Ordinary Time Messenger 2019

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Ordinary Time | 2019

Rendering byMESSENGER Voith & Mactavish Architects THE | Ordinary Time 2019LLP 1

Letter from the Pastor The Family of God:

A Fall Sermon Series from Genesis

The

idea for returning to the great biblical stories about the first family of faith for a sermon series actually came from reading two books “hot off the press.” The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure, by Jonathan Haidt and Greg Lukianoff, explores how family life should “prepare the child for the road, not the road for the child” in this increasingly complicated time of being in intergenerational human community. David Brooks’ The Second Mountain: The Quest for a Moral Life is a fine follow-up to his book The Road to Character as he considers contemporary matters requiring moral urgency for the sake of humanity.

the stories themselves took on theological meaning and significance. Certain traditions associated with particular matriarchs and patriarchs centered at places of worship. The stories of Abraham and Sarah were remembered first at Hebron, Isaac and Rebekah at Beersheba, and Jacob and Rachel at Bethel. Gradually, families gathered as clans and tribes for festival worship and covenant renewal ceremonies where these sacred family narratives came to be shared in common, and were eventually written down.

The God of Genesis speaks, sees, listens, hears, acts, and is very much involved in the ordinary, familiar activities of human life and the development of moral community.

This ancient text is not only lively but relevant, for in While our times are vastly different from those of the large characters of the Bible’s beginnings we find ancient Israel, it is amazing how timeless and relevant reflections of ourselves who also are created, ordered, the themes of the old Genesis narratives are in light of blessed, and called by God. Their stories are our story, contemporary reckoning with what it means to be moral, interwoven with complicated family sagas of blessing ethical, and faithful people. and suffering, sibling rivalry and political intrigue, the ethical treatment of neighbors and foreigners in seasons Genesis began as an oral tradition of narrative stories of abundance and economic hardship, alienation from passed down from generation to generation. As with loved ones, and joyous reunions. all family history, the people of ancient Israel grew to understand who they were, and who they were Beginning on Rally Day, September 8, for eight weeks, in relationship to God, by the stories that were told. we will let the Bible take us on this remarkable journey As these stories were remembered and retold for through the family saga which laid the foundation of our centuries, they preserved their religious heritage, and Judeo-Christian faith.

Grace and Peace,

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Pete DiRocco Retires

By Bonnie Callahan, Personnel Committee Chair The Personnel Committee would like to recognize Pete DiRocco upon his welldeserved retirement as Facilities Director.

Pete has effectively and efficiently led the facilities staff for more than 10 years.

Many of us attend services and events at our church without thinking about the preparation and coordination required for the events to run smoothly. The long hours and hard work of the facilities staff, especially during Holy Week, Easter, and the Christmas season, are greatly appreciated.

Rich Rivera, Facilities Supervisor, is stepping into the role of Facilities Director. Rich is well-equipped to take on this role after years of mentorship from Pete. We thank Pete for his service and wish him a long and healthy retirement.

New Members Michaela Kennedy & Gary Schoeman Philadelphia

Chris Penick & Emily Penick Bryn Mawr

New Staff

Howard Rosenberg, Supervisor, Facilities & Maintenance. Howard was born in Queens, N.Y., on April Fool’s Day. He has worked in facilities management for more than 18 years, first in apartment complexes, then a retirement home and a school before joining the Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church staff. He has been married to his wonderful wife Patricia for 26 years and has two beautiful daughters, Sydni, 24, and Michaela, 21. Howard has a huge love for animals. He and his wife own six dogs: Rocky, Eddie, Chi Chi, Pepper, Tanner and Keeley, and two cats, Stormy and Zelda.

Howard is very excited about this opportunity to work at BMPC with Rich and the rest of the facilities team.

Harvest Festival Family Potluck

Returning as a fall event, our churchwide Harvest Festival Family Potluck is scheduled for Friday, October 18. The whole family is invited to join us in Congregational Hall for food and fellowship.

The church will be providing baked ham and mashed potatoes and we will be looking for side dishes and desserts from the congregation. Potlucks are often described as “the love language of the church.” No one has to do too much, all are invited to participate, and everyone knows there will be at least one thing at the party that they can eat! Think about what recipe you’d like to share with your church family!

Nelson Smout & Charles Speed Ardmore

Olga Mayorca Bryn Mawr

Pamela Preston Bryn Mawr

Not Pictured: Jason Armstrong & Marje Armstrong, Villanova Want to know more about BMPC? We invite you to get to know our community better by becoming a part of our Discover BMPC classes on Mondays, Sept. 23 & Oct. 7. Childcare is available for this opportunity to learn about our denomination, our Reformed tradition, and our sense of Christian ministry.

For more information, to register, or to inquire about joining our church on our next New Member Sunday, Oct. 13, contact JaneWilber@bmpc.org.

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Caring Ministries

seeks to extend Jesus’

By Brian K. Ballard Associate Pastor for Pastoral Care & Senior Adults

“I

t’s great to meet you; I hope I never need you.” This phrase is perhaps one of the most common sound bites I have heard since beginning my time at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church on June 10. The concern is clear: No one desires to find themselves in a serious situation in which they need emergency attention. Yet, this short quip hides the larger work of the Caring Ministries team. The ministry extended through Caring Ministries is for everyone, and can be practiced by anyone.

From left to right: Kiki McKendrick, Middleton Center Administrator Carol Cherry, Parish Nurse Renee Malnak-Giansiracusa, Social Worker Brian K. Ballard, Associate Pastor for Pastoral Care & Senior Adults

The Caring Ministries Team - the Board of Deacons; Carol Cherry, Parish Nurse; Renee Malnak-Giansiracusa, Social Worker; Kiki McKendrick, Middleton Counseling Center Administrator; and myself, the Associate Pastor for Pastoral Care and Senior Adults seek to extend Jesus’ invitation to live life (w)holy.

Jesus conveys this invitation in scripture, “I came that [you] may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10), and “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30). The (w)holy life Jesus desires for everyone includes physical health as well as emotional, relational, spiritual and communal health. In short, the work of Caring Ministries is to care for you at every point in your life, and to help you care for your neighbor.

There are six key intersections where we seek to live life (w)holy:

Steve McConnell, Moderator of the Board of Deacons, left, and Brian K. Ballard, Associate Pastor for Pastoral Care & Senior Adults

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INTENTIONAL LIVING: Life is a gift. Every day is a new opportunity to carry God’s love and mercy into this world. It’s also a chance to receive that same love and mercy from a friend, loved one or complete stranger. Since everyone we meet is a child of God, created in God’s image, we seek to live lives that intentionally build up and care for one another.

SELF-CARE: Jesus commanded us, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31).

Implicit in this command is that we actually love ourselves first.

The Apostle Paul reminds us, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God,

invitation to live life “(w)holy.”

We do this at the intersection of: intentional living, self-care, compassion, community, practicing presence, and spiritual growth. and that you are not your own?” (I Corinthians 6:19) In order to sustain a life of service and generosity, however, we must cultivate patterns of self-care that replenish and nourish us.

RE CA

(W)HOLY

SPIRITUAL GROWTH

rker l Wo cia So

Dea c o ns

Gethsemane when he asked his closest disciples to stay awake with him while he prayed (Matthew 26:36). Presence doesn’t require us to do or say anything: just being there fully for the other is sufficient.

These six intersections are areas to which all people are called to work. Every single member of Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church is called to the work of caring ministries. It is the goal of those of us who specifically work in that area to help equip you to do so.

Pasto rs

PRAC T PRES ICING ENCE

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COMMUNITY: To love someone we must become proximate to that person. When we get closer to another person, we begin to see the many things we share in common. As mentioned above, Jesus commands us to love our neighbor, which means we must know him or her. When life becomes difficult, community will help carry you when you think you can walk no further.

COMPASSION M CO

leton Counsel ing Midd

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SPIRITUAL GROWTH: To grow in our ability to care for others, it is essential to grow in our relationship with God. To live a truly (w)holy life, we need God’s grace and peace to guide us. As we walk with God, we develop new ways of caring for ourselves and for one another.

God’s mercy and kindness calls us into faithful lives of discipleship for God’s glory and the world’s betterment.

urse hN ris Pa

Ce nt e

Congregation

NAL NTIO INTE IVING L

COMPASSION: Life can be difficult. A sudden injury, death, loss of job, or financial difficulty can happen unexpectedly.

We extend compassion to others because we know firsthand the fragility of life in this world. Compassion means that we come alongside one another, and we extend a posture of hospitality and grace to someone who is experiencing a confusing and painful situation.

PRACTICING PRESENCE: Sometimes we are at a loss for words as to why something happened.

Confusion and pain are at the forefront, and we do not know what to do. Jesus found himself in this situation at the Garden of

I consider it a true gift to serve as one of your pastors.

Please do not hesitate to reach out and be in touch if there is anything I, or any member of the Caring Ministries team, can do to help you on your journey to live life (w)holy.

You may contact me at 610-525-2821 or via e-mail: BrianBallard@bmpc.org.

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Anti-Racism Book List & Conversation Groups

The BMPC Anti-Racism Taskforce has developed a new Anti-Racism Reading List to help encourage reflection and conversation among members of our church. Be sure to pick up a copy in the Ministries Center. The team also is looking for people interested in spending time during this next year in study and conversation with one another in intentional ways.

BOOK GROUPS: Are you interested in participating in a small group that will commit to reading three to four books on the book list together for discussion? We will be collecting names of interested folks to connect with one another for discussion.

CONVERSATION GROUPS: Are you interested in being a part of a series of open and honest conversations about our experiences of race and racism either in our current lives or in the past? These groups would commit to a series of conversations in a church member’s home, and a Taskforce member will lead these discussions.

Keep alert for opportunities to get together to screen films that address this issue and other intergenerational ways to engage with one another. To sign up for one of these groups or to receive regular updates on this ongoing work: RebeccaKirkpatrick@bmpc.org.

Weeknight Adult Education Opportunities

BIBLE FROM SCRATCH Fourth Thursday of the month, starting September 26 7:00 p.m., Converse House Parlor

This class, led by the Rev. Rebecca Kirkpatrick, will explore both the basic content and interpretative practices of reading and following scripture. If you have never really studied the Bible, this will be an open and gentle place to start. If you are ready to think about scripture in new and creative ways, this is also the class for you. In addition to reading directly from the Bible, this class also will use: A Lens of Love: Reading the Bible in Its World for Our World,

by Jonathan Walton and The Bible: a Biography by Karen Armstrong. For more information and to get copies of the readings, contact RebeccaKirkpatrick@bmpc.org.

PASTOR’S BOOK GROUP Holy Envy: Finding God through the Faith of Others by Barbara Brown Taylor The Rev. Franklyn Pottorff Wednesday, November 6, 6:30 p.m., Chapel Throughout Holy Envy, Taylor weaves together stories from the classroom with reflections on how her own spiritual journey has been complicated and renewed by connecting with people of other traditions — even those whose truths are quite different from hers. The one constant in her odyssey is the sense that God is the one calling her to disown her version of God — a change that ultimately enriches her faith in other human beings and in God. Books are available to purchase in the BMPC Book Center for $18.

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MAJOR CHANGES IN BMPC’S CONCERT SERIES

By Jeffrey Brillhart, Director, Music and Fine Arts

S

ince 1972, the Music and Fine Arts Program has offered hundreds of “Vespers” concerts to the congregation and community. For more than 47 years, the Sanctuary and Chapel have resounded with the musical offerings of choirs, orchestras, pianists, organists, harpsichordists, and soloists. Funding for this series is made possible by free-will offerings, ticket sales, and support from the BMPC Fine Arts endowments.

We have been blessed with the resources to offer concerts at a truly extraordinary level.

This past year, the Music and Fine Arts Council entered a period of reflection around how our concerts are funded and how those generated funds are used. Historically, any profit from a concert has been funneled toward larger music projects, which ordinarily could not be supported solely through the income from offerings or tickets.

After hours of stimulating conversation and careful financial analysis, the Council has decided that 50 percent of the income generated from this coming year’s season of concerts will be donated to social service agencies working to transform lives in the Delaware Valley and beyond. We believe we can continue to present outstanding music offerings to BMPC and the community and still reach out to people in need through our financial contributions.

Acting Without Boundaries production of Mary Poppins.

We are excited to announce that the recipients of this year’s concert grants will be: OCTOBER 20 ARTolerance Concert: Acting Without Boundaries Theater program for adults with special needs.

ADVENT TUESDAY NOON HARPSICHORD RECITALS TheVillage Promotes the healing of the spirits of children, families and communities broken by trauma.

DECEMBER 8 All Choirs with Brandywine Brass Christmas Concert: Prevention Point Philadelphia Organization addressing Philadelphia’s opioid crisis.

FEBRUARY 9, 2020 Duo-piano Concert: Homeless Advocate Project Legal and advocacy support for the homeless.

MARCH 8, 2020 Lenten Choir and Orchestra Concert: 12+ Organization that increases educational equity by building school cultures that inspire academic achievement and empower students to succeed in education beyond the 12th grade.

MARCH 22, 2020 Organ Recital: Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris Provides support for the 70 employees of Paris’s Notre Dame Cathedral, now without work after the catastrophic fire earlier this year.

APRIL 19, 2020 Peace Drums Concert: Child Guidance Center Provides behavioral health services and community-wide wellness programs to children, families and adults throughout the five-county Philadelphia region.

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Education Building

By Paul Bergsteinsson

Meditation Garden adjacent to the Chapel Garden. Rendering by Voith & Mactavish Architects LLP.

If

you have been on the campus recently, Bryn MawrBMPC Presbyterian Church very well have New Reflecting Areayou - Maymay 24, 2019 heard or noticed that renovations of the Education Building are about to begin. Indeed, for one week in August, members were invited to take one last tour of the “old” Education Building before it was cordoned off in preparation for construction activity. And so we begin this first phase of major church renovations and capital improvements!

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This has been simultaneously an exciting time of anticipation and a time for adjustment, as we needed to empty the entire Education Building to enable all the demolition and construction that will take place.

With a healthy dose of creativity, we have relocated activities to other parts of the church campus.

Everyone’s patience in this process has been greatly appreciated.

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The Education Building renovations will be completed

by September Reflection Area Garden 2020, so that we can reoccupy that building at the start of the 2020-2021 program year. Much improvement and change is anticipated in the reimagining and reshaping of the Education Building. These changes will increase community space, assure a safe and secure environment, make classrooms for 21st century learners, and repair and restore parts of the building that need attention.

In a very significant change, the east entrance to the Education Building will no longer require climbing up a flight of stone steps, but instead will be at street level. Once you enter at that lower level, you will have quick access to the Weekday School or to a new elevator leading to the first, second and third floors.

On the first floor, you will find a new spacious central meeting hall.

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Then, leading out the west side of the building you will be able to traverse a new path that leads to a Meditation Garden, which will complement the Chapel Garden, and then proceed to the Sanctuary. With accessibility in mind, all these paths from Fishers Road to the Sanctuary no longer will require going up or down a single step.

Classroom spaces will be improved, including new all-LED lighting and new flooring. A new kitchen will better serve the needs of children and families. The Weekday School shares in all these improvements, including an awning that will provide shelter over an improved porch. With respect to maintenance, windows throughout the building will be restored, and masonry work will provide repairs in locations requiring that attention.

Renovations Begin!

View of the Education Building entrance from Fishers Road.

Rendering by Voith & Mactavish Architects LLP.

All this work is possible due to the generosity of church members giving to the This Time, This Place Capital Campaign. A heartfelt thank-you to all who have pledged and are giving to the Campaign. These changes will help strengthen Children and Family Ministries in so many ways, while also inviting a myriad of new uses of improved spaces, touching not just our members, but our local partners and community as well.

The church Communications Team and the Renovations Team are committed to keeping everyone informed about the Education Building renovation progress. Look for periodic notices in the weekly eNews, in the worship bulletins, or on a special blog on the church website: www.bmpc.org/welcome/renovation-updates Later in this program year we will be positioned to begin reporting on the second phase, addressing the Ministries Center and how it connects to the Sanctuary. If you have questions about the renovations, please contact the Renovations Team at Renovations@bmpc.org.

Over the summer, staff members organized, cleaned and donated items from the Education building.

INTERESTED IN UPDATES?

Look for periodic notices in the weekly eNews, in the worship bulletins, or on a special blog on the church website: www.bmpc.org/welcome/renovation-updates THE MESSENGER | Ordinary Time 2019

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Peace

SEASON OF

PEACE AND GLOBAL WITNESS OFFERING Collected on World Communion Sunday, October 6

O

ur Peace and Global Witness Offering enables the church to promote the peace of Christ by addressing systems of injustice in our own communities and around the world.

Presbyterians are drawn together as active peacemakers, and the offering provides us with education and exposure to those who show us how to do this work well. It allows the larger church to create resources for dealing with conflict and nurturing reconciliation, and to stand in support of our global sisters and brothers, because the peace of Christ belongs to people everywhere.

Your gift will join with others as the Church works for peace, including an end to gender-based violence and discrimination. The PC(USA) responds by supporting partners in places like Guatemala and the Democratic Republic of Congo and working to address the trauma of gender-based violence and advocating for changed hearts and minds. In addition, your gifts aid in developing resources that help congregations respond to this need in their context. By giving to the Peace & Global Witness Offering, we work to share Christ’s peace with one another, beyond our doors, beyond our community and across boundaries.

25% of this Offering stays with our congregation to support the work of our BMPC Peacemaking Committee.

75% of this Offering goes to our Presbytery, joining with other congregations in our area to support peacemaking work in our region and to support the work for peace and reconciliation being done by Presbyterians around the globe.

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SHANE CLAIBORNE - BEATING GUNS: HOPE FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE WEARY OF VIOLENCE Sunday, October 20, 11:15 a.m., Chapel

S

hane Claiborne, popular author, activist and local Philadelphian, joins us to share more about his new book, Beating Guns, in which he and his co-author Michael Martin explore how we all can be part of the solution to end gun violence in our community and the nation. Shane is founder of the Simple Way in Philadelphia as well as the head of the Red Letter Christian Movement.

A description of his latest book: “Inspired by the prophetic image of beating swords into plows, Beating Guns provides a provocative look at gun violence in America and offers a clarion call to change our hearts regarding one of the most significant moral issues of our time.”

HUNGER FOOD PYRAMID CASSEROLE FACTS

INDIVIDUAL DONORS Hunger Ministries are funded entirely through the generosity of individual donors to the Hunger Fund. Donated in 2017 - $58K; in 2018 - $65K.

Each Casserole costs $12 1 Casserole feeds 10 people 15,000 Casseroles made per year Totaling 150,000 meals

HUNGER COMMITTEE A small group of leaders who guide our work to give relief to those facing food insecurity and to build relationships with our partners.

Partners who receive Casseroles: University City Hospitality Coalition Broad Street Ministry Fresh Start Community Resources

CASSEROLE BLITZ Once a month a large group of volunteers come together on a Saturday morning to make 130 casseroles that are frozen and distributed to local partners.

FOOD DONATIONS Donations of shelf stable food items are taken by Hunger volunteers to our partner Pantries and Food Cupboards.

Drop off donations in the Narthex or the bins in the Ministries Center.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT Each year 20 different feeding programs in Greater Philadelphia receive an average of $2K in financial support from our Hunger Fund.

Donate to the BMPC Hunger Fund using the white Hunger Envelopes in the pew racks, or by writing Hunger Fund on the memo line of your check.

Volunteer to be a part of the BMPC Hunger Ministry by contacting Nancy Taylor: ntaylor2948@gmail.com

SAVE THE DATE Advent Gift Market Opening Day Sunday, November 17

The Advent Gift Market (AGM) at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church provides everyone with an opportunity to do Christmas and holiday shopping in a very special way.

AGM is a creative giving program that helps those in need, and serves as a gift for those whom you know and personally choose to honor.

With your donation to a selected charity on the list (gifts start at $1), you will receive an insert card informing your recipient that a gift has been given in his/her honor, along with a description of the charitable project you have chosen. This insert card can be included in your own greeting card, or you may purchase cards produced especially for this year’s AGM.

These make great gifts for teachers, babysitters, family members, friends, and anyone else on your gift-giving list.

The Opening Day of the Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Advent Gift Market sale is Sunday, November 17, 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. in the Gymnasium, and every Sunday through December 22.

For added convenience, AGM purchases may be made with a credit card on the BMPC website www.bmpc.org beginning on November 17. A full list of charitable projects and the donation amounts per project will be available. All donations are tax-deductible.

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Three Sundays in Africa

Charles and Melissa Johnson

Surrounding World Communion Sunday, we will immerse ourselves in the work of our international partners who are serving their communities and the church in Africa, ending with a Sunday morning lunch and movie for all ages.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, CHAPEL Charles and Melissa Johnson, PCUSA Mission Co-Workers, Chasefu Theological Seminary in Zambia, 2018 Richard Shaull Award Recipients Since 2016 Charles and Melissa Johnson have been serving alongside Presbyterian partners in Zambia, working to help the church expand its holistic ministry of community development, food security and improved health. Melissa serves as Health Education Program Facilitator and is working with the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian’s Zambia Health Department Coordinator, the community and other local stakeholders, to identify important needs and gaps in general health education. In addition to teaching courses in sustainable agriculture at Chasefu Theological College, Charles helps with developing the Chasefu Model Farm as a training center for Zambian smallholder farmers, and on the Chasefu Farm Income Generating Activity, a commercial farm that generates funds for the Seminary in Chasefu. In 2018, Chasefu Seminary received the Shaull Award to fund the expansion of its leadership training for Seminary students which has helped to enhance the work that Charles and Melissa are doing there.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6, CHAPEL Patrick Coughlin, Vice President, Medical Benevolence Foundation Come celebrate World Communion Sunday by hearing about the vital work of the Medical Benevolence Foundation (MBF), one of our longest-term international partners working around the world to support the medical needs of hospitals, schools and communities. This year MBF received the Shaull Award to help expand the LifeSavers Clinic Network in Malawi, Africa, standardizing care across the region and leveraging the strength of smaller community clinics.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13, CONGREGATIONAL HALL The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind All-Church Lunch and Movie As we wrap up three weeks of focusing on our partnerships in Africa, join us in Congregational Hall for an all-ages screening of this awardwinning film based on a true story in rural Malawi. A 13-year-old boy is removed from the school he loves when his family can no longer afford the fees. He sneaks into the library and finds a book that teaches him how to build a windmill, saving his village from a famine.

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YouthMinistry News Ministry Happenings: We took our youth to Camp Kirkwood in August for a fantastic week of fun, fellowship, and silliness!

While there we delved into the I DREAM values of inclusion, discipleship, engagement, affirmation and mission, and what they mean to us as a community and ministry. We also learned about the story of Lazarus in the Gospel of John, finding ourselves in the Christian story of love, together.

L

eigh DeVries here... I am the new pastor for Youth and Their Families at BMPC, and I am so excited to be here!

I’m a 2017 graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary and have spent the last two years in Oregon doing youth ministry at the Bend Youth Collective. I also happen to have married on May 25. A week after our wedding, my partner and I jumped in the car with our dog Otis Redding to drive from Bend, Oregon, to Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, to begin this new part of our journey. We’ve felt so welcomed by this church community and are delighted to be joining in this fantastic ministry.

We have some awesome events planned for the fall. Below is a list of important dates for families to note!

Leigh working with youth at her previous ministry position.

September 4, 6:00 p.m.

Confirmation Meet & Greet, Congregational Hall

All 8th Graders

September 15, 10:00 a.m. Youth Ministry Kickoff Meeting, Gymnasium

All Youth & Parents

September 22, 11:30 a.m. Middle School Brunch, Leigh’s Manse

All Middle Schoolers

September 29, 11:30 a.m.

High School Brunch, Leigh’s Manse

All High Schoolers

October 6, 10:00 a.m.

Worship Together Sunday, Sanctuary

All Youth

October 6, 11:15 a.m.

Confirmation Brunch, Leigh’s Manse

All 8th Graders

November 3, 10:00 a.m.

Worship Together Sunday, Sanctuary

All Youth

November 10, 11:15 a.m.

Confirmation Retreat

All 8th Graders

November 17, 11:15 a.m.

Advent Gift Market, Ministries Center

All Youth

November 28, 8:30 a.m.

Thanksgiving Pancake Breakfast, Congregational Hall

All Youth

The Confirmation Meet & Greet will take place in Congregational Hall on Wednesday, September 4 at 6:00 p.m. It’s going to be a great time for Confirmands, their mentors, and their families to learn more about the Confirmation program and what the next year of discernment will look like for them — don’t miss it if you’re hoping to get your student confirmed!

The Youth Kickoff will be on Sunday, September 8! At this event parents and teenagers will review all the calendared events happening during the program year, get registration forms for retreats and trips, and hear more about what the year will look like for our BMPC youth ministry in 2019-2020!

also will start on September 8, with Connection Groups beginning on the following Sunday, September 15.

You’ll hear more about our other events as the months go on. For now, remember you’re beloved, and in BMPC Youth Ministry, there is a place for you to belong!

Sunday morning Youth Gatherings THE MESSENGER | Ordinary Time 2019

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Coffee & Goldfish

Lunch

&Learn

with Beth Kephart Award-Winning Author and Speaker Sunday, October 27 In Congregational Hall, following Worship

T

he Senior Adult Council is pleased to announce that the speaker for this year’s Senior Adult Luncheon is Beth Kephart!

Kephart is the author of 22 books, publishing memoir, young adult literature, a corporate fairytale, an autobiography of a river, and an essay and photography collection.

Handling the Truth: On the Writing of Memoir, based in part on Kephart’s teaching at the University of Pennsylvania (where she won the 2015 Beltran Teaching Award), won the 2013 Books for a Better Life Award (Motivational Category), was featured as a top writing book by O Magazine, and was named a Best Writing Book by Poets and Writers.

She was one of 50 Philadelphia writers chosen for the yearlong Philadelphia’s Literary Legacy celebration of authors, playwrights, and 14

poets of the last 300 years, exhibited at Philadelphia International Airport.

Excerpts from her Love: A Philadelphia Affair were the subject of a six-month exhibit at the airport in 2016. Kephart is a Radnor High School Hall of Famer, where she gave the 2016 commencement address.

The theme of Kephart’s talk is about memory and memoir, addressing the craft of writing a memoir and the importance of capturing and passing on memories.

In addition to Beth’s accomplishments, she is the daughter of Kep Kephart, a longtime BMPC member.

We are thrilled to welcome Beth to BMPC! All Senior Adults are invited to this luncheon!

Tickets will be available in early September!

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Last spring, when discussing what the upcoming program year in the Ministries Center would be like, one of our younger students earnestly asked, “Will there be Goldfish® in the other building?” It was an easy question to answer: “Of course!” Our ubiquitous bright orange crackers have already moved from the Education Building to the Ministries Center.

Oftentimes children ask about objects instead of themselves. Children worry about where toys will go during a move or a piece of furniture after a divorce. As worried as they are about that object, their question often points to a deeper concern: Where will I belong in this new place?

The 2019-2020 program year will provide an exceptional opportunity for our congregation to worship, learn and grow together. Each Sunday following worship, we will engage in fellowship together. Don’t worry; not only will we have coffee and light refreshments, but also small cups of Goldfish and a large plate of Oreo cookies. We hope this communal time provides the whole congregation with an opportunity to become more acquainted with one another.

As we gather together, here are five tips for a great intergenerational fellowship hour: 1. SAY HELLO! Sometimes children are shy, so reaching out and offering a hello can make everyone feel welcome.

2. JOIN IN! There will be a corner with information about Sunday School and updates for parents. Come over and see what students are learning. Part of the children’s library collection will be available each Sunday. Everyone is invited to check out books and resources!

3. ASK QUESTIONS! Simple questions like, “What is your favorite snack?” can start an important conversation.

4. EXTEND GRACE! Whether we are two or 92, we all have hard mornings. Be gracious! If someone needs a place to sit down — offer a seat. If someone appears to be struggling with a cup, offer to carry it or help pour some coffee for them.

5. HAVE FUN! Find out what the coolest new toy is, learn about the amazing things congregation members are up to, listen to a joke from a third grader, hear about Confirmation from an eighth grader, tell a new member about the committee you love… enjoy the gift of being church together — and maybe even a few Goldfish crackers along the way!

Wednesday Night Dinners Resume on Sept. 11

Join us for fellowship and fresh ingredient meals catered by Chef Ruth on Wednesdays from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. in Congregational Hall (food served until 6:45 p.m.) Reservations aren’t needed.

Cost is $8 for adults and $5 for children & students. Menus are available via a link on our www.bmpc.org homepage under “This Week.”

Ministries Center - Locations for the 2019 - 2020 Program Year 11TH & 12TH GRADE CONNECTION GROUPS

Ground Floor

First Floor Converse House Parlor

El

Up to Gym

3 YEAR OLDS

ART @ 9

Gloucester Room 2 YEAR OLDS

Fullerton Room

NURSERY

El

to Main Line Adult Day Center

Up To Loft

8:45 A.M. DIGGING DEEPER

Conference Room Witherspoon Parlor

8:45 A.M. SUNDAY MORNING DISCUSSION GROUP

To 3rd Floor

Down to Crypt

Congregational Hall 1ST & 2ND GRADES

4TH & 5TH GRADES

Pastors' Conf. Room

Entrance from Sanctuary

8:45 A.M. FILLING THE WELL

6 &7 GRADE CONNECTION GROUPS TH

TH

CONFIRMATION FOR 8TH GRADE

YOUTH GATHERING

Stage

Gymnasium CHURCH FELLOWSHIP AT 11 A.M.

Up To Loft

9TH & 10TH GRADE CONNECTION GROUPS

The Middleton Center Second Floor

The Middleton Center Third Floor

202 El

201

200

WORSHIP CENTERS PRE-K & K

301 3RD GRADE

Youth Loft (3rd Floor)

The Messenger Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church 625 Montgomery Avenue Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 610-525-2821

The Messenger (USPS #341840) Volume #121, Issue #4, 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

RALLY DAY 2019

Sunday, September 8, 11:00 a.m., Front Lawn Join us as we kick off a new season in ministry!

Our celebration will include picnic food, entertainment, fall program information from our ministry areas, and more.

All welcome; bring a friend!

September 8 Sunday School Begins; Youth Ministry Kickoff; Rally Day Festivities September11 Wednesday Night Dinners Resume, 5:30-7:00 p.m.

Children and Youth Choir Rehearsals Begin October 6 Blessing of the Animals October 18 Churchwide Potluck Dinner October 20 ARTolerance Concert October 27 Senior Adult Luncheon

STAY CONNECTED!

FOLLOW US ON OUR WEBSITE & SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES!

www.bmpc.org

www.facebook.com/BrynMawrPres

www.instagram.com/BrynMawrPres

www.twitter.com/BrynMawrPres