Lent Messenger 2012

BRYN MAWR PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

MARCH | APRIL 2012

MESSENGERMESSENGERthethe

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Wednesday Lenten Series led by our Pastors (page 2)Bill Arnold, BMPC’s 2012 Th eologian-in-Residence, March 10-11 (page 4)Labyrinth Workshops with Gernot Candolini, March 24-31 (page 6)Earth Day Celebration with Missa Gaia, “Mass for the Earth” (page 11)

HOLY WEEK & EASTER WORSHIP (see back cover)HOLY WEEK & EASTER WORSHIP (see back cover)

LETTER FROM LETTER FROM

As a pastor, I spend much of my time explaining what we, as Christians, believe. I am either interpreting the faith so as to make it palatable to a questioner, be he confused pilgrim or skeptical agnostic, or I am looking for ways to say afresh what my listeners have already heard in the past.

Instead of trying to make the faith sound more reasonable, I think I should change that kindly practice and simply say, “It takes a lot of believing to be a Christian. You probably don’t have such courage of belief. Perhaps you would be better off continuing to trust in yourself and your things.” I don’t ever really do that, but sometimes I think it may be about time that I did.

Th is was Jesus’ way. He told the painful truth that being one of his followers would require unfettered faith, like that of a child, who believes God can do anything. Can you feel your resistance to such a posture of belief starting to rise already? Of course you can. So can we all. We don’t like being told that we should believe as children do. We say, “What does a child know about the real world?”

Th e child’s faith is our model because it is pure. In the several occasions when Jesus brought children into his presence to use as an illustration for a lesson about our relationship to God, he seemed to understand that we often miss a basic condition of children. Jesus knew that children are not innocent. Th ey are actually rather good at fi guring out how to manipulate adults and other children to get what they want. But Jesus also knew that although children are not always innocent, they are dependent. I still remember the day Ellis Nelson, one of my teachers in the faith, pointed this out to a group of seminary students. It is the child’s dependence on adults for direction, for care, for sustenance and for love that is akin to our relationship with God. We, too, are far from innocent when it comes to our behavior before God. But we are dependent, as children are on grown-ups, and it is that dependence that gives us both our peace and our freedom.

We can be at peace knowing that the loving arms of God surround us and sustain us. Th us we have nothing to fear if we, as Paul once said, “live and die unto the Lord.” And we are also a people who enjoy freedom. It is the freedom of those who have given themselves to the discipline of faith in the God of our creation. Lent has been a reminder for us of this disciplined faith and life. We approach the Easter celebration toward the close of this spring’s “lengthening of days” in the sure confi dence of children of the heavenly Father who know that they are loved and can live in a hope that is eternal.

THE PASTORTHE PASTOR

James L. CarterInterim Pastor

1 MESSENGER | March/April 2012

[ WELCOME ]

WEDNESDAY EVENING LENTEN SERIES: WEDNESDAY EVENING LENTEN SERIES: EXPLORING THE BIBLICAL EXPLORING THE BIBLICAL STORIES OF LENTSTORIES OF LENT

[ SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT ]


Wednesdays, February 29-March 21, 7:00-8:30 p.m. Led by BMPC Pastors in Witherspoon Parlor

Join us for this contemplative study with our pastors and consider how selected Bible stories intersect with our own lives. Wednesday Dinner is available in Congregational Hall from 5:00-6:30 p.m. prior to class.

February 29: Who are You? Personal Identity in Family Life through a Scriptural Lens. Scripture: Genesis 37:1-11, led by Kellen Smith. Explore the story of Joseph and his family in the book of Genesis and consider who we are as individuals within the family systems in which we live. Emphasis will be placed on understanding our own families, who we are within them, and what that means for our lives.

March 7: Encountering God in the Garden. Scripture: Mark 14:26-52, led by Sherri Hausser. Discuss the story of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane and consider how his prayer to God and struggle within himself inform our life of faith. We also will refl ect on how this garden story connects with other stories in the Bible.

March 14: Th e Heart of Identity—A Lesson of Purity. Scripture: Mark 7: 1-23, led by Jacqui Van Vliet. Refl ect upon the issues of boundaries and identity in the context of purity as we study encounters and confl icts that occurred between Jesus, the local Pharisees and the Jerusalem scribes.

March 21: Lord, Teach Us to Pray. Scripture: Luke 11:1, led by Charles Grant. Refl ect on the prayers of Jesus, learn about traditional forms of prayer, and engage in prayer as meditation and petition. Participants also will have the opportunity to off er and receive prayers for healing.

Our BMPC Lenten Devotional book off ers daily Scripture readings and refl ections by our pastors for the days between Ash Wednesday (February 22) and Easter. Copies are available in the Ministries Center and Sanctuary or you may access each day’s refl ection on the BMPC website: www.bmpc.org

SUNDAY SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENTSUNDAY SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT• 8:30 a.m. March 4–April 29: Th e Wisdom Jesus Book Discussion, led by Rev. Dr. Paul MacMurray, Conference Room

• 9:00 a.m. March 4–April 1: Reading Great Prayers through Lectio Divina, led by David Heaton, Fullerton Room

• 11:15 a.m.- March 4: Our Stories, Muslim Stories and God’s Story: Redux, led by Dr. Jon Pahl, Congregational Hall- March 18: Women Coping with Modern Islams, led by Dr. Th eodore Friend, Witherspoon Parlor- March 25: Disaster Relief in Guatemala, led by Shaull Award Recipient Cedepca, Witherspoon Parlor- April 1: Faces at the Cross, led by J. Barrie Sheperd, Witherspoon Parlor- April 15: Our Environment, Our World: Reducing our Footprint One Garden at a Time, led by Tony Dufour, Witherspoon Parlor- April 22: Our Environment, Our World: Consequences of Some Environmental Legislation, led by Dr. Andrew Brook, Witherspoon Parlor


[CONGREGATIONAL LIFE ]

MISS J.M. ADA MUTCHMISS J.M. ADA MUTCHFEBRUARY 3, 1905-JANUARY 27, 2012FEBRUARY 3, 1905-JANUARY 27, 2012

Ada Mutch, spiritual matriarch of BMPC, died on January 27, 2012, one week before her 107th birthday. Remarkably, Ada attended worship at BMPC up to the week she died!

Ada was the daughter of Dr. Andrew Mutch, BMPC’s third pastor, who brought his family here from Scotland in 1912 when Ada was seven years old. Th ey settled into Converse House, which was built for them on church property and included a front parlor, still in use, for spending time with guests. Over the years, Ada shared wonderful memories of growing up in Bryn Mawr and at our church, which had 350 members when they arrived.

Ada had a long and distinguished career in nursing and service in World War II before returning to Bryn Mawr in 1955 to become director of nursing and of the nursing school at Lankenau Hospital. After her retirement (in 1970!), she continued an active life of service in the Bryn Mawr community and in her beloved church. A memorial service for Ada was held in the Sanctuary on February 11, 2012.

Ada in 2009, Age 105

NEW MEMBERS RECEIVED IN DECEMBERNEW MEMBERS RECEIVED IN DECEMBER

Gary DavisWynnewood

Not a church member? Make BMPC your church home! Get to know us at our pre-requisite orientation on Sunday, April 15, 8:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (includes lunch; childcare available). Our Session will receive those who are interested in joining our community of faith on Sunday morning, April 22. For more information or to register, contact [email protected], ext. 8809.

Nate JonesGladwyne

Daniela DavisWynnewood

Becky FoxRosemontDied Dec. 28, 2011

Scott FaganArdmore

Ben LuschWayne

Katie LuschWayne

Dayce SchrieberArdmore

Tannia SchrieberArdmore



All the major faiths rely on stories to lead the faithful into inspiration and service. When we as Christians speak of our faith and refer to “story,” what most often comes to mind are the stories of scripture. Th ese are fundamental, but over the ages, more stories have added clarity and insight to those basics. William “Bill” Arnold, a former BMPC Associate Pastor, will help us explore the meaning, structure, and theology of story. A storyteller himself specializing in sacred tales, he will present a variety of selections at each session to illustrate and inspire. Events include:

Saturday, March 10, 7:00 p.m., Congregational Hall (Sponsored by Adult Education Council and Presbyterian Women): Welcome back Bill Arnold and Margaret Anne Fohl! After time for fellowship and dessert, Bill will discuss the importance and function of story, both in Christianity and in other world religions. What do stories do for us? Why are they an essential component of our faith?

Sunday, March 11, 9:00 a.m., Witherspoon Parlor: Th eology and story: are they the same? What is the connection between God’s creation of the world and the creation of story? Why did Jesus use stories, often in the form of parables? How have stories been used to further develop our understanding of Jesus’ message?

Sunday, March 11, 11:30 a.m., Congregational Hall (sponsored by Adult Education Council and Senior Adult Ministry): Enjoy brunch while considering what makes a story “sacred” with illustrations from our Christian tradition and that of others. We will also develop our own “discipline” of listening to stories. What makes a story just a story for us, and how can stories off er an entry into the sacred? Brunch reservations: Send $15 check to Carol Schmidt at BMPC.

Sunday, March 11, 1:30-3:30 p.m., Witherspoon Parlor: Storytelling Workshop. Hearing a story is not the same as reading a story. Not everyone is comfortable telling stories; some people just love listening to them. In this workshop, Bill will explore techniques and tips for both disciplines: telling and listening. And of course, he will off er more stories as illustrations.

AS AN ENTRY INTO THE SACREDAS AN ENTRY INTO THE SACREDTHE REV. DR. WILLIAM ARNOLDTHE REV. DR. WILLIAM ARNOLD

BMPC’s Th eologian-in-Residence March 10-11 BMPC’s Th eologian-in-Residence March 10-11

Th e Revs. Bill Arnold and Margaret Anne Fohl

STORYSTORY


Welcome Ann Fossum, R.N., B.S.N., who joined the BMPC staff in February as our Parish Nurse. Following in the footsteps of our previous Parish Nurses Kathy Kreider and Marie-Claire Higgins, Ann will work with our Care Manager Lorie Benovic and the Rev. Charles Grant as part of the care team for our congregation.

Ann has 33 years of nursing experience in clinical settings, home care agencies, and nursing administration. She is a familiar face at BMPC, as she has been an active member since she joined our church 13 years ago. She, her husband Greg, and now-grown children Jennifer and Jonathan, were drawn to BMPC for our youth program as well as

FORWARD IN FORWARD IN FROM OUR HOUSE TO THE FROM OUR HOUSE TO THE WORLD BEYOND OUR WALLSWORLD BEYOND OUR WALLS

Sunday, February 5 marked a key transition in BMPC’s eff orts to address the building restoration needs of the church and increase the ability to annually provide for mission and outreach activities – all of which are to be funded by gifts to the Forward in Faith Capital Campaign. Following quiet discussions with various church members and the offi cers of BMPC, we are now

reaching out to all members of the congregation.

Th e kick-off of this “public phase” of the campaign followed worship on February 5. Adults enjoyed refreshments prior to viewing a short video, while children made arts and crafts with a campaign theme in the gym. Th e video, which can be viewed on the BMPC website, documents the needs of the campaign and demonstrates

the campaign’s importance to future generations of BMPC.

More than 100 church offi cers and members serving as “visitors” plan to meet with other members. Th e visitors will respond to questions and ask fellow members to support Forward in Faith with their gifts and pledges.

Th is spring, we will see preparation for restoration projects set for 2012. Work on the Chapel, repairs to the Pentecost window and the surrounding wall, and other high priority building envelope projects will become evident.

Just as the generations that came before us provided the sound spiritual home that houses our community of faith today - and from which we make a diff erence in the “world beyond our walls” – we can now pledge to assure that our home will endure for those who follow.

FAITH:FAITH:

NEW PARISH NURSE NEW PARISH NURSE JOINS BMPC STAFF JOINS BMPC STAFF

Ann’s interest in the then “new” parish nurse program. Over the years, Ann has been a member of BMPC’s Health Cabinet, an Associate Pastor Nominating Committee, and the BMPC Nominating Committee. She has served as a Deacon, Stephen Minister, and camp nurse.

Ann is happy to now be a BMPC staff member working in our faith community. She is grateful to the Parish Nurse search committee that directed her to this health ministry. She describes this as a perfect opportunity to make a diff erence in the lives of others, and she looks forward to helping our BMPC members integrate their lifestyle, faith and well-being.

by George Henisee

Ann Fossum, R.N., B.S.N.

[ CHURCH NEWS]


WALKING TOWARD THE CENTER:WALKING TOWARD THE CENTER:TIME WITH GERNOT CANDOLINITIME WITH GERNOT CANDOLINI

March 24-31

Gernot Candolini, Austrian author, photographer, and designer of labyrinths, describes the labyrinth as one of the oldest symbolic fi gures of humankind. For millenia it has been scratched into rock or clay, painted on pottery, laid out with stone on the ground or drawn in old manuscripts. Th e labyrinth is not only a soothing design, but a metaphor of the life path. Walking the labyrinth is like looking into a mirror. Life’s questions and answers rise up and are able to open some interesting insights about oneself, life itself, God and the world.

Events with Gernot Candolini at BMPC include:

• Saturday, March 24: - Men’s Presentation: “Th e Hero’s Journey to Love,” 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

• Sunday, March 25: - Labyrinth Build with Youth and Confi rmation Class, 4:00-6:00 p.m.- Dinner with Youth and their families, 6:00- 7:00 p.m.

• Tuesday, March 27: - Women’s Presentation: “Connecting the Dots,” 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.- Labyrinth Walk, 11:00 a.m.-7:30 p.m.- Taize Worship, 7:30-8:00 p.m.

• Wednesday, March 28: - Family Dinner, 5:00-6:30 p.m., $6 per person/$25 max per family- Storybuilding for Families with Introduction to Labyrinth, 6:45-8:00 p.m.

Gernot Candolini

FROM THIS PLACE I STARTFROM THIS PLACE I START

• Th ursday, March 29: - Pathways to Pastoral Insight: Th e Labyrinth as a Tool for Healing, Self and Others, 9:00-11:30 a.m.

• Saturday, March 31: - Walking Toward the Center: A Presentation by Gernot Candolini, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Cost (including lunch): $25

*All events held at BMPC. Free and open to the public unless otherwise stated; childcare available. For more information or to make reservations, call 610-525-0766, email [email protected] or visit www.middletoncenter.org

Th is is the circle

of the hours that lie before me;

Th is is my day.

I lift myself high and ask for the blessing of heaven;

I bow myself deep and ask for the blessing of the earth.

I receive these gifts with thanks,

and open my heart.

What has been past is gone;

what has to come is yet before us.

I turn to all things that I look forward to,

and I am ready for the unexpected.

May my path be blessed.



[ LOCAL AND WORLDWIDE OUTREACH ][ LOCAL AND WORLDWIDE OUTREACH ]

More than 4,000 homeless and hungry people live in shelters or on the streets of Philadelphia–a city which has one of the highest urban hunger rates in the nation. BMPC’s Hunger Committee was formed to respond to this local crisis. We believe that every person has a right to adequate food obtained with dignity, and we work to prevent hunger and malnutrition by providing food to people in need.

Th e Hunger Committee’s liaison with Our Brothers’ Place and its parent organization, the Bethesda Project, is one way we address hunger among the homeless in Philadelphia.

Our Brothers’ Place is a shelter located north of Center City that houses 150

men and provides day services to 200 of the homeless. Five times a year, BMPC volunteers serve casseroles made at our casserole blitzes as well as fresh vegetables, fruit, rolls and cookies. Volunteers can attest that the men are truly grateful for these nutritious home-cooked meals and for the caring church members who greet and serve them.

Th e Hunger Committee also makes donations to the Bethesda Project, an interfaith community that serves approximately 800 chronically homeless and disabled people with a continuum of housing options, from walk-in shelters to individual residences. Each Bethesda Project facility serves three meals daily, funded

in part by contributions from BMPC Hunger Envelopes.

Th e Hunger Committee is grateful for the volunteers of all ages who prepare casseroles and who serve Saturday noon-time meals to our homeless brothers, as well as for all who support the Hunger Committee’s crucial mission through generous donations.

THETHE FIGHTFIGHT AGAINST HUNGERAGAINST HUNGER

BMPC’s Worldwide Ministries Council approved an award to Th e Protestant Center for Pastoral Studies in Central America (Cedepca) to assist it in its eff orts to reduce the risk of disaster in

Guatemala. On March 25, Marcia Towers, Disaster Ministry Coordinator of Cedepca, will visit BMPC to present a program on the work it is doing to transform communities by helping local leaders prepare so that they do not have to depend solely on outside help. Providing psycho-social and spiritual care helps create an atmosphere of cooperation rather than competition and develops possibilities for increased income other than agricultural income, which is so easily aff ected by variable weather conditions.

Cedepca is proud of being ecumenical in a country where “ecumenical” is usually considered a bad word. Th eological classes bring various denominations together to encourage respect for each other. Ninety percent of the staff are Guatemalan, making it a Central American organization rather than a U.S. based organization working in Central America. Find out more about Cedepca at www.cedepca.org or by attending the presentation on Sunday, March 25, at 11:15 a.m. in Witherspoon Parlor.

Th e Richard Shaull Worldwide Ministries Award is an annual award for special mission projects consistent with the goals of Worldwide Ministries at BMPC and with the life and witness of Richard Shaull. Richard Shaull (1919-2002) was a member of the Presbytery of Philadelphia, Parish Associate of the Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, and Professor of Ecumenics Emeritus at Princeton Th eological Seminary. As a member of BMPC’s Worldwide Ministries Council, he helped the council increasingly move toward ministries of justice and transformation.

A SHAULL AWARD IN CENTRAL AMERICAA SHAULL AWARD IN CENTRAL AMERICAby Carol Schmidt

by Pam Haynes-Walsh


[ CHURCH NEWS ][ CHURCH NEWS ]OUR STEWARDSHIP STORYOUR STEWARDSHIP STORY

By now you may have heard many ‘Stewardship Stories’... why our members give, how our ministries enrich the lives of BMPC members, how our contributions make a diff erence near and far. Our dollars fund day-to-day church operations

and our programs extend the love of Christ through care for those in need—whether in our congregation, community, or across the world.

We are grateful for the generous giving of many dedicated members—a reassuring indicator of the strength of our church despite tough economic times and a transition period in pastoral leadership. Many of you responded to the 2012 campaign with a gift that was a “stretch” for you because you want the work of God in this place and beyond to go forward.

But our stewardship story for 2012 is not yet fi nished; we have not met our goal and we are behind

compared to last year. If you haven’t pledged, we encourage you to do so, for every gift helps us sustain vibrant ministry.

If you have pledged, we thank you for your help to ensure a vibrant future for our church. We encourage you to share your story of love and hope for BMPC, as it might be the story that infl uences someone else to help us make a diff erence in 2012.

You may pledge on the BMPC website, by fi lling out a pledge card and mailing it to the church or dropping it in an off ering plate, or by calling Sarah Miciek at 610-525-2821, ext. 8817.

By Brad Baturka, Stewardship Committee Chair

FOR THE LOVE OF FOR THE LOVE OF THE CHURCHTHE CHURCH

Bill Bates loves this church. Bill’s late wife, Beth, loved this church. A BMPC member for more than 60 years, Bill continues to give generously through our annual stewardship campaign.

But Bill knows that someday he will not be here to write a stewardship check. Th erefore, in order to give a gift that will last forever, Bill gave his retirement (401k) plan to BMPC’s Foundation for its general endowment. Bill also gave a gift to the Foundation in Beth’s memory. Th at gift had a particular purpose, which has been fulfi lled.

Now Bill has made yet another commitment to BMPC’s future, this time to the Building Preservation Fund that supports ongoing care and maintenance for our campus buildings and facilities.

We invite you to consider a lifetime gift or a bequest through your estate plan as an expression of your love for BMPC and its work to glorify God. Your gift to the Foundation can make a diff erence...forever.

by Peter Craig

Do you walk into a room and forget why you went in there? Have you ever forgotten where you put your keys? How do you know when to worry about forgetfulness?

On Sunday, March 4, at 11:15 a.m., Bayada, a full-service home care company, will present an enlightening program in Gloucester Room that will provide information about memory as we age. Come with questions for its nurses who will discuss “Normal Memory Loss vs. Dementia.” RSVP to [email protected] or 610-525-2821, ext. 8833.

NORMAL MEMORY NORMAL MEMORY LOSS... OR DEMENTIA? LOSS... OR DEMENTIA? By Lorie Benovic, BMPC Care Manager


[ LOCAL AND WORLDWIDE OUTREACH ][ LOCAL AND WORLDWIDE OUTREACH ]

DAY OF SERVICE:DAY OF SERVICE:

VOLUNTEERSVOLUNTEERS

On Saturday, January 21, snow arrived and portionsof our Martin Luther King Week Day of Service

SNOW DOESN’T STOP OURSNOW DOESN’T STOP OUR

were cancelled. Our youth braved the elements and went to West Philadelphia to work with Th e Other Carpenter. After worship on Sunday, January 22, help was requested to do the tasks that were not completed on Saturday. A wonderful group of 30 volunteers stayed and prepared mailings for several of our mission partners:• Kirkwood Camp and Conference Center• Th e Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education• Th e Interfaith Center of Greater Philadelphia

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL ADVENT GIFT MARKETANOTHER SUCCESSFUL ADVENT GIFT MARKETby Mary Bassett

Th e Advent Gift Market (AGM) Committee thanks you for your outpouring of support and generosity to help those in need through another successful Advent Gift Market. Heartfelt thanks also are extended to the BMPC staff and many volunteers who helped to make this year’s AGM run smoothly. Without your cheerful and devoted help, AGM would not be possible! Our projects received the following amounts:

Beyond Borders – Haiti $1200.00Schuylkill Environmental Education Center – PA $ 440.00Congregational Care Council – Rainbow Fund $ 320.00Congregational Care Council – Middleton Center $ 400.00Heeding God’s Call $ 834.00San Francisco School and Micro-Farm – Costa Rica $1764.00Th e Other Carpenter – Philadelphia $2290.00Pagus: Africa – West Africa $2054.00Singing City West Philadelphia Children’s Choir $1842.00Fresh Start Resource Center - Philadelphia $ 540.00

Hunger Committee Casserole Blitz ingredients $1570.00Schuylkill Wildlife Rehabilitation Center - PA $ 670.00John Gloucester House – Philadelphia $ 630.00Bryn Mawr Tutoring Program $1096.00Presbyterian Children’s Village – Rosemont & Phila. $ 665.00Main Line Adult Day Center – Bryn Mawr $ 944.00Appalachian Ministries Education Resource Center $1065.00Re-Member/Pine Ridge Reservation – South Dakota $1130.00West Philadelphia Alliance for Children - Phila. $1645.00

TOTAL: $21,099.00


BMPC TO CREATE WALL OF [ SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT ]prayers by Jeff rey Brillhart

During the months of March and April, BMPC will welcome Philadelphia artists Maria Anasazi and George Apotsos to our Artist-in-Residence program. Th e eight-week residency will feature biweekly workshops that involve our BMPC congregation in the creation of a large-scale sculpture inspired by Maria Anasazi. Th e theme of the project is prayer.

Together, the artists will invite all ages to explore, share and engage in how prayer serves their everyday lives. At the times indicated below, the participants will create a template on which to write a prayer and use it as an element of a larger piece. A 50-foot metal grid will serve as a vehicle upon which prayers will be attached, creating a Wall of Prayers. Recycled paper and fabric, as well as paint, dyes and collage material will be utilized. Th e hope of the artists is to create an environment where the project serves as a dialog among the participants about the universality of prayer.

Th e project will culminate on Earth Day, Sunday, April 22, in an all-day participatory event. Church members of all ages as well as friends in the community may join in by writing a prayer and attaching it to the wall. Th e event will be held outdoors on the front lawn where the Wall of Prayers will be a semi-permanent installation. In addition, Maria Anasazi and George Apotsos will exhibit their own artwork in the galleries of the church with an opening on Sunday, April 22, at 5:30 p.m.

WALL OF PRAYERS RESIDENCY SCHEDULEWALL OF PRAYERS RESIDENCY SCHEDULE

Friday mornings (March 9-April 20)• Adults and Seniors in Gloucester Room,

11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Sunday mornings (March 11-25 & April 22)• Children, Youth, Families and Adults in Gloucester

Room, 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Wednesday afternoons (March 14-April 18)• All ages in Gloucester Room, 4:00–7:00 p.m.

Th is work, to be displayed on our front lawn, will be created by Philadelphia artists Maria Anasazi and George Apotsos through a BMPC Music and Fine Arts Artist-in-Residence program. Congregants and friends of all ages in the community will be invited to participate by submitting their own personal prayers.

WORKSHOPS WITH THE ARTISTSWORKSHOPS WITH THE ARTISTS


CELEBRATINGCELEBRATING

EARTH DAYEARTH DAY


Join us as we rejoice in the beauty of God’s creation and focus on its care on Sunday, April 22:• Earth Day worship at 8:00 a.m. in the Chapel and

10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary• “Green Tip” information from our Environmental

Justice Committee to help us care for our planet • Paul Winter’s Missa Gaia (Mass for the Earth) at

4:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary• Th e completion and display of the Wall of Prayers.

Why do we, as Christians, need to care for God’s creation? Th e Presbyterian Church of the USA (PC/USA) reminds us that “God’s works in creation are too wonderful, too ancient, too beautiful, too good to be desecrated.” We have been charged to till the earth and keep it.

Don’t miss our second presentation of Missa Gaia, fi rst performed to a packed house at BMPC in 2010.

Th rough this mass for the earth, your senses will take you on an ecumenical and ecological journey that embraces the sounds of nature. Listen as the calls of wolf, whale and loon join our Senior Choir, Youth Chorale, St. Andrew Boy Choir, St. Cecilia Girl Choir and Beginners’ Choir, accompanied by the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia and a slide show of stunning nature photography.

Tickets are $20 for adults; $5 for children 18 and under. Details at www.bmpcfi nearts.org

After the performance, view the Wall of Prayers, a large-scale sculpture that will be the culmination of six weeks of our congregation’s thoughtful work on the universality of prayer.

The earth is the The earth is the Lord’s and theLord’s and the fullness thereof. fullness thereof.

- Psalm 24:1

UPCOMING FINE ARTS PROGRAMSUPCOMING FINE ARTS PROGRAMS• Handbell Vespers: Sunday, March 4, 4:00 p.m., Sanctuary. Free-will off ering.• Jeff rey Brillhart, Organist, with Canadian Brass: Saturday, March 10, 3:00 p.m., Kimmel

Center. For tickets and information, visit kimmelcenter.org• David Higgs Organ Recital: Saturday, March 17, 7:30 p.m., Sanctuary. $10 for adults; $5 for

children 18 and under.


A TIME OF DISCOVERYA TIME OF DISCOVERYby Marcy DelOrefi ce,

It’s that time of year again… the time when I start to think about transforming BMPC’s campus into somewhere far away, reminiscent of biblical times. Th e time of year when I start recruiting the wonderful moms, dads, grandparents and teens who devote a week to the children of BMPC and our community. Th e time of year when I start learning songs, making crafts and planning games to help teach God’s love. But most importantly, it is the time of year when I am continuously reminded of what Vacation Bible Camp (VBC) means to me: • Values: It means teaching my children the gifts of giving

oneself, just as my mother taught me when she ran VBC at my childhood church.

• Believing: It means believing in the power of God’s word and watching how it touches lives, changes hearts and draws children and adults closer to Christ.

• Church Family: It means knowing that my family has a wonderful church family to help support us as we journey through life.

Whether you are a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, sibling or friend, I invite you to come and discover what VBC might mean for you. As we “travel to Babylon” this summer, I promise you will see the joy, hear the laughter and feel God’s amazing love like never before.

VACATION BIBLE CAMP 2012:VACATION BIBLE CAMP 2012:

FOR YOU?FOR YOU?VBC Director


For Preschoolers (age 3 by 9/1/2011)-Grade 5

Sunday, June 24 – Th ursday, June 28 at BMPCSunday: 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

Monday-Th ursday: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon(possible extended hours for 3rd-5th depending on leadership)

To register online as a volunteer or camper, visit http://www.bmpc.org/FamilyMinistries.htm NEW this year: make your payment online!

Questions? Contact Marcy DelOrefi ce,VBC Director, at marcydelorefi [email protected] or 484-318-8232.

VACATION BIBLE CAMP 2012:VACATION BIBLE CAMP 2012: JOURNEY TO BABYLON JOURNEY TO BABYLON



Presbyterian Women (PW) of BMPC includes all women members of the church—women of all ages and interests joined together in a supportive community of faith, fellowship and service. PW provides a unique place for women to grow spiritually and as a community through Bible study and retreats; music, literature and current events programs; Y-Group meetings; and mission activities as well as informal gatherings.

With generous donations from its members, PW provides direct service and fi nancial support for area women and families through several non-profi t groups. We also are part of an international organization of Presbyterian Women who nurture faith and support the mission of the church, peace, and justice worldwide.

PW has constantly evolved to meet the changing needs, priorities and

lifestyles of women at BMPC. In light of our recent challenges enlisting members to leadership positions, we plan to enter a time of discernment next fall to consider PW’s role in the church and to ensure we address the needs and interests of our community. We expect to do this while continuing PW Interest Group and mission activities.

We are delighted to have the pastoral leadership of the Rev. Jacqui Van Vliet as we undertake this

discernment process. In addition to her experience in ministry for children and families, Jacqui brings expertise in counseling, lay ministry and knowledge of PW organizations in other churches to this process.

PW invites thoughts and suggestions from all and invites BMPC women to become involved in this caring community. For more information, please contact Pam Haynes-Walsh at [email protected] or 610-667-0972.

BMPC CHURCH OFFICERSBMPC CHURCH OFFICERSElected at the Congregational Meeting on Sunday, January 29, 2012:

• Elders Class of 2015, for a fi rst term: Bill Black, Karen Dunkman, Krista Vaughan, Janet White

• Elders Class of 2015, for a second term: Laura Getty, David Heaton, Suzanne VanderVeer

• Elders Class of 2013 (Youth): Ian Callahan, Grace Heard

• Deacons Class of 2015, for a fi rst term: Linda Callans, Randy Cheloha, David Hastings, Jennifer Huth, Debbie Kay, Florence Zeller

• Deacons Class of 2015 (for a second term): Donna Richards-Bank, Elaine Robertson, Kathy Wynn

• Deacons Class of 2013 (Youth): Dan Petrovitch, Jennie Wilber

• Trustees Class of 2015 (for a fi rst term): Bill McCormack, Brian Walsh

• Trustees Class of 2015 (for a second term): Keith Brinks, Fred Fletcher, Kevin Roller, Nancy Wolcott

• At-Large Nominating Committee Members: Don Chase, Barbara Cobb, Marcy DelOrefi ce, Kathy Kreider, Al Willoughby

Th ese new offi cers will be ordained and/or installed on Sunday, May 13, following several weeks of training.

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN:PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN:EVOLVING TO MEET CHANGING NEEDSEVOLVING TO MEET CHANGING NEEDSby Pam Haynes-Walsh

PW Coordinating Team, 2011-12



Confi rmation is a landmark. It is not quite a beginning—faith has been passed down to us and indeed began with God’s grace before we were even born. It is not quite an end —when a certain chapter of one’s faith life ends, you do not graduate or fi nish, you only choose how to continue. It is a time to learn, to ask questions, and most of all to slow down and refl ect upon life, God, and what they have to do with one another.

In January, about 50 BMPC eighth grade youth began the journey of exploring their faith as part of the Confi rmation Class. Christianity entails a lifetime of learning and we cannot possibly cover every topic in class. We can, however, engage with our Christian heritage and this particular church community to learn what faith can mean in our own lives.

Th e goals of Confi rmation Class include discussing the basics of the Christian faith, encouraging and equipping each other for personal and communal spiritual growth, and learning to refl ect upon and articulate faith in authentic ways. Th e Confi rmands are exploring diff erent topics during their Sunday morning gatherings such as: Who wrote the Bible, God or Humans? Why should I follow Jesus; can’t I just say I believe in him? How do you spell Presbyterian?

Th roughout the semester, Confi rmands engage with the larger congregation and local community. Students meet regularly with adult mentors who are members of BMPC to discuss life and faith and simply have fun together. Members of the Confi rmation Class also attend a service day with Th e Other Carpenter—an opportunity to put their faith to work by helping

those in need through housing repair projects in West Philadelphia.

In May, you will have a chance to see the Confi rmands’ faith fi rst hand. Sunday, May 13, is the W.H.I.F. Expo (Window Into Faith…with an “H” for the Holy Spirit) in the Ministries Center Court, where their

projects provide views into the ways the students engage with their faith. Th e Confi rmands will then offi cially join the church on Sunday, May 20, as they profess their faith in Jesus Christ. Please keep the students, their families and adult leaders in prayer as all journey together over the next few months.

THE CONFIRMATION THE CONFIRMATION CLASS JOURNEY:CLASS JOURNEY:by the Rev. Kellen A. Smith

UPCOMING YOUTH MINISTRY SPECIAL EVENTSUPCOMING YOUTH MINISTRY SPECIAL EVENTSMARCH• Sunday, March 4: Youth Ministry “Visioning” Retreat• Sunday, March 18: SWELL Worship Service• Sunday, March 25: Labyrinth Build with

Confi rmation Class, Youth, and their Families

APRIL• Sunday, April 1: Summer Trips Final Balance

Payments Due• Friday, April 6: Youth-led Good Friday Worship

Service• Sunday, April 15: SWELL Worship Service

A chance to make faith a part of you. A chance to become part of a faith.

The MessengerBryn Mawr Presbyterian Church625 Montgomery AvenueBryn Mawr, PA 19010610-525-2821

Th e Messenger is published bi-monthlyby the Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church. Periodical postage paid at Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania and additional entry.

Postmaster: Send Address Changes To Th e Messenger Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church 625 Montgomery Avenue Bryn Mawr, PA 19010

HOLY WEEK SERVICES:HOLY WEEK SERVICES:Palm Sunday, April 1• 8:00 a.m. - Worship with communion by

intinction in the Chapel • 8:30-9:45 a.m. - Breakfast in Congregational

Hall, sponsored by Family Ministries • 10:00 a.m. - Worship and children’s palm

procession in the Sanctuary

Maundy Th ursday, April 5• 7:30 p.m. - Worship with communion by

intinction in the Chapel

Good Friday, April 6• 12:00 noon - Experience the meaning of Good

Friday in a Youth-led service in the Sanctuary• 8:00 p.m. - Musical worship experience led by the

Bryn Mawr Chamber Singers

Easter Sunday, April 8• 6:30 a.m. - Sunrise service on the lawn sponsored

by Family Ministries. Continental breakfast follows.

• 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00 a.m. - Worship in the Sanctuary with Senior Choir and Easter Brass. (Communion at 8:00 a.m.)

Date post:	11-Mar-2016
Category:	Documents
Upload:	bryn-mawr-presbyterian-church
View:	221 times
Download:	1 times

Lent Messenger 2012

Documents