the
SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2013
MESSENGER BRYN MAWR PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
VOLUME 115 | ISSUE 4
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Reconstruction Update (page 2) “Rally Day” Picnic & Fall Kickoff (pages 5 & 7) Guest Speakers to Discuss Environmental Issues (page 10) Wednesday Night Dinners Are Back! (page 17)
Letter from the Pastor When we build, let us think that we build forever. Let it not be for present delight nor for present use alone. Let it be such work as our descendants will thank us for; and let us think, as we lay stone on stone, that a time is to come when those stones will be held sacred because our hands have touched them, and that men will say, as they look upon the labor and wrought substance of them, “See! This our father did for us.” —John Ruskin, 19th century English art critic Walking around the scaffolding these last couple of months has had me thinking about the stones that were laid by our forebears at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church and how they have become for us a thing of sacred beauty and purpose. If we consider the work of the Forward in Faith campaign— strengthening the tower and repairing stained glass windows— as merely “deferred maintenance,” then we miss the mark theologically, even practically. We are actually participating in the transcendent nature of the church of Jesus Christ, which is never for our present delight or use alone. Long before we came along, a deep love for God and sacrificial commitment laid stone upon stone so that we have this sacred space. Within the walls of the church our lives are now transformed into daily rhythms of gratitude and witness to the gospel wherever we are. Tangible gifts in one generation give way to a future of Christian hope and promise for the next. The scaffolding has also become for me a beautiful metaphor for all the intangible things that hold up the church. Beginning a new program year, we are dependent on the commitment of church school teachers, youth advisors, choir and committee members, elected leaders and volunteers—indeed all our members and generous stewards who hold up the congregation as a beacon of light in this community and world. The Sanctuary tower needs only temporary scaffolding; BMPC is forever in need of its members to uphold this sacred place where faith is nurtured and from which we are sent to do God’s work. These are exciting days in the life of this congregation, days of rebuilding, growth and envisioning a bright future. As we gather in this new fall season of increased opportunity, I invite you to prayerfully consider the ways you are a rail or a plank or a joint in the scaffolding of BMPC. What are you called to do to help this church fulfill its mission as a beacon of Christ’s light that emanates from this sacred place? Grace and Peace,
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Agnes Norfleet Pastor
Moving Forward in Faith
By Maureen Murphy and Pete DiRocco
The most iconic and beautiful building of the Bryn Mawr skyline is under a wrap of scaffolding! Your ongoing support of our capital campaign enables the reconstruction…thank you! Here’s an update about what you are so generously supporting. We want to make sure to keep you informed every step of the way. •
Scaffolding, erected in June, is expected to be in place through November as work continues to repair the Tower’s stone joints and fabricate cast stone replacements.
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The Tower’s small stained glass windows were removed and are being refurbished at a stained glass studio.
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The Tower’s spire was removed when it was determined that it could not safely be repaired and coated due to structural damage. It was taken down in sections and shipped to a contractor in Kentucky, where it will be replicated. The new spire will arrive in January/February 2014; watch for details and an accompanying installation celebration!
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New louvers, soon to be installed in the carillon room, will allow better sound projection of our bells.
In addition to the Tower project, roof repairs consisting of slate replacements and sealing have been completed on our Education Building. For more information about our restoration plans or how you might contribute to future projects, contact MaureenMurphy@bmpc.org, ext. 8807.
BMPC Receives “Good Neighbor Award” In recognition of Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church’s longtime partnership with Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia, Habitat honored BMPC on May 7 with the 2013 Patrick Monaghan Good Neighbor Award at its Building Hope Luncheon at The Crystal Tea Room in the Wanamaker Building in Philadelphia. The award, presented annually at this luncheon, recognizes an individual or group who, through volunteering, has gone above and beyond as partners and as good neighbors with Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia. This year, the organization recognized BMPC—the first faith community ever chosen as a recipient of this award—for “being a partner, putting faith into action outside of the four walls of their church, and empowering the lives of hundreds of families in West Philadelphia in the process,” said Frank Monaghan, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia. Accepting the award on behalf of the BMPC congregation was the Rev. Dr. Agnes Norfleet, who also offered the invocation and blessing for the Building Hope Luncheon.
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P A C E R R E SUMM h t i a F & n u F , s >> Friend 2 1
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High school youth posed for a group photo at a Costa Rican host church on their mission trip this past July.
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During their Urban Plunge mission trip in July, middle school youth painted a fence in West Philadelphia for Habitat for Humanity/The Other Carpenter.
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Our youth led worship at a rural Costa Rican church on their mission trip in early July.
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Our middle schoolers at their Urban Plunge Philadelphia host site, the Russell Byers Charter School.
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Camp Kirkwood offered faith, fun and fellowship for our youth during early August. Activities included small group time, worship, crafts and woodshop, swimming, a “Tacky Prom� dance, and a talent show.
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Children at the Weekday School Summer Camp in June enjoyed themed days like “Pirate Day.”
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Camper Campbell McCormack got wet and wild at the Weekday School Summer Camp in June.
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At Vacation Bible Camp in late June, our preschoolers were busy making works of art during “God’s Backyard Bible Camp!”
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Worship celebration in the gym during Vacation Bible Camp 2013 in June: “Who Loves you? …JESUS!”
10. Our 3rd-5th Grade Mission Team at Vacation Bible Camp 2013, led by adult volunteers Susie Valerio (top right) and Becky Lindeman (top left).
4 MESSENGER | September/October 2013
The Session Priorities Committee’s
2014 Priorities
The Session Priorities Committee (SPC) was created in June 2011 to identify priorities for the upcoming year for BMPC’s program and budget. Growing out of the Congregational Self Study undertaken during the interim, the work of the SPC initially addressed almost every area of church life: worship and evangelism, pastors and staff, facilities, financial health, programs and councils and communications. With the Rev. Dr. Norfleet’s arrival and developing vision for BMPC’s ministry, however, the SPC work began to become more focused on specific areas of ministry. Unanimously approved by the Session at its June 2013 meeting, the SPC’s recent report establishes these areas of focus as we move forward in faith together: • The importance of staffing for growth • Cultivating “portals” (entry points) into the church • Providing a ministry to all constituencies among our members • Configuring our ministry structure to be more efficient and effective • Maintaining and enhancing strong Children and Youth Ministries • Intentional evangelism • Expanding the base of lay volunteers at BMPC • An enhanced stewardship effort
Specific financial recommendations include: • Continued reduction of The Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Foundation’s payout rate over time • Recast BMPC’s stewardship and development functions, with emphasis on unrestricted giving • Launch phase two of the capital campaign to cover long-delayed property repairs, outstanding debt and mission commitment • Hire a part-time Youth Ministry intern, provide additional funding to support educational and community life ministries, and consider expanding worship opportunities While the Rev. Dr. Norfleet has been with us for only a few months, she has been hard at work learning about BMPC, listening carefully to our hopes and dreams, and considering exciting new directions for our ministries. Together, the SPC feels that we have a fresh sense of energy, excitement and optimism in our church community. *The above is a summary of the Session Priorities Committee Report by Session Priorities Committee Chair John Frazier. To read the report in its entirety, contact PamLloyd@bmpc.org, ext. 8806.
Join us for “Rally Day”
Sunday, September 8 • 11:00 a.m. Front Lawn (rain location: Ministries Center) We’re excited to kick off the fall and a new season in ministry! Plan to stay after 10:00 a.m. worship on September 8 for a festive picnic as we celebrate together as a church family. There will be music, food, children’s activities, fall program information, and fellowship for all ages. All welcome; bring a friend!
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BMPC Staffing Changes & Additions The Rev. Dr. Nicole Duran
In June, Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church welcomed the Rev. Dr. Nicole Wilkinson Duran to serve as Temporary Supply Pastor for Adult Education, Outreach and Worldwide Ministries. (A Temporary Supply Pastor is one who accepts a temporary pastoral relationship with the understanding that the Nominating Committee seeking the called, or “permanent,” clergy may consider that person, along with other qualified candidates.) Nicole has a B.A. in English literature from Cleveland State University, an M.Div. from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago and a Ph.D. in New Testament from Vanderbilt University in Nashville. She has published two books on biblical interpretation: The Power of Disorder: Ritual Elements in Mark’s Passion Narrative and Having Men for Dinner: Biblical Women’s Deadly Banquets, and contributed to several other books as writer and editor.
Edward Landin
In September, Edward Landin joins BMPC as our new Assistant Organist. In this role, he will support all choirs at the organ and piano and provide musical leadership for the 8:00 a.m. Chapel service. He will also direct the Beginners Choir in the BMPC Choir School, working closely with Ketti Muschler and Jeffrey Brillhart. Edward started his musical training as a chorister at the St. Thomas Choir School and spent his high school years at the Interlochen Arts Academy, where he began his organ studies. He attended the Eastman School of Music and Westminster Choir College, where he completed his B.M. in organ performance. Edward previously held positions in New York City (Christ Church, Methodist), Morristown, NJ (St. Peter’s Episcopal Church) and in the Mt. Airy neighborhood of Philadelphia (Grace Epiphany Episcopal Church).
Katherine Mealor & Kim West Bryan
In order to spend more time with her young son, Katherine Mealor asked to work fewer hours and went from a full-time staff member to a part-time staff member in June. Katherine continues to work for Family Ministry, Presbyterian Women and the Weekday School as the assistant to the Rev. Jacqui Van Vliet on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays. Due to Katherine’s decision to work part-time, two additional areas of responsibility were offered to our Wedding Coordinator, Kim West Bryan. In addition to continuing her role as our Wedding Coordinator, Kim is also now our part-time Accounts Receivable Clerk and Administrative Assistant to Stewardship and Development. She works closely with Director of Stewardship and Development, Maureen Murphy, and Finance Manager, Sarah Miciek, and is in the office on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays.
In Grateful Appreciation BMPC celebrated the ministry of Carolyn Beitmann when she retired in June from her position as Director of Children and Family Ministry. The Rev. Dr. Norfleet noted: “In her 12 years of service on the church staff, she has literally raised a generation of disciples and will be greatly missed as we come and go from the Education Building...” In August, we said farewell to Organ Scholar Keenan Boswell, who recently graduated from Westminster Choir College and left the Bryn Mawr area to further his studies at the University of Texas.
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Welcome Back to Sunday School by the Rev. Jacqui Van Vliet
It’s a wonderful time of year and a time for new beginnings as Sunday School resumes on Sunday, September 8. Our Education Building will once again resound with the footsteps and voices of children ages two through Grade 5 as they return to the community of friends who gather weekly to learn about and worship God. On September 8, we’ll also celebrate our reunion as a church family at a “Rally Day” picnic on the front lawn at 11:00 a.m., so plan to stay and join us for this festive church-wide gathering. This year, continuing the theme from summer’s Vacation Bible Camp, our Sunday School program will focus on what it means to be “living in God’s backyard.” Each week as the children hear Bible stories and learn about Jesus, we will explore the ways we can show God’s love by caring for our families, friends, neighbors, and communities...in our “own backyards.” We are blessed to have many dedicated volunteer teachers who look forward to sharing and learning with the children in their classes. As always, our childcare team will provide infant and toddler care on Sundays from 7:45–11:45 a.m. We look forward to an exciting year of discovering, serving, and glorifying God together!
Youth Ministry Kickoff by the Rev. Kellen Smith
After a full summer of camp and mission trips, we are excited to kick off our Youth Ministry program for 2013-2014 on Sunday, September 8. As we begin the year, we will continue to pursue our mission: sharing Christ’s love with youth and their families. This statement shapes the opportunities and experiences we provide through our programs for youth and is the motivation behind all that we do. Our strategy is to enable youth to build relationships with each other; empower them to grow in their faith; and encourage them to serve in a ministry and enjoy God throughout their lives. Throughout the year, with the help of adult and student leaders, we do our best to create programs to meet these purposes and to discern how God is calling us to inspire our youth. We are always looking for caring adult leaders and new Youth Ministry Council volunteers, so please be in touch if you are interested. We saw exciting growth in youth ministry last fall as Sunday morning youth attendance doubled. We hope to see this momentum continue and to experience ongoing positive growth. Though we don’t only want to grow numerically, we also want to grow spiritually as faith becomes more relevant in the lives of our youth. 7 MESSENGER | September/October 2013
Our big news this fall is that we welcome Erin Farrell as a youth ministry intern. Erin is a student at Ursinus College, an accomplished athlete, and a talented musician. Her father, Paul Farrell, is a Presbyterian pastor who also served as an intern at BMPC when he was in seminary! We look forward to a great year together and to Youth Sunday, September 29, when our youth will lead worship. For updates about Youth activities and happenings, visit www.bmpc.org/programs/foryouth-and-their-families or subscribe to our monthly eNewsletters by contacting AmyBauer@bmpc.org, ext. 8821. We encourage your prayers and participation as we seek to serve the youth and families of this congregation, reminding each other that “God is good, all the time!”
Opportunities for Adult Enrichment
A sampling of our offerings this fall. See our worship bulletin and eNews for more information.
Adult Education Offerings: A Focus on Peace by the Rev. Dr. Nicole Duran
“Pursuing Peace in Worlds of War” is the theme uniting this year’s adult education offerings. Our hope is to learn more about the varieties of conflict in our world and in our tradition while keeping a focus on the possibilities for peace amid the conflict and the orientation toward peace that informs scripture. We will offer two ongoing Sunday morning perspectives: • The Bible and Ancient Tradition, in which we look at biblical stories of violence and peace and at early Christian tradition and its attitudes toward war. • In Our World, Just Lately, a class that will address changing topics from the contemporary world. Watch for details about an October focus on Germany and its history, including the Nazi years, with guest speakers Klaus Volpert (BMPC member and Villanova faculty) and Paul Steege (Villanova faculty). In the hope of a more humane society, we’ll also offer an intergenerational October-November series, co-sponsored by The Middleton Center, featuring Villanova communications professor Dr. Heidi Rose, moving from a discussion of the Trayvon Martin case to an exploration of our own cultural codes and the challenges of understanding self and others. In addition, the always-fascinating Jon Pahl from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia will speak about peace and violence in American culture, and we’ll host an impressive panel brought together by the WePAC board, focusing on the pursuit of peace within Philadelphia schools. I look forward to greeting you and engaging in meaningful discussion on these topics. Specific times and locations for the above opportunities will be publicized in worship bulletins and in eNews, but feel free to contact me with questions at NicoleDuran@bmpc.org, ext. 8818.
The Midlife Series: Finding Meaning in and Enriching our Middle Years Main Line Reform Temple and The Middleton Center have joined together to address the particular needs of the middle years, including how to embrace the challenges and opportunities of these years as the demands of parenting and career building subside. Offerings in this series include: • Moving from the Middle: The Integration of Spirituality and Middle Age Sunday, September 29, 12:00 noon; Main Line Reform Temple; led by Leah BrecherCohn LMFT, MA, MS and Andrew Cohn of Lighthouse Consulting, LLC Explore this time of life when many of us begin to focus more on our legacy and our spiritual growth; a time of great opportunity and connection to our spiritual purpose. A light brunch will be served. • Preparing for Death, Living your Life: Dinner and Discussion Tuesday, October 22, 6:30-9:00 p.m., BMPC, led by Stephen Treat, D.Min., LMFT Stephen Treat
After enjoying a meal together, explore ways to manage the limitations aging inevitably presents and how letting go and freeing of self allows us to accept life in its fullness, face the future, and move forward with grace and dignity. Dinner: $20/person.
For more information or to RSVP, visit www.middletoncenter.org or contact The Middleton Center Director, Joyce Krajian, at joyce@middletoncenter.org, 610-525-0766. 8 MESSENGER | September/October 2013
Spiritual Formation: Deepen your Faith and Enlarge your Spirit Spiritual formation is the growth and development of the whole person by an intentional focus on one’s spiritual and interior life, the quality of interactions with others in daily life, and engagement in spiritual practices. Take advantage of these opportunities, sponsored by The Middleton Center, to deepen your faith and enlarge your spirit. For more information, contact Joyce Krajian at joyce@middletoncenter.org, 610-525-0766. An Introduction to Spiritual Direction Sunday, September 15, 11:15 a.m., led by The Middleton Center Spiritual Directors Patricia Danzon & Heather Swanson Learn how this ancient Christian discipline of offering companionship on the journey of faith can deepen your prayer life, provide you with the language to express your experience with God, and help you to explore questions such as “How is God working in my life?” Introduction to Lectio Divina and Centering Prayer Sunday, September 22, 11:15 a.m., led by Patricia Danzon Patricia Danzon
Discover the ancient practices of Lectio Divina (prayerful reading and reflection on scripture) and centering prayer (a Christian approach to meditation) to deepen your awareness and discern God’s presence in your life. Weekday Contemplative Prayer Group Tuesdays, October 1—November 19, 8:00 a.m. We struggle to find time and space to be present to God’s word, in our lives and in our hearts. Come when you can and join us in the Chapel as we use the life-giving practices of Lectio Divina and centering prayer to quiet our minds, listen, and deepen our experience of God.
Heather Swanson
Practicing Presence Sunday, October 13, 11:15 a.m, led by Peter Wright Many of our problems stem not from what happens in life, but from a conditioned reaction to what happens. Explore the power of the world’s oldest wisdom teachings and “present moment awareness” as a remedy to the confusion in the world and the noise inside your mind. Finding God in Nature Wednesdays, October 16 & 30, 7:00 p.m., led by Heather Swanson
Peter Wright
In the Christian tradition, nature has been a powerful source of God’s self-revelation... on mountain tops, in burning bushes and in star-filled skies. Deepen your awareness of God’s presence in and through the creation as we discuss Super, Natural Christians: How We Should Love Nature by Sallie McFague.
Hike at Hawk Mountain Saturday, October 26, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., led by Heather Swanson Visit a sanctuary for birds of prey in Kempton, PA, and then hike to observe them during their migratory season in a rich natural context in which to seek God. All ages welcome. Discernment in Everyday Life Wednesdays, October 23 & November 6, 7:00 p.m., led by Patricia Danzon Learn how to make major life choices consistent with your deepest values and discern the Spirit in everyday life with the help of insights from St. Ignatius of Loyola and The Way of Discernment: Spiritual Practices for Decision Making by Elizabeth Liebert. 9 MESSENGER | September/October 2013
Promoting Good Health: Straight Talk from The Experts Improve your health in 2013 and beyond with information from this series on Sundays at 11:15 a.m. For more information, contact Ann Fossum, Parish Nurse, at AnnFossum@bmpc.org, ext. 8832. • Immunizations are NOT Just for Children Sunday, September 22, led by Janet Martin, RN Learn about the need for lifelong immunizations, what you need to get now, and the 2013 flu vaccine. • Do You Hear What I Hear? Sunday, September 29, led by Marcia Finisdore, RN, MSN, and Diana Bender, PhD Discuss how to prevent hearing loss, how to recognize when you need help, and how to live better with hearing loss. • Protect Your Heart Sunday, November 10, led by Dr. Dave Callans and Dr. Bill Matthai Consider the symptoms that need follow-up care, current options for treatment of cardiac disease, and how to maintain a healthy heart.
Wellness Series: A Matter of Balance
Fridays, September 27—November 15, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Co-sponsored by Bryn Mawr Hospital/Main Line Health; led by Ann Fossum & Maureen Krouse Do you know that adults 65 years and older are three times more likely to be hospitalized due to a fall than a younger person? Bring a brown bag lunch and improve your endurance, strength, and balance while having fun and reducing the risk of an injury due to a fall. Manual included; registration required by September 20 to AnnFossum@bmpc.org, ext. 8832.
Distinguished Speakers to Discuss Environmental Issues Presented by BMPC’s Environmental Justice Committee
Mary Pipher: Psychologist, Author, Environmentalist Monday, October 7, 7:30 p.m.
Mary Pipher
Mary Pipher has written extensively on issues ranging from adolescent girls (Reviving Ophelia) to aging (Another Country). In her new book, The Green Boat: Reviving Ourselves in Our Capsized Culture, she tackles the way we deal with traumatic information about the fate of Mother Earth. Environmentalists Bill McKibben says she “takes on our planet’s greatest problems with the skills of a truly gifted therapist. She knows why we avoid and deny the truth and she knows how we can heal ourselves and our communities even as we try to heal the earth. This book is a deep and true gift.” Mary Pipher will be available to sign books following her presentation. Pieter Tans: Environmental Scientist Sunday, November 2 & Monday, November 3
Pieter Tans
Dr. Pieter Tans, an internationally-recognized scientist, will be our guest to discuss global warming and humankind’s influence on climate. Dr. Tans is a member of the Earth System Research Laboratory in Boulder, Colorado, and his group maintains the world’s largest global monitoring network of atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations. He will lead an Adult Education class following 10:00 a.m. worship on Sunday, November 2, and offer a presentation on Monday, November 3, that is open to the public. 10 MESSENGER | September/October 2013
Adult Ministries Brunch Kicks Off New “Living Legacy Series” Sunday, October 13, 11:00 a.m., featuring Dr. George E. Hollingshead, Associate Pastor Emeritus
Dr. George E. Hollingshead, BMPC Associate Pastor Emeritus, will be the first featured speaker in the Senior Adults Council’s new “Living Legacy Series,” which will bring back former pastors and congregational leaders for times of reflection and renewal of treasured relationships. George, who served BMPC from 1978-2002, will talk about BMPC as it was “then” and share some stories from that era. He and his wife, Roberta, are beloved in our BMPC community and we are pleased that he will be our first presenter for this series. For more information, or to purchase brunch tickets, contact AmyBauer@bmpc.org, ext. 8821.
Men’s Study Group
Every other Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. beginning September 11, led by the Rev. Dr. R. Charles Grant The Wednesday Men’s Study Group is a long-standing fixture at BMPC and is open to men of any age. This fall, we’ll begin studying Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Letters and Papers from Prison. One of the more influential theologians of the early 20th century, Bonhoeffer continues to speak to thoughtful persons today. An up-and-coming German pastor and theologian before World War II, he studied in America in the 1930s before he returned to his homeland, where he was one of the founders of the Confessing Church movement that resisted National Socialism. He was arrested for his involvement in the plot to assassinate Hitler and was hanged in April 1945. Bonhoeffer’s Letters and Papers from Prison opens readers to this man’s deep faith and the theological reflections of a man enduring personal hardship and political persecution. For more information on joining this group, contact AmyBauer@bmpc.org, ext. 8821.
Sing for the Fun of It
By Brant Rudisill, baritone (as told to his wife, Ellen Anderson)
I love to sing. All who come to Singing for Life love to sing, but we either don’t want to or cannot sing the serious liturgical music of the Senior Choir. We “retirees”—anyone over age 55—get together and laugh and joke with our director, Jeffrey Brillhart, who never hesitates to regale us with stories from his past experiences. First we warm up with Suzanne DuPlantis to practice breathing; then we do crazy choral tongue twisters with Sharon Babcock. These gals are pros! Their quick, humble humor alone is a reason to participate, and the exercises improve our lung capacity. After warm-up, Jeff takes over and we warble through old folk songs, show tune medleys and sometimes a posh piece of Mozart. We even sang a Beatles tune last year. The camaraderie is joyful, and the audience at the gigs Jeff gets for us seem to appreciate our golden oldie voices. At the end of the season, we usually have a lively get-together. Last May we gathered at a 11 MESSENGER | September/October 2013
beautiful home and the ladies all dressed as though we were at Downton Abbey. The Singing for Life group consists of about 30 women and 8 men, so gentlemen, come and support the tenor and bass sections. We welcome all newcomers (ladies too, of course) and I promise you will enjoy yourselves and go home with a fresh sprightly step. So if you want to sing just for the fun of it, join us and get the rust out of those vocal cords! Singing for Life rehearsals take place on Fridays from 9:30-10:45 a.m. in the Fine Arts Center beginning Friday, October 4. For more information about joining this group, contact StephanieSpeakman@bmpc.org, ext. 8836.
Organ Recital with Jeffrey Brillhart On Sunday, October 6, at 2:00 p.m., Jeffrey Brillhart, BMPC’s Director of Music and Fine Arts, will play a recital of the works of four of his favorite composers: Franz Liszt, Louis Vierne, César Franck and Julius Reubke, each of whom is a giant of the 19th and early 20th centuries and wrote masterfully for the pipe organ. Each of these composers understood the capacity of the pipe organ to convey immense varieties of emotion at every single dynamic level. They also knew how to excite and thrill an audience!
Jeffrey Brillhart
The program includes Liszt’s Fantasy and Fugue on the name BACH, Vierne’s Les Angelus, César Franck’s Chorale in E major, and Reubke’s mammoth Sonata on the 94th Psalm. Reubke, a student of Liszt, composed the Sonata at age 22 before he died at age 24, creating a work that is judged by many to be the pinnacle organ work in the romantic era of composition. Our internationally acclaimed Rieger organ, modeled after the very best Romantic instruments of France, is ideally suited to these composers. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear four masterpieces played on one of the greatest organs in the world!
Give your Family the Gift of Music By Ketti Muschler
The BMPC Choir School offers music programs for school-age children and youth that are both rigorous and joyful. Our choral repertoire ranges from the silly to the transcendent, and our participants have a broad range of abilities and experience. We are always looking for new singers! We’re a fun-loving community that chooses to tackle the deeper questions of faith through song and sharing. Our Wednesday rehearsals are a mix of serious study and a lot of laughter. We usually sing during worship about once a month, when even the youngest choristers enjoy sitting with a trusted group of peers and friends while they participate in the flow of worship and learn the language of the Presbyterian church. No singers in your household? We also have three bell choirs and pianos that need hands. Not sure about reading music? Let us know about your past experience; we’re happy to train everyone. Reading music, ear training, vocal technique, and music theory are covered in our rehearsals, and we will provide private lessons by appointment. Busy with a fall sport or a spring musical? We welcome newcomers at any time of year! Just call ahead to let us know if you are interested and ready to attend, and we will include you as soon as possible. So make choir one of your family activities this year. Together, we’ll nurture our musical gifts and give them back to God.
Parents & Children of All Ages: Come Experience Young-in-Arts this Fall! Our Fall Sessions and Open House begin the week of September 8. Morning programs include early childhood music and Dalcroze eurythmics, art, cooking, and drop-in Play Days for children ages 0-5. Afternoon piano and violin group and private lessons are available for ages 3 ½ and older. For more details, visit www.bmpc.org/ programs/music-and-fine-arts/young-in-arts or contact StephanieSpeakman@bmpc.org, ext. 8836. 12 MESSENGER | September/October 2013
Welcome to New Members Received in May Stephen R. Treat
Richard F. Address
Steven Bailey & Florence Synn Haverford
Sandra Maxwell Berwyn
Daphne Graham Bryn Mawr
Carolyn Hall Rosemont
Gene & Mike Rackel Wayne (and Lancaster, VA)
David W. Hall Bryn Mawr
Daniel & Marilyn Irwin Media
David & Sarah Reiner Bryn Mawr
Julia Schott Wyncote
Not a member here? We invite you to join our community of faith! Learn more about us and our many opportunities for enrichment at our next membership orientation on Sunday, October 6, from 8:30 a.m.—1:00 p.m. (includes time for worship and lunch). For more information or to register, contact DonnaBarrickman@bmpc.org, ext. 8809.
Member Spotlight: John Grandbois by the Rev. Joyce Krajian
In 1986, John Grandbois, encouraged by Associate Pastor George Hollingshead, created a Vocations Task Force, which in time evolved into BMPC’s Tuesday evening Career Counseling Group. In the 27 years since then, John has supported thousands of individuals who have come to our Ministries Center for help to define their passions, aptitudes and skills; identify career choices in which to use them; and market themselves to obtain positions they seek. John said that “helping people during a difficult time in their journey and sharing their success” has been incredibly fulfilling. While he works professionally as a Senior Consultant at Right Management, a talent management firm, he has especially valued the opportunity to help people take charge of their careers through this ministry at BMPC. 13 MESSENGER | September/October 2013
On Tuesday, September 17, John will conduct his last session of the group. We will honor him and celebrate his dedication and commitment to this specialized ministry at a reception sponsored by The Middleton Center on Sunday, October 6, following 10:00 a.m. worship.
John Grandbois
As we move forward, our goal is not to replace John but to find a way to assist those in transition in a manner that befits his decades of service and meets existing needs. In the meantime, we remain grateful that John found his vocation in this support of others.
Milestones at The Weekday School
By Kim Black
The Weekday School Celebrates Its 50th Anniversary In 1963, before area public schools offered kindergarten, Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church started a “Weekday Kindergarten.” While the school has gone through many changes over the last 50 years, the founding principles remain unchanged. As stated in one of the early brochures: “We believe a child learns and grows by example and experience. Our Weekday School program is geared to allow and encourage each individual child to grow at his own tempo in a warm and friendly atmosphere.” The Weekday School now serves 55 children, ages 2 ½ to 5, from the congregation and community. Because preschool-age children learn best through hands-on instruction and play, we offer an interactive, child-based program. Learning is accomplished through carefully planned, fun-filled activities designed with specific educational goals in mind. Exciting new additions include an Outdoor Learning Center where children learn about nature through hands-on activities, “Kids Yoga,” and a new iPad Lab. On Sunday, November 10, we will celebrate 50 years of learning and fun at the Weekday School at “Java in the Gym” following 10:00 a.m. worship. Learn more about the Weekday School there, or contact Weekday School Director, Kim Black, at weekdayschool@bmpc.org or 610-520-8840.
Eileen Oxman Celebrates 25 Years as a Lead Teacher
Eileen Oxman
In honor of her 25 years as a teacher at The Weekday School, the school’s new Outdoor Learning Center was dedicated to Eileen Oxman at the annual year-end “Growing Up Party” in May. For 25 years, Eileen has shared her talent of finding and cultivating each child’s gift with hundreds of children and their families as the lead teacher of the Pre-K class. In the upcoming year, Eileen will be incorporating the new Outdoor Learning Center and The Weekday School’s new iPad Lab into the curriculum as she continues to make the Weekday School “A Place to Grow.” Thanks for your dedication, Eileen!
Blessing of the Animals Sunday, September 22, 4:00 p.m., front lawn
This special intergenerational event will include fellowship, singing, scripture, individual blessings of your companion animals, and refreshments for all. All friendly creatures great and small are welcome! Though the lawn will have temporary fencing, animals should be in arms, in a cage or on a lead. Representatives from animal conservation agencies will join us along with a few surprise four-footed guests, and an offering of food and supplies for local animal shelters will be received. “St. Francis of Assisi” (the Rev. Dr. R. Charles Grant) will also be on hand to share stories about his special relationship with God’s creatures of the animal kingdom.
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How Do Your Hunger Envelope Contributions Help? By Emily Cieri
BMPC’s Hunger Committee consists of a group of BMPC members committed to help alleviate hunger in our region. We believe everyone has the right to good and healthy food, and we make sure your contributions from the hunger envelopes in the pews directly support this mission. Your generous donations are distributed to more than 20 groups, organizations and churches that offer feeding programs in Philadelphia and Chester. Some offer canned foods while others provide hot meals for their clients; still others have residential programs to support some of the most vulnerable people in the greater Philadelphia area. Your contributions also support our casserole ministry, which is an essential element of the work of Save the Date for the Hunger Committee. Some of your funds stay right here in World Food Day! Bryn Mawr by supporting ElderNet and the Ada Mutch Center. . Friday, October 11 • 6:00 p.m A general theme we hear from our partners is that food needs Congregational Hall are increasing. In addition to simply distributing food, services live such as doctor and dentist visits to shelters may be offered. We’ll experience what it means to ut One organization has a group from its congregation that serves on one small meal a day, learn abo as seamstresses for the clients by mending their clothing, which BMPC’s hunger relief support and may be the only pair of pants or shirt they own. The message participate in a service project. is that they are now supporting clients in a holistic way that we Children welcome! have not seen before. Our hunger partners believe, as we do, that everyone has a right to food with dignity. It is not enough to just feed bodies; we need to look for ways to feed souls and support self-sufficiency. Your steadfast, generous and heart-warming donations will further this cause as we fight hunger issues in our region.
Radio City Christmas Spectacular Get in the holiday spirit on Saturday, November 23, with a trip to Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Radio City’s Christmas Spectacular is brighter than ever, from the costumes and sets to performances by the Rockettes, a 3D “ride” in Santa’s sleigh, and the story of the first Christmas, told reverently in pageantry, music and scripture. The Living Nativity, and the famous Parade of The Wooden Soldiers, are two scenes from the first performance of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular in 1933 that are repeated annually. The bus will depart from BMPC’s back parking lot at 8:30 a.m. After arriving in NYC, you’ll have a few hours on your own to see the sights and have lunch before the 1:00 p.m. show. We’ll then leave NYC at 3:30 p.m. to return back to the church. To save your seat, mail a check for $95/person (includes show ticket and round-trip transportation) to BMPC, Attn: Amy Bauer. For more information, contact AmyBauer@bmpc.org, ext. 8821.
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BMPC Service Days:
Offering Hands-on Help for Others By Carol Schmidt
Congregation-wide Days of Service offer a chance to live out our beliefs in service to our neighbors. Our Service Days begin with a devotion in the Ministries Center; then participants head out to provide hands-on help. Some may head to our kitchen to prepare casseroles for Philadelphia area shelters; others go outside to do landscaping work on our campus with “Common Ground.” Those who are heading into the city form carpools for activities such as repairing homes for Habitat for Humanity, serving a meal at Broad Street Ministries, gardening with the Urban Tree Connection, or bagging groceries at SHARE. All work is completed by midday. Join us as we get to know each other and build relationships in our community. Mark your calendars for October 5, January 25, and May 3 and watch the worship bulletin and eNews for specifics for each date. You are also welcome to help our Presbyterian Women with Tutoring program preparations on September 14 or join our Singing for Life group as it prepares a mailing for Broad Street Ministries on November 9. For more information or to register, contact CarolSchmidt@bmpc.org, ext. 8819.
Focus on Peru By Carol Schmidt
Through our Worldwide Ministries Council, BMPC supports Jed Koball, a Presbyterian Church (USA) mission co-worker serving in Peru. Jed and his wife Jenny live in the Pueblo Libre neighborhood of Lima. Last year, Jed visited our church to tell us about his work, and we expect to host him again this year. Our prayers and financial support aid Jed’s work as a companionship facilitator for the “Joining Hands” network in Peru. This initiative Jed Koball (left) and fights the root causes of hunger by sparking the formation of networks his wife, Jenny. in developing countries, empowering locals to produce and distribute food for their own communities. The majority of wealth in Peru is controlled by a small group of people while millions in the indigenous population live in poverty. “Joining Hands” helps Peruvians find their voice and support one another in confronting the injustices and struggles in their local circumstances. Presbyterian World Mission reports that it costs an average of $83,000/year to send and support one mission co-worker. This amount includes salary, housing, transportation, and health care, as well as security monitoring, recruitment, orientation, training, and language school. Your BMPC pledge enables us to contribute to those costs and this ongoing effort. For more information about Jed’s work, visit www. presbyterianmission.org/ministries/missionconnections/koball-jed. 16 MESSENGER | September/October 2013
The BMPC Foundation at Work by Nancy Ameen
BMPC member Judith Brackett is a testament to the impact made possible by those who have funded grants in the Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Foundation. Judith is a recipient of The William Hamilton Miller Fund, established in 1983 for the purpose of providing grants or scholarships to assist those who desire to prepare themselves for service in the Presbyterian church as ministers, missionaries, or in some other professional religious capacity. The Rev. Dr. William Hamilton Miller, for whom the fund is named, was our first pastor, serving from 1874 until his death in 1907. An ardent supporter of missions, he was a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary where Judith recently received the Master of Divinity degree. This fund is just one example of how our Foundation forwards the work of the Church in the world—in this case, by training an able woman for its service. For information about how you can make a lasting contribution through a gift to The Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Foundation, contact MaureenMurphy@bmpc.org, ext. 8807.
Judith Brackett (center) at her Princeton Theological Seminary graduation in May with BMPC members Joan LaLeike (left) and Susan Bravo (right). Judith is completing 400 hours of Clinical Pastoral Education at a suburban hospital, where she is grateful for the opportunity to offer comfort, compassion and care in the name of Christ. She also loves preaching and looks forward to receiving permission from the Presbytery of Philadelphia to be “certified ready to receive a call.”
Wednesday Night Dinners are Back! Beginning September 11
Dinner is served! BMPC’s weekly Wednesday Night Dinners will return beginning Wednesday, September 11, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. in Congregational Hall (food served until 6:30 p.m.) Cost is $8 for adults and $5 for children (Grade 5 and younger) and all ages are invited! Menus will be available three days in advance at www.bmpc.org/news-media/announcements or by calling the church office at 610-525-2821. 17 MESSENGER | September/October 2013
Making a Difference through the Peacemaking Offering by Phoebe Sheftel
What: The Peacemaking Offering is one of four offerings collected during the church year to support programming and peacemaking efforts locally, nationally and around the world. Why: Peacemaking, the “Believers’ Calling,” affirms that God’s peace-giving is central to the gospel message. Thus, people of faith engage in peacemaking, following Jesus as an integral part of their congregational life and mission. How: Each year, Presbyterian Church (USA) congregations raise close to $2 million to benefit peacemaking efforts. Over the last three years, BMPC has contributed close to $14,000, which has supported Heeding God’s Call, a local faith-based movement to stem the proliferation of illegal guns; and a retreat day of respite and spiritual reflection for families of gun violence victims. Other PC(USA) programs include efforts that seek to bring peace by addressing human trafficking in the Philippines and effecting reconciliation among a divided people in South Sudan. When: This year’s Peacemaking Offering will be collected on Sundays, October 6 and 13. Who: Your participation helps to make a difference!
Update from Heeding God’s Call by Bryan Miller
We at Heeding God’s Call are hugely grateful to Jeff Brillhart and all the BMPC folks who made the “Jazz Fest for Peace” (this past spring) such a wonderful, and for Heeding, remunerative event. Thank you. In the short period since the Fest, Heeding has been incredibly active due to the funding support the Fest provided. We also have major plans for many new activities, which that funding will make possible. Our inspiring “Memorial to the Lost” T-shirt installation moved from BMPC to St. John’s Lutheran Church in Mayfair in Northeast Philadelphia and gained much positive feedback. We held two of our Gun Murder Site Public Witnesses, including one in July in West Philadelphia that drew nearly 100 participants and dozens of people from the Mill Creek neighborhood. And, we continued our scheduled vigils on the sidewalk at two gun shops in the Northeast. These events helped to provide inspiration and remind people in damaged communities like Mill Creek that there are people working every day at Heeding to make their neighborhood safer from gun violence. Most exciting is that a film crew from the show “Our America with Lisa Ling” on Oprah Winfrey’s OWN network filmed the “Memorial to the Lost” at St. John’s, the Murder Site Witness in Mill Creek, and a vigil at a gun shop. The footage will be included in a documentary on gun violence in Philadelphia to be aired in February. Jeffrey Brillhart (left) & Bryan Miller (right) at the “Jazz Fest for Peace” check presentation at BMPC in May.
Finally, we are planning a series of five public events to occur during “Philly Peace Week” from September 14-22. For more information, visit www. heedinggodscall.org. Thanks again to all!
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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 #115, 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
Help BMPC “Go Green”! Instead of receiving a mailed copy of The Messenger, you may now “opt-in” to receive it electronically only! Enter your email address and name in the form found at www. bmpc.org/news-media/publications/the-messenger and hit the “submit” button OR contact JessicaRupell@bmpc.org and we’ll be sure to change your preferences for receiving this publication. Thank you for helping us to “go green” by using less paper!
2013-2014 Nominating Form Nominations for Elders, Deacons, Trustees and Nominating Committee Members-at-Large are being accepted now through September 15. To submit your nominations, use the paper nominating form available in the Narthex or Ministries Center, or fill out the online nominating form available at www.bmpc. org/nominatingform.