MESSENGER
PASTOR’S MESSAGE
From The Rev. Dr. Agnes W. Norfleet
The prayer attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi, which begins, “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,” has been a beloved Christian text since it suddenly appeared in French in the early 1900s. My mother kept a Christmas card with these words as a bookmark in her Bible, which I now keep in the Bible given to me on the day I was confirmed as a youth:
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy.
Fewer people, I think, tend to quote the second half of the prayer, the words of which feel powerful and relevant and urgent at this moment in time:
O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
This treasured prayer gives voice to the ways God calls us into ministry with one another and in the world. Jesus Christ invites us to love as God loves with an eye and ear open to the concerns of another’s need before our own.
The fall season before us, in the national mood and culture around us, promises to be fraught with divisive rhetoric in this election year. The political issues before us, whether they be immigration, health care, economics, climate change or international relations, are critically important to people of faith as they all pertain to human welfare, equality, justice and freedom. The challenge of our Christian calling is to engage these vital issues with one another in a countercultural way - from a posture of peace, faith, hope and joy, instead of from hatred, doubt, despair and darkness.
Through the church’s nurture of worship, education, fellowship and mission, may we live into this season as those who seek to console, understand, love, give, pardon and trust in the promises of eternal life, which of course, free us to live in faith by being instruments of God’s peace.
The Rev. Dr. Franklyn C. Pottorff
The Rev. Dr. Franklyn C. Pottorff began his ministry at BMPC in 2017, focusing particularly on Congregation Life and Stewardship. For seven years, Frank joyfully led the work of dedication and discipleship, encouraging members of our congregation to connect with one another and give their time, talents, and treasure to the work of our congregation.
Over these last seven years together, I have loved not only being a minister but also one of your pastors here. And even as I prepare to accept this new call with joy and hope, I am, of course, overwhelmed with the bittersweet truth of what it will mean to leave this place and these people.
During the pandemic, Frank was integral to transitioning BMPC to an online worshiping community as the church expanded its live streaming capacities, helping to create an immersive worshiping experience for the homebound, BMPC snowbirds, and for guests from around the country who began worshiping alongside us from far away.
- Franklyn C. Pottorff
Throughout his tenure at BMPC, Frank welcomed nearly 200 new members into the life of our congregation, helping them to connect with the work of study, mission, fellowship, and the arts. With his welcoming and warm spirit, Frank helped a new generation of BMPC members come to call this church their home.
Frank’s affection for the work and ministry of Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church was evident in his
preaching and worship leadership, his pastoral care, and the many relationships he built across generations in the life of this congregation.
We celebrate with Frank, Abby, Charlie, and Ollie as they move to Lexington, Kentucky, where Frank has accepted the call as Pastor/Head of Staff at First Presbyterian Church.
The Rev. Leigh DeVries
The Rev. Leigh DeVries began her ministry at BMPC in the summer of 2019, moving to Bryn Mawr from Bend, Oregon, to serve as our Associate Pastor for Youth and Their Families. In her five years of ministry at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, Leigh took particular care to create a community among our youth, reflecting intentional values of inclusion, compassion, and
grace. Nurturing relationships with young people from 6th through 12th grade, Leigh instilled in them a sense of belonging and an identity as beloved children of God.
Early in her time at BMPC, Leigh led our congregation in rethinking how to connect with and support youth in a completely online format
throughout the pandemic. Leigh was able to continue to provide places where our youth could connect with one another while also providing an increased level of pastoral care to our young people, who were often impacted most significantly by the isolation of the pandemic.
Leigh generously gave her musical talents not just to the work of youth ministry but to the entire congregation. She challenged our community to consider the ways that we welcome those who have not always been
Walking alongside BMPC’s youth and their families, working with our phenomenal pastors, staff, and volunteer teams, and watching God’s grace in your own lives, has been a joy and true privilege. I am so grateful for each of you. Thank you for the gift of being able to be one of your pastors.
- Leigh DeVries
welcomed in the history of the larger church, to expand our understanding and our hearts in our acts of compassion and inclusion, and to be bold in proclaiming the message of Christ’s love.
We celebrate with Leigh and Jenni as they move to Ferndale, Washington, where Leigh has accepted the call as Pastor at Christ Lutheran Church.
Meet Tori Fisher
Assistant for Music and Fine Arts
We are delighted to introduce Tori Fisher, our new Assistant for Music and Fine Arts. Tori brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for the arts to her position.
Tori graduated from Temple University in 2021 with a degree in music education. After graduation, she taught music and special instrumental music, including the clarinet, flute, saxophone, and oboe. Before joining us, Tori worked at the Philadelphia Museum of Art as a gallery teacher, where she excelled at giving walking tours to families and children and creating engaging programming for the Arts Kids Studio.
Eager for a career change but still wanting to remain deeply connected to the arts, Tori found her perfect fit with us. She quickly began sharing her talents; during her second week, she was the guest artist for our Vacation Bible Camp music session, offering a woodwind demonstration and teaching the kids how to make pan flutes. We are thrilled to have Tori on our team and look forward to the creativity and energy she will bring to our music and fine arts programs. Please join us in welcoming Tori Fisher to the BMPC family!
Welcome Andy Greenhow
Interim Associate Pastor for Youth and Their Families
We are delighted to welcome Andy Greenhow as our new Interim Associate Pastor for Youth and Their Families.
A native of West Chester and a child of Wayne Presbyterian Church, Andy has had a remarkable journey. He attended the University of Toronto and participated in the Presbyterian Church (USA) Young Adult Volunteer Program. Although Andy initially wanted to go to Egypt, God called him to the Gulf Coast. In 2007, he moved to New Orleans and worked as a project manager, assisting short-term mission teams after Hurricane Katrina. During this time, Andy’s calling to ministry deepened as he was moved by the call stories of pastors and the faith of volunteers to help total strangers. Andy pursued this calling further at Princeton Seminary, where he received his Master of Divinity degree and learned about Broad Street Ministry, a valued mission partner of BMPC. He served as the Pastor and Director of Faith and Worship at Broad Street and frequently engaged with our congregation. It was here that Andy learned about trauma-informed ministry. Following his wife Karen’s call to Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, Andy embraced the role of Interim Dean of Students and then transitioned into the role of Chief of Staff & Secretary to the Board of Directors. Andy is excited to join our team and minister to the youth at Bryn Mawr. He brings a deep understanding of the pressures teens face and is well-prepared to support them through challenging times.
Andy, Karen, and their three-legged rescue dog, Melody, reside in the Princeton area. Andy enjoys exploring new restaurants and is an avid trail and distance runner, currently training for a 50-mile foot race in Michigan this fall. Please join us in welcoming Andy to our community!
Welcome
New Members
Please join us in welcoming our newest members to Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church! We’re excited to have them as part of our community and encourage everyone to extend a warm greeting and offer support as they settle in. Let’s come together to help them feel at home and involved in our shared journey of faith.
Peg Gibb
Darian Leader with her daughter, Sutton. Missing from photo is Darian’s husband, George.
Rianne & Jordan Wycoff. Missing from photo are their children Hadley and Fielding.
Borys & Devon Bakum
Andrienne Lucas & Bret Mulligan
Westy & Eddie Higgins with daughters Sophie and Molly.
Children & Family Ministry
Learn with Us!
Sept. 8
Genesis 1:1-2:3
Sept. 15
Luke 5:1-10
Sept. 22
Explore Your Bible!
Sept. 29
Genesis 12:1-3
Oct. 6
Mark 2:13-17
Oct. 13
Ephesians 4:5-6
Oct. 20
Philippians 4:4-9
Oct. 27
Matthew 6:9-13
Nov. 3
Psalm 1, 23, 51, 100, or 121
This fall, each classroom, from the nursery to our 5th graders, is exploring God’s word and God’s call in each of our lives. Follow along and learn more about God’s story with our students.
Join the nursery as we begin our first unit learning about God’s Good Creation! What does “Good” mean to you? Where do you see God’s goodness in creation?
Join our Pre-K and Kindergarten Class in the Worship Center as they begin a year learning about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. What does it mean to be called a disciple? How do you follow Jesus today?
See if you can find one of our key passages along with our third graders as they celebrate 3rd Grade Bible Presentation. How fast can you find: Exodus 20:1-17, Psalm 23, Matthew 5:3-16, Luke 15, John 3:16, I Corinthians 12:12-27?
Listen with our 3-year-olds as we explore the story of Abraham and Sarah. When have you left on a big journey? Was it difficult to start something new? How did you know that God was with you?
Jesus does surprising things! As we celebrate World Communion Sunday, read the story of Jesus sharing a meal with unexpected people. Who does Jesus welcome to the table? Have you ever caught yourself grumbling?
Join the 1st and 2nd graders as we end our unit on covenants with a celebration of baptism! What is your best baptism memory? What do you think makes baptism special?
Join 4th and 5th graders and their parents as they explore vocation. How do our gifts, values, and stories help us better follow God and serve God’s people?
How do we pray? In the nursery, we’ve been learning different ways to pray. We can pray in the quiet, in our songs, in our art, and more. What is your favorite way to pray?
Do you have a favorite Psalm? Join the 3rd graders as we determine what makes a Psalm a Psalm and see if these classics can inspire you to write your own!
Nov. 10
Samuel 10:1-10
Nov. 17
Matthew 25:31-40
Nov. 24
Isaiah 9:2-7
Join our 3-year-olds as they hear the story of Samuel in the Temple. Three-yearolds and their families will have a special opportunity to explore the chapel and learn more about worship. We might even hear God’s voice calling!
Join our 4th and 5th Graders reading the parable of the sheep and the goats. How do we, as a church community, do the things Jesus describes? Which of these actions do you feel most called to? Ask them about it during the Advent Gift Market.
Join the 1st and 2nd graders as they decipher what kind of king Isaiah is describing. What makes someone a wonderful counselor or a mighty God? What is a prince of peace? What other names help you imagine this new king?
“They shall hunger and thirst no more!”
Children’s Mission Focus 2024-2025
Each year the Children and Family Ministry Council chooses a special mission focus. This year we are learning more about local efforts to fight hunger. We are excited to work with mission partners through Doing Good Together (October 3) and family mission nights. We will learn more about being good neighbors and how we can help make sure everyone has enough to eat. We will gather donations of food and we will encourage others to give. Students know that hunger exists in our community and want to do something about it. If you are looking for resources for talking about hunger with children, consider one of the following:
Read from a children’s Bible: Start with stories like Manna in the Desert, Elijah and the Widow, The Boy Who Shared His Lunch (the feeding of the 5000), and The Last Supper.
• Faith the Cow by Susan Bame Hoover, illustrated by Maggie Sykora 1 2 3
Read about communities caring for one another:
• Saturday at the Food Pantry by Diane O’Neill, illustrated by Brizida Magro
• Thank You, Garden by Liz Garton Scanlon, illustrated by Simone Shin
• Good People Everywhere by Lynea Gillen, illustrated by Kristina Swarner
• This is the Church by Sarah Raymond Cunningham, illustrated by Ariel Landy
Read about how people are solving hunger around the world:
• Circles of Hope by Karen Lynn Williams, illustrated by Linda Saport
Thank you, VBC Volunteers!
BMPC Foundation’s Impact
The Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Foundation is vital in supporting our church’s youth programs. Three foundation funds—the Lola M. Tryon Fund for Youth, the Suzanne, Joseph & Ethel VanderVeer Fund, and the Whiteman Peacekeeping Scholarship Fund—have provided essential support, including scholarships for summer mission trips and camps.
As part of the recent “This Time This Place” campaign, $500,000 was raised to establish a dedicated fund within the Foundation for Youth Mission Trips. The Mission Council described the creation of the Fund with these words. “BMPC empowers youth to share their gifts as they work for justice, freedom, and peace in the community around us and in the world at large. In order for the congregation, youth, and their families to fully participate in this call to mission and ministry, the Youth Mission Fund will help to subsidize the cost of youth mission trips and activities.” Additionally, the Youth Ministry Council actively
raises funds for mission trips through events such as the Thanksgiving Pancake Breakfast and the offering collected at the Youth Good Friday Service. The Council is deeply grateful for the congregation’s ongoing support.
In 2023, our youth participated in a transformative mission trip to Charlotte, NC, where they collaborated with CROSS Missions, an outreach program of Myers Park Presbyterian Church. They contributed to various local organizations, including the Diaper Bank, Samaritan’s Feet, and RunningWorks, making a significant impact on the lives of many. They also experienced community and fellowship at the Massanetta Springs Camp and Retreat Center in Harrisonburg, VA.
This past summer, our youth traveled to Peru, where they engaged in beach cleanup, reforestation efforts, and advocacy work in partnership with BMPC’s mission partner, Join
Did you know that our VBC volunteers gave a combined total of 1,558 hours of service to make VBC possible??! They shared their love, faith, energy, patience, and creativity, making sure that each camper had an incredible experience. Thank you to everyone who helped make camp a place of welcome and belonging. What an incredible way to start the summer! In case you were wondering, VBC kicks off on June 23, 2025.
Hands Network. They worked alongside the youth of Callao, a neighborhood in Lima. Additionally, 15 attendees attended the Montreat Conference Center in Montreat, NC, for a week of study, worship, and recreation at the annual Youth Conference. The importance and success of our youth mission trips are best expressed through the words of recent participants. Kylie Liggett shared, “BMPC mission trips have been some of my favorite memories in high school, and I feel so lucky I’ve had the opportunity to go on them. They’ve helped me learn more about God, mission, and service and broadened my perspective.”
Finley McGuirl added, “The mission trips have given me a stronger sense of belonging. I was able to get closer to the other kids in youth ministry. The trips allowed me to feel like I was making a difference, even if it was a small difference.”
With increased funding from the BMPC Foundation, we hope more youth will participate in these meaningful and life-changing opportunities.
For more information about the BMPC Foundation’s work and how you can make a gift that will have a lasting impact, please contact Sarah Miciek, Director of Finance, at SarahMiciek@bmpc.org or call 610525-2821, ext. 8817.
Joining Hands Peru
For ten days this July, high school students and adult advisors from BMPC embarked on a transformative journey to Peru, working alongside youth activists in Lima and LaOroya. This mission is part of BMPC’s church-wide commitment to fostering relationships with Joining Hands Peru (JHP), a network of local activists dedicated to advocating for their children, the health of their community, and the environment. JHP has become a valued and trusted partner in BMPC’s global mission endeavors.
In the Andes mountains, where the environment has been severely impacted by decades of heavy metal mining and smelting, BMPC’s young volunteers worked diligently alongside local youth and adult activists. They planted trees in collaboration with the Conservation Committee of Villa El Sol, an organization that has successfully planted over 30,000 trees on the hillsides of LaOroya in the past 30 years. (See cover image.) This reforestation effort is crucial for combating environmental degradation and promoting community awareness about environmental justice and human rights. Additionally, the BMPC youth painted vibrant murals with local community members, conveying powerful messages of creation care
and environmental stewardship. Beyond LaOroya, the BMPC group also engaged with community activists in the Callao sections of Lima, areas heavily affected by industrialization. Here, the youth participated in beautification projects along the Callao River, painting murals and spending a day cleaning up a beach known as one of the most polluted in Latin America. These activities not only improved the local environment but also highlighted the importance of environmental justice and community action.
The primary goal of this trip was to instill BMPC’s values of accompaniment and partnership in our youth, emphasizing the importance of environmental justice, the rights of Indigenous people, and the need for advocacy for both national and international laws that reflect these values.
“Peru was by far the closest I’ve felt to creation and God in my life, and I am so grateful for that experience and the friends I made there. I’ve never learned more about faith, service, environmental stewardship, and theology than I did in those ten days,” shared Kylie Liggett, reflecting on the profound impact of the trip. Corinne Brown echoed these sentiments, stating, “Peru allowed me to experience the utter uniqueness of the communities and opened my eyes to the many injustices that the people are living through each and every day. Throughout the trip, I got the opportunity to help combat different climate issues in different areas, and I learned how just showing up willing to help and listen to the local people is an important start in beginning to make progress against these issues.”
This mission trip not only fostered a deeper connection to creation and faith for the participants but also underscored the importance of environmental stewardship, justice, and community engagement in making a tangible difference in the world.
Going to Peru made me realize that the most important thing in life is community. Seeing the amazing people who work so hard to make their living conditions better place has impacted me greatly. I have seen how God can bring people from all backgrounds together to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
- Lowell Hoffman
Code Blue: A profound lesson in empathy, community service,
By Peggy Gregg
and
the true spirit of hospitality
Ron and I have long been committed to issues of social justice, particularly BMPC’s belonging and inclusion initiatives. So, when a consortium of churches in Lower Merion Township came together to offer shelter to homeless men during the coldest winter months, we embraced the opportunity to volunteer. The program, known as Code Blue, provided essential shelter while teaching us profound lessons about welcoming our neighbors into our community.
BMPC was the first church to open its doors, beginning in January on nights when the temperature dropped below 32 degrees. Ron, who had participated in the formal volunteer training, initially signed up for an early shift, 8:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. In addition to the training, he had read the manual, which offered step-by-step instructions on intake, emergency procedures, and the like, and felt pretty confident about his role as a friend, offering our guests shelter and a warm welcome to our church. Nonetheless, there was that initial apprehension about what to expect when the first one walked through our doors. Would there be “issues” Ron and his volunteer partner would have to deal with? Would the men require more than they were prepared to handle? What he soon realized was that the three guests who arrived shortly after 9:00 p.m. were so very grateful to have a warm place to sleep that they, without hesitation, agreed to the rules of Code Blue, relinquished their belongings for safekeeping and quickly settled in for the night on a cot in the gym, “Bill,” a regular, always taking the end space. On the few occasions Ron took the overnight shift, 1:30 to 6:30 a.m., he helped serve a light breakfast, again to the appreciation for our hospitality.
By the time I began volunteering a couple of weeks later, I knew that, for the most part, my evening would be quiet and perhaps a bit boring. With my Kindle and laptop in tow, I settled in and caught up with some correspondence with a long-time friend who lives out of state. I shared, with enthusiasm, all about Code Blue and my first night as a volunteer. A couple of days later, I received a reply: “I hope your partner was a man,” a comment underscoring the stereotypes and misconceptions rooted in our beliefs about the homeless.
In February, when the initiative moved to the United Methodist Church in Ardmore, we continued our volunteer work there. Pastor Tamie greeted us enthusiastically and acclimated us to the setup at her church, but the change in location posed some challenges for our guests. Being outside the immediate Bryn Mawr area, where most of the men find shelter during the day, there was difficulty with transportation. On two of our evenings, no one came, and we closed early, canceling the late shift, but then “Curt,” using a bus pass secured by Code Blue, became a regular for the rest of the month, reminding us of the importance of our efforts. Of all the guests we had encountered, he was the most engaging, warmly greeting us and asking us about our day and how we were doing. He then took charge of securing his belongings and settled in comfortably for another quiet night.
The Code Blue experience was a profound lesson in empathy, community service, and the true spirit of hospitality. It reinforced our commitment to social justice and provided a tangible way to live out our values. Through this initiative, we learned that welcoming the neighbor and the stranger is not just about providing shelter; it’s about offering dignity, respect, and kindness to those in need.
“I was a stranger, and you invited me in. ”
-Matthew 25:35
Support BMPC’s Advent Gift Market & Make a Difference
Online Shopping Begins November 10,
Opening Market November 17
This year marks the 32nd anniversary of the BMPC Advent Gift Market. Over the years, close to $1,000,000 has been raised through the generosity of our church members and friends.
The Advent Gift Market provides the opportunity to lift up a selection of our BMPC Mission Partners, highlighting the broadness of our mission commitments and relationships that have been formed over many years. The AGM team is very excited about the partner organizations chosen by the church councils and committees for inclusion in this year’s AGM catalog. By making a donation
through the AGM, you can directly support the projects and partnerships that connect with the church’s mission priorities.
Anyone wishing to donate in honor of family members, friends, teachers, and business associates will receive special cards informing those people that a gift has been given in his/ her honor, along with a description of the chosen charitable projects. (Please see example.) These insert cards may be included in one’s own holiday card. Alternatively, vintage greeting cards specially designed for the AGM may be purchased.
The Gift of Flowers: More Than Just Decoration
Did you know that flowers donated by church members in honor or memory of loved ones do more than beautify our Sanctuary during Sunday services? These thoughtful contributions also bring joy and comfort to our homebound members. After the 10 a.m. service, our Flower Ministry team disassembles the large arrangements and creates numerous smaller ones. These are then delivered by our dedicated Deacons each week.
The reasons for these flower deliveries are varied and heartfelt: celebrating birthdays and anniversaries, offering comfort to those who are ill, and providing support to members unable to attend church in person. The connections made through these deliveries are deeply meaningful. We have openings in September and October for donors who wish to give flowers in memory of or in honor of loved ones.
Beginning November 10 and throughout the holiday season, online shopping and tax-deductible donations can be made at www.BrynMawrAGM.com.
Please join us for the Opening Market Festival on November 17 in Congregational Hall following the 10:00 a.m. church service. Representatives from the various church councils and charitable organizations will be available to answer questions. You can donate to the AGM in person on that day and on any of the following Sundays in Advent in the BMPC Atrium.
You can also use the order form at the back of the catalog and mail it directly to the church with your payment by check.
Whether you are an annual faithful supporter
Music and Fine Arts
Gallery
Sept. 8 - Oct. 27
“Faces of Resilience”
Exhibit
Sept. 15
Gallery Talk
Sept. 20 - Oct. 25
Frida Kahlo
Portraiture Class
“Faces of Resilience” is an exhibition of original artwork created by participants in Mural Arts Philadelphia’s Guild program and artists at SCI: Phoenix, southeast Pennsylvania’s maximum-security prison for men. The Guild program is a paid apprenticeship that gives justiceimpacted young people the opportunity to develop marketable job skills and reconnect with their community. Faces of Resilience explores the theme of portraiture, literal and metaphorical. Works in the exhibition visualize personal experiences of loss and hope and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The exhibition gives voice to the perspectives of individuals who are otherwise largely silent in our society.
“Faces of Resilience” Gallery Talk with William Perthes. William Perthes is the Director of Adult Education at The Barnes Foundation and alongside Mural Arts Philadelphia has curated our first exhibit of the fall, “Faces of Resilience.” Perthes will meet participants first in the Gallery to walk through the exhibit, then the class will move to the Fullerton Room for a more formal presentation on the workshops in which the art is created, the experiences of men incarcerated at SCI Phoenix, as well as the work of restorative justice.
“Frida Kahlo and The Art of Portraiture” Class with George Apotsos. Classes held on Fridays, 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts Center.
“A self-portrait is a powerful form of self-expression that allows someone to connect with their most intimate form of creativity,” says teaching artist George Apotsos, who is offering a course on Frida Kahlo and the art of portraiture. The class will explore how Frida Kahlo used the selfportrait as a means of self-discovery and personal mythmaking and how to draw inspiration from one’s life story to depict thoughts, emotions, and identity.
Nov. 8 - Dec. 29
Frida Kahlo Class Exhibit
Special Worship
Nov. 3
All Saints Sunday
“Frida Kahlo and the Art of Portraiture” Student Works. The students of George Apotsos’ “Frida Kahlo and the Art of Portraiture” class display their works in the gallery. The six-week course focused on self-portraiture through studying face proportions, photo carbon transfer, charcoal pencil, surrealism, narrative painting, and symbolism.
Duruflé’s “Requiem” with Sanctuary Choir and Misoon Ghim, mezzo-soprano. 10:00 a.m.
Since 2013, BMPC has celebrated and remembered the lives of the saints among us who have died in the past year by presenting a major choral work. This year, the Sanctuary Choir will present Maurice Duruflé’s monumental Requiem. Described by some as “the last Impressionist,” Duruflé’s musical style and colors are vastly different than many of his contemporaries in their warm and inviting timbres, with a close connection to his Catholic faith and love of Gregorian chant.
Choir Tour
Nov. 9
Evening Gala
S’Wonderful, S’Marvelous! An Evening Gala Featuring our Staff Singers at Merion Cricket Club. Join us from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. for an evening of food and drink, conversation and song, and exciting silent auction items – all to support funding to include BMPC’s illustrious roster of Staff Singers on the Sanctuary Choir’s upcoming Choir Tour to France in June of 2025. Registration is $125 ($65 tax deductible) and is available at bit.ly/swonderfulgala or by emailing ToriFisher@bmpc.org.
Choir Tour to France
June 13-24, 2025
Arrival in Marseille and departure from Paris
Performances in Aix-en-Provence, Toulouse, Tours, and Paris
Experience incredible culture, scenic vistas, endless history, delicious food and wine, and glorious music.
Contact EdwardLandinSenn@bmpc.org for more information or to register for the trip.
Singing for Life (S4L)
By Sandi Stouffer, Singing for Life Member
It is a well-known fact that music is good for the mind, body, and soul! If you have previously sung in a high school or college chorus, you know that fact to be true. BMPC’s Singing for Life is looking for people, age 55+, who are interested in building their musical skills, improving their vocal quality, building their confidence and wellbeing, and joining others in making beautiful music together. The group is directed by Jeffrey Brillhart and Edward Landin
Senn. Rehearsals begin on October 3 and are on Thursday mornings from 9:30 - 10:45 a.m. with an emphasis on building vocal skills and rehearsing a variety of choral music. S4L occasionally joins other BMPC choral groups to perform in concerts at the church. We hope that you will consider joining this wonderful group of people who love to sing a variety of songs while gaining so many benefits in the process of joyful group choral singing!
For more information contact ToriFisher@bmpc.org
Sept. Events at BMPC
Rally Day
September 8
Sunday, September 8, 11:00 a.m., Ministries Center.
Join us as we kick off a new season in ministry!
All are welcome; bring a friend!
BMPC Community Forum Presents:
Robert Talisse
Our Polarization Problem
September 30, 2024, 7:00 p.m.
Talisse will explore our current situation of extreme polarization and ways we can work to bridge the divide.
Oct. Events at BMPC
Blessing of the Animals
Oct. 1, 4:00 p.m.
Join us for the annual Blessing of the Animals service at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, held on our front lawn. This heartwarming tradition celebrates the bond between people and their pets. We are excited to welcome back The Tookney Creek Blue Grass Band.
The Peace & Global Witness Offering
Sept.29 and Oct. 6
The Peace and Global Witness Offering of the Presbyterian Church (USA) promotes the mission of peace and reconciliation both locally and globally. This special offering, collected for over forty years on World Communion Sunday, supports efforts to address injustice, violence, and oppression, fostering peace in communities worldwide.
Twenty-five percent of all gifts given remain here at BMPC to be used in support of our own Peacemaking Committee. At Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, the retained portion
of the Peace and Global Witness Offering is dedicated to supporting the vital work of Mothers in Charge. This organization provides crucial support to women who have lost a child to gun violence. By offering counseling, advocacy, and community engagement, Mothers in Charge helps these women navigate the profound grief and trauma of their loss. The organization also works to prevent future violence through education and outreach, striving to create safer communities. You can give to the Peace and Global Witness Offering online
at https://onrealm.org/ bmpc/give/peace, using the envelopes located in the pews on September 29 and October 6, or by sending a donation directly to the church with “Peacemaking” in the memo line.
Paul MacMurray
Guiding Thoughtful Discussion for 30 Years
Paul MacMurray has been a guiding light at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church for 30 years, leading a Bible Study group that has become a cornerstone of the church’s adult education program.
After an unrewarding stint in the business world, Paul found his true calling in ministry. He pursued theological education at San Francisco Theological Seminary, where he earned both his M.Div and D.Min. Paul served a small church in the Central Valley of California for 12 years before returning to the area to care for his parents at Waverly, attending BMPC services alongside them. In the fall of 1994, Paul was invited to teach adult classes at BMPC. Since then, the group has evolved into a weekly Discussion Group that meets during the fall and spring. Paul selects a book for the group to read, beginning each session with a 10-minute talk before opening the floor
for discussion. The group, which includes about 12 regular attendees, values the rich exchange of ideas. A few members now join via Zoom, a practice introduced during the pandemic. Paul’s approach fosters deep engagement. As he puts it, “I enjoy the going back and forth. I like people to participate, give their thoughts, and share them with other people. When we listen deeply, then we grow.” Regular attendee Claire Mackie shares, “He is so appreciated for the valuable discussions on each week’s readings and the many additional texts and articles he brings to the classes.”
The Messenger
Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church
625 Montgomery Avenue
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
The Messenger (USPS #341840) Volume #126, 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