the
POST EASTER 2014
MESSENGER BRYN MAWR PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
VOLUME 116 | ISSUE 3
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Spire-Raising Celebration (page 2) New Church Officers (page 3) A Farewell from the Rev. Jacqui Van Vliet (page 5) Theologian-in-Residence (page 7)
Letter from the Pastor It was an intrepid crowd who gathered on a chilly and cloudy March 28 morning to watch our new spire being raised to our Sanctuary tower. From age four to 84, a good representation of Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church members, pastors and staff, Property Committee folk, neighbors and onlookers all stood amazed as a crane lifted the 2,200-pound reconstructed spire into the air. Another crane held two men in its bucket at the top of the tower to meet and secure it. Then the finial was placed on the very top with a number of our fingerprints on it, as we had touched and passed it around knowing we’d never be able to touch it again! It was a morning to stand amazed at the engineering genius that goes into such a team effort. But it was more than that, too. It was a moment to remember the wonderful history of this church and the early vision of a congregation who had the faith and fortitude to build a sanctuary that would hold more than twice their number at the time. It was a moment to celebrate the generosity of the people who made the stained glass, tower and spire restoration possible with gifts to the Forward in Faith campaign. And it was a moment to look forward knowing countless babies will be baptized under that spire, countless couples will be married under that spire, countless saints will be remembered in thanksgiving under that spire, and countless people will feast on the Word and sing to the glory of God from under that spire. We will come and be nurtured in the faith and go out to serve, and that spire will always be pointed toward heaven as a sign of our commitment to something transcendent...One whose peace passes our understanding but who knows us by name. These old buildings cost quite a bit to maintain and keep up, but our stewardship of them is never about the buildings. Within our church walls lives are transformed! Love is shared. Grace abounds. Forgiveness is given and received. Healing happens. People are inspired. Children grow. Hope surges. Covenants are made. Commitments deepen. God speaks to us, the Holy Spirit enlivens us, Christ calls us. I will never forget watching that spire being lifted from a flatbed truck up to the top of that tower with my neck arched back in the rain. But when my gaze was lowered, it was the church I saw in John, Jeff, Eve, Jean, Scott and Yardly, Meg, Mark, Judy, Martin, Donna, Bonnie and little Henry, and all the rest. Grace and Peace,
Agnes W. Norfleet Pastor 1 MESSENGER | Post Easter 2014
Spire-Raising Celebration
In August 2013, we entrusted our beloved Sanctuary’s spire reconstruction to Campbellsville Industries in Kentucky. In the ensuing months, they reconstructed our beacon of faith and on March 28, restored our icon to its rightful place. The crew started early and worked throughout the morning to hoist the spire, bolt it in place and top it with the finial, while an excited crowd gathered to watch the transformation. This summer, BMPC will continue to improve our campus buildings as part of our Capital Campaign renovations. Repairing or replacing the Ministries Center roof and flashings; Converse House chimney, stone and roof repair; and the Sanctuary and Education Building stone repair and pointing will be included. Many thanks go out to our Property Committee for their advice and counsel in prioritizing the work that needs to be done. Thank you, too, to all who have donated to the capital campaign. These accomplishments could not take place without your generosity. For more information, contact MaureenMurphy@bmpc.org, ext. 8807.
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New BMPC Church Officers to be Installed on May 4 At a Congregational Meeting on Sunday, January 26, our congregation elected new church officers who will join our Session, Board of Deacons, and Board of Trustees and will serve a threeyear term. Since that time, these individuals have been attending officer training workshops on Sunday afternoons as preparation for being ordained and/or installed during 10:00 a.m. worship on Sunday, May 4. These individuals include: • New Elders (top photo, L-R): Eli Bravo (Y), Bill Adelhelm, Susie Valerio, Morris Kay, Janet Haas, Graham Small* (Y) • New Deacons (middle photo, L-R): Tim Bickhart, Mary Beth Cheloha, Julia Koeppe, Anne Chamberlin, DiDi Rieger, Marian Chitester, Tod Guernsey, Tim Callahan (Y), Julia Udicious* (Y) • New Trustees (bottom photo, L-R): Jonathan Liggett, Judy Ehrman, Martin Bond†, Jean Hunt* We appreciate the work of our Nominating Committee to identify these leaders and are grateful for the new officers’ willingness to serve. (Y) indicates Youth † indicates elected for a two-year term to fill a vacancy * indicates not pictured
My Confirmation Experience
By Kyle Nicholson
Confirmation has been a really great experience for me. BMPC creates an environment like no other where we can connect with God as well as be a part of a community. I’ve now begun to feel more connected to my faith than ever. On Sunday, May 18, I’ll join the church along with nearly 30 of my fellow 8th graders. Throughout the year I have learned about myself, my faith, and our religion. I have learned about God’s love and forgiveness, who Jesus is, and what it means to be Presbyterian. Each week, I have joined other students at our Youth Gathering in the Gym for worship songs and an inspiring message as well as Confirmation small groups to better understand our topic. Each month I met with my Confirmation mentor. This has been one of the best parts of Confirmation, as I get guidance along the way. I also participated
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in a Confirmation service day with our Upward Basketball special needs ministry. It was awesome to experience this great program up close. We also meet casually on other days to just enjoy ourselves and develop our friendships. This year I’ve gone on a trip to SkyZone, an indoor trampoline park, and a Lock-In, where we played games, ate snacks, and watched movies with our friends while spending a night in the church. My BMPC Confirmation experience has been very enlightening and helpful, and I could not have asked for anything better. With the casual gatherings, group discussions during church, and guidance from my mentor, I have fully enjoyed it all. I am blessed to be in this church.
Making the Membership Commitment By Colleen Kanaan Bertrand
After coming regularly to BMPC with our three children for almost two years, my husband and I became members of the church this past December. What took us so long? After “church shopping” for months, we visited the church on the recommendation of a local Methodist minister familiar with our “wish list.” Right away, I was impressed with the children’s program and the welcome that we received. With a family of five, many with specific opinions and needs, finding the right church home was no small feat. While we continued to attend, made our stewardship pledge to the church and participated in lots of activities, we decided to wait on membership until the permanent pastor was named. Donna Barrickman, Director of Membership, offered support and checked in periodically to see where we were with our decision. Once Agnes began her ministry and we participated in The Bertrand Family a full year of church activities, we were ready to join and have our youngest, James, baptized. The new member orientation was helpful not only in understanding what it means to be a Presbyterian, but as a way to meet other people who were joining. The day we became members, we enjoyed breakfast prior to worship and felt warmly received. While I never felt excluded because we were not members, it felt natural to make the deeper commitment.
Welcome to Our Newest Members
Peter Barber Villanova Joined in February
Daniel Haller Bryn Mawr Joined in April
Nita Geiger Villanova Joined in February
Barbara McAdams Ardmore Joined in April
Michael & Amanda McKeeman Ardmore Joined in February
Greg Murray Wayne Joined in April
Doug Stay Phoenixville Joined in April
Brandon & Amy Shuler Merion Station Joined in February
James & Mimi Converse Winkler Bala Cynwyd Joined in April
Are you looking for a church home? We invite you to enrich your life in faith through BMPC membership. Learn more about us at our next membership orientation on Sunday, June 1. For more information or to register, contact DonnaBarrickman@bmpc.org, ext. 8809.
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A Farewell from the Rev. Jacqui Van Vliet As I was thinking about what to say as my ministry at BMPC draws to completion, I came across a children’s book sitting on a shelf in my home. I remembered as I looked at the spine with the printed title that it was a favorite of my daughter’s when she was a little girl: Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman. I found myself repeating the words of the title over and over in my mind– grace, amazing grace. It’s funny how an act of God can be a simple, ordinary rediscovery. Grace comes so unexpectedly in many ways through experiences, places, individuals and communities. The evidence of grace–amazing grace–is all around us, and its imprint on our lives is a continual reminder of God’s abiding presence. For this time of grace with you all, especially the children and their families with whom I have spent most of my tenure, I give abounding thanks. It has been a privilege and a joy to be with you as your pastor as we learned and worshipped together, as we played and prayed together and as we sang and wept together, too. My work in this place has been accomplished. This is good news for me and for all of you who have waited for a new day in the life of this church. That exciting, new day began with Agnes’ coming as Pastor/Head of Staff, and it continues in the work of your APNC for Children and Family Ministry. As my pastoral ministry with you ends and you await the call of a new Associate Pastor, I will be keeping you in prayer. In a paraphrase of that great hymn of the faith, “it’s been grace that has brought us safe thus far and it will be grace that continues to lead us in the days to come.” Thank you for the great privilege of being one of your pastors in this place and time. May God bless you all,
Our Associate Pastor Nominating Committee (APNC) hopes to have an announcement very soon about a call for a candidate for our Associate Pastor of Children and Family Ministry. Please keep them in your prayers as the process moves forward.
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Member Spotlight: Paul Bergsteinsson
By Susan Rittenhouse Joseph
Paul Bergsteinsson, a bulwark of BMPC, is retiring after seven years as Clerk of Session. He planned to retire last year, but stayed on at the request of our new Pastor, Agnes. That’s just one sign of his dedication to BMPC. Paul is a proud alumnus of Stanford University, and he earned his Master’s degree from the Sloan School of Management at MIT. Those degrees have served him well as Clerk. He and his wife Joan joined BMPC in 1987. Joan was BMPC’s Business Administrator for 17 years. Paul worked for Cigna, retiring in 2002. That same year he became an elder, and in 2007 he became our Clerk. His knowledge of BMPC and the wider Presbyterian Church is extensive. As Clerk, a central duty is taking minutes at meetings of Session and the Congregation. Corrections are rarely needed. Paul knows the ins and outs of Roberts Rules of Order. He has been a member or ex officio member of numerous church committees and represents BMPC at Presbytery meetings and on their committees. He began attending Presbytery meetings in 1987. He makes sure all our records are in order so our reporting to the Presbytery is accurate. Family is central to Paul and Joan’s lives. Adult daughters, Kathy and Nancy, live in New York and San Francisco, respectively. They see Kathy regularly and enjoy spending time in California, where Nancy and other extended family live. He is also proud of his Icelandic heritage.
Paul Bergsteinsson and wife, Joan, on a trip to Iceland (the homeland of his ancestors) in 2012.
Recently, Paul described his feelings about his time as Clerk: first, the honor of having been chosen to serve; second, the friendships and associations he has gained through his contact with pastors, staff, and members of Session, the congregation, and the Presbytery; and third, the accomplishments and spiritual growth of this congregation in the past seven years. Paul has faithfully and enthusiastically done what was required and much more. He is a special, admirable human being, and we are in his debt. When next you see him, give him a smile and an extra ‘thank you for all you have done.’ That’s all he needs to feel his time has been well spent.
Steve Udicious, who was ordained and installed as an Elder in 2011, was elected to serve as the new Clerk of Session. Steve and his wife, Kara, joined BMPC in 2003 and are the parents of Julia, 17, and Sophia, 13.
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A Summer of Growing in Faith By the Rev. Dr. Nicole Duran
Our Adult Education Ministry is both relaxing into summer and dreaming of the fall. In June, a visit from premier New Testament scholar John Dominic Crossan, our Theologian-in-Residence, will be the grand finale of our offerings for 2013-14. Dr. Crossan will be everywhere at once in his few days with us, lecturing, preaching, and leading Bible study both at BMPC and in Center City. We know that wherever he goes, stimulating conversation and encouraged community are sure to follow. See the “Theologion-inResidence” box below for more information about Dr. Crossan’s visit. You will want to be in town in July when our pastors, the Rev. Dr. Agnes Norfleet and the Rev. Kellen Smith, speak about their recent trip to the Middle East. Speaking of peacemaking challenges, we’ll also be looking together at the history and current state of marriage. Whether you are married, were married, or never even thought of being married, you will be a great addition to the conversation about this institution’s place in our society and in our faith. When we come back from the beach, the mountains, or the backyard, we’ll be beginning the 2014-15 church year with Bread as our over-arching Adult Education Ministry theme. What could be more basically human, communal, and beautiful than eating? Yet the table is also of profound significance in our faith. We look forward to some cross-disciplinary conversations, and hope to hear from experts such as biblical scholar Hal Taussig (In the Beginning Was the Meal) and original owner of the White Dog Café, Judy Wicks. From world hunger to the obesity epidemic to the local food movement, we plan to follow our spiritual and intellectual hunger. Don’t forget that “bread” was also slang for money. Kellen will lead the well-known course, “Financial Peace,” for us in the fall and we look forward to other conversations about vocation and stewardship in all its senses.
Theologian-in-Residence: John Dominic Crossan Friday, June 13 & Sunday, June 15
John Dominic Crossan
Our Theologian-in-Residence this year is the outstanding scholar and writer, John Dominic Crossan. From 1985 to 1996, Dr. Crossan was the co-chair of the Jesus Seminar, a project focused on determining and publicizing what we can know for sure about the historical Jesus. Crossan’s writing includes a total of 27 books (some of which are in our Converse House Library and Book Center) on topics as diverse as the historical Jesus, the apostle Paul, and the influence of the Roman Empire on earliest Christianity. He has co-authored books with Jonathan Reed and Marcus Borg, and made numerous radio and television appearances, which included the Frontline series, From Jesus to Christ and the Adult Education series, Living the Questions. His newest book, to be published this fall, is titled How to Read the Christian Bible and Still Be a Christian.
Crossan’s presentations are entertaining, enlightening and enjoyed by a variety of audiences across the country. During his visit to BMPC, he will present a Friday evening lecture in the Sanctuary on June 13, followed by a reception in Congregational Hall and an opportunity to get to meet him personally. Then, on Sunday morning, June 15, he will preach at the 10:00 a.m. worship service, followed by a presentation that afternoon at 3:00 p.m. Mark your calendar and spread the word for a weekend you’ll be talking about a long time after you attend!
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Summer Camps & Mission Trips During the summer months, we offer opportunities for children and youth to grow in faith through week-long camps and mission trips. Our younger ones enjoy the festivities and lessons of Vacation Bible camp on our campus, and our 6th-12th graders learn about God and serving others through their travels to work trips and camp in the Poconos.
Vacation Bible Camp 2014— “Wade in the Water”: June 23-27, from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon, BMPC campus (for preschoolers [age 3 by 9/1/13] through rising 5th graders) For more information, contact KatherineMealor@bmpc.org, ext. 8811.
Middle School Urban Plunge Mission Trip: July 20-25, Washington D.C. (for rising 6th to rising 8th graders) Camp Kirkwood: August 3-9, Poconos (for rising 6th to rising 12th graders) For more information, contact AmyBauer@bmpc.org. ext. 8821.
Why Sing in Summer Choir?
By Frances M. Gill
Do you like to sing but don’t have the time during the regular choir season? Or are you a little shy about singing in the church setting? Have you never tried singing church anthems? Summer Choir is the perfect opportunity for you as well as for members of our regular choirs. Just come up to the choir loft at 9:00 a.m. on any Sunday from June 15 through August 31, pick up a copy of the anthem for the day, practice with the director, and then sing during the 10:00 a.m. worship service. Anyone ages 12 and up can join in, and you can sing any Sunday you want or come every Sunday. You don’t have to be a trained singer and there is no audition; you just need to take joy in singing for the Lord’s service. In Summer Choir, you will see friends and meet new people. It is a great place for busy teenagers and adults, for college students home for the summer, for people new to the church, as well as for long-term singers. I first sang in the Summer Choir during the summer of 2000. That experience gave me the impetus to sing during the rest of the year, and I have sung in the Sanctuary Choir since then. The regular choirs take a bigger commitment of time and attendance but provide just as much enjoyment. So come try the Summer Choir, and perhaps we will see you in the loft or the front of the church throughout the year. For more information, contact StephanieSpeakman@bmpc.org, ext. 8836. 8 MESSENGER | Post Easter 2014
Assistant Organist Edward Landin to Present Solo Recital By Stephanie Speakman
Last fall, we introduced you to BMPC’s new Assistant Organist, Edward Landin. Edward has been enthusiastic from the moment he got here in September, and he has shown no signs of slowing down. If you haven’t met him yet, you have probably seen him on the organ bench supporting our Sunday morning worship services and accompanying the Sanctuary Choir. Edward has also taken on a teaching role, directing our young singers in the Beginners Choir and paving the way for them to become members of the St. Cecilia Girl Choir and St. Andrew Boy Choir. Edward says of his experience so far, “Working with the dreamteam of Jeffrey and Ketti has made my time at BMPC not only fun, but also a wonderful learning experience.”
To round out his first year at BMPC, Edward will present a solo organ recital on Sunday, May 18, at 4:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. The program will Edward Landin include works by Saint-Saëns, Demessieux, Tournemire, and Franck, as well as works by Reger and KargElert, and will allow our fabulous Rieger organ to demonstrate everything it has to offer from its subtle, introverted timbres, to the hair-raising full organ combinations. Please join us as Edward shares his talent and hard work with the BMPC community. For more information, contact StephanieSpeakman@bmpc.org, ext. 8836.
Ninth Choir Tour to Take Singers to Germany By Jeffrey Brillhart
25 years ago this summer, members of the Sanctuary Choir and BMPC embarked on our first choir tour. That tour took singers to Vienna, Brno (Czechoslovakia), Salzburg, and Munich. The excitement generated by that tour led to tours to places as far away as Russia, South Africa, and Brazil, as well as to destinations closer to home. Wherever the choir has traveled, the spirit of BMPC has spread, be it with existing mission partners or newly-made mission partners. Our travelers have learned of the challenges facing people around the globe, fallen in love with singing “global music,” and acquired a better understanding of the church’s role in the world. Having been transformed by our many travels, 74 singers and friends will return to the continent first visited 25 years ago, this time focusing on eastern Germany. The tour begins on Monday, June 30, with a flight to Munich. From there we will explore the land of Martin Luther, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, J.S. Bach, and George Frederick Handel. We will sing in the very spaces in which those composers heard their works. We will stand before the door of the Castle Church of Wittenberg where Luther posted his history altering ninety-five theses. Visiting Buchenwald Concentration Camp, we will take time to reflect on one of the greatest tragedies in human history. Our travels will include Leipzig, Halle, Dresden, Berlin, and many smaller towns along the way. We will perform concerts, help to lead worship, and gather for impromptu “sings” as we travel. Our repertoire will of course include some German choral works, but will mostly present the best of what America has to offer. We will also present the world premiere of two works: Verleih uns Frieden, by Jeffrey Brillhart, and Ani Ma’Amin, by John Conahan. Jeff’s work combines a German prayer for peace with the Prayer of St. Francis. John’s work is a setting of a Jewish folk song that was sung in the concentration camps. Our choir will sing in the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church in Berlin.
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We invite your prayers for our safe travels. To attend a rehearsal of the touring choir in June, contact StephanieSpeakman@bmpc.org, ext. 8836.
The Changing Faces of Senior Adult Ministry By the Rev. Dr. R. Charles Grant
As the Associate Pastor for Senior Adults and Pastoral Care, two questions I often hear are (1) WHO is a senior adult? and (2) WHAT is our ministry with senior adults? A question I seldom hear is WHY do we have senior adult ministry? For that question, we have a clear answer, grounded in the Westminster Catechism: to “glorify and enjoy God forever”–including throughout all of our lives. WHAT we do in senior adults ministry has changed in the 30 years since a generous gift from the estate of Ethel Foerderer established our Senior Adult Ministry. In the early 1980s, the concern was to provide comprehensive and compassionate care for the “aged, infirm, and needy” among our congregation. The Greatest Generation (born in 1920-1929) were beginning to enter retirement. The pressing issues were declining health and vitality for those aging, and addressing the social and economic concerns of those in their “golden years.” Today, the leading edge of the older population are the Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964), which are a demographic group that includes many active persons who consider senior adults anybody older than them. While we still offer visits from our pastors, Care Manager and Parish Nurse, and have a network of volunteers who provide rides to medical and other appointments to those older adults who need assistance, our Senior Adult Ministry now also has a growing focus for all those in the “second half of life,” not just those with physical or health limitations. Our current ministry seeks to enrich and support the lives of our senior adults, with particular attention to the transitions of retirement, lifestyle, and living arrangements. So WHO constitutes the audience for senior adult ministry? That would be YOU, for senior adults ministry is simply one avenue for offering the good news of God’s gracious love and care to all of God’s children. During the era of the Great Plains, the Native Americans survived the harsh winters by having grandparents and grandchildren sleep beside each other. That kept both generations from freezing to death. That is a good metaphor for our Senior Adult Ministry in the church and what the generations do for each other. We keep each other from freezing. The old need our heat, and we need their light (as told by Mary Pipher in Another Country, p. 322).
Upcoming Senior Adults Events of Interest Senior Adults Artists Reception. During “Older Americans Month” (May), we will showcase the artwork of our older members in the Conference Room and halls of the Ministries Center. Join us in celebrating these member artists at a reception on Sunday, May 18, at 5:30 p.m., following Edward Landin’s organ recital. For more information, contact LorieBenovic@bmpc.org, ext. 8833. World War II Commemoration. June 6, 1944 (“D-Day”) was the start of the Battle of Normandy during World War II, which marked the beginning of the end of the Great War in Europe. This year, we will commemorate the 70th anniversary of “D-Day” and some of the brave men and women who fought in World War II who are among our members. Join us on Sunday, June 22, at 11:15 a.m. for light refreshments and an opportunity to honor their service to our country and to hear these individuals share their stories. For more information, contact LorieBenovic@bmpc.org, ext. 8833.
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Deacons Deliver “Blooms of Joy” to Congregants
By Gretchen Steck
Sundays are a special day for the Deacons of BMPC. Yes, the church service, beautiful music, worship, and community with BMPC friends are a part of it, but every Sunday, Deacons are on-deck to deliver Sanctuary flowers to church members who are in the hospital or are recovering from an illness; those who have lost a loved one; or families who have had a new baby. The flower delivery ministry, coordinated for many years by Donna Richards-Banks, is a high point for both the Deacons and the individuals and families we visit. Some would say it does as much for us as it does for those we serve! After church, our cadre of arrangers makes smaller bouquets from our Sanctuary flowers so Deacons can deliver these ‘Blooms of Joy’ to members of the congregation chosen by Care Manager, Lorie Benovic, and Parish Nurse, Ann Fossum. Visits Flower arrangers Alice Cullen and Margo Bennett with Deacon Gretchen Steck. are scheduled at the convenience of recipients. Some members are happy just to receive the flowers, and others love for us to stay, visit, pray and update them on what’s happening at Bryn Mawr. During one of my recent visits, I was moved by the strength of friendship and faith when I visited a woman who was recovering from a fall. She and her best friend of more than 50 years shared stories of their families, friendship and the legacy of music and worship at BMPC. This visit, in particular, left me humbled by the power of the Holy Spirit working among us as we care for one another. I know other Deacons have had similar experiences. Many of us end up making new friends and having long-term relationships with these church members as a result of this ministry of caring and compassion.
A Visit from Zethu Xapile By Joanne Hanna
In mid-January, Zethu Xapile traveled from summery Cape Town, South Africa, to very wintery Bryn Mawr in her capacity as General President of the Uniting Presbyterian Women’s Fellowship. This volunteer responsibility oversees the South African church’s version of our Presbyterian Women, and includes the Presbyterian Church in Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. This church organization was formed in 1999 when the white and black Presbyterians of South Africa united, and Zethu is the third president, serving a three-year term. Her goal while in Bryn Mawr was to study and observe what BMPC is involved in, particularly related to empowering women and working with children’s education and health care. She visited Broad Street Ministry, the Arch Street Preschool, and Presbyterian Children’s Village, and through the Wayne Counseling Center, participated in an in-service day for staff of psychological services for a range of children’s issues. She also attended BMPC’s Holy Leisure with buffet
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dinner and a program by Debra Sutton, and she worshiped with us on Sunday morning. Despite snow storm Zethu Xapile and Joanne Hanna cancellations and bitter weather, Zethu enjoyed the warmth of BMPC programs and members. She wrote, “Thank you for making time to plan my visit at Bryn Mawr, I really enjoyed every minute of my stay with you. I have a lot to share here both at JL Zwane and with the UPWF members.” Zethu is no stranger to BMPC, having visited other times with her husband, Spiwo, the Pastor of JL Zwane Church and Center in Guguletu, South Africa. For more information about JL Zwane and our other Worldwide Ministry Mission Partners, contact CarolSchmidt@bmpc.org, ext. 8819.
Kids Helping the Hungry By Leo Cieri, age 11 & Max Cieri, age 9 (as told to their mom, Emily Cieri)
Mom’s note: I’ve served on the BMPC Hunger Committee for more than 10 years, so this has always been part of my kids’ lives. I sat down with them one evening to talk about the work they do on the Hunger Committee and this interview is the result. Q: What does the Hunger Committee do? A: Makes casseroles for people that make people’s lives better and saves people’s lives by giving them food. Q: What do you do for the Hunger Committee? A: Go to casserole blitzes; make sandwiches; help my mom bring all the canned food that people bring to church to the hunger shelves and organize the food for deliveries. Q: What is your favorite thing to do? A: Going to the casserole blitz and making sandwiches with my Sunday School class. I like to go to the Liaison Brunch and hear from all the people that we help. At the brunch, I hear what people say they do from their shelters and how we at BMPC help. Q: Why do you like to do this? A: I like to do this because it’s fun; sometimes my friends come to the casserole blitzes; the recipes are very easy to make and it’s very fun.
Q: Do you know who you help? A: Local food shelters in Philadelphia. Q: What’s the hardest thing that you do? A: When mom has to go to Hunger Leo and Max Cieri Committee meetings and I don’t see her that night. Everything else is pretty much all fun. Q: How can other kids help? A: When you go shopping with your mom, you can buy some canned food like tuna fish, peanut butter and beans. Bring in cans every Sunday to the Sanctuary entrance. And come to monthly casserole blitzes; just ask you parents first. Q: What do you want to tell the other kids? A: It’s not that hard. It’s actually a lot of fun, tell your friends so we can expand the hunger work. For more information about the BMPC Hunger Committee, contact Dave Hastings, dhast99@yahoo.com.
Did You Know...? ...Our Hunger Committee sponsors monthly casserole blitzes (from September-June) in our church kitchen to help fill our freezers in the Ministries Center. At these family-friendly, multi-generational events, volunteers of all ages gather on designated Saturday mornings to help prepare nutritious casseroles that will be delivered to Philadelphia-area food cupboards and shelters. Help us meet the goal of making and delivering 1,600 casseroles per year! For more information, contact Sandie Nicholson at sandiekev@verizon.net.
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Make a Difference through Service Days By Jessica Rupell
Since I first began working at BMPC in November 2011, I’ve seen countless “caring and sharing” and outreach opportunities cover the pages of our bulletin, website and weekly eNews publications. To any guest, it’s evident that outreach is a very important part of this church community—and understandably so. The ones that always peak my personal interest the most, however, are the “Days of Service.” Perhaps it’s the fact that all ages and abilities are invited, or perhaps it’s because my 26-year-old self is drawn to activities that cost little or no money; either way, something about using my hands for the betterment of society draws me in. And while I’ve yet to participate in a BMPC Congregation-wide Day of Service, I got a taste of such a service day while participating in the BMPC Staff Day of Service on February 27. Though it seemed as though our time went by so quickly and that there was still so much to do, our work at Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore and West Kensington Ministry was nothing to scoff at; we made some real progress for these organizations by cleaning and organizing. It was a great feeling helping another organization, but what made it even better was knowing that these organizations were not using our service efforts to benefit themselves, but to benefit the constituencies they served. While everyone has a packed schedule these days, it’s amazing to see how it takes just a few hours and a positive attitude to make a difference in the lives of our neighbors near and far. Believe it or not, every effort, regardless of how large or small, can make a difference. Want to join us in our efforts to care for God’s creation and serve on behalf of others? Save the date for our next “Day of Service” on Saturday, May 17!
Tutoring Outreach By the Rev. Dr. Nicole Duran
For nearly 50 years, BMPC has run a tutoring program that brings children from North Philadelphia to our campus on Tuesday and Wednesday nights for an hour of tutoring, healthy food, and relationship building with teens from our neighboring high schools. This year, Marnie Bowen has stepped up to oversee the program, with Jackie Henisee in charge of Tuesdays and Cackie Rogers on Wednesdays. Together with adult leaders and local teens, they have come to know around 100 children from William Dick Elementary School in North Philadelphia, with help from the school’s principal and a regular, invaluable transport supervisor. The rewards of BMPC’s Tutoring Program are obvious to those involved who have witnessed the program in action. Each high school volunteer is paired with one elementary school child to work with and mentor. These weekly connections over time become important two-way relationships, and in subtle, sometimes surprising ways, they nurture learning for everyone involved.
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BMPC’s Tutoring Program engages our church members in a variety of ways, and we are moving toward making this program one with which our whole congregation can connect. We have had Sunday School students packing trail mix for the program’s snacks, exercise experts Carol Haldy and Karen Gagnier leading a class on dance and yoga, and a recent visit from Greener Partners’ Farm Explorer program. The children get very excited when they are given the opportunity to choose books for their very own from an assortment of popular titles, thanks to a grant from First Book. The BMPC Tutoring Program is always looking for more hands and hearts to help in small and bigger ways. If you are interested in learning more or volunteering for the 2014-2015 school year, contact CarolSchmidt@bmpc.org, ext. 8819.
Outreach Committee Gets Behind Thriving Ministry By Meg Haist
Every year, the Outreach Committee of BMPC makes difficult decisions about what Christ-centered programs to fund outside our walls. Despite our church members’ generosity, every year we turn away worthy applicants we’d like to support. Here we share a story of a commitment we made on your behalf to support a ministry where there are too few churches and Christ’s good news is not widely shared. In 2003, Adán A. Mairena joined the BMPC staff as a Lilly fellow. After leaving BMPC, the Presbytery of Philadelphia asked Adán to organize a New Church Development ministry in West Kensington, known as The West Kensington Ministry at Norris Square (WKM). In 2013, the BMPC Outreach Committee supported the vital work Adán was doing with the ministry and also funded the building of a recording studio that is being used frequently today. This year, while not able to fully fund the ministry’s request, we faithfully decided to offer a grant toward an administrative support staff position, so Adán can focus his God-granted gifts on ministering to the people of Norris Square. As we did with Broad Street Ministry years ago, we placed our faith in a young but promising ministry. And God has been doing great things through WKM and its passionate Top: Worship at West Kensington leader. Founded as a German Protestant church, WKM is now a vibrant Ministry at Norris Square (WKM). multi-cultural ministry, serving not only as a place of Sunday worship, but Bottom: The Rev. Adán A. Mariena also dedicated to serving its neighbors in the third poorest zip code in the city. WKM hosts “Youth Open Mic” on Friday nights and promotes Peace, Unity, and Tolerance. Friday nights, the children and youth of Norris Square are in a safe and affirming space. WKM has also partnered with Sunday Suppers, not only providing individuals with a meal but an education and an opportunity to learn how to eat healthier and shop smarter in an area where there is limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Something is always in the works at WKM and the latest venture is WKM Silk Screens, a silk screen business that has been operating for about a year. They made 500+ shirts in 2013 and will soon include a job skills training component for area youth. Our own David Heaton and a crew of other BMPC members are helping on Saturdays by putting up walls and shelves in WKM’s basement in order to complete the WKMK Silk Screen Studio. With the commitment of Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church behind them, WKM can continue to do the work that God has set out before them, serving each other as Christ taught us to do. For more information about the work of WKM, see the Outreach kiosk in the Ministries Center or visit www.westkensingtonministry.com. 14 MESSENGER | Post Easter 2014
The Messenger Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church 625 Montgomery Avenue Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 610-525-2821 The Messenger (USPS #341840) Volume #116, Issue #3 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
Summer Sunday Schedule (June 15 through August 31)
Worship at 8:00 a.m. in the Chapel with Communion and at 10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary •
Infant and Toddler Childcare in the Ed. Bldg, Room 102, 7:45–11:15 a.m.
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Combined Preschool Class through Kindergarten in the Ed. Bldg., Room 106, 10:00–11:00 a.m.
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Children and Youth (Grades 1–12) worship with their families
Help BMPC “Go Green”! Instead of receiving a mailed copy of The Messenger, you may now “opt-in” to receive it electronically. Simply enter your email address and name in the form found at www.bmpc.org/news-media/publications/the-messenger and hit the “submit” button, and we’ll be sure to change your preferences for receiving this publication. Thank you in advance for helping us to “go green” by using less paper!