop by the Angel Tree in the Ministries Center. Gifts need to be dropped off at the church by Sun., Dec. 8. For more information, contact Betty Wu at 610-449-8059 or bmpcangels@gmail.com.

Annual Weekday School Christmas Pageant Many things make the Weekday School special, but one of the highlights each year is the Christmas pageant. Weekday School students learn the story of Jesus’ birth and the true meaning of Christmas as they rehearse each day leading up to the performance. In addition to helping children to grow socially, emotionally, physically, and academically, the Weekday School helps students grow spiritually. Through weekly Bible stories presented by the Rev. Rachel Pedersen, Associate Pastor for Children & Family Ministry, the children learn Christian values. These values are reinforced in the classroom as the students learn to show kindness and empathy toward one another. Outreach 12 Advent Messenger 2019

is another element of the Christmas season for the students. This year’s event is a “Live Nativity,” complete with a petting zoo. The real purpose of the event however is for the children to bring books to donate to “Reach Out and Read,” an organization that provides books to pediatricians in low-income neighborhoods to give to families who visit their practices. The Weekday School students learn that Christmas isn’t all about “getting,” but also about “giving.” This year’s pageant will be presented in the Chapel at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, December 16. We invite you to come to the pageant, and begin your holiday season with us.

Wee Christmas What was the very first Christmas like? With an unprecedented census, a baby born in a barn, a group of bewildered shepherds, hosts of singing angels, some wandering magi, and a very suspicious king, there had to be drama and just a little chaos! Each year we invite our youngest children, kindergarten and younger, to join in a raucous retelling of this story. On Tuesday, December 17 at 4:00 p.m., children will choose to be a shepherd, an angel, a sheep, a star, Mary, Joseph, one of the magi, an innkeeper, or someone else entirely!

ADVENT WORKSHOP 2019 Preparing for the Christ Child and Caring for One Another

Sunday, December 1, all are invited to join in a special Advent Workshop in the Gymnasium following worship. The Advent Workshop helps us prepare to welcome the Christ Child with special Advent activities as well as activities that will help us care for ourselves, our neighbors, and our congregation during this busy time of year. Our activities this year celebrate that we are one church made up of many different ages, and these activities are designed to be intergenerational. This is a good opportunity to meet families from different generations in the church or to invite a grandchild or friend to join you.

Costuming takes place in under a minute and by 4:30 the play is complete and everyone is enjoying cookies and fellowship. While the event moves quickly, the memory lingers. Young children learn through play. By acting out the story, by drawing close to the manger, by following the star, that ancient story becomes their ownâ&#x20AC;Ś a lived experience of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love. For those of us in the congregation during this unique service, we experience some of the chaos that must have been present back in Bethlehem, but we also have the privilege of receiving the Good News of the season proclaimed in words and actions of these little ones. All are invited to participate in the Wee Christmas Service at 4:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary on December 17.

This Advent Workshop might feel different than in previous years. While a few craft projects will be provided, we also are offering hands-on service projects that will help the congregation and our community; opportunities to look at Advent resources; and a space to share a cherished Christmas tradition. A carol sing begins at 11:45 a.m. In addition to our normal coffee hour fare, we are serving additional snacks to accommodate a late lunch. Church is one of the few locations where people from many generations are able to be together and build strong relationships. Working on common projects, sharing stories, and enjoying each otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s friendship all help to build and rebuild connections, making us a stronger church. 13

If you are like the Zeller and Johnson families, you • Our talented preaching staff, under Agnes have many ways to interact with the people and Norfleet's leadership, challenge us each week ministries of Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church. to go deeper into our faith and to reflect on its Perhaps you have children who follow Pastor Rachel meaning in our lives. to church school after the Children’s Moment, • Our councils and committees involve hundreds making their way to classrooms and learning lessons of us in worldwide ministries and allow us to from Bible stories through a carefully prepared light a candle in our often dark world. curriculum. Or your children may be grown and you have time for the plethora of Adult Education Our Stewardship Committee is working this year to programs offered during the week and on Sundays. make pledging and giving easy while also making You and your family may Stewardship an integral part participate in the monthly of the church year. You will The size of our gifts matters casserole blitzes which hear from us as always during support food cupboards in this Season of Giving. And less than the act of giving. our area. You may march you will hear from other with the Peacemakers for members making visible their gun control, sing with our beautiful choir, study the commitment to God and to this Church. We invite theological implications on issues surrounding race, you to consider joining them and us in pledging this or maybe you help asylum seekers. year. Remember that it is Stewardship dollars that allow us to do much as a church and as individual It could be that at this moment your single source Christians. Consider these things as you ponder how of connection is joining us on Sunday morning for worship. As Presbyterians, we believe in creating our your time, treasure and talents might be offered in this place. own paths to service and praise to our Lord. How fortunate we are to belong to a church that provides so many ways to engage with our faith. Now, another joyful and full Advent season is upon us. As we celebrate the birth of our Savior together at BMPC, let us remember our many blessings as a congregation: • For the first time in many years, the pastoral and administrative staff are complete, allowing us to pursue new initiatives and opportunities for Christian service. • Our Education Building, which is currently being renovated, promises to hold many happy children all week long, growing in faith and finding new friends.

The size of our gifts matters less than the act of giving. If you have never pledged, make this year your first. If you have committed financially in the past, we thank you for your commitment and gently ask you to consider raising your pledge amount for 2020. The Stewardship Committee invites you, if you have not already done so, to place your pledge card in the offering plate, pledge online or call the church office to make your pledge as an act of faithfulness, as we dedicate our future gifts to God. Called as God’s people, we make our pledges so that we may continue to learn and grow together and go out into the world to serve. On behalf of the committee, Craig Johnson and Flo Zeller Co-Chairs, Stewardship

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Renovation Highlights

Construction began on the Education Building in August. Demolition has cleared the way for a more accessible, flexible and safe building for the whole congregation. Important renovation work also is underway as windows and masonry are restored and repaired. Follow the process on the renovations blog on our website: www.bmpc.org.

The Messenger Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church 625 Montgomery Avenue Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 610-525-2821

The Messenger (USPS #341840) Volume #122, Issue #1, 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 8:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Communion Service 11:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Service of Lessons & Carols

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, and with a recorded message at the 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. These decisions are distinct from decisions to close the BMPC offices. For information, contact the respective person in charge.

STAY CONNECTED!

www.bmpc.org www.facebook.com/BrynMawrPres 16 Advent Messenger 2019