the
ORDINARY TIME/FALL 2014
MESSENGER BRYN MAWR PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
VOLUME 116 | ISSUE 4
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: BMPC Welcomes the Rev. Rachel Pedersen (page 2) Highlights from a Great Summer (pages 3-5) Fall Preview (pages 8-12) Outreach Opportunities (pages 13-14)
Letter from the Pastor In May, I returned to my hometown of Richmond, Virginia, as the guest preacher for Union Presbyterian Seminary’s annual lecture series and alumni gathering. I have deep roots there and was honored by the invitation. I had anticipated a reunion with some of the faculty with whom I had studied, as well as with some classmates—people like former BMPC pastors Bill Arnold and Margaret Anne Fohl. What I had not anticipated is that a number of other folks would journey to the seminary campus those two weekday mornings to hear me preach and welcome me back to Richmond. My closest childhood friend brought her parents, now in their early 90s. A couple of professors who had long since retired returned, and some lifelong friends of my parents came. The pastor who baptized me 55 years earlier on a Sunday in May when I was not yet 3 months old, and a couple from the church I grew up in who sang in the choir and taught church school and fixed suppers for youth group attended. And one of my old youth advisors drove a couple of hours to catch up with me. I was overwhelmed by the reunion of so many people who had loved and nurtured me along the way from my earliest days. It was an affirmation of our Presbyterian understanding of baptism—that the church is an extended family, and the baptismal promises we make to nurture one another in faith are significantly formative. As we ready ourselves for a new season of programming this fall, and the welcome of Rachel Pedersen as our new Associate Pastor for Children and Family Ministry, I invite you to think about how you live out the baptismal promises you have made through the ministry of this church. The ones you may have made as a parent, and the ones you have made as a church member for any adult or child whose baptism included your promise to support and nurture another in faith. What I experienced during that trip home to Richmond in May—a profound sense of gratitude for a lifetime of Christian nurture and support I received from others—is what I would hope and pray for any member of our church family. From gratitude to generosity, it would appear, is the rhythm of the Christian life, because it is that gratitude that compels us to share the same nurture and support of others on their journey of life and faith.
Grace and Peace,
Agnes W. Norfleet Pastor
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New Beginnings:
A Word from the Rev. Rachel Pedersen When I tell people that I am a children’s minister, I am often asked, “What do you actually do?” They seem to have visions of puppets, Play-Doh, silly songs and Sunday School rosters in the back of their minds. Yes, there is that side of children’s ministry, but there is so much more! I like to explain that children’s ministry is an exercise in eschatology. Eschatology is the theological idea that as Christians we balance between the present and what is to come. With children’s ministry, it means that we see each and every child as whole and beloved, redeemed by Christ and formed in the image of God—that is a present reality. Each child, regardless of age, has faith and the ability to know God. Part of my job is to see and name that faith and help others to see that faith as well. While we are present with children, we are also called to imagine whom God is forming within them. It means that we are preparing and equipping children to listen to God, to serve in different ministries, and to have a faith that can handle big questions and difficult moments. To be called to children’s ministry means to help everyone in the church join in this eschatological exercise. What is it that I actually do? I walk with children and we live our faith together. The Rev. Rachel Ann Pedersen was elected by our congregation as our Associate Pastor for Children and Family Ministry on Sun., July 13, and began her ministry with us on August 15. Rachel hails from Idaho but had been serving as Associate Pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Bloomington, Indiana, since 2008. She received a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, is a Certified Christian Educator, and is the proud owner of a rescued standard poodle, Basil.
Associate Pastor Nominating Committee Formed At the end of April, our congregation elected an Associate Pastor Nominating Committee (APNC) to identify a candidate to serve as an installed BMPC pastor for our adult education, outreach, and worldwide ministries. This committee includes: Eric Swanson, Sharna Liggett, Melanie Wilson, and Becky Brinks (L-R, standing), and John Vaughan, Dave Hastings and Valerie Craig (L-R, seated). The APNC invites you to attend an Open Forum in Witherspoon Parlor to share your thoughts and ideas for these ministries. Forums will be held at 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 10 (before and after the first Wednesday Night Dinner in Congregational Hall) and at 11:15 a.m. on Sunday, September 14. For more information, contact PamLloyd@bmpc.org, ext. 8806.
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“...it was the
best summer ever! ”
Summer 2014 provided opportunities for all ages to grow in faith and build relationships as a church family... both on our campus and afar.
‘Belize’ You Can Make a Difference By Kara Steck, Belize Mission Trip Member
No one can truly realize how much a place can change them until they experience it firsthand. After being in Belize from July 5-11 as part of the High School Mission Trip, I can truly say that the experience changed me. Bright and early the morning after we arrived, we were out working on the construction project. Our job for the week was to build the beginning of a Sunday school for kids at the Full Gospel Church in Corozal. Everyone was determined to finish the work we had each day, however we were forced to take breaks because of the heat. One day, as a bunch of us left the work site to go find a refreshing Coke down the street, we heard snickering behind us. It was two young Belizean boys. Instantly, we made a connection. We walked with the boys hand in hand and bought them both a Coke. Not only did the
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boys have smiles from ear to ear, they expressed how no one had ever bought them anything at the store before. We could tell that they were so grateful. As the week went on we got to experience the rich culture of Belize. On Sunday, there was a huge church service that gave us a completely new perspective on what we knew as church. There was festive music, outstanding outfits, and dances with people of all ages. We also got to visit the Mayan ruins, which turned out to be one of the most amazing experiences of the whole week. Everyone could climb up to the top of each temple and we could see the entire country of Belize—or at least that’s what it seemed like. And the food was incredible. The pastor’s family came over every morning bright and early to cook us breakfast. Once breakfast was over and all cleaned up, it was time to get ready for lunch. Finally, on one of our last days in Belize, we sat down our wonderful cooks and gave them manicures and pedicures. These women were awed. They all said they would never forget this day for as long as they lived. We won’t either! Finally, the last day came around. Our construction project was complete and we were all more tired than we had ever been. But we had one more stop to make. We visited Caye Caulker, an island off the coast of Belize! After a long boat ride, we snorkeled in the bluest water we had ever seen. Swimming over the world’s second largest coral reef and dodging the stingrays as they danced at our feet was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. The next day, it was time for us to head back to the States with flights to catch and our phones dinging every five minutes or less. But it didn’t matter because Belize had changed us.
We Waded!: Vacation Bible Camp 2014 By the Rev. Dr. Nicole Duran
We splashed, we filtered, we touched a turtle! Vacation Bible Camp 2014, which took place from June 23-27 for 90 children age 2 to grade 5, was a great experience for everyone, thanks to our committed teachers and volunteers, and, of course, the campers! Despite the timing of the camp—just between the departure of the Rev. Jacqui Van Vliet and the arrival of our new Associate Pastor for Children and Family Ministry, the Rev. Rachel Pedersen—parents, staff, unexpected volunteers, and lots of amazingly-helpful youth came together to make VBC happen with its usual joy and learning. Everyone came together throughout the week to help the children learn key Bible stories and important lessons about being good stewards of the world’s water. Through an offering, the campers also donated $55.14 of their own money to Living Waters for the World, a Presbyterian organization that partners with communities to provide clean water sources with wells and filtration systems, and we had a whole lot of fun getting wet in the process. A huge thank you to all who participated!
Sanctuary Choir Inspired by Mission Tour to Germany From June 30-July 12, 45 singers from the Sanctuary Choir and BMPC Choir School journeyed through the heart of eastern Germany. Accompanied by friends, family and the Rev. Dr. Norfleet, the choir sang concerts and church services in Augsburg, Erfurt, Leipzig, Dresden, Buchenwald concentration camp, and Berlin. With a special focus on Martin Luther and Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the mission of the trip was to better understand the roots of our faith and to be musical ambassadors of that faith through singing.
LEFT: Our choir singing in St. Concordia Church in Ruhla, Germany, on July 4. RIGHT: Dining al fresco at the Coburg Fortress in Bavaria, one of the largest surviving medieval fortresses in Germany. Martin Luther took refuge there during the Diet of Augsburg in 1530.
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Urban Plunge: Washington, D.C. The 2014 Urban Plunge Mission Trip took 15 BMPC middle school youth and adults to Washington, D.C. to experience a different environment while helping those in need. From July 20-25, the youth spent their days serving with local organizations in our nation’s capital, including “Bread for the City,” Capitol Hill Group Ministry, and the DC Central Kitchen. After a hard day’s work on behalf of others, these youth then spent their nights enjoying fun activities such as visiting museums and monuments. It was a great week of service and fun!
Faith & Fun at Camp Kirkwood From August 3-9, 50 middle and high school youth and 16 leaders traveled to Camp Kirkwood in the Poconos for a week of fun, friends, and faith. As in years past, there were opportunities for games, arts and crafts, wood-shop, stained glass, worship, and free time to hang out with friends. It was a great chance to get away and grow with God.
World War II Commemoration Event “Transformative” At our World War II Commemoration Event on June 22, 23 BMPC members who are veterans of World War II shared their experiences with a large and appreciative gathering in Congregational Hall. The “D-Day” 70th anniversary commemoration paid tribute to these brave men and women for their service to our country, and Lower Merion Township Commissioner and BMPC member Scott Zelov presented certificates of commendation. Those in attendance at the event said it was “powerful and transformative” as the group of veterans assembled had never been so gathered before, and may not ever be so gathered again. To read remarks that veteran Jack Moon, BMPC’s Clerk of Session Emeritus, presented as one of the speakers, visit www.bmpc.org/programs/for-adults/senior-adults.
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Capital Campaign Work Continues By Pete DiRocco and Maureen Murphy
Take a quick look around the BMPC campus and you can see that the work of the Capital Campaign continues. Many thanks to everyone who has contributed thus far! In July, scaffolding was erected around the Ministries Center and Converse House to prepare for the replacement of the roof, as well as stone and flashing repairs. The Radnor Street parking lot has been closed since then to accommodate the construction vehicles that need access to the property, and it will remain closed until this work wraps up in November. This fall, there will also be surveying work done on the Sanctuary to see what further stone repair might be needed in the future. As ever, we are grateful to the members of the congregation who have supported the restoration and repairs on the campus of our community of faith.
Welcome to Our Newest Members
Rick Corl Bryn Mawr
Ryan and Leandra Davis Rosemont
Sam and Ali Hinkie Haverford
Lisa Lewis Narberth *Not pictured: Dan Lewis
Interested in joining our community of faith? Contact: DonnaBarrickman@bmpc.org, ext. 8809
Pinky Adee Retires from The Weekday School After sharing her many talents with The Weekday School for 16 years, Pinky Adee announced her retirement in May 2014. Pinky’s skills as a gifted pianist inspired a love of music in The Weekday School students during “music time” each morning. She also shared her artistic flair, her great sense of humor, and her love of children with The Weekday School students and staff. We are grateful to Pinky for her many contributions to The Weekday School and wish her much happiness in her retirement. 6 MESSENGER | Ordinary Time/Fall 2014
Stewardship 2015 By Maureen Murphy
As we look forward to Pledge Commitment Sunday, October 27, I asked our 2015 Stewardship Committee co-chairs, Susan and Mark Dawejko, to share their thoughts about Stewardship 2015. Maureen: Tell me about yourselves. Susan: We are both from the area, but careers took us away. When we moved back, we joined BMPC in 2010. Our son Alexander is 19, and our daughter Libby is 16. They have both been active in mission here. I volunteer at the front desk and with the Decorating Committee. Mark is a Trustee and on the Hunger Committee. Maureen: What are your thoughts on stewardship? Mark: Our campaign theme this year is “From Gratitude to Generosity.” The theme is a great starting point to answer that question. Susan: True. When we first pledged, we were grateful to have such a beautiful place in which to worship, a welcoming congregation, the great pastoral staff and wonderful music. It is important for us to be aware that all giving—of ourselves and of our finances—is in response and made possible by God’s generosity. Our gratitude fuels our generosity. Maureen: What should the congregation know about our stewardship campaign? Mark: How important it is to the church. Our church leadership hopes to see Children and Family Ministry, Youth Ministry, and Adult Education expand their work, and for our Outreach Council to be able to achieve more increasing benevolences locally and around the world. Maureen: So, an increase from last year is needed? Mark: Everyone’s circumstances are different, but our goal is to tap the generosity of four types of donors: 1) first-time pledgers; 2) pledgers who step up boldly to a new level; 3) pledgers who increase their pledge some; and 4) pledgers who do what they can. Maureen: What do you mean when you refer to pledgers who boldly step up to a new level? Susan: After we joined BMPC, we began to think about our resources and our faith and reflected on whether we were living up to our stewardship potential. We asked ourselves if our pledge was too comfortable for us, and then took the chance and made our pledge, let’s say, more challenging. Mark: Many people donate more than we do, but we made a bold increase for us. Our pledge is now a more significant portion of our family budget. Maureen: Are first time pledgers important? Susan: Oh, they’re critical. Our congregational pledge participation rate is 50 percent. We hope to increase that. Mark: This isn’t just about finances. When we all respond financially to God’s love and grace and feel the impact of our gifts on our ministries, our bond strengthens with the church. Maureen: What would you tell a first-time donor who can only pledge a small amount? Susan: I would tell them that every pledge is important, appreciated, and makes a difference. Maureen: Any final thoughts? Susan: As we kick off Stewardship 2015, we hope that our committee can help build the enthusiasm of the congregation to show their gratitude by responding to God’s love and grace. Pledge cards will be arriving in homes in October, or you may pledge online at www.bmpc.org/giving/annual-stewardship. Please consider giving generously. P.S. This fall, watch for your opportunity to share the things you have gratitude for by writing on the Stewardship Committee’s Gratitude Wall, which will be located in the Ministries Center & other places on campus. 7 MESSENGER | Ordinary Time/Fall 2014
Fall Kickoff Our Life Together as a Church Family By Donna Barrickman
One of the benefits of being a church member is a sense of community…of having a place of belonging where you feel valued and cared about and where your participation has meaning. To that end, it’s our hope to help even more folks find connections here. This may be through new small groups, such as one recently launched for Singles 40+ which has had a dinner to exchange ideas and a picnic at Chanticleer. Or it may be through church-wide opportunities, such as “Rally Day” on the first Sunday after Labor Day, our Wednesday Night Dinners, which begin again on September 10, or a Saturday Service Day or Casserole Blitz where volunteers of all ages provide hands-on help on behalf of others. As you peruse the opportunities on these pages, we hope you’ll find something that interests you. We encourage you to re-establish your sense of belonging here by trying something new. Whether it’s a class, a choir, an outing, or just making it to worship most Sundays, we’d like to see you often. Don’t be a stranger, and let us know if we can help you find your place in our midst!
Children and Family Ministry By Katherine Mealor
Children and Family Ministry is looking forward to a great new Sunday School year! The Education Building will come alive with energy and excitement as children age two through grade 5 are reunited with friends they may have missed over the summer and teachers who are ready to welcome them back with new and different ways to learn about and worship God. We also look forward to welcoming the Rev. Rachel Pedersen, our new Associate Pastor for Children and Family Ministry, and exploring our faith together. As always, childcare will be available for infants and toddlers on Sunday mornings from 7:45-11:45 a.m. The 2014-2015 Children and Family Ministry calendar will include many of the events you may have come to love in the past, but we also know that the Rev. Pedersen’s passion and energy for this ministry will help us introduce great new ideas and events for the children and families of BMPC. We hope you will join us as we start this exciting new chapter in the life of our congregation and our ministry with children and their families.
Rally Day 2014 Sunday, September 7, 11:00 a.m., Front Lawn (rain location: Ministries Center) Join us as we kick off a new season in ministry! Our celebration will include picnic food, Magic by Reba, face painting, fall program information from each of our ministry areas, and fellowship for all ages. All welcome; bring a friend!
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Youth Ministry By the Rev. Kellen Smith
We will continue to share Christ’s love together as we kickoff another program year this fall. Last year, we saw great success with an expanded Youth Gathering in the Gym on Sunday mornings, including a new theme-based series format and a youth-focused sermon. Our individual grade groups (6-12) will continue to be led by our awesome and committed team of adult leaders. Sunday morning remains the core of our ministry. Here are a few highlights for the upcoming year: • Worship Together Sunday – Starting September 7, we are encouraging families to worship together on the first Sunday of the month. Both youth and children will be in the Sanctuary on the same Sunday. • Kickoff Sunday & Youth/Parent Gathering – On September 14, we will start our Sunday morning Youth Gathering/Sunday School, followed by the annual Youth/Parent Gathering at 11:15 a.m. • The Lighthouse Program – This fall, we are kicking off a brand-new youth mentoring program where youth will sign up and be paired up with a caring adult mentor in the congregation. Having seen success with this in our Confirmation program, we have decided to expand this opportunity to all youth. This is also a great way for more adults to become involved in the lives of our youth. In addition to Sunday mornings, this program year promises to be another exciting one with the return of many favorite activities, including the fall hayride, Christmas bowling, flag football tournament, skiing, Sixers game, a lock-in, and more! I look forward to all that God has in store for us as we join together in fellowship and ministry.
Wednesday Night Dinners Begin Sept. 10 By Donna Barrickman
Our weekly dinners were a huge success last year, when enthusiastic diners of all ages filled Congregational Hall each Wednesday between 5:30 and 7:00 p.m. to enjoy Chef Ruth Johnson’s buffet meals. Kelly Cordray and Mandy McConnell describe their experience as follows: “Our families have been attending BMPC’s Wednesday night dinners for several years now. It has become a tradition for us. Our children attend choir practice and then we head over to Congregational Hall for dinner. The food is homemade and fabulous, and the price can’t be beat. The camaraderie on a weeknight is most
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welcome, and one of the biggest perks is that we don’t have to cook! The kids love the food and we always fill up a “to go” container for their dads, who work late. Mandy’s motherin-law really loves the dinners as well and has made nice friends there. BMPC Wednesday night dinners are not to be missed!” This year we’ll enhance the fellowship opportunity of our dinners by occasionally reserving a table for those who share something in common: dog lovers, travel buffs, Singles 40+, avid readers, etc. The cost for a meal is $8/adults, $5/children and students; reservations aren’t needed. So plan to join us and bring a friend, share an interest, meet someone new, or just enjoy good company and a great meal!
A New Season in Music & Fine Arts By Clare Mackie and Stephanie Speakman
To kick off the 2014-2015 concert series, we are thrilled to welcome the Saint Thomas Boy Choir to our Sanctuary on Wednesday, October 15, at 7:30 p.m. The Saint Thomas Choir of Men and Boys is the outstanding choral ensemble of the Anglican musical tradition in the United States today. Besides offering a full concert series each year, the choir of 16 men and 36 boys sings at five weekly principal worship services, preparing an astounding 400 pieces of sacred music a year. BMPC is delighted to welcome the treble choristers of the Choir, directed by John Scott. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. On Sunday, November 2, BMPC's own Choir School will lead the 10:00 a.m. worship service with a performance of John Rutter’s Requiem, a moving choral work written in memory of the composer's father who died in 1983. First performed in 1985, it has captured the hearts of both singers and audiences ever since. For the fans of our Rieger organ, we welcome organist Thierry Escaich to the bench on Sunday, November 23, at 4:00 p.m. A prize-winning French composer and organist, Escaich succeeded Maurice Duruflé as organist at St. Etienne-du-Mont in Paris and tours internationally as an artist and composer. Composer of the music for the film Seventh Heaven and the ballet The Lost Dancer, written for the New York City Ballet, Escaich has written more than 100 works for organ, orchestra, a cappella voices, stage, and cinema. Tickets are $10 for general admission. For tickets and information about these and other Fine Arts events, visit www.bmpc.org or contact StephanieSpeakman@bmpc.org, ext. 8836.
Blessing of the Animals Sunday, October 5, 4:00 p.m., Front Lawn
BMPC’s second-annual “Blessing of the Animals” will again be a gathering for fellowship, singing, scripture, prayers, and individual blessings of companion animals. All friendly creatures great and small are welcome, along with their human companions! Our special guests will include “Abby,” (administrative assistant Amy Bauer’s horse) and two of Abby’s equine friends. “St Francis of Assisi” (the Rev. Dr. R. Charles Grant) will be on hand to talk about our special relationship with God’s creatures of the animal kingdom and the blessings we receive from them. An offering of food and supplies for local animal shelters will be received and refreshments will be served. All ages are invited, as a good time will be had by all.
Mindful Eating
Saturday, October 11, 9:00 a.m.—12:00 noon Because good nutrition is one of the cornerstones of health and resiliency, The Middleton Center, located on the third floor of Converse House, will present a workshop on healthy nutrition as part of its ongoing focus on wellness. Come learn how good nutrition, stress reduction, and sleep and eating habits affect your well-being and enjoyment of food. The workshop will be led by Terri Wassel, a dietician from the Montgomery County Health Department; Melanie Wilson, Ph.D.; and Barbara Foxman, LCSW. A light breakfast will be served and tastings/recipes will be available. RSVP: JoyceKrajian@bmpc.org, 610-525-0766
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Enrichment for Adults: O Taste and See By the Rev. Dr. Nicole Duran
“There are people in the world so hungry, that God cannot appear to them except in the form of bread.” ―Mahatma Gandhi The theme and focus of this year’s adult education offerings is “bread,” in all its many meanings. Breaking bread—with crowds, disciples, prostitutes, and tax collectors—was a great part of what Jesus seems to have spent time doing, and themes of hospitality, hunger, and community can be traced throughout the biblical tradition by following the trail of bread crumbs. We’ll look at physical and spiritual hunger, at food pantries and food deserts, “bread” or “dough” as money, and the Bread of Life. From the sharing of communion to the casserole blitz, we take up issues of food and finance as a lens into how we can embody our faith and live out our deepest beliefs. Our hope is that new ideas and inspiration for mission will emerge as we hear from speakers as varied and extraordinary as New Testament scholar Hal Taussig and restaurateur Judy Wicks, with references as different as the Bible and the grocery store. Drop-ins are welcome as we meet in the Ministries Center; come when you can. And yes, along the way, there will be snacks!
The Story of the Jews with Simon Schama Sundays, September 14–December 7, 8:45 a.m.
The Rev. Dr. Paul MacMurray facilitates as we view and discuss this BBC/PBS documentary series that looks at 3000 years of Jewish history and the impact the Jews have made on the world.
Bread as Peace (and Its Absence as Violence) in the Body of Christ Sundays, September 14–October 12, 8:45 a.m.
Jon Pahl returns to teach us about the Bible’s metaphors of bread, pointing toward both ancient and contemporary questions of justice and peace.
Financial Peace University
Wednesdays, September 17–November 19, 7:00 p.m. The Rev. Kellen Smith leads a course in money management that includes practical and biblical principles of how to take control of your money, dump debt, invest for the future, and give like never before.
Between Solitude and Service
Sundays, September 21–October 19, 11:15 a.m. Paul Burgmayer and Patricia Danzon encourage us to compare the Christian practice of “service” with the practice of solitude/contemplation and to consider how our lives might accommodate both.
Meals in the New Testament
Sundays, October 26–November 16, 8:45 & 11:15 a.m. Hal Taussig, Visiting Professor of the New Testament at Union Theological Seminary, helps us understand the role of sharing meals in biblical times as well as today.
Mission Partner: Interreligious Coordinating Council in Israel Sunday, November 16, 11:15 a.m.
Rabbi Dr. Ron Kronish, Director of ICCI and a BMPC mission partner, reports on the situation in the Middle East and the work of ICCI in Jerusalem. 11 MESSENGER | Ordinary Time/Fall 2014
Senior Adult Ministries Men’s Wednesday Morning Study Group
Alternate Wednesdays beginning September 10, 9:30 a.m. Led by the Rev Dr. R. Charles Grant, the long-standing Wednesday Men’s study group welcomes men of any age seeking intellectual stimulation and personal growth through active discussion of books of theological and spiritual significance. This community of learning, reflection, and fellowship includes 20+ men, both long-time participants and newcomers, who invite you to start the program year with them by discussing the Pulitzer Prize winning novel Gilead by Marilyn Robinson. For more information or to secure a copy of Gilead, contact AmyBauer@bmpc.org, ext. 8821.
Wellness and Prevention: A Matter of Balance
Fridays, October 3–November 21, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. (8 week class) Preventing falls is the best way to avoid their consequences. Unintentional injuries due to falls results in 6 million medically treated injuries every year among adults age 65 and older. Join us to learn how the risks of falling can be reduced with several interventions that are easy to include in your daily activities. Bring a brown bag lunch and improve your endurance, strength, and balance while having fun! This series is cosponsored by Bryn Mawr Hospital and Main Line Health, and is led by Ann Fossum and Maureen Krouse. Manual included. Registration required by September 20 to AnnFossum@bmpc.org, ext. 8832.
Senior Adults Brunch featuring the Rev. Dr. Paul Watermulder Sunday November 9, 11:00 a.m.
The Rev. Paul Watermulder, son of Pastor Emeritus David and Ruth Watermulder, will be the featured speaker at the fall Senior Adults Brunch on November 9. Ordained in 1977, Paul has served as pastor at First Church, Burlingame, CA, since 1988. He also serves as President of the Board of Directors of the Presbyterian Historical Society. Paul moved to Bryn Mawr in 1962, when his father became pastor of BMPC. As the third presenter in our Senior Adults Council “Living Legacy” series, he will reflect on his years as a youth at BMPC, and his parents’ impact on his life, BMPC, and the Presbyterian Church. Early reservations are encouraged, as seating is limited. To purchase brunch tickets ($10), contact AmyBauer@bmpc.org, ext. 8821.
Lunch with Judy Wicks: Author, Chef & Founder of the White Dog Café Wednesday, November 19, 12:00 noon
Wicks will recount a girlhood coming of age in the sixties, a stint working in an Alaska Eskimo village in the seventies, her experience co-founding the first Free People store, her accidental entry into the world of restauranteering, the emergence of the celebrated White Dog Café, and her eventual role as an international leader and speaker in the localliving-economies movement. Her memoir, Good Morning, Beautiful Business, traces the roots of her career and explores what it takes to marry social change and commerce and do business differently. Passionate, fun, and inspirational, she relates how women and men can follow both mind and heart, do what's right, and do well by doing good. All welcome; cost: $10 (includes lunch). RSVP: AmyBauer@bmpc.org, ext. 8821
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Come Serve...and Solve the Mystery By the Rev. Dr. Nicole Duran
We don’t know why, but our Congregationwide Days of Service are thriving. Maybe it’s those wildly successful casserole blitzes. Certainly, the kitchen is regularly crowded with participants of all ages, happily mixing up casseroles for local food programs. Maybe it was a surge of energy from last January’s collection of household goods for Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore. Despite the snow, we provided multiple truckloads of quality merchandise for the store that day. Maybe it’s the knowledge that our own staff took a work day to paint and clean at Habitat and West Kensington Ministries. Or maybe the satisfaction of one small team of our members was contagious, after they transformed a local resident’s backyard from a junk pile to a tidy haven in one afternoon. We don’t know why, but we are thrilled that our Days of Service are gaining momentum, drawing more people, and doing more good—for our church and for our neighbors. This year, in an effort to avoid the snow, we will be doing our Habitat for Humanity ReStore collection
as part of our October Day of Service. Then in November, we’ll be quickly moving on to Stop Hunger Now—a program new to our church in which we package 10,000 nutritious meals in just a few hours. Our January Day of Service honors Martin Luther King, Jr., and this year will involve an offering of letters for Heeding God’s Call. Then in April, our staff will be doing its annual service day to celebrate Earth Day. Along the way, we will be sending off backpacks, mixing up casseroles, planting gardens, equipping libraries, building houses, and sorting crayons. Whatever your interests and talents, we have a project for you. Be a part of the growing excitement and help us solve the mystery of why our Service Days are thriving.
The Many Definitions of Peacemaking By Phoebe Sheftel
What do these actions have in common: an anti-bullying program developed by kids in a Texan public school; support to Christians running a radio station in Iraq through the PC(USA) Iraq Partnership Network; emergency services for victims of domestic abuse in Oregon; and help for Living Waters for the World, an organization that trains local leaders to develop sustainable water systems in places as disparate as Tennessee and Peru? They are all examples of your Peacemaking Offering donations at work at home and abroad. In 2013, close to $2 million was given by our denomination’s Peacemaking Offering to help find peaceful solutions to all types of conflicts throughout the world. Here at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, we raised $3,575, a portion of which was instrumental in supporting a retreat for family members who have lost a loved one to gun violence, as well as enhancing the growing activities of Heeding God’s Call, a gun violence prevention movement that seeks to get illegal handguns off the streets. This year’s Peacemaking Offering will be collected on World Communion Sunday, October 5, as well as the following Sunday, October 12. Only you can make a difference. Please give generously as a reflection of Christ’s words: “Peace I leave with your; my peace I give to you.” (John 14:27).
13 MESSENGER | Ordinary Time/Fall 2014
Going to School with Philadelphia’s Children By the Rev. Dr. Nicole Duran
As we send our own children back to the excellent area schools, the challenges mount for our neighbors’ children a few miles away in the Philadelphia school system. Social workers, guidance counselors, nurses, and librarians have been cut from the district payroll, while school closings mean more children in each classroom. Dropout rates are terribly high, and the risk that each child will spend time in prison climbs accordingly. Our congregation is committed to addressing these realities with financial resources and people hours. Our Tutoring Program brings 100 children from one at-risk elementary school to our campus once a week for reading enrichment and homework help. Begun right here at Bryn Mawr Presbyeterian Church, the West Philadelphia Alliance for Children (WePAC) has successfully put together staffed libraries for 11 West Philadelphia elementary schools, providing those students with the invaluable chance to read for pleasure the books of their choosing. In our own neighborhood, “theVillage” (formerly Presbyterian Children’s Village) tends to the education needs of the at-risk children it serves, providing them with school supplies and after-school enrichment, as well as parenting classes and other resources to support a safe and nurturing home environment. Our church supports these organizations through grants from our Outreach Council, Presbyterian Women, and your donations to the Pentecost Offering. This money is critical, but money in itself cannot do the long-term good that human relationships can. For our spiritual health, for our own education in human experience, and for the grounding of our ministry together, we need to see and to be where our dollars are going. Join us as we find opportunities in the coming year to learn and work together, for the education of all our children.
Do Something Rewarding By Carol Schmidt
When is the last time you’ve done something and said “Boy, that was rewarding!” Here’s your chance! Talk to anyone who has served as an adult leader or tutor with our Tutoring Program and they will tell you that they have no regrets about the time they gave, and that they received more in return. For 50 years, BMPC has hosted approximately 100 students from North Philadelphia to spend time with tutors who encourage learning and development. The children you will get to know will change your life; it’s that simple. What’s involved? Volunteer to be a group leader (adults or college students) or tutor (high school youth) on a Tuesday or Wednesday evening beginning in midSeptember to work directly with the kids on a weekly basis for one hour/week. You may also volunteer to offer occasional help, as others have done, by teaching dance and yoga, participating in a mobile farm, helping prepare notebooks, or providing nutritious snacks. Find out how you can help and discover a rewarding experience of your own by contacting Marnie Bowen at MarnieB1963@aol.com.
14 MESSENGER | Ordinary Time/Fall 2014
The Messenger Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church 625 Montgomery Avenue Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 610-525-2821 The Messenger (USPS #341840) Volume #116, Issue #4 is published quarterly by the Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church. Periodical postage paid at Wayne, Pennsylvania and additional offices. Postmaster: Send Address Changes To The Messenger Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church 625 Montgomery Avenue Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
We’re Looking for a Few Good Leaders By Brad Baturka
In the Presbyterian Church, our governance empowers the congregation to select leaders who will make a significant impact on the future and vision of our congregation. BMPC’s Nominating Committee will be meeting this fall, starting in late September, to consider candidates for church officer positions. The committee recommends candidates for Elders, Deacons, and Trustees, who would serve three-year terms beginning in spring 2015. Each year, a new class of officers is elected to replace those who have completed their term of service. The committee also nominates Members-at-Large for the next year’s Nominating Committee (a one-year commitment). About 15 leadership positions will need to be filled. Church officers are an extremely important element of the lay leadership of the church. Officers have leadership positions on church committees, make decisions relating to our stewardship of financial resources, and play a vital role in our outreach and congregational care. If you know an active member of the church who you feel would be appropriate for a leadership role, please submit a nomination. Characteristics of leaders include a regular history of supporting the church financially and through service, regular attendance at our worship opportunities, and a desire to devote more time and energy to making BMPC thrive and make a difference in the world we live in. To submit your nominations, use the paper nominating form available in the Narthex or Ministries Center or fill out the online form available at www.bmpc.org/nominatingform.
Help BMPC “Go Green”! Instead of receiving a mailed copy of The Messenger, you may now “opt-in” to receive it electronically. Enter your email address and name in the form found by seraching “Messenger” at www.bmpc.org and hit the “submit” button, and we’ll be sure to change your preferences for receiving this publication.