Summer Messenger 2013

the

MAY | JUNE | JULY | AUGUST 2013

MESSENGER BRYN MAWR PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

VOLUME 115 | ISSUE 3

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: The Rev. Dr. Agnes Norfleet Installed as Pastor (page 2) Expanded Prayer Ministry (page 3) BMPC Presents “Jazz Fest for Peace” (page 6) Summer at BMPC (pages 11-14)

Letter from the Pastor In my first couple of months at Bryn Mawr I have spent a lot of time listening. That may seem counterintuitive since the larger exposure to my leadership is your listening to me! But when I am not preaching in worship or speaking at various gatherings, I am listening carefully. As I begin my work as your new pastor, this is what I am hearing: there is a palpable excitement that a new day is dawning for this great congregation, a spirit of renewal is in the air, and there is a deep well of love among us and in the community for Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church.

In small gatherings and in larger groups I am asking the church’s elected leaders, long-time members and newer folks, seniors and younger people: What are your hopes and dreams for the church as we move forward together? Nearly every answer to that question begins with some expression of love for this place and people. Coming out of a long interim season, there is a lot of work to be done to broaden and deepen the engagement of our membership, to extend hospitality to new members, and to revitalize stewardship efforts so that we have the resources to nurture discipleship and do the good work of Christ through this church. All of that work is bound up in love.

Brian Wren wrote a hymn entitled, “This is a Day of New Beginnings,” and I believe a couple of its verses speak to this moment in time for this congregation: This is a day of new beginnings, time to remember and move on, time to believe what love is bringing, laying to rest the pain that’s gone.

Christ is alive, and goes before us to show and share what love can do.

This is a day of new beginnings; our God is making all things new.

This is indeed a day of new beginnings. As we journey into the future together, we can count on God’s love for us, celebrate our love for God and one another, and trust that we are being led forward “to show and share what love can do.”

Grace and Peace,

Agnes Norfleet Pastor

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The Rev. Dr. Agnes Norfleet Installed as Pastor on April 7 1 2

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1.

Agnes with the Rev. Dr. Scott Black Johnston (left) and the Rev. Dr. Ted Wardlaw (right), both of whom participated in the service as special guests.

2.

Procession of the Installation Commission at the beginning of worship.

3.

The Rev. Casey Thompson, Pastor of Wayne Presbyterian Church, asked the Constitutional Questions to our Pastor-Elect.

4.

The Prayer of Installation was offered by the Rev. Elizabeth Farleigh.

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Agnes with her family at the reception following worship. (From left): sons Winston Arney and James Arney, and her husband, Larry Arney.

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Jack Moon (center) offered the Charge to the Congregation during the service. He is pictured with (from left) Ian Callahan, Bonnie Bay Callahan, and the Rev. Dr. and Mrs. David Watermulder.

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Our Connectional Church Congratulates Courtenay By the Rev. Dr. R. Charles Grant

Throughout the world, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) considers itself a “connectional church,” meaning that BMPC is interrelated and interdependent with other Presbyterians and Presbyterian churches.

BMPC’s connectedness is demonstrated by many of our mission activities, church member participation on presbytery committees and task forces, and guidance received from presbytery pastors and staff. BMPC participates in and financially supports the PC(USA) through the Presbytery of Philadelphia, the Synod of the Trinity, the General Assembly, and other church-related agencies such as the Presbyterian Historical Society, Princeton Theological Seminary, Rosemont Children’s Village, and Rosemont Presbyterian Village.

This year we are particularly connected to the Presbytery of Philadelphia, comprised of 130 local churches in greater Philadelphia, as our own ruling elder, Courtenay Willcox, was installed as Moderator on January 23, 2013.

Throughout the year, she will preside at presbytery meetings, represent the presbytery at official functions, and preside over the installation of pastors (including our own pastor, the Rev. Dr. Agnes Norfleet, on April 7). Her lifelong active participation in many phases of BMPC has assisted in developing her skills, spirituality, and breadth of vision, and we couldn’t be happier for her. Congratulations on this great honor, Courtenay!

The Importance of

Prayer

Offering Care via Prayer Shawl Ministry As a way to show care for some of our BMPC members who have experienced difficult challenges due to health, family, or life circumstances, or who have celebrated significant life events, we have offered the gift of a prayer shawl. Our volunteer knitters pray over their work, trusting that the shawl will remind the recipient of God’s compassion and presence and the care and concern of their church. After a recent visit to deliver a shawl, our Parish Nurse, Ann Fossum, said, “When I took the shawl out of the bag and gave it to our member, her eyes got wide, and she smiled and said, ‘Thank you so much, it is beautiful... I am going to wrap it around my lap and keep it with me always.’” To brighten someone’s day by knitting a prayer shawl, contact LorieBenovic@bmpc.org, ext. 8833.

BMPC Offers Expanded Prayer Ministry Are you in need of prayer for yourself or someone dear to you? Our expanded prayer ministry now offers you two ways to request prayer: using the prayer request cards found in the pews of the Sanctuary and Chapel, or by filling out a prayer request form at www.bmpc.org/prayer. Our longstanding prayer group of more than 30 years will lift up your concern with intercessory prayer, and our email-linked prayer chain will pray on your behalf as well. All prayer requests are treated with confidentiality. To join the prayer group contact Jean LeBuhn at 610-688-6984. To join the email-linked prayer chain, contact AmyBauer@bmpc.org, ext. 8821.

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Welcome to New Members Received in March Stephen R. Treat

Richard F. Address

Amanda Battinieri Malvern

Dave Battinieri Malvern

Susan Daley-Gibson Patrick Gibson Villanova Villanova

Lainey McMahon Bryn Mawr

Trip McMahon Bryn Mawr

Mandy Meiler Bryn Mawr

Jeff Meiler Bryn Mawr

Kristin Russo Eagleville

Jennifer Schrad Bryn Mawr

Mark Schrad Bryn Mawr

Scott Russo Eagleville

If you aren’t a member, we invite you to become a part of our congregation! Our next membership orientation will be Sunday, May 5, and new members will be received on Sunday, May 12. For more information or to register, contact DonnaBarrickman@bmpc.org, ext. 8809.

New BMPC Church Officers to be Installed on June 9 At a Congregational Meeting on Sunday, January 27, our congregation elected new church officers who will join our Session, Board of Deacons, and Board of Trustees. 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, June 9. These individuals include: • New Elders: Brad Baturka, Amy Hughart, Mary Beth Pratt, Henry Rohrer (Y), Eric Swanson, Kara Steck (Y) • New Deacons: Jonathan Balch, Emily Cieri, Bryan Hauptfuhrer, Craig Johnson, Laurie Koziol, Jane Mackie, Lindsay McKendrick (Y), Katie Merin (Y), Holly Stafford • New Trustees: Mark Dawejko, Peggy Hermann, Nancy Page 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

Top Row (from left): Mark Dawejko, Amy Hughart, Peggy Hermann, Laurie Koziol, Brad Baturka, Holly Stafford, Jane Mackie, Mary Beth Pratt, Bryan Hauptfuhrer Bottom Row (from left): Kara Steck, Henry Rohrer, Lindsay McKendrick

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BMPC: Worth the Drive

By Carol Stevens

What sane person would travel 54 miles to church? Me. Why? Because the church I will always love is Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church. When I worship here, my heart and soul sing in fuller voice.

I grew up at BMPC, and God—present through the ministry, preaching and music of Bryn Mawr—has been an anchor, a commissioner, and a corporate spiritual director in my life.

“down and dirty.” Really dirty. I learned a lot about perseverance and hope that day. God used us to bring the promise of new life to discouraged families while planting the seeds of service in our teenaged hearts.

Yes, I am bound by memories and events; to this congregation and this place. The sermons—relevant, challenging, and illuminating—laid the foundation for my faith. And the music, dedicated to lifting and drawing us closer to the Holy One, always succeeded in the mission. But wait...this is a church that not only worships with excellence; it is a church that puts feet to the call of Christ. This is a lived community of generous service that reaches locally and globally, which motivates and inspires.

Today, the Spirit of God has blown a new, re-creating, rebuilding, and sustaining “Agnes” into our lives. The Rev. Dr. Agnes Norfleet is a restoring spring breeze. God urges us to fling open the windows of the home of our Common Life and let in newness and refreshment. She brings the skills and heart to lead this church—empowered by God—and to keep on cleaning up the muck and devastation in our lives and in the world. She will challenge, encourage, and equip us with the solid theology that has never led us astray. I cannot wait to see where God takes us under her leadership.

In 1972, Hurricane “Agnes” flooded the Schuylkill River, leaving a foot of silt and muck in the homes on the riverfront. The BMPC youth went to help the families sort through the devastation. The magnitude of the cleanup was overwhelming and sobering. We got

Carol Stevens

So yes, I will keep traveling from Allentown to Bryn Mawr (while working on offsetting my carbon footprint)!

Restoring, Repairing, and Renovating Your generosity will be evident again soon when the next phase of our construction projects begins. Thanks to you, between April and November of 2013, work will begin on the Sanctuary Tower renovations: • Scaffolding will be erected to facilitate stone pointing and replacement.

• Protection will be provided for the carillon bells and the Rieger organ.

• The carillon room will be cleared of obsolete electrical equipment and a new floor and roof installed for weatherproofing.

• The parapet on the top of the Tower’s exterior will be removed and rebuilt.

• The spire will be coated with a synthetic protection that will make it last for years without having to remove it.

• Small stained glass windows in the Tower will be removed, re-furbished, and replaced.

We are very grateful for your help in restoring, repairing, and renovating our beautiful Sanctuary and campus! If you are inspired to be a part of the transformation taking place, we invite you to contact Maureen Murphy, Director of Stewardship and Development, at MaureenMurphy@bmpc.org, ext. 8807.

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BMPC Presents “Jazz Fest for Peace” On May 4-5, Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church is pleased to present a jazz festival to support the work of Heeding God’s Call, a multi faith-based movement to prevent gun violence and unite people of faith in the sacred responsibility to protect our brothers, sisters and children. The festival will feature jazz greats Gerald Veasley and Bill Jolly, along with young jazz artists from Girard Academic Music Program (G.A.M.P.), and all proceeds will be used to help stomp out the proliferation of illegal guns in the Delaware Valley. The weekend’s schedule of events is as follows:

Saturday, May 4 6:00 p.m. Dinner Featuring G.A.M.P. in the Ministries Center $20 for adults; $10 for children 12 and under 8:00 p.m. Performance by Gerald Veasley in the Sanctuary $30 General Seating; $50 Preferred Seating Sunday, May 5 1:00 p.m. Performance by Bill Jolly in the Sanctuary $30 General Seating; $50 Preferred Seating We hope you’ll join us! For tickets and more information, visit www.bmpc.org/programs/music-and-fine-arts/concerts.

Confirmands to be Received on May 19 By the Rev. Kellen Smith

On Sunday, May 19, we will welcome 27 Confirmands as new members of BMPC. The week before, the congregation will have the opportunity to look through a “window of their faith” as they present their Confirmation projects, linking faith to their lives.

It has been a wonderful year of building relationships, experiencing God, and growing in faith. Over the past year of formation the theme was “big questions of faith.”

We reflected on many big questions including: Is the Bible true? If Jesus was God why did he have to die? Why should I pray when God doesn’t answer all my prayers?

These questions helped to guide our conversations as we talked about what it means to be a faithful Christian and practice our faith on a daily basis. Between activities like creating skits from Bible stories, writing a modern translation of a scripture passage, and drawing a mural based on one of Jesus’ parables, we responded to God’s word in various ways.

Our prayer is that these Confirmands would continue to grow in their faith as they enter high school and that our Youth Ministry would support them as we live out our mission to “share Christ’s love with youth and their families.”

Save the Date “Windows into Faith” (WHIF) Exp o Sunday, May 12 • 9:00 & 11:00 a.m .

Ministries Center Court

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Spiritual Enrichment for Adults Widen your perspective on faith and life and make a new acquaintance. All classes are in the Ministries Center unless otherwise indicated; drop-ins are welcome. For more information, see the worship bulletin (available at www.bmpc. org) or contact CarolSchmidt@bmpc.org, ext. 8819.

Sundays

Weekdays

New Testament Book of James. Sundays through May 19, 8:30 a.m., Conference Room. Led by the Rev. Dr. Paul MacMurray. Discuss the New Testament Book of James, which scholars believe was written by Jesus’ younger brother.

Women’s Coffee Cup Bible Study. Wednesdays through May 29, 10:00 a.m. Led by the Rev. Jacqui Van Vliet.

Hymn Sing. May 12 and June 9, 11:15 a.m., Chapel.

Sing your favorites in the Chapel and learn their historical backgrounds, theology, and liturgical significance.

A Way of Seeing. May 12 & 19, June 2 & 9, 11:15 a.m., Converse House Parlor. Led by David Heaton. Discuss John Philip Newell’s new book, A New Harmony, and focus on developing “a way of seeing” the oneness of Creation.

This class will also feature contemplative spiritual practices.

Horizons Bible Study. Wednesday, May 1, 10:30 a.m., Rosemont Presbyterian Village Ballroom. Led by the Rev. Dr. R. Charles Grant.

Senior Men’s Discussion Group.

Wednesdays, May 8 & 22, 9:30 a.m., Converse House. Led by the Rev. Dr. R. Charles Grant.

Discuss theology and religious texts.

Torah (Old Testament) Study. Thursdays, 11:00 a.m., Main Line Reform Temple, 410 Montgomery Ave., Wynnewood. Study of the Minor Prophets led by Rabbi Ethan Franzel.

BMPC’s “Hidden Secret” If you have never visited our Converse House Library, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. Not only does our library contain a large selection of books, publications, periodicals, and DVDs, but it also offers a wonderful quiet place for reading, study, and contemplation. You’ll find books on Presbyterian and Reformed history and theology, comparative religion including Eastern religions and Islam, spiritual growth, social issues, prayer, Christian classics, holistic health, the history of our church, and local history.

Though our library is a place filled with treasures, we call it a “hidden secret” because it isn’t the easiest place to find. To get there, follow the ramp from the Ministries Center Court, turn left at the elevator, then left again through a door and down a hall to the library on your right. The library is open whenever the Ministries Center is open and well worth a visit.

For more information, contact our librarian Kat MacMurray at katrmac2@gmail.com.

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BMPC Choir to Tour From June 30 to July 12, 2014, our Senior Choir will travel to Germany as musical ambassadors seeking to better understand our Presbyterian Reformed faith and the lives of Bach, Luther, and Bonhoeffer.

Destinations will include Munich, Augsburg, Eisenach, Erfut, Buchenwald, Leipzig, Halle, Eisleben, Dresden, Wittenberg and Berlin (including Bonhoeffer House), with enlightening lectures before and during the trip to be determined at a later date.

Germany

“Friends” of the Choir are also invited to be a part of this exciting opportunity! The cost of the high-activity-level trip will be approximately $4,300/person, and travelers must be prepared to walk on cobbled surfaces, climb numerous flights of stairs and stand for extended periods of time. To sign up or for more information, contact StephanieSpeakman@bmpc.org, ext. 8836.

Making the Decision to Move to a Retirement Community

By Ginny Smith

Deciding to make the move to a retirement community proves challenging for many people. Two major factors influenced my decision to do so... my having more-house-than-needed, and my lovely mother.

Ginny Smith

1) Two years after my husband's death, I realized I was using only four rooms in our house. Heating, air-conditioning and maintaining the entire house for one person was not logical or economical.

2) My parents had not planned ahead for possible nursing home needs. Widowed at 68, my mother had to be moved twice before she died at age 93... once to a retirement facility without nursing, and later to a nursing facility. She regretted not having been better prepared in the planning and logistics that aging entails. While she never complained, it was somewhat demeaning for both of us to have to “put her somewhere” not once, but twice.

I was 73 when my husband died. Our names were on waiting lists at four retirement communities. I made my own decision to move to a retirement community with nursing care. I planned this move cheerfully and with genuine enthusiasm, and moved into my retirement community at age 76. I told our two daughters this was my “gift” to them, in that they would not have to “put me somewhere” if and when my health failed. I am very happy in my new home, and would do it again. My fellow residents are warm and welcoming, and those who serve us are always available, and are thoughtfully accommodating.

Considering a move of your own? Don’t miss our Retirement Community Fair on Sunday, May 5, at 11:15 a.m., when representatives from eight local retirement communities plus Friends Life Care at Home will provide information in our Gym. Then on Sunday, June 2, at 11:15 a.m., Margit Novack of Moving Solutions returns for a program on “Downsizing.” RSVP to LorieBenovic@bmpc.org, ext. 8833.

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Cultivating Our Common Ground Spring has arrived and so has an exciting new BMPC group called The Common Ground Initiative (AKA “Common Ground�). Common Ground is a volunteer-based program that utilizes horticulture and gardening to connect and engage the congregation, from children to seniors.

BMPC member Jamie Coates designed this program because he believes in the abundant and powerful qualities that plants, gardens, and fresh air offer everyone. Jamie felt that BMPC was the ideal environment for introducing Common Ground because it will cultivate and reinforce friendship, teamwork, stewardship, spiritual enlightenment, education, and therapy. All of these dovetail perfectly with the Church and faith.

Common Ground also addresses the need to transform our existing garden beds into beautiful micro gardens that will display color and interesting texture throughout the year. The initial plan is to install a multi-seasonal garden along some of the perimeter walls of the Ministries Center.

Common Ground has exciting plans beyond 2013. The program’s plan is to expand and create additional garden beds throughout the campus with themes such as medicinal and culinary herbs, biblicallyreferenced plants, butterfly and hummingbird attractors, and American Colonial. To learn more about the program or to help, contact chairman Jamie Coates at jamiecoates@outlook.com.

Grateful in the Fight From the Hunger Committee

We all know the terrible toll that hunger takes locally, nationally, and globally, and how it is a daily struggle for many people to feed themselves and their families.

The drive to eradicate hunger has never been stronger here in our congregation, however. Our Hunger Committee is comprised of a group of dedicated individuals committed to helping food cupboards, shelters and agencies in the Philadelphia area, and we are making a difference in many ways. We provide casseroles prepared at our blitzes and canned goods from our food drives, and we volunteer to serve meals. Additionally, our direct financial assistance to 22 local food cupboards and agencies is critical to 9 MESSENGER | May/June/July/August 2013

making a difference in the lives of the hungry, and so we work closely with these organizations to understand their needs and ensure that our contributions are directed appropriately in the fight against hunger.

Most importantly, all of this good work would be impossible without your support. We are grateful for volunteers who make our delicious casseroles, attend our meetings, and serve nutritious meals to the neediest amongst us. We are also grateful for your contributions to our canned food drives and your direct financial assistance through our white envelopes located in the pews.

This outpouring of support is truly inspiring!

BMPC... Out in the World Outreach is one of the bedrocks of BMPC. Our church has, since its inception, regarded assistance to others as a major focus of its existence. To accomplish this, The Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Foundation funds have been created with designated purposes; one is described below.

The Richard Shaull Fund was established as part of the mission component of BMPC’s Worship, Music and Mission capital campaign launched in 2002. It provides an annual award for special mission projects consistent with the goals of the Worldwide Ministries Council: to establish relationships to help overcome causes of needs and injustices and to support empowering, transformational ministries. The Rev. Dr. Shaull, who died in 2002, was the Henry Winters Luce Emeritus Professor of Ecumenics at Princeton Theological Seminary, a longtime and widely traveled Presbyterian missionary, an author, a parish associate at BMPC, and a member of our Worldwide Ministries Council. He had a deep belief in the possibility of radical change on both the social and personal level.

This year’s Shaull Award recipients are The Interreligious Coordinating Council in Israel (ICCI) and Natik. ICCI will receive a benevolence for their Youth and Young Adult Programs, which work to improve relations between Palestinian Arabs and Israeli Jews by motivating and empowering them to become active agents of change working toward unity/understanding/coexistence. Natik will receive a benevolence to support its Fellows Program, in which young professionals help to improve and expand work being done in Guatemala and Mexico to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger and promote gender equality.

The Interreligious Coordinating Council in Israel (ICCI) brings together Israel (Jewish) and Palestinian (Muslim and Christian) high school youth and young adults for intensive conflict transformation and leadership development programs.

For more information about The Shaull Award or to inquire about establishing or contributing to a fund, contact MaureenMurphy@bmpc. org, ext. 8807.

Sharing God’s Love in Sunday School

By Jane Bastian

It seems like yesterday when I first took my three-year-old son to his preschool class. Our daughter was born two years later. For years, volunteering for any teaching opportunities kept me active in my children’s lives. As my son graduated from college last May and my daughter is now a junior in high school, I thought teaching Sunday School was in my past. However last year, I was asked to teach the three-year-old Sunday School class. I have been delighted to re-engage my love and passion for teaching, and I look forward to sharing the Word with the children each week! As a first time teacher at BMPC and a mother of older children, my spiritual journey has flourished through my return to the classroom.

Perhaps you, too, would enjoy being part of our team of Sunday volunteers in the Education Building?

Teachers, teaching assistants, four-week rotation workshop leaders, and occasional volunteers are always needed and welcome. To discuss how you might share God’s love through our Sunday School, contact CarolynBeitmann@bmpc.org, ext. 8812.

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Summer at BMPC Summer Sunday Schedule

(June 2 through September 1)

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.

• Combined Preschool Class in the Ed. Bldg., Room 106, 10:00–11:00 a.m.

• Children and Youth (Kindergarten-Grade 12) worship with their families Lend Your Voice to Summer Choir. Beginning Sunday, June 16, all singers (age 12 to adults) are invited to come to church on Sundays at 9:00 a.m. for a short rehearsal in the choir loft, then stay and sing for the 10:00 a.m. service. Summer choir is simple (one anthem and hymns), informal (no robes), and friendly. No long-term commitment, no need to sign up in advance. This is a great opportunity to be a musical worship leader in a relaxed atmosphere. For more information, contact StephanieSpeakman@bmpc.org, ext. 8836.

Summer Handbell Workshops

By Nancy Miller Junkert

While choir season begins to wind down in May, there are still summer musical activities available for all ages. Our popular handbell rookie sessions and workshops will once again be offered in May and June for children, youth, and adults. Handbells are a unique way to give back to God through participation in worship and community outreach settings. Rookie sessions are geared for rising fourth through eighth graders and introduce children to basic ringing skills, handbell history, and basic music reading. Added benefits of being part of a handbell choir include hand/eye coordination and learning to be part of a team. Handbell workshops are geared for high school youth through adults and are designed around participants’ level of ability. For instance, maybe you read music but have never rung handbells; or perhaps it has been several years since you picked up a handbell. Whatever the case, we can tailor make a workshop for you. Check out the dates for this year’s sessions below. For more information or to register, contact StephanieSpeakman@bmpc.org, ext. 8836.

Rookie Classes*

(4th-8th Grade)

May 22 May 29 June 5

6:00-6:45 p.m.

6:00-6:45 p.m.

6:00-6:45 p.m.

Workshops*

(High School-Adults)

7:00-7:45 p.m.

7:00-7:45 p.m.

7:00-7:45 p.m. *To be held in the Fine Arts Center

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Summer Enrichment for Adults Unity Within Diversity, Diversity Within Unity: The Names of God in the Bible. Sunday, June 16, 11:15 a.m., Witherspoon Parlor. Led by Rabbi Ethan Franzel. God has many names in the Hebrew Bible. In a tradition that strongly asserted its monotheistic point of view–especially in biblical times when faced with theological opposition from the prevailing polytheism of the time–don’t multiple names of God dilute that message of monotheism? This study session will dive into this question in an attempt to explain and understand for our time what the multiple names of God might mean. For more information, contact CarolSchmidt@bmpc.org, ext. 8819.

TED Talks. Sundays, July 7, 14, 21, 28, 11:15 a.m., Witherspoon Parlor. Led by members of our Adult Education Council. View and discuss a TED Talk: “Ideas Worth Spreading”; riveting talks by remarkable people. Weekly speaker/ topics will be published in the worship bulletin. For more information, contact CarolSchmidt@bmpc.org, ext. 8819.

Vacation Bible Camp 2013

By Genevieve McCormack

Vacation Bible Camp (VBC) is an outreach of Children and Family Ministry at BMPC, and it is so much more than a week-long session of Sunday School.

VBC is group sing-a-longs, active games, creative crafts, healthy snacks, meaningful service projects, playground time, dramatic biblical storytelling, and lots of laughter.

I have been involved in VBC for four years. Initially, I was looking for a fun and affordable introduction to summer camp for my three young children; the fact that VBC was at my church and involved Bible teachings was a lucky bonus! Each year, my involvement has increased as I’ve witnessed the joy and transformations experienced by campers and volunteers alike. From the tiniest “campers” in the nursery to the wise fifth graders completing their final summer, VBC really offers something special for everyone.

What a tremendous experience it is to watch 200 members of our church community and beyond come together to demonstrate and witness God’s love! I’ve seen former church members who have moved away return for VBC each summer because it is so special. I’ve seen doctors, lawyers, accountants and others put their professional lives on hold and use their vacation days to volunteer at VBC. And I have seen community members become active and involved church members after sending their children to VBC and participating as volunteers themselves.

Five years ago I started as a parent volunteer; this year I find myself as camp director with a theme of “Serving Jesus in Our Own Backyard.” It is exciting to look around at the bountiful offerings of our physical

campus, and the talents and resources of our members, and have the freedom to create a faith-based experience for our children. A lawyer by training, I initially thought myself ill-suited for this position, but the expertise and support of Carolyn Beitmann and Jane Wilber, as well as the curricular guidance of The Weekday School Director Kim Black, have been invaluable.

Being involved with VBC has proven to be a very fulfilling way to serve Jesus, bringing our littlest church members into the church for one week in the summer and closer to God for life. Won’t you consider joining us as a volunteer this summer so you can share in this experience? Teens, adults and seniors are welcome! For more information, contact Gen McCormack at genevieve.mccormack@gmail.com.

To volunteer or register a camper, visit: http://www.bmpc.org/progra ms/for-childrenand-their-families/vacation-bib le-camp

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Top 10 Reasons to Attend Camp Kirkwood Each summer, our youth look forward to a week of fun, friends, and faith at Camp Kirkwood in the Poconos, and this year is no different. From August 4-10, youth who are in rising 6th to rising 12th grade are invited to our camp experience, which includes games, arts and crafts, woodshop, worship, and free time to hang out with friends. If you’re still not convinced it’s a mustattend event, check out the top 10 reasons to attend camp: 1. Singing “Rise and Shine” every morning 2. Mud sliding in the rain 3. Stargazing 4. Seeing an awesome and funny talent show 5. Eating s’mores around the campfire 6. Small groups 7. The dance party 8. Hanging out with friends and making new ones 9. Being inspired to live out your faith 10. Woodshop, tie-dye, and stained-glass

the Poconos Camp Kirkwood in

rs Rising 12th Grade For Rising 6th to • Cost: $500 August 4-10, 2013

Camp is an awesome chance to get away and grow with God... just ask any former participant!

For more information, contact AmyBauer@bmpc.org, ext. 8821. Cost: $500.

Youth Summer Mission Trips High School Mission Trip to Costa Rica. For Rising 9th-Graduated 12th Graders, July 6-13, $1,445 (fundraising support provided). Grab your passports! We have planned an amazing trip to a beautiful tropical country with volcanoes and waterfalls that also has many communities in need of our help. We’ll lead a kids club, help with construction projects, and work with a local church. Pura Vida! For more information, contact AmyBauer@bmpc.org, ext. 8821.

Middle School Urban Plunge in Philadelphia. For Rising 6th-Rising 8th Graders, July 18-21, $345. Get ready to jump in! We’ll stay downtown at a great school while we work with local organizations to help with community service projects. Each evening, we’ll enjoy a fun group activity. For more information, contact AmyBauer@bmpc.org, ext. 8821.

Summer Fun at the Weekday School The Weekday School will be offering summer camp for children ages 3-5 again this year during the weeks of June 10 and June 17 (9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, Monday through Friday). Children will enjoy water play, crafts, games, and playing with friends under the direction of The Weekday School staff members. Cost is $175/week. For more information, contact Kim Black at weekdayschool@bmpc.org, ext. 8840.

13 MESSENGER | May/June/July/August 2013

Staying Fit: Tai Chi at BMPC

By Emily Parkin

Eight or nine years ago, riding the crest of the wave of nationwide interest in the ancient Chinese art of tai chi, our then Parish Nurse Kathy Kreider, along with instructor Rich McKenzie, inaugurated a weekly tai chi class at BMPC. The term “tai chi” does not describe a single set of exercises, but includes numerous different systems that enhance physical and mental health. Historically, it is based on martial arts defense training, but this is not the goal in popular exercise classes which vary greatly according to the teachers’ methods. Tai chi involves slow, repetitive, graceful, flowing, low-impact, meditative exercises using leverage through the joints based on coordination and relaxation rather than muscular tension. With continuing instruction and practice its benefits include slowing down, release from tension, balance control, flexibility, leg strength, discipline, coordination and general well-being.

Emily Parkin

In recent years, the medical profession has become very aware and supportive of the many benefits of tai chi in general and for specific medical problems such as arthritis, stroke, hypertension, etc. Ongoing research indicates additional diseases for which tai chi might be helpful—in particular, the possibility of reducing the severity of diabetes. Tai chi is now very popular in senior and community centers, clinics, hospitals and retirement homes.

For example, instructor Rich McKenzie also teaches classes at Waverly Heights.

The class at BMPC is fortunate to have had Rich as its excellent teacher since its beginning. He is very helpful, understanding, and interested in assisting each of his students. A few students have been in the class for years, and it has gained in popularity as the word has spread. There are BMPC members and non-members, both women and men, and a wide range of ages in our class, which meets in the Gym at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday mornings. For more information, contact AnnFossum@bmpc.org, ext. 8832.

A reminder from our Parish Nurse Ann Fossum: Exercise is important for everyone! Plan to attend one of our fitness programs as they continue through the summer. Classes are noted on the church calendar in the worship bulletin and on our website at http://www.bmpc.org/programs/for-adults/fellowship-fitness.

Helping Families through the IHN

by Pam Haynes-Walsh

Our family first served dinner to Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) guests on September 11, 2001. We all were shaken by that day’s events; however, two women with adult children in the military were particularly fearful. That evening, we shared food and prayer and tried to comfort these families. Since then, we have spent evenings with dozens of IHN guests—from single mothers with young children (including newborns) to families with children in Lower Merion schools. Our daughters also have helped with dinners and played with kids while their mothers met with IHN staff. We have learned their stories of homelessness caused by illness, job loss, abuse and other circumstances, and of their struggles to find employment, childcare and affordable homes.

IHN-Main Line is part of a nationwide network of non-profit programs that provide meals, shelter, day care and counseling, as well as GED, life, financial and job skills training to homeless women with children. In more than 22 years, it has served more than 400 families; more than 70% have become self-sufficient. A founding member of IHN-Main Line, BMPC hosts families five times a year as they rotate among congregations who provide meals and shelter for a week at a time. While hosting IHN families is part of the Deacons’ ministry, countless other volunteers have served dinners and stayed with our IHN guests. This is a wonderful way for families to help other families and to extend a warm welcome to some of our most vulnerable neighbors. For more information, contact Liz Chesick at 610-642-6381.

14 MESSENGER | May/June/July/August 2013

The Messenger Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church 625 Montgomery Avenue Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 610-525-2821 The Messenger (USPS #341840) Volume #115, 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

Congregation-Wide Day of Service Saturday, May 18 • 9:20 a.m. to lunchtime

All ages are invited to participate in a Day of Service! Choose from making casseroles, gardening with Urban Tree Connection, putting together food packages for distribution at SHARE Food Program in Philadelphia, or doing building repairs with David Heaton on a new project called Beacon (an art program outreach in North Philadelphia).

To sign up or for more information, contact CarolSchmidt@bmpc.org, ext. 8819.

Thank you to our “House” Photographers!

Many thanks to our volunteer “house” photographers, Dianne Heard and Bill Kemmerer (pictured left), for sharing their talents and time with us!

So many of the great photos you see in The Messenger, on our Facebook page and website, and in other publications are shots these talented photographers have taken!