01. Pastor’s Page
02. Staff Updates
03. Co-Director of Music Named
04. Fill a Backpack
05. Youth Sunday
06. Hunger Committee Work
08. Peacemaking Advocates
10. Theologian in Residence
11. Michael Mann at BMPC 12. Honoring Carol Cherry 13. Events for Planning Ahead
Member Spotlight
Summer Choir & Livestream 17. Crossword Puzzle
r i d g e s
Before writing this opening message for the Summer Messenger, I asked our wonderful Communications Director, Lisa Buscaglia, what the theme was emerging from the articles submitted and she said,
“It highlights BMPC as a faith community that is not only spiritually grounded but also outwardly focused, responding to real needs in meaningful ways.”
What a wonderful summary of BMPC’s ministry and mission. The pages before you describe in more detail how this congregation seeks to be spiritually grounded and outwardly focused. Our weekly rhythm of worship, where we gather around the gospel and then seek to follow Christ through active, compassionate engagement in the world, brings to mind the image of a bridge.
The narrator in Robert Frost’s classic poem, “Mending Wall,” says, “Something there is that doesn’t love a wall,” as he and his neighbor repair the stone fence separating their pastures. His neighbor replies, “Good fences make good neighbors.” But the poet leaves us wondering whether walls do indeed make us good neighbors. Walls provide boundaries which can be a useful separation, but in these days of so many deep divisions, I find myself preferring the image of a bridge and the call of Christian people to span the things that divide us. I think about how this church builds bridges to promote friendly relations between groups, both within the congregation and with our mission partners.
Bridge building is the essential work of the church and an especially important calling these days. So, read the highlights of our work together in the pages before you and think about how they might call you to cross over into a new area of ministry or to engage in connecting people through BMPC’s work to address food insecurity, environmental justice, gun violence, and accessibility. Are you feeling called to join the summer choir or more deeply engage in the Christian formation of children and youth? The changing rhythms of summertime offer the perfect season to try something new. Together we can make good neighbors by building bridges. Grace and Peace,
Liz Ellis has stepped into a new role at BMPC as Director of Engagement. With her warm smile and extensive knowledge of the BMPC community, Liz is excited to assist both newcomers and long-time members in finding meaningful ways to connect with the life of the church.
“In this role, I’ll be working with members and visitors—frequent visitors, new visitors, whatever the case may be—to see what interests them in BMPC, see how they want to get involved, make sure they know about ways that they can get involved, and just kind of get to know them and see what their interests are and where they can join in community here,” Liz explained.
Tiara Harris
You’ll find Liz in some of the most active spaces on campus. “Sunday mornings at the Atrium Café, Wednesday night dinners, and then there will be other events and things throughout the year,” she said. She will also be present at programs like community forums, concerts, or art exhibits that welcome many first-time visitors to the church. “I will work with the pastors and the ministry areas to figure out where I could be most beneficial in those regards,” she said.
Whether you’re new to BMPC or have been around for years and are looking for new ways to connect, Liz is here to help you find your place. Keep an eye out for her on Sunday mornings, and don’t hesitate to say hello!
Our New Administrative Coordinator for Congregational Care and Church Administration
We’re excited to welcome Tiara Harris to the BMPC staff! In her new role as Administrative Coordinator for Congregational Care and Church Administration, Tiara brings a deep commitment to supporting others and a wealth of administrative experience. Tiara comes to us with 20 years of executive assistant experience. She most recently served as Executive Secretary to the Administrator at St. Edmond’s Home for Children. There, she managed a wide range of responsibilities—from overseeing Social Security disability funds and vendor payments to organizing staff
and community events, handling donations, and coordinating purchases for both the organization and the children in their care. Her ability to juggle many details with compassion and care has already made her a valued part of our team.
Outside of work, Tiara is a proud mom of three boys and a new grandma. In her free time, she enjoys writing and cooking. We’re grateful for the warmth, dedication, and skill she brings to BMPC, and we look forward to all the ways she will support and enrich the life of our congregation.
It is with great joy that we announce that James Kealey will join the music and fine arts staff as Co-Director of Music and Fine Arts, starting July 15. James will serve alongside Jeffrey Brillhart, working with the Sanctuary Choir, Singing for Life, and the Bryn Mawr Chamber Singers. James will be especially engaged in the work of revitalizing the children and youth music program.
Winner of the First Prize and Audience Prize at the 2022 American Guild of Organists’ National Young Artists Competition in Organ Performance (NYACOP),
James is a young artist of great distinction who has appeared in recitals in England, the U.S.A., and in Europe. Previous highlight engagements include recitals at Westminster Abbey, UK; Methuen Memorial Music Hall, MA; St John the Divine, NYC; the Spreckels Organ Pavilion; and recitals for many AGO chapters around the country.
A native of Great Britain, James came to the U.S.A. having held positions at notable English Cathedrals. He received his undergraduate degree from Royal Holloway, University of London, and worked as Senior Organ Scholar to the Chapel Choir there in their series of live broadcasts, international tours, CD recordings, weekly services, and concerts.
In the spring of 2020, James completed his Master of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music in Organ Performance and Literature. In 2021, he was honored to be named one of The Diapason’s “20 under 30,” an accolade awarded to the most successful young artists in the field.
Currently, James serves as the full-time Director of Music/Organist at Third Presbyterian Church in Rochester, NY. In this capacity, he directs the Chancel Choir and the Third Church Choristers.
One of his references wrote, “James totally embraces the work of a church musician in all its aspectscertainly musically, but most important, pastorally. His relationships with people are joyful, encouraging, direct, inclusive, and all offered with both humor and an important dose of humility. James is a team player, and a wonderful collaborator. Creative and energetic, he is well organized, always thinking ahead about a myriad of details, and communicates clearly. He also listens well and is eager to learn from his own and others’ experience.”
We invite you to meet James on Sunday, July 20, when he will join Jeff in the loft to lead the summer choir!
Dear friends,
I’m filled with joy to be called as your Co-Director of Music & Fine Arts. When I played an organ recital at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church in January 2024, I immediately felt how special this place is. That feeling only grew when my fiancé, Alden, and I visited again in March. Your passion for worship, excellent music, outreach, care, and shared faith deeply moved me and made this transition from Rochester, NY so meaningful. I’m excited to get to know each of you in the years ahead. Thank you for welcoming me.
-James
All children deserve to start the school year with the supplies they need for a successful academic year. For more than 25 years, BMPC has partnered with Gemma Services (formerly Presbyterian Children’s Village) to provide backpacks filled with needed school supplies for children throughout our region. We continue this proud tradition with this year’s Backpack Collection.
There are three ways to support the project:
1. You can provide a “complete backpack” that includes:
• 1 backpack
• 4 pocket folders
• 3 Composition or spiral ring notebooks
• 1 box of pencils
• 2 erasers
• 2 gluesticks
• 1 box of colored pencils or markers
• 1 box of crayons
2. You can buy individual supplies for BMPC children to pack in August at bit.ly/GemmaBackpacks2025. Prefer shopping locally? Just coordinate with MaryRichards@bmpc.org to confirm your items
3. You can donate money to help buy missing supplies. All supplies and backpacks are needed by August 3.
Children’s Ministry is blessed with an incredible team of volunteers who give their time, energy, creativity, love, and faith to make Sunday School and children’s programming possible. Many continue their ministry through the summer— helping with Summer Sunday School, VBC, and preparing for the 2025–2026 year. Not everyone volunteers as a Sunday School teacher; instead, they serve in a variety of ways, showing children
• Welcome: Our team greets families, offers directions, sets out Oreos, and helps make the Education Building both welcoming and safe during worship.
• Teaching: Each age group has a dedicated team—from weekly volunteers to emergency subs—who help students learn, grow, and feel seen throughout the year.
Prayer and Encouragement: Over 80 people pray for and support our students throughout the year. Sign up to pray for a small group during the 2025–2026 school year at bit.ly/PrayerPartnerSignUp2025.
Thank you to everyone who has shared so much to support our youngest members!
February 9, 2025, was an exciting day in Bryn Mawr for many reasons. The Eagles soared over their opponents in the Super Bowl, of course, but more importantly, it was Youth Sunday. Kylie Liggett, Maeve Daley-Gibson, and Nina Bertrand delivered inspiring sermons that reflected on the theme of God’s love for us in various ways.
In the months leading up to Youth Sunday, the young people of the church learned about the different facets of Christian worship through Youth Gathering, Sunday school, and the Wednesday night Student Serve program. Nina, Maeve, and Kylie met every Wednesday to establish an overarching theme, select their preaching texts, brainstorm sermon ideas, and provide each other with constructive feedback.
The youth then took the theme chosen by the preachers and, as they learned about the various parts of worship, collaboratively wrote liturgy and selected prayers and hymns. During the process of preparing the worship service, the youth of the church relied on the considerable expertise of lay leaders and pastoral staff. They consulted with
Rachel Pedersen on the children’s sermon and learned about hospitality from the ushers. The preachers even had the opportunity to meet with Agnes Norfleet to discuss how to craft and deliver an effective sermon.
While the church resources were available to them, it was the youth who planned, wrote, and led worship in a way that glorified God and convened the community.
It is an extraordinary hallmark of Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church to empower young people to lead the community in worship and to entrust the entire service to its youth for a Sunday. Thank you for your support, attendance, encouragement, and guidance on Youth Sunday and throughout the year!
Also, Peter McConnell prayed for the Eagles during the pastoral prayer, and Maeve concluded her sermon with “Go Birds.” Coincidence…?
The BMPC Hunger Committee supports twenty organizations in Greater Philadelphia working against hunger with direct financial assistance. The majority of those organizations are food pantries that provide weekly assistance to members of their local communities. From Bryn Mawr and Ardmore to West Philly, from the City of Chester to Norristown, these pantries are on the front line of food insecurity, and the relationships that they form with their guests are essential to knowing the best ways to meet the needs of their community.
While some partner pantries have been doing this essential work for decades, the Hunger Committee significantly increased the number of new pantries it supports, especially in the wake of increased needs during the pandemic. One of those partners is the Upper Merion Area Community Cupboard.
In March, members of the Hunger
leaders, UMACC provides weekly food and personal care items to approximately 160 families in need.
Operating out of the Valley Forge Presbyterian Church in King of Prussia, the pantry is open every Tuesday from 9:30–11:30 a.m. and 5:00–7:00 p.m., offering a variety of non-perishable foods, fresh produce, dairy products, frozen meats, and personal care items. UMACC is a choice pantry, which means that guests are able to “shop” the pantry in a way that seeks to recreate a grocery store experience. UMACC relies heavily on the support of volunteers and donations from individuals, organizations, and grants to maintain its operations. Volunteer opportunities are available on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, with specific roles including stocking shelves,
While donations to the BMPC Hunger Fund drop off in the summer months, the needs remain steady for our partners throughout the year. Here are some ways to consider how your larger donation to the Hunger Fund this summer can impact our work.
A quarterly support grant to one local partner:
You can make a one-time donation or set up a recurring gift to the Hunger Fund online: https://onrealm.org/bmpc/give/hunger
On April 18, the sun was shining, and a cold and blustery wind blew across the steps of the capital building in Harrisburg. But we were warmed by the fervor of making our voices heard. A team of ten Bryn Mawr Presbyterian members, led by the Rev. Rebecca Kirkpatrick, joined voices with other groups brought together by CeaseFire PA to advocate for common-sense gun violence prevention measures.
After training on how to lobby a legislator and armed with talking points on four pieces of legislation currently under consideration, we fanned out to meet with our individual representatives. Navigating the capital building is not easy, but the beautiful architecture and art made the journey worthwhile.
The four bills we advocated for were:
1. Funding for Community Violence Intervention in the Budget: The marked reduction in gun homicides since 2022 (Philadelphia 50%; Pittsburgh 41%) shows the effectiveness of such programs run by hospitals, community non-profits, and local governments
2. Extreme Risk Protection Orders: Removing guns from a person demonstrating an extreme risk can reduce suicides, which account for about 58% of all gun deaths, as well as domestic violence situations, which represent 21% of gun deaths.
Front row: the Rev. Courtenay Willcox, Anne Chamberlin, Phoebe Sheftel, Jim Beitmann, Anne Warner (Ardmore Pres.). Back row: Nancy Taylor, Anne Foote (Ardmore Pres.), Jean Wolf, Jeff & Jane Wilbur. Not pictured: Barbie and Dave Heaton, the Rev. Rebecca Kirkpatrick.
3. Ghost Guns are Real Guns: These do-ityourself guns have no serial numbers, which makes it impossible for them to be traced if they are used in a crime. The law would require all component parts to have ID numbers, just like real guns.
4. Universal Background Checks: Currently, long guns (including AR-15s) can be sold anywhere (usually the parking lot outside a gun show) by an unlicensed dealer and without a background check. Over 85% of PA gun owners support this legislation.
“ “It was a long day, but we gained the satisfaction of joining with over 100 other advocates from around the state in calling for action to reduce unnecessary gun deaths.
nna Carter Florence is the Peter Marshall Professor of Preaching at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia. An ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), she holds degrees from Yale University and Princeton Theological Seminary. Her scholarship focuses on testimony, feminist theology, and preaching. Anna is renowned for her innovative “verbs-first” approach to Scripture, encouraging preachers to engage texts through the actions of biblical characters. Her publications include Preaching as Testimony, Rehearsing Scripture, and A is for Alabaster: 52 Reflections on the Stories of Scripture We are delighted to have Anna with us this fall!
On Monday, April 7, Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church welcomed Dr. Michael E. Mann, a renowned climate scientist and author, for a compelling Community Forum on the current state of climate change and what we can do to address it. With clarity, urgency, and hope, Dr. Mann unpacked the forces that have shaped the climate crisis—and the solutions that remain within our reach.
Dr. Mann began by revealing a striking piece of history: a 1982 internal report from ExxonMobil that accurately predicted the rise in atmospheric carbon dioxide to current levels—420 parts per million—and corresponding warming trends. Rather than act on this knowledge, the company suppressed the findings and invested in public campaigns aimed at discrediting independent climate scientists who reached similar conclusions.
As public understanding of the crisis has grown, so too have the tactics used to delay action. Dr. Mann described the evolution from outright denial to more nuanced strategies: deflection (shifting responsibility to individual behavior), division (undermining consensus among activists), doomism (spreading hopelessness), and delay (supporting weak or false solutions that allow fossil fuel use to continue).
Despite these challenges, Dr. Mann’s message was ultimately one of agency and hope. He highlighted that renewable energy is now cheaper than fossil fuels on a levelized cost basis and that the obstacles to meaningful progress are no longer scientific or technological—they are political. The science is clear: once we stop emitting carbon, global surface temperatures stabilize. The ocean, which absorbs atmospheric carbon, helps balance the system, and the effects of reduced emissions can be seen immediately.
During the Q&A session, audience members asked thoughtful questions about disinformation, the impact of current U.S. policies—including tariffs on solar panels—and how to maintain momentum in the face of political resistance. Dr. Mann stressed the importance of collective action and systemic change, while also acknowledging the value of individual efforts. He encouraged attendees to rely on trusted sources of information, such as The Guardian, The New York Times, and the Union of Concerned Scientists.
Throughout the evening, one theme remained clear: “The antidote to doom is doing.” While the climate crisis is
After faithfully serving as BMPC’s Parish Nurse since 2017, Carol Cherry retired at the end of May. With a background in public health and experience as a nurse navigator, Carol brought both skill and compassion to her work, ministering to the needs of our congregation with grace and dedication.
Her deep care was evident in both word and action, and she played a key role on the task force that guided our community through the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of our Caring
Ministries team, Carol offered a holistic approach to health—tending to body, mind, and spirit—and often spoke of what a privilege it was to accompany individuals through times of illness, healing, and spiritual reflection.
In retirement, Carol looks forward to traveling, spending time with her grandchildren, and continuing her advocacy work. We give thanks to God for the years of loving service she offered to our congregation and pray for joy and fulfillment in this next chapter of her life.
Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church is happy to offer hearing loop technology—also known as a T-Coil system—in both our Sanctuary and Congregational Hall. This system is designed to assist individuals with hearing aids or cochlear implants that are equipped with a telecoil (T-Coil) by transmitting sound directly to their devices. The result is clearer, crisp audio that reduces background noise and enhances the listening experience during worship services, concerts, lectures, and other events.
For many in our congregation, this has already made a significant difference. One member shared, “I can tell you that with this technology, worship each Sunday and hearing speakers in the Sanctuary and Congregational Hall have greatly improved for me—which is a blessing.” If your hearing device has a T-Coil setting, simply switch to the “T” mode upon entering these spaces. If you’re uncertain whether your device has a T-Coil or how to activate it, we recommend consulting your audiologist or hearing aid provider. For those without T-Coil-enabled devices, portable receivers are available as well. We are grateful to offer this technology as part of our ongoing commitment to making BMPC a welcoming and accessible community for all.
Each year, the BMPC Caring Ministries team hosts a symposium focused on timely and relevant topics. This year’s event, Exploring Care Planning as Health and Healthcare Options Change, was held on Saturday, March 8, and drew 75 attendees. The speakers—a former hospital chaplain, a palliative care social worker, and an eldercare attorney—guided the group through important questions:
• Where will you turn for the care you need?
• How will you pay for it?
• Are you prepared?
Following their presentations, participants broke into smaller groups for more personal conversations with each expert. Attendees agreed the symposium provided a wealth of helpful information. Many left with a practical “to-do” list to begin preparing their own plans for future care.
In the weeks that followed, the Care Team partnered with Dr. Beth Toler of the Middleton Counseling Center to offer a fourweek virtual class on decluttering, downsizing, and simplifying one’s possessions. Forty-five participants joined to explore their emotional attachments to “stuff” and the challenges of letting go. The class offered not just strategies and resources but also meaningful support and reflection.
One participant reflected, “By approaching different viewpoints—religious, emotional, and practical—you warmly encouraged us to open up to new ways of facing our personal roadblocks. I found what you shared wonderfully useful. Hearing from others about their struggles to let go or hold on affirmed that my experience wasn’t unique. I came away with a greater understanding of the ‘burden’ I carried and a renewed desire to face it.”
Current trends in the decluttering movement: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up and The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning are available in Converse Library.
For Jackie Henisee, BMPC isn’t just the church she attends—it’s been a home and a community throughout her life. As a longtime volunteer, she now leads the church’s Tutoring Program, a ministry she first got involved with as a teenager. Her deep connection to the church and its outreach has shaped her journey and continues to guide the way she serves.
“I am a child of the church,” Jackie said, smiling. “I grew up in Haverford, a mile away. My parents are both members. My dad’s always been really involved—he works a lot with the church in West Philly.”
As a youth, Jackie was a regular participant in BMPC’s vibrant youth ministry. “I was here during the Maria Stroop era,” she said. “The youth program was really robust—lots of engagement. The mission trips, especially, were formative for me. I feel like that really developed who I am today.”
Her connection to the Tutoring Program also began early. “When I was in high school, I volunteered,” she said. “A lot of our adult leaders or youth—they volunteered, or their parents
volunteered. There’s a lot of history with the program.”
After college in Vermont and a transfer back to Philadelphia University, Jackie returned to BMPC as a volunteer. “I was volunteering as an adult leader in the youth program and the tutoring program,” she explained. “I also helped with youth mission trips when Kellen was here.”
As time went on, her involvement deepened. “At first, Susan Thorkelson was running Tuesday nights, and Kaki Rogers had Wednesday nights. Then, when Susan left, Kyle and Sandra Stevens took over. They were great—really young, full
Today, Jackie serves as the coordinator of the BMPC Tutoring Program, a role she’s made her own. “We serve one school in North Philadelphia, the William Dick School, on Diamond Street,” she said. “The program’s smaller now, but it’s still so meaningful.”
Now operating on Tuesday nights only, the program continues to thrive with dedicated youth volunteers serving as tutors. “The tutors are local high school students, and they work one-on-one with kids in grades K through 5,” Jackie explained. “There’s adult oversight in each classroom, but it’s the teens who do the tutoring.”
The evening is carefully structured. “The bus picks the kids up around six. When they arrive, we serve them a hot meal with snacks and fruit. Then they head to the
to follow the curriculum,” Jackie said. “It’s important that our tutors feel equipped—not just to teach, but to build a
The program is completely free for families, making it a valuable resource for the students and their school
support reading and literacy through engaging, age-appropriate activities. “There is a curriculum—they follow it weekly,” Jackie explained. “Each session is structured, so our tutors know what to work on and the kids know what to expect. It’s all about
Before the program begins each fall, student tutors receive training to prepare them for working one-on-one with elementary-aged children. “We go over expectations, strategies for working with younger students, and how
Though the numbers have changed, the heart of the program remains. “We used to have more students, more volunteers, more nights,” Jackie said. “But even now, the relationships are deep, and the impact is real.”
And for Jackie—who began as a student, returned as a volunteer, and now leads with care and commitment—the Tutoring Program is more than an outreach. It’s a legacy.
“I never stopped,” she said simply. “This church shaped who I am, and I’m so grateful to be a part of giving that gift back.”
A long-standing tradition at BMPC is that of our summer choir. In a relaxed atmosphere, all are welcome to join in a brief rehearsal in the choir loft at 9 a.m., learning one anthem, a response, and the hymns. For many, summer choir has served as a pathway into the more demanding Sanctuary Choir. This summer’s anthems will be provided in booklet form so that you can glance ahead to future Sundays and even practice at home! Typically, the rehearsal begins with a warmup
period followed by learning the repertoire for the morning. Most Sundays, we will have the time to rehearse for the following Sunday. Thus, all will feel prepared to lead the congregation in song. Summer choir runs from June 15 to Labor Day. We especially will need singers on Sunday, June 15, and June 22, when the Sanctuary Choir is on tour in France. For more information, contact Tori Fisher at ToriFisher@bmpc.org
Planning on heading out of town this summer? Whether you’re off to the beach, the mountains, or just enjoying a slower pace for a few weeks, you don’t have to miss a Sunday at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church!
Thanks to our Livestream, you can continue to worship with your BMPC community from wherever you are. Simply visit bmpc.org/livestream
to watch the 10:00 a.m. Sunday service live. Can’t make it at 10? No problem services are also available to view later on our website at your convenience.
While you’re tuning in, be sure to click the “Let Us Know You Are Here” button on the Livestream page. It’s a simple way to help us stay connected and know that you’re worshiping with us—even from afar. So, pack your bags, enjoy your travels, and bring BMPC along with you wherever you go!
The Messenger
Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church
625 Montgomery Avenue
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
The Messenger (USPS #341840) Volume #127, 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
Worship with Communion at 8:00 a.m.
Worship with Summer Choir at 10:00 a.m.
Childcare for infants – age 4, 7:45 – 11:15 a.m.
Summer Sunday School for rising kindergarteners – rising 3rd graders, 10:15 a.m. (beginning June 8 after the Children’s Moment in worship) Grades 4-12 worship with their families
Sunday, Sept. 7
Plan 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. We look forward to seeing you there!