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.

Thank You Teachers

The Revs. Rachel Pedersen and Leigh DeVries May 25, 2023

At every baptism the congregation answers the same question: Do we as members of the church of Jesus Christ promise to guide and nurture these children by word and deed, with love and prayer, encouraging them to know and to follow Christ and to be faithful members of Christ’s church? Do we?" The answer is always a resounding, “We do.” But what does this promise look like in the day-to-day life of this congregation?

Confirmation Sunday 2023

The Rev. Leigh DeVries May 18, 2023

This Sunday is Confirmation Sunday! Confirmation is a vital milestone in the lives of our teenagers. As a class they spend a year together learning what it means to follow Jesus. This year's Confirmation Class, though small, is mighty. They have asked important questions of faith, experienced serving together, and grown in their relationships with God.

The 150th Vision Survey

The Rev. Dr. Agnes W. Norfleet May 11, 2023

The 150^th Vision Survey, which has been mailed to each BMPC household and is available online, is an important final step in engaging a churchwide conversation during this anniversary year. Where and how do we believe God is calling BMPC to grow in discipleship as we move forward together? This Sunday, May 14, is the deadline for completing the survey, and I urge you to participate if you have not yet done so.

Building the City of God: VBC 2023

The Rev. Rachel Pedersen May 4, 2023

We are 45 days away from the start of Vacation Bible Camp (June 19-23). Not that we’re counting, but that means we have six weeks until the church is filled with over 130 children. In other words, there are only 1,080 hours until our friends Noah, John, Lydia, Nehemiah, Isaiah and Miriam leave the pages of the Bible to arrive in person to share their stories. It means we still have 64,800 minutes to practice songs and prep decorations. In the 3,888,000 seconds left, I hope you will consider being a part of this ministry.

Bereavement Care

The Rev. Brian K. Ballard April 27, 2023

In his brief book, A Grief Observed, C.S. Lewis remarks, “We were promised sufferings. They were part of the program. We were even told, 'Blessed are they that mourn,' and I accept it. I've got nothing that I hadn't bargained for. Of course it is different when the thing happens to oneself, not to others, and in reality, not imagination.”

Restoring Creation

The Rev. Rebecca Kirkpatrick April 20, 2023

This past Sunday many of you gathered in Fullerton Room to watch the documentary “The Return of the River,” the story of the removal of hydroelectric dams along the Elwha River in Oregon to allow the native flora and fauna as well as the indigenous community to return to the fullness of life that they had on the Olympic Peninsula for generations.

Easter Aftermath

The Rev. Franklyn C. Pottorff April 13, 2023

It’s the week after Easter. Jesus is risen. All of the palms and lilies are out of the Sanctuary. We successfully navigated eight worship services in seven days (not including funerals and memorial services). Between everything, our church welcomed around 2,000 worshipers last week. The clergy and staff are always exhausted after the culmination of a high holy season. We were glad to have Monday off. If for no other reason than to sleep.