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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.

Giving Thanks for Church Pillars

the Rev. Dr. Agnes W. Norfleet

It’s a common expression to describe a highly involved, deeply committed church leader as a “pillar of the church.” Derived from an architectural feature, the idiom translates easily. A vertical column upholds the building; people called by God to special roles in the community of faith uphold the congregation’s witness as a supporter and stabilizing influence.

People and Pastor

the Rev. Dick Wohlschaleger

As we prepare to welcome a new pastor among this Sunday – The Reverend Rebecca Kirkpatrick – we are called to consider again the unique relationship that exists between a congregation and its pastors. There is nothing quite like this relationship in any other organization. Sometimes the calling of a new pastor seems to take excessively long – I’ve heard more than a few complaints about the seeming lugubrious Presbyterian process of replacing a pastor! And, frankly, there is some merit to those complaints.

Meaningful Mission

the Rev. Kellen Smith

What makes for a life-changing experience? Perhaps it includes going somewhere you’ve never been or doing something you never dreamed you could do. While I don’t know all the ingredients of life-changing experiences, what I do know is that mission trips often offer this kind of opportunity.

Vacation Bible Camp: Hometown Nazareth at BMPC

the Rev. Rachel Pedersen

It’s Vacation Bible Camp week! More than 200 students and volunteer leaders have enlivened our front lawn and Ministries Center with laughter, friendship, stories, and singing from 9 a.m. to noon each day. Good memories are in the making as we learn about Jesus’ childhood and life in Nazareth and grow in God’s love, serve neighbors, and build a community together.

Summer’s Sabbath

the Rev. Dr. Agnes W. Norfleet

Summer offers time for renewal that no other season affords in quite the same way. We slow down and spend more time outside. We break our regular routine with travel and adventure. We play more. While attendance in church wanes a bit as people come and go, these changes in the rhythms of how we spend our days invite a different kind of opportunity for holy reflection.

Summer Choir

Edward Landin

Bryn Mawr is so fortunate to not only have such an active and talented Sanctuary Choir, but an equally vibrant Summer Choir! While many churches go without choir anthems and choral support through the summer months, BMPC’s loft is filled with former, current, and potentially new choir members all summer long.

Great Things Happen When We Come Together

the Rev. Rachel Pedersen

"Great things happen when we come together" are the opening words for this year's Vacation Bible Camp theme song.  The words have been a constant companion for the past few months. Although they have become rote, the sentiment has not. From June 22nd- 26th, we will welcome more than 110 children to our campus... and great things are going to happen! Over half of them are under the age of six and more than a third are not church members. What will they experience at VBC?