Pastors’ Column

Each week one of our pastors or staff members writes a column observing what is going on in our congregation, the Church and the world, and offering reflections on the Christian life and faith. Through this series of columns, we hope to connect your and our story to the enduring story of Christ; to offer pastoral reflections on our ongoing congregational life and mission; to report on news of the Presbyterian Church and Church universal; and to invite further reflection and deeper discipleship. We welcome your comments and suggestions. In other words, our words here are an invitation to continue the conversation.

The Next Chapter - Celebrating David’s Ministry

The Rev. Rachel Pedersen May 30, 2019

If you know anything about David Smith, you will know that he loves books: old books, new books, audio books. He has a constant list of things he is reading or planning to read. He loves nothing more than diving into new ideas and dissecting a good argument. In fact, it is not unusual to end a conversation with David either handing over a book or with him receiving one. It has been a joy to watch as that list of books read, and books to read, has grown over the past four years. They have testified to his strong sense of ministry and call.

Need a Lifeguard? Ours Walks on Water.

The Rev. Franklyn C. Pottorff May 23, 2019

We’ve all seen those messages on church signs and billboards. “Where will you spend eternity? Smoking or non?” “Try our Sundays. They are better than Baskin-Robbins.” “Welcome to CH CH. What’s missing? UR.” “You have one new friend request, from Jesus. Confirm? Ignore?” “Walmart isn’t the only saving place.” “God answers knee-mail.” “Santa Clause never died for anyone.” “What happens in Vegas is forgiven here.” Or my personal favorite, “Don’t let worries kill you, let the church help.”

Confirmation for Adults

The Rev. Rebecca Kirkpatrick May 16, 2019

Over the past year, just as our Confirmation students have been learning what it means to be not just a follower of Jesus Christ, but a member of a Christian community, another group of BMPC members have been walking a parallel journey in our Thursday evening adult education class, Confirmation for Adults.

Confirmation Confessions

The Rev. David B. Smith May 9, 2019

I have a confession to make: I never went through a Confirmation class.

Congregational Meeting May 5

The Rev. Dr. Agnes W. Norfleet May 2, 2019

Dear BMPC Friends,

With great joy I am happy to announce that the Session has called a Congregational Meeting for Sunday, May 5, following the 10:00 a.m. worship service for the purpose of acting upon the recommendations of our two Associate Pastor Nominating Committees: Leigh DeVries as Associate Pastor for Youth and their Families and Brian K. Ballard as Associate Pastor for Pastoral Care and Senior Adults.

Gratitude for Sabbath Renewal

The Rev. Dr. Agnes W. Norfleet April 25, 2019

What a privilege to serve a congregation that recognizes the heavy demands of pastoral ministry by offering a Sabbatical for extended time away every seventh year! As I prepare to leave for the Discovering our Presbyterian Heritage tour of Scotland with 41 church members on Friday, April 26, followed by my Sabbatical leave through August, I want to share the plans for coverage of my primary areas of responsibility.

A Building, but More

The Rev. David B. Smith April 18, 2019

“It’s just a building, but it is more than a building.” These are the first words that ran through my mind when my colleagues, Frank and Drew, and I gathered around a computer screen to watch and lament as flames engulfed Notre-Dame de Paris on Monday.