Advent Messenger 2013

the

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2013 & JANUARY 2014

MESSENGER BRYN MAWR PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

VOLUME 116 | ISSUE 1

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: For the Common Good: Stewardship 2014 (page 3) Giving Thanks (page 4) Celebrating Advent with Your Church Family (pages 5-10) Caring and Sharing During Advent (pages 11-14)

Letter from the Pastor Dear Friends, As we enter this season from Thanksgiving to Christmas with many and varied holiday traditions, I am mindful of how our understanding of who and Whose we are may best be experienced at the dinner table. Laden with bounty from the good earth, the meal itself is a reminder of so many blessings from God, both seen and unseen. When meals are shared, our blessings are multiplied by the loving company of family or friends, by good conversation and storytelling. At the table, our sense of belonging to God and one another is celebrated and thanksgiving comes easy.

When our children were very young, we began a tradition of each family member saying a word of thanks at mealtime. One of us grown-ups would begin our table blessings, and then each person would say at least one thing for which he or she was thankful before we ended with a collective “Amen.” Early on this daily ritual added to bedtime prayers as a way of teaching our children to pray.

Over the years it evolved into an interesting blend of communicating with God and one another.

For instance when our dog, Boo, invariably under the table, was the object of one of our son’s thanksgiving, it meant the chicken and broccoli on the plate was not at the top of the gratitude scale!

Later, prayers of thanksgiving could take on an adolescent edge that was sure to make God, as well as these earthly parents, smile. Through the years I began to see that these shared blessings were not just teaching moments for our children, but also opportunities for me to grow in faith and deepen in love and gratitude.

As we prepare for Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations in the coming weeks, I find myself particularly grateful for all the shared meals we enjoy as a church family–meals delivered to people at times of sorrow or the birth of a child, the Lord’s Supper when we gather at the communion table with the saints who have gone before us, Wednesday Night Dinners of inter-generational community, food preparation that keeps our church kitchen busy alleviating hunger, the Advent Gift Market opportunities to give to local and global ministries… so many shared meals.

In the gospels, Jesus himself moves from one dinner party to another, and so also within the pages of this Messenger, you will find many ways that our ministry together is nurtured by God’s abundance, our shared meals and service. At Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, there is much to celebrate and thanksgiving comes easy.

Grace and Peace,

Agnes W. Norfleet Pastor 1 MESSENGER | November/December 2013 & January 2014

Tower Construction Update

By Pete DiRocco and Maureen Murphy

As we near the end of months-long work on our tower, it’s important to again thank everyone who has donated or made a pledge to donate to the Capital Campaign. Your generosity makes the ongoing work on the campus possible, and it is greatly appreciated.

Although our spire is still in the process of being fabricated, we are looking forward to its installation by crane and its dedication in the early spring. A celebration to rejoice in this grand occasion is in the works, so be sure to keep an eye out for further details. The clean up process, the removal of the scaffolding, and the re-opening of the parking lot will all be completed in time for Christmas, and the new set of louvers being fitted for our carillon will enable it to ring out with more resonance and better sound than we have ever had before!

For more information about our Capital Campaign, contact Maureen Murphy, Director of Stewardship and Development, at MaureenMurphy@bmpc.org, ext. 8807.

Associate Pastor Nominating Committee Elected Our church was presented with a slate of candidates and voted on an Associate Pastor Nominating Committee (APNC) for Children and Family Ministry on September 22 at a meeting of the congregation after the 10 a.m. worship service.

This was necessary because our contract with Temporary Supply Pastor, Jacqui Van Vliet, expires in May 2014.

The following individuals were elected to serve on the APNC: Jonathan Balch, Angie Baturka, Jody Boughton, Gene Chang, Peggy Gregg, Morris Kay, and Maria Schneider. They represent Children and Family Ministry Council, Church School teachers, parents of young children who are actively engaged in our programs for families with children through grade five, and lay leaders who love this church and recognize the value of a vibrant Children and Family Ministry program.

Standing: Jonathan Balch, Angie Baturka, Morris Kay Seated: Gene Chang, Maria Schneider, Peggy Gregg Not pictured: Jody Boughton

After getting organized, the committee will meet frequently to gather the information necessary to complete a Ministry Information Form. This form will be posted on the General Assembly’s Church Leadership Connection in anticipation of receiving responses from those who feel that their gifts match the needs of BMPC. The responses will be evaluated and interviews will then be scheduled. For more information, contact PamLloyd@bmpc.org, ext. 8806.

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For the Common Good: Stewardship 2014

By Brad Baturka

“Now there are various gifts but the same spirit; and there are varieties of service but the same Lord; and there are varieties of working, but it is the same God who inspires them all in every one. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the Common Good.”

— I Corinthians 12:4-7 Paul articulated in his first letter to the Corinthian Church a strong united belief in a common goal to serve God and use gifts of the Spirit for the common good. This church in Corinth, we are taught, was one of the largest, most important churches Paul helped to establish. This church was attended by diverse individuals serving God in different yet important ways...very much like BMPC. BMPC is overflowing with diverse activities inspired, encouraged, nourished, and carried out by individual desires to follow the spirit of the Lord. Together, we contribute our time, talents, and resources in collective service for the common good.

Our church community enables organized ministry to make a difference in a multitude of ways: youth traveling abroad on a mission trip; our choir singing the good news with music ministry; our Hunger Committee feeding those in need; youth and adults coaching basketball games with special-needs young children through Upward Basketball; and adults and high school students tutoring students from Philadelphia. From peacemaking to environmental justice to caring for shut-ins, bringing books to impoverished school libraries, and rejuvenating souls on Sunday mornings, the influence of Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church goes on and on. We touch thousands of lives and make a deep and meaningful difference to people here at Bryn Mawr and well beyond. The breadth and depth of our church’s reach is probably more than any of us realize.

One thing is certain: a church as vibrant as ours can do more when we recognize that we each have gifts to share.

Your generous contributions of your time, unique talents, and financial support enable our church to employ our gifts of the Spirit to do God’s work and make a lasting impact in the lives of people in our community, in greater Philadelphia, and around the globe.

If you have not already done so, join with us in working—as Paul suggests in the scripture—for the common good by making your annual stewardship pledge today. Questions? Visit www.bmpc.org/giving/annual-stewardship or contact Maureen Murphy, Director of Stewardship and Development, at MaureenMurphy@bmpc.org, ext. 8807.

Why We Give:

“

When we moved here 12 years ago, we didn’t know a soul. Every Sunday we went to a different Presbyterian Church to find a spiritual home and one where our kids would be happy. The Sunday we came to BMPC, we knew we had found it and we have never been to another church since.

—BMPC member

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Giving Thanks Thanksgiving Pancake Breakfast: An Annual Tradition

By Courtenay Willcox

Decades of Thanksgiving Pancake Breakfasts at BMPC have not dulled one iota of our family's enthusiasm for this annual event. The smell of warm coffee, the laughter of youth and college students, and the embraces of long-time friends are just some of the sights, sounds, and smells of this joyous morning. It is one of the best annual intergenerational church occasions offered at our church, and although the abundant pancakes, sausage, fruit, juice, and coffee are great, the fellowship is even better! The real reason we come every year is to reconnect with our church family.

It is also inspiring to see our Youth Ministry in action.

Our own youth shop for supplies, set tables, stir batter and serve up breakfast with a smile. It is truly a way that our youth serve one another and our congregation. And in turn, all the proceeds from the breakfast support our Youth Scholarship Fund, making it possible for many of our youth to attend summer camp and mission trips they wouldn’t otherwise be able to be a part of!

Join Us! DATE: Thursday , November 28 TIME: 8:30-11:30 a.m.

PLACE: Congrega tional Hall COST: $5/person or $20/family

Take advantage of the best way to kick off your Thanksgiving Day, greet your church family, and support our youth. Bring your family and friends for this wonderful annual tradition. We look forward to seeing you at this year's festivities! For more information, contact AmyBauer@bmpc.org, ext. 8821.

16th Annual Lower Merion Interfaith Celebration of Thanksgiving All are invited to attend the 16th Annual Lower Merion Interfaith Celebration of Thanksgiving on Sunday, November 24, from 4:00–5:00 p.m., hosted this year at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church.

This annual event, sponsored by 25 Main Line congregations (including BMPC), will feature: • • • •

Sacred texts from various traditions Native American Dancers from the Eastern Woodland Pathways Dance Troupe Interfaith Adult and Children’s Choir A free-will offering benefiting Eldernet of Lower Merion and the Eastern Woodland Pathways Dance Troupe

For more information, contact Phoebe Sheftel at pasheftel@gmail.com, 610-526-1802.

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Celebrating Advent with your C

Worth the Wait By the Rev. Dr. Nicole Duran

The world we live in loves to celebrate Christmas—the sparkle and shine, the indulgence of children’s fondest wishes, and the out-of-the ordinary holiday flavors. And the world we live in will begin that celebration in about five minutes. Our world, let’s face it, is not big on delaying gratification. But for us as Christians, the weeks leading up to December 25 are not simply a specified number of shopping days. This is a holy season in itself, a season of expectation and longing. As we count down the weeks of Advent, let’s make our shared faith the heart of these extraordinary days. Join us in reaching out to our neighbors, coming together to listen, contemplate, reenact, and sing the story of miracles. Let’s dream together, in our learning and in our celebrating, of the kingdom of God that Advent awaits.

Congregation-Wide Advent Workshop & Supper This is a year when the first Sunday of Advent falls at the end of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Traditionally, our culture has made that weekend another feast time of overconsumption, producing a bellyache of groaning from arms heavy with packages after the frenetic pace of Christmas shopping. Yet as Christian families, we can take that very same Advent time and slow down. We can choose deliberately and carefully what we give ourselves and our time to doing. Acting with quiet purpose, we move intentionally in expectation of the unexpected. In doing so, we are better able to bring a garland of gratitude and hope to wrap around our restless waiting as we prepare for Christmas to come again and overwhelm us with the surprising disclosure in God’s gift of redeeming Love.

One of the ways to do this is through our NEW Congregationwide Advent Workshop and Supper on Sunday, December 15, from 4:00-6:30 p.m. All ages are welcome as we fill each room of our Ministries Center with Christmas spirit by making Christmas crafts, sharing care through simple hands-on service projects, decorating our Christmas trees, singing carols, and enjoying fellowship at a festive dinner (free-will offering) catered by our new in-house chef, Ruth Johnson. Mark your calendar now! For more information, contact DonnaBarrickman@bmpc.org, ext. 8809.

Join Us!

ber 15 DATE: Sunday, Decem . p.m TIME: 4:00-6:00 nter PLACE: Ministries Ce g for dinner COST: Free-will offerin

Bring a pair or two of new men’s socks! As one of our projects, we will transform them into decorations for our tree in the Court before we donate them to Broad Street Ministry.

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Unhook a link in a homemade colored, paper chain to mark the days leading up to Christmas.

r Church Family Advent Family Traditions By the Rev. Jacqui Van Vliet

“Tradition, tradition! Tradition, tradition!” Those first few words of the song from the film Fiddler on the Roof remind us that the pattern of our everyday brings meaning to life. So too the pattern of our special days and the traditions we pass down and practice year after year after year.

The season of Advent, with its rhythmic framework of preparation and waiting, provides a wonderful opportunity for individuals and families to initiate or continue traditions. Such rituals help in keeping the spiritual discipline of waiting and, when practiced, give meaning to the season of Advent as the time to once again get ready to celebrate Christ’s birth.

Here are some practices that you can begin to do on December 1, the first Sunday of Advent: Use an Advent wreath as a focal point — The Munroe family displays the Advent wreath, a gift received at the birth of their eldest son, on the dining room table. At the beginning of each Advent week, they light a candle, read scripture and pray together.

Unhook a link in a homemade colored, paper chain to mark the days leading up to Christmas — While many Advent calendars are illustrated with Santas, toys and other commercial holiday images, you can make your own “calendar” by cutting color paper into strips, connecting them into a paper chain of links, and attaching this to a cardboard or poster board star you cut out, color and sparkle with glitter. As a little girl, my daughter Rachel eagerly looked forward to waking up each day and unlinking a paper strip as we counted down the days in Advent.

Place a nativity set in a prominent place — Tell the stories of Christ’s birth using the creche. Last year, the Presbyterian Mission website highlighted this practice in a creative way by encouraging families to “make the arrival (of the character figures) to the stable gradual, demonstrating that the characters did

not arrive all at once. Save and add the baby Jesus on Christmas Eve and the Magi on Epiphany (January 8). Add a little piece of hay to the manger for every action that family members do during this season to demonstrate God’s love to others.”

Set aside time each day to read a holiday book together as a family — Slowing down, simplifying and silencing the noise of holiday commercialism can be as easy as reading a good book. Younger children will enjoy any Tommie dePaola book such as The Legend of the Poinsettia or The First Christmas and older children will find meaning in The Tale of Three Trees retold by Angela Elwell Hunt and The Story of Holly and Ivy by Rumer Godden.

Discover customs to try from other countries and cultures — Explore the Dutch traditions around St. Nicholas; the custom of the Three Kings bringing gifts in Spain, South America and Mexico; or the Swedish ritual of the eldest daughter serving the family on Santa Lucia day. The Terlevich family makes it an annual practice to attend the Santa Lucia Festival of Light at Old Swedes Church in Philadelphia.

Practice acts of kindness and giving — In a season often focused on the gifts we receive, choose to do something for others as a part of your Advent traditions.

Make cookies for neighbors who live alone, bring goodies to a local pet shelter, hang a Christmas treat for winged friends, or encourage your children to use their allowance to buy a gift at BMPC’s Advent Gift Market.

The Vaughan family uses a giving elf—a family heirloom that moves from room to room—as a reminder to practice kindness during this season of giving.

Whatever the practice, remember to give thanks as we wait in expectation for Christmas to come again.

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For Children & Their Families Family Fun Friday: Movie Night

Friday, November 22 • 6:00 p.m. • Congregational Hall Enjoy a pizza supper and fellowship followed by a showing of the favorite holiday movie, The Polar Express, based on Chris Van Allsburg’s famous book. We’ll also have hot cocoa, crafts, popcorn and fellowship; children are encouraged to wear pajamas and bring pillows and blankets. RSVP by November 18 to JaneWilber@bmpc.org, ext.8813.

The Weekday School Christmas Pageant Wednesday, December 18 • 10:30 a.m. • Sanctuary

Each December, the students of BMPC’s Weekday School perform a Christmas Pageant as their gift to their families and friends. While working hard preparing for the pageant, the children discover the true meaning of Christmas. Join us as they share the magic of the season on December 18 (Snow Date: Thursday, December 19). For more information, contact Kim Black at WeekdaySchool@bmpc.org, ext. 8840.

Caroling at Rosemont Presbyterian Village Sunday, December 22 • 3:30 p.m.

Join in this joyous BMPC tradition that’s fun for all ages! Sing Christmas carols in the halls of the retirement community and then enjoy fellowship over hot chocolate and cookies. RSVP by December 18 to JaneWilber@bmpc.org, ext.8813.

For Youth Ski Trip to Killington, VT January 17-19

The highlight of my year with the Youth Ministry is our annual ski trip. I love to get away with friends and enjoy some great skiing and snowboarding.

Each year, I feel like I’m more excited to take the bus ride, and this year I’m even more excited because we are going to Killington, VT. We usually have a great time in the Poconos, but Vermont will be a great change of pace and scenery. We always have delicious food, time on the mountain, and a chance to hang out with friends. I really enjoy being in a beautiful place with important people in my life, my church family. While I’m exhausted after a long day of the mountain, it is also a nice way for me to reconnect with God. I can take time out of my usual routine, and be reminded of what is important, which is the people in my life. The church is a big part of my life and I want others to experience that as well. So if you’re in middle or high school, I hope you’ll join us on the ski trip this year. It will be another great time to get away and have fun.

By Henry Rohrer

Registration form and $349 are due by December 31. To sign up or for more information, visit www.bmpc.org/ programs/for-youth-and-their-families/special-events or contact AmyBauer@bmpc.org, ext. 8821.

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For Adults God With Us: The Birth of Jesus in the Four Gospels Bible Study and Prayer with the Pastors

Wednesdays, December 4, 11, 18 & January 8 • 7:00-8:00 p.m. • Witherspoon Parlor Taking full advantage of our wonderful Wednesday Night Dinners, four of our pastors will lead a discussion and meditation on each of the four gospels as they witness to the good news of Jesus’ presence among us.

This is an opportunity for learning and worship that spans the Advent season and reaches to Epiphany, so all are welcome to join us as we recover the holiness of the holiday season. Following dinner in Congregational Hall, we will meet in Witherspoon Parlor from 7:00-8:00 pm. to discuss the scripture together, and then join in brief and contemplative worship to re-focus us for the challenges and joys of the season.

• December 4 (First Week of Advent): “Mark and the Lack Thereof” with the Rev. Dr. Nicole Duran • December 11 (Second Week of Advent): “John: the Word Became Flesh” with the Rev. Dr. Agnes W. Norfleet • December 18 (Third Week of Advent): “Luke: No Room in the Inn” with the Rev. Kellen Smith • January 8 (Epiphany): “Matthew: Follow that Star” with the Rev. Jacqui Van Vliet For more information, contact CarolSchmidt@bmpc.org, ext. 8819. *For a full listing of classes and studies for adults, please refer to our website or our weekly bulletins.

Opportunities to Walk the Labyrinth The labyrinth is an ancient symbol of wholeness, a metaphor of life’s path, and a tool for transformation that reintroduces walking meditation back into the Christian tradition. It heals and consoles, supports and confronts, and gives the everyday person a tool for spiritual experience.

You’re invited to walk the labyrinth, using its path to seek insights, as you journey through the Thanksgiving season toward Bethlehem and the New Year. The Middleton Center provides an opportunity to walk the first Tuesday of the month from 11:00 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. in the Ministries Center. On the days the labyrinth is open, informational workshops are offered at 10:15 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.middletoncenter.org or call 610-525-0766.

The Journey to Bethlehem and Into the New Year Sunday, December 29 • 2:00-5:00 p.m.

Contemplate the changing of the year at a special event for all ages. As we enter the New Year, we will create a peaceful space to review and release the old year, and, with intention, explore beginnings, endings and the many turns in between. There will be an opening ritual, a labyrinth walk, and live music during a shared meal.

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Cultural Codes, Conflict and Understanding

Sundays, November 3, 10, and 17 • 11:15 a.m. • Conference Room Increase your understanding of self and others in a series that will challenge our assumptions by exploring identity, culture, diversity and difference with the hope of moving closer to a more humane society.

• November 3: Consider the legal, age, race, and gender issues at play in the Trayvon Martin trial with our guest, Elizabeth Hey, U.S. Magistrate Judge.

• November 10 and 17: Explore personal identities and how we define and deal with a sense of self with Dr. Heidi Rose, professor of Performance Studies at Villanova University. Though adults and youth are welcome at both sessions, youth are particularly welcome on Nov. 17 as we discuss identity and difference and moments when assumptions conflict with experience.

For more information, visit www.middletoncenter.org or call 610-525-0766.

Parenting on the Main Line: Preschool Series Interested in the parenting process for young children and how life on the Main Line may influence the home? Find support facilitated by professionals at monthly “Parenting on the Main Line” workshops co-sponsored by Main Line Reform Temple and The Middleton Center. For more information, visit www. middletoncenter.org or call 610-525-0766.

Mark Your Calendar!

Future parenting workshops will take place on: November 20, January 8, February 5, March 5 and April 2

For Adults Age 50+ “Prime Time” Advent Party

Sunday, December 8 • 6:00-8:00 p.m.

BMPC Prime Time (a group for singles and couples age 50+) invites you to a Festive Advent Party at the home of Barbara Hauptfuhrer in Wayne (directions will be mailed) on December 8. The cost is $15/person, which includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and beverages OR purchase a combination Christmas Concert/Prime Time ticket for $20 and attend both the concert (see pg. 10) and the Prime Time party. To make a reservation, send a check made payable to BMPC to the church office, attention Amy Bauer, by Monday, December 2. We are also asking you to please bring an unwrapped gift for either a boy or girl (infant to age 18), which will be donated to Turning Points for Children.

For more information, contact AmyBauer@bmpc.org, ext. 8821.

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For All Ages Christmas Concert: “The Christ Story” Sunday, December 8 • 4:00 p.m. • Sanctuary

This year’s annual Christmas concert will celebrate the birth of Christ in both traditional and new styles of music from around the globe. Music from the United States, Europe, China, and the Caribbean in a variety of styles will help all to experience Jesus the Savior in a more “connected-with-the-world” way. The Jamaican carol, The Virgin Mary had a Baby Boy, will unite us with the exuberant faith of our Caribbean neighbors. Singing the haunting Chinese folksong, Pengyou, Ting!, in the Mandarin dialect will remind us of the power Christ has to transform lives throughout the world. Moses Hogan’s spectacular setting of Go Tell It on the Mountain will inspire us with the universal message of hope expressed through the music of enslaved African Americans.

Presented by singers and ringers of all ages, “The Christ Story” will remind us of our covenant relationship with the larger body of Christ in the world. Join your voice with more than 100 performers in the singing of beloved carols, accompanied by brass, percussion and organ. Bring your friends and revel in the beauty of music that comes from all corners of the earth, proclaiming the Good News of Christ. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students with ID. For more information, contact StephanieSpeakman@bmpc.org, ext. 8836.

By Jeffrey Brillhart

A Service for Those Who are Grieving at Christmas Sunday, December 22 • 11:15 a.m. • Chapel

The holidays can be difficult for those who are mourning the loss of loved ones and those who are struggling with challenges of body or spirit. The Rev. Dr. R. Charles Grant and our pastoral team will lead this service for all who grieve and seek healing of body and soul. The service will include special music, readings from scripture, the Iona Community’s ritual of healing for health and wholeness, and sacred time in sacred space for all who seek rest from their heavy burdens. Come if you are grieving. Come if you seek a deeper awareness of God’s healing presence. Come with a friend who needs the blessing of quiet grief and a respite from the frivolities of the holidays. For more information, contact CharlesGrant@bmpc.org, ext. 8820.

Christmas Eve Services

Tuesday, December 24 • 4:30, 8:30 and 11:00 p.m. • Sanctuary • 4:30 p.m. Family Service with Nativity Tableau • 8:30 p.m. Candlelight Service with Communion and Meditation by the Rev. Dr. Agnes W. Norfleet • 11:00 p.m. Candlelight Service of Lessons & Carols with Meditation by the Rev. Dr. Agnes W. Norfleet The Annual Youth Alumni Reunion will be held at 9:30 p.m. in Witherspoon Parlor

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Caring and Sharing during

Advent

“Come, they told me…”

By the Rev. Dr. Nicole Duran

This Advent, consider the Little Drummer Boy. What wins the drummer boy a smile from the baby Jesus and grants him a moment of joy in the presence of God is the offering that comes from the boy’s whole and authentic being. “I played my drum for him,” the song remembers, “I played my best for him.” The boy does not give because he is asked to do so, nor because Jesus is in need. He gives because the experience of being with Jesus has pulled the boy toward this response. From our experience of the holy this season, with all of the season’s mysterious blessings, our response also emerges from our whole being—drummers or writers, cooks or musicians, carpenters or teachers, we give of ourselves. The giving of this season is a joyful giving, a giving that rewards itself...like the singing of a beautiful song. Join us!

40 Days of Service In the church, 40 days has much significance.

There’s the 40 days of Lent, 40 days of Advent, and the Greek Orthodox 40 days of mourning. And now, there is a Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service challenge of 40 days. While we have a Congregationwide Day of Service scheduled to coincide with Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on January 25, this is just one day. Not 40 days, 40 hours, or even 40 different projects scheduled for that one day.

But what if we really could do 40 days of service?

Let’s spend the 40 days of Advent coming up with our own lists of “40 Days of Service.” What would such a list look like for you? Here’s a possible first 10 days: • Day 1 – Bring art supplies to BMPC for the Arch Street Preschool • Day 2 – Purchase canned vegetables for the Hunger Committee • Day 3 – Pick up trash in your neighborhood • Day 4 – Purchase Advent Gift Market gifts to support a project of your choice • Day 5 – Bake cookies for a neighbor • Day 6 – Visit a nursing home and read to someone • Day 7 – Tell a child you love his/her singing • Day 8 – Visit Broad Street Ministries for a service and greet folks there

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Save the Date!

Congregation-wide Day of Service: Saturday, January 25

• Day 9 – Write a note to tell someone why you value them • Day 10 – Pray for the missionaries supported by the Presbyterian World Mission Hopefully, making your own list will inspire you to be more intentional during Advent. Once you write your “40 Days of Service” list, send it to CarolSchmidt@bmpc.org and we’ll post it in the Ministries Center as inspiration for our next Congregation-Wide Day of Service.

Advent Gift Market: Gift Giving for a Good Cause

By Mary Bassett

Our Advent Gift Market (AGM) gives us the opportunity to do our Christmas shopping in a very special way. A tradition at our church, AGM is a creative giving program that helps those in need while also providing gifts for those whom you honor at this time of year.

You may choose from a list of over 30 worthy projects, chosen by 15 BMPC councils and committees, in a wide range of prices starting at just $2. The projects you may support include both global and local concerns with which our church has an ongoing commitment. Brief descriptions of each project are included on the AGM shopping list, which will be mailed in early November. More detailed information about these projects and a downloadable order form is available on the BMPC website, www.bmpc.org.

When you purchase a “gift,” you will receive a card insert describing your project choice and explaining that a donation has been made in the recipient’s honor. The insert may be placed in your own greeting card, or you may purchase cards produced especially for AGM by the Visual Arts Committee of BMPC’s Fine Arts Council. This year’s cards include our Lord’s Prayer stained glass windows, photographed by BMPC member Bill Kemmerer, and a vase of crimson and rose peonies, painted by church member and award-winning artist, Valerie Craig.

AGM sales will kick off at our Market Festival on Sunday, November 24, at 11:00 a.m. in Congregational Hall, where you can learn about the mission projects while enjoying refreshments. Sales will continue in the Ministries Center Court following 10:00 a.m. worship on Sundays through December 22. Orders may also be mailed to BMPC or dropped off at the reception desk for pick-up the following Sunday.

Please keep gifts for the rest of the year in mind when you place your orders, as AGM gifts are perfect for other special occasions as well.

For more information, contact Susan Bravo at b41793@aol.com, 610-578-0224.

One of this year’s AGM greeting cards is a vase of crimson and rose peonies painted by church member and awardwinning artist, Valerie Craig.

“

AGM cards and gifts are a tradition in our family. My children’s teachers particularly appreciate them, and our relatives are alway interested to see what projects we’ve chosen to support in their honor.

—BMPC member

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Christmas Joy Offering: A 50/50 Deal When this year’s Christmas Joy Offering is collected, the funds received will help the church continue to assist two important programs.

Fifty percent of the offering will be used to support student scholarships at Presbyterian-related racial ethnic schools and colleges. The Presbyterian Church (USA) has a historic commitment to higher education and has long promoted the education of underrepresented groups through support for Presbyterian-related schools such as Johnson C. Smith, a historically black college in Charlotte, NC. These schools equip students with the education they need while promoting a sense of pride in the students’ own cultures and histories.

The other fifty percent of the Christmas Joy Offering is designated for the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions. With this program, we keep the faith with those who have unstintingly offered their gifts to the church. A few real examples of those who have been supported through Joy Offering funds include: •

A pastor in the Midwest, whose home sustained terrible damage in a storm, rejoiced when it was restored to good condition thanks to a grant from the Assistance Program.

•

A 74-year-old pastor’s widow is now able to live peacefully and secure in the knowledge she can afford her medications, thanks to income supplements she receives from the Board of Pensions.

•

A single mother working at a church in the South was finally able to purchase hearing aids for her 14-year-old daughter whose hearing was impaired by failed ear tubes and the resulting scar tissue.

Please give generously! For more information about the Christmas Joy Offering, visit www.presbyterianmission. org/ministries/specialofferings/christmas-joy-offering/ or contact CarolSchmidt@bmpc.org, ext. 8819.

Christmas Angels: Helping Those in Need

By Betty Wu

You can help make Christmas special for children and families served by Presbyterian Children’s Village. Throughout the years, BMPC members have generously shared the spirit of Christmas with these precious children and their families. Here are a few of the people who were helped with last year’s gifts: • Tara – a 22 year old who stepped in to raise her four younger siblings after they lost their mother to cancer • Jamal – whose mother is struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after several deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan • Malika and Eugene – who are struggling to maintain a safe home for their children after they were robbed of everything, including the kitchen sink (copper thieves)

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• Carl – whose parents are both deaf and struggling to care for him and his sister • Sonya – a mother of three who said, “...all I want for Christmas is to see my kids smiling and crying—not tears of sadness, but tears of gladness.”

Will you bring “tears of gladness” to a child or needy family this Christmas? To help by adopting a family or sponsoring a child or children (5-8 gifts per child), contact Betty Wu at efwu01@ gmail.com, 610-449-8059.

Thank you in advance for bringing the joy of Christmas to our neighbors in need.

An Uplifting Experience: Upward Basketball at BMPC

By Chris Hyson

ul ed in our successf Want to get involv is th etball ministry special needs bask rrently recruiting season? We are cu ies, e as practice budd volunteers to serv , rs te sistants, gree referees, set-up as nteers in Januaryand general volu or elp out for a day February 2014. H e or m season. For the entire 8-week act Sarah Smith, information, cont rg. upward@bmpc.o at , or ct re di ue ag le

The Upward Basketball program at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church was a phenomenal experience for our eight-year-old daughter.

Having the opportunity to fully participate on a basketball team was truly thrilling for her and she loved every moment, from practices to games. The extra special additions, like individual and team photos, professional uniforms, and the awards banquet, made the experience so authentic and fun for our daughter.

Of course, her favorite part of the experience was hearing her name announced before every game and high-fiving the cheering crowd around the court. As a parent, the entire experience was incredibly heartwarming to witness. Watching all of the athletes develop their basketball skills, learn to work with others, gain confidence, and simply enjoy being part of a team was absolutely uplifting and life changing for all involved. Upward Basketball is such an exceptional program, with the most caring, talented coaches and volunteers, who bring out the very best in every athlete. We can't wait for the next season to begin!

Everything Matters in the Fight Against Hunger Sometimes life’s events and problems can be so overwhelming that it seems there is nothing one individual or group can do to make a difference. The fight against hunger is one of these problems. We are aware of the grim statistics, particularly in Philadelphia and in our own communities, as it seems there is always another headline or story about the hungry, homeless and poverty stricken.

Despite this seemingly intractable problem, there are multiple ways we can make a difference—one food cupboard, shelter and hungry individual at a time. Our Hunger Committee is comprised of a group of hardworking and dedicated volunteers that tackle this head-on. While this committee invests significant time and energy, our efforts would be impossible without you.

There are multiple ways that you can continue to help us, and each is vital to our mission. Your contributions in our white envelopes located in the pews are the lifeblood in our fight. These funds go directly to 23 different food agencies, cupboards and shelters in the Philadelphia area that we support, and they also supply the ingredients for our casserole blitzes. In addition, your donations of canned foods in our baskets in the Narthex (church entrance) are another important component of aid that supports the hungry. Finally, the time you spend volunteering with us, whether at a casserole blitz, Our Brothers Place, or Broad Street Ministries, or by joining us at our Hunger Committee meetings every third Thursday of the month, also make an important difference, one hungry person at a time. Join us in our efforts! Contact: Dave Hastings at dhast99@yahoo.com.

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The Messenger Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church 625 Montgomery Avenue Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 610-525-2821 The Messenger (USPS #341840) Volume #116, Issue #1 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

Blessings to you and yours in the upcoming holiday seasons as we give thanks and rejoice in the birth of the Christ Child.

Inclement Weather Policy Please note that 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.