Welcome

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.

Camp Kirkwood 2015

the Rev. Kellen Smith

“The impact of camp is not program or facility but people…long after games and adventure are forgotten, campers will remember their counselors.” –Lloyd Mattson, The Camp Counselor

I believe there was an essential reason that Jesus “would withdraw to deserted places and pray” (Luke 5:16). There is something about getting out of our usual routines and surroundings that helps us to get in sync in our walk with Jesus. Disconnecting from our cell phones and other devices also enables us to connect with God in a fresh way. When we are clear of distractions and renewed in our faith, we can also forge relationships that last a lifetime.

Why I Love Bible Study

Donna Barrickman

I’ve been engaged in some form of Bible study for more than 30 years. Ever since I attended a small study group for young mothers at Selwyn Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, NC in 1978, I’ve been hooked. I’ve regularly participated in Bible study since then because I often find it difficult to understand scripture on my own. Too often, I’m left wondering, “What’s the point? What does this really mean – especially in the context of today?”

Urban Plunge 2015

the Rev. Kellen Smith

What do serving hot meals to seniors, cleaning up Central Park, and sorting clothes at a homeless ministry have in common? The Middle School Urban Plunge in NYC! From our mission base at Brick Presbyterian Church, this year's middle school mission trip has taken place in the city that never sleeps, with our group of youth tirelessly serving a number of organizations.

Settling in at Bryn Mawr

the Rev. Rebecca Kirkpatrick

How are you settling in? This is the question that we are hearing again and again these days as we meet so many folks from the congregation. It is hard to really express how much more smoothly this transition to this new call, this new city, and this new life has been for our family compared to what it meant for us to move to Egypt just a little over two years ago in the midst of the 2013 revolution.

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.