2024 Summer Messenger

MESSENGER

The Extraordinary Season of Ordinary Time

From The Rev. Dr. Agnes W. Norfleet

At the beginning of June, the liturgical calendar returns to Ordinary Time. The green paraments will adorn the pulpit and lectern in the sanctuary, and the pastors will wear their array of green stoles. Green is a sign of life in nature and represents the growth of the church’s life, grace, and hope. Apart from the special seasons of Advent and Christmas, Lent, and Eastertide, most of the church year is Ordinary Time. Ordinary may sound kind of boring, uneventful, everyday. In fact, the word comes from ordinal, which means to count. Ordinary Time, then, is actually counted time, occurring between the end of Christmas to Lent, from Pentecost to Advent.

While this edition of the Messenger coincides with the beginning of this long green season of the church year, flipping through these pages, you will quickly see that the ministry and program of Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church is anything but ordinary! The articles and snapshots of our congregational life gathered within these pages are extraordinary! They speak of community engagement, vital mission, and empowerment. They provide a mere glimpse into how this congregation is gathering together and partnering with others to address social, environmental, and spiritual challenges. The testimony of this congregation’s extraordinary witness and commitment prove that Ordinary Time at BMPC is time that really counts.

Summertime is a season of coming and going, rest and reunion and reflection. I hope that as you read the pages that follow, you might reflect on your involvement at BMPC, be inspired to learn more, get involved in a new area of ministry, or deepen your commitment and investment in the opportunities for growth in faith and discipleship, which are highlighted here. Join us in helping this church live out the 150th Vision that we adopted in celebration of this church’s anniversary. Ordinary Time around here really is extraordinary.

Grace and Peace,

& Community, Engagement, Partnership,

& Engagement, Partnership, Activism.

Meet Jennifer McArthur

We’re thrilled to introduce Jennifer McArthur, our new Assistant for Adult Education, Mission, and Congregational Life at BMPC.

We Welcome New Members

1. Courtney Schneider with her children, Celia and Jack. Missing from the photo are Courtney’s husband, Chris, and their son, William.

2. James and Lucynda Bollinger joined with their son, John, and his wife, Monika Bollinger, and their children Michael and Nick.

3. Brad and Anne Stoltz with their children, Colin and Grayson.

Jen’s career path has been marked by a steadfast commitment to helping others, a trait that traces back to her roots as a biology major at Penn State. In transitioning from Health Care to HR and project management, Jen’s adaptability and passion for problem-solving have been evident at every turn.

At her previous job, Jen was often the go-to person for crafting processes for new endeavors, a testament to her knack for innovation and efficiency. When asked about her attraction to BMPC, Jen expressed her passion for making a tangible impact and her appreciation for the welcoming community she’s found here.

4. Neila Andberg joins her daughter Whitney Hoffman, Whitney’s husband Ted, and their daughter Lowell.

5. Nathan and Lynne Macziewski and their son, Jack. Missing from the photo is their daughter, Grace.

6. David and Read Copley with their children, Callum, Sybbie, Bo, and Lochy.

Dr. Matthew Desmond’s Call to Action Against Poverty

We were honored to host Dr. Matthew Desmond, the Maurice P. During Professor of Sociology at Princeton University and the principal investigator of The Eviction Lab, for our recent Community Forum. With his acclaimed work in sociology and poverty studies, Dr. Desmond delivered a powerful message that resonated deeply with our audience.

The turnout for the event was nothing short of inspiring, with the Sanctuary filled to capacity and over 300 individuals tuning in online. Dr. Desmond’s thought-provoking address delved into the pressing question: Why does poverty persist in America?

Drawing from his extensive research and acclaimed publications Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City and Poverty by America, Dr. Desmond highlighted many factors contributing to the ongoing poverty crisis in our nation. From systemic issues like race and class disparities to the detrimental effects of exploitative employment practices and skewed tax policies, he illuminated the complex web of challenges that perpetuate poverty.

INVEST

Amidst the stark realities, Dr. Desmond’s message was a call to immediate action. He urged each of us to become ‘poverty abolitionists,’ stressing that the solution lies not in outsmarting the problem but in collectively rejecting it with urgency. He challenged us to confront poverty as a moral imperative.

In his stirring conclusion, Dr. Desmond characterized poverty as both a misery and a national disgrace, asserting that as citizens of the richest nation in the world, we have the power and responsibility to end it. His words serve as a rallying cry for us to channel our compassion and resources toward meaningful change.

Reflecting on Dr. Desmond’s impassioned call to action, let us commit ourselves to pursuing justice

and equity in our communities. Together, we can heed his challenge to outhate poverty and strive toward a future where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

Child poverty rate in the US is double that of other countries

1 in 3 (108 million) get by on $55,000 or less

1 in 9 (38 million) live below the poverty line

1 in 18 (18 million) live in deep poverty

Become a poverty abolitionist

To learn more about issues regarding housing and evictions and how to work toward meaningful change, visit JustShelter.org.

NATIONAL:

National Housing Council (nhc.org)

Rebuilding Together (rebuildingtogether.org)

National Alliance to End Homelessness (endhomelessness.org)

LOCAL:

Bridge of Hope – Malvern (bridgeofhopeinc.org)

Home Of the Sparrow – Exton (homeofthesparrow.org)

Interfaith Housing Alliance - Montgomery County (interfaithhousing.org)

Project HOME – Philadelphia (projecthome.org)

Pathways to Housing PA – Philadelphia (pathwaystohousingpa.org)

September 30, 2024, 7:00 p.m.

Talisse will explore our current situation of extreme polarization and ways we can work to bridge the divide.

Our Polarization Problem

Middleton Counseling Center & Laurel House Interfaith Coalition on Domestic Abuse Event

In April, the Middleton Counseling Center, together with the Interfaith Coalition on Domestic Abuse, hosted an event at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church for clergy and faith leaders of all faiths to learn the unique concerns around domestic abuse. Domestic abuse impacts individuals, family units, communities, and congregations. Finding ways to help all those involved and keep all parties safe is vital to the successful support of survivors and their families. Domestic abuse occurs in all communities, in all socioeconomic

classes, at all educational levels, and in all genders. Raising awareness and making faith communities safe spaces for those who are experiencing abuse is the first step to help address this problem. The Middleton Counseling Center at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church has resources and professionals that can help if you, or someone you know, are experiencing domestic abuse.

For more information, contact Kristyn (Kiki) McKendrick at 610-525-076 or email kmckendrick@bmpc.org.

Bread, Community, & Reflection:

A Retreat with Presbyterian Women

Salt, water, flour, and yeast. The ingredients were combined into round balls of dough resting in mixing bowls of every size and shape. A light dusting of flour covered tables and damp linen cloth covered the bowls. It was somewhere between the moment we began washing measuring cups and we went to lunch that the reality of the instructions set in. The dough would need to rest for at least 8 hours. During that time, we could do nothing. No fiddling or bothering or kneading or planning, just resting. Our task was to give the dough time to rise, time for the yeast to do its work, and time for ingredients to transform from one thing into something new. More valuable than the ingredients or the materials, the investment of time seemed extravagant, and the requirement to step aside and let the dough do its work humbling.

While the dough was resting and rising, we were doing the same. Some of us were stretching and breathing through a gentle yoga class, others were walking the trail around the Pendle Hill Campus, some found time to sing, others to read, and many enjoyed the time to reconnect with one another. This year, Presbyterian Women hosted 40 BMPC women for a time of retreat. Guided by author and baker Kendall Vanderslice, we not only learned more about the theology of bread and the power of community but also had the opportunity to practice together. Meals, worship, discussions, rest, and the sacred time in between gave us space to let the Holy Spirit work in and through us. We look forward to imagining the next retreat and what God might create with a few ingredients and the gift of time.

Youth Summer

Updates

On April 28, Wednesday Night Dinner teamed up with Children and Family Ministries to offer an evening of good food, fellowship, trivia, and prizes with our first (but hopefully not our last) Quizzo Night. Over 80 people of all ages and skill sets filled Congregational Hall as table teams were randomly

Our Youth Ministry Summer Programming kicks off on June 2 with our annual Hersheypark Fun Day! Thirty of us will be adventuring around the park and having a great time together!

Then, in July, we’ll take 14 people to Peru for our summer mission trip with Joining Hands, Peru. While there, we will work with Peruvian youth doing reforestation, painting an inspirational mural, and cleaning up beach pollution. We’ll learn and work together to discover what it is that God calls us to do to be citizens of the earth.

As July comes to a close and August begins, we’ll embark on a new adventure—our first trip to Montreat. We’ll attend their Youth Conference and focus on exploring and planting peace in our suffering world. This is a unique opportunity for our youth to learn, grow, and contribute to a better world.

Summer 2024 promises to be a great one for the Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Youth. We’d be grateful for your prayers as we embark on our various adventures together.

assigned, and tables competed against each other over questions about sports, Philadelphia, BMPC history, and pop culture. With Seth Pidot serving as emcee, the night ended with an indisputable win for the “Philly Jesus Steaks” table. Make sure not to miss our next trivia night!

Stories of Faith: VBC Embraces the Power of Parables to Share God’s Love

When Jesus walked with the disciples, he was constantly teaching. Sometimes, there were lectures, sometimes acts of service, sometimes radical demonstrations of God’s power, and sometimes Jesus taught with stories. These parables endure as they capture our imagination and ask us to imagine God’s vision of the world in concrete and approachable terms. During VBC, we will follow in Jesus’ footsteps. With the help of local artists, actors, musicians, and more, we will use all our gifts to share the story of God’s love.

We are currently at capacity, with almost 150 children registered for camp. Would you like to be a part of it? There are several different volunteer opportunities, from prepping projects in advance to working with a small group of students.

If you can join us, be sure to sign up here: https://bit.ly/VBC2024Registration

The Artistic Eye and Green Thumb of Mickey Cooper

As you approach the Ministries Center or the front Atrium entrances, your eyes are inevitably drawn to the vibrant display of flowers adorning the planters and beds, extending a warm welcome. Mickey Cooper, a cherished member of Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church for many years, takes great care in selecting and planting these flowers with affectionate dedication each season.

Mickey and her husband, Tom, joined BMPC in 1968. “I’ve always been a Presbyterian, so it was natural to go to Bryn Mawr when we moved here,” Mickey reminisces. That same year, they celebrated the baptism of their son, marking the beginning of their enduring connection with the church. Though they temporarily relocated to New Haven, Connecticut, they returned to the area and resumed their involvement with BMPC in 1982.

In 1985, Mickey’s passion led her to the Music and Fine Arts Council. Armed with degrees in art history, English, and French from Bucknell University, she infused her expertise and zeal into organizing art shows at BMPC for over two decades.

“We used to have sporadic art shows,” Mickey recalls. “But when I joined the Council, we established a regular schedule.” Throughout her tenure, she curated exhibitions featuring artwork from diverse corners of the globe, with standout displays from Eastern Canada, Budapest, South Asia, and Peru. “BMPC became a good site for artists to show their work,” says Mickey. Reflecting on her favorite, Mickey fondly remembers the Indonesian exhibit, which offered a unique perspective on Christianity as a secondary religion within the country’s predominantly Muslim or Hindu context.

Mickey’s creative pursuits took a botanical turn around 2012 when she immersed herself in horticulture. After completing extensive courses at Longwood Gardens and obtaining a certificate in Landscape Design and Horticulture, she shifted her focus to beautifying the church grounds. Joining a committee tasked with enhancing the Radnor Street parking lot area, Mickey helped plant daffodil bulbs, a project she continued after the committee leader’s departure. Simultaneously, she became involved in the Environmental Justice Committee, advocating for pesticide-free practices and promoting the cultivation of native species on campus.

Today, at 93 years young, Mickey remains a familiar sight on campus, wielding a shovel and tending to the flower beds outside the Ministries Center, Chapel Garden, and Children’s Garden several days a week. Ensuring that the planters and urns outside the Atrium always boast a kaleidoscope of colors to welcome visitors has become her cherished mission.

BMPC and Surrey Services for Seniors Join to Welcome A

New Era of Support for Senior Adults

Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church has a rich history of partnering with non-profit organizations to serve a diverse range of people in need. We are thrilled to announce our latest partnership with Surrey Services for Seniors, a significant step in our ongoing commitment to meeting the needs of senior adults. Surrey Bryn Mawr, located in the Foerderer House on our campus, is the first Montgomery County site for Surrey, which already operates four other locations for senior adult enrichment programming.

On May 2, amidst a spirit of camaraderie and shared commitment to the senior adult community, the official ribbon-cutting for Surrey Bryn Mawr took place. The ceremony, graced by esteemed guests and community leaders, including Surrey Services President and CEO Jill Whitcomb, Surrey Board Chair Andrew Signore, Lower Merion Township Commissioner and BMPC member Scott Zelov, along with our own Rev. Dr. Agnes Norfleet and Rev. Dr. Kirby Lawrence Hill, was a moment of celebration and reflection. It symbolized the inauguration of a physical space and the beginning of a nurturing environment where senior adults can thrive, socialize, and access vital resources. It signified the culmination of collaborative efforts between BMPC and Surrey Services, which are dedicated to enriching the lives of older adults within our community.

For an annual membership fee of $50, senior adults can hear speakers, attend exercise classes, join activity clubs, and, for a small additional fee, have access to healthy lunches. The organization offers scholarships for those who need help paying the fees. Surrey will also provide rides for its members to doctors’ appointments or grocery stores as needed. The programming at Bryn Mawr is currently on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays and will expand to all five weekdays this fall.

With these developments, we ask our BMPC members several things. If you are a senior adult, check out the Surrey website https://surreyservices.org to see if you would benefit from the programming offered. You can find a schedule for its upcoming programming at Bryn Mawr there. Regardless of age, consider volunteering to assist Surrey paid staff with programming on our campus. Email KirbyLHill@BMPC.org for more information on volunteering. We kindly ask that when visiting the Ministry Center, you refrain from parking in the lot at the corner of Montgomery Avenue and Radnor Street on weekdays so people who visit the Foerderer House can have access. Finally, as we embark on this new chapter, we invite you to join us in embracing this partnership and its profound impact on the lives of senior adults. Together, let us continue to nurture a culture of compassion, companionship, and care for generations to come.

Cover Image

A New Way of Partnering in Peru

When we talk about the work of the church in mission, we always use the word partnership. Partnership helps us consider how BMPC engages in the world beyond old models of charity and benevolence and pushes us to instead envision ourselves walking alongside and supporting an organization, its staff, and the community that the organization serves. Even with this change in vocabulary and a change in our mission paradigm over the past 20 years at BMPC, we often fall short of the ideal partner relationship. This is one of the reasons that the Worldwide Ministries Committee at BMPC is leading the congregation into a deeper partner relationship – with an organization called Joining Hands Peru.

The Joining Hands Network is a ministry of the Presbyterian Hunger Program and was formed over 40 years ago to help network communities around the world to work against the root causes of poverty. There are currently Joining Hands networks in Haiti, Columbia, Congo, Cameroon, Sri Lanka, El Salvador, and Peru. The networks created in Peru function at a local, regional, and national level with a primary focus on the ways that pollution and environmental degradation impact marginalized and often indigenous communities.

In 2023, the Worldwide Ministries Council made a three-year commitment to funding the work of Joining Hands Peru, totaling $60,000, as they network, train, and equip local activists in some of the most affected communities around the country. In this way, Joining Hands Peru is our first (and hopefully not last) Long Term Partner.

In this new model, we are privileged to move beyond thinking of our partner as just Joining Hands Peru. Instead, we have the opportunity to get to know and become partners with people like Sulamita.

Sulamita lives and works in the community of Callao in Lima, one of the city’s most polluted areas. Zoned industrial and residential, the local residents have identified five different projects and come together to advocate for change. Sulamita is a key leader in that work.

Sulamita is a member of the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, where her family has worshipped for years. In her work at the church, she not only leads the fight against pollution in the Chillón River that runs through the community, but she also works closely with and supports the needs of Venezuelan immigrant women and their children who have moved to Callao and volunteers in the local hospital caring for patients with HIV/AIDS.

This April, when a group of five pastors and members from BMPC traveled to learn more about the work of JHP and meet leaders like Sulamita, we had the

Left: Sulamita

honor of worshiping with her and the community at the Church of the Good Shepherd. On the drive past the polluted river up the mountain to the small church, she shared that she herself was baptized in the Chillón River as a child.

Today, the river is a dumping ground for industrial waste and community trash. The portion of the river that passes through Callao is right at its mouth, leading directly into the Pacific Ocean. The beach where the river meets the ocean is considered the most polluted in all Latin America.

Following worship, we walked together along the river, hearing the story of its clear past and the story of its polluted present, and we caught the vision of leaders like Sulamita of a restored and clean future.

To be in partnership with Sulamita and the other activists in the Joining Hands Network means not just reading about the polluted river and the beach but

walking alongside it with them. To be in partnership means not just mentioning their work in our prayers here at our church but traveling to sit in their pews and pray alongside them. To be in partnership means not just learning their stories of environmental advocacy in their context but connecting their stories to the environmental struggles we are working on in our North American context as well.

To be in partnership means to recognize that the same clear water that Sulamita was baptized in is the water that is poured into our baptismal font every time a child is baptized in our congregation. It is sacred water that we have an obligation to protect.

Over these next three years, we will continue to walk alongside the people of Callao, Peru. We will get to know more activists like Sulamita. Our youth will travel to Peru this July to work and pray alongside the youth of Callao, and we will look towards future visits to build our relationships between our communities.

Advent Gift Market

The AGM Opening Day Market will be in Congregational Hall on Sunday, November 17, following the 10:00 a.m. service, allowing givers to learn about this year’s chosen AGM Mission Partners and make a donation to the charities of their choice.

From Kabul to Philadelphia:

The Journey of the Osmani Family and the Community That Embraced Them

The Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church refugee committee has recently become involved in helping an Afghan family who is “one of the Afghan families left behind.” This is their story.

The father of this family was a prominent social activist and Deputy National Security Advisor to President Ashraf Ghani of Afghanistan. When Kabul fell, he fled, and his family didn’t know his whereabouts for six months. His daughter, Aqila (32), was a journalist working for Tolo TV, a local media outlet promoting human rights, women’s rights, democracy, and freedom of speech. When the Taliban took over, Aqila was threatened with execution if she didn’t stop. The family went into hiding, and in March of 2023, they decided they had to leave Afghanistan.

The Osmani family we are helping consists of Bibi (Mom) and her five unmarried children (age 16-28), her daughter Aqila and Aqila’s husband, and three children – 11 in all. Bibi sold all her jewelry and paid somebody $55,000 to

Osmani Family

get them from Afghanistan to Pakistan to Turkey to Brazil and finally Mexico City. Then, they paid another person $5,500 to get them to San Diego. They crossed the border in December 2023 and were picked up by the DHS border patrol and put into detention centers. The only person they knew in the US was Aqila’s friend Sophia, whose husband (Mohib) worked for the US Embassy as a grant writer and is now employed as a grant writer at the University of Pennsylvania. Aqila called Mohib, and DHS agreed to release the family to his care. He flew the family to Philadelphia, and this family of 11 joined his family of six in his 3-bedroom apartment in West Philly for five weeks.

On December 30, Robert Pollock (Our Mother of Consolation in Chestnut Hill) received a call from Mohib. Mohib and his family were part of the US Government airlift out of Kabul in August 2021, and Robert had helped Mohib (and other Afghans) resettle in Philadelphia. Together, Robert and Mohib found the Osmani family a three-bedroom apartment in West Philly. However, given that the family are “asylum seekers’, they are not eligible for food stamps or Medicaid benefits, and they are not able to obtain work permits until six months after they have applied for asylum.

One of Robert’s good friends’ sister-in-law is a member of BMPC, Lindsay Johnson. Robert needed help figuring out how to organize and help this large family, and Lindsay connected Robert with the BMPC refugee committee in March.

Barbara Morse and Brooke McInnes visited the Osmani family on March 16. Since then, a multi-church team has been organized to provide them with vital support. Financial assistance for rent, food, and utilities for six months, medical

appointments, English lessons, school registrations, legal aid, and, most importantly, friendship have all been extended to the family. And now, with the addition of a new member, Aqila’s baby girl, Hamida, born on April 4, the family has grown to 12 members.

There are now 15 or so Afghan refugee families living on the Main Line or nearby (West Philly and Upper Darby) who were lucky enough to be air-lifted out of Kabul in August 2021 when the Taliban took over. Today, they have found jobs, their children are attending school, and most importantly, friendships among them are flourishing.

Lower Left: Osmani Children Above: Baby Hamida

Jerry Kreider Honored with the 2024 Good Neighbor Award for Lifelong Habitat Advocacy

In recognition of his unwavering dedication to the mission of building and repairing homes alongside families in Philadelphia, we are delighted to announce that Jerry Kreider received the 2024 Good Neighbor Award from Habitat Philadelphia!

Jerry, a cherished member of our congregation, has supported Habitat homeowners in Philadelphia for nearly 25 years. His journey with Habitat began in the late 1990s through Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, where he first became involved with the West Philadelphia affiliate, supporting the construction of new homes on Stiles Street.

Through his passion and commitment, Jerry quickly became an integral part of the West Philadelphia board. He played a crucial role in the merger of four local Habitat affiliates, serving as a founding

member of the new Habitat Philadelphia Board of Directors in 2003. For six years, Jerry served as Secretary of the Board while also leading the Human Resources and Resource Development Committees.

As an architect by profession, Jerry’s expertise has been invaluable to Habitat Philadelphia. Even after stepping down from the Board, he continued to serve as the Board Alumni Advocate, contributing to strategic fundraising initiatives.

Together with his wife, Kathleen, Jerry has been a shining example of dedication and service. They celebrate 50 years on the Main Line while remaining active church community members.

Habitat Philadelphia presented Jerry with the 2024 Good Neighbor Award during a special in-person celebration on Thursday, May 2.

Jeffrey Brillhart’s Students Shine as Semi-Finalists in National Organ Improvisation Competition

Jeffrey Brillhart’s impact on the world of organ improvisation is unmistakable, as evidenced by the recent announcement of semi-finalists for the National Competition in Organ Improvisation at the American Guild of Organists conference in San Francisco. Among the five semi-finalists, four are alumni and students of Brillhart’s guidance: Nicholas Quardokus M.M. ’18, Ethan Haman M.M. ’21, M.M.A. ’22, Chase Loomer M.M. ’20, and Jerrick Cavagnaro M.M. ’20. Brillhart, an accomplished organist and lecturer in organ improvisation at the Yale Institute of Sacred Music, expresses his joy for each student, recognizing their unique artistic voices. His dedication to mentoring shines through their success, marking Brillhart as a pivotal figure in shaping the future of organ improvisation.

Sanctuary Choir’s Exciting Journey to France

Thirty-five years ago, the Sanctuary Choir’s inaugural tour to Austria and Czechoslovakia marked the inception of its celebrated travels. Since then, this musical ensemble has traversed the globe, bringing community, peace, inspiration, and grace wherever it ventures. Though traditionally embarking on a voyage every three years, the recent inspirational trip to the Middle East has stirred a newfound enthusiasm, propelling the choir to unveil their forthcoming expedition to France in June 2025.

As they draw closer to their journey, the itineraries and plans will naturally evolve. At present, they are excited to explore several regions of France and are in the process of planning three to four concerts. These performances will celebrate music and culture and include a joint program with the Ukrainian Aide Association in Aix-enProvence and a performance at St-Étienne-du-Mont, the magnificent church where Maurice Duruflé dedicated many years of his life.

A cherished tradition from past excursions has been including “friends of the choir” on these enriching voyages. Typically, 20-30 fellow travelers have joined in the adventure. So, it is with open arms that the Sanctuary Choir extends an invitation to you to join them in France!

For further details, please visit bmpc.org/france2025. Or contact Jeffrey Brillhart (jeffreybrillhart@bmpc.org) or Edward Landin Senn (edwardlandinsenn@bmpc.org)

Lessons in Light

Sundays, June 16, 23, & 30 11:15 a.m. Sanctuary

When the BMPC Sanctuary was built in1927, all of the windows from the Chancel to the Nave were originally installed with clear glass. It was only after donors were cultivated and the Willet Stain Glass Studios of Philadelphia was engaged to design the beautiful and evocative windows in 1941 that one of the most defining elements of our worship space was created.

The most prominent window at the center of the Chancel is entitled “The Way of Salvation,” and original records passed on to BMPC just a few years ago show that it cost $6,000 to create and install the three-part illustration with Jesus just before his Crucifixion at the very center. These archival records also include correspondence

Rex Clements, and donors who had a small part in approving the designs for their respective donations.

Letters reveal that there was a significant disagreement between Willet and a friend of the Johnson family who was distressed at the choice of theme and focus for “The Way of Salvation.” In a letter from July 1941, a frustrated Willet wrote to Rev. Clements:

“The unhappy news is that this Mr. John McArthur Harris has very much thrown a monkey wrench into the works. He has been

working on Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Goff to do a Resurrection or Ascension instead of the Crucifixion. Both of these are already covered in the window. He keeps harping that this is not an Episcopal Church but a Presbyterian Church. He seems to think that showing the Crucifixion embodies the seven deadly sins.”

The debate seems to have gone on for at least a few more months as the archives also include a handwritten letter from the pesky Mr. Harris to Willet offering one last plea to change the window:

“Dear Mr. Willet, I have been thinking over the drawing I saw in your barn and your portrayal of the “Exalted Savior.” Could you not unbind the hands of the central figure? I would suggest this and that the hands have a slight extension forward – as if to say “come.” The Savior who draws all men to him is I believe the One who has been bound but is now exalted. The cross, the binding -the stripes are all behind him. I appreciate the trouble you took for my comfort Thursday morning – Thank you for it.”

Of course, it is clear from the window that we look at every Sunday, that it was Willet and not Harris who won this debate, but the conversation between them, even the mere snippets that we have of it, show us how much meaning and purpose the windows in our worship space contain. Their beauty evokes a level of praise to our God, but they also serve to teach and inspire our understandings of scripture, theology and even church history.

This summer, for three Sundays in June, we will gather following worship at 11:15 a.m. to look more closely at “The Way of Salvation” and the other four major windows that decorate the Chancel and transept balconies. In them we will find the roots of our understanding of creation and the kingdom of God, our hope in Christ’s resurrection and the building of the church from Pentecost through the work of 20th Century missionaries. Just as the creation of the windows stirred debate among the church, they will guide our own conversations today about what we believe and who we are called to be in this next generation as a church.

Rally Day

Sunday Sept. 8

Plans to join us as we kick off another program year with food, fellowship, a ministry fair, and entertainment! This is a great opportunity to invite a friend to church and introduce them to all the happenings at BMPC. Come and see!

The Messenger

Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church

625 Montgomery Avenue

Bryn Mawr, PA 19010

The Messenger (USPS #341840) Volume #126, Issue #2, is published quarterly by the Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church. Periodical postage paid at Southeastern Pennsylvania and additional offices.

Postmaster: Send Address Changes To The Messenger

Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church 625 Montgomery Avenue

Bryn Mawr, PA 19010

SUMMER SUNDAY SCHEDULE

Worship with Communion at 8:00 a.m.

Worship with Summer Choir at 10:00 a.m.

Childcare for infants – age 4, 7:30 – 11:15 a.m.

Summer Sunday School for Pre-K – rising 3rd graders, 10:15 a.m. (beginning June 9 after the Children’s Moment in worship) Grades 4-12 worship with their families

CALLING ALL SINGERS

Come to our choir loft at 9:00 a.m. on any summer Sunday from June 16 through Labor Day for a short rehearsal and then sing for the 10:00 a.m. service. Summer choir is simple (one anthem and hymns), and informal (no robes). Questions? Contact MFA@bmpc.org or call 610-525-2821.

STAY CONNECTED!